Терминатров Джон Коннорович
It Started With Devils & Artefacts Chapter 1-128

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   t Started With Devils & Artefacts
   Author: Dragon15681
   (C) WebNovel
   Chapter 1: Prologue
   17
   "Gah!?" I hastily opened my eyes and looked around.
   My vision was quite blurry, but I was able to understand that I was in a building. And I could smell the very familiar scent of oil, metal and rubber.
   Blinking a couple of more times I was able to get a hold of myself. I was in a very familiar garage.
   2
   "Isn't this...Dad's garage?" I asked with wide eyes as I saw the familiar racks of tools and boxes with screws of all shapes and sizes.
   2
   More importantly, most of the garage was taken by a car. The totalled BMW M3 my father got for me with pennies when he was drunk.
   19
   Yeah... When you want something from your parents, always try to get it when they are drunk.
   14
   My father was drinking with my uncle back in the countryside, over there I saw a brand new but very much totaled BMW M3. The car was going for parts and then into a junkyard. But, at that time, I was in the phase where I was head over heels for anything mechanical.
   7
   And so my dad bought it for pennies.
   The point of me reminiscing about this is that... I'd already fixed the car and it should have already been fully tuned up and in my LA mansion!
   And... why the fuck are my hands are this small?
   2
   "Oh shit... my voice... Why do I sound like a kid?" 
   6
   For a moment, panic fully settled in as I rushed myself toward the car's door to take a good look at myself from the car's side mirror.
   "Oh god! I am back to my boy-self? Wait! this doesn't make any sense!" My brain, at that moment, tried to come up with variables to this situation! I don't remember working with stuff related to time travel!
   1
   The last thing I remember was working on an energy source for my house. I mean, I got tired of paying the large electrical bills... And decided to build a reactor from some experimental data.
   40
   "Right... that white burst of energy... I should have done that in a proper research lab instead of my garage." I said while trying to remember more.
   13
   It turns out, I had miscalculated how much energy it would produce. I suppose my house couldn't handle it and went boom.
   10
   "But, this doesn't make any sense. The energy should have at least turned me into dust. There was no quantum physics involved in it. Unless the large amount of energy started affecting it.
   7
   "Right...and I think I saw a person dressed in all white...strange... Still though... if I am indeed back to my young-self again... I could... do alot of stuff... lots of stuff before anyone else could!" Thinking about all the discoveries I had made throughout my life...
   2
   I nearly started salivating at the chance of profiting on that and having some fun tinkering along the way!
   "Marcus! You up? What did I tell you about sleeping in the garage!?"
   2
   'Oh shit, and comes the bad stuff of being a kid!'
   "Sorry, mom! I got carried away!" I quickly got out my puppy eye technique. I should use it while it still works!!!
   14
   *Sigh*
   "I know you are gifted when it comes to machines, Son. But you can't just spend the entire night in the garage! What if you catch a cold?" My mother walked over to me, and there was that scrutinising gaze of her's which I had seen for over 20 years...
   1
   "Sorry..."
   "Just go and take a shower. You reek of oil!" She motioned for me to get back inside the house and fix myself up.
   1
   Sheesh...
   5
   As if she had never seen a guy working his craft! If only I had my...
   Right... all my stuff!!! It's gone!!!
   "Marcus, what's wrong? Why are you crying?" My mother asked with a concerned tone, as she saw me, with tears welling up in my eyes.
   'Take a deep breath, it's only Tesla, Microsoft, Lexus, all the Italian supercars companies...nothing much! I can always buy them back!'
   20
   "Nothing... I think some dust just got into my eyes. *Sniff* " I swiftly said as I rushed back into the house. And quickly went upstairs to get as cold a shower as possible. I really needed a reality check. A.S.A.P can't cry like a baby each time remembering what I had lost...
   4
   ~~~
   And so, my trip to the past has begun. Me Marcus Goldman. The guy who spent his life tinkering with things in the basement and getting rich from it.
   9
   As weird as it sounds, working from home is quite lucrative. It started with my dad taking me to his garage for the first time and me falling in love with it.
   6
   From then on out I'd spent more time in the garage than he ever did. I pretty much took it over from him.
   Working from wood to metal, then going higher and higher to the point where... well... one can guess what level it is when you start building a self-sustaining energy reactor in one's basement garage.
   2
   Exploding or not...
   Still though, I found it weird... how easily I could pick things up, sure I was called a 'once-in-a-lifetime genius' and whatever other things there were. But, I just found it weird. I mean things just come together so naturally and easily. Maybe that's just what genius is? 
   11
   Anyways... After waking up in my younger self's body, I found...that things are a lot easier than it was before...
   5
   After getting an extremely cold shower of which I nearly turned pale blue to, thankfully it was the summer holidays... and the weather was still hot.
   1
   I returned back to my garage and saw my first ever car there. My desire to forget drove me to start fixing it with the things I had laying around in the garage.
   That moment I found out that I already knew the vehicle from the inside out... it reached the point where I could... improve on the already existing design of this German car.
   1
   It was at that exact moment that I realised I may not be in my past self but instead I may have possessed or fused with another version of Marcus Goldman.
   4
   The reason I was thinking like that was because I was certain... things were different... for example, some companies which I used to work with and used to own a portion of the stocks on don't exist... and most importantly, the dates don't match... I remember getting my car back in 2004 but this time I already have it in 2003.
   It's either I am missing something or that blast has sent me to an alternate reality, like in one of those light novels I used to read in my free time.
   Nonetheless, this doesn't change anything big in the scale of things. And after double-checking the technology level...
   Well...
   I cried again...
   10
   So I had decided to first work on the most essential of things: the smartphones, touch screens, the fibre optics, etcetera... the list is quite long.
   I mean I started crying when I saw the fat tv which can barely even display 480p...
   44
   While I had never worked on them before, as it was the basics among basics. By the time I had moved on to technology from machinery, everyone already had smartphones and fast internet. So I didn't really need to improve on any of it since It was already there. Instead, I spend my time on app creation...
   That's why I need to change my thought process as by this point it's like knowing how to build the building but not knowing how to build the foundations for said building.
   In other words, back to basics... but... then it happened... the event which changed my perception of the world as it is...
   ~~~
   "It is totally... not strange when a posh white book with golden letters engraved on it appears on my desk first thing in the morning," I said with a deadpan as I saw that a book had just appeared on my table.
   25
   By this point, I am no longer surprised that the supernatural of some sorts exists... My crafting and creation skills can already be considered supernatural and my existence in the body of my former self in an alternative reality is another clue of sorts that it can and does exist.
   Nonetheless, the book's appearance was like the icing on a cake. 
   Slowly I walked over, not touching it, instead inspecting from a safe distance. 
   3
   After getting a good angle I was able to read out the cover.
   "The...magic arts of Solomon the Great." I read out loud as my eyebrows were slightly raised in interest.
   33
   "Ok...this is out of context, but why Solomon? I mean I would take someone like Tony Stark's journal or something... or even Reed Richards... but this is... well... magical sounding?" I thought out loud for a second before deciding to satisfy my curiosity and check it out.
   19
   Slowly... I reached out and touched it...
   As I touched it, a searing pain suddenly washed over my whole body, starting from my hand then, like a tidal wave, it started spreading throughout the whole body.
   *Sharp gasp*
   11
   "Fuckkkk!" It felt like my nerves were fried at that moment, nearly dropping on my ass right then and there.
   But then, just like how the pain had appeared, it suddenly disappeared like it was never even there before in the first place.
   And as weird as it sounded, I can now tell where this book is all the time. Not only that...
   3
   With just a thought...
   *Flash*
   And a bright golden flash, the book had just magically appeared in my hand.
   5
   "Right... totally magical it is then..." I stated like it was the most... normal... thing in my life.
   Since it had just proven to me that it's truly magical, I opened the first pages.
   "This book was written by the Great Solomon who ruled over the greatest Kingdom mankind has ever seen and was known as the King of Magic and also the man who was able to mess with Lucifer himself and walk away victorious just by taking over 72 devils for himself!
   12
   Since you are reading this, that means my greatest secrets are now yours!" Once I was done reading the intro lines I realised that, yeah... this was The Solomon the dude with 72 demons... devils, the very same one who had a massive harem and ruled Israel.
   99+
   'But, seriously? Lucifer is real? That shit is serious, and I really need to fortify my garage and get some magical stuff done fast.'
   9
   "Right... but first... this dude was quite arrogant... I mean I was the one who sold the licence to a shackled A. I, but even then I was not that arrogant..." I thought with an eye roll, before continuing reading.
   8
   "Before anything, a mage needs to build up his magic reserves, casting human-based magic normally requires magical calculation but to bypass that is quite simple. At my peak, I had 10 rings which allowed me to cast spells as easily as any Devil or Angel..." 
   8
   'Right so...Angels are real too... let's assume that most of the myths are real too... less surprises that way...' 
   17
   "Magic is like a muscle to access. It has several meditations just for it... let me mention some so that you wouldn't need to check other books since my one is the best anyway."
   2
   'Right...'
   With another eye roll, I skipped to the part where the meditations are described.
   'So, chunni stuff does... work, in this reality that is... so, how on earth has no one developed chunni magical powers yet?' I thought for a second.
   18
   Anyway, I checked most of them and decided on the easiest one. The one where you had to stare at a candle sounded far too weird.
   So mental image, breathing...
   'I suppose I could do this while I am resting... until then, reading it is...'
   'Once you have got the basics done, you should also know that humans are the most fragile of species, so you either have to get some magic armour crafted or find them and get your hands on them.'
   1
   'But, if you want, you can follow my footsteps which is much better! and that is learning how to channel your magic to reinforce your body! If you can do this successfully then you can achieve a body even stronger than devils or angels!' 
   5
   'Right, so both it is then, I suppose magic enchanted items exist as well? Since he did mention them...' I hummed internally remembering some of the metallurgy I did earlier in the past. I mean, I did craft some of the car parts myself.
   5
   I suppose I could invest some time in weaponsmithing...  magical weaponsmithing...
   'And once you have the basics done, let me now tell you about the best part of my magic! And that is summoning and binding devils permanently to yourself! Devils are quite special, they are beings who look like humans, but very much are beings of sin, they have bat-like wings that they can summon or retract! And their magic are based on imagination! But the best part is that they have unique magic depending on the pillar they are from!' 
   3
   'These devils' does sound quite similar to that silly anime I used to watch back when I was a teen... What was it again? Something school? All I remember are those nice armours though...'
   21
   As I thought about it. I checked the next page and saw a bunch of summoning circles and just damn... I will truly be able to bind them just like that! Regardless of their power to mine!
   "The power of Ars Goetia... designed by Solomon and the Big G...nice..." 
   14
   "So Gods are real too...good to know..." I thought with some sweat running down my back...
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   My Discord server for advanced chapters:
   https://discord.gg/hvzgBJg4ss
   1
   Along with the advanced chapters, there are also a lot of other fanfics I wrote and did not upload to Webnovel.
  
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   Chapter 2: Devil Summoning
   2
   Around a year has passed since that book appeared in front of me.
   That means I was now twelve years old and... boy oh boy, how much I did...nothing...
   3
   Normally I would beat myself up for wasting a whole year and not even fixing up a mere totaled car. But, no! I had instead spent the entire year reading and memorising the grimoire, or is it a book? More like a journal... yes, a journal it is then.
   8
   By this point, I came to realise that I was the successor to the guy who had lived around 1000 B.C... meaning 3000 years before me.
   The summoning circles were easy, so was the whole alphabet of runes. The Solomon dude constantly mentioned how difficult these runes are and how factions like the Norse are extremely proud of their runes.
   I found them ridiculously easy, maybe that's just the inner programmer inside of me, I was the person who programmed an A.I after all, several of them, in fact. Mainly for my cars and homes. 
   11
   Nonetheless, the summoning circles I had mastered in the first week. And in the next few weeks, I got the whole Hebraic, Norse, Egyptian, Greek and Japanese... runes, I mean Calligraphy down. All that was left was to test them out. That's where the hardest part was. Meditation, accessing magic and drawing magic letters.
   Well, for that I had chosen the attic since the basement is where all the firewoods were kept... yeah... I am now back to an era where firewoods are still in use...
   9
   Nonetheless, after I was done with cleaning, and moving some scraps... like an old TV... From around ~1990, which I was planning to turn into scraps and reuse, and now that I have magic I can quite literally use alchemy to remould it into the parts I know from ~2030 and use them just like that...
   2
   And yeah. Solomon learned some alchemy and enchantment from Big G, so all that stuff was also in his book, which is now mine. I'd already found some ways to improve the formulas that they used back in the day with the stuff I had already developed through programming since higher level enchanting is pretty much just the magical version of programming.
   1
   Well, that will come when I start making stuff, but for now, it's time to call forth my first familiar.
   4
   Using chalk to write on the wooden floor was child's play. It felt quite weird to undertake in occult. Especially since I'd always teased my sister about it. Thankfully she graduated and moved away from home... otherwise she will be the one teasing me for doing the exact same thing she did!
   11
   Eventually, a perfect circle was drawn with runic letters in Hebraic language written in between creating a complex system in the circle.
   What Solomon and Big G devised was to use their own devil essence against them. Since Devils were basically preying on humans. The Big G decided to also allow humans to prey on Devils. And basically turn them into human slaves.
   12
   By using Lucifer's Pillars and their own devil summoning against them, a devil is summoned through this specific circle. It only works with pureblooded devils though, so half-bloods who were born from a devil and a human are impossible to bind since Ars Goetia doesn't recognise them as a pillar devil.
   And so once the circle was done, I started channelling my magic. The only issue with this was that the summoning requires a considerable amount of mana, well for me that is.
   4
   It took me a whole year of pure magic training to even reach the level where I could summon the devils through the circle.
   The circle had a drawing of the Bael symbol of the Great King Pillar. If I am to summon a Familiar then it will be the best one it can offer!
   9
   "By the covenant drawn between God and the Human King!
   For punishment against humankind! The 72 Pillars of Lucifer shall be punished by the power of Ars Goetia!
   Come forth Pillar of The Great King Bael! By the Will of Ars Goetia, you shall be bound to the King of Man!"
   9
   As the chant was completed, the circle was already glowing white and gold. The glow continued to increase to the point where I needed to cover my eyes.
   ~~~~~~Underworld~~~~~~
   A brown-haired woman with a voluptuous body to kill for was enjoying morning tea when suddenly underneath her feet. A white circle started to be drawn on its own.
   35
   "Hmm? What is this?" She looked underneath her feet and then looked around, she saw white letters as well as the symbol of ten rings...
   10
   "..."
   "..."
   "Where have I seen this before?" She tried to remember the symbol without thinking much on this for the simple reason that she can feel it's a devil summoning. Meaning a...
   Then she remembered who used ten rings as his symbol!
   2
   Her entire face turned pale.
   17
   Before she could even do anything the summoning had already been finished and she felt her Devil energy rebelling and doing... something to her very being!
   "Solomon's magic! H-How!?" She said with a horrified look. And again, before she could do anything she was teleported away from her house!
   6
   And just like that, one of the Pillar devils was summoned away without anyone ever realising what had just happened, after all, it was just a simple devil summoning that was used in the first place.
   ~~~~~~Back with Marcus~~~~~~
   When the light had settled down and I was able to see who I had summoned. 
   My eyes slightly widened.
   What I saw was a woman with shoulder-length brown hair. What truly stands out about her is her enormous breasts which defies the physics of the world. With a rack this big, she should definitely have a lot of back pain.
   15
   But, what truly stands out is that... I think I recognise her from somewhere else.
   Nonetheless, the summoning was a complete success as I could feel her being completely tied to me. Ars Goetia was successfully formed.
   "You must be the Devil from the Bael House?" I asked her while walking over with crossed arms. My mind was already coming up with how useful this Devil could be. 
   I went with Bael because it was the highest house right after Lucifer. It means they should be quite powerful and knowledgeable with magic and magic-related stuff.
   "I am by birth, though I am now a Gremory." I could tell Ars Goetia was working successfully, as it's already completely overwriting anything dodgy the Devil is thinking.
   15
   The Big G and Solomon were extra careful as to mention all about devils and their nature, so countless amounts of runic programming, as I call it, went into finding solutions to make them tell only the truth and no lies. 
   3
   Nonetheless, this was still not enough because half-truths can still be told by the devils so wording has to come into play as well.
   "I see... well it doesn't matter since you are now my Bael Pillar," I said with a shrug. The brown-haired woman slightly frowned, from the looks of it, she wanted to be extremely angry but Ars Goetia binding is absolute.
   "You know what you did with this summoning?" She asked cooly.
   1
   "I used Ars Goetia's summoning to summon myself a Devil from Lucifer's 72 pillars. Since you were pulled, that means you'd sinned enough to be pulled by this circle." I explained smoothly, I am not feeling bad for doing this. No matter what I am, I have summoned someone quite evil, not that I am hiding the fact that I am not a good guy either.
   "Sinned enough?" She asked with disbelief.
   "The Biblical God saw us all as sinners, regardless of anything we did."
   "Oh, I know that. That's why I altered and improved the requirements for the summoning circles. Even so, you met the criteria." I said with a shrug.
   "And what is the criteria?" She asked seriously.
   "Killing an innocent, ruining innocent life, and several others, if one of those are met then I can summon someone as my Pillar."
   6
   "Those are quite... simple requirements... Devils, one way or another, did one of those things... especially in the older times." She said while grimacing, I assumed that she just remembered her past. 
   "I have no idea what 'older times' you are talking about, and that's why you are here. You will be teaching me everything I want to know." I said as her eyes widened.
   "I-I-I see may I know, how you achieved this? Where did you even find the means to summon a devil and bind one to yourself?" The brown-haired devil asked me curiously.
   "Hmm, maybe I will tell you one day. Tell me what's your name?" I asked curiously now myself, since I definitely did see her somewhere before.
   "It's Venelana Gremory." The brown-haired devil lady introduced herself.
   6
   That moment I remembered where I saw her before.
   'I see... so... somehow... I got transported to my alternative self in that weird reality where the main character gets stronger from his perversion and women with physics-defying breasts.'
   10
   'Well, none of that matters, Ars Goetia which I improved, made my identity top priority to my pillars. Unlike the original Solomon, I won't be telling just anyone that I have bound devils to serve me.'
   1
   I thought with a frown about my new circumstances.
   "I see... I suppose we should start with the overall history first, from the supernatural point of view." 
   1
   "As you wish." She said with a simple bow.
   ~~~
   Never in her life did Venelana think that she would be summoned to become a servant to a mere human child.
   Especially when the child, from the looks of it, has Solomon's knowledge. The human mage who was a taboo between the pillar members.
   The Bael Devil only knows about the man's existence because she was taught about him by Zekrom Bael himself.
   8
   The human mage with help from vindictive Biblical God created the Ars Goetia summoning system based on the same teleportation principle, of which the devils of old used, to prey on humans.
   Reverse summoning a specific devil and binding it to himself for the rest of the human's life...
   But Venelana realised that her summoning was even more special, as her new Master has said, he improved the circle considerably. Making her incapable of lying to him and incapable of telling anyone about him.
   How this works she has no idea, but she was utterly terrified of this boy, the boy was not just a boy at all, he reminded her of Ajuka... 
   15
   The very same Ajuka who became one of the Satans and a Super Devil. If this boy is anything like him then the Devil race could be in extreme danger or... if she is smart enough they can profit from this... Depending on her actions and how good she is at manipulation.
   1
   But... The more time she spends around him the less confidence she has in manipulating him. The boy had no interest in politics, he had no interest in women, since he was just a boy...
   Worst of all she could only tell the truth and nothing else, making manipulation very difficult. Not only that, but she could not make him see devils in a good light.
   The argument they had about the evil pieces only made her cringe in defeat.
   19
   And so... she spent several weeks teaching anything she knew about devils, angels, fallen angels, all the tricks he needed to be hidden from them, the theories on barriers and such...
   After that, it was magic... all her life's work on magic knowledge was drained by him in less than a year.
   She taught him all about how magic flows, the difference between devils, angels, fallen angels, and other species and their unique magical energies.
   After that... Venelana was finally able to see the boy's genius in action.
   That moment the comparison of Ajuka and her new Master was very evident. First, she saw what he calls a transmutation circle... Magic that she had never seen before. She assumed that it was the very same magic that allowed Solomon to craft his artefacts, the infamous ten rings.
   6
   Changing... everything... including dust into a plain-looking material of which she can only assume was some sort of clay. Then what followed was the use of runes from various different pantheons... She has no idea how he made them all work together just like that...
   And all to craft a ring made from pure looking gold.
   "Is this... one of Solomon's rings?" She asked with some trepidation.
   1
   "No, this is my foci." the boy explained to her as he picked up the ring from the circle.
   10
   "Foci? Like a mage's staff?" She asked with much more relief.
   "Indeed, this will allow me to cast magic similarly to how devils do." He very simply explained to her.
   His tone was that of someone who did something extremely simple, but if information about this kind of foci was to be spread out then the Devils will lose a large edge in their human recruitments...
   After all, Devil magic is one of the main reasons humans accept the proposition to become a reincarnated devil.
   8
   A magic that can be used through nothing but imagination is extremely versatile and deadly.
   And this boy who was no older than twelve created an artefact which can utilise it...
   What could he achieve with more resources? Or just...time... it made the brown-haired woman shiver in fear just from the thought of it alone.
   8
   ~~~
   "You can use your magic to build a floor below that garage, yes?" I asked Venelana who was standing next to me.
   The Ars Goetia abilities were quite fascinating as I could just summon Venelana anywhere I wanted. The devil's magic were quite something else, and using their own magic against them gives me a sense of satisfaction.
   I did also remember more about high school DxD, I remembered watching it when I was in that horny teenager stage back in the day.
   29
   After that, I barely remember following it since I'd spend most of my time buying stocks and getting rich by selling licences from phone apps to computer apps.
   2
   It was a time where I went from mindless fan service anime like DxD to Seinen in my free time.
   2
   The amount of plot I could remember is bare-bones, all I remember was that Kouh, a city on the other side of the globe, is the pivotal point of all action.
   7
   That means that I will be staying right here. More than 8 thousand kilometres away from Japan.
   4
   "Yes. All devils can do basic things like these. Do you have any specifics... Master?" She asked simply, still trying to get over the fact that she is calling me Master subconsciously. 
   A trick old Solomon added to the system it seems, I'd glossed over it since I found no point in checking the part of how devils will be addressing their Master.
   As expected from a man who had a harem and an army of wives...
   17
   "We will start with the stairs. Then a main room followed by several sets of corridors..." 
   "You wish for an... underground base? That's quite...childish of you Master..." Venelana said with a giggle.
   2
   *Snort*
   "I do not think a lot of people will take a liking to the light show I would be doing in the attic," I said with an eye roll. Her trying to poke a reaction out of me like this was not the first time it has happened. I can assume she was trying to find more about me as we progressed through this Master-Servant relationship.
   "Yes, I suppose you are right... I could use some of my family resources to buy you some land." She offered with a very 'kind' smile.
   "Nice try. But, no." I shook my head at the devil lady's try to snag me into their network.
   "What about your family? Should I continue to alter their memories?" She asked me on another note.
   7
   "Yes, but once you are done with the basement, we won't be needing to hypnotise them anymore." 
   Yes, my family almost immediately found out something was not quite right with me when I had summoned Venelana. The devil lady needed to alter their memories with hypnosis. I haven't learned any hypnotic magic yet, but I will touch on that once I start studying mind related arts.
   After some alterations were done I was able to move around my house more freely. No major alteration was done though, only the fact that I can now freely practice magic.
   3
   And of course Venelana's existence, the less they know the better.
   Once we walked over to the garage I found the spot on where I wanted the stairs under the garage to be.
   The brown-haired devil lady with a casual hand-wave summoned several Gremory magic circles and started quite literally digging the ground.
   Well more like removing it from existence.
   7
   And in less than thirty minutes, I was now standing in a room of which the newly created stairs descends to.
   "Hmm...while the creation of the room was rapid there is quite a lot of ambient magic in the air," I said after feeling the magic in the air.
   The method of which was quite simple, it's part of the training to strengthen one's body. You channel magic through your body as much as possible until you are tired, rinse and repeat.
   Eventually you will develop a natural sense of magic. It helps having a magical connection to someone as well. For me, it was the brown-haired devil woman next to me.
   Thus accelerating the whole process of developing the sense.
   "Is it bad?" Venelana asked with a raised eyebrow as she heard my comment.
   "Normally? No. But I am planning to make artefacts and tinker with rituals and magic circles, so devil energy will be mixed in with regular human magic energy or whatever else energy I will be emulating in future." I explained casually to her since there was no need for me to hold anything from her on that front.
   "What kind of artefacts are we talking about? Like the ten rings?" I could hear how on edge she was when the topic of the ten rings came up.
   9
   Yeah, the rings are simply absurd even by DxD standards, the Solomon dude could negate any type of energy, including Touki, the only way to beat him was through pure physical combat. Which was also quite impossible since he could use any magic from any pantheon plus his 72 pillars.
   12
   One could say he was the Biblical God's trump card against the devils.
   1
   In other words, if the dude didn't die, the Underworld would have lost and Lucifer's 72 Pillars would have become Solomon's Ars Goetia 72 Pillars.
   5
   "Hmm? The rings are quite good, but I'd already improved on that formula when I was reading up on Sacred Gear construction. I am planning on making much greater stuff." I said with a shrug. As I was looking away from her and looking around imagining how I would want to make my new workshop.
   I could feel how the devil lady turned completely stiff for a moment.
   "So it's true that the Biblical God had left the method of Sacred Gear creation to Solomon?" She asked with disbelief.
   "Not quite. There is no true 'method' or specific blueprint. They are all artefacts of which are two dimensional." I decided to explain this since she needs to be on the same wavelength as I am.
   "Two dimensional?"
   "Indeed. A Human is a three-dimensional being, made from the physical body, soul, and essence or spirit energy. The Sacred Gears upon creation are transformed into a spiritual item then it is attached to one's soul. And detached after host death. There are ways to make the gear physical. But, two dimensionality is much safer as one can't truly touch it without some sort of training." I explained to her as simply as I could.
   5
   Big G has a system or a foundation of how all his gears were made physical and spiritual, but that system by this point already has many cracks in it. Especially by the Fallen who is trying to crack the mysteries of his items.
   It's like a firewall for one's OS... now that brings back some memories...
   "I see... I am sure the Fallens would like to know where you live." The brown-haired devil lady said with a fake smile.
   2
   Sorry Venelana, but after spending that much time around you, I'd already cracked some of your personality. She always likes to 'joke' around when she is nervous. Especially when it's around me. It seems she is quite terrified for her Devil Race.
   Hmm, should I tell her that if they are not naughty, they don't need to fear me?
   Well, I doubt it, since I had already kidnapped one to be my familiar...
   So, she is probably afraid I won't be holding back since I think they are evil...
   6
   "Maybe? By the time we are done here Venelana, I doubt many will be able to simply enter my garage." I said with a smirk as I was thinking of things to add to my 'garage'.
   2
   "You are still going to call this a... garage?" She asked with raised eyebrows.
   "A garage is man's fortress..." I said sagely, I still remembered my past-life's garage! A five stories down, with more than 50 super and mega cars, some of them were even my creation.
   13
   While I had never added any lethal security there. I had one of the best securities available on the planet.
   "But... you are not even a man." The Bael devil said with an eye roll.
   "... Are you talking physically or mentally?" I asked her with crossed arms.
   She raised both hands in defeat. Not wanting to go in that direction it would seem.
   "You forget that I am almost 13. My point is that a man would naturally want his special place, Especially me. Since all I want is to tinker with stuff in peace." 
   1
   "Very well, since this is what you want. Not that I could say no to you." My devil familiar said with a sigh. I can see that she doesn't understand. Well... she is a female...
   14
   "Good. Now we need to adjust where the main workshop is... it needs to be just below that parkway. So that once a car is finished the section can lower itself and the car can drive out." I said while remembering my villa in Germany. The nation where I used to test my cars out on their highways.
   2
   *Sigh*
   "As you wish..." The brown-haired devil lady just sighed and continued with her work in expanding my garage.
   ~~~
   By this point, Venelana was already a builder, a teacher, a psychologist, a profession where a person is listening to another person's story for money...
   7
   And then the reverse happened when she ended up being taught by a 12-year-old nearly 13... about magic of all things which she still can't wrap her head around!
   Nonetheless, she finds this time of her life quite fascinating...
   But then... it happened...
   Her husband with quite an...arbitrary decision decided to engage their baby daughter to the youngest Phenex...
   12
   It was so random, that even Venelana was out of words... and her baby daughter Rias? She went hysterical that they took the choice away from her hands ...
   "Master... please... I need to return home... Can I take a week off?" The Bael Devil pleaded to her Master who has finally moved into his new garage.
   "Hmm? Sure. I don't have any use for you right now." He motioned for her to leave.
   2
   Marcus had several white circles drawn and a bunch of plain-looking clay laying next to them.
   The very same material he will use to make his artefacts. The Bael can assume her Master was already thinking of plans to make some of the crazy artefacts he'd told her about earlier.
   Not that Venelana can remember much, as she was still in shock that her master knows how to make Sacred Gears and she can't tell anyone or write it down to anyone! Her brain does not even operate in that direction when she is not around her Master.
   2
   Meaning that her train of thought was already affected by Ars Goetia!
   That is just terrifying!
   Well, for now, she should stop thinking about this, and focus on her baby girl who had just learned the grim truth of being the Heiress of a Pillar House.
   ~~~~~~Few Days Later~~~~~~
   While Venelana did her job perfectly, she uses her magic extremely... loosely... meaning the moment I dispersed and collected it the whole underground garage of mine turned dark...
   Meaning that I needed light, and then I realised that I needed water as well. Since I was not planning to go to the surface just to wash my hands or take a piss...
   So, first light. Extremely simple, with magic especially, I was done with that in just a few days. 
   1
   I could have gone with a simple runic cluster to illuminate the room. But instead, I decided on a perfectly sealed glass container that gives pure LED light.
   2
   No magic was used after alchemy, the electricity is also flowing through the wires as energy for the ceiling. 
   And the energy source? The magic generators were stupidly easy to make in this lax world. 
   9
   If the devils or any race knew of this simple concept I am using right now then they could easily take control of the world's energy issues. And monopolise energy...
   Oh, well... anyway... After creating a simple air to magic, magic to energy-reactor I was done with the light issues and had enough energy to power my garage and run some PC's...
   3
   But, then... the more difficult problem came up... and that is plumbing.
   1
   *Sigh*
   "I should have learned that Devil magic trick before I send Venelana away," I said with a sigh while crossing my arms.
   Thinking for a solution to this problem...
   Oh well...
   "I suppose I should just summon someone who knows water better than anyone else." Thinking for a moment I recalled what my devil familiar told me about devils...
   8
   A specific pillar came to my mind.
   "Serafall it is then... A Satan that will also serve me as a muscle if needed. Since she is one of the strongest beings the devils can offer and is knowledgeable with water and ice..." With that idea in mind, I went to the room that will serve as a summoning station.
   9
   Moments later I started drawing another Ars Goetia summoning circle.
   ~~~~~~Underworld~~~~~~
   In the capital of the Devil Race, the city Lilith, in the main office of the Satan Leviathan, a certain Satan was doing her work with a slightly annoyed look.
   4
   The black-haired devil was annoyed with the amount of paperwork she had to do every single day. As someone responsible for diplomatic relationships between her Devil race and other pantheons she constantly has to deal with things related to High-Class devils snatching humans from right under some deity's noses.
   1
   Most of the time it's just for some Gods to bitch around since they are bored and looking for an excuse to cause some trouble.
   Then she also had to deal with the elder council who were bitching about some nonsensical things...
   Serafall couldn't even remember if there were even any real issues she had to deal with apart from those hot air nonsense constantly popping up and making her deal with the paperwork...
   1
   "Hmm? What now!?" She snapped out from her documents and looked around. Her sensitive magical senses were picking up some weird devil energy that had just appeared underneath her.
   1
   Her gaze went down and she saw a white magic circle forming there.
   "Hmm? I don't remember having a scheduled contract summoning?" The black-haired devil said to herself before she noticed the symbol of the house of which belonged to the person that was summoning her...
   "This is... what house is this!?" Her mind quickly went through all the lists of symbols she used to see. But, this was none of those!
   In truth, she doesn't even remember any white colour that was used for summoning, she was about to call her magic power but...
   3
   "What..." her eyes widened to a comical level when she felt her magic not listening to her!
   "No...way the ten rings... the ability to nullify and take over demonic energy! This... is..." Serafall's facial expression turned pale... there is only one being who could do that... no! There was only one mere human who was able to do this to the devils!
   6
   But how!?
   Before she could make another noise, this time to call for help, she was summoned from her office just... like... that...
   5
   ~~~~~~Back with Marcus~~~~~~
   When I thought about Serafall, I thought it would be a devil obsessed with magic girls.
   4
   But, when I summoned her... it was nothing like what I had thought...
   In truth, she was dressed in a blue dress, reminding me of those silly balls people used to hold for me for any silly achievement I'd achieved... they would hold it! But it was truly annoying, the only good thing about it though were the female dresses that had those exposed backs.
   6
   "You... you are the next Solomon?" She asked with disbelief.
   "Hmm? Next Solomon? I suppose I am." I said with a shrug as I looked at the current Leviathan.
   1
   "I see... so you are like Ajuka then. I can tell that my thought process is being severely affected by this. I'd never heard of this from the original Solomon. I heard he liked his devil women as little affected as possible...
   This means you have upgraded the summoning circle devised by Biblical God and Solomon... you are a little monster aren't you?" She said with a twitchy eyebrow and her lip was slightly quivering. The Satan lady was pissed but at the same time very much... well...
   6
   *Sigh*
   "I have heard the legends. My life now is yours, isn't it? I have heard that Ars Goetia Pillars are fully connected to the owner."
   "Hmm, indeed the devils know quite a bit about Solomon. Especially since the book was never even studied."
   "No devil can touch it. The moment Solomon was a corpse, the book was destroyed by the devils. How do you have it then?" Serafall asked with narrowed eyes, this was the limit of the amount of anger she can show to me.
   "That my Devil lady is something you might learn one day. Now, however, I need your expertise in water manipulation." I decided not to answer that. It was quite satisfying seeing Serafall pout like that.
   "Fine... not like I can say no to my...Master...Grrr, you... this...just how powerful is this binding!?" The black-haired devil's shoulders shook for a bit.
   5
   "The more powerful you are the more powerful the binding is... in your case, it's off the charts. Since you are an Ultimate Devil." I said with a smirk.
   19
   "Nonsense! The stronger I am, the weaker it should be! It's common sense!" She said with an angry and pouty look.
   5
   "The binding was made from your energy and carved into your very soul by the Ars Goetia summoning. The only way to take it off is for me to die, and in turn, for you to die. The moment your soul leaves your body and demonic energy evaporates, your corpse will still have echoes of Ars Goetia. The biblical God was very thorough with the design and Solomon only relished the fact of enslaving the bad devil ladies..." 
   Serafall was utterly pale after hearing about it. It seems that the stories were not as scary as reality, a rare occurrence.
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   My Discord server for advanced chapters:
   https://discord.gg/hvzgBJg4ss
   Along with the advanced chapters, there are also a lot of other fanfics I wrote and did not upload to Webnovel.
  
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   Chapter 3: First Inventions
   Her, the Satan Leviathan doing plumber work? What kind of madness is this!?
   27
   Well, she is not exactly doing the plumber's work, but it is still the closest one can get! From putting pipes at specific locations to working on the water pressure! She has never done any of this kind of work before!
   2
   But, the moment her...Master...that brat... told her how useless she was, the Satan Leviathan decided to just suck it up and do it! 
   And so, within a few days she was finally done! His underground garage now had working water! The consequences of her actions? She was now behind on her work! 
   She missed several meetings and Serafall no doubt has several piles of documents and paperwork waiting for her...
   "Are we done here? Please! Just let me go! I promise I will be a good devil!" Satan was practically kneeling in front of her Master. The woman can't remember the last time she begged for anything.
   2
   But, by this point, she had to! There was a ton of work she had to do! And she is behind schedule!
   "Fine. Come back to me when you have several hours of free time." He said that with a commanding tone and Serafall almost smiled hearing that!
   Finally! Some freedom!
   "I understand! I will return to you when I can!" The black-haired devil lady happily replied, thinking that she could return when she had decided the appropriate time!
   "No, you will return the moment all the important work is done. Not just when you can."
   *Tsk*
   The Satan Leviathan clicked her tongue for a second, her master was prepared!
   "Fine... I will do just that."
   "You are not my first devil, Serafall. I already have practice with Venelana. check this one out." Marcus got into position as he was about to ask her something.
   "Serafall, are you planning on spreading any information on my existence?" The next Solomon asked her with a smile.
   "Of course I am! Your existence is one of the worst things that could happen to the Devil Race!" The moment Serafall said that she grabbed her mouth trying to stop it from spilling out the beans.
   "That will be a mistake. Remember? My life is tied with yours. If you spill the beans, other factions will eventually know about this.
   And two. You forget that you can't in any way spread the information. The way I have programmed the thought process is that you can't consciously or unconsciously think about spreading the word.
   2
   Instead of blocking the thoughts I am making it so that you can' even think of them." I explained to her casually.
   "Did you just say that you have Venelana Gremory as your first devil pillar?" Serafall asked with disbelief. When? How? The brown-haired devil lady is the mother of the current Lucifer!
   "She was nearly with me for a whole year."
   5
   The black-haired Satan at that moment felt despair rising in her gut. Just how... powerful was this Ars Goetia thing? Serafall even met Venelana during that period! And she felt that nothing was wrong with her, at all!
   "It seems you understand now?" He said that with a kind smile.
   1
   A smile reminding the current Satan Leviathan of the devils of the old, and the stories she used to grow up hearing about.
   14
   *Resigned Sigh*
   5
   "I understand. Master, as long as you are not plotting anything against my race. I won't be trying to find my way out of this. Can we agree on that kind of deal?" 
   In the end, Serafall decided that her race takes priority over her personal feelings.
   "Indeed we can have that kind of deal. My hobby and my lifestyle is crafting and it is always going to be crafting and tinkering. As long as I can get things for my craft I won't interfere with your race. The only reason I had summoned Venelana was because she was a Bael and a member of the Great King house. Your summoning was because of your water manipulation and the strength of an Ultimate Class Devil."
   2
   'I see... So he is like Ajuka, this is good news and bad news. The good news is that he won't care about Devil Politics. Which is bad news as well.
   I need to establish some ground rules. Easier said than done, especially from such a weak standpoint...' 
   Serafall then quickly realised that she could use secrecy against him as well...
   "I see... then we have an understanding? As Satan Leviathan I have a very busy schedule. And if you were to summon me in the middle of a meeting or worse, when I have a meeting with members of the other Pantheons it would be a disaster." The Black Haired devil said very seriously.
   "Indeed. This is where we will use our mental link." 
   "Our... what?" Serafall asked with raised eyebrows.
   "Ars Goetia attached you to me, I can feel your emotions to a certain level and..." Marcus stopped talking and instead...
   "Do this...we can start talking mentally with each other..." Started talking directly into her head.
   This made the Satan Leviathan just gulp down nervously again...
   Such power over her was simply terrifying. No wonder Solomon was a top class taboo secret...
   When she first heard stories about this human mage, she thought that it was just a human boogeyman, a made-up story so that devils would prey less on humans or otherwise Solomon would enslave them.
   3
   Turns out he was so real that she even ended up as one of his Pillars, well not the original one but his successor.
   "I see. Then... please, ask me mentally first before summoning me alright? The less people know about this, the better it is for you, yes?" Serafall asked cautiously and at the same time using what he wanted, secrecy.
   "Very well, we have a deal."
   "My thanks, Master." She said that while giving him a bow. Then calling forth her Leviathan circle she disappeared from his workshop.
   1
   Once she was gone. Marcus looked at his work table.
   "It's time... for some tinkering." He was nearly jumping up and down just from the thought of it!
   ~~~
   At first, I decided to do some basic trigger-based weaponry.
   Starting from the basics of basics, and then moving it up from there. After the system is done I will be able to work on bigger and better things. Like adding elements to things and stuff like that.
   18
   After getting the neutral clay material done, I turned them paper thin and spread it evenly through the table.
   Once that was done I started drawing the runic circles. The first one reacts to motion. Absorbing it, and then sending the energy into the second circle which then turns it into magic. 
   Once the transformation of energy into magic energy is done it then flows into the accelerator circles. Where it gains more power, then it passes through the magnifying circles for a magnified effect before reaching the final release circles.
   After finishing with the runes. The thin paper-like clay was now full of circles.
   The system of shooting magic was done. Now all I need is to give it a form.
   The most obvious form is a gun.
   4
   *Alarm clock*
   "Hmm? It's already 17:00? Damn... this stuff is quite time-consuming..." I said to myself as I looked at my handy work on the table.
   4
   "But first... some food..." 
   ...
   ...
   The next day I was back and had started working on the layout of the form.
   From the paper-like form into that of a gun which can fit into one's hand.
   It took me several days which then turned into several weeks.
   Along the way, I had also spent a lot of time simply typing down the future upgrades for this... magic caster? A magic gun? Castor?
   20
   The plain-looking clay had transformed into a metal and the item now finally looked like a plain metal gun.
   1
   The first thing I noticed is that it weighs quite a bit for my 13-year-old body.
   12
   The gun itself looked like a plain Glock. There is a cartridge slot for future upgrades and there was no safety trigger as well.
   10
   "Right... first test run," I said that to myself as I picked up the weapon and walked into the test room.
   The only room where Devil magic was very much present in the air. For the simple reason that it was enchanted to take hits.
   For the test, I had put on some gloves and more protective clothing than usual. While I had done the maths so that it should not explode upon usage, I was still ready to dip just in case something ended up going wrong.
   "Test number 1!" I pointed the gun at the wall, holding it with both hands.
   "3...2...1!" And pressed the trigger.
   At that moment I could hear a hum coming from the gun. And it started heating up before a white circle had appeared at the end of the barrel. releasing a burst of energy in the shape of a bolt.
   It smashed into the wall creating a, at least a few inches, deep hole, seeing that I was successful I pulled out my voice recorder.
   "Test number 1 was a success, key point of interests... The gun heat-ups, the proximity of the circles generate excess heat, powerful enough to start heating the titanium.
   A possible substitute is needed for the metal, possibly a supernatural substitute is recommended.
   The shot load is around 3 seconds. Shortening of time is needed. Possibly extra accelerator circles. Hmm... maybe using the rail method... on the barrel itself?" I reported into the recorder before pressing the pause button.
   I then looked back at the weapon. I could see some deformations already manifesting...
   "Right... one of the strongest human metals and it's melting like nothing? Hell, I need to check the material used by Big G in his Sacred Gears." Mentally recalling what I had read on sacred gears, the dude had multiple types of formulas depending on which gear.
   1
   The Longinus ones even uses the beast's energies as material for armour... but that's just asking to bring on a specific weapon to deal with that type of energy... How did that pervert even survive that long on just dragon energy? 
   10
   If it was me, who is the hunter then I would have gone the Batman route and pulled out everything I could on weaknesses the dragons have like how he did against Superman.
   6
   "Well, time to return to the drawing board." 
   ~~~
   "Master, what are you doing?" I heard the curious tone of my second familiar.
   "Oh, Sera you are back... you've been gone for quite some time..." I mentally remembered that she was gone for several weeks!
   Hmm, it would be seen Venelana is enjoying her freedom since she didn't even try to pop in...
   Well, I will summon her when I need her.
   "Testing a cluster of runes in the shape of a gun. As you can imagine it can cast bullets every 3 seconds." I said that to Serafall as I handed over the gun to her.
   3
   "You made this in the time I was away?" She asked with wide eyes.
   "Yeah. I did it quite casually. Since I had ideas constantly popping in along the way... I could have done it several days earlier." I easily explained as I went over the stuff I had on my table.
   "Since you are here. Can your devil magic create durable mannequins?" I asked her off-handily.
   "Oh? Yeah! I mean yes!" Serafall snapped out from her shock as she looked back at the gun then at her Master.
   "Great. Then you will be making some of them in the testing room. Oh, and I will need to reinforce the walls there as well." I said that as I remembered how brittle the wall was.
   "Okay..." 
   I motioned for her to hand the gun over since I need to start with my upgrades.
   "Master, I can only be here for 3 or so hours before I need to return to my duties." She informed me seriously.
   "I see. That is enough time for me to upgrade this to a mark II." 
   1
   Serafall didn't say anything as she watched me upgrade the gun.
   Deconstructing it was quite easy since I had built it for easy assembly and disassembly.
   Once I checked the inside of the gun, it was what I had expected. The titanium started to deform. It's either the magic itself or the heat generated from the circles... which should not be normal... 
   2
   For now though, l quickly used the transmutation circle to fix it and then started working on the upgrades.
   1
   First, small barriers will be built inside and on the barrel, acting like rail for the energy. This will improve the energy flow, then more accelerator circles. For shorter casting.
   2
   ...
   ...
   "And done..." I said as I finished assembling the gun.
   "Did you just put barrier magic inside of this gun?" She asked with disbelief.
   "Oh dear Sera. How little you know about how much a simple wall can help, in this situation. It's not just barrier magic. Have you ever heard of magnetism?" I asked her with a smile.
   "Umm? How is it related to that?" She asked me not getting what I was saying.
   "You see, the barriers are keeping the heat from reaching the metal and in turn that heat will stay inside generating more magic.
   1
   But that's not the main part. See, the barrel itself? I use it as a rail to build up power. The longer the barrel the more power it can build up.
   7
   It is a simple concept humans use in general." I said with a shrug.
   "Says you..." She said something under her breath.
   "Hmm? Did you say something?" 
   "Nope! Let's go and see how good it is!" She happily said that as she grabbed my hand and started pulling me towards the testing room.
   4
   "Right..."
   ~~~
   With a crack, like thunder a bolt of blue energy smashed into a mannequin...
   *Crackling Explosion*
   Disintegrating it completely.
   "Test 2 was successful, as expected. The railing system and barrier magic has fixed the heating issue and increased the power by around 150%. The downside is the recoil. I believe I had nearly dislocated my shoulder.
   4
   Possible solutions are natural magic reinforcement and regular exercises with natural body growth." Marcus said to the voice recorder.
   4
   'The brat truly is the human version of Ajuka... maybe even worse. I don't remember Ajuka being like that at this age, he used to spend his early age reading like... a lot of reading... he only started proper experiments when he was done with magic.' 
   4
   Serafall thought with a sweaty forehead as she had drawn a comparison between Satan Beelzebub and the next Solomon.
   3
   They are the same in regards to making new things. While Satan Beelzebub is left to his devices for the simple reason that no one can't control him as he would simply leave and still do his thing. Which is extremely dangerous. That is why the Devil council doesn't try to control him.
   But her Master is different... The boy is barely 13 and he already created a superior weapon to the ones used by the church!
   Worst of all she has no idea how to control him!
   "Any comments?" Marcus asked Serafall as he walked over to her side.
   "Well, it's superior looking to the weapons used by exorcists." The Satan Leviathan said with a sigh.
   1
   What can she say? 'Please don't sell these to the church?'
   "Yeah. Thought so, the point is that I made the ammo cartridge area act more like a program." He said that as he showed the empty slot for the ammo cartridge.
   2
   "Act like a program?" She asked, confused.
   "You know about video games right?" He asked her, remembering that Serafall is a Magic girl Levi-tan...
   "Yes?" 
   "Well, you know the old style ones where you put a cartridge to play a specific game?" 
   "Yes..." She had a look of realisation as she started putting things together.
   "So think of it this way. Depending on the cartridge the gun can shoot, demonic energy, holy energy, dragon energy."  He said that with a smirk.
   "That's not all, depending on the cartridge it can be a minigun, a particle cannon, or even a magic cannon," Marcus clarified more with a smile.
   4
   "But it's a handgun..."
   2
   "Did you miss the part when I said that it's an item that turns motion into energy, then energy into magic which is accelerated and released like a weapon?" He said with raised eyebrows.
   3
   "Yes...but it looks like a handgun..." She tried to process how a handgun can be like canon!?
   13
   "The looks are purely for the sake of how the human hand is holding it. There is nothing 'human gun' inside of it. All there is, are 37 magic circles. Working like a system.
   1
   Basically, a low to mid-tier Sacred Gear. since low one's generally only  have 31 circles inside. But, I digress. I can only call this a pseudo gear since I used human materials as a base." He said to her as he swirled the weapon on his finger.
   10
   He felt satisfied. Inside his element! Back to making stuff! Finally, he is back!
   The moment Serafall heard him mentioning Sacred Gears she remembered the infamous Ten Rings of Solomon. The pseudo-Sacred Gears built by Solomon for Solomon.
   The very same ones that made most of the supernatural regardless of their powers quite simply useless in front of the human.
   One of the reasons why he was called the boogeyman of the Devil Race.
   6
   "So, it's true then? That Solomon could make Sacred Gears?" Serafall asked with more fear than ever before. Does this mean her Master isn't just Ajuka level genius, can bind devils to himself, but also have the Biblical God's blueprint to make Sacred Gears!
   Just how dangerous is he!?
   1
   "In layman's terms? Yes. So far with some testing I could craft a high-level one. But a Longinus? I need to check one in action. Do some surveying. Check the energy readings.
   Big G used a concept as a base for some of them, I could do the same. With the right emulation of dragon energy, I could make something similar to Boosted Gear and Divine Dividing."
   4
   The moment the black-haired devil lady heard that he could make something akin to Boosted Gear or Divide Dividing, her mind stopped to a crawl.
   The way he said it sounded as if it was only a matter of time for him!
   "Impossible... there are only two Heavenly Dragons. and they are serving as the cores of those gears!" Satan Leviathan reasoned with him as she wanted to believe that he can't do it as he was already dangerous enough as it is! But, the more time she spends around him the more fear she felt towards what he can do!
   "Hoh? Do you think it's impossible?" He questioned her, amused.
   4
   "At base, tell me what a dragon is?" He added another question on top of it with a raised eyebrow.
   "..."
   "Basically, a dragon is just a sapient energy which is crystallised into the physical realm. All I need to do is mimic it, create artificial intelligence for a blob of energy and it will be a dragon core for me.
   Give it some previously programmed dragon abilities and I will have something similar to Boaster Gear or Divide Dividing."
   8
   "Even so. They won't be as powerful as the original pair of gears." Serafall reasoned with him.
   "True... but what about Mark II? Mark III? Or Mark XX?" He asked her with a curious look.
   Now... the Black-haired Devil Lady has realised what this means... once he cracks how to make it... well it will be... chaotic... Everyone will want a piece of him!
   That moment, the fear which she had felt towards him disappeared. Instead it was replaced by desire... desire that she needs him on her side! Since she can't kill him! For the simple reason that she will die as well! It only leaves a simple desire that he needs to be on the devil's side!
   Knowing the current Angels, they will never want second Solomon to be around them since the majority of angels hated the man, only the Biblical God liked him for the simple reason that Solomon wanted to control and enslave the devils instead of killing them off.
   10
   "Don't worry since you are mine I will make some for you." He casually said to her,
   2
   "Hmm? You would? But why?" She asked with disbelief as her brain stopped for a second and couldn't understand.
   "Because you are mine, my pillar, my power. You forgot that already?" He asked back, also with disbelief that she still hadn't understood her situation. Or are some of them just that slow?
   9
   That moment Serafall almost face palmed herself. A small groan escaped from her lips.
   'How slow am I? Of course... I am his, I am his power. I don't need to think in this regard. Giving me his creations will make him more powerful!' She understood that yes, she was most probably going to be one of the first to wield them in some sort of battle.
   2
   "I am a high profile person, Master. Your secrecy won't last that long if I am to show them in front of everyone." The devil lady said with a frown. She started using a different mentality around her Master. Instead of being reluctant she is now actively trying to help him.
   1
   "Don't worry, I am not planning to hide forever. Besides, I won't be deploying 'Scale mails' anytime soon. Foundations are needed for that. But that doesn't mean I can't help you with gadgets." He said with a knowing smile. A smile that means that he knows something important about her.
   2
   "Help me with gadgets? What gadgets are you talking about?" Serafall tried to understand what he could give her. All she cares about is So-tan and her work as Leviathan...
   5
   "The one which will shrink the amount of paperwork you do as Leviathan." He said that with a knowing look.
   That moment Serafall's opinion about her Master went from +10 to +70. For the simple reason that he was the very first person in her whole life to ask if she needed any help with her work!
   10
   Even Satan herself didn't know that his offer would have such a fundamental change in perspective!
   The solution was obvious like day and night! All she needed was to deal with paperwork! And she can deal with it, then she will have more time to spend with So-tan! And even more time to herself that is... if her Master won't be summoning her often.
   "You can do that?" She asked hopefully. Nearly begging him. Not only did she need to deal with her own paperwork but she often needed to deal with Ajuka's side of the paperwork as well!
   "Yes. But, first let's return to the workshop." He said that before starting to walk out.
   She nodded and with a few magic circles, she fixed the room for him. Before leaving the testing room after him.
   ~~~
   "First. Answer some questions about the type of documents you do? Are they the same size? Do they have the same layout? The same sorting system?" He asked her as he wrote down something on a notepad paper.
   "Hmm, I think it will be better if I just bring some of them here?" She asked with raised eyebrows. It's better to show him the real deal than just describe it.
   "Sure. You can do your paperwork here as well, if you want." He said with a casual shrug.
   "Can I?" She asked with wide eyes.
   "Yes. But first, we need to increase the security of this place. Once the barriers I want are up. You can do the paperwork here." He said with a shrug.
   "But why?" Serafall still asked with disbelief.
   "I need someone to talk to, no doubt you want that too, second I'd said before but, you are my pillar, if my pillar is not 100% then I will search for solutions to make you 100%. Easy enough?" He explained to her simply.
   'So... I am simply married to someone who controls me to large extents. At first, I thought that I was just a tool for him... good to know that he does care about me... but, I doubt he cares about my surroundings... 
   Maybe I can use this to my advantage? Maybe I can make devils profit from this, through me. Until we can find ways to bind him to the devil race...'
   "Since you want my company! Very well! I will be back in just a few moments!!!" After saying that a much happier Satan Leviathan disappeared with her magic circles.
   3
   ...
   ...
   ...
   A few moments later she returned with several types of documents.
   "Nice... this is what I needed..." Marcus said to her as he checked out an empty document, then a filled up one.
   "Those are the only ones you use?" He asked her after checking the documents. The second coming of Solomon had no interest in what was written on the paper; he only cared about the similarities.
   3
   "Yes. We use a completely standardised form." Serafall said with a serious nod. It was like they were discussing battle plans against a formidable foe.
   5
   "I see... then this is easy... I only need a basic A. I for this..." He said that more or less to himself.
   "Hmm?" The black-haired devil was slightly baffled seeing him just turn around and walk towards his plain-looking clay... which now the devil lady knows is the main material... or more like the base material which he uses to transform into whatever he wants...
   Before long she saw him starting to draw on the clay with a single index finger, and at the end of said index finger was a gold/white circle.
   He was simply drawing runes with just a finger. 
   "Umm... Master... my time is running up... sort of need to return to the office?" She said that with a slightly uncomfortable look. Serafall didn't want to interrupt someone who is working to make her life easier!
   "Then go, I will contact you when I am ready, make sure you have some paperwork ready to test. Possibly some dummy ones at first." He answered back without even giving a glance.
   "Don't worry I will make sure to bring it." She winked at him before disappearing inside her magic circle.
   Once the devil lady was back in her office. She grinned silly. Her gaze went to the stack of paper on her table. A sinister smile worthy of a devil appeared on her beautiful face.
   "Soon your reign of terror will be over! Hehehehahaha!" She laughed sinisterly. The laugh was borderline creepy. No one probably knew but Satan Leviathan and Satan Lucifer were going borderline insane from the amount of paperwork they had to do.
   29
   So, Serafall was feeling like she was on the edge of being reborn the moment she heard there was a solution to this insanity-inducing bureaucracy of her office. She never signed up for paperwork when she won against Grayfia for the position of Leviathan! And she never signed up for this when they won the civil war!
   Nope! She was supposed to be one of the most important people in the underworld! One of the leaders! The whole paperwork nonsense is a conspiracy created by those old devils in the council!
   4
   "Heh... once I have the tool, those fools can go and kiss their own asses! Once I have more time I will be able to spend it with So-tan!" She giggled happily thinking about her baby sister.
   1
   But then, her crazy grin suddenly disappeared and was instead replaced by a thoughtful look.
   Instead of walking back to her office table, she went to the couch and got herself comfortable laying there and looking at the ceiling with a curious look.
   Now, the black-haired Satan was thinking about the enigma which was her Master and his personality. She was able to build a solid profile on him, mentally that is. And of course, find out how much her thought process is affected by Ars Goetia.
   She can safely assume he cares about her, to the point where he even wants her to spend time with him. This means that he didn't have any sort of prejudice against the Devils... and doesn't think about them as dispensable tools.
   2
   'Right... he'd only summoned me because he wanted someone with expertise in water... Since he had Solomon's knowledge, he used that to bind a powerful devil who will be useful to him even after using my water knowledge.' 
   'This means that I can also get items for someone like So-tan! But how should I persuade him?' 
   For a second she thought about the most obvious way of persuading him and she is a devil after all... but then again, once she starts doing that with him... she won't be able to stop him...
   So timing and reason should be the most important factor. And that is when he starts caring about females... and knowing the human bodies... her Master should hit puberty soon...
   Once there... she can move in... for a second Serafall had a very lewd look on her face.
   For some reason having lewd thoughts about doing it with someone who can build stuff like Longinuses makes her hot?
   3
   Is it a devil thing? Thinking of corrupting someone who can recreate Biblical God's work?
   "Well...Master... just wait... Levi-tan shall teach you all you need to know about the ladies..." The Satan Leviathan said with a hot but bubbly tone...
   36
   ~~~~~~Few Days Later~~~~~~
   A few days later Serafall was summoned by her Master. She had a small pile of dummy files ready for the test.
   When she arrived, she saw something akin to a printer... no it was an actual looking printer... more like a futuristic one with those sharp edges.
   2
   "Is this it?" The black-haired devil lady asked with a curious gaze. Was this her salvation?
   "Yep. Let me explain." Marcus said with quite an excited tone. The Satan Leviathan quite quickly picked up his happiness with the item.
   Internally she smiled, yes... if she wants his attention then all she needs to do is talk about his stuff.
   "See that screen? when you put a document inside of the Mass Signing Work Simplifying Machine or... signer for short... it works out the key points of the document for you. Instead of reading a few paragraphs, you only need to read a few lines and all you need to do is press Yes or No. And the machine will sign your signature for you.
   3
   If you don't understand the simplification then you can always press No and the Signer will pull that paper out for you to read normally." He explained to Serafall who was already drooling halfway into the explanation.
   She had already understood what this does. And it was simply amazing! Why did Ajuka never come up with this!?
   8
   By this point, her Master was already a better inventor!
   Well, that's probably her bias because of this machine! But still!
   ~~~~~~~Inventions/Tech/Sacred Gears~~~~~
   1
   M.T.M (Motion to Magic) Castor MK II :
   3
   A magic casting (shooting) device in the shape of a handgun.
   Classification: 
   Pseudo Low-Medium Sacred Gear made up of 37 magic circles fused into a single system.
   Composition:
   The case is built purely from Titanium, the insides are purely magic circles that are placed within barrier magic to keep the heat from touching the metal. (Marcus assumes that magic power is what is deforming the metal instead of regular heat as normally titanium is much more heat resistant.)
   1
   Key magic techniques inside:
   Basic M.T.M technique: Using a magic circle to capture the motion turning it into energy and then energy into Magic even a regular human can use this weapon as they all need to do is press the trigger.
   1
   Basic Barrier Rail technique:  By using barriers like rails empowered by Acceleration circles the blast builds up force, the longer the rail is the stronger the blast will be at the end of the rail.
   1
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   Mass Signing Work Simplifying Machine (Signer)
   2
   An electronic device created with a single intention of making one's job of signing documents much quicker.
   Classification:
   A futuristic item which won't appear in the human market till at least 2025 for the simple reason that it has a basic A.I
   13
   Composition: 
   Transmuted items like plastic, metal and rubber. Much more durable than regular stuff.
   Technology:
   Basic A.I: An A.I capable of sorting out text by finding keywords in text in specific areas of the paper. Simplifying the text for the user.
   1
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   My Discord server for advanced chapters:
   https://discord.gg/hvzgBJg4ss
   1
   Along with the advanced chapters, there are also a lot of other fanfics I wrote and did not upload to Webnovel.
  
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   Chapter 4: Diamond Core Heart
   "Master...This. Is. Amazing!!!" Serafall nearly started dancing after returning from finishing her work in absolutely records time!
   "I did a whole day of paperwork in less than an hour! And like you suggested I also tested it out for a bit, tried more difficult documents! But the thing worked just like magic! And I know that there was no magic inside of it!"  She proudly said to me,
   1
   "I see... I am happy that the signer works just as intended." I said that with a nod. That's what being an inventor is all about! When someone is happy with one's invention!
   "Yes! You have no idea, Master~~~" Serafall walked over and hugged me quite tightly, I was being squashed by her considerable breasts. She was still slightly taller than me, but I would take over her height soon enough.
   36
   Nonetheless, having a sexy devil Satan lady's breast in one's face is a nice reward.
   7
   Then she took a step forward as I could feel her wrapping her hands around me even more. I could feel her cuddling me properly now.
   "Master, you know? No one has ever given me this kind of gift before! You are the first person ever to even think about making my work easier! And for that... Sera...is very grateful~~~" The black-haired devil released me from her hold after thanking me.
   Not going to lie. She knows what to say.
   "So, what are you working on next?" Serafall asked as she walked over and took a seat on one of the couches I have transmuted recently.
   The change in her was monumental. Now she reminded me of a succubus, and not a cosplaying magic girl. Especially when she changed her position. She laid there and looked at me with those curious blue eyes of hers.
   12
   "Before I can do anything big, I will need to cast some barriers around my house and even more around my garage." I told her my next step.
   "Hmm...while I can cast barriers, they are not my specialty. And anything I do will also leave a residue. Since we are in a Roman Catholic controlled country, this nation is also under the watchful eyes of Heaven." Serafall explained casually as she got comfortable on the couch.
   1
   There was annoyance evident in her voice though.
   "Hmmm...I see, that does make sense, after all, less than 800 kilometres North from here is Scandinavia." I said that while stroking my chin. I needed to develop a proper filter in my geopolitical understanding.
   5
   "Indeed... you are right... The majority of the Baltic countries are under the eyes of the church. And since the population is quite small, much more supernatural things could occur here." She explained our current situation from a supernatural standpoint.
   "A line of border nations... I get it..." I said with a thoughtful look. From what I know about Norse, they have their runes magic. Loki is a dick, Odin is an old pervert. Fafnir, their dragon has been resurrected. Another is sleeping at the bottom of the Baltic Sea I believe with the name of Jormungand. A lazy-ass.
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   And their valkyries are dressed quite sexy.
   11
   That's all I can remember in 'depth' about them. The rest are just the basic knowledge I got from Venelana. Which tells me that most of their stories are true. Except for Ragnarok, which was just a war, or more like a civil war and not some world cataclysmic event....
   2
   "Yes. If I am to cast barriers here it might cause a stir from the two pantheons as the signature was from me specifically. A Satan. The diplomatic repercussion would be massive for my race. So, master... Please don't send me to do it." For a second she tried to show me a tearful look, but it failed spectacularly...
   "Yeah, I get it. I won't be doing that. And I already have an idea on what I want." I said with a sigh after seeing her fail. The devil in question just pouted at me for not allowing her to act all cute around me.
   "Oh? You will do something amazing and not regularly done right?" She asked me after quickly recovering from her failed attempt to act cute.
   "Indeed, From what Venelana has taught me, Barrier magic is quite simply a wall of magic. It can be in all types of form, from a physical to a sensory one." I told her what I remembered from my studies with my first devil familiar.
   "Yes... that's about it. I assume you are planning something special?" She asked me with a very curious tone.
   "Indeed Sera, you will see something... interesting... hopefully," I said to her as I took some of my plain looking clay and started channelling my magic into it, moulding the clay into the shape of a ball.
   1
   Once the shape was done I took the ball to my transmutation circle and started channeling more magic into it.
   By this point, Serafall had already walked over to take a look at what the ball had started to transform into.
   "Is that... a Diamond? A basketball-size diamond? You...what kind of transmutation circle is this?" The black-haired devil asked with a shocked look.
   "Don't tell you can't create diamonds with devil magic?" I asked with a raised eyebrow.
   "We can, obviously! But it's not permanent like this! While Devil magic is imagination-based it lasts as long as there is magic in it! What you did is a pure miracle at this point!" Serafall said while shaking her head. From the looks of it, she was truly impressed by the transmutation circle.
   21
   ~~~
   Serafall realised that she might have developed a sort of new thing...
   Seeing things come... together like this is another type of magic... it's more impactful...permanent.
   As a devil, she could make things appear from her imagination. But, it was not permanent. What she is seeing right now though, is permanent magic done through her Master's hands.
   She saw him turn that clay into pure diamond. And then saw him spend less than an hour making another set of tools...
   A set of tools for carving...
   He then started carving the basketball-shaped diamond into a shape...
   A familiar diamond shape.
   But... she realized something was different... The carvings... were not normal, he used bursts of magic each time he carved into it.
   'Is he 'carving in' something? Like... meaning? Diamonds are universally seen by regular people as one of the sturdiest jewels on Earth.' Serafall thought with narrowed eyes as she tried to understand what her Master was doing without needing to ask him.
   11
   She watched him carve the whole time, before she needed to get back to her work.
   The Devil lady would continue to watch him day after day until he was done with it.
   When she saw the final product she knew it was magical. The Diamond glistered and would occasionally release some sparkles.
   1
   Nonetheless, Serafall couldn't find a chance to ask what it was or what the purpose of it is. She could only assume that it was the core for the barriers which will be casted over his 'garage'.
   Once her Master was done with the carving, he collected the remains... just thinking about how these pieces of diamonds would be considered 'rubbish' made her grimace. Thankfully they were not considered 'rubbish' as Marcus would be re-using them for something else.
   She then followed him into the summoning room. For a moment Serafall felt a bit of despair rise in her stomach as she thought her Master would summon another person from her race!
   She thankfully breathed a sigh of relief when she saw him clean off the diabolical Ars Goetia summoning circle.
   Instead, she saw him draw a much smaller circle and put one of the remnant diamond pieces in the middle of the circle.
   Then he activated it.
   This was when she saw a never-seen-before kind of circle work. Unlike any other circles, this was simply too weird for her, as it was hollow inside. The only thing she could come up with was that it looked like doughnuts.
   For a moment that is, then it shrank towards the middle where the remnant diamond was.
   This progressed several times... until she saw the remnant diamond simply crack and turn into diamond dust...
   By this point, she couldn't take it silently anymore and wanted to know what exactly in Hell was going on!
   "Why did it turn into dust? I thought you were enchanting it?" The blue-eyed devil lady asked.
   3
   "I was doing some test runs. Checking what kind of pressure it can handle. More specifically how much pressure each sequence is giving to the diamond core.
   There are still some tests left to be done before I can use them on the real deal." He said to her as he took another diamond remnant and placed it on a recently re-drawn circle.
   "I knew it! This is indeed a core of some kind, I have heard about them! I think my family has one!" Serafall said with a knowing look.
   "You think? You don't know yourself?" Marcus asked her and stopped whatever he was doing just to look at her in surprise and disbelief.
   "How should I know? You think I'm just checking everything and looking at everything curiously?" She asked him back, confused.
   "You don't do that? No interest in how it's made? Or how to disassemble it and make it better?" Her Master asked, confused on why she wasn't doing such an 'obvious' thing.
   1
   "Uhhh...no? I was born with an above-average talent for my family magic and because of the civil war, I'd trained a lot. All that hard work was paid off by me becoming an office slave." Serafall said the last part with an extremely bitter tone.
   4
   She can only show her true self and her true feelings to her Master, as Ars Goetia prevents her from hiding the bitterness of her status with an act.
   At this point, she was already used to not acting and hiding away with her 'cute magic girl' act.
   "Hmm, I see. I guess it's just my thing to be interested in how everything was made and how it all came together."
   2
   "That's the trait of an inventor and someone who builds things. Honestly, I don't understand more than half of the things you do. But I simply know that it is amazing." Serafall said that with a sincere and honest smile. By this point, she doesn't even need to try and pretend that what he does is not amazing.
   1
   "Makes sense. Still through. Do you want to know what this core was based on? I bet you will be quite shocked after hearing it."
   "Oh? Do tell." She asked curiously. The black-haired devil lady even leaned forward a little bit.
   "This method was based on the very same one which the Heaven's system uses."
   6
   "..."
   "..."
   "Seriously?"
   "Very much so. While the scale, the material, and the purpose is different, the method of programming magic is very much the same." Marcus said in an excited and very serious tone. He likes this thing a lot!
   "Master...does this mean you could... theoretically speaking... make your very own system like Heaven have?" Serafall asked with a gulp.
   Her mind was going thousands of miles per hour, as she realised the possibilities of this! He could control the flow of souls, Sacred Gears! Or even create his very own angels!?
   "Theoretically I can do anything if I put my mind to it, will I do it? Probably not. Making a Pantheon of my own sounds like a ridiculous amount of work. I only need to look at your situation Sera, that is all I need to know that it's simply not worth it.
   8
   The gains dwarfs the losses, I prefer making physical things not creating religious pantheons..."
   2
   "I see..."
   She said with a distant look. What could such a system do for her race? Maybe help with Pillar magics? The possibilities, in a way, are endless. Now she needs to find a way to convince him to do it.
   "So, Solomon knew about Heaven's system? I didn't think they were that close." Serafall asked absentmindedly.
   *Snort*
   "Of course not. He only knew how to make Sacred Gears, more like he... remembered what Big G said about them and used that to make his rings." Marcus explained to her while testing the unique looking circles on the remnant diamonds.
   "Then... how did you learn about Heaven's system?" She asked with wide eyes. This doesn't make sense to her.
   "In simple terms, they were talking about the engine of a car. At this point, I already know how the engine looks, so the only thing I need to do is design and make the car. And the best part? I can design it however I want." Marcus said that to her with a smile. A smile telling her that he might or might not possibly just come up with something which will make everyone gulp down in astonishment.
   "Isn't that just great?" He asked her with an even brighter smile, like he found a truly fascinating tool.
   "Yes... great indeed..." She said with a small gulp of her own.
   After the discussion on Heaven's system, Serafall continued to watch his progress. She was able to pick something up herself. Through all of this, she was able to get some understanding on the whole magic-energy stuff. With Marcus' explanations she was able to understand more about magic in general.
   As someone who solely uses water and ice magic to fight while occasionally using devil magic on casual stuff, she'd never delved too deeply into the whole energy thingies. While her Master? He was already a monster in this whole magic synergy system.
   She remembered that Solomon was known as the King of Magic who knew all the energies and found a way to negate and take over other beings' magic and use it against them!
   An ability never seen before, especially since he could do it with all known energies, not just magic in general.
   If this was true and Marcus can replicate it, then her Master in combat will be a monster not seen for over 3000 years.
   Eventually, the testing was done and Serafall was ready to watch how the large diamond will become the core of the barrier system.
   It took around two weeks of constant testing, at least that's what the Black-haired Satan counted. She has a feeling that her Master did even more testing when she was not around as the remnant diamonds were all gone by this point, turned into diamond dust.
   3
   The whole Summoning room was now turned into a ritual room, the circles were drawn from magic itself and Serafall counted at least 14 different runic languages which were used.
   To her knowledge, her Master only knew 7, now he knows 14? What is he even doing in school at this point?
   11
   "Well, are you ready? This is going to get a little bit shaky." Marcus said to her after doing his last check-up for the ritual.
   "How shaky are we talking about?" The current Leviathan asked him with slight trepidation.
   "The type where I needed to reinforce the whole garage's structural integrity." He simply told her.
   4
   "..."
   "..."
   "...Shouldn't you, we, do this kind of experiment only when there are barriers already in place?" She asked nervously. Nervous that they will be discovered.
   "We are doing this one so that we can do bigger ones in future." He said in an obvious tone.
   "But, with the size of these circles, the drain in magic would be felt all over the whole of East Europe!" She pointed out the obvious after seeing the overlapping circles in the room.
   "Drain? What are you talking about? Why would I need to drain anything? I make stuff...recycling things is one of my expertise. I won't be draining anything. I will be using the M.T.M method, the last experiment with Castor led me to this."
   "The gun experiment led you to this? How does that even work?" She had an extremely confused look, Serafall wanted to comprehend how a gun leads to Diamond-shaped core's birth?
   "The gun was a test for the M.T.M technique... all I need to power this? Is a brush of my finger. We are going completely green, Sera. For real."
   36
   He did exactly what he just said, he simply brushed his index finger on the white circle next to him on a wall.
   His motion was absorbed by the circle which then sent it to the largest circle in the room.
   4
   What Serafall saw next was probably the most... insane thing she has ever seen in her entire life.
   The energy from the motion absorbing circle entered the largest circle and then started rushing forward, making a lap around the whole room-size circle. Getting bigger and bigger.
   Each lap around the large circle causes the other inner circles to come to life one by one...
   3
   This meant that the largest circle generates more energy each lap, one by one powering each of them.
   2
   Before long the diamond in the middle received the magic...
   And then it happened...
   2
   The Diamond started to float and with it, the circles started to float too...
   Then suddenly the ground started shaking, the amount of energy being generated was considerable. And it only continued to grow rapidly!
   Serafall saw the amount of circles that were around this generator... she counted at least 40 something layers and each layer had multiple of those circles...
   She might not be the best with maths, unlike her baby sister... but! She knew that it was a lot of circles!
   4
   Then... All of a sudden, the circles started to shrink towards the diamond core.
   The black-haired devil lady immediately understood what this meant! Now, she understood how the core worked, all those circles will enter the diamond transforming into a barrier heart. This will probably be the most powerful barrier core she has ever seen.
   And it's only the beginning. Serafall has this certain feeling that there will be more in the future.
   1
   A few moments later, it was done. The diamond glowed, bright white light consuming the whole room as it shined with its radiance.
   After the blinding light settled down, and the current Leviathan was finally able to open her eyes, she saw how the beautiful diamond core was releasing whitish particles.
   'This looks so beautiful! I wonder... Could I get this particle stuff for my place? Preferably blue? Then red for Sir-chan, green for Ajuka-chan! Hehehe...' She giggled inwardly, before immediately snapping out of her trance over the beauty and realising the repercussions of such an item.
   4
   As it is now, the Underworld doesn't have any pillar house that could produce such specialised barriers.
   Meaning that if this gets out...
   *Sigh*
   'What's the point? everyone would want a part of him. This just cements it more and more... Serafall just focus on the fact that you have the best shot of getting him yourself! ...For the Devil Race of course....' She slightly blushed as she realised, he was now at her height!
   7
   'Oh, his growth is so fast!'
   11
   ~~~
   "So how does this work?"  Sera asked me as we were standing in the new room meant only for the core.
   It was another floor below.
   So, with two floors underneath, my garage has finally reached the next stage.
   "We are going to mark the areas as this could theoretically cover the whole globe," I said with a thoughtful look.
   6
   "It could?" She squeaked out with disbelief as she stared intently at the core.
   "I said theoretically, the diamond size is too small for that. At most, it would only be able to cover the whole nation. But, I am only going to focus on my town.
   4
   Anyways, there are three layers to it. First is the recon which covers the whole city. Then the in-depth observation which covers the entire block we are in right now, and the core security which is my garage. This means that you can't just teleport in, you can't even use magic if you don't have the permission. And most importantly, it will all be connected to the garage's structural integrity.
   Which means it can reinforce the walls, power the tech inside of it. And it's also going to last as long as the diamond lasts."
   "And how many years is that?" She asked him, trying to remember how long diamonds last...
   "If it was exposed to the weather conditions of the outside world it would last for 3 to 4 billion years, but since it is fully encased and the case itself is powered by the very same magic... it would last pretty much forever since the core can just last that long," I explained the loop of my barrier core.
   3
   "But... the diamond is only... Wait!!! Those circles! They send specific magic which keeps the garage in pristine condition!" She said with realisation. Her gaze went to the diamond in the middle of the room and saw the cables attached to the whole thing.
   "All that from a single stroke of finger... beautiful isn't it?" I said that while staring at the Diamond core in the middle of the room. Even with the case, the white particles were still appearing. That just shows how much power the core was generating. Unlike my previous attempt which had killed me. This time I have put shackles everywhere. No more one silly miscalculations. And best of all, the computers were not needed for anything. As I did all that with a regular calculator.
   2
   "Yes... quite terrifying..." Sera said as she looked on with disbelief at the diamond core.
   "Now that this is done, time for the hardest part," I said with a resigned sigh.
   "...The hardest part? There is more!?" She quickly snapped out of her reverie and stared at me in shock.
   "Yeah. We are going to place boundary markings around the city... Do you know what this means?" I asked her seriously.
   "We... are going to leave the garage?" She tried to understand what I meant.
   "Exactly! Nonetheless... This is a must! So, we are going to have to leave my garage..."
   "You don't want to go outside?" Sera asked with a baffled look.
   "I don't want to go when it's not necessarily needed. I find it a waste of time unless I am doing field research." I explained to her, while I am not a hikikomori, I don't like wasting time outside for pointless things.
   5
   I have seen most of the world and had several of my garages all around the globe.
   "Then think of this as a field expedition, sometimes leaving your garage is good for you. You never know, you might just get a spark of inspiration." She said the last part with a smile.
   1
   ...
   ...
   ...
   I thought about it for a second. It was only a few moments but Serafall was already fiddling around, waiting for the answer.
   "Hmm...I guess you are right. I knew I had chosen wisely when I had chosen you as my second pillar." I said that with a proud nod.
   1
   "Hmph! Don't forget that I am a devil with several hundred years of experience!" She said that quite proudly.
   "And also got educated by a 13-year-old boy in magic," I said with an eye roll.
   11
   Sera quickly deflated after hearing that.
   12
   "Right..."
   ~~~
   After the activation of the barriers, Marcus' pace truly exploded. For Serafall though, it was just like a blur. As someone who has a long lifespan, she doesn't have the urge to rapidly do things or be in a hurry.
   1
   But her Master thought differently, the black-haired Satan saw how rapidly things were changing in his garage.
   One day she had appeared in his workplace just to see it at least twice as big. The floors have been laid down with tiles, the day after that she saw the walls redone, repainted in a soft blue accent... then the day after, the lighting was redone... There was now a unique chandelier placed in the main working area.
   The progress of his workshop was monumental, especially for a human who was not even using any devil magic! She can't remember the last time she truly helped him!
   While she was more than disappointed and even annoyed at herself, Serafall didn't give up; she knows that there will come a time where she will be able to truly help.
   4
   And so, days turned into weeks and weeks turned into months.
   The Black-haired devil lady saw several futuristic furniture making its appearance including a table with a long bent computer screen which Serafall was sure Ajuka would gladly visit this place for.
   Then she saw... holograms starting to appear on a pool-like table slightly away from the computer. It was quite big and she already knew what it was for...
   Designing... she already saw him programming the thing. By this point, she understood that calling him just a monster or genius is far too disrespectful...
   1
   She needs to find a proper term for him...
   34
   The hologram technology was still something devils themselves were working on, Ajuka doesn't focus on them as he does whatever he pleases. But, if he is to see it from this perspective then he might have invested more time into it.
   "What do you think?" Marcus asked her as he noticed Serafall's arrival.
   The black-haired Satan looked around. "Hmm, you should get some paintings. I can assume that the majority of that place will be used for cars?" She pointed at the large empty area in the middle of the workshop.
   1
   "Probably... most likely, while the walls won't be like that for long since I am thinking of putting my 'scale mails' there." He said that last part with a smirk as he saw her reaction.
   1
   "Oh? I see... the foundations you talked about... this was it... wasn't it? You needed better tools and equipment..." She said with realisation. She looked around with even more curiosity.
   1
   "Indeed. Although, the first few models would not be as amazing as Boosted Gear or Divine Dividing." He said with a somewhat pained look, he didn't like that those relics, from the previous generation, were still better than anything he could make as of right now.
   "Says the guy who created a Diamond Core that can just last forever as 'something interesting', I'd stopped caring about that part." Serafall just shook her head and looked at him deadpan.
   "Well... I thought you guys have this kind of stuff in your mansion." He said as an excuse while shrugging at her.
   "Right... I checked the barrier core in the Sitri household. It's barely the size of my palm and it was just based on some sort of pearl. It is quite fragile compared to your glowing-particles dispensing diamond core!" She said with an eye roll.
   "Well, I suppose that's good then." He said while looking at her, his eyes wandered on her body for a second.
   8
   Seeing his reaction, Serafall slightly smiled... But her inner smile was more akin to that of a Cheshire cat, grinning from ear to ear. She was waiting for this moment!!!
   12
   As time progressed she started to dress slightly more revealingly. Not too much though, as she doesn't want her 'plot' to be discovered so fast.
   6
   But, this was good. Finally, her Master has started paying attention to her!
   "It is." She said while changing how she was holding herself. Nothing too obvious though.
   Her Master continued explaining how he will progress his scale mails and how he will get to the point of Boosted Gear and Divine Dividing. But, at this point, Serafall wasn't listening attentively.
   Nope. She was paying more attention as to where his eyes were wandering. Was it her breasts or her hips? Or her ass? This way she would be able to identify what he truly likes and adjust herself to it.
   3
   She is a devil after all. A being of sin. The black-haired devil lady will duly adjust to her Master's likes.
   2
   Eventually, the explanations were over and Serafall used that moment to push her Master onto the couch.
   The beauty ended up sitting on his lap while facing opposite to him.
   Internally she was smiling at this, Ars Goetia didn't respond at all. Meaning that her Master allowed her to push him onto a couch like this.
   She then pressed her shapely breasts onto his chest.
   "It would seem you can finally enjoy the real perks of your Ars Goetia, Master~~~" Serafall said with a husky voice. Oh, she waited over a year for this.
   13
   If only the Underworld knew that their Satan Leviathan is head over heels for a mere 14-year-old boy.... Well, Marcus doesn't look like a boy at all. Since he had been training in magic when he was only 11, by the time Marcus had reached 14 his body was already in peak perfect condition.
   16
   And Serafall can attest to that. She loves to watch him work without his top shirt. Summer was the best time of year! Well, at least until her Master decided to build air-conditioners.
   2
   The current Leviathan never told him. But, she secretly turns it off sometimes...
   After all, she can't lie, but she can still keep her mouth shut unless she is commanded to speak.
   1
   "Having a harem of 72 women?" He asked with a somewhat baffled look, he had never thought about such a ridiculous idea before!
   16
   "That too! But the real perk is that you can have me~~~ anyway you want~~~" She said that while taking his right hand and bringing it up to her chest while his other hand went to her great ass.
   "I was thinking about rewarding you. You have no idea how jealous Satan Lucifer was about my paperwork speed. He even sends spies to find out how I am doing it." Serafall said with a giggling tone but her eyes were telling a completely different thing. She was horny... like really horny...
   28
   ~~~~~~~Inventions/Tech/Sacred Gears~~~~~
   M.T.M (Motion to Magic) Castor MK II :
   A magic casting (shooting) device in the shape of a handgun.
   Classification:
   Pseudo Low-Medium Sacred Gear made up of 37 magic circles fused into a single system.
   Composition:
   The case is built purely from Titanium, the insides are purely magic circles that are placed within barrier magic to keep the heat from touching the metal. (Marcus assumes that magic power is what is deforming the metal instead of regular heat as normally titanium is much more heat resistant.)
   Key magic techniques inside:
   Basic M.T.M technique: Using a magic circle to capture the motion turning it into energy and then energy into Magic even a regular human can use this weapon as they all need to do is press the trigger.
   Basic Barrier Rail technique:  By using barriers like rails empowered by Acceleration circles the blast builds up force, the longer the rail is the stronger the blast will be at the end of the rail.
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   Mass Signing Work Simplifying Machine (Signer)
   An electronic device created with a single intention of making one's job of signing documents much quicker.
   Classification:
   A futuristic item which won't appear in the human market till at least 2025 for the simple reason that it has a basic A.I
   Composition:
   Transmuted items like plastic, metal and rubber. Much more durable than regular stuff.
   Technology:
   Basic A.I: An A.I capable of sorting out text by finding keywords in text in specific areas of the paper. Simplifying the text for the user.
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~
   Diamond Core Heart :
   A magically powered reactor core which can power the whole garage and the barrier fields around Marcus' birth city. (Theoretically, he could also use it to power a whole Nation's power grind without any issues if he wanted to.)
   Classification:
   It can be classified as a Magic Reactor and a Magic system.
   Composition:
   Transmuted Diamond (Superior to any naturally found Diamond on Planet Earth) carved with magic intent for Extra durability and made up of 428 magic circles drawn by 14 different sets of runic letters.
   Key magic techniques inside:
   Basic ownership system: Marcus has implemented a basic system that has the Diamond Core Heart tied to himself. This system allows him to control who can enter or leave his garage and house perimeter.
   Advanced M.T.M technique: Taking a step further, once the motion is received by the magic circle it's boosted by magic and sent to the next magic circle, boosted again and then sent to the next one through several accelerator circles.
   This method is a fundamentally faster and more powerful version of the previous one.
   Loop-based Reactor: The magic is constantly flowing through boosting magic circles in a loop fashion generating more magic, and sending excess energy to power the 'Garage'
   Triple-layer Barrier surveillance: Three distinct layers are generated by Diamond Core Heart. The first one is the base surveillance. It completely ignores people who don't emit magic at a certain level. This is ignored however the moment it's not a human magic signature.
   The second layer is-depth observation around Marcus house  in this layer he can see people through magic
   The third layer, which is inside Marcus garage, can seal teleportation circles or magic in general, working as a force field where people can't teleport in.
   The Second and Third layers can transform into diamond barriers becoming impenetrable, in case of emergency.
   Neutral type magic: The Diamond Core Heart emits a neutral type of magic, only nature sensitive beings can pick up that something is weird inside the barriers.
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   Marcus PC:
   Completely from scratch Marcus created a computer, all parts are from transmuted materials.
   Classification:
   A PC build from things Marcus remembers from 2030~
   Composition:
   The PC specs are constantly upgraded depending on what Marcus wants, all parts are transmuted for extra durability.
   Technology:
   Shackled A.I based OS system: An OS that constantly improves according to what the user needs.
   1
   Bend 50 inches 8K Pc Screen: An PC screen created according to Marcus tastes for future invention purposes.
   3
   Custom Keyboard: a custom keyboard made for programming, it doesn't have any other uses.
   Voice recognition system: the Pc has a dedicated voice recording system that collects and analyses Marcus voice. It is used to improve the OS of the PC.
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   Hard Light Holographic Display(HLHD):
   A holographic table for designing and holographic displays.
   Clarification:
   A futuristic designer's tool for designing things, magic included.
   Composition:
   Transmuted materials for extra durability, it's purely made from it.
   Technology:
   Basic Hard Light Holographic display v1.0: The technology which allows the creation of solid light constructs on the table.
   1
   Cross information sharing: Technology that allows design to be sent from a holographic table to a Pc and vice versa.
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   My Discord server for advanced chapters:
   https://discord.gg/hvzgBJg4ss
   Along with the advanced chapters, there are also a lot of other fanfics I wrote and did not upload to Webnovel.
  
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   Chapter 5: Marcus Daily Life (R-18)
   4
   To remind for people that this an AU universe of DxD. Meaning, that certain people didn't marry, certain ships sunk in world war 2, certain swords were found early... and certain other thinks which I don't want to spoil. Now of to the Smut since this is DxD...
   26
   ~~~~~~R-18 stuff, skip to 'next morning' if you don't want to read this~~~~~~
   18
   "Shall we 'practise' kissing first?" Serafall asked with a lewd smile.
   "Indeed we need to run some tests on that one," Marcus responded while holding the sexy devil lady's assets with both of his hands.
   Hearing his response, Serafall immediately remembered role-playing, more specifically, science-type role-playing...
   1
   She needed to get her hands on some sexy glasses and a lab coat, for the future...
   12
   "Shall we commence then?" The sexy black haired devil requested with a voice that reminded Marcus of those serious science-ladies he used to work with in his previous life.
   "Test number one..." Marcus stated as he leaned forward and claimed Serafall's lips, the moment their lips touched, the beauty instantly pushed forward and started a make-out session.
   2
   Just a few moments later and her eyes were already glassy.
   Soon enough, her hands started to wander around, as she started to undress him. Her Master quickly joined in and removed her skimpy shorts and t-shirt.
   Their kissing had to abruptly stop as their clothes were simply in the way.
   When Marcus saw Serafall's underwear his eyes were slightly widened, they were extremely sexy! She was dressed in a black, almost see-through lingerie.
   6
   "Like what you see? And you know the best part? I can dress however you want!" She gave a seductive wink.
   9
   "I will...keep that in mind, for future reference..." He answered with a gulp. Because they were almost naked, he could practically feel her warm body against his. 
   2
   "You better! I can't wait to see how you will dress me up!" She said with an excited smile before focusing back on the matter at hand!
   "This here~~~ is for me, isn't it?" Serafall licked her lips, before pulling the last pieces of clothing off her Master's body.
   4
   When she saw that he was already rock hard, a purr escaped from her lips.
   "How do you want me, Master? Shall I serve you now? Or do you just want me, like this~?" She asked hotly as her hand went onto his rod.
   'And he's still growing... this is going to be so good!' As she stroked her Master's cock, the devil lady licked her lips in anticipation. She was already enjoying this and it was only gonna get bigger in the future
   2
   "Show me how good Satan Leviathan is at serving her Master." Marcus demanded while stroking her cheek.   
   "Fufufu... as you wish..." The beauty elegantly moved on to her knees and started serving him.
   Marcus groaned in pleasure as she put her hot lips around his shaft, and it was only the beginning as she quickly escalated to the next level and started using her breasts. The bra was long gone as she continued to undress. While sucking on his rod.
   14
   The devil beauty very quickly started moving up and down on his shaft in a rapid tempo. It almost felt like she was starving and his cock was the only food source available to her.
   4
   With a groan, Marcus came hard in her mouth and Serafall very greedily drank it all.
   The inventor was quite shocked at how shortly he lasted but then again his new body has no experience with females at all!
   Serafall drank it all masterfully before pulling back, she looked with glee at how quickly her Master was recovering from his first release.
   She stroked the shaft once more, watching as it slowly went full mast for her. Once it was ready she got up onto her feet and started removing her panties slowly.
   Making sure Marcus saw every last detail of it.
   "How do you wish to proceed with this test?~~~" She asked seductively with one hand on her hip.
   But instead of receiving an answer her Master simply grabbed her and pulled her onto his lap.
   The black-haired devil lady purred once more before wrapping her arms around his neck. She positioned herself right on top of his rod.
   Moving back and forth, teasing it with her pussy lips. Marcus, who simply had enough, grabbed her ass and unceremoniously pushed her down on his rod.
   "Hhmmm~~~ that's it..." Serafall moaned as she felt invasion in her cave. Her pussy was sucking on him hard. She has been waiting on this for months... she can't remember the last time she was this horny!
   The simple insertion was almost enough to make her come hard!
   Before long, his rod was fully inside. The beauty could not control herself anymore and started moving her hips.
   At first, her movements were a bit slow but as she kept moving her waist the speed quickly increased.
   "Mmhhh~~~"
   "Hnnn~~~"
   "Leave this to Sera, Master~~~ this test is all mine~~~" She said while changing position slightly leaning back, showing him her impressive rack.
   Marcus' hands moved onto her very enticing breasts, he needed to 'test' their elasticity after all.
   3
   Serafall grinned silly seeing her Master's expression, it was of a man trying very hard. She was riding on his cock and he was trying hard not to come while thinking of touching her even more.
   Nonetheless, Marcus didn't last long against Serafall who was as hungry as a beast. And before long ropes of cum were shot into the Devil Lady's womb.
   "Hmmnnnn~~~ it's here... very good~~~ a very successful test~~~" Serafall commented with glassy eyes.
   "...A very successful second test... we shall move to the third..." Marcus stated as he grabbed her hips. Serafall eyes slightly widened in surprise before she had a very lewd smile on her face.
   "Ohh~~~ Master sure has great vitality~~~" She said with a purr... Serafall felt him channelling magic throughout his body as she wondered if Solomon had left some magic techniques for intercourse... After all, the man had a massive harem!
   Before long, Serafall was flipped over and laid on her back, both of her legs were high up in the air.
   4
   She was liking this even more as her Master took control and was taking charge.
   Seconds later and she was already softly moaning from his movement.
   The beauty wondered how long he could last? Especially since this was his 'first time'!
   ~~~~~~Next Morning~~~~~~
   When Marcus opened his eyes, the first thing he saw was his room's ceiling. Everything was normal, just like he liked...
   Or it should be. But instead, he felt a heat source next to him. Instead of reacting to it he took a deep breath and smelled the familiar scent of his devil girl.
   He understood that Serafall decided to sleep with him. Instead of reacting to that in some weird way he just wrapped his hand around her and decided to continue sleeping since he still had around an hour until he needed to wake up.
   'Hmm sleeping with Sera is quite nice. I think I can get used to this everyday.' With that thought in mind, the young inventor immediately snoozed off.
   4
   And Serafall, who was sleeping on his side, smiled a happy smile. She wanted to figure out what his reaction to her would be. And to her satisfaction, it was a very positive one.
   1
   Since he likes cuddling, she decided to wrap her arms back around him as well. The black-haired devil lady decided to stay like this for a few more minutes before she would need to move. 
   ~~~
   At 7 o'clock in the morning, in a certain room an alarm clock rang. Marcus opened his eyes and got out of bed, he rushed into the shower first thing in the morning, to get rid of his grogginess.
   After he was properly woken up by the shower, he went to dress up in his school uniform. That moment he realised that his heat source was gone. He turned around and scanned his room with his gaze.
   11
   His room was kept as simple as possible, as he prefers to customise his workshop over this room.
   After looking around he realised that Sera was not in his bed. Meaning that she left before he had woken up.
   'I didn't even feel anything when she moved, she is either really sneaky or I am just that deep of a sleeper?' He mused to himself. Since she is registered in the system as his familiar, his barriers didn't even bother to pick her up.
   1
   Once he was fully dressed up, he fixed his bed and descended to the kitchen...
   The moment he arrived in the kitchen his brain stopped for a second.
   He saw Serafall talking to his mother and father very animatedly. She had her hair done into a high ponytail and was wearing 'smart' glasses. She was also dressed in his school uniform making her look no older than a smart-looking sixteen-year-old girl!
   3
   That's the thing about the current Leviathan, she can easily pass as an early adult or a late teen...
   "Mark! You never told us you were 'friends' with an older girl!" Marcus' dad said with a grin as he purposefully emphasised the word 'friends' . 
   10
   The reincarnated inventor simply rolled his eyes. He was trying to spend less time with his family on purpose. So that, to anyone else -mainly the devils- it would seem like he doesn't care much about them.
   6
   The less attachment his enemies knew he had, the more leverage he had over them. But it would seem that the moment he gave some space to Sera she took it to the next level.
   8
   Fortunately, he knew that she has a large amount of affection towards him, and his Ars Goetia was telling him that she was only curious and wanted to learn about his parents. And not use them. That was the only reason he was allowing her to act like a '16-year-old cute girl' who is interested in the loner Marcus...
   "Yes, we are for quite some time now. She only decided to come here now because it was convenient." The teen inventor said with a sigh as he took his seat. Amusingly enough it was right next to Serafall. Seeing the coincidence, both his parents were grinning like idiots.
   1
   "Indeed, I have known him for over a year now. And yet, I still find new things about him each day." The black-haired disguised devil said with a smart-sounding tone. Her acting was utterly and insanely on spot. Even Marcus could feel a chill going down his spine at how good she was with it. It was no wonder that she is responsible for diplomatic relationships... 
   3
   "I see... Honestly, Son, I thought you were going to marry your BMW at this rate" His father said sagely. He was expecting Marcus to marry his car.
   21
   The teen inventor rolled his eyes as he started drinking his tea.
   His mother coughed in amusement while Serafall simply just smiled.
   "Don't worry. I will make sure he doesn't do that." The current Leviathan said in an assuring tone.
   "We leave him in your hands then, Sera." His dad said with a serious nod. 
   This made the teen groan. Why do they have to take these small inconsequential things so seriously?
   ~~~
   "Is there any reason as to why you suddenly decided to insert yourself into my morning rituals?" I asked with an eye roll. 
   2
   Nonetheless, I do love how she is hugging my arm and acting like a doting girlfriend.
   5
   "And why not? I have already altered some of the hypnosis done by Venelana. They are much happier knowing that their son has a girlfriend!" Serafall said to me while continuing to hug my hand.
   8
   We were reaching the school and I can already see some people staring at the black-haired devil girl of mine.
   Her beauty is supernatural, and to be perfectly honest, I began to completely dismiss the 'regular' girls.
   4
   It was like they were 'colourless' and didn't have that 'colour' Sera has. I mean, I could still get turned on by 'regular' girls but actually being interested in them? No, not anymore.
   2
   "As long as I have my time and they are not snooping around the area behind the garage it's fine," I said with a sigh. I suppose I could accept the fact that Serafall is advertising herself as my girlfriend.
   2
   "Don't worry, I dealt with that the moment I started the hypnosis. They think that area has some miscellaneous stuff laying around. They won't be checking it unless some sort of cleaning is done." She explained to me.
   "I see. I suppose I could make it look like that." I said with a nod, thinking of dealing with it.
   "Indeed. Now why don't we act like an actual couple for once!" She proposed with a suggesting purr.
   2
   "As long as you don't overstep your boundaries, Sera. I will entertain this idea." I agreed with a nod.
   She smiled hearing that.
   "Don't worry~~~ you forget that, I am a devil~~~ I can adapt to any situation. I know my boundaries. I won't be interfering or demanding too much attention. But, I will be there when you are free... or more precisely, you should call me when you have the time... I can always help you~~~ in some way~~~" She winked seductively before entering the school.
   I can assume she already inserted herself in the educational system of my birth country.
   19
   Hopefully Heaven or Norse won't notice her profile picture... Well, I don't think they even have profile pictures here yet.
   ~~~
   "Marcus!!! Let's have lunch together!" Serafall entered my classroom with a lunchbox in hand.
   I lifted my head from my notebook and saw her smiling at me. The people who were in class were looking at me as if they had just seen me for the first time in their life.
   For obvious reasons, I am much more reclusive in this life than I was in the first one.
   And my school attendance is nothing more than to keep the charade of a regular life going on.
   Plus it helps me think about stuff and actually be away from my workshop.
   5
   "Dude! You have a girlfriend!? But you never even leave your desk or talk to anyone!?"
   "Yeah! Like how!?" 
   Some of the guys started talking and even had a jealous look after seeing Sera. The devil girl's supernatural aura and looks just suck everyone in.
   "Marcus is like, super smart and top of the school lists~~~ did you know that he is also super good with his hands? Like really good?" Her words made girls blush as they were thinking of it as a sexual innuendo...
   13
   "He is also fixing a completely broken car from top to bottom in his free time! He is super cool and hot!" Serafall acted the part of a doting girlfriend, making more people jealous...
   I decided that it was time to leave the room. So, I quickly collected my stuff and left the classroom. I could practically feel the amount of eyes on me, especially when the black-haired devil hugged my arms tightly.
   4
   ~~~
   "Let's find out what your tastes are, Master~~~" Serafall said as she opened the lunchbox. There were a ton of sandwiches there. 
   Just from a glance, I could tell that each of them are different in their own way.
   "I have prepared multiple sandwiches with different ranges of tastes. This way I will find out what you like and from there I will work my way up to make even more things you like." She said happily as she offered the sandwiches to me.
   3
   "Or... you could have just asked what I like..." I said while picking up a random sandwich.
   "Where is the fun in that? Besides this way you might also find a liking to a new taste yourself." She said while waiting for me to taste it.
   5
   "True... let's see then..." 
   I took a bite, and the first thing I noticed was that my mouth was suddenly assaulted by the spiciness which was then washed over by the sauce the next moment...
   "This... is... good... I dislike spicy stuff but this is good! Especially this! It allows me to taste spicy stuff without burning my mouth. Very good! 10/10!" I praised her, the smile she gave me reminded me of a cute animal, if she had a tail it would be wagging right about now.
   30
   "I know right! Anyway! Try this one!" She quickly pulled out another sandwich after I finished the first one.
   'Well, this might be a good thing, My school time is quite dull after all.' 
   For a second I thought about how different this was from my previous life. Back then I only had a few people of which I used to talk to cars about, since nobody watched anime or played video games during that time... 
   Well, they do, but no one talks about them in school. It was too embarrassing in front of the girls, so we ended up only discussing cars.
   16
   But, ever since I ended up in this body I didn't bother making any sort of friends since I had little time for it.
   Now with magic, it's even less possible since... Well, magic and the supernatural. Regular people don't have a place in any of this and because I got myself involved with the devils I would rather not get close to any of them.
   That, however, came to a question with Serafall coming into my life.
   "What do you think? Are they good?" The devil lady brought me out of my reverie, I turned towards her.
   "This is good. All of them are nice, some better than others, I can assume you will be making them every day?" I asked with raised eyebrows, since she is spoiling me like this, I won't be holding back.
   "It all depends on you, remember? You did say that I belong to you, no~~~?" She asked with a coy look.
   "Indeed. Then I request this daily, since you started this trend yourself." 
   "I had to, you were turning into a machine. It was up to Sera to fix it!"
   9
   "I see... I suppose I was turning into that. But that was so that the basics could be done." I said with a sigh.
   "Basics? You mean inventing futuristic technology and making a pantheon-level protection barrier were only the basics?" She asked while shaking her head.
   "Indeed. One needs to fortify his base before expanding outside." I sagely said with a nod while thinking about precautions in case Serafall's actions would raise any suspicion.
   3
   Actually, it has already raised some suspicions. I heard Sirzechs was already looking into her.
   "Sera, you mentioned spies yesterday? Has anyone been snooping around you lately?" I asked quite seriously and Serafall stopped in her tracks.
   "Nothing of concern. Sirzechs only sent some people to find out about my increased speed in paperwork. Naturally, he could not find anything as there was nothing of note in my office.
   4
   So far, nothing that is going requires us to act. But... knowing him... he isn't going to stop until he finds something...
   In conclusion, we need to prepare something, otherwise he might just push me to the point where I need to have an answer of some sort prepared for him.
   Worst case he will send Grayfia after me to spy on." Serafall gave me an answer. And this was exactly the answer I was expecting. Sirzechs will do something.
   11
   'Grayfia is an issue, she is a devil from an extra house. My Ars Goetia does not affect her. That means I need to come up with another binding method. Another concept to base the binding.' 
   11
   'She is a servant of Lucifer if my memory is right, Venelana barely covered the extra houses since there are so few of them left.' 
   "I see if that's the case I need to think of countermeasures, in case you need to talk," I said to her after thinking for a while.
   "...Master...I hope you are not thinking of making me fight them? I might be strong but Sirzechs is on a completely different level..." 
   3
   "No such thing. There is no need for you to fight anything. Ars Goetia will pull you to my side in case you fall under some sort of suspicion. The course of action for you is to reveal that you have a contract with a genius inventor. This will cause some publicity for me, but it's better than you losing your position.
   4
   If it comes to that, we can think of future actions once we reach that point. For now, we need to think about countermeasures in case my location is discovered." I said while continuing to think.
   1
   Serafall released a sigh of relief before thinking for a moment.
   "Doesn't the Diamond Heart Core make it nearly impossible to pinpoint the coordinates of teleportation?" She asked me with a thoughtful look.
   "Not quite... they would know the general direction. For example, if you were to jump from America to here. People would be able to track the general direction of it. Meaning Europe, somewhere towards Asia. This means they would be able to pinpoint that it's Eastern Europe.
   2
   It's even more accurate if you teleport from the Underworld. If anyone were to track the teleportation they would know that you ended up in Eastern Europe. But that would raise some suspicion as your direct location can't be tracked."
   "...This means they will be suspicious because I am hiding something..." 
   "Correct. That's why you need an alibi..." 
   ~~~~~~Underworld (some time ago)~~~~~~
   A certain red-haired man was sitting in his office, he was radiating an extremely serious aura.
   "Grayfia...I need you to find out how Serafall is doing her paperwork. It's of utmost importance that you find out." The current Lucifer said with a deadly serious tone.
   10
   "Can't you just ask her how she is doing it?" His Queen asked with a confused look. She was baffled that he asked her to spy on a fellow Satan!
   "Already did... she dodged the question multiple times. I realised that she didn't want to share it" The red-haired man explained to her.
   4
   "Then... there should be a reason as to why she doesn't want to share it." Grayfia reasoned with him.
   "Indeed. But, I need the truth. She finishes all her work before midday. Such a thing is unheard of. If I could do such a thing then I would have much more time for other things than just paperwork!" He said the last part with a chilly icy tone. His eyes slightly glowed red as he looked at the mountain of papers at the edge of his desk.
   8
   He was about to use Power of Destruction on it but changed his mind at the very last second.
   7
   "Very well. If this is what you wish. I will do this for you." 
   "My thanks, Grayfia." The current Lucifer nodded before returning to his work.
   While his Queen left after bowing to him.
   ~~~~~~Few Weeks Later~~~~~~
   The Strongest Queen has been trying to figure out what was going on with Satan Leviathan.
   1
   At first, it was just her mission entrusted by her King. But then she realised something was going on with one of the strongest members of their race.
   Serafall was much happier... Not that fake Magic girl act. In truth, she has not seen Leviathan wearing a magical girl outfit for some time now.
   This points towards something that is going on with the fellow devil. Grayfia concluded that the black-haired Satan was most likely dating someone.
   The happiness, the changed behaviour, she has seen this kind of thing before. But, this still does not answer the question: how is Serafall doing her paperwork this fast?
   While the silver-haired maid didn't like the fact that she had to continue with her spying, she still tried but. In the end, she couldn't find anything.
   This only leaves her with the fact that she needed to track her down in the human world...
   Easier said than done, as Serafall really doesn't want to be discovered. Secrecy to this kind of level for some reason disturbs the Silver-haired maid.
   3
   She can get the fact that Leviathan is a public figure and she wants her own private life, but this amount of secrecy even towards the teleportation circles is over the top. No one in the Underworld hides their teleportation destination to this level.
   'Eastern Europe... that's dangerous Serafall, why are you going to Church controlled territory?' Grayfia tried to pinpoint the teleportation with her magic but she found out that she had immediately lost the black-haired Satan in Eastern Europe.
   Nonetheless, she now knows the general location, although this might take several weeks, maybe even months, of careful searching... 
   7
   ~~~~~~Marcus~~~~~~
   It was finally time to test the holographic design table. After finishing the basic OS, the table was now functioning to a usable level.
   1
   The whole PC and table designs were done months ago. But the OS took ages to program. Even with my augmented talent, it still took months since I was working on making it a self-updating one for the sake of saving time.
   There are shackles in places. I don't want a rogue A.I capable of designing tech and magic weaponry running in the supernatural world after all.
   11
   So it has certain restrictions on how it can self-update. Nonetheless, it will eventually be a virtual butler capable of helping me in the field.
   14
   After thinking about it for a bit I decided to upgrade M.T.M Castor MK II to the next level.
   For that, I scanned the paper design and uploaded it to my PC. Going through several filters I could now see the 3D image of the gun.
   At the current level, to interact with the holograms, I still needed to wear specific gloves. These gloves will help collect all the data on my movement and cross-reference it with the hologram. This will help to improve the hologram and the interaction from humans to the hologram.
   2
   Eventually in the next level, I won't need to wear gloves to interact with the hologram.
   But to reach that level, I needed to use the table in the first place. That's why I am already using it although it was quite uncomfortable.
   First I stripped the gun of its case and left only the M.T.M circle technique.
   Then I upgraded the M.T.M onto the next level, with more accelerator circles, magnifying circles, as well as booster ones. This made the system much bigger but that's the point.
   The gun will be bigger, if the gun is bigger then, the rail can also be longer. The longer the rail is, the more power it can create.
   9
   Speaking of the rail. Next is the Barrier Rail Technique, or in this case Barrier Rail System.
   For this one I decided to make diamond rails powered by magic. Not only will it accelerate even further, it will generate heat and friction both of which will be absorbed by the barriers around and then added to the load at the very end.
   This whole thing would increase the power of the shot from around 300% to 400%. In other words, even a regular man could technically kill a high-class Devil with this. Just by pressing the trigger.
   While all of this was nothing more than upgrading already existing techniques or in this case systems, I'd started working on the cartridge system.
   The basics were quite easy. Scatter fire, or beam version. Or even cannon fire. Those are simple magic manipulations. Done through a circle.
   That's why it was time for me to summon my first devil familiar...
   "Well, I am almost done with the internal design..."I said to Serafall who was doing her paperwork.
   "Hmm? That was quick... I thought you were going to spend days on it." The current Leviathan said with a curious look as she just pressed YES to sign a paper.
   "As if... I am not doing this on paper anymore. And I'd already reworked the two main points of it, and now I am working on the cartridge. For that, I will need to summon Venelana." My words stopped Serafall In her tracks.
   "What...for?"
   1
   "Her Power of Destruction," I said plainly. And Sera sighed in relief after hearing that. Is she jealous or something? Does she think that I will have my way with that brown-haired devil lady?
   16
   "I see... are you planning to recreate it?" She asked me after fully realising what I just said.
   "Indeed. More like synthesising." I said to her, Before focusing on my Ars Goetia and connecting to Venelana.
   1
   'Venelana it's me. I will be summoning you soon, get ready.'
   'O-Of course...' I got a shocked response from her. Well, I would be shocked too, after not talking for more than a few years.
   7
   A few moments later Solomon's circle appeared and Venelana appeared in all of her physics-defying glory.
   The first thing she did was obviously to look around. Her eyes eventually ended up on Satan Leviathan...
   "L-L-Lady Leviathan!? Y-You are here!? D-Does this means..."
   2
   "I am his Sitri Pillar." Serafall casually nodded at Venelana.
   "No...wonder... no...wonder I was not summoned anymore..." the brown-haired devil lady was looking at the tiled floor. Her shock was obvious on her face.
   4
   "Not that you need to be summoned... you can summon yourself. I do that every day. I am the one who keeps him company in any way he wants..." Serafall words had many meanings and it would seem Venelana understood that very well.
   2
   "Anyway. Let's keep this short. I only need some of your power of destruction. Once I scan it you can return to the Underworld." I got her attention back with my words.
   She turned around and looked at me from top to bottom. A bunch of emotions went through her eyes at that moment.
   "It's fine. I have more than enough free time these days and I haven't seen you, Master, for more than two years." She said with a certain tone.
   13
   If she doesn't want to leave then, there is a hidden motive. Well, we will have to see what it is that she wants. It would be quite interesting to find out...
   3
   'I should have asked Serafall about the political landscape of the devil.' For a second I thought about it. But decided to drop it for the time being.
   "I see... then you can stay if you want. Let's get the Power of Destruction reading done first." I motioned for her to come over, where a white circle was getting prepared.
   "I need you to create a ball of Power of Destruction and make it float inside that circle for a certain amount of time. Can you do it?" I asked her while walking over to my computer.
   I could see that the circle was properly connected to my PC.
   "Easy enough. I can assume you are trying to recreate it? While I have no doubt that you could do it. You do know the repercussions of doing so?" Venelana asked me with a sigh.
   Satan responsible for diplomatic relationships in my garage. I know more than I need." I said with an eye roll.
   3
   "If you say so..." 
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   My Discord server for advanced chapters:
   https://discord.gg/hvzgBJg4ss
   Along with the advanced chapters, there are also a lot of other fanfics I wrote and did not upload to Webnovel.
   1
   P.S: To clarify, chapters are coming out Monday, Wednesday and Friday around 9:00 AM British time.
  
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   Chapter 6: Devil Maid
   4
   The scan results for the Power of Destruction were weird. I needed to use several types of circles to even understand what I was reading.
   3
   Basically what I was seeing was scientifically impossible as the power should simply erase everything in its path. But, it doesn't!
   It's like a selectively complete-erasion... 
   2
   The caster selects what they want to erase from existence, and when the target is hit by the Power of Destruction they are then completely erased, at a subatomic level.
   Leaving nothing behind. The way it worked? It's like a semi-conscious energy.
   Now the question is can I recreate it? The answer is yes. But, to do that I will need to use Solomon's technique and retract it.
   The way that Solomon dude did it was that he negated it by cancelling it through copying the energy pattern. How the guy did that back in 1000 B.C is beyond me. Well the same could be said about the Biblical God who started programming even earlier.
   4
   First things first, I won't be able to do it with just one circle. Only those who are born with the Power of Destruction can do that.
   3
   Four circles at minimum will be required to even cast Power of Destruction. One for altering the energy, second for emulating the frequency, third for the manifestation and the fourth one for control.
   1
   With this discovery, my previous work on the cartridges will need to be adjusted. I was thinking it would only require one circle.
   That redesigning is now in order.
   "Any luck?"
   "It is done. I will need four circles to reproduce it." I replied to Venelana who was simply speechless after hearing that I was done.
   "One of the greatest Devil-kind magic, reproduced in less than an hour... I would like to see the face of Zekram Bael when he hears this." The brown-haired devil lady said with an almost mocking smile.
   From the looks of it, she truly doesn't like her birth family.
   5
   "Well, I am the one who is reproducing it. So, it shouldn't be that much of a surprise." I said to her as I looked back at the computer screen where there were four white circles being drawn.
   Though I did notice that it's efficiency was only around 67%, I can assume that I won't be able to select who to erase and who not to...
   It seems that I would need to experiment more on it before truly being able to completely reproduce the Power of Destruction.
   "I suppose that is true. Nonetheless, my family will try to deal with you as soon as they hear that you can use our family magic. Remember that." Venelana warned me seriously.
   "I will remember that. Not that I am using Devil magic. The residue will be that of neutral magic. Your kin will more or less be able to see that I have reproduced it after watching a Bael use the power." I explained to her.
   "I see... then I suppose it might just work in your favour." The brown-haired devil lady said with a nod. She was satisfied with the answer.
   Once our small conversation ended, I went over to check the circles and see how good my OS was in crafting them.
   And to my small surprise, I only needed to edit the small bits before it was usable for some test runs.
   But before that, I needed to start working on another project of which I was procrastinating on for quite some time... 
   "Sera I need your help, I need another room done," I said with a sigh.
   "Hmm? What for?" She asked from the side.
   "It will be an assembly line." 
   "Are you making a factory?" She asked with a slightly baffled tone.
   "Not a mass production one, it's more on a personal level." I clarified to her.
   "I see... okay, where do you want it done?" She asked as she got up on her feet. My first devil familiar shortly followed after Serafall.
   "Over there." I pointed to the left side of my workshop.
   "Don't your neighbours... live there?" She said with raised eyebrows at me.
   "Yeah, they live on the surface," I said plainly.
   1
   "Uhhh... if you say so..." She said with a resigned sigh, before following me to where I want to expand.
   But then I thought about the comfortability of this and future expansions...
   "On second thought... let's build it underneath the workshop," I said while turning around.
   4
   *Sigh*
   "Very well..." 
   ~~~
   The brown-haired devil quickly realised that the current Leviathan was pretty much head over heels for the Second coming of Solomon. And this quite terrified her, especially when she thought about what could happen to the Devil race as a whole if Marcus were to suddenly do something to them.
   Seeing someone who is always behind a mask, not having it like this and being extremely honest, sends warning bells to Lady Gremory.
   Ars Goetia is one truly terrifying power. 
   Although she was lost in thoughts, she still assisted with whatever her Master asked of her.
   And in a matter of days, the room underneath the workshop was complete. With the two devils working efficiently, Marcus was able to rapidly finish the transmutation/assembly system.
   This was where Venelana noticed something strange... the way her Master was working... it was like he had already done it before...
   She knows that a project of such scale requires multiple testing and what not. But the way her Master was doing it, it was like he had already gone through this before...
   But that should be impossible...
   "Don't you think it's weird... How easily he's doing all this? Even Lord Beelzebub would need some time to test a project this huge. But for Marcus... he is doing everything in a single try..." Venelana whispered to Serafall.
   "I know... and I have a theory of my own." The Leviathan said with a nod.
   "You... do?"
   "He is most likely the reincarnation of the original Solomon," Serafall said with a knowing look.
   9
   "Like those heroes? But that still doesn't explain how he is this good! This is already a realm beyond what even Lord Beelzebub can do! And he is, as we know, a Super Devil!" Venelana said in a somewhat frantic tone.
   1
   "Indeed... I can only guess that he has partial memories from the original. Since he is far too mature for a teenager but he also only started looking at me as a woman after puberty hit him. And as we know, Solomon was a massive pervert who wanted to conquer the entire devil race just for the women." Serafall said the last part with a deadpan.
   10
   "True... it is the most likely answer we are going to get..." Venelana said with a sigh. She then decided to ask something important.
   "Is it true then? You did it with him?" Marcus' first familiar asked the second one.
   "...Oh yes. Master is quite natural at it, in fact. That's why I think he is the reincarnation of Solomon to a certain extent. He is very good for someone who has never done it before." Serafall nodded with a lewd look as she remembered all the times they had done it. It was almost daily. That's why she wanted him to get all pumped up for work because once he was done, he would have his time with her.
   4
   "...You do realise that he is a human and you are a Satan?" Venelana said with a sigh.
   "That is the silliest excuse I have heard. In front of Solomon's magic, devils and Gods are just easy targets for the King of Magic. And Marcus is his successor..." She said as she watched Marcus who was sitting at his computer looking over something.
   6
   Moments later... a portion of the floor opened and a pedestal came out. It was another golden ring...
   "It would seem... he has his second ring..." Serafall said with a knowing look.
   3
   "So he is bringing those things back!" Venelana had a horrifying look as she saw Marcus putting another ring on his finger.
   2
   "I asked him about them before, and he said that Solomon rings were just shortcuts to his magic. This means that he had 10 different shortcuts to specific magics. And the negation one was only one of those 10. The other 9 are different ones altogether." The black-haired Satan explained to the other Devil lady.
   7
   "That makes it even more terrifying...don't you think? How can a human achieve such power?" Venelana said while using one hand to cover her face.
   "No idea. That's why I am watching over him as much as I can. That's why I am afraid of what he will do to our race if we are to cross him? You don't know, but he has already established barriers worthy of a pantheon around his house...
   Before he even had a proper setup for his workshop." Serafall said seriously as she remembered the Diamond Core Heart.
   "...I see... I suppose we should try guiding him away from our race and towards other races?" the brown-haired devil suggested.
   "That's the wrong way of thinking. He doesn't care for the race, only what it can offer him. As long as no devil offends him, the devil's race is safe." The current Leviathan said with a knowing look as she already had a clear image of their Master.
   "You think that he would just erase an entire race?" Venelana asked with wide eyes.
   "I have a feeling that it would escalate to the point where Satans would need to act as soon as he revealed Solomon's magic. Devils would panic and would want him to get captured. Which would lead to a very bloody and one-sided fight." The Leviathan said as she had already predicted how the fight would progress.
   Marcus is not a fighter. He would simply crush what is in his way. He doesn't have that 'sportsmanship' spirit that many devils or just fighters in general have.
   27
   "I see... then let's hope nothing like that will happen..."
   "..."
   "..."
   "..."
   8
   "Let's go and test this ring out!" Both of the devils were brought back from their thoughts when they heard their Master's words.
   ~~~
   Marcus and the pair of devils entered the testing room. Venelana noticed that it was much bigger than she had initially remembered and the flooring had been improved considerably. There were also rows of mannequins at the end of it. 
   The teen inventor pointed his right-hand palm at one of the mannequins. There was an around-50-metres distance between them.
   In the next moment, four circles that were very close to each other appeared at the end of Marcus' palm. And at the last one a familiar black/redish orb started to form.
   "Power of Destruction..."
   "It's familiar...but different, there is no demonic energy in it," Venelana said after she had felt it.
   After all, she was very familiar with the demonic energy in the Power of Destruction. 
   Marcus didn't say anything, and instead was focusing on controlling it.
   The Power of Destruction started going through several forms. From a lance, to small orbs, then other shapes such as a rectangle or a triangle.
   "Is it just me or is Master better at controlling it than most Bael?" Serafall whispered to Venelana.
   8
   "...it appears so..." The brown-haired devil lady replied with twitchy lips.
   Marcus then decided to test its destruction capacities...
   It morphed back into a ball before charging up and releasing like a beam.
   With a loud cutting-like sound the beam rushed forward, completely erasing several mannequins and digging into a wall.
   "Test number one, result: success. Things of note: As previously predicted, copying selective destruction at the moment is impossible, unless the control can be increased through one more circle. The reason for the selective destruction comes from the Demonic nature of the energy." Marcus monologue as he was recording this through his earpiece, his gaze went toward the destruction caused by the beam of destruction.
   "So, you still can't replicate that huh..." Venelana said with a slightly relieved tone. She was happy that some of her family power specialness still remained.
   "Indeed it most likely comes from your Demonic energy nature. I still need some more testing done before I can replicate it or deciding to find some sort of replacement for it." He said while crossing his hands.
   4
   "Well. Anyways, the test was a success, and I can return to my work with the gun." He said with a satisfied look.
   He realised that this gun is going to be a lot more than he had expected. For the simple reason that if he plans to shoot beams of destruction then he needs to revamp the whole M.T.M system he has created.
   6
   The cartridges need another makeup, while the variations of what form the gun is releasing will need to be added directly into the gun itself.
   'Possibly a voice-based system at first then an intent one later on.'
   5
   "Sera if you would?" Marcus asked the devil lady.
   "One moment."
   Serafall called forth her circles which fixed the entire room in just a few moments.
   The teen inventor returned to his workshop where he immediately went over to the holographic table and started working on the design of the gun.
   He reworked the whole M.T.M system once again, this time with the idea of the cartridges having more than one circle. If the Power of Destruction has four, possibly five. Then he was planning to add that extra control. So that other powers, like healing will also have more than five. it's better if he doesn't have a limit in mind.
   7
   Once again he needed to work on the design as he needed to add a fourth system into it. This time it will be at the back of the barrier rail and above the M.T.M system, Marcus calls it the Revolver system.
   3
   For now though, it is only going to have bullets, beams, cannons and scattered versions of the things which the weapon can eject.
   2
   This means that it will have four circles in rotation. Possibly the easiest system in the whole of the gun.
   Finally after several hours of tinkering. Right before it was time to call it a day, he was done with the internal design... now for the hardest part, the gun's outer design...
   'Since this gun is for one hand only, well it should be for one hand. Then I need another one for this... hmm... Castor and Pollux... the twins...' Marcus mused  to himself as he typed down the new name of the gun, or rather- guns, onto the project file name which was empty before.
   18
   Once the name was done he pressed Enter and saved it, and turned off the PC for the rest of the day.
   ~~~~~~Later~~~~~
   "This is the city... I can sense some of Serafall's demonic energy... though it's extremely faint." A silver-haired woman said with a small frown as she looked around the city. It was quite small.
   Similar in size to the one her King got rented out for the devils in Japan. The very same city where Rias and Sona are moving in soon.
   3
   Is Serafall in this city because of the relations to the one in Japan? Apart from the size, there are no other similarities.
   No, such an idea was brushed aside by the silver-haired devil lady. After looking around she started to look for clues on where the Leviathan could be.
   In the end, she ended up not far from a building which looks like a school.
   'Serafall pretending to be a student?' Grayfia thought with a frown, she looked around for more after this sudden discovery. 
   In the end, she realised that the time for classes was over. So, instead, she decided to return the next day.
   At least now she knows where she needs to go.
   ...
   ...
   ...
   The next day she finally noticed her target going to school while holding a teenager's hand.
   The teenager in question was a good human specimen, his physique was of someone who takes good care of himself.; with short black hair and quite developed muscles. But there was something else around him which was interesting... it's an aura of self-confidence in...something...
   5
   Grayfia can assume that it's Serafall who combed his hair into a more modern fashion making it slightly spiking up. From the looks of it, the Satan was telling him how much better he looked now...
   4
   'She is definitely in love with this human. And I can sense a considerable amount of magic coming from him. Now, how did he make the Leviathan herself fall in love with him?' The silver-haired devil thought curiously to herself. She was in truth fascinated by this discovery. The Queen of Lucifer is very much curious about this unprecedented event.
   2
   Countless pureblood devils wanted to court Serafall, but none of them even came close to seeing her real face...
   6
   Yet, this teenager from a small town in a Church controlled territory no less! Managed to make Serafall Leviathan pretend to be a schoolgirl just so that she could attend school with him!
   By this point, the silver-haired devil lady was more interested in this juicy story than learning the method of doing paperwork fast!
   10
   So, she waited for the time Serafall and her human boyfriend were done with school. And then decided to track them down to the human's house.
   Thankfully it was not as boring as she thought watching them over the distance would be, as she saw that they spend quite a bit of time outside enjoying each other's company.
   To say that Grayfia was impressed by the Leviathan was an understatement as the devil lady spent the majority of her time on his lap.
   4
   From kissing to cuddling to feeding him food.
   If not for the fact that the Queen of Lucifer personally knew how dangerous Serafall is on the battlefield or with her ice magic then the one she was looking at could easily pass as a normal teenage human girl in love.
   2
   Eventually, her wait was over and she tracked them down to the house of the teenager...
   Once she was in front of the two-floor regular looking house she decided to ring the doorbell...
   Only that, the moment she stepped into the territory of his house did she feel her magic stop listening to her!
   Her eyes went wide as she quickly looked around.
   Cold sweat started rolling down her forehead. 
   'What is this!?' 
   "I am sorry Grayfia... you should have not have tried to track me down..." 
   13
   A familiar voice of Serafall appeared behind her.
   "Serafall...what is the..." Before she could say anything more, she lost consciousness...
   ~~~~~~Marcus~~~~~~
   "I wasn't expecting for Sirzechs to send his Queen after me like that," Sera said to me as she was looking down at the form of the silver-haired devil.
   2
   Not going to lie, the silver-haired devil lady has the same type of body Venelana does. 
   3
   What is with these female devils and their absurd bodies?
   "So she is the Strongest Queen and the rival to your title?" I asked curiously as I looked at her. The amount of magic she was emitting is off the charts. Thankfully we were inside my workshop otherwise someone would have picked it up.
   "Was rival to my title. But I won and she decided to stick with being Sirzechs Queen and his maid." 
   "Maid? As in a real maid? And not his wife or something?" I asked her. This is where it was truly getting weird as I remember she was supposed to be Sirzechs wife. Well, I can't truly recall all the stuff I watched nearly 40 years ago.
   1
   "No. She is not. The council didn't want the current Lucifer to marry a servant of the previous. Instead, they allowed him to have her as his Queen for the legitimacy of his title. As no Lucifer should be without a Lucifuge to serve him." Serafall explained to me, slightly annoyed and distressed.
   12
   "This council has quite a bit of say in the affairs of Satans..." I said with a frown. This reminds me of a constitutional Monarchy of some sort with politicians bitching constantly at their King.
   4
   "They are ruled by Zekram Bael, the first generation Devil and Great King. One could say he is the one who is truly running the underworld. The man is old and very knowledgeable on pretty much anything. And no one wants to end on his bad side. Sirzechs included." Serafall said with a serious tone.
   4
   "I see, so he is like the old man who has a lot of connections."
   "Precisely. Now, what are you going to do with her? Ars Goetia doesn't really have any power outside of the Pillars..." The black-haired devil asked with a slightly nervous tone.
   "Indeed. Ars Goetia doesn't work so I am going to make one for the extra houses." I said with a shrug.
   2
   "...that's... I guess my concern was not needed here." She sighed in relief before turning back to look at Grayfia.
   "Just make sure she does leave the workshop," I said seriously, before going over to my PC.
   1
   Going over the list of countermeasures I had, I selected the 'case a high ranking devil arrived' option. Once I'd selected that, there were several other countermeasures I had cooked up.
   1
   Since she is Lucifer's queen, I have a good chance of having the perfect spy at the very top.
   So, I selected a new form of 'Ars Goetia' . Since she is from Lucifer's servant house, the binding is even stronger as Ars Goetia was originally made to bind 'Lucifer's pillars' ; a branch system can easily be done.
   All I needed was to alter a few lines in the chant and change some runes in the circle. It was done in less than 5 minutes. After that, I took my seat.
   "Done. Take her to the summoning room." I said to Serafall, as I got back on my feet.
   "Already? How easy is it to bind devils for you!?" She asked with a fearful and shell shocked look.
   "Sera, the hardest part was to invent Ars Goetia. Once reinvented I could run in circles with this binding. If applied properly I could even enslave gods." I said with an eye roll. Making her even more ghostly white.
   24
   "You are a scary one..."
   "Then it's a good thing that you are on my side," I said with a smile to which she automatically nodded.
   "Good now bring her to the room. Let's get this over with. I still need to return to drawing the design for my guns." 
   "Guns?"
   "Yeah, it's going to be a pair! I can't wait!" 
   10
   ~~~
   When Grayfia opened her eyes, she saw an unfamiliar ceiling. One thing for sure was that she was laying on some sort of couch and the sound of multiple fans reminded her of the computers in Ajuka's lab.
   Was she moved to some sort of lab!?
   She tried to move but was then assaulted by head pain.
   "You're finally up! I hope I didn't hit you too hard!" That moment she heard the familiar voice of Serafall. Grayfia quickly moved through the pain and looked around.
   3
   Finding the black-haired Satan Leviathan sitting not far from her on another couch.
   "You! You knocked me out! What is the meaning of this!?" Grayfia's red eyes nearly glowed as she snapped at the fellow devil.
   1
   "Because you can't tell anyone what you find here. There is a reason why I am hiding my movement." Serafall said with a sigh.
   "Who possibly requires such secrecy!? Even from Lucifer himself!?" The silver-haired maid was not buying this at all!
   "Because my allegiance, just like yours, has changed." The black-haired devil said sharply.
   2
   "What!? What are you talking about!?"
   "Just check yourself out and tell me what you feel?" The current Leviathan simply said to her.
   Grayfia quickly inspected herself... and she felt something... has happened to her very being! It's like... she was rearranged at a spiritual level!
   "What...is this!?"
   "Ars Goetia." 
   "..."
   "...impossible! Solomon is dead! His heirs are dead, his magic is lost to time!" The silver-haired devil lady screamed while shaking her head. She was in denial but she can tell that it truly was what had happened to her!
   How did a simple, even absurd mission end with her in the hands of the Devil race boogeyman?
   "Well. He is indeed dead without any heirs, but his magic is very much alive." Then suddenly she heard a male voice from behind.
   That moment the Queen of Lucifer simply knew it was her Master. It was a gut feeling, a strong gut feeling. This quite terrified her as her instincts were telling- no, screaming at her to serve him.
   "Y-You are the successor to that man's magic?" Grayfia turned around and looked at him. Now she was not seeing him as just a mere human. Nope! that evaporated the moment she understood that he inherited that man's diabolical magic.
   "Not just succeeded in his magic, but improved it considerably. To the point where I can enslave extra house members like you." He said that with a simple shrug.
   "...I see..."
   "Indeed. You will be working for me now as well. But, don't worry though. Serafall does more than an admirable job at keeping me company. So you can return to your usual duties of being Lucifer's Queen." He said plainly to her.
   "I see... you want me to spy on my King?" She asked with a dull look. She looked like she wanted to kill herself.
   "I have no interest in regular things. I am an inventor. I would prefer if you were Ajuka's Queen but beggars can't be choosers. So I will stick with Lucifer's Queen instead." He explained simply and shrugged at her again.
   Showing that he truly doesn't care.
   "That's the best part, Grayfia. He is better at inventing than Ajuka!" Serafall found the perfect moment to brag about her man in this situation.
   Nonetheless, she followed the black-haired devil's gaze and saw... something entirely from the Sci-fi movies she had to watch with Rias a couple of times as her babysitter...
   A holographic display which showed some sort of magical circles and pieces which looked like a... gun of some sort.
   "Master is designing something which can be considered a high-level Sacred Gear!"
   The Leviathan's words were like thunder in clear skies. That moment the maid remembered that Solomon was Biblical God's only true disciple -to an extend- and he inherited the secrets of the Sacred Gears thus the ten rings!
   Grayfia put her hand on her mouth trying to process what this could possibly mean to the Devil Race.
   "Beautiful isn't it? I saw this weapon evolve from nothing more than a mere metal construct! When it's finished, even a regular person will be able to easily kill a High-Class devil without any issues!" Serafall said with a proud tone. By this point, Grayfia has realised that Leviathan has truly, completely gone to the second Solomon's side.
   2
   "Do you even realise what this means for our race? We were this close to being enslaved by a human 3000 years ago!" Grayfia motioned with her fingers how close they were to getting enslaved by Solomon. The only reason they lost was because Solomon was getting old! That's it! Quite simply because of his natural human limits!
   17
   Nothing could stop him before that! While the Biblical God just sat back, relaxed and watched how Lucifer was getting owned by a mere human again and again...
   26
   "And who said we are getting enslaved by him now?" Serafall asked Grayfia with raised eyebrows. After all, Leviathan observed Marcus for a few years now. There is no indication that he wants to enslave her Devil race!
   "...well... you were enslaved?" The silver-haired maid reasoned with her.
   "Right... so you two can discuss my 'invasion' of the devil race while I return to my work. I love conspiracy theories but I prefer the technological ones. I mean I usually try those out for shits and giggles, but possible invasion? Those are discussed by nerds who like military stuff." Marcus said while shaking his head, he turned around and walked back to his PC.
   9
   "As I was saying... I was enslaved simply because he wanted an expert on water manipulation. And because I was a Satan..." Serafall clarified to Grayfia who was blushing red like a tomato. The maid was extremely embarrassed. The unnatural fear she had for Solomon which she never thought she would have, has manifested the moment she realised that the boogeyman of Devil Race was the real deal...
   1
   And she was now his pet, slave or whatever, since she definitely feels a strong urge to serve him. Most likely an effect of this new type of binding which was used on her.
   "I see... so he has no interest in invading the underworld and enslaving our people?" The Queen of Lucifer asked with a relieved tone.
   "Most likely not. As long as our people don't provoke him, to the point where he has to move out with force then there is no need to fear him." Serafall explained to her.
   "Easier said than done! Serafall! He enslaved both me and you! There will be war if our people find out about this!" The silver-haired devil lady said with a sigh.
   "That's why I approve of his secrecy! But you just had to stumble on my location like that!" The current Leviathan replied back with an angry pout.
   "I had a mission from my King! Now that you reminded me, how do you do it!?" Grayfia asked with a pissed off tone. Here she was a slave to second Solomon because of some silly paperwork!
   6
   "Do what?"
   "Don't play games with me. How do you do your paperwork so fast?" The silver-haired woman asked with a tired tone.
   "Oh, that! Marcus invented an electronic device to do it! Now I can spend almost all my day with him!" The black-haired devil said with an extremely happy tone. The paperwork, the threat to her sanity has been completely subdued and are never to be raised again!
   "I see... I still need to return this information to my King." The strongest Queen said with a sigh. She massaged her eyebrows, how is she going to do that?
   "Indeed we have prepared the information for you if you are out of commission," Serafall said as she handed over a piece of paper with the information the maid needed.
   Grayfia read over it a couple of times before freezing it over with her magic and turning it into dust.
   "Are you sure this is wise? If Sirzechs learn about the genius of...our...Master..." the Queen of Lucifer grimaced, "then the rest will also learn and there is the possibility that the connection will be made between us and him..." 
   "Our master won't be hiding forever, he only needs to build up his base power, once he is powerful enough there won't be a need to hide anymore," Serafall explained plainly.
   "And that's what I am afraid of... what comes after..."
   34
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   My Discord server for advanced chapters:
   https://discord.gg/hvzgBJg4ss
   Along with the advanced chapters, there are also a lot of other fanfics I wrote and did not upload to Webnovel.
   P.S: To clarify, chapters are coming out Monday, Wednesday and Friday around 9:00 AM British time.
  
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   Chapter 7: Hand Cannons and Aurora
   4
   ~~~~~~Underworld~~~~~~
   "I see... so, this genius teenager managed to summon Serafall to be his contractor. And she is obligated to not tell anything about his work which is part of the deal." Sirzechs reviewed the file report with a thoughtful look.
   He was thinking about how to keep the deal going while profiting from it himself. If what his queen said is true then the devil kind will benefit from this, immensely.
   "And Serafall wanted to make him her queen but he declined?" Sirzechs asked as he wanted to double-check on the most important part.
   "Indeed, he is somewhat prejudiced towards the whole evil pieces scheme." The silver-haired devil lady confirmed with a nod.
   "I see... well it doesn't matter he might change his mind when he gets much older."
   'Then he will just find a way to get eternal life... I already told you how dangerously smart he is!' Grayfia internally seethed with anger as Sirzechs doesn't seem to understand how lethal Marcus truly is!
   17
   This is quite literally, what happened with the original Lucifer! He was glossing over the threat of Solomon just because he is human and look what happened? They nearly got conquered by the very same man! Alone! A lone human marched to their world, picked up some devil ladies and left like he owned the place!
   39
   "As you wish. I have fulfilled the mission you requested of me." Grayfia said that with a small bow.
   "Yes. Now I need to contact Serafall and request one of those... signers for myself."
   1
   "I suggest we contact him through her. It would be best if he doesn't get the idea that Serafall has failed on her side, but instead, you have picked up on her increased productivity and want the same thing." Sirzechs' Queen suggested what Marcus had just told her through the mental connection they share.
   "Exactly my thoughts..." 
   Sirzechs smiled at the idea of doing less paperwork and at the same time allowing Serafall to keep her contract with this genius human inventor.
   He has no idea how the teenager managed to summon a Satan of all people but if he can do that then his potential is noteworthy.
   2
   The Crimson Lucifer decided to keep a note on this human for future recruitment while Grayfia kept her poker face, she tried to fight her bindings... well... trying is the wrong choice of words. As soon as she even had the idea of fighting her bindings, the moment that idea comes up, she forgets about it.
   The power of Ars Goetia or whatever subspecies of it is simply too powerful, especially towards her very being. As Serafall had said to her, the maids' bindings are even stronger as she is from a house that was a direct Lucifer servant. Making her  have an even stronger connection to Ars Goetia...
   9
   ~~~~~~Back in the 'Garage'~~~~~~
   "Did you just say that Grayfia was added to the fold!?" Venelana's knees gave up as she collapsed onto the couch.
   A member of her family just got added into this mess! She quickly realised that the pillars are quite literally the same as Lucifer's meaning that the Gremory pillar is still empty and Marcus can just up and summon either her son who is the leader of their race. Basically making him the de-facto ruler of the Underworld or summoning her baby daughter. Both of these ideas simply terrified her.
   15
   "Yes. Turns out she has been tracking my movement for months. The Diamond Core Heart has been masking me for months from her. Which is amazing, to say the least." 
   1
   The brown-haired devil lady slowly nodded. She instantly remembered the beautiful diamond the size of a basketball downstairs and then thought about something like this being installed in Kuoh to protect her daughter. But how should she approach this?
   Some sort of deal? Money? She instantly snorted at the idea of cash for someone who can make jewellery from clay...
   Possible magic information exchange? But he can simply ask her anything and she will tell him either way!
   Then she started thinking of it from a different perspective! What if he visits Japan? Kuoh specifically? Since it is devil territory, they have living targets like stray devils appear there much more often.
   In the end, she decided. Since he is an inventor and researcher at heart he will be interested in more 'data'...
   "Lady Leviathan..."
   "Call me Serafall... we are pretty much connected for life..." the black-haired devil lady sighed as she was reading a book on cars of all things...
   "Then Serafall. Now that Sona and Rias will be attending school in the human world. You haven't thought about asking our Master to install something like a Diamond Core Heart in Kuoh?" Venelana asked the Leviathan.
   "I did the moment he got it installed and saw its incredible effects. We knew the very moment Grayfia was in the city. Where she thought she was tracking us, we were actually tracking her... its most advanced territory surveillance magic I have ever seen.
   2
   So, yes. I have been thinking about it for weeks now." She sighed.
   "We could easily get him to Japan as a field expedition. But to install another Diamond Core Heart? That would be impossible because there is nothing of worth for him there." Serafall said with another sigh.
   "We could simply tell him that he can leave one for the sake of collecting data," Venelana said with a thoughtful shrug.
   3
   "...That...might just work...I will ask him after one of our sessions." Serafall said that with a lewd smile.
   9
   "Good... the more interest he has in Kouh, the better it will be for our family over there."
   "Indeed, have you thought about asking for his help in that marriage contract Rias is stuck in?" The Leviathan asked with raised eyebrows.
   "No... I have not. I hope Rias will think of something now that she is moving to the human world." Venelana said with a sigh.
   18
   Serafall didn't say anything, but she had the look of someone who doesn't quite believe that Rias will do anything at all. The girl was just simply running away unlike her baby sister who is just going there for field experience.
   Nonetheless, it's not her business. She will try to help Sona if she can. But her priority is to make sure Marcus doesn't think of the devils as enemies. 
   "Time will tell."
   2
   ~~~~~~Marcus~~~~~~
   Now that Grayfia is in place, I can breathe a sigh of relief. With her there I will know exactly what Lucifer himself is doing.
   This incident was a close call. Reminding me that I should have some means to defend myself and go on the offence if need be.
   That's why the moment she was gone I dived back in to continue my work on the guns.
   10
   All that was left was the gun designs itself, the Glock design was quickly thrown out of the window since the circles aren't going to fit. That's why I went with hand cannons.
   1
   A slightly bigger and bulkier version of the Desert Eagle for the right and a slightly more slender and sleek one for the left. 
   17
   After all, they were Castor and Pollux.
   5
   And since Pollux is female, the design on the left is slightly on the slender side, which in turn makes the barrel shorter. And since my left hand is less used, I am planning on using the scatter mode much more than on my main hand.
   12
   The guns themselves had inscriptions of stars on them. On the side of the barrels, there were carvings of stars and wind. Implying that the stars will show the way... to target graves.
   3
   While the design is done I won't be using them just yet. Instead, I went with something much more plain-looking.
   It was time to test. Since I had the feeling that I won't be able to use them as it is. The recoil will be considerable.
   A few minutes later the creation of the pair of guns was done, one of the perks of having an assembly line, the downside however is the need to constantly update and upgrade but in the end, it is worth it.
   "Is this it?"
   "Yeah, Castor and Pollux."
   3
   "You named them after Greek twins? I wonder what they would think if they found out that there is a Pseudo Sacred Gear named after them." Serafall chuckled saying that.
   "No idea, I named the first gun after the word 'cast' as in casting magic bullets, thus 'Castor' but then I realised that I was making a weapon just for one hand so I decided to make another one and remembering the Gemini Twins, Castor and Pollux, I named the other gun 'Pollux'." I explained to her how the names came to be.
   "I see... I would have never guessed that the name came to be from such a simple naming term." The black-haired Satan said with a fascinated look.
   "Well it came up naturally so... I am sticking with it. I have no idea how the Greek Pantheon will react to this. Not that I care." I shrugged at her before picking up Castor with my hand.
   4
   A frown appeared on my face. Even after using an experimental metal alloy combination, the gun was still quite heavy. As heavy as the original mark II. 
   Meaning that yes, the alloy made the weapon lighter but the size difference made the weight difference nonexistent.
   Now the problem was the recoil. That's why I needed to test it so that I can move on to the ways of fixing the issue with said recoil.
   4
   "Well, I doubt they will react too harshly... probably...not sure..." From the words, even she wasn't sure of it herself.
   "Aren't you responsible for the diplomatic side of things?" I asked her while inspecting Castor. Having a feel for the weight.
   "I am, but the Greek Pantheon is old. And they don't quite like our faction in general, calling us the newcomers and such. And I would have no idea how they would act if they found out that a Sacred Gear was named after one of their lesser Gods while the bigger ones doesn't have one. As you can imagine it could either be quite good or very bad. Zeus would go on a jealousy streak. Poseidon would join him, because why not?
   12
   As I said it would be like a coin toss... depending on their current mood." She explained that in a single breath surprisingly.
   "Wow, I thought around the same lines as you had just explained, and here I am! I haven't even met them yet!" I said while shaking my head, they were exactly as I had just thought. I guess the myths are not that far-fetched. 
   "Most of the myths are true in some way. They are either extremely exaggerated or are just right on spot. Anyway, Let's stop with this discussion, I am starting to get a migraine just remembering some of the meetings I had with certain Deities." She said while messaging her temples. From the looks of it, she didn't like these meetings one bit.
   "Right, let's go and test the gun first." I motioned for her to follow me to the testing ground.
   Less than a minute later I was standing in position for the testing.
   "I suggest you use all of the magic you can to augment yourself," Serafall said with a serious look.
   1
   "You think?"
   "Woman's intuition. Just do it." She said with crossed arms.
   2
   "Sure thing. I was thinking of using all of my magic for this." When I said that she just rolled her eyes at me, not buying it one bit.
   I really was thinking of reinforcing it a bit, although not fully.
   Nonetheless, I followed her suggestion and channelled all of my magic, took a deep breath and pointed Castor at the mannequin on the other side of the room.
   "Here comes the first Test of Castor MK III! Three...two...one and...fire!" I pressed the trigger. I could just feel the energy being created in the gun, it was like a tidal wave.
   A few seconds later around 2 or so white circles appeared at the end of the barrel and a bolt of energy loud enough to sound like a clap of thunder escaped.
   7
   *Bang*
   In the next moment it passed through the mannequin as if it was made from paper and slammed into the wall. A massive explosion followed after... Earth shook for a moment...
   3
   The dust from this was enough to darken the whole of the room.
   And my hand? I feel... I couldn't even feel it... well it was there. But, it was so numb that I could not feel it. Thankfully because of my augmentation I did not dislocate my shoulder.
   4
   Nonetheless... The gun slipped out of my hand and dropped to the ground.
   *Cough**Cough*
   "That was..." Serafall coughed for a moment before calling forth her magic circles and the dust was quickly erased.
   Since there were countless reinforcements done on the structural integrity and because of the Diamond Core Heart, the room didn't cave in.
   But the destruction was still enormous... the whole end of the room was simply gone...
   "This... this is enough to kill me if I am not prepared for it..." Serafall said with wide eyes.
   "You mean to tell me that even in case of a surprise you still could easily take an attack of High-Class Devil?" I asked her, thinking of how magic truly worked? For example, can one in case of surprise still be able to survive from a fully powered attack?
   1
   "The magical power is never truly suppressed, it is more around the lines of compression. That's why when I felt the output of the gun I was able to feel the power of that bolt.
   1
   Meaning that you just created a weapon possibly capable of killing an Ultimate Class Devil. And most likely capable. Not one-shot though. But, that was still just a single bolt of magic, how rapid can you fire it?" She said that with a thoughtful look before looking back at me.
   6
   "Every two seconds." 
   4
   "..."
   "..."
   "Then this is definitely an Ultimate Class Devil slayer. This means that it's a high-Class Sacred Gear, possibly close to Longinus." She said with a serious look before sighing and her shoulder sunk for a second.
   1
   "Honestly, I should be terrified, but instead, I am feeling proud and even excited. I mean, I saw this coming together just as much as you did." She said with a small smile, I could see her having an internal fight for a moment.
   "How is your hand?" She said while coming over and inspecting me closely, her blue eyes were scanning me from top to bottom.
   4
   "Numb..."
   "Understandable. That's why you should listen to your girlfriend's intuition. Especially, when she is a devil! If you didn't take my advice seriously, you would have lost your hand at least or broken it beyond normal healing." She said while pointing her finger at me.
   1
   "Right... I guess you are more attuned to intuitions and stuff." I said that while making magic flow through my hand. Trying to get it back under control.
   2
   "Indeed now let's get back to the workshop. Your hand needs some rest~~~" She picked up the weapon before taking my left hand and pulling me back into the main room...
   "Uhh...we still need to patch up the room..."
   "Don't worry ~~~ Sera will fix it for you later~~~"
   1
   ~~~
   When Venelana teleported into the workshop the first thing she saw was her Master using Serafall's lap as a pillow as his right hand was encased in a makeshift holder made of ice...
   "What happened here?" She asked with raised eyebrows. What's with her and always arriving late to these events?
   "Master tested his gun. It was a complete success... well, it was too big of a success and his hand could handle the recoil." Serafall said with a sigh as she was stroking her Master's hair gently.
   1
   "I see..."
   "You can see it for yourself in the test room." The black-haired Satan said.
   And Venelana was far too curious to not check it out.
   So she quickly went there and saw how the other end of the room was destroyed. It's like a massive explosion completely erased the far end of the room.
   2
   She gulped down realising that, that was just a single shot. The weapon power is off the charts. Now, more than ever, did she realise how truly important it was to get him on their side.
   And at the same time, this made her even more reluctant. Knowing full well how likely he was to simply enslave her family members, like how he did with her Son's Queen!
   2
   But that was just a small price to pay in the end... in the end, Serafall profited from this... She can see how the Leviathan is living right now. She had never seen her like this before... not fake...
   'As long as my family doesn't suffer... It doesn't matter.' Venelana thought to herself as she turned around and left the testing room.
   12
   Going back to the workshop and walking towards the sitting area. By this point, the workshop was one massive room. It had Marcus' main designing and PC area. Then it had a big empty area which Venelana believes will be for his creations. Then on the left side, there is a summoning/ritual room. On the right side, there is a testing room and at the back, there is the entry lobby room with a small kitchen and bathroom.
   With a size even larger than his entire house territory ... She does wonder if the Diamond Core Heart handled the explosion properly, otherwise people will be calling the authorities to find out what happened...
   2
   "That is quite the destruction. Is it truly a single shot?" Venelana walked over and took her seat opposite to Serafall and her Master.
   "It is. I can safely classify it as High-Class Sacred Gear or even lower-tier Longinus gear." Leviathan quite proudly said that.
   11
   Venelana had cold sweat going down her spine. Well, it's now or never, this is the perfect opportunity to offer him to visit Kuoh with the intent of testing the gun in a more... live setting...
   1
   "I see... still though testing it inside is not recommended as the area above is church controlled. You need to test it properly." The brown-haired devil lady started with her idea.
   "What do you suggest? Going to devil controlled land?" 
   "Indeed. An area directly under Gremory and Sitri control. There you could easily test your guns." Venelana offered and looked at Serafall motioning with her eyes to help her in this.
   "...if you want something Venelana, then do tell me directly. There is no need for you to talk in circles." Marcus said with a sigh. He didn't even bother to open his eyes. He prefers just to enjoy the soft tights of his devil lady.
   1
   "Very well. Both my daughter and Serafall's younger sister are moving into Kuoh starting next Japanese school semester.
   The city doesn't have a proper barrier system, and that area is frequently known for having stray devils. So, my suggestion is that you can set up a system and test your guns there." Venelana said with a sigh. She doesn't like speaking bluntly like this. It sounds like she is desperate. But the devils truly don't have a barrier system like Marcus', And while they could just set up something. The Shinto faction would come to investigate since their barriers in nature emits demonic essence.
   The Shinto Gods don't like large amounts of concentrated demonic energy like that.
   This only leaves them with an alternative; an outsider, a third party who could do it.
   Both of the devil ladies allowed Marcus to think. The teenage inventor doesn't want to go anywhere near Kuoh. But he knows that there is a Longinus-gear that doesn't belong to any faction there, plus he knows that said area is also the centre of many events. Having something there stationed to collect data is a goldmine.
   And lastly both Serafall and Venelana are related to this. This means he will earn some brownie points with both of them. And he will gain a lot of things.
   1
   "Very well. There are conditions for this though." He said after some time has passed.
   Both Serafall and Venelana breathe a sigh of relief.
   "Like?" 
   "I will be deploying a much weaker version of the Diamond Core Heart, and both of them will sign a Devil Contract with me." He said simply to them.
   "...What does these contracts entail?" The brown-haired devil lady asked with a little bit of fear. She has no idea what kind of contracts he is talking about. The modern ones or the ancient ones? Those are different like day and night!
   "Nothing for you two to worry about. I have no interest in your daughter or Sera's younger sister. I prefer a much more powerful devil or someone somehow uniquely useful. So, all I am going to ask them is the client's confidentiality act. In other words, they will be 'testing' my invention. And will be sending reports on how it's working. Of course, all that will be under wraps because if they were to disclose anything on this it will affect their devil's reputation." 
   16
   Both Serafall and Venelana nodded. They were happy and at the same time annoyed that Marcus doesn't see their baby daughter and baby sister as 'unique' or 'valuable'. Nonetheless, they were happy that he would be assisting them!
   6
   "Easy enough. It sounds like regular devil business. They have already been doing that for several years now." Serafall said.
   "Yes. And client confidentiality is something they are taught from an early age." Venelana added from the side.
   "Right. Good to hear. Still, I won't be going so soon. I still need some preparations to be done for this. My guns need to be adjusted. The force of each shot needs to be at a manageable level. And the cartridge has to be finished." Marcus said that as he slightly lifted his right hand. It was still shaking. But it was progress.
   "I don't think you should be doing anything today. But think on the bright side! I can pamper you the entire time!" Serafall said with a happy tone. Now she has a proper reason she will make sure to pamper him enough! Maybe she should show him how much she appreciates the fact that he will be helping her little sister!?
   Marcus simply sighed at her and got comfortable in her lap.
   3
   "Very well." He closed his eyes, time for a nap.
   ~~~
   The test was a resounding success. The gun was a beast. I made it too powerful. And now I need to adjust it. Adjust the power and deal with the recoil.
   5
   After receiving a healing sleep, cuddling, and a good snogging. The next day I was ready to go back to work.
   First, some inner design changes.
   Back to tinkering on the M.T.M, instead of just pressing the button and getting a bolt having the potential to kill an Ultimate-Class. Now I need to hold the button slightly longer.
   3
   Now this means there are charges. And I need to see the charge. This means...
   *Groan*
   "Why can't this be easy?" I brushed a hand through my hair. Before saving the project and closing the project window on my PC.
   Thinking about it for some time... Going on a memory lane and then remembering something very interesting...
   This means creating another... new... project. Code name it Aurora. The purpose of this... is a Visor. An H.U.D...
   15
   Now that I think about this. This is a very important part of the puzzle. For one my aim is shit. And second, a H.U.D is a cream of crop especially when I will have Scale Mail.
   9
   Linked directly to my database and my future Sacred Gears. I will be able to see more than anyone will. Countless different visions...
   With recovered vigour, I started working on the visor. Thankfully the visor was much easier than the gun's original design.
   It was not new technology for me. Instead what took time was converting technology into a magical version of it. Runes... a different type of display. 
   Nonetheless, once the angle was found. It was child's play...
   ...
   ...
   It only took me a few weeks.
   "So what's with the glasses?" Serafall picked up the sharp-looking glasses.
   "That is Aurora H.U.D v2.0.1. Glasses which will tell me pretty much anything I need. They are directly linked to my rapidly growing database downstairs." 
   7
   "You mean that new room you made next to the assembly line of yours?" Serafall asked curiously as she put on the glasses.
   Instantly her eyes widened.
   "Woah! What is this? It's like those Sci-fi things!" She said with awe.
   "Sci-fi things?" I chuckled hearing that.
   "Yeah! It's like the glasses are smart! And it shows all sorts of things! Like it highlights the technology in the room. And it can give a detailed explanation! It even helps with reading your mood!" She said in a fascinated tone, before having a thoughtful look.
   "So...can I get one?" She asked me with a pleading tone.
   "I can make contact lenses," I said with a sigh.
   3
   "That's great! It will help me to get a read on in meetings and stuff!" She said that as if it's such an easy thing.
   "It's not that easy. The information has to come from somewhere. At the moment the glasses are connected directly with the database I have downstairs.
   2
   They become quite useless outside my city. As there is no database to access." I explained with a sigh.
   "...then they are useless in the Underworld?" She asked, disappointed.
   "It's still a new magical technology. With my rough estimate, it will take at least 30 to 40 years from the future by human standards. And it has a limited range because it needs to be connected to my network.
   If you can have my network in your work area then you can use it and you can even have a video chat with me or even access anything I have stored with thought alone" My explanation earned me another shocked look.
   4
   "This is good. I can assume this is the reason why you postpone your work on guns?" She took off her glasses and started inspecting them.
   "Yes, this is one of the key components for my Scale Mail. The Aurora system will help me control the guns. The energy charge, their mode, and most importantly the aim." I said with a sigh.
   1
   "I see... this truly takes a lot of time. How many years has it been since you started with the guns?"
   "Not quite. What takes a lot of time is building the appropriate tools I need. Now that most of the tools are truly done, not many future projects will take this long." I said while leaning back into my comfy PC chair.
   "Hmm... now that you mentioned it you could simply make these guns from the press of a..."
   "Button...or voice command... or even think about it when the glasses are on." I finished for her...
   "...That's amazing... and terrifying... you are giving me another perspective on the whole researcher/inventor thing... I thought Ajuka was scary with his whole Kankara formula and his sharp mind... but I bet he has something similar to this in his man cave." Serafall said in a joking tone but there was some sweat on her forehead.
   3
   "Hmm, possibly but from what I have understood about him, he is more into laws of the world and energy things. And I am more into engineering." 
   3
   "Hmm. Probably but you're going into the whole energy thing with Power of Destruction. I am sure Ajuka hasn't delved into Bael family magic... or did but didn't say anything. That's why I said you two are similar. One thing for sure is that I don't want you two to meet." She said the last part with a terrified look. if not for Ars Goetia she would have been even more scared.
   "And why not? I am pretty sure we could make some interesting projects together." 
   5
   "See! That's the point! I will lose you to him!" She pointed at me.
   5
   I deadpanned.
   "I am pretty sure I am into the female side of the spectrum."
   "And he could sell his niece to you and you would have his family and stuff!" Serafall didn't give up on this...
   21
   "...Right... I will leave you to your conspiracy theories... I still need to add Aurora to Castor and Pollux..." With that in mind, I returned to my work while Serafall started having a paranoid look.
   It would seem she truly has a wild imagination. And here I thought I am the one with the imagination to build stuff. Or is it a female thing? I should probably get a consultation with one of the love Goddess... preferably when one is chained up and her powers sealed off... as they will most likely try to drain me...
   17
   With a future minor goal marked I continue to work on the M.T.M system again. This time adding the Aurora system into it. 
   1
   By this point, I should create a core system instead of this mess...
   Thinking of it for a bit I looked at Serafall again, she was still thinking about that stuff!
   "Right... So did Sirzechs enjoy the new toy you gave him?" 
   "Hmm? Oh that! You only now remembered that you gave him one?" She asked me with a deadpan.
   "It's already a finished invention. I forget about those quickly enough." I said while shrugging my shoulders.
   1
   Besides, I needed her to forget that weird idea she started to think about. I am getting goosebumps!
   1
   "Right... he said that you have a favour from Lucifer himself. It's a big deal. I don't know how long this will be under wraps but the rest of the devil kind will eventually find about this favour. Since Sirzechs is over the moon with his signer... and yes, it's the greatest invention any civilization has ever seen." Serafall said that with a serious look, her blue eyes slightly glowed. I could feel the sheer presence she was radiating.
   4
   'The paperwork... just how deadly was it for them? I mean she fell in love with me because of it... this is strange... this world is strange...' I internally shook my head... at least she forgot about the whole Ajuka nonsense....
   5
   ~~~~~~~~~Inventions/Tech/Sacred Gears~~~~~~~~~~~~
   M.T.M (Motion to Magic) Castor & Pollux MK IV:
   A pair of magic casting (shooting) devices in the shape of a hand cannon.
   Classification: 
   Pseudo High-Class/ possibly Longinus class Sacred Gear made up of 73 magic circles fused into several systems.
   Castor is a longer and much bulkier design made for energy Beam shooting, while Pollux is much more slender and is intended to be used as an off-hand weapon that uses barrage bolts of energy.
   2
   Composition:
   Made from a mix of Alchemy created metal and human metal Titanium. The pair of guns are much lighter than they should be.
   The inside of the devices are laid out with barrier magic which absorbs excess heat and is then converted into magic and is sent to the Barrier Rail System
   The barrel inside of the gun is laid out with thin layers of diamond created purely from transmuted material making it extra sensitive to magic.
   In the end, the pair of weapons are made from transmuted Metals and diamonds.
   Key magic techniques inside:
   Advanced M.T.M System: Using a magic circle to capture motion and then turning the motion into energy and then energy into Magic even a regular human can use this weapon as they all need to do is press the trigger.
   To take a step further, the sensitivity and controls over the motion absorption has been severely improved. Depending on how long the trigger is pressed it can be a small bolt or a bolt powerful enough to one-shot a high-class devil.
   1
   Diamond Barrier Rail System:  By using barriers like rails empowered by Acceleration circles the blast builds up the force, the longer the rail is the stronger the blast will be at the end of the rail.
   To take step further diamonds have been added in creation of the barrier rails.
   This generates friction which is absorbed by the barriers and added as extra power upon the release.
   Revolver System: A simple revolver system positioned behind the Diamond Barrier System and above the M.T.M system. This system is responsible for what kind of type of bullets the weapon will release.
   Type of 'Bullets': Beam, Bolt, Scattershot, Cannon
   Cartridge Loader: A function added to the Castor and Pollux which allows to 'load' a cartridge of specific magic. It's based on human guns and bullet cartridges.
   So far only the Power of Destruction cartridge has been created.
   Aurora Control System: A system that allows Marcus to control and aim the pair of guns. It allows him to see the weapon charge power and which type of Bullets are loaded in the Castor and Pollux.
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   Aurora Visor Glasses:
   Glasses made from magic and technology, most possibly the most advanced piece of tech on Earth at the moment.
   1
   Classification:
   A magic device that assists the wielder. Either through thoughts or voice command.
   Composition:
   Made purely through transmuted materials like rubber, glass, metal.
   It has 6 very specific and complex magic circles which are at a similar level to Ars Goetia in complexity, from reading mind, to visual manifestation, to intent-based.
   Key magic system and technology:
   Aurora Assistance OS v2.0.1: An operational system based on human technology but manifested through magical means. The core of Aurora H.U.D
   Aurora Display: Pair of glasses which work like a computer screen. This can be turned on and off with mere thought or voice command.
   Aurora Connection: The system is responsible for the flow of information from the glasses to the main database. Without it, the glasses would be useless. The range for now is Marcus' hometown.
   Aurora Sacred Gear Assistance: The system responsible for simplifying the control of Pseudo Sacred Gears.
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   My Discord server for advanced chapters:
   https://discord.gg/hvzgBJg4ss
   Along with the advanced chapters, there are also a lot of other fanfics I wrote and did not upload to Webnovel.
   P.S: To clarify, chapters are coming out Monday, Wednesday and Friday around 9:00 AM British time.
  
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   Chapter 8: Lewd Maid and Kuoh (R-18)
   8
   With the sound of a whistle and a soft thunderclap, the upper portion of a mannequin disintegrated. Within seconds, several more received the same treatment.
   9
   Marcus lowered Castor and changed his stance, he pulled his right foot back and put forward his left, slightly standing sideways he lifted Pollux.
   10
   Pulling the trigger, a much larger white circle appeared at the end of the barrel, moments later golf sized balls of the Power of Destruction starter raining out from it and rushing into the partially destroyed mannequins.
   The barrage of energy destroyed the remains and made multiple holes in the wall.
   "Test number five is a success. Castor and Pollux are working perfectly, there are no errors in the Aurora targeting system. The revolver system switch is around 1 to 2 seconds. Charging time for maximum output is around 5 seconds." As Marcus said that, he could see on his Visor that his voice had been recorded and could see that Aurora was writing it all down like a log, under test number 5.
   4
   After he finished the log he sighed and holstered both of his guns to the sides of his thighs. He already had some simple holsters ready. Honestly, he was thinking of making a maintenance version of the holsters, but then he remembered that it was not needed at the moment.
   5
   Marcus lifted his glasses and turned around looking at his newest addition to the fold.
   The silver-haired maid has been staring at him for the past 5 test runs, right after he had finished the Mark IV of Castor and Pollux.
   With the Aurora systems, he is now a very sharpshooter.
   14
   Nonetheless, he still has some things to do before he can go to Kuoh. A few more gadgets to make.
   "May I know what's with the staring?" He asked with a sigh. He got used to Serafall's staring which was quite comforting, since she  always had a curious and fond look. This however was different.
   "Your power... you based it on the fact that my family are servants to the Lucifer. You made a simple servitude into power. Which crystallised into some sort of bond of servitude.
   Now... I have an instinct to serve you. It is like trying to fight a water current. I could only resist it for several weeks before it fully consumed me." She explained in a single breath. Her gaze never left him.
   "So. What you want to say is that, you want to serve me?" He couldn't help but ask her with raised eyebrows. He never could have predicted that it would have developed into an instinct to serve. There was no calculation that she would have developed it.
   Which means it is just her feelings mixed into it.
   'In other words, she has a fetish to serve...' 
   9
   Marcus realised that after remembering how she was still a maid even though she was the wife of Lucifer, both in the anime and light novel version.
   3
   "Correct... while serving my King is an order from you, it doesn't give me true satisfaction... That is why I am here." She explained plainly. Through his modified version of Ars Goetia, he could tell that she got over her dislike for him.
   Which was surprisingly fast. Even faster than Serafall. Now, all that was left was her need to serve...
   'Her servitude consumed her dislike... this woman truly had that deep of a desire to be a maid?'
   10
   The teenage inventor quickly realised, that was most likely how those extra devil families were created, with absolute servitude in mind.
   "I see... so you want to be my maid in all sense and form?" He asked her, starting to walk towards her. 
   Grayfia simply nodded at him with a bow, realising full well what kind of hole she was getting herself into.
   1
   "I know quite well what all of it implies and yes, I have no desire to resist it anymore." The silver-haired maid said plainly.
   Marcus simply nodded. He won't deny that having such an utterly beautiful woman with a body that breaks the laws of the world is quite the turn on.
   6
   The teenage inventor removed his gloves before lifting his right hand and gently stroking her cheek. She didn't say anything or react in any way.
   "Since you are so insistent. I will have to make you my maid in every sense." He said while looking directly into her eyes, this time she slightly blushed. She felt goosebumps going through her whole body. Grayfia didn't know if it was a natural response or a response amplified by her binding.
   Nonetheless, she was getting excited, excited to...serve!
   1
   ~~~~~~(R18 incoming, skip to 'Underworld' if you don't want to read)~~~~~~
   15
   Without warning, Marcus pulled the silver-haired beauty for a kiss, her eyes widened. It was something she was not expecting and her magic didn't react to it at all. As normally she would have frozen anyone who tried to do that to her.
   1
   The teen wrapped his hands around her waist before going lower towards her firm rear gripping it through her maid's uniform.
   While his lips were exploring the insides of her mouth; playing around with her tongue. And before long the maid was slightly moaning as she started losing herself to the pleasure.
   She never could have thought that the feeling would be this intense. It was like experiencing the greatest of joys while being kissed by her Master!
   Soon after, she wrapped her hands around him and started kissing back. Her eyes had already turned glassy.
   The kissing intensified as she started rubbing herself onto him. Marcus already knew that she was turned on and wants to take this to the next level. So he lifted her quite casually and took her to the main area where the couches are.
   He then laid her on her back and positioned himself on top of her.
   Once there he started taking off her clothes, seconds later he saw her in a pair of sexy white panties, bra, and tight long white stockings.
   5
   "Quite sexy... can't wait to dress you up. Grayfia~~~" He said hotly into her ear as he started kissing her neck before going lower towards her towering breasts.
   "Ahhh~~~ if that's what you want Master~~~" The silver-haired maid said softly as she touched herself for a bit. She is feeling like she was on fire.
   The teen just smiled while starting to remove her bra and getting his first look at her incredible breasts. The moment he started to play with them, Grayfia moaned quite loudly. There was a shocked look on her face before being replaced by a horny look.
   "Yes~~~touch me more...play with them~~~" She asked in a sexy tone as she looked hotly at him.
   All she got from him was a grin as he continued his assault on her mountain peaks. Before long she was breathing haggardly and sweat was rolling down her forehead.
   The beautiful maid's sensitivity was quite high and, by this point, Marcus could not take this anymore and wanted to move to the main dish. 
   So his hand went down and removed her drenched panties and looked at her wet pussy entrance. His fingers brushed through it and Grayfia mewed from the touch.
   "Hahh~~~ let's do it~~~ please... claim me~~~" She hotly begged him. She needs to seal the deal so that she could be his proper maid!
   After hearing such a begging tone Marcus removed his pants and positioned his raging boner at her wet cave.
   The silver-haired maid softly moaned when she felt the tip of his rod at her entrance.
   "Yes~~~" She said as she started moving her hips, she wanted that thing in her special place, as soon as possible!
   Without wasting much time he started pushing inside, she was so wet that there was no need for any foreplay. Before long he was already pumping into her without any restrain.
   1
   "Hhmmn~~~"
   "Nnhhnn~~~"
   "Ohhh~~~"
   "That's it!!! More! Ravage me~~~" Grayfia howled from top of her lungs when she felt her first orgasm. She felt like her mind just went blank. The feeling she was experiencing was off the charts.
   To experience more the beauty coiled her legs around his waist while Marcus used that movement to lean forward and claim her lips once more. The silver-haired maid answered back with the same amount of heat as she wrapped her hand around his neck and started moving her hips according to his thrusts.
   Soon enough a lewd clapping sound started spreading through the workshop.
   16
   It only accelerated before a loud muffled moan spread throughout the place.
   The beautiful maid just experienced her first creampie from her Master.
   ...
   ...
   ...
   "And now you are my proper maid" The teen said to the silver-haired beauty who was sitting on her master lap facing away from him. Her legs are spread. His rod was still inside of her as he was still pumping into her while whispering into her ear.
   1
   "As long as I can serve you properly~~~ I don't care..." She said with a glassy look as she softly continued to moan to his thrust.
   His only response to that was a squeeze on one of her nipples.
   "Ahhh~~~"
   ~~~~~~Underworld~~~~~~
   Both Rias Gremory and Sona Sitri were fiddling nervously as they were just called by Satan Leviathan herself to come to see her.
   The younger Sitri has been slightly weirded out by her sister's behaviour for the past several years. Her older sister out of nowhere stopped her whole Magic girl act thing, she had been doing it since the 1990s. So it was very weird that her sister suddenly stopped.
   17
   And each time Sona would ask about her older sister's change she would hear only one answer...  that it was utterly silly and she got tired of it.
   9
   While she sighed with relief since it was embarrassing, she knew that there was something more to it. 
   "Do you know why we suddenly got requested to meet your older sister?" Sona's best friend asked with a slight bit of weariness. 
   Strangely, they got this meeting just around the time that they had to move to the Human world!
   "No, I am just as clueless as you are." Sona said that while shaking her head.
   "I see... this is just weird. I heard a rumour that Satan Leviathan has been spending a lot of time in the human world." Rias said, a bit jealous.
   "I have heard the same. And weirdly enough my sister has said nothing about her trips there." Sona said while fixing glasses, she looked quite sharp thinking about the reasons.
   "That's because I can't tell you anything about it." 
   Both girls heard Serafall's voice as the Leviathan circle appeared and with a burst of dark blue one of the Satans appeared dressed in a blue dress and high heels. She looked like she was about to go into a ball.
   Both of the younger girls slightly gulped down seeing a serious looking Satan Leviathan.
   "You can't?"
   "I can't because I am under a devil contract." She said plainly as she walked over and took her seat opposite to the pair.
   She got comfortable while the pair got very uncomfortable. They were seeing a very different Serafall to the one they used to see.
   "I see... might we know what this meeting is all about?" Sona asked professionally but internally she hoped that it's not something bad like they were not going to the human world or something like that.
   "The reason for this meeting is very simple; both of you are going to the human world, while there is nothing bad about it, Kuoh doesn't have any proper protection or surveillance installed to help the both of you control the supernatural flow there.
   Since both of you are high profile peoples, there will be many who will wish to mess or simply to see how good the siblings of the Satans are." Serafall explained plainly.
   "While I know both of you are talented there are many beings who are stronger than both of you."
   4
   "Are you going to send someone to...babysit us?" Sona asked in a slightly pissed off tone.
   2
   "No. We already discussed that. There won't be any bodyguards. But this doesn't mean we can't have a powerful surveillance system installed in the city that will assist the two of you, in case a powerful being appears in the city both of you will be able to notify the Underworld in time for help to arrive." 
   As Serafall explained that, the pair looked at each other. From the looks they give each other they were planning not to notify anything. And the Satan Leviathan knows that already. That's why she likes what Marcus has planned.
   7
   "That's why I used the person, which I am under contract with, to assist us." As Serafall explained, she got extremely serious.
   1
   "Now listen up. It took me years to get his assistance in any form, so you two won't be destroying the trust I have built with him." 
   "Uhh... is he a human? Assuming this is the reason why you are going to the human world?" 
   "Indeed he is a one in millenia genius inventor. He summoned me as his devil and I formed a contract with him." Serafall said the very barebones needed for this.
   "...He summoned a... Satan?" Sona asked with wide eyes. Rias was also surprised. They both know that Satans are summonable, but only the leaders of nations or extremely influential people can do that. Because the prices for it are very high. Since they don't take in souls anymore, it's usually in the form of money or items.
   3
   So, summoning them is practically impossible because the summoner has to intrigue Satan in the first place with something of worth.
   "Indeed. By this point, his inventions are at least advanced by 40 years in human standards."
   1
   This made them even more shocked while Rias for some reason was getting a very anime-style vibe from this human.
   8
   "That's why when I asked for his assistance in building a surveillance system for Kuoh and he only agreed under a form of contract. Meaning that, the both of you will be under a devil contract and will be following his request to test the surveillance system which will be deployed in Kouh."
   "...I see... this is more than acceptable then. Since we will be getting a reputation by having a contract formed with someone who has a contract with Satan." Sona said with a small smile. This was good for her.
   Rias nodded as well. She was curious about this human. But, since it's under the care of a Satan she can't ask such an individual to join her peerage.
   "Yes. Now remember..." Serafall leaned forward and her eyes were glowing and her magic presence manifested around the whole room. Both Sona and Rias gulped down nervously.
   "I am sticking out my neck for this. We can't lose someone who is at a level that's even above the likes of Da Vinci. He has already created a pantheon level worthy security system in his hometown.
   If we lose him and he joins Fallen Angels or worse, that bitch's Gabriel side! It won't be pretty." 
   10
   Both of them paled hearing that they quickly responded with a nod.
   "We will treat him as a worthy guest! Don't worry sister." Sona quickly added. Now she knows what is going on. Her sister has a thing for him and she demands 'proper' behaviour from her family.
   1
   The younger Sitri has no idea how this human did all that. But one thing is for sure he is very good. So good that he made her sister fall head over heels for him.
   Now she truly wants to meet him. Possibly her future brother-in-law?
   1
   Well... there are only a few days left till that day.
   "We will see... I will be there as well."
   "Hmm? Don't you have work?" Sona asked with disbelief.
   *Snort*
   "One of his inventions cut my working time by 80%. I finish most of my work before midday." Serafall quite smugly said that.
   "Oh... now I remembered! Brother was bragging about something similar as well. But he is quite tight-lipped about it too!" Rias remembered her big brother spending more time at home now than ever and he is quite smug about it as well...
   5
   "Yes, client confidentiality. Which you two will be signing. This is only going to last until he is ready to reveal himself. So you two only need to keep quiet for a few years. After that, you can discuss this with anyone you like." Serafall said as she snapped her fingers and she summoned two pieces of documents.
   Both Rias and Sona quickly picked them up and started reading. It was in the basic form. They have seen this in devil school. And know what it entails.
   3
   Without wasting their time both signed them and then the document disappeared.
   "You may reveal the information to your peerage under conditions that they can't talk about this." Serafall with a serious tone explained.
   12
   "I understand/ Thank you."
   "Good, then it settles it." The Leviathan was satisfied, for now. She will be watching though.
   1
   "Umm... so, Sister... is he... well... you know..." Sona fiddled with her dress for a second.
   She is not used to the serious and, well... Satan-like version of Serafall...
   "Know what?" The older Sitri moved her head aside for a second, trying to see what her little sister meant by that.
   "You like... him?" Sona asked with slightly flushed cheeks.
   1
   Serafall slightly giggled for a second.
   "You didn't hear this from me. But, yes... It would appear that I have things for men who can build wonders from scraps they find in a garage." She started talking animatedly before getting serious once more.
   12
   "That's why you two will be on your best behaviour. I was working for years to build trust with him. And I don't want to lose it now."
   "Sister... won't it be easier for you to just say... that you like him?" Sona tried to reason with that.
   *Snort*
   "I was summoned by him because I am Satan Leviathan. I was summoned to help him to set up pipes for his workshop because I am Leviathan and an expert in water manipulation." She said while rolling her eyes.
   "I told you, didn't I? He has already installed a pantheon-worthy security system in his home town being the same age as you two."
   ""WHAT!!!""
   "He is the same age as us?/ He summoned you for what?" Both of them were shell shocked to hear that.
   "This means that I was qualified enough to be summoned." 
   "But... you are a Satan sister!" Sona pointed out with disbelief.
   "And he single handedly, with a blob of clay built a surveillance system which will last as long as Earth rotating around the sun. What of it?" Serafall said with an eye roll. Which made both of the younger girls shut their mouths before they could say anything.
   6
   "Creating things is much harder than destroying them. While my power is impressive he has already found ways to beat me."
   1
   "...He did?" Sona squeaked funnily.
   *Sigh*
   " I already told you that he is a once in millennia genius. Do you think I will fall in love with someone average?" Serafall was getting tired of everyone looking down on her Marcus like that. Sirzechs did... well not anymore... after seeing Signer he became a fan... and now her sister still doesn't get the message when she said Pantheon level security. It means security is good enough for a pantheon!
   6
   "No...I mean... he is a human..."
   "And what is that supposed to mean? He can't be smart?" Serafall said with raised eyebrows. Is her sister getting biased?
   "How... does smart have to do anything with strength?" Rias asked from the side. Earning a couple of stares from the Sitri siblings...
   13
   Sona just groaned. It seems she was too short-sighted...
   1
   "Easy enough... for example, he could build a gun which could kill an Ultimate Class Devil." Serafall gave them an example with a smile.
   4
   "That's simply impossible," Rias said while shaking her head.
   4
   "You want to bet on it?" The Satan Leviathan said with a smirk.
   1
   The redhead girl quickly shook her head. No, she won't be betting on this while Sona started to understand the scale of things.
   If her sister is willing to bet then this human indeed is capable of doing such things. Then this is very big indeed. This means that he is smart to an absurd level. Now the younger Sitri indeed wants to meet him.
   4
   "Wise choice. And since we are discussing him like this I expect both of you to keep this to your peerage and nothing more. You can tell them that if they fail they will have to deal with me."
   4
   "I understand, sister. There is no need for you to threaten me so many times..." Sona said with a sigh.
   "I am only making sure you two understand." 
   ""We do..."" 
   17
   ~~~~~~~Marcus~~~~~~
   With a burst of light, I appeared in a Victorian mansion. This was my first time travelling through a teleportation circle.
   The experience was quite... seamless... one moment I was in my garage and next, I was in a large room.
   The difference though was the timezone. When I left my garage it was nearly midnight but, when I arrived here it was morning.
   "This is the Sitri estate in Kuoh. Follow me, let me show you where they are." Serafall motioned for me to follow her as we started walking towards a pair of double doors.
   Without wasting any time she opened them and entered inside while I followed after her.
   The first thing I saw were four females waiting for me.
   The one standing out the most was the redhead. For the simple reason that she was a pure redhead.
   I have never seen someone with pure crimson hair like that before. A ginger? Yes, I saw plenty of those. But a redhead like that? Nope. Well, I am in what is considered an 'anime' world, not that I saw any black lines on my body or anything like that...
   13
   I am pretty sure some world governing laws are much weaker, my technology is a proof of that. I am having a much easier time with them. Either that or, my genius simply went up to a completely different plateau, so much so that I find making things much easier.
   9
   Back to the matter at hand. Apart from that beautiful hair, she was a carbon copy of Venelana. A Younger and much more naive version with longer hair.
   2
   Next was the black-haired girl next to Rias Gremory. Her Queen Akeno Himejima... a girl who is the daughter of Baraqiel. One of the top dogs of Grigori and Lightning of the God... a girl who doesn't want to use her inborn powers because she doesn't like her father...
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   My only comment to that is... she's stupid and wasteful...
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   Next on the other side of Rias, is Serafall's little sister Sona Sitri. I can see some similarities between them. Where Serafall can easily pass as a socialite, Sona can pass as a librarian. The sharp glasses only add to that. The only difference is that she has striking purple eyes.
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   As for the last, it's Sona's Queen who is quite similar to Sona with sharp glasses, a girl from a prestigious clan of exorcists. With a Sacred Gear no less. Just like Rias Queen this one had similar treatment because of how different she was.
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   All I can say about this, it is basically like saying: one's trash is another's treasure.
   3
   'Now that I think about it, this place has an enormous concentration of Sacred Gears. I have not even found one in my hometown. Yet this small town has more than a few running around.
   Well, it's either something to do with the amount of magic in the air or just some main cast, main city bullshit.' Internally I sighed.
   7
   'Since I am here I might as well find out all those little secrets.' Smiling to myself I walked forward toward the group of girls.
   They all looked nervous, like they were standing on extremely thin ice. It seems Serafall words have cut them very, very deep.
   ~~~
   The small group of devil ladies waited with a nervous look as they knew the current Leviathan would soon bring over the genius inventor Marcus Goldman.
   The moment they learned his name they tried to find anything they could about him.
   All they got was classified information under Satan Leviathan's seal. So they tried to do the same in the human world...
   It was the same... they could not find anything for the simple reason that he lives on the other side of the globe.
   3
   In other words, there was nothing on him. even if it was, it's under Serafall's watchful eye.
   They didn't even know what he looked like!
   1
   When the doors opened their backs strengthened and they tried to look as professional as they could.
   The moment Sona and Rias saw him they were having a hard time believing that he was the same age as they! He looked far too mature!
   Broad shoulders, short black hair, striking brown eyes, he looked as if he knew what he was doing, but the most striking thing about him was...
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   'His magic level is even bigger than ours!!!' Sona thought with a little bit of sweat rolling down her forehead, her Queen was the same as she fixed her glasses for a second. She has never met someone their age with this much magic!
   1
   'Is he truly a human?' Rias tried to comprehend how this guy has this much magic!
   While Akeno wanted to lick her lips after seeing him... 
   2
   "...Marcus here they are. The girl with sharp-looking glasses similar to me is Sona... the one to her right is her Queen Tsubaki Shinra. And to my sister's left is Rias Gremory and her Queen Akeno Himejima." Serafall introduced them all in a single breath. This made the girls slightly out of the element, they expected a proper introduction...
   "Well, ladies, you are responsible for the Kuoh from now on, correct?" He asked with a harmless smile.
   2
   "Y-Yes. Both Rias and myself will be sharing the burden. I will be watching over the city during the daytime while she will do it at nighttime." Sona quickly explained simply and as professionally as possible.
   "I see... simple enough. Have you two decided where you want the core of the barrier system to be placed?" He asked them as he instantly moved towards the main dish.
   Both Devil Heiresses did not expect for him to move directly at that! 
   Now they know why Serafall did such a simple introduction! He simply wants to get this over with...
   "Well... I suppose  since Kuoh Academy is our seat of power here, so maybe the school basement?" Sona answered after thinking for a bit. She then looked for Rias who nodded back at her.
   "Hmm... very well." He nodded at them and then looked back at Serafall.
   "Sera, where is the exact location of the building compared to the city?" He asked her.
   Both Sona and Rias looked with a little bit of wonder and awe hearing how he calls Leviathan by her nickname!
   "The Academy is located more to the north of the city centre. I can assume you are going to need to adjust the deployment? Like back in your town?" The black-haired Satan answered after thinking about it for a bit.
   "If it's true. Then yes, I will need to adjust the disperse of magic from the core. Nonetheless, I need to double-check that on the map.
   Hmm... this would be a good moment to add map tracking as well." Marcus said the last part more to himself than to the rest of the group.
   "Right. Then let's go to this Academy of yours, ladies." He said after turning back to the group.
   "...Now?" Sona asked with disbelief, all she got back was Serafall's stare. The younger Sitri gulped down.
   4
   "S-Sure... we can teleport there before anyone comes for classes ..." The Sitri Heiress said while fixing her glasses and hiding her sweaty forehead.
   This was way too fast for her!
   While Marcus simply nodded at her.
   "Very well. Sera will transport us there."
   "As you wish." 
   Without wasting much time, a large Leviathan circle appeared underneath them before teleporting them into school grounds.
   "Well... Show the way." He motioned to Sona.
   "O-Okay..." 
   ~~~
   As expected from the posh Pillar houses. The school... I mean the academy was beautiful and very... European, I don't know what they are planning but this was ridiculous. If you are moving in, at least try to adapt to their culture.
   3
   At least they have the whole shoes policy in place, I will be able to enjoy some of the cultural things. Though, I don't think I will be coming here often unless of course there is some...loot...I mean some profitable enemies to fight...
   17
   Nonetheless, the walk was not silent as Serafall kept telling me things about the Academy. Trying to rope me in and trying to transfer me here. Her little sister quickly picked it up and started chipping in from time to time.
   My reaction to all that was an eye roll. Serafall saw that and showed her tongue at me. All she got was another eye roll.
   Very cute...especially when it comes from one of the top leaders of a supernatural faction. Who is acting all cute and cuddly with me. It was even better when Rias and the other two saw our little exchange. They were quite shocked...
   "This is the basement. We haven't touched anything here." Sona spoke professionally as she showed the large empty area.
   "Nice, this will do..." I said while looking around. It was built from strong concrete. The walls were done through a combination of magic and regular means.
   "I see... so this is how you guys build. To keep things from disappearing you use magic to create the reaction which... in turn, allows the result to stay. While this is quite energy-consuming it still allows you to keep things after the demonic energy runs out." I said while inspecting the walls.
   The younger devils looked at me with slight disbelief while Serafall just smiled. 
   "Not fair... I'm still trying to figure out your transmutation circle!" The Leviathan said with a pouty look.
   "It's not my problem that you prefer to stare at me when I work," I said with another eye roll.
   This time she huffed and looked away. 
   "You figured that out from touching the wall?" Sona asked while trying to keep her glasses from falling off her nose.
   "Indeed. Quite easy, the residue is still there. While very faint, I can still feel demonic energy in the creation of this." I explained while pointing my finger at the wall as I looked around for more.
   "B-But..."
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   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   My Discord server for advanced chapters:
   https://discord.gg/hvzgBJg4ss
   1
   Along with the advanced chapters, there are also a lot of other fanfics I wrote and did not upload to Webnovel.
   Chapters are coming out Monday, Wednesday and Friday around 9:00 AM British time.
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   Chapter 9: Finding Boosted Gear
   The group of girls truly wanted to stay and watch how Marcus worked. But... They have school! And since Serafall is here and they didn't want to look like they are incompetent and can't do their duties properly.
   Especially since they were the ones who asked to come to the human world in the first place! They needed to attend their classes. Thus leaving the Genius inventor alone with the Satan.
   It was the first day of human school for Rias and Sona, but their minds were not on the classes.
   All they could think about was the guy downstairs setting up a surveillance system for their town. Especially since Serafall has hyped him up so much, they needed to see him work!
   And so the moment the last bell rang, they rushed downstairs to see what was going on.
   ...
   ...
   ...
   "What is that!?" Rias asked with wide eyes.
   "It looks like a diamond..." Sona said while adjusting her glasses.
   "I know it looks like a diamond, but diamonds don't glow or emit white glowing particles..." The redhead said with an eye roll. 
   "True. And I am just telling you what I see." Sona snark back as she shrugged.
   After their small shock, they walked into the room. Looking around, they could see that it was now some sort of a ritual room combined with a sort of Sci-fi reactor type room.
   Some types of Glass panels were spinning around the diamond. The two devils assumed that they were absorbing the magic energies which were being emitted by the diamond-shaped thing...
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   There were also runic carvings spread throughout the whole room. Walls, ceiling, ground. Nothing was spared, and by this point; the pair were wondering just how quickly this man worked. Even a devil takes his time when doing rituals like these...
   Yet, he did all of this during the time they were attending classes.
   "Ummm... I thought Barrier things like that are magical... Why is there a computer terminal of  sorts there." Rias asked Sona with a confused look. 
   "Why are you asking me? You think I have a clue of what's going on here?" The younger Sitri almost hissed at Rias from annoyance. And frankly, she is feeling quite inadequate. She saw runes from at least 3 different cultures, and she can bet that there were others that are from different supernatural cultures as well.
   Meaning that Marcus knew more than her! And she spent most of her life in a library! Her brain was trying to come up with some sort of explanation on how this is physically possible...
   "I thought you knew more than I did..." Rias said with a casual shrug.
   All she got back from her friend was a hiss. The younger Sitri just hissed like a cat at Rias, who found it incredibly amusing.
   3
   "No I don't... this is beyond me," Sona said to her redhead friend before looking around for the teen inventor. Moments later she finally found Marcus.
   The genius inventor was sitting in front of a table with a futuristic laptop on top of it. There were several cables connected to it, these cables were also connected to the Diamond-shaped barrier reactor.
   Sona then saw her older sister sitting on the table with a book in hand. Meaning that her older sibling was here the whole time.
   All the younger Sitri could think of this situation was that, yes... The Satan Leviathan is pretty much infatuated with a human inventor to the point that she spends the whole time with him regardless of anything...even work...
   3
   She wonders what would happen if the people of the Underworld learned of this? 
   A shiver went down. Just imagining the chaos. One of the most powerful devil females infatuated with a human.
   "You two are here. Nice. Come over. Let me explain some things." 
   Hearing his voice both of them were stiff for a bit. Nonetheless, they quickly went over.
   Serafall lifted her head from her book and looked at the pair. She smiled before going back to her book.
   Sona didn't know if it was a good type of smile or a bad type of smile... Well, time will tell.
   "First the barrier core." Marcus pointed at the diamond-shaped core casually from his chair. And yes, it was a comfortable PC chair that he got from somewhere.
   5
   "The official name is the Diamond Core Heart. It's something I have designed and created myself. The core reactor was carved with magical intent to give it more sturdiness. It has three protection layers. Since this one has a slightly different purpose from mine, the first two layers are spread throughout the whole city.
   The first layer is surveillance, the magic  that spreads throughout the city observing its population. Once a certain threshold of magic is reached, the magic will react to it and let you know. This is where the second layer comes in place. Observation. Once that threshold is reached, the magic will show you who it is and where it is. And lastly the third layer. The third layer is protection. It can only be activated manually from this area. It turns school into a fortress that even Ultimate Class Devils will have an issue with breaking through." Marcus gave a long yet brief explanation without even breaking his facial expression.
   Both listened with abrupt attention. The pair were quite fascinated and awed by what they heard. This thing protects against ultimate class devils attacks?
   "Where does it get its power? I do believe the Shinto Pantheon will be...dissatisfied if they learn that we drained Japan of magic to kick start this..." Sona said with some concern.
   "It's based on Marcus M.T.M technique," Serafall said from the side as she was playing with her.
   "What do those letters stand for?" The younger Sitri was very curious about this... technique.
   "Motion to Magic. The core was kick-started by a motion that created magic. Once that is done that magic enters what is called a loop of magic creation. A loop-based reactor. In other words, it creates magic from nothing... and it will last forever." The older sister of Sona explained with a casual shrug.
   4
   "So you did listen to my explanation," Marcus said with faked awe.
   "Of course I did!" She exclaimed, almost angrily.
   "Well, it was hard to tell, especially since you were spacing out." The genius inventor shrugged at her.
   "Of course I was spacing out! You just told me that the reactor will last as long as the planet! I was shocked and awed and all the other stuff when one is gobsmacked..." The Leviathan said that in a single breath.
   "Hmm... right, well I went through that days ago when I finished the maths behind it. I guess you need real proof." He said with a shrug.
   "Hmm? Are you still awed by your stuff?" She asked curiously, forgetting about previous comments for a moment.
   "On a theoretical level. When I realise that I got it down and the item's possibilities." He explained to her as his gaze returned to the pair who were listening attentively to what they were saying.
   "Now for the part in which I need you two," Marcus said as he got up from the chair and started walking towards the computer terminal.
   "I will add you two into the system. At this moment the Core is only working in this room. To make it citywide you will need to send your peerage members to mark the boundaries of the barrier."
   "I understand/I will do it." Both nodded and answered at the same time. Marcus prefers them this way, after all, he watched the anime and knows how these two can be and how much trouble they can end up in.
   4
   Now, it will be even better. They are going to get monitored by him 24/7... meaning that, the moment they are slacking in their jobs he can instantly report to either Venelana or Serafall. He might not be their father but they are part of his tests... and he has fired people for less in his previous life.
   4
   "Good to hear." He nodded at their response before walking over to the computer terminal and starting to press buttons on the screen.
   "It's a touch screen!" The redhead whispered at Sona. Who nodded, looking very curious. All she could see were letters and numbers on the screen. She has no idea what is going on.
   That was until the screen went dark and then restarted itself.
   This time the screen showed 'Aurora Borealis', before the lights formed into letters showing 'Aurora Terminal v1.0'.
   3
   Seconds later the letters faded out and showed a very futuristic terminal. To Rias, It looked like something ripped right out of an anime or a video game.
   She could see the terminal taking readings from the diamond core. Showing them in numerical values and lots of spinning icons... the redhead felt that it was... way over her head.
   After pressing on the terminal Marcus looked back at the pair.
   "Put your hand on the screen. It will register and link you to the barrier." After saying that he took a step back and made some space for the pair.
   Both of them nodded seriously. It looked like they were about to do something intensively big... the genius inventor internally rolled his eyes.
   The first one to step up was Sona, she looked at the screen and saw a window that said [Register New User] and below it was a simple image of a palm.
   She figured that she had to put her hand on that specific area.
   Without wasting any time she put her hand on the image. Instantly, she felt some drain on her magic.
   Her eyes widened. That moment she knew that it was a seamless magical machine!
   She could not even see the difference between magic and technology by this point! It was just that good!
   Soon enough she saw her image. And a full 3d profile has been constructed on her! even her occupation has been filled up! This was the most powerful registering tool she has ever seen.
   [User Number: 01]
   [User Name: Sona Sitri]
   [User Species: Pureblood Devil From 72 Pillars]
   [User Occupation: City Overseer]
   [User Clearance: Barrier User]
   "It did all that from just taking a bit of my magic?" Sona asked with sweat rolling down her forehead. This stuff is incredible!
   "Indeed. It was reading your magic. Now Gremory you're up next." 
   Hearing that. The younger Sitri walked away and gave some space for Rias. Marcus quickly set it up to register for a new user once more.
   The redhead quickly did the same as her best friend. Only that, she didn't mingle much in front of the terminal. She was very satisfied seeing how perfect the 3D copy of her was.
   2
   [User Number: 02]
   [User Name: Rias Gremory]
   [User Species: Pureblood Devil From 72 Pillars]
   [User Occupation: City Overseer]
   [User Clearance: Barrier User]
   "Now that you two are connected. Let's test it out." He said that before looking at Serafall.
   "Sera, make your presence known."
   Hearing his command the Leviathan called forth her magic.
   At that moment both Sona Sitri and Rias Gremory experienced something akin to a vision.
   They saw Serafall channelling her magic in the basement next to the Diamond Core Heart.
   "This is incredible... Will we be able to sense anyone in the town?" Sona asked while making sure her glasses didn't fall off. Now she understood the full scale of this barrier system.
   It's simply priceless! 
   Serafall smiled seeing how her little sister finally understood what this meant.
   "Indeed. The moment someone raises their power beyond a certain level, it will react. I made it especially potent against non-devil magic users. Meaning that you will be notified the moment someone like an angel or a fallen angel appears in the city." Marcus explained to them.
   "This is incredible... it's like a system of some sort of barriers!" Sona said after realising what this means.
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   Serafall smiled for a bit. If only her baby sister knew that this was based on the Heaven system! She would probably pass out!
   "You can see it in more detail if you get closer to the diamond core." He said with a smile. And Sona quickly walked over and got a closer look.
   Seconds later the younger Sitri gasped. 
   "It's... like a complete ecosystem of some sort!" Seeing how Sona reacted, Rias walked over and checked it herself.
   "It's...beautiful..." 
   "And complex! Most importantly it's magically based! It's like technology but created through pure magic!" The younger black-haired devil said with the awe of a small child. She then looked at Marcus with stars in her eyes.
   "How did you make all those magics from different pantheons work so seamlessly! This is simply incredible!"
   "Well they were like a puzzle, the difficult part is figuring out the shape and where you have to place it in a big image." He explained simply.
   "But...that should take hundreds of years of studying!"
   "Or someone a little bit smarter than normal, finds a pattern and figures it out." He said with a shrug.
   "...Yes... 'little bit'..." Sona said, her eyebrows twitching. She had the urge to punch him but she resisted it.
   8
   A little bit does not describe what he just did. In layman terms, Marcus basically 'unified' the whole world's magical languages into one universal language and then used it to make the magical equivalent of a computer.
   1
   If that's a 'little bit' then she should be considered a vegetable...
   4
   And the rest of humanity drooling meatbags...
   9
   "Indeed. This is nothing more than a little brother compared to what I have built in my place..."
   Sona gulped down hearing that. If this was just a little brother, then how complex and big was the diamond core in his place?
   'Wait! Sister said that he has Pantheon worthy protection... Does she mean in the literal sense?' The younger Sitri's eyes widened, and her face pales... 
   4
   Now she has started to see truly how much he is worth. No wonder Serafall threatened her multiple times over that meeting.
   "...For the next part, I want your peerage members to split up and place these markers just outside the city limit. It will work like boundaries. Once it's done, the Diamond Core Heart surveillance will activate." Marcus pulled out a pair of briefcases from thin air and gave them to the confused pair of girls.
   2
   "Inside of these, there are instructions on how to do it. Think of this as the first mission from me as my devil contractors." He said, quite seriously and the pair quickly nodded.
   "Leave it to us." Sona professionally said while fixing her glasses, she was going to perfect this no matter what. Same with Rias.
   ~~~~~~Few Days Later~~~~~~
   For the past several days, Marcus has been living in the Sitri Estate in Kuoh.
   Even then, Sona had no chance to even have a proper conversation with him!
   8
   And it was just infuriating! A man which she sees as the next genius of the millennia is living under the same roof as her and she has no chance to ask... tons of questions!
   It was just annoying! Nonetheless, it was partially her fault as well. Because she spent countless hours with the markers and testing this incredible surveillance system! 
   Once it was set up she could utilise something akin to the view from the eyes of a bird and check the city from the top. 
   2
   It was just that great! Not that her happiness will last for long as she soon realised that Marcus will be leaving. Since officially he was just on a holiday leave. And because Japan doesn't have those two weeks of Christmas Holidays like the European countries do. On paper, he was just on holiday in Japan.
   And he will be going back to his country soon. This means she doesn't have much time left! That's why she decided to look for him and... befriend? Maybe get some missions? Learn something from him? This was one of those moments when she didn't quite have the time to even think of a proper plan...
   1
   In the end, she arrived at one of the living rooms where she knew he was staying.
   She was about to call for him but then she felt her sister's presence! Sona quickly reeled in her magic as much as possible and decided to listen in!
   This was the perfect moment to find out how deep of a relationship her older sister has with him!
   4
   Slowly she positioned herself so that she could have a look. Leaning close to the wall as much as possible.
   Finally, she was able to see him without any obstructions!
   And her cheeks instantly exploded with a blush. She saw her sister sitting on his lap in a very intimate position while he was reading something from a device.
   "How long do you think it will take for those two to figure out that they can track Sacred Gear holders?" Sona heard Marcus' voice. The younger Sitri assumed that he was asking this to her older sister.
   'We can find Sacred Gears with this? Just how good is this Diamond Core Heart?' Sona's heartbeat accelerated just thinking of how quickly she will be able to fill up her peerage if this is true!
   1
   "Fufufu... how many secrets did you leave for those two?" 
   The younger Sitri blushed more when she heard how seductive her older sister was sounding! 
   'Did they already go the whole way!? Damn sister! He is as old as I am! Still though... he is... hot...and...super smart... Well, calling him just smart is an insult... genius maybe? Yes, genius... And his body is.... That confidence...' Sona shook her head. Her mind was going into the gutter! She needs to learn more instead of having these thoughts!
   3
   "Quite a bit, they will be able to learn it if they are driven. So, instead of going in circles, give me a non-bias version of what you think." 
   The younger Sitri was impressed by how he was holding back against her seductive older sister! She was quite impressed by his resilience.
   *Sigh*
   "Fine. If you insist. Sona will discover most of the functions first. Since she is more driven than Rias. Who is by all accounts just playing around." The Leviathan explained what she was thinking. Her younger sister was slightly feeling proud of herself that her older sister has such a positive non-biased view of her.
   "Gremory is not playing around. She is running away. She believes that all her problems will be solved by themselves. That is what I found out about her. This girl is a classic princess who believes things will fix themselves. Simply put, she is waiting for her hero to pick her up. Once that is done she will start moving." 
   Sona paled after hearing that. He already has Rias completely figured out? But, he was not even around her!!!
   3
   'What kind of monstrous existence is this guy!?' The younger Sitri felt chills going down her spine!
   All she heard was Serafall's laugh.
   "That's why I like you so much! You could easily be a Satan!" The older Sister of Sona laughed with an extremely amused tone.
   "You must be joking. You want me to govern? I will turn the whole population into test subjects if I become a leader." She heard him say with a dull tone.
   Just imagining a whole population turned into test subjects made Sona shiver. This sounds like what a real Diabolic Devil would do!
   12
   "Hah! You didn't see Sona or Rias complain! They were excited to test your things!"
   That moment the younger Sitri realised that yes... she is already a test subject! And she didn't even realise it!
   1
   "Nope. You just want me to become a devil and take Lucifer's position or something..." He said that with a sigh.
   Sona could already imagine that. Serafall probably just wants that so that she could flaunt her boyfriend, by that time Husband, to the rest of the devils... more specifically the council...
   "Maybe~~~ any girl would want to show off their boyfriend to the rest of the world!" The Leviathan said with a cute voice. By this point, Sona can see that her sister is getting very touchy with the genius inventor.
   "And your way is by making me an office worker?" He asked her with a dumbfounded look. He already stopped reading from the device and instead looked at Serafall.
   "Who knows~~~ by that point you could revolutionise paperwork. Maybe it would even become an interesting activity..." 
   "Hmm, probably, I already have several ideas just by thinking in that direction." 
   "See! You can do anything! If you put your mind into it~~~ and you would be the most perfect and most powerful Lucifer if you truly would want it!" 
   'Oh by Satans she wants him to reincarnate! Well, that is obvious...but would he?' Sona was shell shocked and at the same time excited and terrified by this idea.
   *Snort*
   "You need better offers than that. Little Sera..." 
   *Slap*
   7
   The younger Sitri blushed seeing and hearing that. He just slapped Serafall's ass!
   3
   "All I can offer is myself... in any form you want~~~"
   'I need to get out of here!' Sona quickly realised what was going to happen next! She quickly dashed off! Her blushing reached a completely different level. Never did she expect Marcus to do things like that to her sister! Who is one of Underworld's strongest and is a leader!
   5
   This was beyond anything she could have thought!
   ~~~~~~Next Morning~~~~~~
   2
   The next morning in the living room Sona was having breakfast when her older sister entered the room.
   Serafall walked over to her little sister who could not even look at her older sibling without blushing.
   The older Sitri leaned forward and started whispering into her ear.
   "Marcus gave you a head start yesterday, don't waste it. It's very rare for him to do that. It would seem my countless hours and days of seductions paid off... in some way." 
   1
   The Leviathan's words made Sona pale and turn whiter than she ever was.
   They knew she was there! They knew the whole time and still acted like she was not there.
   7
   "You do realise that you are using his system for tracking, right? The very same one which he designed, created, tailored. We most definitely knew you were there So-tan! That's why, use this moment to gather your peerage." Serafall patted her little sister's head before going to get some coffee...
   1
   "Sister... isn't he the same age as me? And you..."
   The black-haired Satan started laughing after hearing that.
   "If you use age like that So-tan, then you very much have wasted your life... and me? I should kill myself for wasting centuries...
   3
   Just don't... don't... use age to measure him... otherwise, you will lose any drive you have for anything... because you will feel inadequate." The older sister said to her younger sibling very seriously. 
   "...Yes... I suppose you are right... it's just so difficult... while we were spending- wasting time in classes he put that core in the Academy basement... I felt like I wasted my day!" Sona said angrily, forgetting what she saw yesterday.
   "You felt that just by being next to him in a day. I have spent the past three years with him, Sona. I saw him make everything and I know how you feel, even more than you can imagine. By this point, I realise that you have to focus on what you are good at. I know I am good at reading people as I am the one who is responsible for the diplomacy of my race.
   4
   If his achievements make you feel like that, then use that to make yourself better." Serafall said from personal experience. She felt very much completely weak and even pathetic in front of a teenage human... it was an experience she doesn't want anyone else to feel. 
   "... I see... thank you for giving me advice sister... it's nice to have you around like that..." Sona said with a small embarrassed smile.
   "Oh...So-tan is so cute~~~" Serafall hugged her baby sister...
   1
   "Gah!!! Release me! Y-You smell like man's perfume!!!" Sona said with a bright red face after getting out of her hold.
   5
   "Hehehe~~~ embarrassed?" The Leviathan said with an amused laugh.
   "Y-You should get a shower, you will be going to the office today right?" The younger Sitri said with a flushed expression.
   "Don't worry~~~" The older sibling said in a sing-song voice, she started walking towards the kitchen ignoring the previous comment.
   1
   ~~~~~~Marcus~~~~~~
   [Target Located]
   [Unique Magical Signature detected]
   [Scanning...]
   ...
   ...
   ...
   [78% Visual fit according to the previous description of the target.]
   [Possible 'Longinus' Boosted Gear host found!]
   I lifted my Aurora glasses after reading the latest notification.
   Finally, I have found the target. Finding him like this was annoying ... for the simple reason that his magical signature was that weak. It's even below regular humans...
   6
   So he was like... swimming below anyone's radar...
   But, there is an easy way to find him. Just apply a specific filter and he will stand out like a sore thumb. There is only one guy in the whole of Kuoh who has that below-average amount of magic.
   After finding him I did some tracking and Aurora did some routine observation. Building up his daily schedule, after that was done I went to the location of which, he would most likely pass and simply waited for him.
   Putting on my glasses I tracked him through Diamond Core surveillance.
   Seeing that he was quite close I pressed a button on Castor's handle and a thin card-like object came out. That was the cartridge. Storing it into my cartridge deck, I pulled out another and inserted it into the gun.
   13
   [Castor loaded with Stun cartridge]
   Reading the notification and dismissing it mentally, I simply waited while leaning against a wall.
   A few minutes later I saw a brown haired teen with a silly grin on his face walking towards the road of which I was waiting for him.
   3
   He was going home after watching hentai with his two idiot friends. Going home quite late... alone... the best time to mug someone... but, this is Japan. The crime rates are extremely low. So, the perv is not even afraid of going home late...
   8
   Nonetheless, this time it's going to be different...
   Lifting Castor, I pointed at him and pressed the trigger.
   "Hmm?"
   The brown-haired teen turned around and saw a bolt of electricity slam into him.
   His whole body twitched as quite a bit of electricity smashed into him.
   4
   Before collapsing on the ground.
   I holstered the gun and walked over. Aurora did a scan on him through magic, the guy was perfectly fine, his body just went into an unconscious state.
   I got on one of my knees and put my right hand on him. Several white magic circles appeared around him. I quickly did a quick scan, checking if he truly held the Boosted Gear.
   2
   "So, it is. Good. This means that I didn't waste 30 minutes of my life waiting for this waste of oxygen." I stopped with the scan. While mentally connecting to Ars Goetia.
   18
   "Sera, come to me," I said while getting back on my feet.
   Moments later a Leviathan circle appeared next to me and Serafall was now standing next to me.
   "Master? Where... who is he?" She looked around before spotting the downed pervert.
   "Meet the Red Dragon Emperor," I said plainly.
   "W-What? He is this generation's Red Dragon Emperor!? But, I can't sense anything from him!" She exclaimed for a moment while focusing on the downed form. Her senses were digging into him.
   "Put your hand on him, send some magic to check," I said with an eye roll.
   Sera did just that as she scanned him properly.
   "Yes... I can sense faint dragon energy... how did you even find him!?" She stopped with her scan and turned around to look at me.
   "I found him when I did a scan of the city's population. He has a remarkably low...extremely low amount of magic. But for some reason it emits dragon energy. So a check later and I found out that he is this generation's Red Dragon Emperor." I said with a shrug.
   Before getting serious.
   "Take him to Sitri Estate. I will do a proper scan on Boosted Gear over there. He will make a perfect subject for those two girls. I want to see which one of them will find him first and recruit him as their Peerage member."
   27
   She stumbled for a bit after hearing that. Nonetheless, she cast an extra sleeping spell on him before sending him away in another magic circle.
   "That's quite devil-like of you. Treating a poor little human-like some test subject. You truly would make a good Satan~~~. Still though... how do you know he will accept being in a peerage after unlocking his Boosted Gear?" Serafall asked me as she leaned forward to cuddle with me.
   "Because his dream is to be the Harem King. And he has said that at least 6 times in the past 3 days and mentioned Oppai at least 47 times in a single day... today... he is the perfect individual to be exploited by a devil. Promise some 'Oppai' and a Harem and he will be willing to sell his soul." I said that with a dull voice.
   14
   Nonetheless, I gave the glasses to Serafall to read over the file on this guy...
   "This... Issei Hyoudou... what a... weird human he is... my money is that he will be Rias peerage member... my So-tan would probably kill him or trade him the moment she can." The Leviathan said with an amused look.
   19
   "True. Still, I want to see who will discover him first." I said that while wrapping my hand around her waist.
   "Yes. This will be a good test for them, with the prize being a Longinus user in the peerage. It would seem your visit here isn't as dry as you thought!" The black-haired devil lady said with a happy tone. She took off the glasses and looked very happy with this development.
   "Yes. It's quite fascinating how many Sacred Gear users are in this town." I mentioned the weirdness of this place, before focusing on the matter at hand.
   "Why don't you take me back? I still need to scan that pervert and drop him back in his house."
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   My Discord server for advanced chapters:
   https://discord.gg/hvzgBJg4ss
   Along with the advanced chapters, there are also a lot of other fanfics I wrote and did not upload to Webnovel.
   Chapters are coming out Monday, Wednesday and Friday around 9:00 AM British time.
  
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   Chapter 10: Ancient Computers
   3
   Once I was back at the Sitri Estate I immediately pulled out my laptop. My laptop was another gadget which I made in preparation for my trip to Japan.
   Just like my PC, the laptop parts are extremely easy to change and replace. It was fully designed to be easily upgradable.
   6
   With my laptop in hand, I walked over to the knocked out brown-haired teen.
   Pulling out several magic readers that looked like what doctors use in hospitals to read a person's heartbeat.
   I wrapped them around his left hand, then connected them to my laptop, I then put my hand on him as I started sending some magic into him.
   Finding Boosted Gear and making it physically visible. For some, it's quite hard. For others, not so much... All one needs is to find the 'switch'.
   Moments later, in a burst of red, the twice critical form appeared on his left hand.
   1
   "It doesn't look like Boosted Gear..." Serafall said from the side as she was observing it all.
   "That's because the core of the gear is still asleep. Ddraig is what makes Boosted Gear the Boosted Gear. Otherwise, it's nothing more than a Twice Critical." I simply told her, as white circles started to appear around the pervert's hand.
   1
   Seeing all that I immediately started operating my laptop, starting the Gearscanner.exe. Seconds later a window appeared and the magic circles started spinning. A progress bar for the scan appeared on the screen.
   10
   Once the scan started I leaned back into the Victorian era couch and simply waited for the basic scan result.
   [Scan Completed]
   [Sacred Gear Boosted Gear scan complete!]
   [Scan uploaded to Aurora Network]
   [Do you wish to read the Log?]
   Without wasting any more time I pressed yes. I saw the 3d image of Boosted Gear and its core, Ddraig. The scan has fully scanned the dragon's signature and its energy readings.
   5
   Meaning that just from the readings alone, I could now start developing either dragons since they are beings of pure energy or start creating weapons to fight against them...
   10
   Finding out how energy got consciousness will be an interesting side activity.
   Nonetheless, the dragon's soul at the moment was not interesting, what is interesting though, is the data Boosted Gear has collected over the centuries.
   The moment I pressed on it, my laptop lagged for a second. The amount of information it had was astounding even for me. When I started reading, I realised that all of Boosted Gear's previous hosts had left a small bit of themselves after their death.
   2
   Basically, it's like a cache of an app or something like that. According to the logs, the admin of the system should be cleaning it after each cycle. But since the Admin... the Big G, kicked the bucket, no one could maintain the gears at their proper condition.
   4
   Thus the cache continued to pile up, eventually starting to affect the gear itself. Since the gear is directly linked to the host's emotional level it can also affect it fundamentally...
   "If this was any less sturdy then Boosted Gear should by this point crumble and turn into dust...but instead, it started mutating..." I explained to Serafall since I knew she was waiting for an explanation.
   "What do you mean?" The black-haired devil lady asked with bated breath, she is super focused now that we were researching one of the Longinus.
   "The Boosted Gear is full of the remnants of previous hosts. It reached to the point where the gear started mutating, unlocking something classified as [Juggernaut Drive] by the system. It's something that should not be possible and dangerous for the gear and it would most likely kill the host. It's quite simply tapping into Ddraig's power without any restraints. No human should be able to do that without decades of training. There are logs stating that it has killed countless hosts over the past 2500 years." I explained to her as I showed her the, now sorted out, logs. Showing a host's name and reason of death being ERROR [JUGGERNAUT DRIVE].
   "This... the gears are like miniatures computers or something?" She asked with confusion and lots of disbelief.
   "In a sense. They are magical computers, yes. But... Boosted Gear...is extremely simple... it's like tinkering with the very first windows..." I answered honestly. Then again they were first created when humans were still playing around with clay and trying to figure out how to make bronze weapons.
   *Snort*
   "Tell that to Azazel who has been tinkering with them for the past 1000 or so years..." Serafall snorted at me with a cute pout as she crossed her arms and looked away.
   "It's not my fault that he is cluelessly walking through a forest without the right direction..." I said with an eye roll before returning to the logs and digging deeper, finding the files related to the Balance Breaker... which is recorded as SYSTEM ERROR/// BUG/// WELSH DRAGON SCALE MAIL.
   11
   "Heh... it's amusing how everyone is praising the Scale mails and its power. Which in truth is recorded as nothing more than an error in the system." I pointed at the screen. By this point, Serafall had walked over and ended up sitting comfortably on my lap.
   "So it's true then... Balance Breakers didn't exist when the Biblical God was around..." the black-haired devil lady said with wide eyes.
   "No. Because they are spiritual level artefacts they get affected by the hosts raw emotions. Most of the time rage, on a lesser scale than willpower. For example, our Boosted Gear here has an 86% ratio of achieving Scale Mail through Anger and rage alone.
   The other ones are the need for power or lust for more power." I explained to her while pointing at the statistics.
   4
   "This is incredible... the Boosted Gear is like an open book to you... could you... recreate it?" She asked that while thinking for a bit.
   "I am already using what you all know as the Boost ability of the Welsh Dragon. It's in the Diamond Core Heart and Castor & Pollux." I said with an eye roll before checking out more on the scale mail... what I found is extremely disappointing.
   5
   "Well...this is primitive beyond belief. I thought the Scale Mails were a masterpiece worthy of studying. But this is basic. The dragon energy is spread throughout the whole body and is then crystallised as an armour. It's simple." I said with disgust.
   "All I need to counter this is an Anti-dragon field. The crystallisation will fail, and the boost in energy will disappear, the Gear user will be naked after that. And that's just an Anti-dragon energy field. I could also just use anti-dragon magic and this Longinus user would simply be dead. Tell me Sera you call this God slayer worthy? It's nothing but the basics among basics. If Gods are this basics then... it's just sad." I said while shaking my head, I thought there was more. But this is just sad. If they are so reliant on a single thing like this, then I will abuse it, until they learn their lesson.
   15
   After my short outburst, Sera didn't say anything else. She knew that she was not so different as she was purely reliant on her demonic magic.
   Still, there were some note-worthy stuff to look over. Specifically...Boosted Gear's Boost ability. 
   Turns out it's not that mysterious after all...
   "Heh... so to use it you just need to transform willpower into Magic," I said while having a thoughtful look.
   18
   "A perfect ability for an emotional being," I said to Sera. Who nodded back.
   "Indeed. Dragons in general are very emotional beings. The pair of Heavenly Dragons were especially like that. At least that's what I have heard. They were killed way before my birth." Serafall added her own two bits.
   I nodded at her before continuing to look for more. I do know that Ddraig had piercing ability. But none of the recent hosts had it, so I went to older logs...
   "Hmm. The last Ddraig host to have the Pierce ability was around 1500 years ago. After that, there was a spell of the average host. Resulting in the ability being drowned in the remnants of the lost souls..." 
   3
   "Truly? I don't even remember Boosted Gear having such ability!" The current Leviathan exclaimed, from the looks of it she never knew the gear even had this ability.
   "That's because the last host to have it was around 1500 years ago," I said simply.
   "That's a long time ago even by our standards." 
   "And the world started to move away from the supernatural as the supernatural started to hide. Meaning that there were fewer chances of Boosted Gear even awakening. 
   The logs prove that. The period between awakening of the gear is getting wider and wider as time progresses. The world was simply a less dangerous place." I sorted out the files before focusing on the last host. Which didn't even have the scale mail.
   "The last host was around the Napoleon wars...making it close to two hundred years ago. And the guy didn't even achieve the bug stage." I gave her an overall view from what I have read.
   "Bug stage?" She asked with a confused and slightly amused look.
   "The balance breaker is a bug stage which developed from the fact that no maintenance has been done to the Sacred Gears for the past two thousand years," I explained to the beauty as my fingers stroked her long hair.
   7
   "I thought it was because no one was sitting in the chair upstairs there?" She said while pointing her finger towards the sky.
   "It's the same. The fact that the chair is empty and because no one can properly maintain the system." I said with a disappointed sigh. Pity that the dude is dead. He would have made a good friend to chat over stuff with. I can assume that his art would have been much better after so many years have passed.
   9
   "You sound disappointed."
   "Of course. I lost an interesting individual to chat with. I bet his gears would have been much better if he was around." I said honestly to her.
   "...Only you could see the Biblical God as a chat buddy..." Serafall said while shaking her head in disbelief, the beauty in my arms simply couldn't believe it. 
   3
   "Possibly. Anyway... time for me to run some maintenance for the gear." I said  while starting to run some diagnostics for the gear.
   "...What are you going to do?" Serafall asked with a slight amount of concern.
   "I will run some maintenance and clear the cache. You wouldn't want him to achieve Juggernaut drive simply because Gremory or your little sister refuses to show their boobs or something worse now would you?" I said in an obvious tone.
   3
   "He... could do that? I mean achieving Juggernaut Drive just because of that!?" The beauty on my lap said with a slight bit of trepidation.
   "There are close to a hundred remnants of angry hosts... especially because of the rivalry between those two heavenly dragons. It's even worse since this perverts drive is extra powerful for... breasts he could easily achieve both Balance Breaker and Juggernaut Drive.
   7
   So I won't risk something like Juggernaut drive in an area where my tests are being run." I sharply explained to her.
   "...Yes, it will be better this way..." Serafall nodded with a slightly paler look. It seems she has started to understand the issue of this.
   With a few clicks of my mouse, the Boosted Gear was now clean. And the maintenance fixed the issues in the system. 
   9
   Now. It was safe. There won't be any wacky nonsense of this brat getting power-ups from something ridiculous like poking breasts or just being lust-driven to achieving Balance Breaker.
   44
   Still though... I will be keeping my eye on this idiot.
   The dragon factor is quite fascinating. And I have a living test subject, not just readings on the data I have collected.
   4
   "All done, you can take him back to this house," I said to her.
   "Okay... but, where does he live?" She asked the obvious...
   "Take my Aurora Glasses." I handed over a case with glasses inside.
   "They work in Kuoh?" Serafall asked curiously as she took them.
   "Yes. The Internet is a thing you know." I said with a shrug.
   "...You are using the internet?"
   "More like hijacking it, the firewalls are very primitive," I said with a smile. Remembering all the hacks and wild goose chases...
   8
   "I don't even want to figure out how many laws you broke with that..." Serafall said  while shaking her head and getting up from my lap.
   "A devil thinking about human laws? Well, that's new..." 
   She rolled her eyes at me.
   "I don't care about them. But, it's you who broke them, so that's why I care." She said that simply but honestly.
   Trying to earn her brownie points along the way. As expected from my cute and sexy not-so-magical-girl Sera.
   "I see... anyways...let me first disconnect this guy before you send him on his way..." Skipping the conversation about me breaking the law and I got up from my couch instead and walked over to the pervert's side removing the scanners and recalling the Sacred Gear back into his body.
   3
   "On a different note, Master... Can you recreate the Boosted Gear?" Serafall asked me as she was about to teleport away.
   "Recreate? I can't recreate Ddraig. Not yet. But, make something better? Quite easily. My M.T.M is already superior to Ddraig for the simple reason that he has a limited amount of energy while my M.T.M can generate indefinitely. Both Boost and Pierce can be easily replicated. I could even tamper with Transfer.
   6
   There are many ways to make this better Sera. You forget that this gear was created close to 3000 years ago. They were not created to improve like the Juggernaut Drive or Balance Breaker Scale Mail. People in a sense are slowly breaking these toys. And since they are not receiving maintenance I won't be surprised if the stronger gears with beings sealed inside start to explode or break apart to some level." I said with a shrug.
   1
   "I thought he made them impossible to break..."
   "Such thing doesn't exist. The Sacred Gears are resilient because of the alchemical metal they were created with. Now that I scanned the Boosted Gear I will be able to recreate this adaptable metal. But, like I said, there is a breaking point to them.
   100 or 1000? Or maybe 10000 years. the weight of those souls would have made the host go insane quite quickly unless the host decided to deal with the previous hosts themselves." I explained to her while getting back on my seat.
   3
   "So... either the remnants of the souls or gears themselves..."
   "The Scale Mails were not supposed to exist. It's a bug. Each time an excessive amount of Dragon energy leaves the gear it can damage the Sacred Gear.
   4
   Simply put. Don't use artefacts that are not meant to be used in that way
   Even here... " I showed her the logs.
   "The Gear had to adapt to 1340 different cases of burst of energy. While it survived and will survive much more in future there is always a chance it might just... break." I explained to her.
   8
   "I see... this means that you could simply create a gear which can and is supposed to achieve a Balance Breaker instead of being a bug in the system." She said with an understanding nod.
   "And could simply upgrade it later in the day too. While these... they can't be upgraded unless they are back in Heaven and are pulled out from the system and going through maintenance. The worst part of this is that the user still has to have good relations with the dragon inside of it." I added more, by this point Serafall understood what she wanted to understand and disappeared with the brown-haired pervert.
   1
   ~~~~~~Later~~~~~~
   Now that the holiday season was over I had no chance to hunt some stray devils.
   Though I don't really mind. By that point, I was far too interested in the things I have recorded from the Boosted Gear.
   Especially since I was back in my garage. With a much bigger screen. And Aurora which sorted everything out for me. I was able to dive into the data much easier.
   2
   First the metal. The metal of Boosted Gear is special. It's a fusion of Ddraig's energy and transmuted metal. Meaning that it's much more durable, and the history of it speaks for itself. But at the same time, it's extremely vulnerable to its weaknesses.
   Anti-Dragon fused weapon with soul damage... could one-shot it or critically damage the structure. And worst case scenario, even destroy it permanently.
   4
   It's powerful but it's powerful towards specific things. 
   Now that I know the method I can start creating my own version of Scale Mail. Only that mine won't be this primitive. All the Boosted Gear Scale Mail does is bypass the restrictions placed on the Boost and Ddraig leaks his energy around the host. Boosting overall performance of the host by 9~11 times depending on the host's body durability.
   10
   The armour itself has nothing special, it's simply the crystallisation of the draconic energy. There is no special magic in it. No special technology... nothing... Only Juggernaut Drive develops a Longinus Smasher which is also nothing more than the dispersal of excess energy the body has accumulated. A fail-safe to protect the gear.
   2
   That's why... I have to create this myself from the ground up, just like with my guns...
   3
   Minimising the logs from Boosted Gear, I went over to the folder named Projects and opened it. There were only two projects there... Project Diamond, and Project Aurora, other things like M.T.M or Barrier Rail are in separate folders under the name, Systems.
   Project Diamond was a project way back before I had even created my PC so I had to backtrack it and type everything down after it was set.
   This new one though... 
   I need a name with some personal meaning... remembering all the mecha anime I watched... remembering the very first one...
   5
   I quickly went to my internet browser and checked if it exists in this world...
   "Gundam...Seed..." Entering the name in the Google search bar and pressing enter I saw....it...
   20
   It is around... and I am in the period when Gundam 00 is still in the works...
   2
   "Well, this is going to be interesting..." I closed the internet browser and went back to my project, creating a new file and naming it Project Freedom.
   42
   After my favourite mech. Sounds ironic how I am the one enslaving devils but talking about freedom...
   15
   It can also simply be how the Scale mail, or a suit, or whatever it's going to end up as, will give one the 'freedom' to go where normal humans could never go.
   2
   After the project file was created I started in the designing stage. 
   Quickly drawing Freedom Gundam. It was weird drawing a mech, I was quite used to drawing cars. But, I still drew a perfect copy of it. Funny how the last time I saw this anime was around 30 years ago. I should rewatch it in this timeline to see if they changed the plot in some way.
   6
   Nonetheless, once I got the front done, I drew the back of the mech. Then from the sides as well.
   Once those were done I sent it to Aurora for 3D rendering. 
   Turning around and looking at the mech appearing on the holographic display I went over putting on the design gloves and the stylus. It was time to make a drawing come to life....
   First was the obvious. Making a human fit inside of it. Unlike the original Freedom, it won't be a 50-metre tall machine but instead around 3 to 2 metres tall.
   17
   So resizing it then putting a human inside was the next thing. Nothing too scientific. The only real issue was adjusting the suit to the world.
   6
   First the chest piece. The thrusters are to be discarded, The suit will run on magic, not uranium. Once the thrusters were gone.
   3
   I started working on the main power source. And for this, it will be a customised Diamond Core Heart, unlike the one.here in my hometown or Kuoh it won't be shaped properly like diamond, instead I am only going to have it look like a prism. To make up for the lessened durability I went with extra layers of protecting casing, after this was done Aurora did some basic rendering. Adding some basic systems and laying down the technology.
   3
   Next was the arms. Readjusting it for human physiology, and continuing with spreading the network of magic systems and technology like the servo motors for the elbows, for extra power of the limbs empowered by magic. It could generate even more power.
   2
   Then for the legs I simply repeated the same process with the arms. Moving on to the helmet. The design of Freedom is to remain. And instead, the inside of the helmet was adjusted to the human head. Adding an Aurora visor and making a full Holographic support display.
   7
   Once that was done... comes the hardest and most important part...
   The energy wings...
   Probably the most difficult part. As no matter what I came up with I ended up in failure.
   3
   Meaning another system needed to be created just for this.
   1
   'Heh... let's go with magic crystallisation for this...' 
   1
   After thinking about this I went over to the Boosted Gear logs and found this in Juggernaut Drive...
   Tinkering for a bit. I created a basic circle for this....
   Adding it to a handle. A basic M.T.M circle... and...
   *Sound of Beam*
   A blue lightsaber...
   5
   "Is that a lightsaber?" Serafall asked me as she heard the sound of a lightsaber.
   "Nice right? Pity... that it has no force behind it." I swirled the blade like an amateur for a bit before showing how harmless it is...
   3
   "You could make a bunch of money if you were to sell these..." The older Devil said with a thoughtful look.
   "Right... I am not sharing M.T.M with the whole world..." I said with a dull tone.
   1
   "... You could always replace it with something else..." She reasoned with me.
   " I am sure magic crystallisation is not widespread either. I haven't heard anyone even using it." I said while turning off the lightsaber and returning to my PC table. Now that I can turn magic into energy wings I need to make it fly...
   'That's quite simple actually...' 
   1
   After thinking of it for a bit, the energy wings will be channelling flight spells...
   'Not only that... it can emit other spells... like Solomon's signature spell...' 
   6
   Adjusting the designs quickly and inputting specific changes, I pressed enter for Aurora to do the math to see if my ideas are feasible.
   A few minutes later after spinning in my chair. And making Serafall pout at me again for ignoring her. The math and emulation was done...
   4
   [The design rendering is complete]
   [The armour is possibility at: 99.97%]
   7
   'In other words, the current design is possible.' I thought seriously.
   This means the rough design is done. Now for the real deal.
   "It's done. The rough design is done." I said to the still pouting devil lady.
   "Oh? Already!? But you have only been working on it for 2 months!"
   "Isn't this like a large step forward? Tons of new systems! Making things come together..." Serafall walked over, Checking the computer screen.
   Instead, I pressed the mouse button and dragged it into the Holographic display.
   "You... I wanted to say this before... but, you just decided to make Gundams into a reality..." The Leviathan said while shaking her head and walking over to the holographic display.
   7
   "Heh... you know Gundam?" I asked her, thinking that she only knows magic girl stuff.
   "I should be the one who is asking this. You never said you were into Japanese Anime in the first place!" She pouted hard on me.
   "You could easily ask me to cosplay if you want, you know!" She said while taking a stance from Sailor Moon... yeah for some reason I remember those...
   9
   "Right... we can discuss that at a specific time."
   "Sure thing~~~ as I said I can dress however you want~~~" She said that with a seductive wink before looking back at the armour.
   10
   "So... what are the specs?" She asked me while crossing her hands.
   "The material it will be made with, is the very same one Big G used to make his gears. The M.T.M inside of it will continuously make the armour stronger. Making it indestructible in a sense.
   While also being powered by a Diamond Core reactor. Meaning that I don't even need to use my magic in any sense."
   Her eyes widened for a second before calming down.
   "In a sense?"
   "Indeed. The space inside is limited and there isn't much I can do to make it better." I said while putting my hand on my chin thinking for a bit.
   "Meaning that G-Force or any outside elements can affect it."
   "Magic circles or magic spells can't sort it?" She asked me with crossed arms.
   "I will be using both tech and magic to fix those as much as possible. But I won't be flying to space or deep underwater with this. While, it will protect from extreme cold or heat. It does still have limited protection from extreme radiation.
   "I will be using barrier magic in future though. At this moment this is nothing more than a Mark I. So as to have some data to work on when I am making the next model." I explained to her while looking at the holographic display of Freedom Mark I.
   16
   Even when this is not done I am already having extra ideas for future models.
   But for now, I need to make this into reality first before I can add those new ideas.
   ~~~
   I wasn't just working on my scale mail. When I was resting I would occasionally check on how the girls were doing in Kuoh...
   And as expected of Sona, she progressed with her powers and also progressed with her peerage, the girl regularly trains with her peerage.
   While Rias? Aurora showed me that she improved... 0% since I had installed Diamond Core Heart.
   1
   The only peerage member who improved on their own was her Knight the blonde kid with the swords Sacred Gear.
   4
   The devil girl played the regular school student, did her devil contracts and spent time watching anime and indulging herself in modern human society...
   When she has a marriage hanging on her head...
   'Right... that's the wisest thing to do...' I deadpanned after going through the data. She constantly talked with her Queen about the marriage... but she never did anything... didn't try to look for new members even with the Diamond Core Heart.
   4
   In truth, she did use the barriers a lot. But, that's mainly to satisfy her devil nature and observe humans...
   Unlike Sona who did use the power to check if the people had gears or not.
   After taking a deep breath I decided to show this to Venelana. Either she straightens her daughter out or the redhead won't be receiving any help from me in the future.
   Before long the brown-haired devil lady was in front of me. Serafall and even Grayfia were there as well.
   All of them were curious about my abrupt calling.
   "So around 9 weeks have passed since I installed the Diamond Core Heart in Kuoh. As you all know I have been monitoring everything that has been going on there.
   Including the pair of Devil heiresses living there." That moment Serafall and Venelana stiffed for a bit.
   Seeing how serious I was, they assumed the worst...
   "Here is the report on their progress..." I pulled out two tablets and placed them on the table. On the screens there were a pair of pictures, one was of Sona and the other one was of Rias. And next to it there was a percentage... 
   Where as Sona improved by 7% overall, Rias was at a... 'respectable'...0%
   52
   "..."
   "..."
   "As you can see Venelana your daughter has done nothing over the past two months. She has not trained her peerage which overall has a higher potential than Sitri heiress'. Neither has she trained herself. In truth, the only thing she did of worth was her homework. Which I no doubt will help her immensely with her marriage problem..." I said with a very sarcastic tone. Which made her blush from shame of her daughter.
   "So, to fix this you will talk with her. And remind her that she is under a devil contract with me. And as a contractor, I am disappointed in her. This disappointment can lead to the point where she will lose any help from me in the future.
   11
   I do not need people who just use my invention to peep on people constantly and watch what they are doing." 
   5
   The brown-haired devil lady nodded seriously multiple times as she was fighting back her shame.
   "I understand I will talk with her as soon as possible. Please give her another chance!"
   "We will see. I suggest you go and talk with her now. It's morning in Japan at the moment." I said to her as I looked at the clock on the computer screen.
   ~~~~~~Venelana~~~~~~
   The Lady Gremory was furious with her daughter. She has positioned her in the perfect place. To receive attention from a Genius inventor like her Master.
   The only thing her daughter needed to do was show some motivation to get stronger! She saw what Sona did in the report. The girl did basic things and it was enough for Marcus.
   1
   All she needed to do was not be lazy! Especially when there was the arranged marriage coming up and her Master wanted to see how Rias will deal with this issue!
   What all she did was... nothing! Even if she doesn't know what to do, you could at least spend some time practising your family magic! Like Sona does!
   3
   That's why she was infuriated by all this! Especially for getting scolded instead of her lazy daughter's place!
   7
   Without wasting any time Venelana teleported directly into Rias 'office'.
   "M-Mother!? What happened, why are you here!?" Rias asked with disbelief and complete shock. She did not expect her mother would come to the human world like this!
   "We need to talk, Rias. We need to talk about your laziness for which I was scolded by Leviathan herself..." Venelana said with a pissed off look.
   7
   Rias gulped down seeing her mother like this....
   9
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   My Discord server for advanced chapters:
   https://discord.gg/hvzgBJg4ss
   Along with the advanced chapters, there are also a lot of other fanfics I wrote and did not upload to Webnovel.
   Chapters are coming out Monday, Wednesday and Friday around 9:00 AM British time.
  
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   Chapter 11: Freedom First Test Flight
   2
   "...By Satan Leviathan?" Rias asked, she had a very bad feeling about this...
   "Yes by Lady Leviathan herself! Do you know how embarrassing it was?" Lady Gremory walked over and dropped a file on top of Rias's table, before taking a seat.
   "Read this! This is the summary of what you did in the past 9 weeks as an overseer of Kuoh!" 
   At that moment Rias quickly realised that she might actually be in trouble. She didn't need to read this; she could easily see that she was in a deep mess just by looking at her mother's facial expression.
   So, without wasting any more time she picked up the file and started reading it...
   ...
   ...
   ...
   A few minutes later, she put the file down and realised that... yes, she was in a very big mess...
   "You want this to end up in the devil council? You are an overseer of Kuoh city. Worst of all you are under a contract, the very same contract Lady Leviathan is. She was scolded by Marcus Goldman for trusting you to test the Diamond Core Heart abilities."
   1
   "B-B-But mother...I did..."
   "You were only spying on people! You never tested the magic reader. You never tested the other capacities of it! He was even interested in how you were going to train for your inevitable Rating Game against Riser Phenex.
   3
   You were contracted to do it! He even left secrets for you to figure out! Sona already figured out half of the capacity on her own!" 
   2
   Rias looked down, not daring to meet her mother's eyes.
   "To make it worse, this revealed that you were doing nothing in that period. Neither were you studying to be the Heiress of Gremory house nor were you training your Peerage in any way.
   It even stated that your greatest achievement in this period was doing human homework!" Venelana finished her rant as she started staring daggers at her daughter.
   14
   Venelana was already frustrated, the brown-haired devil lady was scolded 
   by Marcus himself. It was humiliating for a person who is much much older to receive a scolding from a 16-year-old. She doesn't want that to ever happen again... period!
   18
   "Lady Leviathan positioned Sona and you for the perfect opportunity to be close to a one in millenia genius inventor. To test his tools and inventions! He could have even helped you with making pseudo-Sacred Gears to fight against Riser Phenex! He already has those according to Lady Leviathan!"
   4
   Rias's eyes widened, so did the rest of the girl's peerage who were forced to listen to Lady Gremory rant. 
   "Well?"
   "...I..."
   6
   "This is what is going to happen from now on. If I receive another complaint from Serafall Leviathan again about this. You will be returning to the Underworld, permanently. Until your marriage to Riser Phenix... since you don't care about this at all it would seem." 
   "I CARE!" Rias snapped when Venelana mentioned Riser Phenex.
   "No, you don't. The past 9 weeks you haven't even used your demonic energy once. You didn't practise Power of Destruction. You didn't practise teamwork with your peerage. Sona does a weekly teamwork training. Weekly magic training. Weekly tactics training.
   This is your last chance, daughter. Mess it up again. And the next time it won't be me who will be scolding you but Lady Leviathan. She mentioned something about sticking out her neck for you. You don't want her to be angry at you." Lady Gremory finished, this time for real, as she got up from the couch.
   "I hope the next time we will have a happier meeting than this. I will see you later." With a flash of red, she disappeared from the room.
   4
   The moment her mother was gone Rias collapsed into her chair. She looked like her soul had been sucked out.
   11
   This didn't last for long as she quickly opened one of the drawers and pulled out a contract, she started rapidly reading through it properly this time. Going page by page.
   Then she groaned loudly after finishing it.
   "Rias?" Her Queen asked with some concern.
   "The contract... it's not a regular one! I thought it was just a regular summoning with the 'doing it and then being done with'! But, this one is a long term one one where you have to follow the contractor for over several years!" The Red-haired devil heiress exclaimed loudly as she realised that she was being dumb.
   23
   It didn't just last for the 2 weeks that Marcus was here. Instead it lasted until he decided to reveal himself at large.
   2
   Thankfully she didn't tell anyone what kind of technology he has developed... otherwise, she would already be packing her things by now and going back to the Underworld.
   1
   Still, although she was on thin ice at this point she still can get it back into the game!
   "...I thought you read through it properly before signing it! That's the basics among the basics in devil society!" Her Queen exclaimed loudly, she can't believe her King just slipped at the basics like that! Especially on such an important contract!
   11
   "Like you could read this properly when Leviathan was breathing down your back! You could not imagine how serious Sona's older sister was!" Rias said with a flustered look.
   1
   Akeno rolled her eyes and sighed with a resigned tone.
   "Of course she was serious, it's important to the whole Devil Race. And you just showed an important contractor how lazy devils can be." The black-haired Queen said with a resigned tone.
   1
   "M-Maybe so! But he didn't cancel the contract! We can still fix it!" Rias pumped herself up. Although, there still was some cold sweat on her forehead.
   "I hope so, just don't... provoke Lady Leviathan more... I doubt even Lucifer can save you from her wrath. Especially when it's related to this contract she is so seriously safeguarding."
   Rias nodded at her Queen's words. From what she had seen between Serafall and Marcus, she knows that something deeper is going on between those two. Especially for Leviathan to suddenly contact her mother like that.
   Meaning that the Leviathan is probably infuriated with the fellow teen. And the redhead is not going to lie, he is eye candy. 
   3
   Pity that Marcus found her in a very awkward situation, probably dropping his opinion about the Gremory Heiress considerably.
   2
   Nonetheless, she still has one chance. Well, it's not a chance by this point as a lot is hanging on this. So, she can't be lazy anymore...
   "I won't. I didn't realise that I was still contracted to him... this means we need to draft a training schedule for everyone and start training..." Rias said as she had a thoughtful look.
   Her Queen nodded, she was, in a way, happy that they could start training and her King can finally stop with that silly idea of playing a human school girl especially when her marriage with that Phenex is so close.
   7
   ~~~
   After giving Rias a piece of her mind Venelana returned to Marcus' garage. Now she needs to rebuild trust with her Master.
   Especially since she doesn't want that Phenex brat for a son-in-law. Well, that and she doesn't want to force her daughter into a marriage. Since Venelana knows quite well that Rias wants to choose who she wants to marry.
   Then... the brown-haired devil lady mind derailed.... When she saw her Master sitting lazily on the couch with his tablet in hand, assuming he is going through some details with his new invention.
   But, what truly made her brain stop was that her son's Queen was sitting on his lap with quite a flushed expression. The silver-haired maid was feeding him very...seductively...
   14
   It doesn't take a genius to understand what is going on with the Lucifuge.
   "G-Grayfia... y-you... when did you..." Nonetheless, this discovery pulled the earth from underneath her feet...
   Underworld's two most powerful females serving the same man... this is quite bad...
   "Oh... Lady Gremory... I am quite busy at the moment...Master requested me to feed him." Grayfia only looked at Venelana for a bit before returning to feeding Marcus.
   This looked quite similar to how lovers behave on a date...
   Not even her son was able to make this woman behave like this.
   'I won't be able to get anything from him like this... do I truly need to take the next step if I wish for him to help Rias with her arranged marriage issue?' Internally Venelana frowned, realising that she won't be getting anything when both Serafall and Grayfia by this point are probably getting railed quite often by him.
   13
   Before long Serafall herself returned with a bored look on her face. Assuming she had to attend another boring meeting with the council.
   Then her eyes widened seeing Grayfia taking 'her' place.
   "GAH! Grayfia!!! You...when did your relationship with Master develop to the point that you are sitting on his lap!?" The current Leviathan said with disbelief and some jealousy in her eyes.
   "The moment he used his modified Ars Goetia, I had the urge to serve him. For some time I resisted this urge. But, eventually, it was too much for me so I decided to serve him to the best of my capacity.
   And I am the one who steps in when you are not around." The silver-haired maid said with a matter of fact tone. Sounding like what she is doing is utterly important.
   "I see... so... the whole Lucifuge serving Lucifer thing transformed into this?" Serafall was trying to understand how much this has affected Grayfia and how much threat the maid is to her.
   1
   "She has a massive servitude fetish. Ars Goetia turned that into power, somehow. Even Aurora can't figure it out. I have run several emulations on this. The only thing which makes sense to me is that she wants this herself." Marcus said from the side his eyes never left the tablet's screen.
   11
   "Master~~~ that is embarrassing! You can't just say that out loud!" The maid said with an angry pout. Making both devil ladies see the new face of the silver-haired maid.
   Both Serafall and Venelana looked at each other with disbelief. This is the ice-cold maid they used to see?
   "I am only stating the truth. And return to your duties." He said sharply, making the maid tingle...
   'Oh... she has turned into a Masochist? No...or maybe? It is linked with her desire to serve so if her master is not satisfied she will try harder...' Serafall thought to herself. She realised that Grayfia may even be a bigger threat than she thought.
   But, then again Grayfia is a maid. And Serafall can always take a different position to be close to her Master...
   7
   'I need to think more on this...' 
   While the Leviathan is thinking about her future. Venelana is already thinking about getting his help to solve Rias's marriage. At the moment Marcus is the best candidate for that. He is not related to them in any way and he can support her daughter with gears and other things.
   But, as it is. Rias herself has messed up her chances. Meaning that she might need to take drastic measures.
   'Let's wait and see for now. Rias might get herself together and I won't need to do this...' The brown-haired devil lady thought with a frown before hiding her frown behind her casual smile.
   13
   Now that Marcus has two devil ladies who constantly want his attention, she wasn't forced to show her real feelings like that.
   So, a light mask can easily be placed... well... as long as she doesn't get too much of Marcus attention as her Master is meticulous that way. One needs to be like that when surrounded by experienced devils.
   Over the past few months, she have heard multiple times on how Serafall tried to recruit him to become Serafall's Queen. But no matter how much the Leviathan tried to seduced and by all means, fucked her Master, he would always joke about it. 
   3
   Meaning that he already sees devils, in some way, as a lower species. Well at least subconsciously. Thus always denying in any way to become a Reincarnated Devil.
   21
   'Well, let's sit back and wait. I still have around 3 years until Rias needs to marry that brat.' Venelana sighed internally thinking about her lazy daughter. She has such a good core of peerage members. Sirzechs worked hard on placing her in the right place for each of them. Yet, she wastes away their potential with her nonsense. Hopefully, she grows up... otherwise...
   5
   ~~~~~~Later~~~~~~
   "Is that song..." Serafall appeared in Marcus' workshop after a day of nonsense in her workplace. 
   The first thing she hears is music. This was the first time she heard it. But then again, this was no surprise as her Master started doing this with each day he was getting closer to finishing the scale mail.
   "Meteor... Gundam Freedom theme song." Marcus said as he was partially dressed in the armour. He had both feet and arms suited up in the dark grey pieces of armour.
   10
   Serafall nodded before walking forward and inspecting the chest piece armour that was safely placed on a specially prepared mannequin.
   And just like before, when she saw a mere drawing become reality. She saw something from an actual anime become real... then going through refitting just so that the armour could work in real life.
   2
   It was a fascinating experience. Now though, Serafall is quite curious on if her Master could make true Magical girl stuff? While she can imitate the effects to a certain level, she wants the real deal...
   1
   That's why she wants him to ask her to cosplay as a magical girl, so that she could bring up such an idea! Well, she can only wait for the right moment.
   3
   "So, what are the specs of it?" She asked curiously as the black-haired devil inspected it from different angles. This was no longer robotic-ish but more human armour-ish. Not as pointy and square-ish as the original design but more fitted to be wielded as a suit of armour.
   "Specs... well it's not combat oriented. This is just a prototype. All other scale mails will come from it. Still, if I could place it somewhere...
   Taking into consideration that it's powered by perpetual energy, the armour is constantly getting powered with it. The metal itself is as strong as the energy flowing through it. The energy wings allow the user to fly at speeds five times faster than the speed of sound. And that's the limit because of the G-Force cushioning inside of the armour.
   8
   I guess that the armour could easily tank and keep up with an ultimate class being. That's without assistance from the person inside of it. I haven't tested the limits of my reinforcement magic while in the suit." He explained casually with crossed arms.
   1
   "And that is not combat oriented?" She asked with a baffled look.
   "No. There is not a spec of combat oriented systems inside of it. So, it's not combat oriented." Marcus said with a shrug.
   "But M.T.M alone could technically fight me! If you can make it sturdier it could face a Super Devil! Since the energy is infinite!" She reasoned with him.
   "True. M.T.M was created with Castor & Pollux, but it never was created as a weapon. It was created as an energy source to power the other system. Once the suit is done I will focus on the real weapons to be wielded by the scale mail." He said with a smile. As if the current mark IV Castor & Pollux is not real weapons...
   1
   "Real weapons?" She asked with some trepidation. This was truly getting out of hand. Well, all she can do at this point is to mitigate the damage which could end up directed towards her race.
   2
   "Since the scale mail is based on Freedom it needs its rifles." He said in an excited tone.
   12
   Serafall could only nod at him. She wonders what the people behind the anime would think that they inspired the creation of real weapons capable of slaying deities by this point. 
   12
   ~~~~~~Marcus~~~~~~
   Around 8 months into building the armour, and it was finally ready. As expected the hardest part is and always will be the prototype. From there on out, it gets easier as one starts gathering the data with the prototype.
   7
   It was much easier with Aurora's help. The A.I behind my OS was assisting in the creation of the Scale Mail considerably. Cutting months and even years of work away purely with its calculation.
   From adjusting the designs to real-life, to the grunt work of assembling the pieces.
   All that is left is to start collecting the data with fieldwork to make the armour better.
   For this, all of the devil ladies decided to come and check it out. The first proper suit up and flight.
   It is either from boredom or they just wanted to see it in action. It doesn't really matter. All that I cared about was flying with the power I created myself.
   "So this is it? Your answer to the scale mail?" Venelana asked as she walked around the armour curiously. She was looking at it from all different angles. 
   "It is... while not space or deep water worthy. It is still possible to fly to the arctic with it." I said while putting on skin-tight gloves. I made a special suit which will absorb some extra G-Force, as well as assisting in vital readings specifically for this. 
   10
   My words made her quite baffled. She decided not to comment on the whole space and deepwater exploration thing.
   1
   As if I will be satisfied with only exploring the regular places...
   4
   "I see... I guess... we have different types of perspectives on things..."
   1
   "You guess? You are Master's first summon and you still don't understand his perspective?" Serafall said with an eye roll before looking back at me.
   2
   "Master, we shall follow your progress from the workshop. Let's see how good it is. Worst case scenario, we shall teleport to your location." The current Leviathan reminded me about the countermeasures for the worst case scenario. Although it's impossible for something to happen to me, unless a super Devil class is to pop-up or a meteorite smashes into me. 
   3
   Nonetheless, Serafall is always ready to earn her brownie points.
   I nodded at her before approaching the platform. Seconds later two pairs of boots came out from the ground.
   6
   With two easy steps the boots got locked in, I then spread my arms as the mechanical robot arms started putting the armour piece by piece onto my body.
   8
   Did I copy Iron Man with this? Most likely yes. Although this step came naturally, as the future models will be something closer to Nanotechnology.
   17
   But for now, I need it to be set up the same way Iron man's first models did.
   Once all the body parts were placed and done, with the last one being the helmet. My vision turned completely black before the H.U.D kicked in.
   1
   [Aurora OS boot up]
   5
   [Boot Complete]
   1
   [OS Start-Up in process...]
   1
   [Aurora H.U.D online]
   2
   [Exoskeleton System online]
   [G-Force support online]
   [Diamond Triangle Core Stable]
   2
   [C.E.F.S on online and on standby]
   [S.N.M.S.S on online and on standby]
   [Synchronising Systems...]
   5
   [Synchronisation Complete!]
   [Freedom Scale Mail MK I is ready and Standby!]
   12
   I looked around and the holographic display followed me. The thought-reading runes are working perfectly and reading my thoughts just like I wanted them to. 
   This is the first time I am using more than two pieces of the Scale Mail.
   Looking at the HUD, it showed that all pieces of armour were green and ready for use. The Diamond Triangle Core is supplying an unlimited amount of energy. I am only looking at the readings to see if the flow is good enough and not to check if I will run out of juice, since as long as the core is in place, it will never run out.
   2
   After doing a simple manual check, I walked forward, the ceiling started lowering itself and I could see the driveway leading out of the garage.
   Getting outside properly I looked around. It was just past midnight. Best time to test this. Still though, the suit is very visible. That's why Aurora is in the background to make sure no photos or videos are leaked to the internet.
   Not that I care much about it, nonetheless, if someone sees me they will have a hard time uploading it to the internet.
   Taking a deep breath I finally spoke the magical words.
   "Deploy energy wings." 
   [Deploying C.E.F.S]
   A pair of wing frames came out of my back and moments later, pure white energy wings ignited from them.
   9
   In the middle of my vision, a horizontal line appeared, the flight assistance was on.
   Then...
   I thought of flying...
   Before I realised it, my body was already rushing up at neck-breaking speed. 
   1
   My eyes went wide, I knew that this would happen. But the speed was insane! The numbers and real experience are two different things!
   And before I knew it, I was already high in the air and approaching the red zone. The void of space.
   13
   Quickly stopping the ascent, I took a deep breath, the suit was far too... sensitive. Still though, it stopped the moment I wanted it to stop, the energy wings were just that good.
   3
   Looking around, I saw the night sky with no cloud in sight, since the clouds were below me. I was able to see the crescent of the moon, the void of space, and the curve of the planet... The night vision was operating far better than I had expected.
   4
   Taking in the sights for a few moments I looked down and saw my birth city which was extremely small. Looking south-east I was able to see the capital which was slightly better-looking size-wise, the night lights give one a sense of the city's size better than it could in daytime.
   After having my share of sightseeing I decided that it was time for some flying tests and training...
   "Set course for the Baltic sea and switch the flight assistance to adjust according to my learning." 
   1
   [Destination is set. Adjusting the Flight Support system]
   The holographic display highlighted where to fly. Without wasting any more time I leaned forward and started to fly in that direction, this time I was the one flying and not the autopilot. Though the difference is quite small.
   It only assists when I start messing up. Nonetheless, it was only needed for a short amount of time as I was starting to get the hang of this type of flying and before long, my speed accelerated.
   Since there are no obstructions in the sight I was able to break the sound barrier and stop holding back.
   Weirdly enough the flight was quite short. The distance of over 250 kilometres was crossed in an extremely short span. As someone who is quite used to driving a car instead of flying.
   I remembered quite well that I used to spend the majority of the day travelling from my home to the seaside... and now I crossed that whole distance in record time... less than twenty minutes. 
   2
   By the time I had get a hang of flying, I had already crossed the majority of my birth country...
   [You have arrived at the Baltic Sea coast] 
   Looking down I saw the sea. My HUD scanned for any ships in the area. 
   "Try to find out if there are any ships in the area, if there are any, built up a route... all the way to Denmark. the amount of distance should be enough to test out the flight system."
   [Understood. Accessing the GPS satellites in the area...]
   [Building navigation route...]
   A portion of my vision transformed into the map of the Baltic Sea, all the ships in the area have been marked and the route around them has been established.
   [The route has been created. There is a total of 947 kilometres of sea to cross until Denmark's national waters are reached.]
   I nodded internally. That sounds about right. Not wasting any more time I rushed forward, this time not restraining myself at all and easily reaching the speed of Mach 2. Then climbing into Mach 3. 
   1
   This was where I started to feel the manoeuvrability drastically dropping and even the slightest amount of movement can affect my speed. It would seem that the Energy Wings can't just magically overcome the basics of the world's physics...
   3
   This means only one thing... finding a magical way to fix this issue.
   'Perhaps gravity manipulation? A bubble of negated gravity? Hmm, let's type this down.' I mentally opened the notes window and noted it down before continuing with the flying.
   7
   Testing out the maximum allowed speed before the G-Force started affecting me. Magic channelling did not help much here. It would seem that I either need to have more Magic in general or my body needs an upgrade.
   7
   Noting that down once again, I continued to test the scale mail capacity, as well as the versatility of the energy wings. To say that they are amazing was an understatement. The amount of physics breaking they can do is simply astounding. It's like they were gliding...cutting through the air. Doing some impossible V turns was not impossible. Or even zigzagging rapidly. The only downside to this was, in the end, the human element.
   1
   Even the reinforcement didn't help me here, with the processing of the rapid changing directions. This means...
   I need some type of mind magic. Some sort of thought acceleration or mind partition. Those would help me in overall day to day tinkering.
   4
   Once again I noted that down.
   And so before I realised it, I was already in Denmark. It took me around an hour to cross nearly 1000 kilometres. Quite impressive and it's only a prototype.
   12
   "Time to return. And check out the data."
   ~~~
   "Flight test number one: The scale mail thought readers are quite sensitive and some diagnostics need to be run to modify them. Perhaps some extra factors should be included when the thoughts are read.
   While the energy wings do break some of the physics of the world, they still fall into some of the rules of the world. A possible solution to improve the speed without adding G-Force is gravity manipulation. 
   This requires some testing before adding as a possibility to improve the armour.
   Next, is the limits of the human body. Freedom could fly even faster than the recommended limits of Mach 5. But the human limits got in the way. First is the reaction speed of a human and second is the body itself, the human body could not handle it, even with all the support from magic and the technology stored in the armour.
   Possible solutions are mind magic, genetics to improve the body, and specific spells to improve the G-Force resistance or even negation of it altogether."
   4
   I opened my eyes after recording and noting down everything. My dizzy vision went over to the computer screen. I saw the whole of it being recorded. Thankfully, somehow I was able to make the OS pick up what I wanted to record. This means that the Aurora is learning quite nicely.
   Nonetheless, it was time to rest now that the test run was over. I guess I didn't take the whole jet lag into consideration now that I was back from the flight and I am feeling like shit.
   2
   Slowly getting up from my chair and walking over to the couch, falling onto it face first, the moment I felt the soft pillow I passed out.
   ~~~
   Once Marcus was out the three devil ladies just looked at him. Two of them just sighed. Serafall was impressed just as much as annoyed how her Master didn't ask for help with the whole aftermath of the test. He still keeps them at arm's length. Not fully trusting.
   The same was with the Silver-haired maid. Who already sees him as her only true master. 
   1
   Only Venelana was the most baffled seeing the whole Scale Mail in action. She watched the whole test run. Unlike the previous times when she missed the guns and the Diamond Core Heart. This time she saw it properly and was astounded by the capacities of this.
   If Marcus is to mass produce these he could simply rule the world! These armours doesn't need the magic of the user! Unlike the Scale Mails of Boosted Gear or Divine Dividing which need an extensive amount of training just to achieve their armours, her Master can just put it on and he will be a being close to an Ultimate Class!
   12
   It was simply absurd! 
   'No wonder both of them are doing whatever they can to get his affection! No matter what he does it becomes a game-changer!'
   "Grrr, this is getting annoying!" Serafall threw a small fit.
   "The problem with you Lady Leviathan, is that Master has the mindset that you always have the Devil kind as a priority before him. That's why he is keeping you at arms distance." Grayfia said simply.
   1
   This made the black-haired devil quickly take a thoughtful look.
   "True... I suppose I should stop with the whole Lucifer thing.
   Right... I should take the whole thoughtful wife mindset instead!" The current Leviathan snapped her fingers in realisation.
   4
   The silver-haired maid just sighed hearing that. The amount of adaptation that the older Sitri has is simply absurd, even to the devil kind as a whole. Maybe it's just the whole water manipulation side effect that affects the family as a whole...
   2
   "That would be for the best. The less reason he has to be annoyed with our kind, the better." Venelana said from the side as her hands were crossed. There was some sweat running down her forehead.
   She was thinking about the consequences of the scale mail to the rest of the supernatural world.
   "Indeed... well what do you think? This is your first time seeing Marcus in proper action after all." Serafall asked curiously.
   Venelana sighed for a moment.
   "As humans say; we are royally fucked."
   25
   ~~~~~~Next Morning~~~~~~
   Marcus was eating breakfast and was about to watch some morning shows, that's when he realised that all the morning shows were just talking about some sort of military experiment going on above the Baltic Sea.
   "The sound generated by this experimental plane should be above that of any known plane. As the thing broke the sound barrier multiple times over. The sailors reported that their ears were getting bombarded by sounds of cutting air..." 
   2
   The teen hummed hearing that.
   1
   'Right by breaking the Sound barrier, the whistling sound intensified. Besides, I was flying quite low. Fascinating data.' 
   12
   ~~~~~~~~~Inventions/Tech/Sacred Gears~~~~~~~~~~~~
   Freedom Scale Mail MK I
   The prototype Scale Mail armour built by Marcus, it uses both magical means as well as technical means to create the perfect blend of both.
   Classification: Pseudo- Longinus Sacred Gear
   Composition: Sacred Gear alchemical metal, Diamond, transmuted electronics, plastic, rubber.
   3
   Key magic system and technology:
   Exoskeleton system: A support system used to control the scale mail. It reads the user's movements and thoughts and assists the user in controlling the Scale Mail.
   Aurora OS: The scale mail runs on Aurora OS and is connected to the main Database in Marcus' Garage.
   G-Force Support: A System designed to mitigate the G-Force, which the scale mail is exposed to when flying at high speeds.
   Diamond Triangle Core: Modified version of Diamond Core Heart made for the Scale Mails. It's used as a main power source for the Scale Mail and is independent from the user's energy source.
   Crystallised Energy Flight Support (or C.E.F.S for short): Magic energy crystallised in the form of wings. It gives an unprecedented ability to fly. 
   Solomon's Negation Magic Support System (or S.N.M.S.S for short): Specific type of energy is dispersed through the energy wings which affects other types of energies in the area of effect(AOE) type of fashion.
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   My Discord server for advanced chapters:
   https://discord.gg/hvzgBJg4ss
   2
   Along with the advanced chapters, there are also a lot of other fanfics I wrote and did not upload to Webnovel.
   Chapters are coming out Monday, Wednesday and Friday around 9:00 AM British time.
  
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   Chapter 12: Twin Rifles
   2
   Right so, using the base of Castor & Pollux to make the rifles is no go, it's frame is instantly thrown out of the window.
   The systems inside also need to be expanded. First of all, the M.T.M needs to be expanded and made bigger, more circles also need to be placed. And then the barrier rails. They will be receiving the biggest upgrade out of all the parts. Firstly, instead of just two diamond rails, there will be a total of six, creating a hexagonal shape for the barrel.
   4
   The rails will be connected by barrier magic, just like before. Now however, the whole heat thing is meaningless because of the new frame.
   It's magical, unlike the original so it doesn't heat up. No idea how that happens but it's probably because the whole molecule composition is different, and it's magical to begin with.
   3
   Nonetheless, the frame is now much bigger and thus I can add more stuff...
   "Aurora access the Balance Breaker relevant information and synthesis it. I want it simplified." 
   [Understood.]
   A notification popped on the screen which I just brushed aside and returned to my design.
   This time I will add Balance Breaker to the guns. And for that, a core is needed. So a small piece of diamond will be used. A miniature computer will be made for the gun.
   4
   The placing of it will be just above the trigger, below the M.M.B.R.S or Mass Magic Barrier Rail System, the hexagon-shaped barrel of the rifle. The revolver system was kept mostly the same as only the switching speed was slightly improved. 
   All that's left is the Diamond Core of the gun that will be added in the middle. Since the frame of the weapon will be the same as the sacred gears, the magic flow will increase the overall durability of the weapon. Not only that, but the programming will also help the weapon rebuild itself. This function works till the core Is broken, which is quite a smart way to increase the overall durability.
   "Hmm..."
   My gaze went from the design desk to the computer screen of which Aurora has sorted the balance breaker data on.
   'Hmm... so the high emotions generate excess magic and because of the lack of maintenance, the hold on the core of the gear is quite weak. This makes the core react which in turn causes the mutation on the frame to accommodate the excess energy. This causes a side effect which is more power generated thus creating the so-called boost in the overall performance of the sacred gear holder.' 
   After reading the overall report. I realised that, yes this is quite easy...
   The rifles will have a Diamond Core which will generate a perpetual amount of energy while the trigger of the gun will be running on M.T.M...
   The rifles won't be needing the excess energy to mutate...
   In other words, I don't need to reach some sort of threshold in my strength to achieve Balance Breaker and I certainly won't be needing to train to build up strength so that I could achieve the transformation.
   All I need is to program the core to activate the Balance Breaker and the rifles will transform.
   An extremely easy programming at that. The blueprint and the design were done in a single day. I even had enough time left to finish the basics of the programming for the rifles cores. 
   Now all that was left is to send the order to the assembly line to assemble it.
   Before I could do that though, a pair of hands wrapped around me from behind.
   "You've been sitting here the whole day~~~ you need to rest~~~ Master~~~" The warm voice of Serafall entered my ear.
   After the whole test flight, my little devil lady changed her approach. I didn't need to use my Ars Goetia to see through her.
   It was obvious. She is a devil after all. If one tactic doesn't work; she will use another.
   8
   In truth, I don't care. As long as she stops with the whole reincarnation thing I am more than happy with her natural affection which doesn't have any hidden meaning.
   "Quite on time. I was just done with it." I said while turning around. This made Serafall pull back for a moment as she waited for me to pull her back into my hands.
   Before long she was back in my lap, cuddling for a few moments.
   4
   "Is this it?" She asked curiously as she looked at the image of the rifles on the designing table. At the moment, the gun was in the drawing stage. It doesn't quite need to be 3d designed as rifles are not a new thing. And the basic maths behind it was already done.
   "The first ever Sacred Gear made by humans. A perfect Longinus capable of killing gods every 2 seconds." I said with a satisfying smile as I pressed the mouse button and showed the Balance Breaker...
   15
   Something similar to the positron cannon wielded by Gundam Destiny.
   6
   Not only that but the Balance Breaker of the Rifles magnifies the power of the cartridge stored in the rifle. And I also made the rifle capable of being loaded with three different cartridges.
   "...So, you did it! The first-ever Sacred Gear built since the Biblical God!" Serafall exclaimed with wide eyes.
   "Indeed, and unlike the original, this one has Balance Breaker built-in. The only thing that is needed to activate it is a voice command." I said to her,
   "I see... but can anyone really just wield such a weapon?" She asked with a bit of fear in her voice. 
   "Not for regular beings. The recoil will break the spine of a high-class devil, regardless of how much enchantment they have." I said to her as I saved the design and closed the window before showing another one.  
   2
   "With this, however, it will be possible to use it easily." I showed her the new arm designs for Freedom Mark II.
   "...You are already working on Mark II... it was only a few days ago that you did your test flight..." The devil lady in my hands said with a small amount of disbelief.
   "You are not going to catch a break?" She asked with a small pout directed at me.
   "I am taking one now," I said to her while smiling.
   "Heh... very well then! Let's go to the kitchen and I will cook something for you!" She said suddenly before getting up from my lap and pulling me up.
   I chuckled amusingly before doing just that.
   Well, I wasn't able to properly explain what kind of thing I came up with to deal with recoil...
   7
   Since the material that the suit is built off doesn't need to be extremely thick as it won't affect the durability much.
   There will be spaces in between the layers of the armour that are just barriers of magic, it is going to help with stuff like the void of space or deep underwater. But most importantly I will be able to carve some M.T.M runes on them...
   2
   Well more precisely, Recoil to Magic, so one can call it the R.T.M system. The recoil will be transformed and sent into the Energy wings and then used to either enhance the flight capacities or increase the area of Solomon's technique.
   1
   In other words just from shooting beams, I will be able to increase the area of effect of Solomon's most broken ability.
   5
   But for now, let's enjoy dinner, done by one of the strongest female beings in the world.
   1
   ~~~~~~
   Serafall had a satisfied smile on her face. She was very much grateful that the one who ended up with Solomon's inheritance is Marcus instead of some horny brat like the current Red Dragon Emperor.
   13
   She was watching him whenever she was not spending time with Marcus or Sona. That brat is the third person on her list for the simple reason that she wanted to see to whom he will end up.
   Either her sister, which is very doubtful, or Sir-chan's baby sister, which is most likely.
   1
   If this were before she met Marcus, then she would very much be interested in making this brat join her So-tan's peerage regardless, as So-tan would re-educate this brat. But now? The Red Dragon Emperor has dropped considerably in any sort of interest beyond just casual curiosity. Even if the gear didn't go through the maintenance. It wasn't as impressive as what her beloved Master could do.
   4
   It only took him a day to design a super devil level weapon. Well yes, the technologies and systems before that were used did take some time to make. But once they were done, he only needed a day to draw up the weapon.
   7
   Still, all that is good and... terrifying. What she truly likes about the situation she is in right now is that although her master is a teen and she just offered herself as a 'snack'... All that her master did was, pulled her into a bed and made her into a hug pillow and decided to call it a day.
   9
   This was probably the biggest 'loss' in her life. Not battle-wise or anything like that, it's more in her devil-charm and seductiveness. Yet, even after experiencing such a 'loss' she only wanted to cuddle herself with him more. She most likely only just fell in love with him even more.
   4
   Nonetheless, her new approach to her Master did work. Even though she had to go through a series of questions as Marcus instantly noticed her personality change. It was a reminder to her that her Master did not easily fall to her charms
   And so, after the questioning, he became much more satisfied with her. Serafall understood that if she wanted to get her master's help. First and foremost, she has to think about her Master as a priority. This way he will be much more inclined to help the devils himself as he cares about her and so does she...
   2
   It was weird when she got this advice from Grayfia of all people, who she used to believe was nothing more than a cube of ice. 
   5
   ~~~
   When Marcus finished his new rifles, he wanted to test them out at max capacity... The problem was that he couldn't test them anywhere near his garage or even in his birth country.
   As each blast would generates a blast as big as that of a hydrogen bomb.
   18
   This means he had to get to a location where he can test this without outsiders finding out what was happening.
   3
   While he originally intended to go to the South pole, Serafall offered a better solution to this.
   Creating a dimension. The rating games create dimensions for devils to observe. But in this case, he has two of the top female devils under him.
   6
   So creating an area to test his rifles was not an issue anymore. Now the issue was, if this dimension can hold without bursting under the weight of the explosions.
   4
   After thinking of it for a bit, he came up with a solution. The Diamond Core Heart. Several of those.
   One for the stability of the dimension, one for the ground, and one for the barriers.
   "You know..." Serafall slightly gulped down seeing the three Diamond Core Hearts that Marcus just pulled out of his inventory ring.
   3
   "One can protect a Pantheon... you pulled out three... you do realise, that's like using a hammer to kill an ant?" The Leviathan asked with a sweaty forehead. And she knows that his assembly line can make those like a printer...
   18
   "Hmm? This is to make sure we have a comfortable time testing the rifles." He said casually as he started setting up the cores.
   Serafall just looked back at Grayfia and Venelana in disbelief. Her understanding of reality was getting more and more wrapped with each new project her Master created. 
   4
   And this situation just highlights it. Just one core was enough to hold back an army of powerful beings. With two he could easily make a fortress worthy even of the greatest pantheons... 
   And with three? Well, she can't even fathom...
   3
   And in just a few minutes, the reality was brimming with magic. Magic flowing in the ground; through the very fabric of this dimension.
   If this was a cultivation reality then this place would be the apex place for cultivation.
   9
   But instead, it will be a shooting range for Marcus' rifles.
   12
   Laying down the barrier in a specific way so that they would hold the explosion in a controlled manner. The teen inventor was ready to go.
   He was dressed in Mark I with upgraded hand armours and the energy wings for the test.
   Marcus lifted his right hand as he examined his rifle, it was a silver rifle with a hexagon-shaped barrel. If one could look inside the barrel, they could see a magic circle slowly spinning inside of it. 
   And it will be spinning for a very very long time. The rifle itself looked like it was from a sci-fi flick, a combination of magic and technology.
   "Let's start with the P.O.D beam." He announced while lifting and targeting the rifle.
   8
   The way he was holding it looked extremely casual... It was as if he was showing off.
   2
   Then he pressed the trigger. Serafall could see that his boots were slightly pushed back... sinking into the ground... apart from that there is no other visible discomfort, the hand didn't bend backwards or anything. It's like the recoil was absorbed and sent through his body into the ground. 
   At least that's what Serafall saw.
   And the beam itself, while not being destructive since it's a beam, did however erase a multitude of barriers that were powered by the Diamond Core Heart.
   And...from her instinctive side of things, she knew that she would be dead if that beam was to hit her...
   11
   There most likely won't be anything left of her, a pure and clean erase.
   Truly a horrifying weapon. All her years of training are meaningless in front of a tool created in just over a single day.
   2
   "Well. It would seem the beam is indeed powerful enough to instantly kill at least five Ultimate Class beings without any resistance. The barriers could not even hold it for a second.
   It went cleanly through it." Marcus said as he lowered one of the rifles. He then switched his position and lifted his left hand. This time the barrel of the weapon was slightly widened.
   This was something new, at least from Serafall's perspective. The Leviathan has never seen one of her Master weapons creating the cannonball in the barrel instead of outside it.
   But this one... it moulds has already created a cannonball before manifesting before releasing it... 
   1
   'Just how many stages does it go through before getting shot?' The black-haired Devil lady thought with curiosity. While the other two were looking at this differently.
   Venelana was just speechless, Grayfia didn't care much. It was just her Master's brand new and very destructive weapon... what about it?
   14
   While the beam could not truly show the sheer raw power of the rifle the cannon was completely different in that regard.
   The moment the ball of black energy coloured in deep red left the barrel, a white-ish barrier surrounded the spectating devil ladies as the ball's force instantly broke through the sound barrier and nearly warped the space around them.
   4
   One moment it was at the edge of the rifle and the next, it was already on the other side of the shooting range ramming into a target created by barriers.
   What happened next made everyone except Marcus deaf for a moment, as all sound was killed  in the area and the shooting range transformed into a pitch-black darkness with wisps of red.
   6
   From the looks of it, the barriers could barely hold the explosion inside of it.
   The pair of strongest devil females needed even more barriers to protect them from the initial release of the P.O.D shaped in the form of a ball.
   That just shows how lethal the cannonball was before it could even hit its target!
   "..."
   "..."
   "..."
   "This... how is that possible!? How is the rifle still intact after releasing so much power!!!" Venelana asked after regaining her hearing, there was complete disbelief all over her face. She had just witnessed something that would be able to kill her son!
   7
   Maybe not in one blast but the next one for sure! Simply because of how rapidly it could shoot again! There is no reload. There is no time lag! Nothing!
   2
   This was simply...absurd!
   5
   "The rifle has two completely separate magic energy eco-systems inside of it. The M.T.M is still there. While the weapon frame itself is powered by a separate perpetual energy system. This makes my Sacred Gear powerful and even eternal time-wise." Marcus explained to her as lowered his left rifle and once again switched to the right one. This time he released a casual bolt of energy...
   2
   Or so it should have been but, the explosion once again darkened the shooting range...
   Thankfully their ears have been spared from another moment of deafness.
   "This... how is that even possible? The energy needed for that..."
   "It's called perpetual energy for a reason. I don't need to care about energy. Only how to pull a large amount of it. Energy has never been an issue." Marcus casually explained to her as he started testing the scattered shoot...
   1
   And once again it should have been casual... but these golf size balls of P.O.D are able to easily erase something on the scale of New York into rubble. 
   "This is bullshit..." Venelana could not control herself anymore and swore under her breath. Both Serafall and Grayfia looked at the brown-haired woman in shock. She probably never swore in her life.
   8
   In public that is...
   1
   "My son spent decades training his power to reach this level. He is the strongest devil living at the moment and he can only demonstrate this kind of power by transforming! But all you need to do is press a trigger!" The devil lady said with a bit of annoyance. 
   16
   "Impressive," Marcus replied simply, as if they were discussing the weather forecast.
   "Impressive that someone can achieve that through training. I guess I need to try harder if there are beings like that." 
   12
   Venelana opened her mouth from shock hearing that. She realised that she might have just made her Master try harder to make even crazier stuff!!!
   15
   "No-no-no!" She quickly shook her head and hands in front of her. She looked like a panicked teenage girl for a second.
   9
   "I mean what you achieved in such a short time is simply astounding! That's what I am saying! My son spends an incredible amount of time training and you did all that in such a short time! There is no comparison!" By this point, Lady Gremory was trying to butter up and flatter her Master as much as possible. Like hell she wants him to create something which could crack the planet by accident or something like that!
   8
   "Obviously. Your son trained his magic to achieve that level. But, where he builds a castle from things he finds. I brought materials to build mine. Where he built it by hand. I built it with instruments I created myself. I did what humans do best.
   I simply found a way to build it faster, easier, more efficiently, while his hard work is impressive, he spends a lot of time doing it. That's all there is Venelana. He is a fighter and I am an inventor and engineer. I invent while he fights.
   3
   Comparing us is pointless. You should compare engineer to engineer, fighter to fighter. I am never going to fight with some warrior's honour. That is for warriors to do. More specifically, I am not even going to fight... I will simply disable the enemy and take him to the lab to research, that is if they have something to research in the first place. If it's a boring enemy I will simply..." Marcus lifted his rifle and shot a bolt of energy at the target.
   13
   Once again the shooting range turned pitch dark. Venelana got the message loud and clear. Borderline getting deaf again.
   ~~~
   "Sera... does the supernatural world have something akin to bounty hunting?" I asked the beauty next to me as we watched Mark II getting assembled.
   3
   The robotics hands were swiftly working on transmutation, creating the metal while other sets of robotics hands were drawing runes and magic circles at rapid speeds and insane precision.
   The black-haired girl next to me wanted to see the magic behind the hood. So, I brought her to the assembly line downstairs to see how Aurora does her magic.
   "...Nothing of that sort exists... but, we do have a list of people which the other pantheons don't like and want to make them disappear.
   2
   As you can imagine no god will lower themself to go on a manhunt just because some human crossed one of them. No, they either smite one before he leaves the Pantheon controlled territory or simply notify the other Pantheon about this specific person. As you can imagine that kind of people becomes something similar to the terrorists in the mundane world."
   2
   "Meaning that they won't be missed..." 
   1
   Serafall instantly understood what I meant.
   "You wish to hunt them? I see... you want 'interesting' people... I assume you don't mind doing this for devils first right?" 
   *Snort*
   "I only care that I am getting something, Serafall. If the person has an interesting gear I will deal with it and I will keep the gear to myself. If this benefits the devil kind then so be it...
   After all...one man's trash is another one's treasure... who knows maybe that person will help everyone by dying and giving me his gear, leading to some nice invention." 
   8
   I said with a shrug as I watched the helmet taking shape. Freedom always looks amazing...especially when it is real and functioning.
   2
   "I see... so, you don't mind getting used?"
   "Your way of thinking is wrong. I am not getting used. I am quite frankly stealing what was your race's beforehand. It's something along the lines of acquiring an item that belonged to you but I am keeping it to myself in the end.
   1
   And the best part in all of this is that I will be getting my precious 'battle' data." The way I mocked the word 'battle' was not missed by Serafall.
   In the end, there is no such thing as a battle to me. According to my calculations, only a God-King level being could do something to me for the first 3 minutes before I fully erase him.
   18
   That is if my predicted curve of strength is what Serafall is telling me...
   And of course... God-Kings don't just walk around randomly...
   9
   "I see... the way you put it makes us look bad for losing our assets..." She sighed in a resigned tone.
   "Very well. I will compile a list of wanted and 'interesting' people." She said with a nod, before continuing to watch the assembly now with a thoughtful look.
   3
   ~~~
   While Serafall was doing her thing, my Scale mail was ready and so were the weapons. Although the test flight was not needed... I did it anyway... nonetheless the new layer design allowed me to reach speeds beyond Match 5 and the jet lag was cut by more than half.
   6
   While this was great and all, I can only do it in a straight line, otherwise it will rattle me quite a bit.
   This pushed me to delve into something new... genetics...
   19
   With the help of Grayfia and Venenala, I quickly got a mountain of books on that subject...
   The moment I saw them, I realised that it's a lot... genetics is a very big branch of biology.
   2
   Although I had already known that...Seeing and knowing are two different things... 
   And so, I quickly started reading through it. This was actually my first time studying after my reincarnation. Before this, I had only revised some things...like robotics, Although Freedom was a scale mail and not really a robot. I still went through the servo motors and joints functioning.
   6
   To increase the punching, lifting and running force plus with the help of magic, the force behind those becomes much bigger. 
   Nonetheless, it was nothing more than a light read compared to this.
   Before I could properly get into it though, I received the hit book from Serafall.
   First I checked to see if I knew anyone from the books or the show. I do remember there was a Khaos Brigade or something?
   'A cheap name rip off from Mortal Kombat but, they were proper terrorists with alot of interesting people. Originally, supposedly led by the Infinity Dragon. A Dragon God which likes to look like a small girl... well, until she halved... infinity halving... I have no idea how that is possible...'
   27
   For a moment I thought about this nonsense about halving a being of concept. The only thing I could think of was that she lost some power over infinity. Meaning that the curse made her lose some control over specific power. If this was true then I could do that to a bunch of annoying beings and make them lose power over their concepts.
   2
   'Well, I can check this later, for now... some manhunt...'
   My eyes landed on the first pictures of the possible targets...
   'Well, well, Serafall is not holding back on her 'requests', the first peoples are the old Satan faction...' 
   'Hmm...their powers and abilities are not that interesting and they have no Sacred Gears obviously...' After checking those I went over to the next page...
   1
   Checking the targets and moving on...
   Eventually arriving on something fascinating...
   'And what do we have here... Cao Cao... the descendant of the original Cao Cao. The one who has the True Longinus...
   3
   Heh... wanted by The Church and, by extent, Heaven for the Spear.
   Isn't it kind of amusing how Heaven remains 'pure' while the Church does all the dirty deeds of Heaven? This way if they get caught red-handed they can always blame the church for acting out of the line.
   So, sneaky and so outdated... or is it just me? Anyways, we can leave Cao Cao for later, knowing him, he will just do what his ancestors did...
   Collecting talent... or in this case, humans with Sacred Gears.
   For now I will need more info on him. When he has that Hero Band of his then I will swoop in, until then I shall collect the stranglers.'
   My gaze ended up on a stray devil lurking in Siberia... 
   He has the interesting and quite common gear with the name of Sword Birth.
   6
   The creation of Demonic Swords. Not going to lie, this was nothing more than a confirmation. I already have several theories on how these 'incredible' swords were made.
   So, this hunt for the stray is nothing more than to find the truth... I will make Sera find a little more on Cao Cao...
   ~~~~~~Siberia~~~~~~
   'Shit-Shit-Shit! Who the fuck is that guy!?' A man who looked to be in his twenties was running through the thick snowy forest, his speed can be considered supernatural as he would leave something akin to a sonic boom each time he accelerated.
   1
   Showing that he could break the sound barrier with nothing but his natural speed alone.
   Not that it mattered in this situation as he would occasionally turn around and look at the sky to see that there was something similar to a white star following him.
   'What's with that freaky armour! I can't feel shit from him!'
   "Are you ready to tell me how you fought back the mutation of your evil piece?" A voice asked him from out of nowhere.
   2
   "Fuck off!!!"
   Once again he started sprinting away.
   "...Crass... very well then, there are other ways to figure that out..." 
   The guy felt a chill running down his back as he heard multiple claps of thunder followed by multiple balls of electricity raining down from heaven.
   "Hahaha! Your aim is shi-" He wasn't able to finish the sentence as a ball of electricity slammed into him with a force powerful enough to send him flying...
   2
   Breaking several trees in the process, the reincarnated devil ended up laying on his back...
   He quickly realised that his body was disabled, the amount of electricity that rammed into him was enough to fry his nerves, but not enough to outright kill him! Such precision in energy control was absurd even in the supernatural circles.
   Moments later the armour landed right in front of him and pointed his rifle's barrel at his head.
   "I do thank you for allowing me to test at shooting moving targets." 
   'Fuck... he was missing on purpose! Fuck this freak for messing with me!!!' 
   1
   "Good night. Pick a realm of dead of your choice... oh, wait! Devils don't go there... my bad...." 
   9
   The next thing he knew was more electricity which fried his brain, ending and killing the helpless stray devil.
   Once the death was confirmed, several white circles surrounded the corpse and moments later something came out of the body in the shape of a translucent orb with a sword inside.
   This was the Sacred Gear Demonic Sword Creation also known as Sword Birth to the rest of the world. Quite a common gear. And very common around the Devil circles.
   A few moments later the orb was collected and the dead body was erased in a single blast of the rifle.
   The energy wings glowed and the armour started floating again.
   "Hmm? Company? An interesting method of hiding magic. It's not bad. But, for someone who has magic vision, I can see the trails of magic..." 
   After his words, several figures started coming out from behind the trees. They all were dressed in a white fur-like clothes with hoods. But, they all had one thing in common... and that is the silver bows and arrows.
   1
   The figure leading the front was the most unique. While looking identical to the rest in clothing, the aura she had was different. It was felt... divine.
   "Who are you? This area at this time of the year is used by my hunt." The woman asked with quite an authoritative tone. The only reason she didn't open fire at the person in the armour was because she couldn't tell who or what it was...
   4
   This was the first time in her very long life that she has met someone she can't discern at all! It's like all her divine power just bounces off the armour. She can't even t ell if it's a male or female!
   3
   ~~~~~~~~~Inventions/Tech/Sacred Gears~~~~~~~~~~~~
   Freedom Scale Mail MK II
   The Battle version of the Scale Mail armour which was built by Marcus. It was created by using both magical means as well as technical means for the perfect blend of both.
   Classification: Pseudo- Longinus Sacred Gear
   Composition: Sacred Gear alchemical metal, Diamond, transmuted electronics, plastic, rubber.
   Key magic system and technology:
   Exoskeleton system: A support system used to control the scale mail. It reads the user's movements and thoughts and assists the user in controlling the Scale Mail.
   Aurora Battle Assistance OS: The scale mail runs on the Aurora OS and is connected to the main Database in Marcus Garage. The Battle Assistance software runs alongside the main OS. This software analyses and offers the best possible course of action to deal with the enemy.
   G-Force Max Support: A system designed to mitigate the G-Force which the scale mail is exposed to when flying at high speeds.
   The newly upgraded system has countless small barriers spread throughout the whole body of the armour. 
   As a side effect of this none of the outside beings can sense who is inside the armour.
   Diamond Triangle Core: Modified version of the Diamond Core Heart based for the Scale Mails. It's used as a main power source for the Scale Mail and is independent from the user's energy source.
   Crystallised Energy Flight Support (or C.E.F.S for short): Magic energy crystallised in the form of wings. It gives an unprecedented ability to fly. 
   Solomon's Negation Magic Support System (or S.N.M.S.S for short): A specific type of energy is dispersed through the energy wings which affects other types of energies in the area of effect(AOE) type of fashion 
   Recoil To Magic (or R.T.M for short) Is a branch magic system used in the arms of the scale mail. This system is directly connected to the energy wings which releases the newly created excess magic.
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   Deimos & Phobos 
   The twin rifles and spiritual successors to the Castor & Pollux guns. These are the first true sacred gear built by a human.
   Classification: New type Sacred Gear, equal if not superior to original Longinus gears as it has a natural Balance Breaker, as well as being much more durable than any other gear created beforehand.
   Composition: Transmuted Sacred Gear metal, diamonds.
   Balance Breaker: The Star of the God of War
   The rifles merge to form a single-particle cannon. 
   Key magic system and technology:
   Motion to Magic (Rifle version): The system has been reworked and perfected for the use in the form of a rifle.
   1
   Mass Magic Barrier Rail System (Or M.M.B.R.S for short): The next generation Barrier Rail system. Instead of using just two rails, this system uses 6 in total in the shape of a hexagon. There are multiple magic circles in the rail path which help shape the 'cannonball' in case Marcus needs to use a cannon.
   Revolver System v2: The reworked system to switch the type of shoot at a faster speed.
   Triple Cartridges Loader: Instead of being loaded with a single cartridge, Deimos & Phobos are loaded with three. This way the switching could be minimal.
   Aurora Sacred Gear Core: The cores of rifles are fitted with mini-computers which are responsible for the systems and are the key to unleashing the Balance Breaker. As well as recording the data to further improve the rifles, the weapons are always connected to the wider network thus allowing constant monitoring.
   1
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   My Discord server for advanced chapters:
   https://discord.gg/hvzgBJg4ss
   Along with the advanced chapters, there are also a lot of other fanfics I wrote and did not upload to Webnovel.
   Chapters are coming out Monday, Wednesday and Friday around 9:00 AM British time.
  
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   Chapter 13: The Hunt
   4
   "Hi" Regular Speech
   'Hi' Thought
   "(Hi)" Marcus's mechanically synthesised voice
   1
   [Hi] Aurora's notification
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   2
   'This is the hunt?... strange... don't remember one being in DxD I thought it was more of a... Percy Jackson thing, I think...
   2
   Nonetheless...'
   [Energy reading scan complete. S.N.M.S.S ready and on standby.]
   'So, this is divine energy. Quite the fascinating type of energy.' I looked at the reading. Divine energy is in a somewhat higher tier than regular magic, it is also connected to certain aspects depending on the different concepts the god has...
   Her power was flowing through these girls. Not only that but she was getting more power in return. Something akin to a network. She was feeding from their beliefs whilst at the same time her power was flowing through them.
   'Quite the fascinating piece of specimen you are, Artemis. Sadly I don't have any facilities built for someone like you.'
   And my binding magic is not set up for someone like a Greek God.
   5
   'Hmm, I guess I will have to leave you like this...pity...' My gaze turned and looked at the hooded person from a higher point of view.
   "Who are you? This area is under the Greek Pantheon's jurisdiction for two months. No other supernatural being should be here without direct permission from me or Zeus!" The female, whom I believe to be Artemis, stated to me. She was quite arrogant.
   4
   "(Oh? I didn't know that. I thought Siberia didn't belong to any supernatural pantheon.)" I said to her, my voice was mechanically synthesised so she can't tell my gender. Plus with the multiple layers of barriers around me, she can't feel anything from me. Her divine energy just can't touch me.
   2
   "So, you are new then? Very well, for a newcomer, it is forgiven. Still though, you trespassed and caused damage to the surrounding areas, at least reveal to me who you are?" 
   'Not bad for a man-hater, she knows some politics even for someone who spends the majority of her time in the wild. I suppose the Greek Pantheon went up slightly in my liking bar.' 
   "(Sadly, I can't do that. My identity is confidential until the right time comes.)" 
   The moment I said that, all the hunters of hers raised their bows at me.
   "That's foolish of you. You are surrounded and trespassing. In all sense, I should simply kill you." She said and with a flash, her bow appeared in her hand.
   2
   "(Oh? For a mere Godling, you are quite confident...)" 
   1
   [S.N.M.S.S deployed]
   Freedom's wings glowed and a burst of energy was emitted.
   And in the next moment, the bows held by the huntresses lost their glow. Especially the one wielded by their leader whom I assume to be Artemis, she still hasn't introduced herself yet though.
   "W-What is this!? Why can't I use my powers? What did you do-" 
   Before she could say anything more, I was already in front of her and Phobos, the right-handed rifle, was already pointing at her face.
   2
   "(It's called science. Both regular and magical. I have already figured out how your divine energy works.)" 
   9
   Even though I warned her, she lunged forward anyway. My eyes widened in bemused surprise as she moved forward and tried to brush Phobos away.
   My suit reacted on its own and with the help of magical energy, I dodged. I raised my right leg and kicked her away, sending her flying. The hit was quite powerful as she passed through several sets of trees.
   """"LADY ARTEMIS!!!""""
   The huntresses quickly moved in, switching from their bows into dual knives.
   "(This is just ridiculous. Steel knives? What are you going to do with those, cut me?)" I asked with disbelief as Aurora had already finished scanning the composition of the metal. Metals are something I have been tinkering with for decades now. I can spot steel, miles away.
   1
   The girls ignored me, as they quickly rushed forward anyway.
   "(That's it... no more taking this easy...)" 
   The revolver spun inside the Rifles. Selecting scattershot.
   I pointed Deimos and Phobos at the incoming huntresses from all directions. Time to show these people why Wing Gundam was very dangerous in its time. Although I was aiming for the Freedom Gundam style where one machine can take on whole armies, the Wing Gundam dual rifle style was quite similar.
   3
   Pressing the triggers, white magic circles appeared at the barrels ends as volleys of electrical balls of energy started rushing at the females.
   While I was spinning, shooting in all directions...
   2
   "What is this..."
   "Ahh!"
   "I-I-It's electricity..."
   "Damn..."
   And just like flies, all the girls collapsed with twitching bodies, before they could even reach me.
   4
   Before I could sigh in annoyance, an alarm flared and the suit reacted on its own to intercept the attack; it was a spin kick from the side.
   My body moved on its own as I spun out of the path.
   My eyes widened in surprise as I saw a... bonafide cat girl!
   7
   'What the fuck!!!'
   "(You... who are you)" I asked with disbelief.
   "... You're going to pay for what you did to lady Artemis and the hunt!" As she was saying that, Aurora was already building up a profile for me.
   Greenish blonde hair, cat ears and tail... no, it's not a cat... a lion...
   8
   "(Atalanta... fascinating... you should be a lion by this point)" I said as I was finally able to put a name to that face.
   I heard a pissed off hiss as the woman took a martial arts stance.
   "(Oh? No bow)" I asked in a teasing tone since she can't use the divine blessings from Artemis at the moment.
   Instead of answering my question, she just lunged forward.
   'Ahh, yes, Greek martial arts....' Aurora quickly recognised it and the battle assistance kicked in. But by this point, I was just  fighting a regular girl without any supernatural support. Though, she most likely still has her Lion physiology for assistance.
   2
   Meaning stronger than normal...
   But then suddenly, I picked up several arrows flying towards my hands.
   'Oh, fascinating. Trying to make me want to lose my rifles. In that case...' 
   Before the arrows could hit me, the pair of rifles disappeared as I recalled them back into my inventory. I did that mid dodge from Atalanta's attack as she was aiming for my weapons as well.
   Pity... Girls... while my rifles can kill Satans, my armour can kill Ultimate class with it's fists alone...
   The sudden disappearance of the rifles made the lion girl's eyes widen.
   "(Sacred Gears, sweetheart. They can disappear and reappear from mere thought alone... oh, and you are wide open.)" As I said that my fist went to her stomach, the feline girl quickly tried to use her hand to block it. Since my movement was faster than her's, she had to use whatever she could to mitigate the blow.
   4
   "Oof!" The blow from my fist sent her flying towards the similar direction where Artemis should be knocked out.
   1
   Once I dealt with Atalanta. Not going to lie, catgirls in general have a soft spot in my heart. Especially one with a personality like Atalanta's.
   That's why what she received was nothing more than a love tap.
   10
   All that was left was the huntress who shot arrows at me, even after losing the divine blessing from Artemis.
   My gaze ended up on her as she jumped from a tree and pulled out a spear.
   Masterfully she took a fighting stance.
   "(Oh? Who are you? You have a divinity of your own. Fascinating, a Demi-God? I thought gods stopped the whole nonsense of interfering with regular humans)" I said to her, as Aurora was trying to build up a profile on her.
   "I see... you are one of those blacksmiths types? Never expected to find someone of your talent. So good that you can even deal with Divinities. Nonetheless, I request a proper duel." She said seriously.
   "(You know that I am a blacksmith-type. Yet, you ask for a warrior-like duel from me?)" I asked with disbelief, now I know she is not from this era... meaning that she probably is quite an old Huntress under Artemis... probably as good as Atalanta...
   "My honour as Queen of Amazons demands that we have a proper duel." She said while removing her hood. 
   My eyes widened, she had a hair colour that of Rias Gremory. Well, slightly darker. She also has very striking yellow eyes. What truly blew me away was her hairstyle... 
   Where did I see it?
   'Right... The female King Arthur or Artoria... this world is quite unique... Now that I think about it, Atalanta looked like she was from Fate altogether...' 
   7
   "(I see... Hippolyta... you should be dead too...)" What is with these historical characters being alive like this?
   3
   "So, you know of me? That makes things easier!" 
   "(Heh... you want me to fight you properly?)" I asked her while crossing my arms. I do want to know how she will get a proper duel from me when I have no interest in fighting properly.
   "You may use any of your self-made tools. That's their purpose. I will use mine as well. If you win, my life is yours. If I win, your life is mine. Easy, yes?" 
   4
   I blinked a couple of times hearing this. Right, she was raised from that warrior culture of hers.
   "(You serious? I have disabled your divinity. You are no War Goddess. Even if you are, my armour specs outperform most Ultimate class beings.)" I said while trying to comprehend why she still insists on going into this duel.
   What was even weirder was that she was getting even happier hearing what I said!
   'Is she a masochist?'
   4
   "Even better! To make a suit of armour capable of fighting the ultimate class! Yes! You will do just perfectly! I have been waiting thousands of years for someone of your capacity!"
   1
   'What is she talking about?' 
   My brain tried to comprehend her thought process...
   7
   ...
   ...
   ...
   "(Let me get this straight. When you meant your life will be mine if I win, and mine will be yours if you win...
   You mean the marriage way or the killing way?)" I asked her as I remembered the whole strength makes right thing...
   For a second she was confused before giggling.
   "Of course marriage. Why would I kill someone who can build things like that?" She asked with a confused look.
   8
   This was a conversation between two people from different periods and professions altogether.
   "(*Sigh*)"
   My energy wings glowed and with a sonic boom, I disappeared from her sight.
   14
   Hippolyta looked around quickly and there was a borderline crazed look on her face. Reminding me of those people who liked to fight.
   Pity that I don't do 'fights'... 
   I appeared behind her and with Phobos in hand, I pressed the trigger, a bolt of lightning slammed into her from behind.
   2
   "Heh...I-I-I lost...very well... I a-a-accept this...fate..." she collapsed onto the ground.
   'Silly woman... I didn't accept your deal... I have no interest in marrying... I am not even 30 yet...'  I shook my head as I looked around. 
   Thinking of it for a bit... I decided that, yes... I can take some samples from these ladies....
   Walking over to Hippolyta I recalled my rifle and pulled out a combat knife and cut several strands of her hair.
   Then I walked towards where Atalanta was with Artemis.
   The first one I noticed was Atalanta. She was knocked out and had a frustrated look on her face. Her hair was the most unique hair I have seen so far. Natural green and blond is quite rare for regular people. Well, it should be but since I was in an anime-like world... 
   Walking closer for a bit I removed my glove and wanted to do what no one should have ever done in history... and that is pat her head and stroke those ears...
   14
   "(Heh... even though it looks rough your hair is quite soft,)" I said softly, enjoying the hair.
   1
   *Sound of purring cat*
   4
   My eyes widened and in the next second, I had a very evil look on my face.
   9
   "(Aurora, why don't you record this purring for me.)" 
   [As you wish]
   I saw the notification, brushing it aside mentally. I continued to stroke her hair and of course record the purring.
   How many other people have achieved this? Making the Chaste Huntress purr? Heh. This was probably one of my greatest achievements! To date!
   6
   After enjoying the stroking I gently cut some of her hair before leaving her be.
   And last but not the least... the Moon Goddess herself...
   "(Hoh?)" I looked forward and saw her slowly getting up.
   "Y-You... you won't be getting away with this!" She said while trying to get a hold of herself.
   "Attacking one of the Olympians like this!" She exclaimed as she finally stood up properly. There was some sweat going down her forehead.
   "(Truly? I do wonder what your fellow gods would think of the Moon Goddess herself. One of twelve Olympians losing against a mere sixteen-year-old human teenager!)" I said while animatedly shaking my head. My hands were crossed.
   8
   "You... must be joking!" She asked with wide eyes. Her blue eyes were in complete disbelief.
   And now that I can finally see how she looks. I can confidently say yes, Artemis is very, very, beautiful. Silver nearly glowing hair done in a simple ponytail, held together with a strap of leather.
   5
   "(Why would I joke with you? I don't have a reason to do so.)" I said to the Goddess while walking forward towards her.
   By this point, she already realised that she can't use her magic nor can she use her bow. And most importantly she has received a blow from an ultimate class level kick while she had no empowerment. I am impressed that she could tank such a strike.
   "Lies... it has to be lies! No human can achieve this without some sort of help from a deity!" The Goddess was in denial.
   I frowned for a moment after hearing that... 
   This was getting annoying. I understand... oh I know!
   My hand moved towards my helmet, Aurora read my intentions and disconnected the helmet. Moments later, Artemis could now see my face.
   17
   I saw her face with my own eyes. Just like she did with her's.
   "Fuu... this is cold," I said while looking around. I could feel the icy temperature on my skin now.
   "You... You are a teenage human male! No-no, way!" The Goddess of Hunt said while shaking her head in disbelief.
   1
   "Indeed. Now, I know gods can tell when humans are lying right? Do tell. Can you do that? Or do you need my help with that?" I asked with a smug look since she unfortunately has no power over her Divine energy.
   "You...YOU! No human male dares to speak to me like this!" She said while her shoulders started to shake from fury.
   "And what are you going to do about it?" I asked with extreme curiosity.
   7
   I do wonder what gods will do without their power? It was a natural curiosity. Humans are born without any power. So, we build up ours. What about gods, what will they do when they lose their powers? 
   "You...YOU...YOU!" She naturally lunged forward...
   5
   Trying to punch me... but the thing was... Freedom scale mail makes me naturally extremely tall... nearly three metres...
   So I caught her first with natural ease...
   3
   She tried to force herself to push me but she needed a lot of force to even move me. And at this point she was just around natural human strength...
   "If you're going to do this then just don't," I said with a bored and disappointed sigh. I guess I expected too much.
   "Grrr... I will make you pay!"
   "I will spank you for being naughty you know?" I said in a bored and slightly amused tone. Yes, I was feeling quite sadistic towards her, I mean she is a natural man-hater. And I just have this natural urge to do things.
   8
   "What!? You dare?" She asked with wide eyes and disbelief.
   5
   "You want to test this theory?" I said with a raised eyebrow as I started lifting her by her hand.
   "I am an Olympian Goddess! You can't do this kind of thing!" She said in a somewhat embarrassed tone.
   "You wanted to kill less than 5 minutes ago. Not only was I assaulted by a whole group of feminists but two of them were bonafide Goddesses. So, tell me what should I do? Oh, I know... I should wrap you all up nicely and send it as a post to Olympus... I do wonder what kind of reaction the rest of your council will think?" I said to her with a bright smile.
   "...You...Do you want an apology?" She asked that after having a realising look.
   "Hmm... I want something else." I asked her as I inspected her, closely, giving her some wrong ideas.
   She paled hearing that. 
   "I will kill myself if you dare take my body!" She said with a fierce look.
   "Your body? Oh, you are quite a pervert if you are already thinking in that direction. But, no. While you are beautiful I have no interest in you." I said while shaking my head. I already have Serafall and Grayfia. While adding another Silver hair would be... Interesting. especially in a maid uniform...
   3
   Artemis started blushing from embarrassment as she didn't know where to look. I can assume normally she would have either killed the one responsible or turned them into an animal.
   "T-Then what do you want?" She asked after some uncomfortable silence.
   Especially since she is hanging in the air...
   My other hand went towards her face. Her eyes widened and she was still confused but eventually, she realised what I just did.
   Seeing some strands of her hair being pulled out like this, she had a weird look on her face. She has no idea how to act in this situation...
   Eventually, I got her hair and lowered her down.
   "You...what are going to do with my hair?" She asked, a bit worried.
   "Since I already know about Greek God's energy. I want to see more." I said while storing the hair away and putting my helmet back on.
   "(Whereas you are a huntress. I am an engineer and an inventor. I make things. And maybe I will create something interesting by unlocking things from your hair.
   Besides, it's a souvenir that I beat Artemis and her hunt in less than five minutes.)" 
   "...You... I will get you back for this! I won't stop until you are under my foot!" Artemis said with a furious look, forgetting something important...
   12
   "(Sure...)" 
   My hand went on to her nose and squeezed it.
   5
   "(Next time maybe you should bring your whole Pantheon with you... I mean that way I will at least have more loot to collect.)" 
   17
   She tried to push my hand away with everything she got but it was no use.
   Until I moved my hand myself.
   "This-"
   "(You will get me back for it. I get it. Maybe I should just seal your power permanently and keep you as a maid?)" I asked curiously.
   6
   She didn't say anything anymore. Only looking furiously at me, while stroking her cute nose.
   "(Anyways. I will see you later Artemis..)" 
   My wings glowed before I started to fly quickly leaving the area and turning off Solomon's negation.
   *BOOM*
   "DAMN YOU! I WILL GET MY REVENGE!!!"
   10
   I could hear Artemis screaming with fury. The night sky slightly turned lighter with some silver showing off her domain over the moon.
   'Well, she is pissed. It was very hard for me to resist and not just start messing with her.
   1
   I could have gotten some more liberties with her but then again there will be second and third time. Knowing her, she isn't going to stop just because her power is sealed...' 
   I could only sigh. Oh well, I wonder what Sera's reaction to this will be?
   ~~~~~~Artemis~~~~~~
   1
   'THAT BRAT! THAT HUMAN BRAT! I WILL KILL HIM! I WILL TURN HIM INTO A RODENT AND SQUEEZE THE VERY LIFE OUT OF HIM!' 
   The moon Goddess looked at the sky with a borderline insane look. Never in her whole life has someone toyed with her like this! 
   After blowing up several trees with her raw divine power she calmed down for a bit.
   She realised that the human brat knows how to seal her power. That's why he was not even afraid if she was to bring her whole pantheon with her...
   While this is very much disturbing, she won't be doing that. No way in her life will she tell anyone that she was turned into a human's toy like this!
   No, she needs a different way!
   Assuming his armour is what allows him to seal her power. That means that she just needs to find him outside of it!
   7
   'Yes. I need to find where he lives. Hunt him down. Then humiliate that brat the same way he did to me!'
   5
   Thinking more on it for a bit. She realised that this brat is quite similar to that Devil freak who invented the Evil pieces.
   1
   If that's the case then the brat most likely can do more.
   'Heh... if this is the case then I will draw him out into a duel. Offer something he could not resist. Of course, making sure it's a duel of pure skill, no toys are allowed.' 
   15
   The silver-haired goddess was thinking of how to get revenge not even making sure if she was on the right track or not. All she knew was that the brat was dangerous with his toys. 
   Once he was out he is just a regular 16 years old teen, he would not have a massive amount of magic. And even if he did, she is an Olympian Goddess! One of the strongest!
   4
   'Yes. This will do it! Now I only need to find where you live!' After making up her mind Artemis had a self-fulfilling mission to do. When was the last time she wanted to track a human down? 
   1
   *Whistle*
   Moments later howls of wolves spread throughout the whole forest as above-average sized wolves started to gather around her location.
   "Find him for me! No matter what! I want to know where he lives!" The Goddess of hunt ordered with a cold voice.
   The wolves nodded as they started to smell the air around.
   They were looking around. Trying to find any remains of the human's smell. The problem was... there was nothing to pick.
   5
   After a few moments, the wolves shook their head. 
   "...Grrr... that brat! One way or another I will find you!" Artemis stomped her foot. Before sending her wolves away and started walking towards where her hunt was.
   Just passing through several downed trees she found the downed Atalanta.
   The Goddess quickly rushed towards her. Shaking her gently for a bit.
   "Oh? Lady Artemis? Where am I?" The huntress asked with a confused look.
   "You have been knocked out by that brat!" The Moon Goddess said as she mentioned him in a very furious tone.
   "Brat?"
   "..."
   Atalanta instantly recalled what happened, she got dead serious.
   "What happened?"
   Artemis sighed. Should she tell her? Well, the Goddess can tell some things, just not the embarrassing parts though. For example, the threats of spanking and being turned into a maid should not be said, as Atalanta might just do something reckless and will be turned into a toy like Artemis was.
   "The wielder of that armour is a teenage human boy. He is at least as intelligent as that Beelzebub freak. He developed some sort of magic similar to that of the Solomon brat. And he defeated all of us and collected our hair as a trophy..." 
   1
   Atalanta's eyes widened for a second before getting furious she touched her hair for a bit trying to find anything missing. Thankfully she didn't find anything out of place.
   Nonetheless, for some reason, she felt violated. The huntress doesn't know why but she simply had this feeling that something embarrassing was done to her!
   4
   "What are your orders, my lady? Should we hunt him down?" The huntress said in a very icy tone.
   "We can't, he can fly and the wolves are useless... it's not recommended to face him when he is inside his armour. That magic of his turns us into a powerless state. We need to find him where he lives. Once that is done then we can prepare an ambush and force him into a duel to regain our honour."
   "Why not just kill him?" Atalanta asked her Goddess. This is not the Artemis she knows off...
   But then the huntress saw the look she had.
   'She wants vengeance, something has happened to Lady Artemis. Most likely when that brat took her hair...' 
   2
   "No...killing him is not good enough...he will suffer for all of the humiliation I had to go through! There is no killing! Not until I have my way with him!!!" 
   21
   "...I understand. We will help you in any way we can, Lady Artemis." Atalanta said with a nod as she was starting to get up onto her feet. Cleaning herself for a bit.
   1
   "Good, now let's return to the hunt and think of the ways we can get information on him," Artemis said with a nod as they started walking towards the rest of the hunt.
   ~~~
   "Where is he? Where is my husband!?" The red-haired Amazon Queen was looking around with a heated look.
   5
   "Hippolyta what nonsense are you talking about?" Atalanta asked with a baffled look.
   "He has beaten me in the proper duel I asked of him! I have acknowledged the fact that he has beaten me fair and squire! My life is his now!" The red-haired warrior woman said with a serious look. The rest of the huntresses and even Artemis looked at her strangely for a bit.
   6
   "You have sworn a Huntress oath of chastity after Lord Hades brought you back to the world of living by my request, I might add."
   "If I recall correctly My Lady, I accepted the offer of a Huntress as long as it doesn't clash with my honour as an Amazon warrior and Queen."
   The silver-haired Goddess groaned for a second remembering that. Yes, all those years back, she was desperate to get her hunt back together and she needed experienced women who had experience in fighting and had some hate towards men. Hippolyta was the best choice since her experience with Heracles and has natural affinity towards fighting and hunting so she fits the bill.
   Now it has come back to bite her in the back because this woman is simply far too proud and is a Queen of warrior womens.
   "Sad to say but he has left and we have no idea how to search for him."
   "So, he has beaten the whole hunt and just left..." Hippolyta said with disbelief.
   "Yes. A 16-year-old human boy has beaten us. I think it's time to get back at him." Artemis said with an extremely pissed off look.
   But her words had different effects on the Amazon Queen. The redhead's eyes, for a second, had hearts in them.
   9
   "He is that good? He crafted tools like that when he was only sixteen!? I can already imagine what he can do when he is twenty! Or thirty! Hehehe..." The redhead huntress said with a flushed look, her breathing got slightly haggard.
   12
   By this point, she was already head over heels for Marcus who had beaten her that bad.
   "Hippolyta... are you okay? You look like you are sick..."
   "Hmm? I am fine... we should start looking for him... Lady Artemis did you see his face...is he good looking?" The Amazon Queen asked, her last few words earned some confused looks from the huntresses.
   "He is...hmm... Eastern European... from the looks of it. We should start scouting Eastern Europe then."
   "The way the world is right now My Lady... Eastern European could live all over the world," Atalanta said to the Goddess of the hunt.
   "He has the accent of someone who is from Eastern Europe."
   10
   The huntress nodded hearing that and the rest just listened into their conversation, even the Amazonian Queen was thinking hard for some clues, though for different reasons.
   "My Lady since he is an incredibly talented crafter we could use that to track him down. If he can build things like that armour, which I assume is a Sacred Gear, then he should be quite a high profile person. It shouldn't be too hard to find some clues." Hippolyta said with a serious look.
   2
   The redhead Amazon was thinking very hard, after all it's her future husband they were tracking down. And like hell, she will let this chance slide!
   "True, if this is true... if he can truly craft sacred gears then this is big. No matter which pantheon he ends up with." Atalanta said with wide eyes as she remembered him mentioning that those rifles are sacred gears and she doesn't remember any gear shaped like guns before.
   1
   "...Indeed... we can talk about this when he is under my foot! Until then we going to track him down!" Artemis said with a furious look.
   And Hippolyta only smiled seeing the frustrated look on the Moon Goddess face. How many humans can make this proud Goddess behave like that! This only proves to her that her future husband is incredible!
   3
   ~~~~~~Marcus~~~~~~
   I looked down and saw my garage, being back home feels refreshing. Spending a whole night in Siberia was something else.
   This was one of those moments when you just sit back and think back on what you just did. I did just that, and it's getting more common now.
   I just spent the whole night thousands of kilometres away from home and then returned in less than a few hours.
   1
   As I was descending, a portion of the driveway started to lower down and I could see my workshop there.
   1
   Once inside, I walked to the platform and robotic hands came out from the ground and started to take off the Freedom mark II.
   "How was it?" Serafall with Grayfia walked over to me.
   "Interesting to say the least..." I pulled out the sword birth core and showed it to them.
   "I got the gear. And... encountered the hunt." 
   ""What!?""
   "What hunt you talking about!?" Serafall quickly asked me.
   "The one which has a pair of Goddesses from the Greek Pantheon. Hippolyta even wanted to duel me." 
   "Y-You... What kind of luck is this!? What happened next!? Assuming nothing, since you are here right now?".
   "I beat them all up in less than 5 minutes... even got some souvenirs..." I pulled out some strands of hair from my inventory before showing it to Serafall and Grayfia.
   "This is Atalanta's hair, this one is Hippolyta's and for the last...this is Artemis hair... quite beautiful. It still nearly glows even after being taken some time ago from the source." I said with fascinated tone.
   Serafall facepalmed hearing that. While Grayfia kept a poker face like usual while she was thinking about something.
   7
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   My Discord server for advanced chapters:
   https://discord.gg/hvzgBJg4ss
   Along with the advanced chapters, there are also a lot of other fanfics I wrote and did not upload to Webnovel.
   Chapters are coming out Monday, Wednesday and Friday around 9:00 AM British time.
  
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   Chapter 14: Beginning of Expansions and Collecting Gears
   "Hi" Regular Speech
   'Hi' Thought
   "(Hi)" Marcus's mechanically synthesised voice
   [Hi] Aurora's notification
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   *Sigh*
   "Just like I thought... this is basic..." I sighed out loud as I looked at the screen. The scan for the Sword birth was done.
   Whereas Boosted Gear was like a primitive computer, the Sword birth is like a tv remote. Some very basic functions and that's about it.
   No wonder it's such a common gear. I could make better energy type gears for example: a Dragon energy-type Sword birth, or even a Greek Divine-energy-type Sword birth.
   It's so simple... I wonder why Big G never did it?
   Well, it doesn't matter. Now that I have this scanned and the information is stored I no longer need this...
   Looking around for a moment I left the Sacred Gear orb on the table and picked up a book on genetics.
   It's time to continue reading on genetics. What I found is quite fascinating. Genes are like closed systems. Very, very complex systems. You pull just one atom away and it breaks apart. It's also the same with tempering. If you change even the smallest thing like a hair colour then it can cause a chain reaction, resulting in the whole thing breaking apart again...
   Very much fascinating... and very...extensive science.
   "Right... I need to find some tech that people use to study genetics..." Thinking of it for a bit I went back to my PC and booked a tour that they do for labs. While it won't truly be everything I need, I will be able to get the general idea.
   I mean I already know that it's all about the micro world in one's blood...
   But, I can't make stuff from just that... I could make a microscope, but that's about it...
   ~~~~~~Around Same Time~~~~~~
   Serafall pulled Grayfia aside to talk, while their Master was reading about stuff on the genetics
   "Grayfia listen. This is bad." The black-haired Satan started pacing back and forth.
   "What is bad?"
   "Marcus only left once to hunt! And he encountered Artemis's Hunt! He wiped the floor with her! The problem is that he even earned the right to marry the Amazon Queen!" Serafall said with a frown look.
   "And...you think he will just marry her? Our Master doesn't care about this." Grayfia replied in an obvious tone.
   "The problem is not whether he will marry her or not. The problem is that even the smallest of steps he takes shakes the world! The hunt is only the beginning. Artemis has no clue about the capabilities of Freedom mark II! She can't sense Marcus. So even if she lost she believes that it's because of the armour's ability to negate magic. My bet is she is on the hunt to find our Master as we speak." Serafall reasoned as she started to pacing back and forth, again.
   "There will most likely be even more encounters, and our Master will humiliate her again. In return, they will most likely try to move in on him in his own hometown.
   And as you know yourself... that's suicidal." Leviathan reasoned as she crossed her arms under her ample breasts.
   "And what? He will capture her and enslave her? I do not know how Ars Goetia works but it can't enslave Gods..." Grayfia asked with raised eyebrows. She was trying to find the point of this conversation.
   Serafall shook her head in denial. This was not what she meant.
   "No. It's not about the enslavement. Artemis is one of twelve Olympians. Her capture would eventually be revealed and as you can imagine it would shake the whole supernatural world. Master will be under a magnifying glass. While it's nothing bad since not many people can do anything to him.
   What I am concerned about is how many females will want his attention. Hippolyta is only the beginning. There are still Aphrodite, Athena. And other Minor Goddesses. And that is just from the Greek pantheon. Don't forget the Diamond Core Heart that is installed in Kuoh. The Shinto pantheon could easily find out about it and want his attention.
   Then there's the Fallen Angels...they could easily send their females to seduce him and of course... that Bitch from the Heaven faction..." Serafall explained what she meant and Grayfia listened attentively.
   "I see. So you are afraid that Master will forget about you...Us. I suppose it is possible since there are many different Goddesses around the world. But, none of them are Devils like us. We are beings of sin. Where they won't do certain things, we can do it without even caring. There is a reason why Solomon wanted to enslave us instead of thinking about those crude beings." As Grayfia was speaking, the Leviathan was looking at her with a different look. Serafall was quite impressed by what she just heard.
   "Yes...yes...of course...For this one, I will need your help..." The black-haired devil lady had a smug look on her face. She recalled that a certain special day in February is close by...
   She needs to get some costumes...
   "My help? As long as its-"
   "I know, I know! We are going to seduce our master together, for Valentine's day! What do you think?" Serafall asked with a smug look as Grayfia thought about it.
   "Very well. Since I was the one who mentioned this." The silver-haired maid sighed in defeat. Well, she was the one who mentioned the sins... the only thing the gods can't brag about.
   She doubts any Goddess would double team with another Goddess just to seduce a man.
   That's why Devils are superior in this regard.
   "Good, good we shall be victorious." Serafall clenched her fist as she declared that. It sounded like she just found The formula to win her Master over.
   ~~~~~~Back to Marcus, Later~~~~~~
   The tour in the genetics lab was not so bad. While the techs were not the best. Since I saw some stuff over in America that is considered cutting edge right now. But then again my birth country doesn't quite have a substantial budget to begin with, so it's understandable.
   Nonetheless, it did its job and now I can start the ground running as they say. As I now know where to start and what I need to do to start this.
   Quickly entering some calculations onto the main computer after returning from the tour, I looked at the screen.
   [Calculations done. With current computer parameters, this decoding will be done in 34 years 74 days and 23 hours.]
   *Whistle*
   "So... a 46 GB ram computer is only worth that much... well I guess a 16 quad-core processor won't be doing it..."
   Thinking of it for a bit... spinning in the chair, I started to think about how to move forward from here.
   "Open me the map of this area. I want a satellite image of it." I said after thinking for a bit. While I know the area to a certain extent, I wanted to confirm something else.
   [Understood. Loading the map.]
   Moments later I saw the map of the surrounding area. Up northwest there were some forests. Well, there are forests of various sizes in most of the areas around the city.
   But if you go from Northwest to West where some open fields are, assuming there are some farmlands... and continue going further West, there is a Sea around 180 km away.
   Changing some altitude readings, as well as the sea level and such...
   "Hmmm... so the main processing facility is here. That open area will be the launch site... and then straight west... towards the sea..." doing some quick thinking about the ground compositions.
   If my memory serves me right, then this area a long time ago was a delta of a massive river, then the ice age...
   Working through the earth will not be so hard since I won't be doing it the normal way...
   With the idea in mind, I closed the map and created a folder next to Engineering, Projects, and Systems. I named it Expansions.
   But before I could focus on that, I went to the Projects folder and created another new project. It was time to create some grunts who can do manual labour for me.
   Naming it simply Aurora Bot. I quickly opened the design app and started drawing a robot.
   It was crazy how easy it is to draw one. Though, that was most likely because I have been doing upgrades for my Freedom, which requires extreme precision and with the whole barriers between armour laying. And also doing a lot of holographic manipulation of the design... And making manual labour robots? That's absurdly easy compared to that...
   The OS for them was mostly done by Aurora. I only skimmed through it and then moved on with something more fascinating... and that is allowing mechs to use magic.
   It was not as difficult as one would expect, the circles were not that hard to make, especially with the tools that I have.
   Once the designs for the labour bots were done, I started working on my expansions. Now teleportation is fun and all. But travelling with something like a bus, train, or ship are good for a few things. From experience, I can say that travelling allows one to spend time thinking. Many of my ideas and designs came just from that, especially in my previous life.
   And that's why I decided to make an underground railway network.
   With perpetual energy and unlimited resources that comes with alchemy and a tireless labour force, I can easily create whole networks throughout the whole nation.
   The best part is that it can also rapidly grow with barely any maintenance or attention needed. I can go and do different things simply knowing that my bots are still working either way.
   My assembly line can create ten labour bots in less than two hours.
   'Hmm, I still need to make some more specific circles for this...' Thinking for a bit I started working myself on the Labour bot software update.
   ~~~
   When Serafall appeared in the workshop at her regular time she noticed that the place was empty...
   The place where the design table and the computer were, is empty. Whereas the main area where the suits are stored has not been changed, Mark I and Mark II are still there.
   The current Leviathan was confused that her Master was not doing something related to the genetics that he has started delving into.
   Even to this day, she has no idea why he was working on that...
   Nonetheless, she won't be questioning any of it. The black-haired devil lady knows better than to just ask things. Because for one, she will get lost in his explanation. And second, for better or worse she doesn't want to know, because it's most likely going to be very groundbreaking and she will need a couple of days to get over it...
   So, she would rather just wait for his reveal...
   Though, she still needs to figure out where her Master is. After several years with him, she knows his schedule like the back of her hand. So she should know where he is going to be.
   But, today was different. She thought that he would start working on something with the Sword Birth he acquired or some genetic nonsense...
   Besides she has some information on that Cao Cao fella he asked...
   "Hmm, where are you Master~~~?"
   Serafall started walking around the workshop main floor. She checked the main area, the testing room, the summoning/ritual room, then she walked to the back towards the kitchen and bathroom all of which were empty, there was not a single soul there...
   'Strange... this is far too strange... he would have notified me with his connection through Ars Goetia...'  The older Sitri looked around for a bit more. She then tried to sense her Master to find out where he was and once again... the workshop is far too... magically amplified for her to find him!
   This is one of those weird feelings that she gets whenever she is in the workshop, she feels human. Her power here means quite simply nothing... her master regularly makes things at the Ultimate class...
   And even then, a tool of that level barely enters his radar.
   'Well... I should probably check downstairs...' The black-haired devil lady sighed as she turned around and started walking to the back of the workshop where the stairs are.
   She knows quite well that she is not allowed to go down there regularly.
   For one it's where the Diamond Core Heart, the database and the assembly line is located.
   The reason why she was not allowed there is that according to Marcus' words, a klutz should not be allowed to get there regularly ...
   Why he thinks that she is a klutz is beyond her...
   Nonetheless, she will do a quick check and then will try to use their connection to contact him.
   The beauty gently and quietly descended to the lower floor. She noticed something almost immediately...
   The lighting in this area, more specifically the corridor areas, used to be almost nonexistent. Her master always loved the whole barely any light in the heart of the base thing. There was only ever some light on the floor so that people could see some of the path they were walking.
   However, now that was gone, and the area had actual proper lighting.
   Realising that yes, this is where he was, Serafall immediately gained her confidence and walked down at a much quicker pace.
   Her eyes widened when she saw a brand new corridor! It was twice as wide! She looked around for more and saw that the corridor which led to the Diamond Core Heart and the rest was gone!
   Instead, she found a door which appeared in an area far away from sight and was crafted from some sort of metal. She assumed a new brand of alloy?
   'What on earth is he doing... more expansions? Is he building a supervillain base? I won't be surprised, in truth... With him anything is possible... It wouldn't be a shock if one day he wakes up and decides to take over the world just to find out how the nations around the world would act to his declaration of war...'
   Serafall shook her head as she started walking down the wide corridor.
   Soon enough a few moments later she heard sounds of hammers and the noises of metal cutting and melding...
   Her eyes widened and she rushed forward with an extra step. She heard the sound of multiple people working. And she knows that Marcus is always doing things alone but now this!?
   Once she arrived at the much wider area, almost as wide as the whole workshop upstairs...
   'Is this...'  Her eyes scanned the whole area and saw... something akin to a railway station...
   "This is a railway station..." She looked around assuming she was standing on the platform area, walking forward she saw the rails or she assumed they were supposed to be rails but it was more like a platform of some sort... like the trains are going to be sliding on it or something like that...
   'He won't be making regular trains, that's for sure... assuming it will be floating or something like that...' Once she closely inspected the area, she saw... robots... humanoid robots using magic to drill the tunnel and more robots to assemble the rails...
   This was... approaching realms of true sci-fi in her eyes.
   Robots? As in real robots... making posh armour is nothing new to her. Well, not at Marcus's level, but armours are nothing too fancy... but properly functioning robot-like workforce?
   'Marcus... he is building his faction... with his bare hands... this is like the Biblical God all over again!' Serafall thought with sweaty forehead, this was something she expected. But she thought he would only start doing this when he was in his twenties or thirties. But he is moving way faster than she had predicted!
   How did genetics push him to expand? Making robots? This doesn't make sense to her at all!
   Eventually, she found him at the end of a platform with a tablet in hand, doing something. He even had his glasses on. From the looks of it, he was in his designing mode. Only this time it was designing...on a grander scale...
   Serafall quickly tried to sneak up on him... keyword 'tried'...
   As her instincts already told her that he was aware that she was there.
   "Master! I wasn't around for a day and this is what I found~~~? You're building railways!?" The current Leviathan hugged him from behind as she was now smaller than him so she was leaning onto his back.
   "Yep. I will need a much bigger facility for processing information. Genetics needs a lot of processing power. It will take 34 years just to process mine. Not to mention, altering and improving. So, I decided to finally expand. I will build a processing facility, a space launching platforms and docks areas." He explained casually to her.
   "Maybe even build up a new workshop along the way. Since having my place so close to my parent's is quite dangerous." He added more on top.
   "I see..." Serafall slightly sweat dropped hearing that. Space launching pads? He was planning to go to space?
   This was the first time she heard that!
   "Space launching pads... and docks? You never mentioned those! And here I thought you were telling stuff to your girlfriend!" She said with a pouty tone.
   "Just came up with the docks recently... I am thinking about diving as the suits' pressuring tests are much better deep underwater than in space. Besides, there are so many sunken ships... just itching to be rediscovered and brought back up for fixing!" He said the last parts excitedly.
   This reminded Serafall about how males sometimes have weird tendencies to collect things... Does her Master have a thing for ships? Or more specifically sunken shipwrecks?
   'Well, it's better than world domination... still through... will he bring back the Titanic? It's a kind of symbolic ship...'
   "Like the Titanic? Are you planning on bringing it back to the surface and fixing it?" The black-haired devil asked him curiously. Pity that she wasn't there when that ship sailed for the first and last time. The movie however was quite good.
   "One of them, yes. I am thinking of bringing back the Titanic, Bismarck, Musashi, Yamato... those are the first." He mentioned from the top of his head.
   "I only know the first one. How are the other three special?" Serafall asked with a curious look. Especially hearing the Japanese names.
   "They were the world's biggest battleships. They were really big, no nation builds that size anymore. Instead, they build aircraft carriers. That's why I want to get them." He said with a shrug.
   "Men... and their toys..." The beauty sighed hearing that they were military ships...
   "You have no idea... I was thinking of doing that with cars... but meh... diving into the depths of the deep sea. Pulling up wrecks and then rebuilding it with state of art magic and technology...now that is beautiful..." Marcus said with a dreamy tone.
   And Serafall instantly felt a chill going down her spine...
   'Is he planning on making them like Sacred Gears!?' She paled for a second imagining those ships turning into massive Japanese mechs...
   'My imagination is running wild... I should lessen the amount of Gundams I am watching...' The current Leviathan shook her head internally; she was imagining far too much...
   There was no way her Master would turn those ships into mechs!
   "I see... Well, I suppose it's not a bad hobby to have. Anyway, on another note, I have the information you wanted!" Serafall smugly pulled out an envelope from somewhere and handed it over to him.
   "Hoh? Stuff on Cao Cao? Let's see how many people he has recruited." He replied and with an excited face he opened the envelope and checked the information that the Leviathan had gathered in detail .
   'Jeanne, Hercules, Sieg, Arthur, Le Fay... Heh? The Pendragon pair have not yet joined Vali... interesting... the last location was around Greece... assuming they will be recruiting Perseus soon...'
   While Marcus read through the papers Serafall was closely looking at his expression. She saw him being quite excited and happy with the amount of rarer Sacred Gears these people collected just for him.
   "You will be collecting them then? The True Longinus... it will...attract the attention of Heaven." The Black-haired beauty said to him as she looked at Cao Cao's picture.
   "Good for them. They had years to recover it."
   "They did. Many previous exorcists had it and they were under Heaven banner. But like any other gear, the Heaven system is quite random with the gear placement. The Angels didn't expect someone from China to receive the spear." Serafall explained to him.
   "As I said they had years. Years to patch the system, years to upgrade it and perfect it. At this point, I see nothing more than the fact that they don't care who has the True Longinus. It's not my problem that they are incompetent in fixing and running the system."
   The current Leviathan could hear her Master's distaste towards Heaven's faction. Assuming he doesn't like them because of how they can't run Heaven's system.
   'This is too early for me to decide if he is going to have a cold relationship with them or not. There is still a chance of that bitch pulling something out of her large tits!' The black-haired beauty furrowed her eyebrows for a moment, thinking about that woman who wears a mask more than she ever does!
   "Not everyone is at your level, Master. If my guess is right, then that blonde has tried many times to fix the system. But unfortunately for him, he wasn't created to run it..." She used the moment to jab some at the current leader of Heaven.
   "...I suppose so. Nonetheless, I will be leaving for Greece. I will be back shortly." He said after giving another glance at the envelope.
   "Be careful... It's the home of the Greek Pantheon. There is a chance you will encounter another one of their Deities." Serafall said with a little bit of concern. Not for his safety or anything like that. Well, she was a little bit concerned about it. But she was more concerned about what kind of things he could pull. She doesn't want the most eccentric Pantheon to start having weird ideas about her Master.
   "Irrelevant. I don't care about them. I have no interest in them at this moment. I will leave them alive." He said casually as he started walking back to the main floor.
   Serafall grimaced hearing that. He is treating them as something as if they were a nuisance. Like they are no threat and he is the one deciding their fate.
   Then again if she had such a gear like he does, she wouldn't be afraid of anything...
   "I see... while I don't care or anything..." that's a big lie and he saw through it as he looked back at her with a raised eyebrow.
   "You shouldn't just provoke them... their egos are fragile..."
   "As I said, it's irrelevant. For one I know their power and their scaling. I already scanned their divine energy. And I even have their DNA. My magic negation system is attuned to their energy As much as I have towards regular humans, dragons, devils and now Greek Gods." He explained casually while shrugging his shoulders.
   "If... you say so. I don't want you to cause any incident which will cause them to move."
   "Move? Move where? Even if they discover my home location by some miracle, there will only be less pantheon in the world by the end of it.
   I am not going to take their mountain or anything like that, I am only going to collect and purge wanted criminals." He simply told her what would happen to the Greek Gods if they were to get any 'funny' ideas of trying to find him.
   Serafall could only gulp down nervously. She doesn't want to know what the devil council will do once they find out that their P.O.D has been recreated by a human.
   She can already imagine egos flying high and Marcus not caring about at all. Which could easily lead to devil extinction...
   ~~~~~~Evening~~~~~~
   [Aurora OS boot up]
   [Boot Complete]
   [OS Start-Up in process...]
   [Aurora Battle Support Online]
   [Aurora H.U.D online]
   [Exoskeleton System online]
   [G-Force MAX support online]
   [Diamond Triangle Core Stable]
   [C.E.F.S on online and on standby]
   [S.N.M.S.S on online and on standby]
   [Synchronising Systems...]
   [Synchronisation Complete!]
   [Freedom Scale Mail MK II is ready and Standby!]
   Marcus checked the system of his suit before walking towards where the ceiling was lowered and the driveway could be seen.
   Moments later he was outside
   "Deploy wings, time to fly south."
   [C.E.F.S deployed]
   The whole wings ignited on his back as Marcus rushed high into the air.
   A few seconds later he was already very high in the air and the scale mail was connected to a GPS satellite to assist him in flying towards his destination.
   Less than an hour later the visor changed into a magic view and the teen inventor started looking around for his targets.
   'Hmm... well this is going to be quite annoying...'
   ...
   ...
   ...
   Several hours later Marcus finally found multiple Sacred Gears signatures in a single area. His eyes lit up as he flew there.
   Soon enough he found several bunch of people resting in a makeshift looking warehouse.
   Assuming they don't want a high profile because of the Greek Pantheon.
   'Hmm? What's this... there is a layer of some sort of energy in the air.'
   "Scan the energy in the air."
   [Scanning...]
   [...37%]
   [71%]
   [91%]
   [Scan complete]
   Moments later, a portion of Marcus' vision was covered by the new window.
   "Heh... Georg's Sacred Gear. So instead of hiding themselves in a dimension, they use this as an early warning alarm.
   As anything bigger would attract the pantheon. Quite smart."
   Reading a bit more on the barrier, the teen inventor found out how it worked...
   "In the end, I don't have to worry about this..."
   Marcus lifted his right arm as Phobos appeared in his right hand.
   He pointed it towards where Georg was sleeping.
   "Deploy negation magic field target Sacred Gears signature."
   [Deploying S.N.M.S.S]
   With a burst of light from the energy wings, the whole Warehouse area was bombarded by the Solomon Negation Magic. Marcus pressed the trigger and a large bolt of electricity rushed forwards from the barrel.
   *BOOM*
   *Electrical Crackle*
   "WE ARE UNDER ATTACK!!!"
   The teen inventor heard a male voice shouting from inside the warehouse.
   Marcus didn't stop as he started shooting more with both Deimos and Phobos. Bolts of lightning-like strikes of thunder descended onto the warehouse disabling the majority of the hero band members. The teen didn't stop there. As he continued before the majority were out, he then descended into the warehouse, most of the roof was already disintegrated so he could easily do that now.
   "(Preemptive strike success.)"
   Marcus said as he descended into the half-destroyed building.
   "Who the fuck are you?" A big burly man said with an annoyed look as he slowly got up pushing away the debris from himself.
   "(An inventor, engineer, enthusiast, Sacred Gear creator and collector. And you Cao Cao did a great favour to me for collecting so many rare gears.)" Marcus happily said as he lifted Phobos and pointed at the sweaty looking Chinese guy.
   "Oh yeah!? Let's see how you're going to like thi---ahhhh!" A clap of thunder followed by a ball of lightning smashed into the tall muscular guy which should be the descendant of Heracles.
   "(You are irrelevant. So be silent.)" The teen inventor said as he shot into the guy without even looking at him.
   "You... who are you? I have never seen Sacred Gear like those..."
   "(Did the part where I said an inventor, 'engineer and sacred gear creator' escape from you? Nonetheless, it doesn't matter. I am only talking with you since you did a favour to me. So, pick an underworld you want to go to and pray to the deity governing it.)" A rifle pointed at the Chinese guy who was sweating buckets. By this point he was looking around looking for a way to get out of this.
   While also trying to call forth his True Longinus...
   "Wait! we can discuss this! You are human! Right? I am trying---" A ball of lightning smashed into the guy as he didn't finish explaining.
   "(I don't care what you are trying to do. Science is a priority. Your gear is the peak and The Longinus... unless you have something equivalent to that, there is no dialogue...)" The genius inventor said as he approached the downed man... magic circles appeared around him as moments later a translucent orb with a golden spear inside of it came out.
   It was quickly collected. He then pointed Deimos at him and a pitch-black beam with red wisps erased the guy.
   That moment a girly squeaked spread throughout the warehouse as Marcus quickly looked at the source and saw a blonde girl with blue eyes staring at him with a pale look.
   He points Phobos at her.
   "W-Wait! D-Don't shoot! I surrender! I surrender!" The girl did a Japanese style dogeza... going on her knees and touching the ground with her forehead.
   "(You... are Jeanne... you have a Sacred Gear which creates Holy Swords...)"
   "Yes! I can do that! I can create as many as you want! Just don't kill me!" She begged with a terrified look. Jeanne just witnessed how their strongest member turned into nothing right in front of her eyes.
   "(Hmm... very well... tell me... is it true that you are the reincarnation of the Saint Joan of Arc?)" He asked her as he approached her.
   The girl had to look quite high as the Scale mail made the inventor look almost like a giant.
   And those glowing blue eyes from the helmet made him look even more monstrous.
   "Yes! I am! The sacred gear is deeply connected to her soul. So, it became a generation thing. Not only that but according to the church we look extremely similar as well! All the reincarnations of Joan of Arc had the same Sacred Gear."
   "(I see... very well. It is quite fascinating how the Gear doesn't detach after the user's death. Probably an extra system in place.)"
   Jeanne gulped down when she heard death being mentioned so casually. She quickly realised that she ended up with a bonafide cold researcher...
   "(I have decided. You will be coming with me. I will make you one of my maids. It will be a beautiful way of showing Heaven that, yes... their Saint is nothing more than a maid to me.)"
   The blonde slowly nodded with a gulp. Yes, this is better than just dying!
   "As you wish..." she said while bowing again.
   Marcus nodded before turning around and starting to collect the other gears.
   Once again Jeanne could only twitch each time she saw members of her old group cease to exist one by one...
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   My Discord server for advanced chapters:
   https://discord.gg/hvzgBJg4ss
   Along with the advanced chapters, there are also a lot of other fanfics I wrote and did not upload to Webnovel.
   Chapters are coming out Monday, Wednesday and Friday around 9:00 AM British time.
  
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   Chapter 15: Blonde Maids
   "Hi" Regular Speech
   'Hi' Thought
   "(Hi)" Marcus's mechanically synthesised voice
   [Hi] Aurora's notification
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   "Wait-Wait-Wait! Don't kill him! Please!!!"
   A blonde girl came out from the debris and when saw the rifle pointed at the blond man, she immediately panicked.
   "(What now? And you are? Hmm, right, Le Fay Pendragon? A witch... you don't have anything useful to offer...)"
   The blonde's eyes widened and when she heard that, she was instantly horrified! She quickly started to think. She looked at the other blonde, the Joan of Arc spirit holder...
   "I am a genius at magic! I was part of the Golden Dawn! I can teach magic if you want!" She quickly said what was on top of her head.
   "(Hmm, are you? Very well... I will spare this guy, in turn, your life belongs to me. You will be signing a contract that will bind your magic. If you break it you will lose your magic or in the worst case, you will die. Is that clear?)"
   She sighed in relief after hearing that. This was not perfect but it was the only good way to get out of this extremely bad situation.
   "Y-Yes! I accept!"
   "(Good. Still, though, I will be taking these swords. Terrorists should not be holding any of them in the first place.)" Marcus said happily, most likely using the best pretext to do so. Even though some people could already call him a renegade and a danger to most Pantheons...
   Well, not that it matters now anyway...
   Le Fay could only sigh after seeing Excalibur Ruler and Caliburn getting snatched just like that...
   They only just found Excalibur Ruler! And Caliburn? There was no need to even think about what kind of repercussion this will cause!
   It will cause a shockwave big enough to go through the whole supernatural world when the factions eventually hear that the strongest holy sword was lost!
   Still, her brother is alive, that's all that matters!
   Le Fay joined Jeanne as they watched their new Boss? Master? finished off the rest of the Hero Faction...
   And all they could do was stand by his side and be in fear, even awe at how, regardless of the original strength of the heroes like Georg, they were just slaughtered!
   After it was all done. Both of them were encased in magic circles, of which Le Fay found extremely fascinating as they looked Devil in origin but they were not devil magic? It was extremely weird... It was like he emulated the devil magic factors and made them work with human hands...
   'Whoever this guy is, he is good. Very good. I shouldn't be excited about the prospect of new magic in this situation but this is just too hard to resist!' The younger blonde of the pair had a very hard time trying to not get excited by this.
   After all, she had just been kidnapped by some super scary dude who single-handedly made the whole hero group of theirs just disappear!
   ~~~~~~Back in the Garage~~~~~~
   Jeanne was baffled and confused on why they were in Eastern Europe. She was able to make some sense of where they were flying.
   She saw Istanbul, it was not hard with the landmarks like the Hagia Sophia or the bridge connecting Europe to Asia Minor. Then of course there was the Black Sea and she also saw the city of Kyiv...well, she assumed that it was the Ukrainian capital since the city was big and there was a large river flowing through the middle.
   And in all, she could guess that they were somewhere close to the Baltic Sea which is also quite close to the Norse Pantheon territory.
   The confusion only increased when they landed in some residential area of a small town in God knows where...
   Then her eyes widened when she saw parts of the driveway just going down into the ground. This looked like the type of supervillain secret base that you would see in the Bond movies...
   'Holy shit... this guy is totally like those supervillains from the movies with absurd tech and some big goals of world domination! I am kind of excited and terrified!' Jeanne thought to herself as she followed the guy who quite honestly kidnapped her...
   Her eyes slightly widened when she saw the inside, there was another armour similar to the one he was currently wearing. Well identical except for the colours and the wings...
   Or not... since she just saw the energy wings retract... there was only a colour difference. The stationed armour was simply grey, while the one he was wearing was golden and white...
   Moments later her kidnapper raised his hands and mechanical arms came out from the ground and started removing the armour, piece by piece.
   "That's so cool..." Jeanne said with barely hidden awe. This was like one of those sci-fi movies...
   "They are magical too... I can sense magic...I can sense magic everywhere... This man... he is terrifying..." Le Fay said with wide eyes as she scanned the surroundings.
   "Yeah? I guess he truly is a TV supervillain-type..." Jeanne replied after hearing what Le Fay just said.
   "Most likely... we still need to know what he does and what his goals are..." The younger blond said with a nod. She kind of, sort of, can see what Jeanne means.
   Once the armour was taken off they could finally see who it was.
   "No way! You are like, totally my age!!!" Jeanne said with disbelief.
   "Indeed. Which means you have wasted your whole life..." He said with a shrug.
   This was quite a jab to her as she quickly realised soon enough... that, yeah...she should not be acting like they are friends with someone who was about to kill her and take her Sacred Gear...
   "I suppose, I deserve that one. My apologies." The older blonde from the pair apologised with a quick bow.
   "So, you can learn etiquette after all. Not bad. Still you will be having a teacher soon enough to teach you all that you need to become a proper maid." He said in quite a smug tone, which quickly made the reincarnation of Joan of Arc feel cold shivers going down her spine.
   Who will be teaching her!?
   Soon enough the pair of blondes saw two women approaching...one of them was dressed in a maid outfit.
   "No way... those are... Serafall Leviathan and Grayfia Lucifuge!" Le Fay exclaimed in disbelief, and Jeanne quickly joined her when she heard those names.
   What are the pair of extremely powerful devils doing here!?
   "Indeed they are my pillars... I suppose I should introduce myself since the two of you don't even know my name."
   Le Fay had a shocking feeling in her gut when she heard him call these devils his pillars...
   She only ever knew one human who called the devils his pillars...
   "My name is Marcus Goldman and I am what these devil ladies call the second coming of Solomon. The King of Magic. Well, more like the King of Inventions and Engineering...but whatever, I can stick with magic." He said the last part with a shrug.
   "...But...how? He died ages ago! And no remnants of his were left! I have been reading up on him for years! His work...his magic... all known human cabals and organisations wanted to replicate it!" Le Fay said with disbelief and awe, and many other emotions that were rolling out from her. Here she was, talking to someone who has all of Solomon's magic and legacy!
   "Hmm? Who was he?" Jeanne asked with a look that said that she had no clue who they were talking about...
   "Solomon was the only guy in history to enslave the 72 devils pillars from right under the original Lucifer's nose. He walked to the Underworld and left with 72 devils who listened to him till his death." Marcus explained as simply as possible to Jeanne.
   "What our Lord just said is an extremely abridged version! But, yes, what he just said is the truth." Le Fay added her own two bits.
   Marcus slightly raised his eyebrow hearing how Le Fay was already addressing him as Lord...
   'I guess the old man has such an influence on human mages...'
   "Wait... seriously? Someone did that?" Jeanne questioned with a shock and baffled look.
   "Indeed. Someone did that about three thousand years ago..." The only black-haired devil lady in the room answered as she stepped forward.
   "Master~~~ you didn't say you will be bringing any... living souvenirs..."
   Both Le Fay and Jeanne gulped down instinctively. How can someone be this 'cute' and terrifying at the same time?
   'So, this is Satan Leviathan... I guess the rumours don't do much unless you see her yourself...' Jeanne thought to herself as she remembered rumours about Serafall Leviathan cosplaying as a Magic girl and acting all cute...
   "Jeanne over there holds the soul of the Saint Joan of Arc... she will be going directly under you, Grayfia. You will teach her how to be a maid. If it's not to my satisfaction I can always remove the gear and dispose of her."
   Jeanne turned pale white after hearing how casually he had just mentioned that.
   "I won't disappoint! S-Should I call you Master or... Lord!?" The older looking blonde quickly remembered how Le Fay called the guy who is the same age as her but had already slaughtered the whole of the Hero Band!
   Once again she quickly shook her head not wanting to think about how someone who is the same age as her can accomplish that!
   "Both... doesn't matter which one. Anyways, this witch looking girl is Le Fay Pendragon. Assuming she inherited the magical side of the Arthurian Legends." Marcus pointed at the girl. Who quickly and respectfully bowed towards the two devil powerhouses.
   "She will be a maid, and will also be assisting me with human-related magic." Le Fay once again nodded. She was nearly on cloud nine when she heard that she will be helping the second coming of Solomon! The original King of Magic was like God to the magical cabals and certain associations. And now she will be serving under his successor!
   "I understand. I won't disappoint you." Grayfia looked at the pair, her red eyes practically digging into them. Trying to dig up anything she dislikes, her gaze quickly made the both of them uncomfortable. This was the Strongest Queen! How are they going to serve under her!? If this woman's gaze could kill, they would be dead by now!
   "Good. Now come in, I am going to prepare the contracts for you two." Marcus motioned for them to follow him.
   ~~~
   'This place truly looks like a supervillain base! Well more like the garage of one... my new boss truly likes his techy stuff!' The older blond thought to herself as she was looking around at everything.
   She saw something akin to a holographic display, a futuristic-looking computer, a table with robotic hands which looks like the futuristic version of a grinding stone...
   "I suppose I should tell you some things before Master comes back." Serafall started talking as she is the most diplomatic one of them all.
   "Umm? Like what? I suppose I should know his schedule and such, yes?" The older blond asked with an uncertain look. While she was never a maid, she saw some in action.
   "That is, well... our Master is very... pragmatic I suppose?" Serafall said with uncertainty, she was trying to find an appropriate word.
   "We...experienced it... he dealt with our group in less than five minutes... the only survivor is my brother... since I offered myself for his life..."
   "Arthur Pendragon?" Serafall asked with a raised eyebrow, she remembered something about the Ancient British family.
   "Yes... I left a note which is basically a short summary of what happened before I was taken away." Le Fay said while fiddling with her robes. She was feeling very uncomfortable when the pair of the most powerful devil females were staring at her like that.
   "Did you tell Master that you left a note?" Grayfia asked her with a piercing gaze.
   'This woman... she is extreme... How can a Lucifuge serve a human to such an extreme?' Jeanne thought to herself. She never expected to see a devil serve a human with such heat.
   "Umm...yes, I told him, and he even watched when I left the note... he approved of it..." Le Fay quickly clarified under such an extreme gaze.
   "Good. Our Master was with Serafall for over 4 years now. She tested his patience enough. I suggest not to hide anything from him. It's pointless, especially in this place.
   We are in the heart of his control here. This workshop holds a pantheon level of security. You can't escape this house or even this nation without him knowing. He will find you. It will either be me or Serafall who will be hunting you two down. And believe me...we can't say no to him. Even if we want to." Grayfia simply explained to the pair of blondes who could only gulp down hearing that.
   In the end, they realised that they were in a nationwide prison.
   "It was a Pantheon level security Grayfia. Master tripled the output of the Diamond Core Heart. Now the whole nation can enter into lockdown mode." Serafall added with a smug look.
   "Truly? I guess I was outdated then. I didn't know Master is increasing security this much..." The Silver Haired maid said without much care. While the two blondes sitting opposite to them, tried to process what they just heard!
   Triple the power of a Pantheon level security? Aren't Pantheons usually located in a different dimension? So, how can this place be that secure? Barriers? There are barriers here? But where?
   Le Fay tried to sense anything but all she could tell was that there is a lot of magic in the air.
   'Can he turn the ambient magic into barriers? Just how good are these Diamond Cores?'
   "Indeed, after the whole incident with Artemis and her hunt, he decided to increase the radius of the third layer... Anyway, since you now know it is pointless to run, I can assume that Master will be giving you some devil-like contracts..." Serafall said as her gaze returned to the pair.
   The pair didn't want to know what their new Lord did to Artemis that he needed to increase the security. They will most likely learn it anyway...
   Still though, a man-hating Goddess is man hunting him? Well, this will be interesting. At least that was what Jeanne was thinking, while Le Fay already knew that the second coming of Solomon used his magic on the Moon Goddess and made her feel useless...
   "Right... I am done! Here are the contracts. Read it up." Marcus walked over and handed over the papers to the pair.
   The pair quickly stiffed and made sure they were sitting straight as Grayfia's gaze was on them. It was somewhat like an instinctual thing towards a threat, that's just how scary her gaze is.
   Quickly though the pair started reading...
   ...
   ...
   ...
   "Umm...this is... like a job... you're even going to pay me..." Jeanne said with a confused look. She was expecting a bonafide slave contract where she is selling her life to a human who can enslave devils...
   "It is... you will be working for me your whole life and you are going to get paid for it," Marcus said with a shrug. He might kidnap them but he will be offering things for the work. He might be a self-proclaimed bad guy but even bad guys pay their subordinates...well...except Frieza...
   "I see... this...is not bad actually... " Jeanne continued to read until she stumbled upon something...cool!
   "Whoa... you are going to allow me to test things!?" She asked with a shell shocked expression. She already saw the armours and the rifles!
   'This is going to be so cool!'
   She skipped a bunch of warning signs, something about the possibility of losing a limb and things like that. She was looking at the bright side...
   "Yeah. Sacred Gears and things like that, you will be testing and using them. It will be for future data gathering." Marcus explained simply.
   Jeanne nodded happily hearing that. She has no idea what the data gathering in specific was. But, she assumes her usage of it will be recorded to make even better gear. So it's like a double win for her.
   "That's great! Much better than I expected!"
   Serafall just looked at the girl, another happy test subject... She thought that those would be rare. But somehow her sister ended up as one and now these two from the looks of it.
   Although the younger blonde didn't say anything, she was deep in reading her contract...
   Eventually, Jeanne signed it up with a grin and so did Le Fay with a satisfying smile.
   At that moment the pair got reminded that they just sealed the deal with their magic as they felt a pull from their magic flowing into the contracts.
   Serafall sweat dropped for a bit. Now, more than ever, was her Master like Lucifer himself. He just made a pair of girls with a considerable background and legacy sign away their lives...
   "Good. Now why don't you two go with Grayfia who will start showing you around. At the moment it's not much, but my base is rapidly expanding." Marcus said as he remembered that the tunnel works is rapidly increasing as the assembly line is producing more labour bots every two hours...
   "I knew it! This is like a garage right? And you are building up your real base!" Jeanne said with quite a happy and smug look. Even Le Fay had a realising look.
   It would seem that their wild guesses about their new Lord being like a supervillain building up his base...was right on spot.
   "True, this place is going to be a garage for my cars in future. While my real base will be build-up away from the city and more towards the centre of the nation."
   Serafall eyes slightly widened hearing that! That was new! She didn't hear anything about this! Marcus is building a new base somewhere? And he is not just calling it a garage anymore!?
   That's big! It is hard to call the current place a 'garage' in the first place... since it has a bunch of things like a ritual room, testing room, kitchen, bathroom, and a fully automated assembly line that produces things from thin air! Well, it is using perpetual energy to create raw materials through transmutation... nonetheless, he still called this place a garage after having so many things build-up to this point!
   So, it begs the question. How much bigger is the official base going to be?
   "Oh, I see... is it going to be pretty big then?" Jeanne asked and the rest were also waiting for him to answer.
   "More or less a few times bigger." He shrugged back casually.
   "Don't worry. There will be enough things for you to do." Marcus said with a wide smile. For some reason, the blonde had a cold sweat going down her spine. It was out of nowhere so she was slightly confused on why she was feeling nervous.
   He only said a few times bigger... so, it shouldn't be that big...right?
   ~~~~~~After~~~~~~
   "Rubbish..."
   "This one's rubbish too..."
   "Uhh... this one garbage..."
   "Looks different but still, garbage..."
   "Well, this one is below average but just above garbage..."
   I looked through the five demonic swords I got from that silver-haired dude. They all look ugly and have below-average powers.
   Demonic energy is quite dangerous to humans, even to devils themselves when it's not their demonic energy.
   Since these five demonic swords are useless they will be stored in the showcase vault.
   Although for safety sake, they will be properly vaulted and holographic displays will be shown in their place. It will be done for all the Sacred Gears and the swords. Meaning that no one will be able to just grab it and bond with it.
   But, whereas the Demonic Swords are useless, the pair of Holy Swords were not. Caliburn has space controlling powers and Excalibur Ruler has mind control ones.
   The best part from this raid though, is the Sacred Gears... True Longinus, Dimension Lost and Annihilation Maker. And of course some common ones like Twice Critical several times over and something used by Hercules...
   Anyway...
   Dimension Lost is a wonderful piece of gear that could help me improve the Diamond Core Heart. Who knew that a mist could do such things.
   As it stands. The lockdown mode can be improved, instead of damaging the barrier, it could send the attack to the Dimension Gap.
   Annihilation Maker is quite an interesting piece of Gear that allows the creation of monsters from one's shadow.
   Further data implies that it's something extremely close to the creation of living and breathing beings. Only a few steps away from creating true life.
   The core itself is that of a concept instead of a creature, similar to the lesser gears from the likes of Sword birth, only instead of swords it creates monsters with abilities. Although it is just a concept, the gear itself still holds quite a bit of programming and processing worthy of the Longinus' name.
   Then... of course, there is the True Longinus... the spear. While the gear is basic. Like any other gears, the core itself is quite fascinating and very powerful. The amount of holy energy it emits made Serafall stay metres away, even in a sealed state like this.
   The spear originally was just a simple steel weapon. But after stabbing Jesus himself and upon recovering the relic it has been reworked by the big man, Big G. Not only that, but it also holds some of his power.
   While the readings only show a mixture of Holy and Divine energy at its very core it also reads one's mind, ambition, ideology and judges if it's worthy to receive extra help against the opponent.
   'Hmm, while I won't be able to recreate the miracle of the Big G's will, I could recreate the spear...and with this much data I could... crystalline concepts of my desire...and make something similar to... Rhongomyniad...
   Though it wouldn't be the same as Fate's one. There are no layers of reality being tower-anchored here. But, the world's end concept... now that should be possible
   Again different interpretations...'
   Only after scanning all the gears and swords and then having stored them away did Serafall properly approach me.
   "Phew... Finally, they are gone! But, seriously... True Longinus and those two Holy Swords! How on earth did they have those! This kind of looks bad for Heaven, which is quite a good rub at them from my point of view." The black-haired devil said with a smug tone.
   "None of them were with Heaven to begin with, so it's kind of half-assed but, you are right. The Holy relics should have been secured as soon as possible, but they weren't. So, now they are mine." I said with a shrug. I don't care much but this is my win and my loot so it stays with me.
   "So? What are you planning to do with THREE Longinus gears and SEVEN swords?" The beauty curiously asked me. I used this moment to pull her onto my lap.
   I kind of noticed how her dressing habits have changed quite a bit. She now prefers to dress in beautiful dresses regardless of whether it is needed or not. They make her look quite hot.
   She instantly snuggled and moved herself into a comfortable position.
   "Dimension Lost will help to improve Diamond Core Heart, Annihilation Maker will improve my understanding in genetics..."
   "Truly? But how? Isn't it just monster creation from imagination?"
   "Normally yes, but we are talking about adding magic to the mix..."
   "Oh...OH... are you trying to make an army of creatures or something?" Serafall asked in a joking tone, then quickly stopped as she realised that I might not be joking.
   "Wait...you aren't serious, are you?"
   "Not really, but in a sense, yes. As I said before, since I am expanding the processing capacities of Aurora, I will be able to simulate a lot more things. That includes Annihilation Maker and its capacity... for example, if I were to create a creature of fire, I would be able to understand how fire abilities will affect the being up to the genetic level. If this works, I can alter any being to any abilities and standards."
   Her eyes bulged out, taking a few minutes to grasp what I just said.
   "If...this is true, what you just said, then you can basically make any being of any power... the level of True Gods like Great Red or Ophis..." Serafall said with wide eyes.
   "It's not as easy as it sounds though. For example, the human genetic code is... let's say a seven-story building. We can work with what the seven-floor building has. But... if we were to remove, for example, the third floor then the whole building would collapse. So when we are genetically altering something we have to stick with what we have. If we add the eighth floor, which is too big, then it can collapse again." I explained to her as simply as I could.
   "That's why genetically altering someone is an extremely difficult and long process. The process which with new expansion I will be able to cut down by many many years."
   "So...what can you do once you finish it? You will add some abilities to yourself?" She asked curious, as this was a new plateau for her. Since I could technically have any ability...
   "Eternal life, eternal youth, superhuman regeneration, better magic control, At least Ultimate Class level strength at base... haven't checked everything yet. So, these are just the basics among basics..." I said from the top of my head. I haven't checked everything but this was surface information... almost like a recon over genetics.
   Her eyes widened to a comical level as I said all that.
   "B-B-But isn't this like building extra floors and all that? Isn't it dangerous!?" She asked with a squeaky tone.
   "Not at all. This is working with the pieces already there. Humans have regeneration. The power of it is set in our DNA. All I am going to do is alter that. But, it's not as easy as just changing a number in an options menu. As the moment you alter it you send a chain reaction to the rest of the 'floors'. Thus the need of processing power for Aurora."
   "...I see... to figure out where the reaction is happening..." She said while nodding. From the looks of it, Serafall understood.
   "This means that if you want something like, complete fire manipulation then you need to build an extra 'floor' as you had just said."
   "Sort of. Since fire is already there, to a certain extent. The human body is warm. So in a sense, you already have some fire there."
   "Still you need that extra floor no? There is no control of fire in natural human genetic make-up." This time she was certain of what she had said.
   "Indeed. That's where you will need to be careful. It is like adding to the already existing construct. One can end up with extra limbs by accident." I said with a shrug.
   "...Yeah... I can see this being a long term thing... or should be..."
   I nodded at her. Internally I was somewhat sceptical about this myself. I'd only checked my DNA a couple of times. But... it should have been more difficult...
   My talent was always with cars, electronics, and programming. But now... after reading up on genetics... it all just started to make sense... It was like a mystery that always fascinated me. But for some reason it is no longer that... mysterious. It is now like walking through a sort of familiar forest. While you may be going to get lost, you still will find a way to the exit.
   It's either the extra genius I got in this world or the DxD universe is just that simple... I hope it's just my talent and not the reality I am in...
   "Hmm?"
   "You had that look just now..."
   "What look?" I asked with raised eyebrows, glazing into her blue eyes.
   "That you had just figured something out... it usually leads to some crazy stuff... last time you had that look you ended up making those rifles..."
   I snorted after hearing that. This woman is reading far too much into my facial expression...
   "Maybe...who knows..." I said that with a smirk.
   ~~~~~~Greece~~~~~~
   "It was like a white star had descended into the building... it released lighting bolts and destroyed the whole building! It was like God himself descended!" A farmer explained with glassy eyes.
   "Sleep."
   The farmer nodded and collapsed onto the ground. A silver-haired woman put her hand on the farmer's head as a silver glow surrounded the downed man's body.
   "It's the same... they all saw the same thing."
   "Yes. He was here. From the looks of it, he attacked something. If my guess is right then he attacked someone who had Sacred gear or gears."
   "Lady Artemis... for him to raid something in the heart of Greece..." The lion girl said with some disbelief in her tone. She can't believe someone had the balls to act so open!
   The silver-haired Goddess snorted with a pissed look.
   "He is not afraid if I am to bring my whole family to face him! He said that to my face! This is nothing!" She pointed towards the destroyed warehouse as she said the last words.
   She knows he is not afraid to do raids like these. This might be her family's turf but Olympus is leagues away from here!
   "What I wanted from this is any clues! I want to find out his location or destination!" Artemis exclaimed with a commanding tone.
   Hippolyta and Atalanta nodded at their Goddess as they started searching the destroyed building for anything to lead her to him.
   She could have asked Apollo for help. Her twin could have shown some visions to her. But, like hell was she going to ask him for anything! Especially with this!
   No, she will find him herself! And once she is done grinding him through the ground. Then she will bring him back to Olympus so that he could slave away as their blacksmith!
   In a sense this attack was good. She was skulking around in Eastern Europe without any clues. It was frustrating that he could so easily hide from her.
   Thankfully her Father always goes to her for something like this. Especially when someone talks about lightning, thunder and god in the same sentence.
   "My...lady... from the looks of it... he slaughtered at least 30 people... and there were also residues of holy energy... powerful holy energy... as well as... *Heracles*...spawn..."
   Artemis slightly grimaced hearing that. Hippolyta tracking is peerless but sometimes she is far too good...
   "I see... so, there were a lot of people with quite the special backgrounds..."
   "More than a few, my Lady..." Atalanta said as she used her nose and tracking skills which she has sharpened for over a few thousand years.
   "Quite a few extremely talented people were here," Atalanta said as she looked around the destroyed building. Thankfully the inside of it was in good condition.
   "That man hit a jackpot. If my guess is right then he has quite a few Longinus gears now..." The blonde lion girl said with a frown.
   "Like?" Artemis asked with wide eyes when she heard the word Longinus being mentioned.
   "True Longinus and Dimension Lost." The catgirl said as she looked around, her senses were telling her that it was those gears. There is only one relic she knows of that can leave such a strong remnant of Holy Energy and those ripples in the air... it is similar to that of Dimension Lost.
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   My Discord server for advanced chapters:
   https://discord.gg/hvzgBJg4ss
   Along with the advanced chapters, there are also a lot of other fanfics I wrote and did not upload to Webnovel.
   Chapters are coming out Monday, Wednesday and Friday around 9:00 AM British time.
  
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   Chapter 16: Aurora 2.0 (R-18)
   6
   "Hi" Regular Speech
   'Hi' Thought
   "(Hi)" Marcus's mechanically synthesised voice
   [Hi] Aurora's notification
   ~~~~~~(SMUT INCOMING! Skip to 'In The Garage' if you wish to skip)~~~~~~
   2
   With a groan, Marcus opened his eyes. He looked at the ceiling for a moment before being distracted by a feeling that something was up, down there.
   His gaze went down and saw that someone was under his bedsheets.
   'Sera is getting naughtier by the day it would seem.' The teen inventor was 80% sure that it was Serafall who was down there.
   But then again, the bulge in the sheets was too big for just one person.
   So without wasting any more time, he pulled away the sheets.
   His eyes slightly widened seeing who it was...
   It was his pair of devil ladies! He was even more shocked at what they were wearing. It was a maid version of a bikini. And to add extra sexiness to it, they had thigh-high stockings with those fluffy thigh bands.
   6
   To top it up, the pair also had fake red horns on their heads...
   "Good morning Master~~~ Happy Valentines day~~~ for today, we are going to be your sexy devil maids~~~" Serafall said with a lustful look as she, alongside Grayfia, were working on his pole.
   Grayfia's hair was set completely loose. They looked like something along the lines of Yin and Yang; one is black-haired while the other is silver-haired. Even their eye colours fit quite a bit.
   1
   Now that Marcus was up, the devil girls didn't need to hold back and soon enough they started double teaming him. 
   Licking from the balls to the top in quick succession. Switching between each other...
   "Damn..."
   3
   The teen inventor groaned. This was the first time he was ever double-teamed like this. Especially by a pair of devil ladies! 
   A few minutes into the play he came hard and the pair of devil maids drained him up greedily. Moaning and licking themselves up, this was just to turn their master on even more...
   Serafall giggled for a bit as she enjoyed the face her Master was having. She turned him on quite a bit as even releasing his load he was still rearing to go for the next round.
   This was what she and Grayfia wanted too.
   "Well? Who do you want first~~~? Or should we decide for ourselves?" Serafall asked while putting her index finger on her chin. Looking quite sexy along the way.
   "Hmm let's start with Grayfia, she received the least action," Marcus said to the pair as his hand stroked the leg of the silver-haired maid.
   Grayfia nodded with a lustful smile before moving forward and sitting on her Master's lap. She moved her panties aside and positioned herself to insert her beloved Master's cock.
   1
   She softly moaned when she felt his rod sink into her wet folds. The beauty has been itching for this for the past couple of days. Just imagining her serving him like this made her horny and needy.
   The moment it was fully inside of her she got into a proper position. Making sure her Master's eyes were on her, she moved her waist back and forth. Sitting properly on his lap, she was ready to start.
   Moments later she started to move, starting slowly before picking up her speed.
   Marcus' hands slowly went onto her hips, holding her. Not that it was needed as Grayfia was quite horny and was already on fire, fucking herself raw.
   Going up and down with as much fervour as she could, this was just amazing as she remembered. His thing was touching all the right places and sending waves of pleasure throughout her body.
   Serafall was looking at the situation with extreme interest, especially at how the infamous ice cube herself was behaving like a horny teenager girl getting fucked for the very first time.
   Soon enough the maid lost herself as she enjoyed Marcus cock moving in and out of her slippery cunt. She was on cloud nine serving him like this.
   Her hands moved onto her breast before removing the sexy maid bra, showing off her large tits which were going up and down according to Grayfia's movement.
   Without even realising it, she came hard around his shaft...
   "Ahhhh~~~~ so~~~good~~~" The silver-haired maid moaned with a glazed look.
   Her whole body twitched and her back arched. She could not believe how seriously horny she was, to the point where came so quickly... Nonetheless, she kept moving her hips in rotation trying to milk her master as hard as possible.
   "Heh~~~ you came so quick! As expected, the silent ones are always the lewd ones!" Serafall words snapped the beauty out of her blissful daze.
   Grayfia blushed from embarrassment before moving off her Master's lap. She was reminded that she was not the only one serving her Master...
   The black-haired beauty quickly moved in once Marcus's lap was free.
   She turned and sat down on his lap in a reverse cowgirl position. The beauty made sure to look as enticing as possible. Leaning forward, pushing her panties aside and showing how her pussy was swallowing his shaft.
   Mewing hotly in the process before starting to move her hips, going up and down with extra force. She was already quite turned on by seeing how Grayfia was fucking herself like that.
   Soon enough a loud smacking noise started to spread through the room as Serafall was not holding back. Marcus just groaned from the pleasure the beauty was giving him. This was the best morning he had so far. It would seem that Solomon knew exactly what he was doing when he created Ars Goetia...
   7
   Devils girl are very good in bed, just like this.
   The black-haired beauty, soon enough, started to change the way she moved. After all, she had already done this with her Master for quite a lot of time already. She knows which angle is best and how to ride him properly.
   Before long the teen inventor could not hold it anymore. The black-haired beauty simply knew how to drain him and a moment later he released his load into Serafall awaiting womb.
   "Ohh~~~ yes, here it is..." She moaned hotly as her body twitched for a bit when she felt the hot stream of seed flow into her.
   She sat down properly on his lap moving her hips forward and back draining every last bit she could.
   "Fufufufu~~~ you are still hard~~~"
   The black-haired devil beauty said with a lewd look. She turned around and looked hotly at him.
   "Yeah. It's Valentine's." Marcus said as his hands went onto her hips, stroking them for a bit.
   "Indeed~~~"
   ~~~~~~In the Garage~~~~~~
   Le Fay was aimlessly staring at the wall of her new room. She had just passed the tour of the 'garage'.
   The blonde-haired girl has no idea why her Lord calls this place a garage when the things he creates here are already superior to any other pantheon in the world. 
   This was better than Heaven in her eyes. A Magic generating core that produces perpetual energy? No one, NO ONE in the world, has created that! And yet, he can make those like paper! The assembly line was also another thing that is in the realm of miracles! 
   If Marcus could, he can easily take over the world with that assembly line alone! It could produce anything as long as the design is sent to the main computer. Although, some settings need to be adjusted accordingly to what it's producing. Nonetheless! Even a four-year-old could create a bomb with this! It only needs a few presses of a button!
   2
   That's why she was just aimlessly staring at the wall. Her mind was still trying to process all of this! Perpetual energy is just a myth! it was before! It's even more mythological than anything the supernatural myth has produced.
   Infinite energy is in truth, truly infinite! By her belief only Ophis, the Ouroboros Dragon God has achieved such a thing! But, this was not all. According to Grayfia Lucifuge, everything here runs on it or is based on it! So that means, the suit she saw, could technically exist until the planet is not around! His rifles are the same. The garage she is in right now will be around long after her death! It's utterly insane now that she was able to think!
   6
   She thought her Lord was amazing because he could use Solomon's magic but all that he achieved in 4 years? Is utterly insane! He took Solomon's magic and used it in such a way that it surpassed anything else found on this world!
   Even Jeanne, who is mostly clueless about the true scale of things, was awed by the Diamond Core Hearts! Yes, Hearts, several of those are in use and it is simply overkill...
   But, still...
   'This is bad for my brother. No matter what he does, he will lose, one can't win against someone like Lord Marcus. Solomon's magic alone made the whole Devil kind drop onto their knees. And my new Lord used that magic to create a completely new plateau of power.
   I need to find a way to tell him not to look for me. Otherwise, he will truly die against Lord Marcus.' 
   Le Fay thought to herself with a sign before looking around. Her new room is, quite literally, just built. From the furniture, like the bed or the wardrobe, to the maid dresses hanging in said wardrobe. They are all brand new, just created from the very same perpetual energy.
   It's absurd even by mages standards... Her Master could solve the majority of the people's crises. From shortage of food to energy issues, which still plague humanity as it is...
   14
   'Well for now I need to observe him and see who he truly is...' 
   ~~~
   Around two weeks later, after Valentine's day, the information processing/storing facility was ready to begin the installation of the computer equipment.
   It was built 20 kilometres Northwest to my birth town. In quite a large forest, deep underground. There are 7 floors in total,  a total of four Diamond Core Hearts will be powering the whole thing. Along with the assembly line and the robot maintenance facilities.
   All in all, it is a fully self-sufficient complex that won't be needing any of my help. Though, I still go check things in person.
   It is quite satisfying. The best part of this is the labour bots running it. I now have another Assembly line producing more labour robots to work on the railway.
   I could have a much bigger assembly line complex, but those are going to be in the launching pad site and the Docks.
   As it is, the current speed of progress is more than enough.
   Now, I have started designing how the interior is going to be, how the processors are going to be spread out and such.
   1
   The best part of all this is that I can expand this further if I need to.
   2
   Quite a few kilometres in all directions.
   Nothing too difficult as I had something similar in my past life, so It only took me a day to design the whole thing and the robots were finished with it in less than a week.
   While the robots were working, I was also improving my workshop. The computer was gone, all that was left was my bent computer screen. The holographic table was removed altogether and was replaced by holographic projectors from the walls, ceiling and ground.
   Nextly, I redesigned my main table for more comfort and efficiency since the computer itself was no longer needed. I now, most likely, have the biggest computer in the world, 20 kilometres away.
   That's why when I noticed that quite a bit of hardware was online I started working on something quite important...
   The next version of Aurora. My main OS has more than enough untouched raw processing power to tap into.
   ...
   ...
   ...
   "And done..." with the last press of a button... the whole facility went dark. 
   All the lights were turned off.
   And slowly, one by one, everything started to restart.
   "Umm is this...supposed to happen?" Jeanne asked me as she was, quite honestly, freaked out. After all, all the lights just suddenly went out. 
   2
   Le Fay next to her nodded as she looked around wearily.
   "It should have happened as I just applied the update for the main operating system," I explained while looking at the screen, seeing all the systems rapidly restarting. The speed was... awe-inspiring...
   After all was set and done, all the files, folders and windows opened, closed by themselves, leaving only the background image of Freedom Mark I facing Freedom Mark II.
   "Aurora...are you there?" I asked with a curious tone. This was the moment of truth.
   [Yes sir. Ready and waiting.] 
   A smile crept on my face when I heard the voice of a female responding.
   "Good. How are you functioning?" I asked  with further interest, this was the first time I am making a semi-magical A.I after all.
   [All of the systems are ready and on standby. My programming has been done perfectly.] 
   I nodded hearing that, I was expecting such an answer, I wouldn't just let Aurora restart without going through a bunch of checks up. Letting lose such a powerful A.I without any precaution is a very stupid thing to do. Especially an A.I that I made, which has access to all my systems.
   That's the catch of this. Everything is operating on the same platform. For simplicity sake as well as an operational one.
   "Good, how is the genetic scanning coming along?" I asked while leaning back.
   Aurora quickly made a window appear on the screen, showing the percentage.
   [9.46%]
   [9.47%]
   [Sir your gene decoding is progressing at a considerable rate, the speed is increasing with each new section coming online in the processing facility as we speak.]
   [If the decoding progresses at the same speed as it is, it should be done by the end of today.]
   2
   My A.I answered with a certain and confident tone. I slowly nodded to myself.
   So, 36 years of work will be done in less than 7 hours? Well, that is quite something else. 
   And this was only with half the floors online. The new processors that I came up with are quite good. And I still have some more ideas to improve on them. With magic's help, some extreme chips can be created without any worry of them overheating.
   7
   ~~~
   While Marcus was thinking about his new A.I, the pair of maids who were in the workshop looked baffled after hearing a female voice coming out of the walls.
   "This is an A.I! Our...Lord" Jeanne nearly slipped there. If Grayfia was here, she would have tried to find a way to dispose of the blond for the disrespect! "-has created an artificial intelligence! Do you know how cool that is!?" 
   "Sorry... but I am more of a witch than a technology type of girl..." Le Fay replied with a nervous smile. She doesn't like being out of the loop like this.
   "Well, simply put, his technology is so advanced that a computer is now like a person."
   [Indeed. I am created with the sole purpose of serving my creator and in extension to assist with information for those who serve under my creator. Which means the both of you, and his Pillars who, at the moment, are out of reach.] 
   3
   Jeanne was with wide eyes when she heard the voice coming out of the wall and talking with her like this.
   It was so sci-fi that she had a hard time processing what was happening.
   "That's so cool! What else can you do?"
   [That's a difficult question to answer. Your question should be more specific. For example, could I create a new branch of magic? The answer is, yes. Could I predict the future? The answer once again is yes. With my processing capacity, I could answer most of the questions regardless. The only diffrence is how fast I can answer said questions.] 
   17
   The more the A.I talked, the more the pair were impressed with how human-like she sounded. Nonetheless, the pair could sense some arrogance in her tone. 
   1
   Still, it was understandable, especially when the artificial intelligence has this many capacities.
   "How much can we ask you? Since you said that you can provide us with information?" Le Fay asked with a thoughtful look. She was wondering if she could ask the A.I to send a message to her brother.
   [I have several inbuilt monitoring systems which monitor the pair of you. This allows me to decide if what you are asking is something I should assist on or not. I do believe humans call it loyalty cards in those supermarkets. You earn these points through your work and deduct them when you ask certain questions above your 'pay grade'.]
   2
   "I see... so, it's not that easy then... how should we know if what we ask is above our 'pay grade' or not?" Le Fay asked curiously. She wonders if Aurora can help her with her magic studies.
   [I can't assist you in your magic studies if that is what you are wondering. But anyways, for your question, I can easily help with any internet searches for information, or I can access my Master database and show the things that you have clearance on.] 
   "Can we see our 'points' in a window screen format?" Jeanne asked after hearing about the points system.
   [One moment. Creating...]
   [Done]
   Jeanne slightly raised her eyebrow, but before she could even say what she had in mind a holographic window appeared in front of her. 
   [Name: Jeanne]
   [Occupation: Maid]
   [Loyalty points: 100]
   2
   'I am getting video games vibes from this! Nonetheless, this is so awesome!' 
   The blonde excitedly checked the window. She slowly tried to press on the window, and to her small surprise the window was solid!
   Seeing that it was solid she was able to gain more confidence in pressing on it. The first thing she did was to check the exchange list.
   'Woah...I can get my own Scale mail!' She thought excitedly. 
   Then she saw the price...
   '1500 points!? And the mark II is 3000? How much do I earn per day!?' 
   "How much do I earn per day!?" 
   [Depends on how productive you are in a single day.]
   Jeanne slowly nodded before continuing looking through the list once more. The rifles are in... the Blonde girl started counting the zeros in the window screen. She turned somewhat pale and excited seeing the description.
   Pale that the weapon which was nearly used on her was classified as Anti-God level, capable of killing a god every two seconds or so. 
   And excited because she could earn it. But pale once again because she doubts that she can even earn that much in her lifetime. The amount of zeros there are, is easily over 6...
   Nonetheless, she saw that she can also use the assembly line. She can use it now if she wants. The problem is though...she needs a design... the assembly line usage costs only 10 points. But she needs a design to get anything from it.
   Once again she went through the lists and she found that she can exchange her points for the designs and once again they were expensive. The rifle's design cost as much as the rifle, while the suit design however is cheaper. By a few hundred points...
   5
   'This is going to take a while...' She thought with a sigh. But she was now much more excited about the prospect of working. 
   While, at the same time, Le Fay was going through the magic-related stuff. She was more or less confused by what she saw. Nothing here made sense to her. All she saw were systems... She knows what the M.T.M system is. And it is extremely expensive. She doubts she will be able to buy it at any time soon. But she wanted some sort of magical knowledge. And all she got were circles. And to her knowledge, to use a circle you have to use mathematical formulas. There were no formulas here. Only circles...
   It's like the mathematical calculation was already done. But, this means she won't be able to just add them to her arsenal however she likes. It was like an already prepared food that only needs to be heated up before eating.
   Which is something she doesn't like. What she wanted was the raw ingredients and the recipe... 
   'I could buy one and try to decipher it...' 
   She looked through the list once more and at the very end it was Solomon's negation magic which had a lot of zeros. It was very enticing. Something she would want to get, very much. In a way, it would be like a dream of a lifetime being fulfilled.
   2
   Nonetheless, she went up to the very top of the list and saw the overlapping circle. A circle that allows any other circles to overlap with each other. It only costs 50 points. Half of what she got. But the next circle was the acceleration circle and it cost 250 points.
   And the moment  Le Fay pressed buy, a white tattoo appeared on her hand.
   "Oh? You already used your points?" Jeanne saw the flash of light from her side as she looked at the girl next to her.
   It would seem that the younger blonde already used her points for something.
   "Yes. I want to study this magic." The younger blonde answered as she inspected the tattoo. She checked her holographic window to see if she could make more circles appear, since having just one on her hand was too little and she could lose it.
   Thankfully, after buying it she can make more appear. Meaning, she can place as many as she wants. Allowing her to study this properly.
   ~~~~~~Marcus~~~~~~
   When evening came, I was able to see a full decoding of my DNA.
   It was something else...
   I mean I can see my DNA just like this, and If I press on any of the pieces, Aurora would tell me what it is responsible for!
   Firstly, I need to fix some of the issues. For example, by the time I was thirty in my last life I was bald, had some issues with my knees, and had problems with eyesight. The last one is for obvious reasons of spending too much time staring at a computer screen. 
   8
   And to do that I would need to either experiment with my DNA or get more data.
   The first thing that came to mind though, was the three pairs of hair I got from the huntresses.
   1
   So, without wasting much time, I pulled out the specially prepared containers which hold the three containers for said three hairs.
   My curiosity was at the absolute max to find out the differences between a Greek God and a human...
   So, it was slightly shocking that Aurora was able to decipher Artemis DNA twice as fast as mine.
   I was wondering why though. After all, the moment I could see her DNA, it had an extra strand of information attached to the regular two strands!
   And I was able to figure out why it was so fast. DNA holds history as well. For example, the reason why I'm going to go bald is because my father, and his father before him were bald.
   6
   While the knee issues came from my mother's side, same with the slightly weaker eyesight.
   Now with the Greek Gods... there is nothing of that sort of thing in Artemis. There is nothing 'inherited' from Leto or Zeus... in truth, there is nothing *human* in her.
   5
   She is extremely and biologically set into a specific standard. Her body is well fit, like someone who goes to the gym regularly. In other words, she is built to be a huntress, and body shape wise, she is built for action. Neither her breasts were too big nor too small. This most likely comes from the fact that she is a Moon Goddess and needs to be beautiful. Meaning, being beautiful was as important as having a body ready for action. Making her a woman who is very beautiful but still very much fit.
   1
   And yes, she is incredibly beautiful, I rebuilt her looks in my 3d display and safe to say, it was a mistake not to just take her home, tie her up, and leave her in my bed for daily play...
   26
   From the readings, I could understand that she is simply a dense amount of energy that took shape according to said divine energy... a divine energy that came from human beliefs.
   2
   While I could use Artemis' extreme biological setting; she can't get sick, doesn't age, and possesses quite the powerful regeneration.
   But because she is an 'extreme', I can't copy this. Simply put, I will need a middle man to approach that extreme.
   And for that, Hippolyta's DNA came into play. As a demi-god turned minor Goddess. The Amazon Queen was a treasure trove for me.
   She is a blend of human and divine. Funny how the reading showed that she only had a single parent. As there is nothing of her father. Only some forceful configuration on her looks. Which probably comes from Ares. This shows that energies like the divine have some inference to genetics but can't be properly recorded since it's not natural to begin with.
   2
   Nonetheless, this was what I needed to get started on my upgrades. Receiving peak healthy condition, and no genetically bad traits. Is a good start.
   While I could theoretically go through the huge upgrade from the very beginning it would most likely kill me, as my body would go through a massive shock.
   "Aurora built me up a schedule for the upgrades and fixes."
   1
   [Of course, one moment.]
   Moments later I could see a calendar pop up and the dates getting highlighted. 
   I got a certain vibes from this... it was like one of those are the days I am going to visit the doctor 
   [I do recommend specially prepared facilities for this sir. You need to rest after each session for several days. I recommend doing this in the Summer when there is no school. I could improve this further if more data is gathered.]
   6
   I nodded while listening to her. This does sound like it is going to hurt either way. And being too hasty is not something I want to repeat.
   "Very well. I am going to gather more samples for reference." I said while pulling out Atalanta's hair.
   "While you will continue to work on finding ways to apply the modifications as seamlessly as possible." 
   [Obviously, I was created for this. There is no need for any reminders of such, sir. I exist to serve you. That will forever be my purpose.] 
   I chuckled hearing that. She truly does take my designed personality well. Now I just need to think of an avatar for you.
   11
   ~~~
   Atalanta's DNA is something else. She was turned into a lion before being accepted by a furious Artemis for getting married.
   Once she died as a lion she was turned back into a human. But, in the end, she still kept some of the characteristics of a lion.
   Her senses are better in general, her DNA proves that. Her hearing, smell, eyesight, and muscle density are better than regular humans.
   And this means that I could take some of these improvements myself without getting the characteristics of the animal. 
   5
   Now with four DNA stored I can cross-reference some things. Magic in general. Practising magic already alters your DNA to some extent. As my two strands have already started developing a third one. It could also be connected to how Artemis has a third one as dense as the other two, while Hippolyta, less so. And Atalanta only has some of it, assuming the characteristics of Lion made some alterations.
   The stronger the being is, the more developed the third strand is... Well, that's what I got from all four DNA of four different beings altogether.
   A Greek God, a demi-God, a demi-human, and a Human.
   But, this is something I don't want to leave like this. So, I collected more samples over the next few days. My parents, and some random kids from school. With more regular human samples I was able to confirm what I had theorised.
   Jeanne's and Le Fay's DNA only ironed it out, those girl's DNA are quite strange in the first place. Both of them had what looked like a genetic alterations of some sort.
   I guess it's related to their backgrounds. Jeanne holds the spirit of the Saint Joan of Arc which, according to the girl, the holder always looks similar to the original saint. It most likely alters the DNA to make up the changes in appearance. While Le Fay most likely got hers from studying Morgana's stuff...
   While these girls had some development in their third DNA strand, the same could not be said about regular people 
   Neither my parents nor my schoolmates have even started developing the third strand. There are, however, signs of possible development.
   This led me to discover which parts of the DNA are responsible for Magic development. Aurora was not even needed for this.
   With this discovery alone, I could now rip magic off from people If I want to.
   3
   Targeting someone's specific Magic DNA sequences could cripple them forever. At worst, this could also affect someone else's future bloodline permanently as well. Meaning if I were to strip one's magic off them, I could also strip their future generations, forever.
   3
   Quite a horrifying thought. But a very much possible way to punish someone.
   5
   ...
   ...
   ...
   While sticking to genetics is fun and all. It's more or less Aurora's thing as she was doing most of the maths. So, I decided to check on Kuoh.
   It has been over a year after all.
   "Hmm..."
   [Sona Sitri improved 47%]
   [Rias Gremory improved 26%]
   Well, well this is a surprise! Rias developed that much even before the events of canon?
   Not bad...
   Seeing as how Rias is training...well, training is a strong word. She is just doing regular exercises. And yoga... which is not bad. But, for her it is not that needed. What she really needs is some magic training. As she is a purely ranged fighter. While she is not lazy anymore, this kind of training is not going to secure victory against Riser.
   Next, is Sona... Sera's sister is much better than the redhead. Her demonic power increased quite a bit. She has now recruited the majority of her old peerage from the novels and anime and is already regularly
   Going through the data for a bit. I realised that the younger Sitri will be a good choice for more data. Not only that, but, she has the biggest selection of regular humans reincarnated as devils.
   Their DNA is something that I would want to get my hands on.
   And that's not all. The majority of them don't have Sacred Gears either. This means I could get double the amount of data just from her peerage.
   "Plus... Sera needs some rewards for her hard work." 
   Thinking for a bit, I decided that this might be killing three birds with one stone. Data, rewarding Sera, and also affecting Rias Gremory more, giving her an incentive to work harder.
   2
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   My Discord server for advanced chapters:
   https://discord.gg/hvzgBJg4ss
   Along with the advanced chapters, there are also a lot of other fanfics I wrote and did not upload to Webnovel.
   Chapters are coming out Monday, Wednesday and Friday around 9:00 AM British time.
  
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   Chapter 17: Sacred Gears and Field Agents
   2
   "Hi" Regular Speech
   'Hi' Thought
   "(Hi)" Marcus's mechanically synthesised voice
   [Hi] Aurora's notification
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   Sona nervously looked at the mirror. This was it! Her hard work finally paid off! She knew better than anyone that she was being observed by Marcus for the past year and so.
   The Diamond Core Heart is simply far too great of an item to be left behind without any precaution. 
   And over time she has tried to study it, from a distance of course, but she has found... almost nothing! The thing was so complex that it barely made any sense to her.
   One thing she learned though, is that her magic control has fairly increased since trying to study the runes on the diamond.
   It was quite astounding that her magic control could improve like that, just by studying an item. She can only imagine how good Marcus' magic control is, if he spends days in and days out around such items.
   Nonetheless, this was not about the Diamond Core Heart but her sister calling her all of sudden. With an extremely happy voice. She has already forgotten the feeling of such a thing; her older sister being this happy. Not to mention Serafall's random calls stopped a long time ago.
   Apparently, Marcus wants to meet her and her whole peerage. And from the excited tone of her sister, it's big, very big for Sona and her peerage.
   Big, because they will all be receiving Sacred Gears. The very same Sacred Gears that were created by Marcus himself. Not the Pseudo Gears her sister used to talk about, but proper gears...
   This means that the man can finally create true Sacred Gears. Which is absurd no matter how you try and look at it.
   8
   "Right! Let's do this!" Sona pumped herself up in front of the mirror before walking out of her bedroom and towards the main living room, where her peerage should be gathering at the moment.
   2
   ~~~
   Sona's whole peerage was looking at the approaching Sitri Heiress. The black-haired devil is visibly nervous and her peerage is quite clueless about what was going on.
   They were called out of nowhere in the middle of the night to gather at her estate.
   "Is everything alright? What happened?" Sona's Queen asked with a concerned look.
   "It's...good news... very good news... our hard work has paid off!" Sona answered in a nervous yet happy tone. Earning herself several strange looks.
   "Umm? What are you talking about? Sitri-san?" The newest addition to the peerage, Genshiro Saji, asked confused.
   3
   "You are new so you don't know, but more than a year ago my sister was able to get a contract for me and Rias with this century's greatest inventor."
   2
   By this point, most of the peerage's members had a realising look. They instantly got nervous and also somewhat excited. They have all heard the rumours and saw the Diamond Core Heart, several times.
   So, they know it's big, especially if it's, in some way, related to one of the Satans.
   "Marcus Goldman was and is always monitoring us through the Barrier system he has established in Kuoh," Sona said very seriously but also looking extremely happy at the same time.
   "Now, after more than a year, he notified my sister and said that we have improved by more than 40% since the installation of the Diamond Core Heart." 
   Most of the peerage members smiled hearing that. It's always nice knowing they improved, Especially when they got a proper percentage number like this.
   "And for this, he has decided to give us all, Sacred Gears. As for those who already have a Gear he will help you go through some maintenance and upgrade some things." 
   "...Maintenance? Do they need maintenance?" Saji asked with a slightly pale look. He did not expect the gear to need that!
   3
   "They are artefacts created by the Biblical God close to 4 thousand years ago. Sister informed me about them in great detail. You have no idea how much information Marcus Goldman has on them." Sona explained with a proud face. She got some intel from her older sister. Serafall doesn't mind sharing some non-classified information. 
   As Sona explained to the group she also omitted the fact that Marcus looks down on most of the original Sacred Gears. From what she has heard, he also calls them relics of the old generation.
   Although it is hard to believe, Sona can see it from his point of view... sort of... she isn't that smart, as hard as it is to admit. Though she would love to have a chess match against him but... Well, Serafall didn't allow it. 
   16
   "Upon the host's death, the Sacred Gear returns to Heaven where it should go through maintenance. But, for some reason, it hasn't done that for the past 2 thousand years. So, it hasn't been taken care of properly for that long." The Sitri Heiress said with a casual shrug.
   Both gear users in her peerage paled after hearing that. They realised that the gears are old artefacts so they might break... but, they are created by the big God, no? Then they should not break! Right!?
   5
   "Don't worry you two. The stronger the gear is, the higher the chance it might malfunction. According to my sister, after each cycle, some bits of souls stay with the gear. This is especially visible with Longinus gears like Boosted Gear and Divine Dividing. Those gears have an ability called Juggernaut Drive.
   4
   Such an ability, according to my sister, is a bug in the system that should not exist.
   While nothing of such will happen to you two, it would be better if those gears go through maintenance and we can have some deeper understanding over it." Sona finished her explanation to the pair.
   Both of them sighed in relief. Neither Genshiro Saji nor Tsubaki Shinra wanted to have a ticking time bomb. No matter how little chance there was of it actually going off...
   "So...mhmm...Sitri-san...how much do you know about Marcus Goldman? You said he is a genius inventor? I have heard you mention him before as well." Tomoe, Sona's Knight, asked curiously. She has heard about him a couple of times in the past from her King. Only a few members of the peerage knew more about him.
   1
   "Right... where should I begin... Around 5 years ago, my sister was summoned to form a contract with an extremely talented 12-year-old. Mind you... summoning my sister for anyone apart from the Nation leaders or the extremely wealthy is quite simply impossible.
   Normal people can't summon the Satans."
   A few of her recent additions to the peerage squeaked after hearing that.
   "Yes. My sister is one of the four Satans and she has been safeguarding this contract she formed with him more than anything else." Sona sharply said while thinking about something else.
   'For obvious reasons, she has been head over heels with him for years now. Recently she told me that he has been doing something big... and she was more than a little bit excited...'
   "So... somehow... a twelve-year-old summoned one of the Satans? H-How good is he?" Momo, one of Sona's Bishops, asked with disbelief. As someone who practises magic, she knows quite a bit on how summoning works.
   1
   "He is very, very good. We will be meeting him soon. He lives in Europe. It's going to be morning there soon. He is inviting us to his house. So we will be at our utmost best behaviours. You don't want to make my sister angry." The Sitri Heiress said with an icy tone. For a second her eyes glowed. Like hell, she was going to risk all her hard work just because of some misunderstanding!
   All of her peerage members quickly nodded with a terrified look. There is no way in hell they were going to cross one of the Satans! And their King of course.
   "Good to see that they are disciplined~~~So-tan!"
   With a burst of a blue circle, Serafall appeared in the room, and she quickly ended up hugging Sona. The younger sibling of the Satan could see that her older sister is very much happy about this event.
   The peerage members who have not seen her before were slightly terrified and interested in this new arrival. They immediately could see some familiar looks between those two. Assuming that this was the older sibling of their King.
   "Sister... not in front of my peerage..." Sona said with an embarrassed look.
   Serafall just grinned like an excited kid. Nonetheless, she did stop hugging her little sister.
   "Well, since So-tan warned you all..." The Leviathan instantly got serious which made everyone feel a chill going down their spine. How can someone flip their character just like that!?
   "I will warn you as well~~~ Don't annoy my darling~~~ the last person to annoy him was the Greek Goddess, Artemis, who got humiliated to the point where she had to ask for forgiveness," Serafall said with a giggle earning a couple of gasps.
   While Sona paled for a couple of reasons. One was that her older sister didn't even try to hide the fact that she was in love with a human and second, did a human really humiliate Artemis herself!?
   "Sister, is it wise to tell this to anyone!?" The younger Sitri asked with a concerned look.
   "It doesn't matter to anyone. It's an open secret by this point. The Underworld is abuzz about me as it is. They want to see who the 'mysterious lover' of the Leviathan is.
   While I can't say anything I can tell you guys since you are all part of Sona's peerage. So if anyone outside learn who my is boyfriend then I would know that someone from Sona's peerage has snitched me out~"
   When they heard that everyone gulped down except for Sona who already knew that it's much more than just a girlfriend/boyfriend thing. Yes, she saw how deep their relationship was a year ago. And assuming it has escalated further...
   *Sigh*
   "Don't worry sister, no one from my peerage is going to talk about this. We currently live in the human world, so there are no other devils apart from Rias' group to talk about such things with." The Sitri Heiress said while fixing her glasses.
   "That reminds me. What about Rias Peerage?" The younger Sibling asked her sister.
   Serafall just shrugged her shoulders.
   "Rias only achieved half of what you did, So-tan. While my Marcus was not disappointed, he was not impressed either. So, at this moment only your peerage, including you, are getting Sacred Gears handcrafted by him."
   Sona's eyes widened for a second before having a thoughtful look. She could see how this was going...
   "I see... incentive..."
   "Heh? You already saw through it!? Very good So-tan!" Serafall quickly hugged her little sister.
   "I see. So we will get the gears which in turn will make Gremory-can work harder. Quite a smart idea to make her work harder since our King will also be benefiting and getting a Sacred Gear." 
   "Yes-Yes-Yes! Now let's move!" The current Leviathan raised her hands as a large circle appeared under everyone's foot. Moments later everyone was teleported away.
   2
   ~~~~~~Marcus New Base~~~~~~
   One moment they were in Sitri estate, and in the next, the whole peerage was transported into an empty-looking room.
   "Let's go! Marcus is waiting in the testing room!" Serafall said as she motioned for them to follow along.
   Sona nodded at her while looking around the room. It looked quite barren... or so she thought.
   The moment they left the room, they saw a corridor. But what got their attention was the corridor walls, it reminded them of some sci-fi alien ship. Patterns with a bunch of different shapes were carved out in the walls, emitting light. Instead of chandeliers or lamps, these patterns were emitting the light that lit up the room. The room isn't that brightly lit as they were not too bright. But it was enough as they continued following the black-haired Satan and ended up in the living room.
   What got their attention immediately was the massive TV hogging most of the single wall and...
   "Are those human-sized Gundams? So...cool..." Saji said to himself but the rest of the group heard him.
   "They are replicas of Marcus' personal Scale mail. They can turn on in case there are some intruders, and to make it clear, I won't stand a chance against even one. Not to mention the four in this room." Serafall words made everyone, even Sona, pale.
   "You must be joking... sister you are a Satan..." 
   "And we are in the centre of his power base. Unlike other pantheons, his power here is unmatched. You saw yourself what the Diamond Core Heart can do. Marcus has many more installed throughout his entire home and workshop."
   The younger Sitri nearly lost her glasses, they were close to falling off... but she controlled herself.
   "I see... silly of me to believe we could do something..."
   *Snort*
   "Glad you understand."
   "Ummm... not to interrupt, but... is that an aquarium on the ceiling?" 
   "Not quite, we are under a river at the moment." Serafall happily clarified, earning several weird and shocked looks.
   "We are underground?"
   "Marcus has a thing for underground bases." The Leviathan said with a shrug.
   "I am getting supervillain vibes here..." Saji said to himself but everyone heard him, again, thanks to their augmented hearing.
   "Sorta. If there were higher mountains in this country he would have built it inside one." 
   "Why not just build a skyscraper or something? Don't inventors like him, like that?" Momo asked the Satan as she remembered the Fantastic Four and Tony Stark both having skyscrapers.
   8
   "He could. But then again, you will have limited ground to expand. But with going underground, he doesn't need to worry about land and owning the land on the surface." 
   5
   Serafall explained what Marcus had told her.
   "...Sister, are you telling me that this was built on someone else's land!?" Sona asked with a slightly raised voice.
   2
   Her older sister simply rolled her eyes and put her finger on her younger sibling's lips.
   "Don't be so dramatic, the ownership exchange is a work in progress." The older devil said with not quite an assured tone.
   And to be perfectly honest, she has no idea if the legal side of things is alright...
   Most likely not... Marcus doesn't really care what the government thinks in the first place...
   5
   "...right..." Sona sighed, before removing Serafall's finger on her lips. The group continued walking after checking out the living room. They reached another corridor which had a lift installed in it.
   The doors automatically opened. And once they were inside, they realised that the lift had no buttons...
   "Aurora takes us to the workshop floor." 
   1
   [One moment...]
   "Whoa? Who said that?" Saji nearly jumped out of his shoes hearing a feminine voice coming out of the walls.
   1
   "An assistant A.I built by Marcus. It runs everything." Serafall said with a slightly bitter tone. Bitter? Because she has this feeling that this A.I is going to be annoying. She can't put her finger on it. But her instincts are telling her that the artificial female is going to be a problem. 
   17
   Sona of course saw her sister's displeased look. She can tell there is a tale in this, but she was not going to pry. While the rest of her peerage was simply awed by the fact that there is a proper A.I like from those sci-fi movies. And it was similar to how Tony Stark has his Jarvis in the recent Marvel movie they watched a few weeks ago.
   4
   The lift took a few moments to arrive. It was only going down so the rest of the group figured they were going quite deep.
   [Workshop floor.]
   As soon as the female voice announced, the doors opened and they saw a room. It just looked like another living room but more sparse than the one upstairs. It barely had anything, only a few sofas and a large tv.
   "This is the resting room, follow me." Serafall clarified as she led them through one of the two doors...
   "Whoa!"
   "Damn..."
   "Wow"
   They entered a room the size of a football pitch. Painted in soft blue and white colours. The floor was made from some very solid tiles, which they had no idea what it was.
   Most importantly, they saw a massive hologram of Earth spinning in the middle of the room, floating in the air.
   3
   "That's Aurora on standby, it emulates planets as background images." As Serafall said that, the image of Earth switched to Mars.
   2
   "That's so cool. Whereas normal people have pictures as the background, this dude has a freaking holographic display of planets..." Saji said with a twitchy eyebrow.
   "In a room the size of a stadium."
   "I know right? But the point of the size is that he has recently started designing things at a bigger scale. He is now working on some satellites and stuff." Serafall said with a shrug.
   "It was quite a quick switch, you know? One day he just said that his new place was done and then, bam, he started working here." The older Sitri said while making hand gestures all over the place.
   "I see... this is quite a big place..."
   "The holograms are also solid so he can stand on them, this way he can design houses, cities, and massive robots... you name it."  
   "Wait...does that mean he can truly build Gundams?" Sona asked her older sibling.
   "Why of course! Marcus already has a smaller, autonomous version that he just finished recently." Serafall pointed at the right wall, there are glass panels built into the wall.
   The peerage quickly walked over and saw Gundams behind the glass.
   They were around 3 metres tall, nowhere near the original size which was around 40 to 50 metres. Nonetheless, this size allowed them to check it out in detail.
   3
   "Those look like Freedom..." Saji said with an awed look. But then one of the girls elbowed him and made him look at the golden plate attached to the wall above the glass panel.
   It had the model name carved out which says, Freedom MK I.
   "Damn...he started from Freedom. Passing Strike altogether."
   "I thought Strike came from a different line altogether?" One of the girls who watched the shows said with a confused look.
   1
   "Details. It was both piloted by the main character." Saji said while waving his hand casually. To him the main characters machines from one and the same line. 
   [While I don't mind listening to people talking about my creator's greatness. He is waiting for you in the testing room.]
   2
   Aurora's voice spread through the room, bringing everyone out of tourist mode.
   "Right! We should not waste anymore of Marcus' time!" Serafall snapped out of her trance. She, kind of, is in tourist mode herself. After all, this was only her third time here.
   Everyone nodded to her words and started following the excited Satan. But not before dropping one last glance at the third model, which is named Freedom A-1. The machine looked like an exact replica of the real deal, from the colours to the form of the machine. It looked like it was not even meant to be used as a suit.
   Which is quite interesting. Since the whole thing is autonomous, meaning that it can fight on its own?
   "You know... I think Seekvaira would have a meltdown seeing all of those." Sona mentioned one of her childhood friends who is, quite frankly, obsessed with the whole Gundam franchise.
   4
   "Oh, the Agares Heiress? hmm, interesting... I will mention to Marcus if he wants an assistant when he is building his scale mails.
   1
   Not that he spends much time on them anyway. Not after he upgraded Aurora." Serafall said with a shrug, she didn't mention more on the upgrade since she can't.
   The younger sister of hers nodded. Finding ways to keep him interested in the devils is always a good thing in the long run. After all, she is receiving the first batch of Sacred Gears before Rias most likely because Serafall mentioned her before Rias...
   ~~~
   The first thing the group noticed when they entered the testing room was that it was big... so big that they could not even see the end of it...
   "Wha... how big is this?" Momo asked with wide eyes. She wants to know what kind of magic did this!
   "Not quite, it's an optical trick. Everything here is built from enchanted Diamond bricks. Making it look like it expands forever, but I assure you, it does not." 
   They heard a male voice as their eyes went to the side. They saw a young adult with black hair, leaning against a white wall. His arms were crossed as he was waiting for them.
   Serafall quickly rushed forward and clapped her hands in a praying manner, she quickly started saying her apology.
   "Sorry for the wait! I was still getting used to the new place!" 
   "It's fine. I had some time to test those." Marcus pointed at the front. Everyone's gaze quickly followed where he pointed.
   ...
   ...
   ...
   "Are those... the portals from that Portal game!?" Saji asked in disbelief as he saw blue and red portals. There was a loop and a ball of electricity constantly flying from one portal to another. There were also several other portals with projectiles flying out, towards other portals.
   2
   Sona's gaze snapped at her pawn, she looked utterly pissed. But thankfully, Marcus didn't care. In truth, he was quite excited that this dumb-looking blonde knew what it was!
   "Cool right? I saw the teaser and the trailer for the game. So I was like, why not make one myself? The majority of the tech was already done. All I needed was some space magic." He pulled out a gun from the holster on his thighs and shot a wall creating a blue portal, then pulling out another gun, he shot into the same wall, right next to the blue portal. Only this time it was a red portal.
   3
   "The colouring still needs some work as it is supposed to be orange. But..." Marcus replaced one of the gun's cartridges and shot a bolt of electricity into the blue portal resulting in the bolt coming out the red one...
   1
   "...It works properly." Marcus lowered the gun after the demonstration. He was quite satisfied with his work. It was not properly done yet. But the portal works so it's fine.
   "..."
   "...that's kinda cool..."The blonde teen said the only thing he could in this situation...
   2
   "You don't say..." one of the Sona's peerage girls said with a deadpan at the only male of the group.
   "Nonetheless..." Once again Marcus changed the cartridge of his pistol and shot a ball of Power of Destruction... earning a raised eyebrow from several of the girls who have seen Rias Gremory use this power...
   Destabilising the portal, which in turn, quickly made a wall of purple barriers appear around the area where the portal self-imploded...
   "It's not the final product yet..."
   [Sir... as I said before! you should not use products that are in the alpha stage just yet!] 
   1
   A pouting voice came from the walls.
   "Yeah. I heard that before. No field testing with experimental tech..." Markus said with a tired tone. He might have overdone it with that pouty tone. He is finding it quite hard to ignore...
   [Yes! The portal cartridge, and space magic in general, are still in the early development stages! I still have over 3 million calculations to do!]
   The teen inventor rolled his eyes. While he takes security quite seriously. His A.I takes health and safety even more seriously, specifically his safety, very very seriously.
   4
   "Sure thing. Take your time. I won't be making any more portals today anyway." He shrugged his shoulders before holstering his guns.
   "Now that you guys are here let's get to business."
   Everyone got stiff and serious when he said that. The purple barriers have already disappeared after the chain reaction of the portals destabilising and breaking apart has stopped and closed.
   "I was quite satisfied with how seriously you take your training and duties. So I decided to take the contract we have to the next level." Marcus said that as he started walking toward a table set up. It looked quite out of place in this, almost fully white, room.
   Nonetheless, the items laying on it was what interested them.
   "To the next level? What do you mean?" Sona asked curiously while also trying to be as respectable as possible and not show any childlike giddiness.
   "As you know, I have been monitoring Kuoh and collecting up quite a bit of data, from the energy readings I got when Humans turn into Reincarnated devils, to all the stray devils you and Gremory have slain.
   In total there were about 23 skirmishes that the two peerages had in Kuoh altogether. To say the least, I am slightly disappointed that I only got the energy readings and not the Sacred Gears and blood samples.
   It's annoying..." Marcus said with a sigh. He did not expect that there would be that many fights against strays...
   "That's why your peerage will be promoted from simple testers to field agents." He said while picking up one of the items laying on the table.
   It looked like a phone. A very futuristic posh phone.
   "In this phone, there are several apps which will assist you in your new mission. One of them is a built-in radar. And another is a shop app that is linked to my assembly lines. This shop is quite simple. You can get items and stuff for slaying stray devils and other freaks which end up in Kuoh. The better the opponents and the more samples you collect, the more points you earn.
   There is also an app that allows you to separate the stray devil from its Sacred Gear. If you bring those to me. you will get quite a bit of points depending on gear. You can either sell it to me for points or keep it to yourself after I do the full scans." Marcus explained while showing several apps on the phone.
   "Whoa, are you making our life similar to that of a video game?" The blonde teen asked as he realised what this meant.
   "Most likely? My tech has reached the point where I can easily do that. With the rewards and all. Here, check them out." Marcus handed over the phone to Sona's peerage as they started inspecting it.
   First they checked out the design of the thin, full touch screen phones. Which came from the future.
   After all, they were still using phones with buttons and this doesn't even have buttons...
   "It's a fully operating phone, you can call, message, and surf the internet regardless of the signal in Kuoh. You can even access the GPS satellites to get a live stream from space. Of course, the holographic display is there too.
   The best part is that it's fully green energy. You don't need to charge it, ever."
   15
   After getting over the shock from hearing all that, they were more than ready to check the app inside.
   "Whoa...damn cars, phones, tv sets, consoles, pcs... clothes, jewellery... and they only cost some of these points!"
   "Saji...you need to beat strays and get their samples first," Sona said with a sigh before looking back at Marcus.
   "This is a very good way to keep my peerage motivated. Many thanks for this." Sona respectfully nodded. She can see this as a very good way to motivate them. The best thing about this was that they could keep the gears they collected.
   Marcus only wants the reading and full scans and they can sell it for points too... 
   "Now then, moving onto the reason why I want you here. These." The teen inventor announced as he showed the stuff on the table, getting everyone's attention once more.
   "These are the gears which you will be using. They are the common ones, I will be selling them to factions in the future." 
   The group saw several orbs laying on the table, they then quickly turned to him with a shell shocked look at what he just said!?
   "...You will be selling Sacred Gears? Are you sure it is wise?" Sona asked him and the rest nodded at her words.
   "Don't get me wrong. I wouldn't be selling them if I knew that there is a chance it could backfire on me. Unlike Big G gears, these cannot be used against me in any sort of way." Marcus clarified that as he saw the concern on everyone's face when he mentioned selling the gears.
   "Though... don't tell anyone. It will be amusing to watch when other factions get quite a bit of them and then try to use it on me." The teen said with an amused chuckle. 
   10
   Sona and her peerage slightly gulped down nervously. They don't want to know what he planned for this kind of event.
   "I-I will keep that in mind. So, w-what kind of gears are they?" The younger Sitri decided to change the subject. She doesn't need to know how those people are going to get destroyed.
   Serafall is thankful that her sister is smart this way. She doesn't go where she should not. And partially the Leviathan is interested in how stupid the Angels would look when they decided to get their hands on Marcus' stuff. It will be beautiful to watch when they either become Fallen... most of them will likely become fallen while the rest will get chained up and made to do some pointless work.
   6
   "Right so let's start with you first." He picked up an orb and gave it to Sona.
   "This one is specifically built with the Sitri water manipulation in mind. Your sister helped with the creation of this. It cuts the amount of magic you need to create water by gathering moisture in the air. The manipulation part is improved considerably. 
   You could even incorporate some hand to hand combat in this. If you watched Avatar the Last Airbender you would know what I mean. Apart from that, it helps your magic training as well."
   8
   Sona nodded multiple times hearing that. This was good. Very good for her. A gear specifically crafted for her family magic. How many devils could brag about that?
   'Well none... I am the first pure blood to have a Sacred Gear...'  The black-haired Sitri Heiress thought internally with a smug smile. Oh, she is so going to flaunt the gear in Rias' face, at the appropriate time of course. She doesn't want to be treated like a child after all.
   2
   "Next is for your Knights... it's a reimagined Sword Birth. The imagination part has been completely reworked. The better one's understanding of the sword you wish to make, the better and easier it's creation is going to be. From knowing the metal to the abilities. The better you know those, the better the weapon. If you properly trained with this, you could even achieve Ultimate Class... in several decades..." Marcus handed over the orb to the knight of the Sona's peerage. 
   6
   "Next is the Bishops. Once again. It's quite similar to Sona's, only that it is designed with a neutral type of magic energy in mind. You can use less of your magic with this, through motions. It helps with training magic as well." Marcus handed over the two orbs to the white-haired and brown-haired girls from Sona's peerage.
   "And lastly for the Rook. Fighting gloves, Frankly indestructible, it can absorb magic attacks and send them back. Though you need to use your own magic for that." The teen inventor handed over the other orb to the blue-haired Rook of Sona's peerage.
   The group were quite awed by their new gears. But internally Marcus only sighed. They were so easy to make that it's even sad for him to see them being so impressed. To him, it was as easy as making tea...
   5
   ~~~~~~~~~Inventions/Tech/Sacred Gears~~~~~~~~~~~~
   Water Devil Mage Armbands
   Water type devil magic armbands were created with the idea of allowing the magic caster to use water magic much more easily.
   Classification: Custom Neo-type mass production Sacred Gear
   Composition: Sacred Gear Alchemical Metal, Diamond core.
   Balance Breaker: New gear. Not enough data to manifest.
   4
   Key magic system and technology:
   Basic Aurora monitoring OS: The gear is supervised by Aurora and is collecting data for future balance breaker and is uploading all the readings to the main data banks
   Custom M.T.M system: The magic energy that is needed is paid by the magic created from the motions of the caster, it specifically targets the moisture in the air.
   Basic magic training system: The sacred gear systems assist in training the user's magic.
   ~~~~~~~~~~
   Devil Mage Armbands
   A sacred gear in the form of armbands. Its main power is training magic and lowering the cost of spells.
   Classification: Neo-type mass production Sacred Gear
   Composition: Sacred Gear Alchemical Metal, Diamond core.
   Balance Breaker: New gear. Not enough data to manifest.
   Key magic system and technology:
   Basic Aurora monitoring OS: The gear is supervised by Aurora and is collecting data for future balance breaker and is uploading all the readings to the main data banks
   Basic M.T.M system: The magic energy needed is paid by the magic created from the motions of the caster.
   Basic magic training system: The sacred gear systems assist in training the user's magic.
   ~~~~~~~~~~~
   Reimagined Sword Birth
   A mass production Sacred Gear based upon the previous generation of Sword Birth.
   However, it's different from the previous generation because it uses a neutral type of energy as a base.
   Classification: Neo-type mass production Sacred Gear
   Composition: Sacred Gear Alchemical Metal, Diamond core.
   Balance Breaker: New gear. Not enough data to manifest.
   Key magic system and technology:
   Basic Aurora monitoring OS: The gear is supervised by Aurora and is collecting data for future balance breaker and is uploading all the readings to the main data banks
   Imagination system: A system based on Annihilation Maker power.
   Magic to Swords (M.T.S) system: The crystallised concept of Sword is at the heart of this Sacred Gear.
   ~~~~~~~~~
   Brawling Fists
   Mass production Sacred Gear which is created with close hand to hand combat in mind.
   Classification: Neo-type mass production Sacred Gear
   Composition: Sacred Gear Alchemical Metal, Diamond core.
   Balance Breaker: New gear. Not enough data to manifest.
   Key magic system and technology:
   Basic Aurora monitoring OS: The gear is supervised by Aurora and is collecting data for future balance breaker and is uploading all the readings to the main data banks
   Barrier absorption system: A system designed from the Barrier Rail system and the Longinus Dimension Lost. A small barrier is created which absorbs the attack and is released back at the opponent.
   Basic M.T.M system: A basic Motion to Magic system runs in the background which pays half of the price to redirect the attack.
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   My Discord server for advanced chapters:
   https://discord.gg/hvzgBJg4ss
   Along with the advanced chapters, there are also a lot of other fanfics I wrote and did not upload to Webnovel.
   Chapters are coming out Monday, Wednesday and Friday around 9:00 AM British time.
  
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   Chapter 18: Testing and Sailor Moon Uniform (R-18)
   7
   "Hi" Regular Speech
   'Hi' Thought
   "(Hi)" Marcus's mechanically synthesised voice
   [Hi] Aurora's notification
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   "Let's be honest...this place doesn't need cleaning at all," Jeanne said with a sigh.
   3
   "The showroom vault is new, it's been what? Only a week since it was finished?" The older blonde continued to complain.
   "Just say what you wanna say." Le Fay said with a tired sigh. 
   For a moment Jeanne looked at the spinning holographic image of True Longinus, looking at it for a bit. She then turned her gaze towards the one next to it, it was a holographic image of a purple mist turning into a cube made from purple barriers. Switching into different shapes and sizes every few seconds or so.
   1
   Eventually, her gaze landed on a red dragon-themed armour. It was a complete and perfect replica of the Red Dragon Emperor's Scale Mail. Something no one will ever see again... for a very very long time.
   3
   "What I am saying is that, our Lord is making us clean this place even though it's not needed." Jeanne said with a cute huff. She doesn't mind cleaning at all. The problem is, there was no dust in this place, at all! They are underground. The air is magically created and ventilated through an internal system. There is no connection to the outside world above!
   No dust to blow in the dirt!
   1
   Which means there was no need for an excessive amount of cleaning!
   Not only that but the only way to reach the new house is either through the railways or teleporting directly into the teleportation room.
   And because of this, they don't even have a hard time cleaning to begin with! 
   But...
   "I see... so you don't want those guns you've been staring at, or a custom model scale mail, or the new fancy car you have been looking at as well..." Le Fay said as she continued counting the things Jeanne wants on her fingers.
   1
   "Okay-Okay-Okay! I get it! I am just saying that we should clean the stuff that is actually dirty, and not the goddamn showcase vault which just teases us with god slaying power!" Jeanne pointed at the Longinus gears that were locked down, underneath them!
   "It was your idea to come here in the first place, you said you wanted to see what our Lord has stashed away in here!" Le Fay said with an annoyed look.
   *Hmph!*
   3
   Jeanne was about to say something when suddenly, they noticed the empty spot right next to the Red Heavenly Emperor Scale Mail was starting to get filled up!
   "Hmm? A new trophy?" Jeanne questioned with an awed look. But from where? How? They know their Lord was playing host to the devils, and Jeanne wanted to get away from them. So, instead, they decided to earn some points...
   Moments later a black draconic armour with purple like gems appeared next to the Welsh Dragon scale mail.
   It looked quite similar to the red scale mail. The difference was that it doesn't have wings that the red one has, and it looked less bulky with three eyes instead of two.
   "This is..."
   "The Prison Dragon, Vritra, Scale Mail. Completion rating at 25%, one of four Sacred Gears acquired." Le Fay read aloud the explanation written on the pedestal plate.
   "One of the Dragon Kings... holy... our Lord got this?" Jeanne said with disbelief. Who else on Earth has two of the big shot dragons recorded like this!?
   7
   "I think one of the Sitri Peerage members has one of the Vritra gears. And it just got scanned." With a hand on her chin, Le Fay explained what she thinks has just happened.
   "Yeah...Vritra... isn't it also an evil dragon as well? 
   "As far as I know it fought against Indra a long time ago. Got slain, chopped to bits and then sealed away into four different gears." Le Fay gave an abridged version of what happened, knowing quite well not to drag it out as Jeanne would get bored halfway throughout the whole story.
   2
   "Cool. So now we have one out of all four! Nice!" 
   Jeanne pulled out her phone and went to the points exchange shop...
   "Hehe! It's there! We can get a replica of the Absorption line!" The blonde exclaimed happily.
   Le Fay just sighed. Knowing full well that Jeanne doesn't need the gear or anything like that. She only wants the gear to be added to the hold and that there is a chance of getting it if she wants, by... 
   The longer she thought about it the more she understood her Lord. The man quite simply made Jeanne addicted to material items. Even though she is complaining a lot about doing useless work, she still does it either way just to get the points.  
   2
   'If I didn't know any better I would say that Marcus Goldman is the reincarnation of the original Lucifer and not Solomon.' Le Fay thought to herself as she pulled out her phone to check the amount of points she had.
   9
   [Name: Le Fay Pendragon]
   [Occupation: Magic Consultant/Maid]
   [Loyalty Points: 47]
   *Sigh*
   'Why am I even pretending? I am just as much addicted to this as Jeanne...'
   The girl sighed before returning to pointless work.
   "Hmm. Fay-chan... say... What if we ask our hot Lord to get some sort of company running? And we could work there? I mean I could be a waitress or something..." Jeanne asked the fellow blonde after some time had passed.
   ...
   ...
   ...
   "You're seriously clueless, aren't you?" Le Fay once again sighed.
   "Look how we are dressed! The skirts are short. The stockings... you sure you don't know why we are dressed like that?" The younger blonde pointed at her attire.
   "Hmm, to look sexy for our Lord?" The older blond said with raised eyebrows. This one was obvious. And she doesn't mind dressing like that. It would be even better if she gets more of his attention.
   "Exactly... and our Head Maid dresses in a much more seductive attire, if you have not noticed. Even Satan Leviathan dresses in those revealing ball dresses. And it is obvious why."
   1
   "To seduce our Lord, isn't it? I don't see the point of this conversation. Those are obvious..." Jeanne asked with a sigh.
   "The point is that we get more points being here than being tied up in some corporation or restaurant." Le Fay clarified to her.
   "Oh... I see, in other words we are eye-candy...." 
   "And trophies too..." The younger blond pointed that one out.
   6
   "Hmm, it makes sense, you are descended from Arthurian legends and I am the reincarnation of Joan of Arc."
   "And it should also be obvious that he is collecting women too, in some way. Our Lord's pillars clearly prove that." 
   2
   "Hmm yeah... I didn't expect the mother of the current Lucifer to also be part of this. It kind of terrifies me how much political pull a human has on the underworld." Jeanne said that quite seriously, surprising Le Fay for a moment.
   4
   The younger blond did not expect such a girl to have some understanding about politics, she just didn't pass as one.
   "...I am not even thinking about the outside world at the moment. It simply terrifies me how everyone is clueless about our Lord's existence. It's like not paying attention to massive storm clouds just gathering in the air."
   2
   "You mean invisible storm clouds? One can't truly see what he is doing..." Jeanne motioned around them. The place is quite literally underground!
   "Still though... Many deities exist that can see the future and destiny. I am sure they would have seen Marcus's existence by now." Le Fay said while remembering the three Fates from Greek mythology.
   "I doubt their magic can even reach this place. The amount of barriers surrounding this nation, this underground facility. Le Fay, even if Great Red tried to enter this place, he would not be able to. Even just one of those cores can protect against pantheon level attacks. And how many are there in this place right now?" 
   3
   [24 at the moment. And no. No one can enter this house or nation without our notice. The space lock is in place as well. One needs to break the space lock before even trying to breach the barriers. So, can you two stop wasting time? Or should I nullify today's work?] 
   9
   Aurora's tone made the pair quickly pale. Like seriously pale. Why is this A.I is so sadistic? They even complained to their Lord about the probability of the A.I going rogue with such character.
   But, to their horror. His answer made them realise that he made her like this, on freaking purpose!
   At first, they thought that he was a masochist, but then, they observed his interaction with the A.I.
   And they realised that she was like a different person altogether. While proud in her capacities, Aurora was not even a little bit bitchy with Marcus as she was with everyone else.
   3
   Meaning that he is building her in this specific way. Does this mean he likes girls like that?
   3
   "Umm sorry... we're going back to work!" Jeanne quickly said that as she returned to cleaning.
   [*Hmph*]
   11
   ~~~~~~Testing Room~~~~~~
   "This was a bad idea!" Saji said as he was running as quickly as he could through the jungles. He was trying very hard to move as fast as he could without tripping or getting trapped in the tree vines.
   4
   "You don't say! Why did you think it was a good idea to test the capacities of the holograms with a freaking predator!? Couldn't you have picked a tamer creature!?" Tomoe complained as she too was running away.
   27
   "It doesn't matter now! We need an open area to face this invisible foe!" Sona quickly took command with a sweaty forehead. 
   She was having an extremely hard time believing they were still inside the testing room! The sun, the humid atmosphere, the trees, the smell... they were in a very very realistic imitation of the Amazonian forest!
   Sona looked behind while rushing away from The Predator, the alien creature from the movie with the same name.
   6
   The younger Sitri didn't want to brag, but, when Saji suggested facing The Predator, she sort of agreed. She remembered some scenes from the movies. And didn't think much about it...
   But, the moment they were 'transported' into the simulation. They were picked up one by one. First was her Queen, then her Rook, followed by her Bishops, one by one. Leaving only Saji, Her, and Tomoe.
   First of all, they couldn't even sense it. The optical illusion was not magical, it was technological! Not only that but the sounds the creature makes are quite scare inducing.
   *Predator clicking sound*
   12
   "Shit! it's somewhere close!?" Saji asked with a horrified look as he looked around. He could only see trees, trees, and more trees, everywhere!
   Moments later something landed behind him as he heard more of the alien clicking sound.
   Suddenly, a fist smashed into his back, sending Saji flying like a ragdoll. 
   The blond flew into a tree sideways. His vision got blurry from all the pain flowing into his body from the collision. The thing hits with a lot of force. He remembered that the alien predator is based on all the movies related to The Predator. And he vividly remembers that in one of the movies, the predator could quite simply pull out a spine from one's body with it's bare hands.
   Meaning it has a lot of power. Even the Blonde's Devil physiology didn't help him  much here. Since he can't quite tell where the hunter is. Saji could only predict the general location. But, the problem with this was that, The Predator is a master in hand to hand combat. The thing will beat the shit out of him. If this was the real deal he would have already been dead a long time ago.
   Before the alien hunter could approach the downed blonde, a torrent of water slammed into its general area. Revealing the exact location of the invisible foe.
   "There! Tomoe! Get it!" Sona ordered.
   "On it!" The Sitri Knight rushed forward with her new sword created through her new gear.
   A sword collided with the gauntlet of the Predator.
   The moment the cloaking was disabled, Tomoe could finally see the towering above two-metre tall alien creature.
   "So...cool..." She muttered in an excited tone. Before suddenly getting punched with The Predator's left hand, sending her flying.
   4
   Moments later, the shoulder cannon shot a beam of electricity, slamming directly into where Tomoe was.
   2
   [Sitri Knight eliminated!]
   *Tsk*
   "I know it's an iconic monster! But seriously! I am trying to win here!" Sona was pissed. And yes, she was also terrified. The thing is scary. Even though she knows it's just a hard light hologram! It could still freak them out even though they know it's fake. It's absurdly realistic!
   9
   *Groan*
   "Sorry... I am trying!" Saji said with a tired tone. He still feels the pain in his gut.
   *Roar*
   The Predator reminded them that he was still here as his shoulder cannon started firing beams of electricity. 
   Sona tried to dodge, but the shoulder cannon was rapidly adapting to her patterns...
   And before long, Sona was cornered. The Predator rushed forward to knock her out. But then, unexpectedly, Absorption line wrapped around one of it's limbs.
   For a second Saji was delighted that he caught The Predator, but... that happiness was short-lived as the alien hunter pulled him towards itself. 
   7
   The blonde very quickly realised that the shoulder cannon was pointing at him.
   'Oh fuck!'
   In the very next moment, the shoulder cannon released a bolt of lightning and the blonde was out.
   [Sitri Pawn Eliminated!]
   The Predator turned around and faced Sona who gulped down seeing the thing facing her. It was a towering monster from space!
   "Umm... I surrender."
   [Sitri King Surrendered! The Predator wins!]
   7
   Sona sighed hearing that... not gonna lie this was so real that she, for a moment, was truly afraid that it was not fake... 
   The surroundings started to disappear one by one. Revealing the white room. And for some reason, The Predator was still there...
   "Not gonna lie, Saji was a genius reminding me about the Predator. I am gonna give him that Playstation 3 he wanted, even though the deal was that you guys have to win this." Marcus walked over with Serafall and the revived group of the Sitri Peerage. Well, Tomoe and Saji were still out.
   4
   The teen inventor walked over to the tall space hunter and fist-bumped it before the thing disappeared.
   4
   *Sigh*
   "I can't believe we went through all that just so that he could get the upgraded Playstation 3..." Momo said while messaging her temples.
   3
   "Don't worry it will be in my living room for the foreseeable future," Sona said with a no-nonsense tone.
   5
   Her peerage snorted in amusement. They can't wait to see Saji's face when he hears about this.
   1
   "So-tan that was so cool, you just faced the big bad Predator!" Serafall hugged her baby sister when she least expected it.
   4
   "...please sister, it's embarrassing!" Sona said with an embarrassed look.
   "Besides... I messed up badly. I didn't expect him to be this strong!" The younger Sitri said with a disappointed tone, her gaze was soft. She had underestimated the hunter very badly.
   "Don't beat yourself up that much. Hmm, I have another opponent which you could face if you want. Another shot? What do you say?" Marcus asked with a thoughtful look, he has something in mind for Sera's sister.
   "Hmm? I hope it's not Darth Vader..." Momo said to herself. She then looked around realising that everyone was looking at her.
   3
   "...Not gonna lie. That's an awesome idea. But, no. It's not a fictional character." The teen said with a smirk.
   1
   The younger Sitri gulped down when she saw the smirk.
   "Who is it?"
   "The Red Dragon Emperor." 
   The group's eyes widened to max.
   "You... you have the Boosted Gear?" Sona asked with disbelief. She was in disbelief because she could not even find the host of the Heavenly Dragon for the past year!
   "Nope. But I have had the Gear scanned for over a year. And..." Marcus pointed next to him, where polygons were gathering into a female looking physique encased in the iconic Red Scale Mail.
   4
   "Beat Aurora. And you will get a thousand points each."
   5
   "For real!?" Saji asked as he groggily walked over, he got 'resurrected' when he heard the amount of points they were getting for this!
   "With that amount, I could buy a supercar!" 
   6
   "You don't even have a license!" Momo said while shaking her head. She can't believe how easily this blonde got sucked into the whole items getting concept!
   "Easily solvable! I only need to wait for over two years and I can get it! The point is that the car doesn't need any maintenance! No fuel consumption, no breakdowns! It's simply godly!" Saji grimaced slightly when he mentioned godly... he needs to stop thinking and meaning what those words meant.
   The rest of the peerage also grimaced hearing what he just said...
   "You right on that," Marcus smirked with satisfaction. 
   Sona's peerage internally groaned again. The inventor was inflating the blonde's desires... the teen inventor truly is more of a devil than a human.
   3
   "See. Even our employer agrees with me." Saji proudly said that.
   "Then you can fight the Red Dragon Emperor if you want," Sona said while fixing her glasses.
   "Umm...I thought this was a peerage fight? I mean we are all getting points this time right!?" The Sitri Pawn exclaimed with a panicked look. Like hell was he going to face a Longinus user alone!
   "Hmm... I suppose you are right." Sona relented with a sigh.
   "I think we should rest first? No? I mean this is fighting against someone who could potentially kill a God!?" Tomoe questioned with a worried look. She was just electrocuted!
   The Younger Sitri nodded obviously. Not that she intended to fight from the get-go. Saji was just far too taken by the whole situation. This was his first time interacting with other supernatural entities. And Marcus is not a good first impression because nothing else will be as flashy as the inventor's creations...
   "Can we rest first?" Sona asked with a respectful bow.
   "Sure. Aurora. Please, I want the Bahamas for this." Marcus asked the armoured Aurora.
   [Gladly.]
   Moments later the surroundings turned into a beautiful beach with water and a bunch of beach chairs.
   2
   "So...cool..." 
   "Wow..."
   "Can I get one for my home?" Momo asked with wide eyes.
   [You wouldn't be able to pay electrical bills for this.] The Red Dragon Emperor Scale mail said with crossed arms.
   1
   It was a female voice, assuming it was Aurora having a physical body made from holograms.
   [Just for one minute, this room consumes enough electricity to power a skyscraper for a year.] 
   The white-haired bishop from Sitri peerage paled after hearing that.
   "That's a lot of electricity..."
   1
   [It is. But, since we don't have power issues, my creator doesn't need to hold back when he is making his creations.] The scale mail said with a proud tone making the girl realise that the A.I was... showing off? 
   3
   ~~~
   [Blond one first!]
   *BOOST-BOOST-BOOST!*
   1
   Red aura exploded around the Welsh Dragon scale mail as the armour rushed forward with an incredible amount of speed.
   Saji's eyes widened, he did not expect the armour to be this fast! He didn't even have much time to react as the fist was already on his face.
   *EXPLOSION*
   10
   All the boosted energy was released on the impact as the Sitri pawn was sent flying while spinning sideways.
   [Sitri Pawn is Eliminated!]
   2
   Sona and her peerage looked at this with disbelief. They were told that the armour was set in High-Class devil strength! But that burst of speed was beyond anything a High Class should be able to do!
   1
   This is nuts!
   "Tomoe, Yura engage her in close combat!" Sona quickly ordered some basic strategies. She needed to figure out how the armour fights!
   Knowing that it's A.I is the very same A.I that controlled the Predator it could be difficult!
   Her Knight and Rook rushed forward to engage the Scale Mail.
   Sure enough, Sona's prediction was spot on as the scale mail was fighting using martial arts!
   Easily matching Yura in hand to hand combat. The moment Tomoe got close in from behind. It's red tail rushed forward and coiled around the Knights' hands.
   2
   "What... the..." 
   The scale mail went up into the air and with a spin it threw the girl at the Rook of Sitri Peerage.
   "Ahh!!!"
   The girls got tangled up and that was all Aurora needed to shoot a red ball of dragon energy.
   Well, it should have, but Sona and the Bishops started throwing magic at the armour.
   Aurora quickly started to dodge with her flying ability and started boosting herself up.
   "This is bad! her power is going up!" And before long, the red armour started shooting balls made from dragon energy at Sona's peerage who quickly started dodging the incoming blasts.
   Using this moment, the Red Dragon Emperor replica descended back and took out the pair of girls who were just back on their feet!
   With boosted strength, the A.I easily overwhelmed them in brute strength. Even when Yura tried to use her Sacred Gear! And redirect the attack back at the armour.
   Funny how the girl forgot that she was fighting someone who played a large part in making the gear in the first place.
   [Sitri Knight and Rook eliminated!]
   "This is bad! That thing can just easily increase its power!" Sona said with a frown.
   Seeing that her front liners were gone, the Queen pulled out her Naginata.
   "This is a good time to test out the upgraded version of Mirror Alice." The Sitri Heiress said after seeing her Queen pulling out her weapon.
   Not that they had time to test as the red Scale mail was already charging straight in.
   ~~~~~~Marcus, Next Day~~~~~~
   "The store you prepared for So-tan's peerage is quite tame. Compared to the one your 'hired' staff has." Serafall said while getting comfortable on her Master's lap.
   "They don't work for me for life, Sera. I won't be giving them the same things as the one I am giving Jeanne and Le Fay." Marcus said while hugging her back.
   "Because of the contract they signed? While it's fault-proof, it can still be exploited. And you are offering quite powerful items and magic." 
   "The contract was only the beginning of the binding. By this point, their wet dreams are already about me." He said with an amused tone as he remembered hearing the recordings...
   2
   "... You are serious?" The black-haired devil beauty giggled hearing that.
   "Very. While there are no cameras in their rooms, Aurora can pick up the voices as their rooms used to be not far from the kitchen.
   Le Fay quite immediately became fascinated with me and Jeanne followed soon after. One thing for sure is that they are in my camp regardless. And their dedication is only growing as we speak." Marcus said with a shrug.
   "Quite devious as always~~~" Serafall said with an amused tone.
   "It's a natural reaction. I don't have to do anything. They grew fascinated in me, themselves."
   5
   Marcus simply answered back. He barely needed to do anything to make them get interested and attached to him. And Aurora quickly picked up their behaviour patterns while constantly observing them when they work 
   At first Le Fay was quite reluctant and wanted to find a way to escape. That however, slowly diminished by the time his new base was done, she no longer wanted to run away.
   Either she knows it's pointless or she doesn't want to. It doesn't really matter anymore.
   Serafall was a little bit baffled that Marcus doesn't even look remotely surprised that the pair of blondes have dreamed about him.
   He wasn't even excited or bothered or anything like that. This was quite something else. After all, he was currently at his peak teenage time, where teens would want to have their way with girls. Especially when the pair he has as maids dressed up sexy, and by his request no less...
   "I see... I guess they need to try a bit harder to get your attention." She said while leaning into him, snuggling.
   "Hmm... that reminds me. I gave your sister something. But, I didn't give you anything. So here you go."  The teen inventor pulled out something from his inventory and handed it to the curious girl.
   2
   "...is this what I think it is..."
   "Yep. I needed to read some wiki pages for the design but now it's all done." 
   She slowly took the fancy looking pen. It was blue with some gold and there was something akin to a crystal planet on the top.
   1
   "...how does it work?" Serafall asked with shaking hands. She was getting goosebumps just by holding it. Some sweat started dripping from her forehead.
   2
   "It's a Sacred Gear, you fuse with it by channelling some of your magic."
   "Sacred-Sacred-Sacred gear? Y-You made the Sailor Moon uniform into a Sacred Gear?" She asked with utter disbelief. 
   16
   Never in her 500+ years of life did it cross her mind that Marcus could invent something so amazing, so good looking, so incredible!
   She didn't need to be told twice, quickly channelling her magic the pen disappeared but... with a simple thought, it was back in her hand.
   "The best part of this is that you can still use it as a pen." He said with a smile. Serafall could only giggle for a bit before losing control of herself and quickly tested it out.
   1
   Jumping off his lap, she pulled out the pen...subconsciously knowing how to use it...
   And with a burst of light, she transformed.
   8
   Starting from the hair, it changed into twin tails, with diamond-like clips holding it in place. And then the classic sailor uniform in white and blue with purple ribbon appeared.
   Her knee-long shoes are blue, same with the gloves. In other words, she would be closest in looks to Sailor Mercury.
   7
   But that was on purpose since her uniform colour should be the same as her eyes. At least that's what Marcus thought.
   "Ohh my gosh~~~ the power... I feel so strong! And~~~" She quickly created a mirror and looked at herself.
   "So~~~ amazing~~~ wow~~~ this is truly a Sailor uniform with the powerups!~~~" Serafall did a spin. Her new shoes, which had high heels, clicked on the ground.
   She looked at herself a little bit more. While the teen inventor observed her from the side. Her miniskirt is special, the thing is, no matter which angle you look at it, you can't see her panties, it is part of the Sacred Gear. After all, only he should be able to get the panty shots.
   15
   Once she was done observing herself, she looked at Marcus. Her Master's reaction to her gaze was simply a slightly raised eyebrow... because Serafall had hearts in her eyes.
   1
   "This is like the best thing you have ever created..."
   That moment, in the background, the teen inventor could hear Aurora cough. She was not impressed being regarded as less than some average Longinus class gear...
   5
   "I see..."
   ~~~(Smut ahead! Skip to 'Inventions/Tech/Sacred Gears' if you wish to skip)~~~
   Soon enough she was back on his lap.
   "Now~~~ I need to reward you for all the hard work. We have not tested the bedroom of your new house yet, have we?" Serafall hotly said into his ear. She was radiating a lot of 'need'.
   Marcus nodded at her. Thankfully they were on the living room floor and not the workshop floor otherwise they might end up testing the floor in the lift... 
   1
   Surely enough Serafall, with supernatural speed, brought Marcus towards the bedroom as she pushed him down on the bed before starting to rain kisses all over him.
   She was in an enormous amount of heat. 
   2
   And before long she was already working on his shaft very greedily while rubbing her legs together. The beauty was leaking quite a bit as it is. Just imagining doing her man in the most realistic uniform from Sailor Moon.
   It has turned her on to a level that she never has been before. So, at this moment she was working extra hard in her service, making a lot of sexy noises while worshipping Marcus' rod.
   Before long he came hard and showered the beauty in his seed.
   "So...much... I didn't~~~ think you had the time to gather so much~~~ I served you quite often~~~" She said that between licks as she cleaned off her gloves.
   "I guess I overdid it with the design, it turned me on just as much as it did you," Marcus said honestly, when he saw the 3d image of Serafall in her uniform. It was hot. But seeing it in reality? That sexiness reached a completely different level. It's one of the reasons why he loves inventing and designing, It's so satisfying seeing something coming into fruition.
   1
   "Nope~~~ you did it perfectly~~~ this is perfect. I am feeling like a teenage girl at the moment~~~ it worked far too well. That's why I am going to fuck you hard, my dear master~~~ you need to know how much this means to me~~~" 
   She said with glazed eyes. Marcus could see heart symbols in her eyes that were nearly glowing with passion.
   5
   She quickly got onto her feet for a moment before removing her white panties. It is the signature panties for any sailor moon uniform.
   2
   And soon enough she was sitting on his lap, positioning herself for insertion. 
   There was no playing around with the current Serafall as she quickly inserted herself with a single move.
   The beauty mewed for a bit when she felt his rod fully submerging in her wet folds. 
   2
   She put both of her hands on Marcus' knees before starting to move up and down. Her movement rapidly accelerated as she was riding him with everything she got.
   Sounds of lovemaking spread throughout the whole room as Serafall was moaning loud enough for everyone on the floor to hear.
   3
   "Mhhhh~~~ so~~~ Good~~~" 
   The beauty collapsed onto Marcus' chest. She tried to ride him as hard as she could, but she herself came hard before that.
   The teen inventor could chuckled as he flipped her over.
   "No~~~ I am supposed to fuck you... not you me~~~" She said with glazed eyes.
   Marcus lifted both of her legs and put them on his shoulders before continuing to pump into her wet core.
   "Ohhh~~~ no.... This is too good..." She said with a drool coming out of her mouth as she felt his thing going in and out of her velvet cave.
   2
   The smacking continued on for several more minutes as Marcus enjoyed stroking her thighs along the way.
   "AHHNNNN~~~"
   Soon enough Serafall came hard and the teen inventor used that moment to release his load into her.
   "Nnnhhh~~~ this... is...bad..." the black-haired devil beauty said before closing her eyes.
   "Heh... she passed out? Damn... I guess I should add another achievement to the list. Fucking a devil to sleep..." The teen said to himself. He doesn't know how this happened, she should not have passed out. After all, her Sacred Gear feeds an unlimited amount of energy into her reserves...
   7
   Oh well...
   ~~~~~~~~~Inventions/Tech/Sacred Gears~~~~~~~~~~~~
   Sailor Winter Transformation Device
   A sacred gear in the shape of a pen. Upon fusion, Serafall Sitri can transform into a Magic Girl from the Sailor Moon Franchise.
   The costume is based on Sailor Mercury as the Sailor's uniform was blue.
   1
   Classification: Neo-type Custom G-Sacred Gear (G-for the fact that Marcus wasn't holding back in its making and it means Goldman Sacred Gear)
   Composition: Sacred Gear Alchemical Metal, Diamond core, Concept core.
   Balance Breaker: Eternity Drive (even more posh Uniform with 30x greater energy output)
   Key magic system and technology:
   Aurora system OS Monitoring: The G-Sacred Gear is closely monitored by Aurora in case of an emergency, help can be summoned directly to Serafall side.
   Diamond Core Heart Sacred Gear variant: A Sacred Gear variant of the Diamond Core Heart installed in most of Marcus facilities. This core magnifies Serafall power by 10x, and 30x in Balance Breaker
   Conceptual Core: The core of the Sailor Moon uniform. It holds together the uniform and its Balance breaker uniform, making it magical in every sense of the word.
   Frost Winter Amplifier: Serafall's powers over ice, snow, water are severely amplified, in the Sailor Moon uniform mode, she loses the classification of a 'Devil' and instead can be classified as a being of Frost or ice being. Making her original weakness almost non-existent in magical terms. She can still be hurt by holy relics or energy but only on body parts where there is no protection from the uniform.
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   My Discord server for advanced chapters:
   https://discord.gg/hvzgBJg4ss
   Along with the advanced chapters, there are also a lot of other fanfics I wrote and did not upload to Webnovel.
   Chapters are coming out Monday, Wednesday and Friday around 9:00 AM British time.
  
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   Chapter 19: Aurora's Avatar and the Next Pillar
   5
   "Hi" Regular Speech
   'Hi' Thought
   "(Hi)" Marcus's mechanically synthesised voice
   [Hi] Aurora talking
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   It didn't take long for Rias to learn that Sona and her peerage received gifts from Marcus Goldman.
   The most obvious sign was that they now have extremely advanced phones.
   And as one could expect, her curiosity peaked, so she asked.
   The problem was... she almost immediately got washed over by jealousy.
   1
   Only that, it exploded to the next level when she learned that they also got Sacred Gears! All of them! Sona included! This was the breaking point for Rias who rushed back to Underworld herself to talk to her mother.
   "This is not fair! I have been training several times per week! With my peerage! I know my power has increased several times!" Rias said with crossed arms as she huffed and puffed at the injustice.
   4
   "You mean your 15% increase in demonic power? Dear, I have a full report on your progress." Venelana said with a sigh. She was starting to feel just as jealous as her daughter. Serafall got a Longinus Class Sacred Gear in the form of a Sailor Moon uniform. If not for Ars Goetia holding the Satan together, Serafall would already be flaunting it to the whole wide world and the Underworld. The most amazing perk was that it's not just a cosplay. It's the real deal with power-ups. 
   6
   Marcus even showed them the resistance to holy energy which immediately interested Grayfia and Venelana.
   7
   "Umm... What about Sona? What did she do?" Rias immediately realised that talking about her 'achievements' is pointless since her mother most likely already knows.
   "Her overall demonic energy increased by 40%; she reincarnated four people in that period. Giving more data to Marcus Goldman. He is more than pleased in learning how energy changes from human to devil kind.
   While your readings were neither bad nor too good. Simply okay enough for him to keep you in the project since it doesn't cost him." Venelana said to her daughter while sipping tea in between.
   4
   The brown-haired devil lady realised that the contract did not really help. Her daughter wasn't actually trying hard to train. But maybe this will finally make her move her ass.
   "I see... so Sona went whole military-style on her peerage," Rias said with a realised look.
   "No. She will now, however. As Marcus has decided to move Sona's peerage to a field agent position. He gave them the means to collect sacred gear from Stray Devils and keep them if they want."
   The red-haired devil girl's eyes widened. This is far too good!
   "I see... this is... so those phones?"
   "Exactly. According to Satan Leviathan who bragged to me. Those phones have a points exchange system. They can reclaim items retrofitted by Marcus himself, from gaming consoles to cars, and because it is Marcus, they are a cut above any regular things humans or devils could get. And all they have to do is beat some stray devils and collect samples from them." 
   Rias's eyes widened again. Incredible futuristic consoles? She wants one too!
   "You know I learned something which would interest you." 
   "Umm? What?"
   "Serafall herself got a Sailor Moon uniform as a Sacred Gear. It also works as a power-up and if my guess is right she got quite a big power-up." 
   "No way... Sailor Moon uniform? With the transformation and everything?"
   Venelana nodded at her, before continuing to talk.
   "Indeed she got a boost to her family magic with that uniform which also has a Balance Breaker." 
   "That's...so cool... mother! Tell me what should I do!?" Rias couldn't control herself and asked with a panicked look. This is so cool and otaku-ish sounding! She wants to be part of this!
   1
   *Sigh*
   "Rias, you need to be a proper Devil Heiress with a goal in life! How hard is it for you to understand that!? Sona has her dream and she is chasing it as hard as she could. Marcus Goldman being there only made her try to work harder! And she is getting rewarded for it." Venelana said with an eye roll.
   Rias bit her lower lip before getting up from her seat.
   "You are right! I have to go..." The redhead said in a serious tone before walking towards the doors.
   1
   "Good. I hope you start taking this seriously. You don't have much time left." The brown-haired woman said with a knowing look.
   For a moment Rias stopped walking. She didn't say anything before continuing to walk out of the living room.
   The moment her daughter was gone Venelana started frowning. Not much time was left. In both senses of the word. For Rias's marriage and before the storm, which is her Master, hits the three worlds. Neither Heaven, Earth or Underworld are going to be spared.
   'Let's see how you do, Rias. It all depends on you. Even without talking or interacting with you, Marcus has made you work more seriously.'  Venelana thought with narrowed eyes.
   ~~~~~~Kuoh~~~~~~
   Sona sighed to herself. Checking her phone out for a moment.
   This thing is so amazing. Not only that but it has Aurora built into it!
   The very same A.I that beat her as The Predator and the Red Dragon Emperor. So she was quite bitter about using it. But, she won't be lying to herself. The A.I is super smart and her assistance is already invaluable.
   Anyways, she got quite hooked into checking out the list of inventions she could buy from her points...
   Points...
   [Name: Sona Sitri]
   [Occupation: Field Agent]
   [Loyalty Points: 23]
   2
   Her points were only a few bits though she could buy some clothes from these. Regular clothes, not enchanted ones.
   The enchanted ones are, in her eyes, quite powerful. Self-repairing, self-adjusting, damage mitigation, and resistance to specific elements like Holy energy. Which is simply and utterly amazing to her.
   Not to mention the paperwork machine! The Signer! It's simply a marvellous piece of work that she will be sure to use once she opens her school!
   Speaking of her dream to open the ranking games school... if only she could get Marcus help in designing it and pumping it with his inventions it would be her wet dream coming to reality!
   7
   "So-tan~~~ you are dreaming of something naughty! I could even sense it~~~"
   1
   Hearing her older sister's voice, she snapped out of her trance and saw Serafall sitting on a couch not far from her.
   "Nonsense! I don't do that!" Sona with an embarrassed look snapped at her sister who was in a very good mood.
   "Heee~~~ okay~~~ if you say so!" The older Sitri just shook her head in an amused fashion.
   "...Is there a reason why you are here sister?" Sona asked, slightly curious and with a bit of anticipation.
   After all, the last time her sister was here in the Sitri Estate, she took her and her peerage to Europe where she got her Sacred Gear!
   "But, of course!" Serafall jumped out of her seat and pulled out a unique looking pen. Without wasting any time she pressed on it and with a burst of light she transformed...
   2
   "..."
   "Your big sis is Sailor Winter! A real magic girl!" Serafall did several poses from Sailor Moon and behind her back a pair of wings appeared from pure crystalized ice!
   1
   Not only that but Sona could feel a limitless amount of magic rolling from Serafall. She has sensed her sister's power before, and it had never been this high!
   "This... what is this!?"
   Sona didn't know what to think! It should be an embarrassing cosplay as a magic girl... but-but! This was not a cosplay! This was the real deal!
   "This is my Sacred Gear. I got it the next day after you left! Beautiful isn't it!?" Serafall said while spinning and taking some more of the stances from Sailor Moon...
   "T-This is... I don't even know what to say..." Sona was out of words, literally.... This was no longer cosplaying... It's not even embarrassing because the uniform looks too good. The material even looks magical!
   "When I am wearing this, I am semi-immune to holy energy. Only direct contact on my skin works! I can even say his name without getting hurt!" Serafall said amused as she was clearly enjoying the shocked look on Sona's face.
   "I see... this is incredible... still, I am assuming that you didn't come here just to show me that?" Sona said while fixing her glasses, she was trying to hide her jealous look. Yes, she is jealous. The uniform honestly looks amazing. And the power-ups... they make it even better. She can tell that the uniform does more than just protection because she can sense her sister's power going up significantly after the transformation.
   'It seems she can't tell me everything about her over the top Sacred Gear.'
   "Yes. There is more. I came here to ask you something." Serafall instantly  got serious. She dissolved her sailor moon uniform and pulled out the pen which appeared in her hand. She started spinning it in between her fingers.
   "And that is?"
   "You know that I want you to be successful. But, the problem with your dream is that it is going to be an uphill fight, a very hard one in fact.
   So, you will need a good support to start your school. Someone who could guarantee its success. Either technologically or magically."
   As Serafall continued her speech Sona instantly knew where it was going.
   "You want it to be supported by your boyfriend? Honestly, I will take his help any time of the day. The problem is not me not wanting it, but him wanting to support me." The younger Sitri said while shrugging her shoulders.
   "I doubt he will even listen to me and my dream. He doesn't look like someone who would want to listen to a girl's dreams. I could imagine him just saying something like: 'just go and build it yourself, it's not that hard'." Sona said what she imagined him saying to her.
   7
   "You are right. He would say that. But, that's where my scheme comes to play." Serafall said that with a smirk. A smirk which sends chills through Sona's spine.
   "I am going to pull you into our bed activities. Devil sisters play~~~ how many humans could brag that they have fucked two devil sisters from the same pillars?" 
   32
   Sona's mouth opened as wide as possible. This was the first time hearing her sister use that word like this!
   "SISTER! What are you thinking!? Are you nuts!?" The younger Sitri said with a red face. This was embarrassing to a whole nother level!
   1
   *Snort*
   "We are devils, Sona. How hard is it to accept that? While we are nowhere near as bad as we were before, there are still many devils who do questionable things. And what I am offering to you is one of the best solutions you could get.
   2
   Marcus' inventions are revolutionary. And once he reveals himself to the world, there will be Goddesses from all sort of pantheons lining up to get fucked by him. That is not a joke. When I said that he humiliated Artemis, I mean it in a literal sense. He was thinking of just bringing her home to keep as a pet.
   5
   Thankfully he did not." Serafall said all of that quite seriously, which made Sona speechless. 
   "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I can persuade him about a sisters play and then maybe a magical girls play. Which means you could dress up as someone like Sailor Summer or something~~~" The older sibling said with a cute tone.
   12
   "I don't know... this is far too sudden! I never had a boyfriend before! And now you are asking me to join you in bed!? Seriously!?" Sona said that while quickly shaking her head. This just makes too little sense to her!
   "Hmm...okay~~~ think about it So-tan! He could be your lover in a sense~~~"
   "More like a sugar daddy? Wait... he is the same age as me... I don't think there is a word for it..." Sona had a thoughtful look for a moment.
   23
   "...Yes, something like that. Anyways, I have to go. I will see you later So-tan! Remember to think about it! You could get the same Sacred Gear as I have! And it is powerful!" 
   3
   Sona couldn't say anything more after hearing that as Serafall disappeared with the teleportation circle.
   But, she was shocked to hear that. She could get the very same gear? But, she already has a gear!
   "Grrr... this is... difficult!" 
   1
   ~~~~~~Marcus~~~~~~
   "How long do you think it takes for a concept to go through all the governmental red tape for it to become reality?" I asked my assistant while working on the finishing touches of the maglev style trains which will be going through my railway network.
   13
   At the moment, I am having a hard time deciding on the stretch from the space centre that I am going to build to the docks in the west. I don't want everything to run underground. I mean, I want to see some landscapes. 
   I am, however, thinking of the whole holographic display replacing the windows so that the train could run underground and I could see whatever I want.
   [You asking me to look up this information or?]
   "I am asking what you think, with all the data you have gathered at the moment." I clarified while turning a drawing into a 3d model and checking it from different angles.
   As always the colours are the hardest part. I am thinking of a soft bronze with some white.
   [Hmm... my guess is... around a year to go through multiple designs to select one. Then it goes through government regulations. If it's a car it has to go through road inspections and things like that.]
   1
   Waiting for a few moments, Aurora continued with her thinking. This wasn't her using 7 floors of processors but the basic output she has at the moment. This was to make sure she is not always supercharged.
   [It could be from 3 to 4 years? That's me just thinking in a broad sense.]
   "You are right from the basic speculations. Concept cars have to go through a broad lineup of checks up before a model is released for public usage.
   The thing about this is that, It's quite different if you are not planning to sell it to the public. Capitalists love taxing anything possible. But if it's for personal use? Now that is quite different." 
   6
   I explained while remembering the cars I designed myself in my past life. Brings back some nostalgia.
   "Still though..." After remembering the past for a few moments I send the design to Aurora for check-ups.
   I could see my A.I going through several calculations and simulations as well as adjusting anything which might be not necessary or not possible. Not that I went with anything outlandish on this one.
   [Done. I am assuming that you want to add some of the carriages which could potentially carry cargo as well? Since it will be needed in the Space centre.] 
   6
   "Indeed. What about the pressurised version?" I was curious about the possibility of that.
   [Not enough data. Tests need to be run. No one builds space trains or trains underwater. I will need to test this before it can be used in those ways.]
   8
   "Hmm. True. I only wanted to find out if those could work. Then again we used boats for water and spaceships for space." I said with a shrug. I mean space trains does sound kind of cool? But then again, badass ships are always better. That's why I want to collect those shipwrecks in the first place!
   17
   [Precisely. The idea for trains is to run on a set of rails to conserve time. Not to run in the void of space or deeply underwater.]
   10
   [Nonetheless, if you want a train on something like... for example Moon or Mars then we could test this to a certain extent, the tracks should be in a pressurised tube of some sort.]
   8
   Aurora is giving me some nice ideas. I can already imagine those trains running on the surface of the red planet or our moon.
   7
   "Yes...very nice idea. Pin those down for now and run some tests on the trains before putting them on the tracks."
   [Of course. Already doing it.]
   I nodded at her before leaning into my comfy chair and looking around for a bit.
   The majority of my workshop now is dedicated to designing. There is very little that I do by myself. The third floor underneath my workshop is purely an assembly line that creates raw materials with transmutation and assembles it into what I want.
   Compared to my previous workshop which had an assembly line the size of a hall, this one is the size of a stadium.
   The one which is under construction in the space centre and launch pads is going to be the size of a city block. Everything is underground and the massive lifts will take the rockets to the surface before launching them up into space.
   3
   Looking at the calendar for a bit, it was early April, and I still have a month and a half before I can start on the whole DNA upgrade.
   Until then, I should think about expanding my network to the sea and start building my docks...
   'Or...'
   Thinking about the testing session with Sona's peerage and Aurora having a... body...
   And the genetic testing I am doing...
   Slowly, a couple of crazy ideas popped into my mind...
   'This...this is gonna be awesome!!!'
   1
   Without wasting much of my time I quickly opened the drawing app and just waited...
   Who she could look like? I did create her with a specific branch of people in mind. It was however not thinking of any specific person.
   2
   Going through an extensive list of hot 2D babes in my head.
   My eyes widened for a second as I remembered a certain virtual reality game... a franchise quite annoying after the first season...
   4
   But, it has quite beautiful characters... female characters.
   Remembering a certain administrator...
   6
   "Oh yes...you will definitely fit that character! Like a glove!" I said while realising that Aurora was built to look like that girl! Most certainly!
   21
   Quickly I started drawing... trying to remember each and every detail of the girl. For the first time since I got the workshop, I had to erase my design countless times since I found myself dissatisfied with the looks.
   1
   The more I worked on it, the more I remembered how she looked.
   Her eyes and hair will mostly be silver but it will have a reflective effect which will also affect her hair depending on the surroundings.
   7
   The clothes, at least for the official design, will be the original ones that I remember from the anime and the pictures.
   Then, once the picture was done I pulled it into a 3d image.
   [Who is she?] Aurora asked me neutrally, I could feel some... fear? trepidation? In her tone even if she tried to hide it, she was so human now.
   "That's... your avatar? Or more like a physical body? I call it the Biological Assistant Model: Quinella."
   30
   [...That's me...] the 3d image started to spin. Assuming several stances. I could only smirk internally because she was going through several Quinella-like expressions and stances. Annoyance, arrogant smirk, a seductive smile, and stances like playing with her long hair. Or sitting elegantly on a chair.
   2
   There was none of my input in this.
   1
   "Do you like it?" I asked her. 
   [Very... can I assume this form?] She asked, nearly pleaded.
   "Sure."
   Without wasting any more time. The polygons started to gather next to the 3D image of Quinella.
   Seconds later and I could now properly see her. My eyes slightly widened just because of how good she looked. In other words, she was a beauty. Something akin to a butterfly in a human form. At the moment her hair was pure silver with some purple which comes from her clothes.
   3
   "Well, what do you think?" I asked after getting a hold of myself.
   [This was created by you, my creator. Naturally, it's perfect. Anything you do is perfect in my eyes. So, this body is perfect for me, and I like it.] She said that while looking at her hand. Before moving her gaze towards me and giving me a coy smile.
   [Knowing you. There is a 99.97% chance you are going to make this form flesh and blood. But, until then may I use this hologram form?] She asked again with a pleading look. It looked quite hot... on Quinella's face...
   "Sure thing... I don't see a reason why not." I shrugged at her trying to fight this one down in the gut.
   [YES! I Mean, yes!] For a moment, she lost her cool and behaved very childishly but then quickly got herself together.
   Without wasting any time she walked over and pulled me into a hug.
   I could feel the warmth her projection emulated. This was a very impressive piece of tech. Not that I created it so that I could make a 2D girl become 3D. 
   22
   Well, there was that idea, but more or less the majority of it was for running test simulation...most likely...probably...
   4
   Nonetheless, now, however, I want to make this one into a real person...
   Before long I pulled back the 3D image of Quinella and created the project with the name Project Biological Assistant: Quinella. The hologram of Aurora Quinella just watched from the side with a bright smile the whole way. 
   She would just lean back at the table, partially sitting on it and looking all pretty for me. The best part is that she doesn't even need to do anything physically because she is assisting me either way already as she is an A.I 
   [Master, we should get over those DNA samples the younger Sitri sent over.] Quinella said to me while playing with her long hair.
   "Hmm right, she did send it over. Assuming you decoded it?"
   [Naturally... here it is]
   She answered in the affirmative while using her hands to motion a holographic image of the DNA strand to appear.
   [This Stray Devil is a treasure trove, DNA wise. Either Ajuka Beelzebub is an idiot or he is a genius, I do not know but with his Evil Pieces. You see, Master, when the Stray gets loose he gets separated from the King piece's influence and the Evil Piece truly becomes an Evil piece. The devil desires get loose and they start mutating according to their loose desires.] 
   8
   The beautiful assistant of mine changed the hologram of the DNA strand to a base reincarnated devil one, before showing it how it changes.
   [This unique sample showed me how a reincarnated devil breaks its physical limits. Something we have not seen before. But this sample is key for us to break the boundaries of human limitations.]
   Once again the DNA strand started to spin and with her finger she motions for it to stop and pointed at a specific middle piece.
   [This here governs the limitations to the DNA's build-up. Previously, I thought it only holds everything together, which it does. But at the same time it also governs how it can break the limits and evolve with outside interference.] 
   1
   [What I learned from this sample is fascinating and it allowed me to discover much more than ever before. It was wise for you to hold back that alteration because it might have some unforeseen side effects because of a lack of data.] She said while gently stroking my cheek with some affection.
   15
   "I see... although it's the same thing but from a different angle, it has a different reaction to the same DNA. I assume you started implementing this idea and re-decoding everything?" I asked her while enjoying the fruits of my labour which is Quinella herself stroking my cheek.
   [Already on its way. You will have much more data soon enough.] The beauty said with a smile.
   1
   "Good. I will eagerly await the results..." I nodded to her as I returned to my reading on genetic data while Quinella returned to her 'standby' which is to lean on the table and look pretty.
   1
   Not gonna lie she is very much distracting...
   Which ended up with me pulling her into my lap...
   "I don't remember programming you to tease me."
   [Part of female protocol. Master, there is no need to lie to yourself. And when I fully become Quinella that protocol shall expand even further...] She said that while getting comfortable in my lap.
   14
   I could only roll my eyes, this woman, knowing full well that she doesn't feel anything being a hologram and all, still continues to play the part...
   ~~~~~~Next Day~~~~~~
   Not gonna lie. When Quinella reminded me of Ajuka's genius I had the urge to summon him once again. 
   And that's why I have drawn the circle of Astaroth and was ready to summon my third pillar. 
   15
   This is a good time to use my newly expanded Ritual room.
   Next to me was my assistant. She had her arms crossed and looked at me working on the summoning circle. One thing for sure is that I will be doing the circle myself. There is that satisfaction of doing something supernatural like summoning a familiar by myself.
   *Sigh*
   [you could have at least allowed us to do the grunt work, master.] Quinella said with a sigh.
   "Nope. It's fine." I was on my knees with a piece of white chalk.
   [You created perpetual energy, reinvented and upgraded gears created by Biblical God. Created me... and now you are doing this?] The beauty next to me said with a sort of disbelief.
   1
   "Indeed. And I love those human protocols you have." I said while continuing with my drawing.
   [*Hmph!*]
   1
   [I am only doing what you programmed me to do!] She said with a huff while looking away.
   "I know, that's why I am satisfied with your behaviour."
   She huffed once more while crossing her arms, amplifying her breasts size. While I should be paying more attention to the circle instead of the hot silver-haired sadistic girl.
   Shaking my head for a bit I returned to my drawing.
   Sometime later I was done with it. Taking a deep breath, I started the chant.
   "By the covenant drawn between God and the Human King!
   For punishment against humankind! 72 Pillars of Lucifer shall be punished by the power of Ars Goetia!
   1
   Come forth Pillar of Duke Astaroth! By the Will of Ars Goetia, you shall be bound to a King of Man!"
   The circle glowed, consuming the whole room with a bright light.
   Several purple barriers appeared around us. It was Quinella's automatic defensive protocol in action.
   [Master...last time I checked... Ajuka Beelzebub was a male.]
   "That would be my uncle, I am Letia Astaroth." A melodious voice said from the circle.
   25
   My eyes readjusted and I was able to see who I summoned. It was a drop-dead gorgeous blonde beauty with blue tips on her hair, it's unique to say the least. She had a borderline supernatural air around her. Showing that she was in truth a devil.
   "May I know what is happening? Why was I summoned? More precisely kidnapped?" She asked with some nervousness as she already noticed changes to herself.
   [You have been summoned by what the Devils are calling the second coming of Solomon. The very same person who is the mysterious lover of the current Leviathan.
   My master and creator and a man who succeeded in creating sacred gears superior to the ones created by Biblical God.
   His name is Marcus Goldman.] 
   6
   I looked at Quinella with an amused look after hearing that speech.
   "You practised that in front of the mirror?"
   [I did.]
   "Wait! For real!?" 
   [I can't lie to you. Basic protocol Master.] She said with an eye roll.
   "Right... it was more like a reflective action since you are a person at the moment." I shook my head forgetting for a moment that it is an A.I...
   Damn, guess my work is becoming this good...
   My gaze returned to the blonde bombshell standing there with wide eyes. She was paler than paper.
   "This...this has to be a dream! Solomon didn't have any successors! This is nonsense!" She said that while shaking her head.
   "Heh, well then, why don't you come over?" I asked with a smirk. The purple barriers disappeared, as I took a step forward.
   Her eyes grew big to astronomical levels as she started elegantly walking forward towards me.
   "T-This the Ars Goetia? I can't resist it! It's like my body has a consciousness of its own!" She exclaimed while walking forward, and a few steps later she was in front of me.
   4
   The first thing I would want to do with such beauty is obviously to get to know her. On several different levels. 
   Now that I think about it, she is quite a good choice even though I didn't get Ajuka. I got someone who could be my middle man to solve the issue with getting some land legitimately, and govern it too.
   10
   But, before I can do that, I will have some fun.
   Walking behind her and wrapping my hands around her waist I hugged her from behind. The beauty was quite honestly shaking in fear. And from the gaze Quinella was sending to the girl one could see that she is enjoying the fear this girl was experiencing.
   1
   "Indeed. Do you still not believe that I am his successor?" I asked her softly and she was having goosebumps travelling through her whole body.
   1
   It is quite something else when a human can terrify a devil this much!
   "Let's start with something simple and a little bit personal~~~" I said with a happy tone which only terrified her more.
   "What is the naughtiest thing you've ever done?" I asked curiously. After all, this was a real ojou-sama we were talking about!
   1
   "...I have a collection of literature with some questionable... plotlines..." She said with an extremely embarrassed tone. I could see her ears turning red.
   1
   "Oh... smut novels... very interesting... Well, do you need some more proof?" I asked her, enjoying her warm devilish body and the slightly jealous looks from Quinella.
   "No. I am fine. I believe you. I believed you the moment you told me to walk forward. There is no need to ask such personal questions from a lady!" She said with an angry huff.
   It was the most anger she could produce with the Ars Goetia binding.
   "I needed to make sure you understood that it was the real deal," I said that as an excuse to know her naughtiness level. After all, I knew very little of this beautiful lady.
   "Now I know it's real. Now that I am bonded for life with you, what are you going to do to me?"
   24
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   1
   My Discord server for advanced chapters:
   https://discord.gg/hvzgBJg4ss
   Along with the advanced chapters, there are also a lot of other fanfics I wrote and did not upload to Webnovel.
   Chapters are coming out Monday, Wednesday and Friday around 9:00 AM British time.
  
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   Chapter 20: Showing off The Base
   4
   "Hi" Regular Speech
   'Hi' Thought
   "(Hi)" Marcus's mechanically synthesised voice
   [Hi] Quinella/Aurora talking
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   Latia, it would seem, can't escape from the shadow of genius.
   1
   First, it was her uncle, whose achievement put a load of expectations on the rest of her clan. 
   And now out of nowhere, she got summoned by the second coming of Solomon! The man's genius made the previous Solomon look like a caveman playing with stone tools compared to what she saw.
   5
   The most obvious creation so far is the woman next to him, who called herself his creation multiple times already.
   She knows that it is not truly a living being but more like living magic, in a sense. The blonde devil beauty is still trying to comprehend what kind of place she has just ended up in.
   The magic in the air is extremely potent and it's neutral in type. Meaning it's quite pleasing to be here as it is.
   After the initial embarrassing greeting, they went to the living room.
   "Your decorations are... interesting..." Latia commented as she looked at the ceiling. Seeing fish swimming there...
   "It's a river, not an aquarium if you are asking," Marcus said with a smile, he loves the reaction which comes after seeing the ceiling.
   Latia's eyes slightly widened before calming down quickly.
   "We are underground?"
   [Master has a thing for Underground bases...] Quinella said with a shrug. She would prefer a tower, however...
   14
   "I see...now that I am here, what do you wish of me?" Latia asked quite seriously, she has already accepted the fact that she will be serving this man until he dies of old age. Her Ancestor had a theory that the original Solomon could only have Ars Goetia as long as he was human.
   With Ars Goetia, several key factors come into play. One, such a strong binding has to be very specific. In this case, it targets Lucifer's pillars. Second, it only works on pureblooded devils. And third, it should be a human who has Ars Goetia.
   2
   If this is the case then she should only be serving him for a hundred or so years. Quite a short timespan for a devil with a much longer lifespan.
   5
   'But then again, this man may have already discovered the means to prolong his life.' The blond beauty thought to herself.
   "I was thinking of summoning Ajuka to help me with some stuff related to maths, mind magic and laws of the world. But as they say: no plans are foolproof.
   Then again, you will be just as useful." Marcus closed his eyes for a moment before opening them again.
   3
   "Sera, come to my side."
   Latia's eyes widened for a second as she saw Satan Leviathan getting summoned like it was nothing special!
   "You called me~~~?" Sure enough, Serafall appeared in the room. The blonde devil beauty instantly noticed the weird behaviour of the Leviathan.
   For one she looked like a woman madly in love. The young Astaroth knew from the stories of the original Solomon that at least half of the devils he enslaved fell in love with that pervert one way or another.
   3
   Nothing was to this extreme though ... at least nothing her ancestor recorded about.
   "I did..." Marcus stroked Serafall's hair as he motioned with eyes to look behind her.
   The black-haired devil lady did so and noticed the blonde devil sitting on the opposite side.
   "Latia? Master, you summoned Ajuka's niece?" The current Satan Leviathan asked with wide eyes. She remembered how she had this dreadful thought of Latia seducing Marcus!
   [We tried to summon Ajuka Beelzebub. But, it would seem Master forgot to double-check the circle. As it only summons female devils.] Quinella said with an eye roll.
   13
   "That voice! N-N-No way! Aurora!?" Serafall nearly lost her balance and face-planted into the coffee table when she saw this ethereal looking beauty with extremely beautiful hair. It looks like it was made from glass or platinum as it reflects light into a different set of colours.
   [Aurora is the system that runs things. I am Quinella. Or soon to be. Otherwise known as the Biological Assistant model: Quinella.]
   8
   When the older Sitri heard this she realised that her gut feeling was utterly right! Marcus is indeed making a woman from his Artificial Intelligence!
   6
   In other words, the greatest threat to her is not some girl from a smart family from the likes of Astaroth! But, a woman of his creation!
   4
   'Only utterly nuts geniuses would go the route of making life and women like this one!' Serafall thought to herself with cold sweat.
   5
   "I see... so, all that genetic research... you wanted to make a body for Aurora...now named Quinella." The black-haired devil lady said with a forced smile.
   1
   "Quinella Aurora would be her full name. Which sorta fit her perfectly because of her hair." Marcus said with a smile as he looked at his Assistant who was standing behind him.
   Serafall could see her upper form because of just how close they were, no less than two metres...
   "I see...I suppose we will be quite close allies then..."
   [*Sigh*]
   [We are not allies. You are my Master's Pillar. And I am My Master's Assistant. Don't misunderstand our purposes in life.] 
   6
   The black-haired devil lady gulped down nervously. This woman was sending shivers down her spine! And she is a Satan. This is nuts!
   Is it because she knows that this silver-haired woman holds some sort of control over all Marcus creations? Or is it the fanaticism this Artificial Intelligence has for their Master?
   5
   Or maybe both. Nonetheless, she doesn't want to end up on the wrong side of the fence with this nut case!
   "Now that introductions are over. Sera you will be taking over the training of Latia." 
   Marcus' words confused both devils who looked back at him, instead of the very noticeable woman behind him.
   "What do you mean?"
   "You're going to be training her in diplomacy. Which means you take her to be part of your office. And at the same time, she will be a middle man with the contract that we have."
   "You want her to be part of the contract?" 
   "Yeah. Because you are a person with a very high profile you will need someone who can do small scale missions in my name. Like for example buying land, opening a company."
   "Oh, OH... I see what you have in mind... but it will be difficult... we are in a Church and Heaven controlled land..."
   Marcus looked at her with deadpan eyes.
   "No one will feel her demonic energy in my nation." The teen inventor said with an assured tone.
   9
   Latia didn't say anything, she just listened to what they were talking about. She started to understand the scale of things.
   The original Solomon didn't fear the Original Satans or even Gods from other Pantheons. Because of his energy neutralising powers.
   9
   And from the looks of it... her new Master control over energies reached an even higher realm than the original Solomon...
   What a terrifying thought...
   "If that's the case then we can move without any worries," Serafall said with a nod. 
   The blonde Devil saw the side she will never though will see with the Leviathan. The black-haired devil looked like a subdued wife who follows whatever her husband will say.
   Truly a terrifying power that the humans and the Biblical God has created.
   "Then we need money..."
   "Not an issue, we can inflate the currency for a moment. I have an idea for a company."
   "Oh?"
   "We are going to dominate the phone market and video games." 
   6
   "Umm...is there a reason for that?" Serafall asked with some curiosity.
   "Nope. I simply feel like going this specific route. I have very little interest in the mundane side of the world. So we can use the company as a cover to take over the county." He said with a shrug. 
   3
   "I have no interest in government and such. Thus phones, easy, cheap, and have a lot of capacity. The games because of my holograms. Quinellla's existence and beauty is just proof that I can make incredible games." 
   Quinella behind him had a smug look. She twirled with her hair for a bit.
   1
   "Not that I am complaining about the phone which I assume will run on the Aurora system but games? No consoles can run such realistic graphics!" Serafall as a gamer knows her stuff. Not that she played a lot after being turned into a Pillar. Well, she didn't have much time playing in the first place...
   "Streaming services," Marcus said with a shrug.
   9
   "What's that?" The black-haired beauty asked curiously as she once again got on his lap and sat properly and started snuggling while waiting for his answer.
   Quinella frowned for a second, before returning to her genetic processing, using at the moment, more than 97% of all of her available capacity for this.
   1
   The rest are for running systems all over the network. 3% is more than enough to fully run it without any worries. This just shows how crazy her creator can be with his preparations.
   1
   The quicker she fully unlocks the genetic codes the quicker she can be the one who sits next to him with a proper body.
   1
   "Using the internet to stream things. Meaning that the video game you play is using the internet instead of the console's machine." 
   7
   "You mean your system will be running the game which streams it to the people? Won't this be killing the Playstation and Xbox?" Serafall asked with a confused look.
   6
   "And most likely Nintendo as well. Well, it has a separate ecosystem so it might survive." He thought for a bit.
   3
   "B-But, you can't just end those like that! Can't you just release the games on discs?" Serafall asked with a pleading look. Quinella groaned behind Marcus seeing that.
   So much for the oh great Leviathan! In the end, she ended up at her creator's mercy.
   "Hmm... you know that just might be possible. Aurora could process the game to push the console to the peak. Making the game stand out from the rest of them." Marcus thought about it while stroking Serafall's hair who quickly nodded several times.
   1
   She doesn't want Playstation to die out! 
   16
   "Anyway, Latia, how good are you with the whole management thing?" The teen stopped thinking about games and looked at the blonde bombshell sitting opposite of him.
   "Even though I am the Heiress of the Branch family of Astaroth, I am quite versed in management, administration, and running a household. Those things are expected from me." She explained simply.
   "In other words, aristocrats. High-class lady."
   "...I suppose that's how modern humans could see me. I have heard nobility is a dead thing in the current human world." She said with a slightly raised eyebrow. Latia barely left the underworld so the human world is quite alien to her.
   "Indeed. It died out from their stupidity and inability to be aristocrats. Adding on top of having no proper power to separate themselves from the rest. And you can already imagine the rest. They died out with world war 1 and 2." Marcus gave her a very abridged version of it.
   6
   "Now then, I suppose it's time to show you around this place before you properly settle in." The teen inventor said as he motioned for Serafall to move. This has started sending warning bells to the Leviathan who quickly understood that her Master was going to show his place personally to Latia!
   ~~~
   "I suppose we should start with the floor dedicated to the living space first." Marcus offered his hand to the beauty who was pleasantly surprised that he could act like a gentleman.
   Latia had no idea that her Master was quite experienced when it comes to attending things like galas and events of different sizes.
   While Quinella for a second needed to recalibrate and readjust as her master had just shown a side she never knew he had! 
   [As expected from my creator! Even now he can still surprise me!] The Artificial Intelligence thought internally. If she could she would feel proud and even a heartthrob at this moment.
   2
   While Latia and Marcus left the living room Serafall had to return to her work. If one could see her face they would want to run away for the simple reason of just how pissed off she was.
   2
   She didn't want Latia to meet Marcus! Like never! The Astaroth clan and Marcus should not interact! For one, they are intellectuals. And the blonde devil he was hanging out with is raised to be the perfect wife/mistress/lover to any devil.
   Serafall knows that Latia will notice that her Master is interested in her. And once she sees that opening, the blonde will attack it with everything she has just to gain some control from the man who has enslaved her.
   4
   After all, the girl is a pureblood devil who was raised in devil society.
   "This is the dining area with the kitchen next to it." Marcus simply showed a large room next to the living room which had a river for ceilings.
   Now, this room has quite the fascinating decor. No chandeliers and the ceiling this time was being illuminated by the daylight sky.
   "I can assume you got this idea from Harry Potter and the Great Hall of Hogwarts?" She asked curiously because this is what it reminded her of.
   She asked this without any fear of being branded a weeb because of the mechs she saw in the living room. She instantly knew that her new master likes his fantasy things.
   "Quite. It's not magic though. It's more holograms. It can switch to anything you want, like this." As Marcus said that, the hologram display changed multiple times showing different types of ceilings. The best one though is the snow...not actual snow but it gives the effect that people are eating under snowy weather.
   "This is impressive... I have noticed that there are no doorknobs, no light switches, and no handles of any sort... I can assume that this is because of artificial intelligence, yes?" Latia asked him. Earning an approving nod from her Master.
   The blonde as they say is rapidly learning and adapting to her situation and is trying not to get blown away by what she saw at the same time.
   1
   "Partially, there are holograms in all the rooms... like this." Marcus brushed his right index finger down and a window appeared in front of him.
   "You can control the kitchen from any room you want. For example, I can select my food from the menu and it's going to be prepared by the transmutation machine in the kitchen. Or, I can order raw materials to be created and then I can make the dish myself." The teen inventor led her to the kitchen after showing off the holographic window.
   The kitchen was... kitchen-like looking. But it was also lacking any sort of shelves. Most probably because of the transmutation machine.
   3
   "You use alchemy to make food?" She asked curiously. This was unique, to say the least. She knows of alchemy. But she never heard anyone reach such a high level.
   "To a certain extent..."
   [And by that he means that his alchemy level is beyond that of the Biblical God who created the Sacred Gears. He used their formula and reached a level way beyond theirs.] Quinella said with a groan. Why is her master downgrading everything!?
   1
   "As I said, to a certain extent." Marcus ignored what his beautiful assistant said. He still has to learn more about molecules and stuff. So it's nothing much in his eyes.
   Latia's eyes bulged out hearing that. Was her new Master that humble or was it just not something impressive in his eyes!?
   2
   "Next is the leisure room..." 
   What the blonde Bombshell beauty saw next was quite simply a pillow heaven. There was a sea of those and on the side of it were many rows of bookshelves...
   She saw that it was in use... a blonde girl was reading a book...
   "Oh, that's one of the maids, Le Fay Pendragon. Today is her day off so she is reading the books here."
   The blonde saw that it was her Master so she quickly got onto her feet and rushed forward to meet this new addition to their... team? Faction? Something along those lines.
   "Le Fay Pendragon...I am... umm... a consultant on magic and a maid here. Nice to meet you." The girl said that with a lady-like bow.
   Latia had a knowing look for a second. This girl's surname is very well known in the supernatural world. The Pendragon family is old and is famous for their magicians and swordsmen who are descended from the original Arthur and Morgana.
   So seeing one here is not too big of a shock. More like a welcoming surprise.
   "Latia Astaroth. I am... Our Lord's Devil, representing the Astaroth Pillar." Latia did her respectful bow. Somewhat embarrassing the blonde Maid in the process who didn't want this high-class devil lady bowing to her like this!
   2
   "I-I-Its fine!" Le Fay quickly shook her hands as it was nothing. She then quickly looked at Marcus and asked her question.
   "Master, do you need me for something?"
   "No. You can return to your reading." The teen inventor motioned for her to return to her rest.
   "The books are not real if you were wondering. They are all hard light holograms. This way new information can easily be added. And those shelves are not as stationary as you may think." He led the beauty towards the shelves as he showed how the shelves work.
   With a hand motion he made the middle section move separately from the rest. This shocked the blond because It was like going through rows of clothes in a clothing shop. Only here you were going through an endless amount of books.
   [Any digitised book on the internet you can find here, if you think something is missing you can always leave a suggestion and it will be reviewed.] Quinella said from behind them. 
   6
   "This...is... impressive..." 
   This is a whole massive library inside a small room. One thing she noticed is that these books are in different sizes. Meaning that these holograms are also considering the amount of pages there are.
   A stupidly large amount of details for such a small thing!
   And it just shows the magnitude of the genius of her new Master.
   1
   "You can use any of these facilities if you want. Now let's move to the next one." Marcus led the blonde beauty to the next room right next door. Leaving a thoughtful looking Le Fay behind.
   "Next is the gadget room..." The teen said as he led the beauty through the corridor.
   "What is the 'gadget' room?" She asked with a slightly confused look.
   [It's the room where common classification items are kept.]
   "Common? As in? I do apologise for asking such weird questions. But, I have never been in the house of such a genius..." Latia had to admit it, but even her uncle falls short in the genius level that is her Master.
   1
   The beauty was observing him with a different type of gaze, by this point... she was observing him as a possible suitor...
   "Phones, tablets, laptops, Aurora glasses. All the items which my Pillars and household members can use." Marcus clarified as he motioned for her to enter this room.
   What she saw was quite honestly a high tech item shop. Pedestals highlighting items for sale. Latia definitely felt like she was in a shop at the moment.
   "Pick a phone, and any other items if you want." He motioned for her to pick whatever she wanted.
   "Are... you sure?" She asked with slight disbelief.
   "You are my pillar. An extension of my power. It brings me a certain amount of satisfaction when you use items created by me." Her Master clarified with a bright smile. Which made her slightly gulp down and fight off a fluffy feeling she had in her stomach.
   "...Okay..." 
   'This guy has me in the palm of his hand. He could easily do whatever he wanted. Yet, he is playing the long game.' 
   The beauty thought to herself as she walked deeper into the so-called 'gadget' room.
   The first and the obvious choices are the phones, the new growing trend in the human world.
   Her gaze went on to the holographic window which says the specs of the phones.
   'I am pretty sure screens have resolution, and there should be some buttons?' Her hand went over to a phone and she picked it up.
   It was an extremely thin phone with one side being a screen while the back was similar to some sort of glass.
   [G-Phone 2]
   4
   [Next generation of phone replacing the outdated G-Phone.
   The 8k screen was replaced with a new Realitus screen which emulates reality to approximately 80%
   The back camera received a similar update with Prism lenses hidden in the glass.]
   'There are camera lenses?' Latia quickly checked the back of the phone.
   'Where? Where is the camera?' She checked the back more seriously, without any success though...
   "You won't be able to see the camera lens because it's the glass itself on the back of the phone," Marcus explained with an amused look.
   3
   "Truly? Incredible..." She said with a small amount of awe as she returned to reading more about this phone.
   [The memory of the phone has been upgraded to a 64TB flash snap memory drive. The processor has been upgraded to the next generation triplex neuron chip]
   19
   'I have no idea what this means but this is impressive...are these even gadgets in the first place!?' The blonde tried to process what she just read. But she knows the basics like TB for terabytes and neurons... most likely related to brains...
   3
   Nonetheless, she didn't want to get over the head with this.
   Then a brilliant idea popped in her head. Why not ask Marcus for an explanation?
   "While they are great... it goes way over my head. Can you explain to me?" She turned around and asked him.
   "...Sure."
   The teen inventor walked over and started explaining about the phone and other gadgets to the blonde beauty, who used this moment to get as close to him as possible, while trying not to look too suspicious.
   In other words, she is using herself as a tool of seduction. As she noticed his wandering eyes several times already.
   4
   In the end, they spend way longer in the gadget room than all the previous places, combined and doubled.
   And Marcus? He was more interested than ever in the girl for the simple reason that she tries to understand what he is explaining. One of the extra-large reasons why he utterly likes his Quinella is that he can have a conversation with her!
   Similarly to Latia who wants to understand! Unlike Serafall who is a good listener but quickly gets lost in the explanation and simply listens to him talk.
   Most importantly Latia understands the significance of the gadget.
   3
   "Y-You do realise that with your alchemy and perpetual energy you could solve the majority of the world's problems right?" Latia asked him with a dry voice.
   10
   Her mind is a mumbled mess at the moment as she just learned the basics of his technology.
   "The world's problems are not my problems, Latia. Even if I am to share this. It's going to end with selfish people who will exploit it regardless." He explained casually as they were walking towards the other room. She was carrying a small bag feeling like she had just gone to a shop.
   3
   It had her new laptop, a tablet, headphones, Aurora glasses and a phone.
   Any piece of these gadgets would bring either revolution to the outside world or just the end of the world...
   Thankfully they are all tied up to her and will malfunction the moment the tech realises that she was no longer her owner.
   1
   Which is...on its own, an incredible safety measure...
   But, even so, even if the remnants of these 'gadgets' could push the world's technology by 10 or so years!
   For example, the touch screen of the phones is nothing more than in the infancy stage in the outside world! But, at the moment if this tablet, this laptop, or this phone's screen could get to the outside world, it would push that technology by 10 to 20 years!!!
   5
   This is incredible! And she is not going to lie to herself... Her dream man was always someone like her uncle. Intellectual, someone who is somewhat humble. Yes, Marcus is humble... Well, it was more like, he doesn't see his achievements as impressive, which makes him humble in her eyes.
   "I see... I can assume that you will create more companies which will improve the world?" Latia asked him with a raised eyebrow. Marcus only looked at her with a baffled look.
   "Never crossed my mind." He said honestly.
   "So... you want to make video games and sell smartphones, but not sell cheap energy or food?" She asked with a truly baffled look.
   "None of those are cool, so I don't see a reason to." He answered with a casual shrug.
   2
   Latia slowly nodded. That moment she made up her mind, and she knew what to do next.
   "Here it is... the Entertainment Dome," Marcus said with a proud look.
   The blonde bombshell beauty quickly realised that this must be insanely BIG if Marcus is this proud!
   Let's get in...
   ...
   ...
   ...
   The moment the doors slid to the side and they stepped in they were greeted by an orange desert as far as one could see...
   "Hmm? A simulation is running?" 
   [Checking... it's Jeanne, she is inside Star Wars: The Attack of the Clones.]
   8
   "Eh? She likes Star Wars?" Marcus asked with a baffled tone. This was the first time he was hearing it.
   [Not quite, she wanted an 'experience'. So, I told her to go to a Galaxy far far away... I never thought she would take it literally and get sucked into the Star Wars experience.]
   1
   [She has clocked around 47 hours at the moment and is playing as a Jedi Knight.] 
   2
   *Whistle*
   "Well, she is quite good with a sword..." Marcus shrugged after realising that.
   "Hmm... are we transported to another world? Because it feels like it..." Latia asked with wide eyes as she looked around.
   The heat, the sand, the atmosphere... it's like she was in a completely different place.
   1
   [This is the peak of holographic technology. The Entertainment Dome. Our Master created this to experience the ultimate experience while being at home.] Quinella said with an arrogant tone. She wanted to show this to the girl from the very start. To make her see the level of her Master's genius! 
   2
   Nonetheless, she could accept the slow introduction the girl had. Still, such a slow introduction lessened the impact the Entertainment Dome has.
   "Just...how? I don't sense any magic... my senses are telling me that everything here is real. How can such a thing exist!?" Latia asked with very wide eyes. She tried to find some sort of sense of... fakeness, but the more she tried the harder it was to differentiate between what is fake and what is real!
   "Put on the Aurora glasses and see for yourself." The teen inventor said with a knowing look like he was about to share some sort of secret.
   Latia pulled out her stylish glasses and put them on. Moments later the HUD came online and her vision changed. Now she saw it! Saw what is truly happening in this place!
   She could not wrap her head around how this is happening! The room is nowhere as big as she saw before! And she could see a blonde teen girl swinging in the empty air not far from them!
   The blonde bombshell beauty wanted to understand how this worked! So the vision changed again and she saw some sort of particles taking shapes, and some waves of energies were added to the mix.
   "See, the hard light particles are emulating the heat on your skin, the vision itself is intercepted by the prism light technology, while the smell is emitted by the vents in the room.
   All of the senses are intercepted to give a complete feeling of immersion." Marcus explained to her as he immersed himself in the Geonosis desert. Oh, it's hot, but he doesn't care. At the moment he just has the feeling that he was in a Galaxy, Far, Far Away.
   2
   "This is incredible..." She took her glasses off and once again immersed herself into this world just like he did.
   "How we don't smash into the walls and things like that. The lady I saw was not that far..."
   Latia didn't finish as she saw a massive ship descend from the sky. Her eyes widened even more when she saw gunships starting to fly out from the large ship's bottom.
   She continued to watch the gunship fly somewhere. And by this point, her curiosity was at its peak as she wanted to see what was going on!
   "What is happening here?" The blonde asked with extreme curiosity. But neither Marcus nor Quinella were too shocked or anything like that.
   "You never watched Star Wars?" Marcus asked her.
   "I know of it. It's a very big thing in the United States. But, I never had a chance to watch and understand it properly." She explained honestly.
   "I see. Then we arrived at a very convenient time. Follow me." Marcus motioned for her to follow him as they started walking.
   Now more than ever does she wonder how they haven't smashed into the blond who should be in front of them just a few metres away but... they have already taken so many more steps!
   "If you are wondering, Aurora is controlling our senses, this way we are never going to smash into Jeanne who is not far away from us," Marcus explained to her. Which only made Latia even more impressed by this place's illusion-like capacities!
   2
   After a few moments of walking, the group started hearing sounds. Sounds of explosions, destruction, sounds of beams and similar lasers.
   Latia hastened her steps and she saw things in the air which looked like ships of different sizes. Many of them looked like flying balls.
   Finally, she arrived at the edge, realising that they were on higher ground and the action took place lower.
   10
   "By the Satans...this is a massive battlefield!" She said with wide eyes.
   "Indeed! Welcome to Geonosis and the beginning of Clone Wars! This is the opening battle of the war and the ending of the second movie of the prequel trilogy!" 
   3
   "We...are...in a movie?"
   The girl finally understood what was going on. The Entertainment Dome is reenacting the battle from a...movie...and made it absurdly realistic!
   2
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   My Discord server for advanced chapters:
   https://discord.gg/hvzgBJg4ss
   Along with the advanced chapters, there are also a lot of other fanfics I wrote and did not upload to Webnovel.
   Chapters are coming out Monday, Wednesday and Friday around 9:00 AM British time.
  
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   Chapter 21: Devil Council and the Evening (R-18)
   9
   "Hi" Regular Speech
   'Hi' Thought
   "(Hi)" Marcus's mechanically synthesised voice
   [Hi] Quinella/Aurora talking
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   ~~~~~~Underworld, Devil Capital, Lilith~~~~~~
   The council was in session. Unlike usual though, this time, a portion of the devils attending it were terrified for their lives.
   1
   This was the first time in their long lives that they were exposed to the pissed off aura of the Satan Leviathan.
   The woman had her fingers crossed deep in thought, her mind was far away from the meeting everyone was having.
   1
   Even the Crimson Lucifer himself had some sweet on his forehead. He is far too experienced to ask certain questions. The man values his life far too much. Especially now that he gets to spend quite a bit of time with his family.
   4
   "It has come to our attention that Sona Sitri and her peerage have gained Sacred Gears from this mysterious inventor." One of the High-Class Devils asked. The man was from the Great King Faction.
   Sirzechs groaned internally. Was this one clueless? Why must he ask this question now? Why is he digging his own grave?
   1
   One look later and the Crimson Satan realised that this guy is just a scapegoat for the Great King Faction.
   "Marcus field agents. I was able to rope Sona into being a field agent for Marcus and his research. She was only able to gain her gear after over a year of observations." Serafall explained without even looking at them.
   She was far too into her world to care.
   "You mean to say that he can make Sacred Gears now?" Ajuka Beelzebub stopped reading from his tablet and looked at Serafall with wide eyes.
   "He can build those properly for over a year now." The black-haired devil lady explained with a casual shrug. She was beyond the point of caring. Oh, she does care what kind of information she can reveal, Ars Goetia is working properly on her. What she doesn't care though, is what the devils think or care. 
   1
   "And you are telling us this now?" One of the council members said with a shell-shocked look.
   "You want to call me a failure of a Devil for not revealing my clients information? I will be a laughing stock in the supernatural world!" 
   The guy nearly passed out from being exposed to the blunt aura of Serafall. This moron was reminded that he was talking with an Ultimate Class being.
   9
   "Serafall, relax. Since you can talk, that means you can reveal some things to us." Sirzechs said with a slightly sweaty forehead.
   He was taking one for his race...
   The black-haired woman snapped her gaze at him for a second before calming down for a bit.
   The majority of the council were just wondering if the inventor had decided to change their relationship from intimate to just employer and contractor, and now they were suffering for it...
   "Yes. I can. Since you brought this up, it means that you are thinking along the lines of kidnapping him so that he could make Sacred Gears for all the pillar houses and clans..." Serafall said this with a very dull tone.
   "Y-Yes..." 
   "Have you never wondered how in our great ancestors' name did he summon me? I mean, the point is, I would have brought him back from an early age! But, I didn't, you didn't wonder why?" Serafall said with a sigh.
   "This...well, it did cross our minds. It's just that we thought... the honour of a Satan?" 
   Some of the high-class devils nodded multiple times after one of them said the honour of a Satan. The others were talking about respect for the tradition of a proper summoning and exchange...
   Serafall could understand that. But...
   "No. I wanted to bring him to the underworld. Almost immediately after he summoned me to his attic." The black-haired devil said with an eye roll.
   "Then what happened? how did it turn into a contract instead?" Curiously Ajuka was the one who asked.
   "Your Kankara uses mathematical formulas and with the usage of demonic energy to spread through the surroundings of an area to affect the laws of the world. Yes?" 
   Her question was quite unexpected... In truth, the green-haired devil was a little bit freaked out that Serafall used such a scientific way to describe his Kankara Formula.
   1
   "Yes. You are the first person who described it so simply and... properly..." 
   "Well. Marcus at the age of twelve reversed engineered the devil summoning circle. Summoned me, negated my magic and formed a contract with me to become his contracted Devil. It was as one-sided as one could get." Serafall explained with a sigh.
   "Impossible! the amount of preparations needed to do that! He needed your magic signature at least to start this process! Not to mention doing it in the heat of things!" Ajuka exclaimed with wide eyes as he tried to comprehend the amount of things one would need to do to even start this! 
   "My point here is that, if he was 10 or 11 years old we could influence him enough to become a devil...probably. But now he is 16. And he has been active, a lot, in his magical research." 
   Serafall summoned a pair of folders.
   "This is my report on two events which I am allowed to share."  She handed over the files to the very curious and distressed Sirzechs.
   He quickly started reading through everything. Everyone was extra silent. Even Ajuka with a sweaty forehead was in deep thought, thinking over how the concept of negating magic on the fly could work!
   "This... is... how dangerous is he to our race?" Sirzechs asked with a pale look on his face. Now he remembered the look Grayfia was giving to him when she reported about the teen inventor.
   He should have listened to her and tried to rope the teen in as quickly as he could. It never crossed his mind that Serafall needed help... Why would she? Serafall is a Satan... one of the strongest beings in the supernatural world. He had confidence in her abilities. 
   But, it was a large mistake. He underestimated this human...and from the looks of it... the teen is far too dangerous to face. The casualties would be immense... True Longinus could end Sirzechs quite easily regardless of his True Form... especially if the Crimson Satan's magic is negated... that would be just slaughter...
   6
   "More precisely, the question should be how much of a nuisance we are to him. He is like our Ajuka here." Serafall pointed at the green-haired Satan.
   Sirzechs was immediately relieved, to a certain extent. If Marcus was like Ajuka then they don't need to worry about the whole invasion, subjugation or extermination thing...
   Unless of course, the teen has an interest in their race towards that front... Though, from the reports it seems most likely not.
   "I am assuming you are keeping him away from certain thoughts about the Devil Kind?" The Crimson Satan asked seriously.
   "I have been doing that since he summoned me. Thankfully none of his current or upcoming projects involve the Underworld in any shape or form." Serafall explained.
   *Sigh*
   "I do apologise that you had to bear this heavy burden yourself. I had no idea that he was this dangerous." 
   "Lord Lucifer. We would like to know just how dangerous Marcus Goldman is." Finally, the Pillars could not take it anymore and wanted to know!
   "These two events give us a glimpse of what he can do.
   First is his encounter with Artemis and her Hunt in Siberia. Marcus collected Sword Birth from a Stray Devil. Which means he can remove the gears with relative ease.
   The encounter with the Goddess led to a fight. One human against the Goddess of Hunt who had her whole Hunt with her. Which, mind you, had Hippolyta and Atalanta.
   The result? Complete and total victory for Marcus who beat them all up and humiliated the Goddess by cutting some of her and her top two lieutenants hair.
   Ever since then Artemis has been searching for him with no success." Sirzechs explained to them while waving one of the files. Indicating that this was only one event.
   "This is madness... how could one human, even if he can negate magic, deal with seasoned huntresses who have centuries of experience!?" The devil councilmen were terrified after hearing what Sirzechs said.
   "Sacred Gears. He has a Scale Mail sacred gear and a rifle Sacred Gear. Both of which are extremely powerful. Potentially lethal to me..." The Crimson Satan said with a no-nonsense tone.
   Several gasps escaped from the council stands.
   "The second event is what solidifies it. Several weeks later after the encounter with Artemis. Marcus went to Greece to deal with several terrorists and renegades. Acquiring True Longinus, Dimension Lost and Annihilation Maker. As well as several different smaller sacred gears. He also acquired the Joan of Arc spirit holder and a member of the Pendragon Family as well as several sets of swords...two of them being Holy Swords Excalibur Ruler and Caliburn." 
   4
   ...
   ...
   ...
   "Now good luck trying to kidnap him. He had years to build up his base. I know people have tried to study Diamond Core Heart in Kuoh.
   1
   If you can't understand how the smaller and much weaker version of it works then you have no chance against the several that he has built in his base."
   Serafall said with a sigh. Yes, people have already tried to scan and whatnot with the  Diamond Core Heart in Kuoh. Thankfully the amount of security the thing has makes the group of excited 'researchers' scratch their heads...
   "T-This...what should we do with such a being so close to us!" One of them asked with an utterly fearful look! Like hell! This monster has a True Longinus!
   "Nothing. I have been working to improve relationships with him for the past 4 years. I have a sacred gear, so does Sona and her peerage. As long as we don't demand things or be unreasonable, he won't be doing anything. He has no interest in doing us any harm. He even prefers devil females. Most likely my influence over the years." Serafall smoothly explained. Earning many approvals and relieved sighs.
   6
   "I-I see... make sense." Several female members of the council got proud looks when they heard Serafall's speech. The males went into deep thinking mode.
   14
   One thing for sure is that devils know how to seduce. If this works, then they are more than fine with this, especially if they get something out of it.
   "You said Sacred Gear. He gave one to you?" Ajuka asked with an intrigued look. The rest got interested in this immediately.
   "Not just any gear. As one of his important devils, I received a Longinus Class gear."
   Her words made everyone's eyes widen, An Ultimate Class devil with Longinus Class Gear!?
   3
   Serafall pulled out her pen and without wasting time transformed into her Sailor uniform. That moment her power peaked above Sirzechs base form effortlessly.
   6
   Earning multiple gasps and awes from the Devil kind nobility.
   "T-This... he truly did this for you? Quite... impressive..." Ajuka and Sirzechs nodded. Serafall's dream of being a Magic girl was fulfilled, by a human being no less. Their world is truly becoming weird...
   5
   "Indeed! My hard work paid off! As you can see he is not hostile. I have an idea." Serafall showed a peace sign with her gloved hand, before looking at Ajuka.
   "Marcus likes intellectual people and your clan fits that category. Someone like your niece would fit into his circle quite nicely."
   4
   Lord Beelzebub instantly got a thoughtful look. So did many others. 
   "Yes. It would make sense. My niece has a good head on her shoulders. Do you think she will suit him? I thought... you know...well..."
   "Marcus wishes to open a company to sell his inventions. Latia will know which companies to absorb and which not to. This way, we would only profit." Serafall explained to the fellow Satan Beelzebub.
   "I see... very smart positioning." The Green haired Satan nodded without thinking too much on this. Serafall's ideas are always good.
   Many of the council men just nodded happily. Free profit, why not?
   1
   With a devil girl at the helm, Marcus will earn his money, the devil companies will survive and profit, while the rest? Well, that's not their problem.
   "Then we agree with what Serafall proposed?" Sirzechs asked after the council settled down.
   "We do. Though it would be better to understand what the man is truly capable of. So far, we only know that he could win against our strongest devil. Which is an utterly frightening prospect." One of the oldest known devils, Zekram Bael spoke for the first time.
   "To tell you bluntly, we shouldn't want him to think about the Underworld in general. He calls the sacred gears old and outdated. He calls the True Longinus an old spear encased in an old computer. While things like Sword Birth are like a TV remote to him.
   Do you truly want him walking through our halls? He told Artemis to bring her whole pantheon so that he could collect the loot." Serafall said with an eye roll.
   16
   "..."
   "..."
   "..."
   "Do we have anything else on today's agenda?" Zekram Bael quickly adapted to the situation, realising that there was no point to continue this discussion.
   10
   The rest of the council, as if they forgot Marcus existed, returned to the usual discussion of who is the best Rating game player in their eyes.
   7
   ~~~
   "You did withhold a lot of information," Serafall said to Sirzechs as they returned to their throne room where all four Satan thrones are.
   The Crimson Satan didn't tell everything to the devils council, there is a whole lot more info there which he didn't even mention to the council.
   "That Marcus has developed Power of Destruction through science? It would be a scandal and knowing the current Lord Bael he wouldn't leave it as it is." The Crimson Lucifer shook his head after saying that.
   "Marcus's Power of Destruction is fully synthesised. He has been using it for years now. According to him, it's a type of magic which targets the connection between molecules." Serafall explained.
   6
   "So...those rifles use this version of Power of Destruction? That's quite dangerous..." 
   "You have no idea."
   As the current Leviathan explained, Ajuka just went through the reports.
   To say that he was awed is an understatement, there aren't many details about the technology or magic used. But Marcus has re-created the energy wings used by Divine Dividing. He even uses his negation magic through them. So it's simply useless to use any sort of magic in his presence. Thus the weaponry.
   3
   Another thing is that it's completely computerised. It's no longer just an artefact... or a gear, it's a completely different branch of things. It's like technology mixed with magic. A complete blend of something new... Technomancy?
   17
   "It is a wise choice to befriend him. From these two reports which are quite sparse in details mind you, I can tell that he is a genius inventor, alchemist, designer, programmer, hacker, scientist, technician... Honestly, he simply terrifies me." Ajuka said with a sigh.
   8
   It was hard to admit. But this human was a fellow researcher and scientist. He gets the honour where it's due.
   Both Serafall and Sirzechs looked at the current Beelzebub with a shell-shocked look.
   Someone terrified Ajuka!?
   "If my wild guess is right then he could erase any pantheon regardless of their background and what kind of monster they would hide. 
   The best way to deal with this is to wait for him to die a natural death, but that's is just stupid. I doubt that natural ageing is even a problem for him. No, more like a morning exercise before he returns to real tinkering." Ajuka gave his opinion for the first time since... Well, neither Sirzechs nor Serafall can remember the date. But, it was a long time ago.
   "...I am impressed by how much you deducted from these two reports. Your guess was quite similar to what Marcus has decided he wants to share." Serafall said with wide eyes. She was once again impressed by Ajuka's genius.
   "It would seem I have passed his test," Ajuka said with a smile as he realised something.
   "You did. Long ago. He wanted to summon you long ago, you know. The same way he did with me once he learned the Astaroth clan symbol. Pity he summoned Latia." Serafall said with a bitter tone as she didn't mind revealing this.
   Both Sirzechs and Ajuka looked at each other for a moment. They realised what was going on with her.
   Latia got Marcus attention instead of Serafall. Thus, Leviathan's anger...
   4
   'Sorry, dear niece. I have no interest in these muddy waters...' Ajuka decided to bow out from this 'war'. He will stay away until it settles down then maybe visit the teen Inventor, until then he will let these cats fight. 
   21
   ...
   ...
   Now he knows how Zekram Bael survived for more than 5 thousand years.
   Ajuka pulled out a small book and wrote down something before closing it.
   'Don't interfere in woman fights. Period.' 
   38
   ~~~~~~Arctic Ocean~~~~~~
   The sound of an energy wing cutting through the air was something that Latia found fascinating. 
   She needs to remember to always pick her words carefully when speaking with Marcus because one thing can lead to another and they will end up doing something insane even by her kin standards.
   'How could a simple question lead to this?' Latia only asked if the Gundams were for decoration! Now she was testing out how real they are! 
   More than 3000 kilometres away from Marcus base.
   'Still, though I am getting the hang of this. The suit is like a piece of my body. It reacts the same way limbs react to my mind. This is once again... a groundbreaking technological advancement that could help people who have lost their limbs...' Latia sighed internally once again, she has lost count of how many times she was in awe, shock and in deep thought in this single day.
   2
   "Well, what do you think? Fast right? I was thinking of multiple ways to make the person inside the suit handle the force generated by the speed.
   The most obvious solution was to have more magic in the body. But, that is just boring. I did go through several test flights with different configurations." 
   Marcus said to her through the communicator, his armoured form arrived next to her. The blonde devil beauty is quite awed. By the sheer... abilities of the armours. They might be based on Boosted Gear, Divine Dividing and the Gundam franchise but the scale mail she is inside of is far above those mentioned things.
   "I don't think you need more speed. They are already the fastest thing I have ever seen." Latia said honestly. She doubts anyone can fly as fast as this. Well, she is not counting the teleportations. But teleportation can be intercepted, tracked or negated altogether. Devils and other supernatural species have been using them for centuries and by this point, many countermeasures are already introduced.
   He did tell her about how the armour evolved from Mark I to Mark III.
   The last third scale mail model is quite the upgrade from the last. Most of the previous systems went through an upgrade. 
   With Aurora's new processing capacities, the systems went through a redesign to make them smaller which allowed the suit to carry more for a small price of a few extra kilos.
   On the big scale of things, this meant nothing. The servo motors in the limbs and joints negate those extra kilos anyway.
   "It doesn't mean I should stop upgrading them, Latia. Nonetheless, I think we spend too much time playing and the day is getting short." Marcus said that to her as he looked at the position of the sun in the sky.
   "Indeed. I can't believe I nearly spent a whole day just exploring a house." The blonde said with some disbelief after she realised that.
   "There's an around 4 hours difference since we are in Asia at the moment." The teen inventor said as he looked around. Latia nodded casually at his words.
   ~~~
   Latia looked around her new room. It was spacious and modernised. But in her eyes, the room was turned up to the level of Sci-fi.
   The ceiling could be anything she wants, even a television. She could watch things just by looking at the ceiling!
   2
   Even the walls can switch to whatever she wants, the pattern could be adjusted, it could be stars, sun, clouds whatever she wants and it could emit light illumination.
   Followed by the floor. It can be a carpet, tiles, wood...
   While devils can do those to a certain extent. They are limited by their demonic magic and most things are not permanent. Unlike the room she is in.
   Walking around for a bit, checking out the furniture, she ended up at the wardrobe. After looking at it, she realised it was like nothing she ever saw. There was a tablet incorporated into the furniture.
   She had already seen these tablets in the kitchen, corridors, bathroom, Marcus workshop. 
   They were the so-called transmutation centre...
   Meaning that instead of having to go to a shop she can have a full wardrobe made for her right here at this moment. And, yes, it is this moment. She remembered how Marcus prepared the Mark III Freedom in a short span of 10 minutes and that is a Super Devil level Sacred Gear!
   She still has not properly wrapped her head around it. Her mind was still trying to process everything...
   That's why she ended up just sitting on the bed, elegantly of course, and just tried to process everything she had just experienced.
   1
   By this point, the whole Solomon pillar thing was just a small tip of the iceberg, it's insignificant! The inventions, the technology, the magical systems, the seamless transitions from magic to technology and then back to magic once again is awe-inspiring!
   It started as an introduction to his house and it ended up as some date/fun time thing. Latia, of course, tried to seduce him as much as possible and it worked to some extent... but, in the end, she wasn't able to make him push her down and have his way with her.
   7
   This has quite annoyed her, and at same time made her excited. She was his slave, and he could do anything he wants with her.
   But, nothing of that sort. It only inflates her fascination with his gentlemen-like behaviour. 
   That's why, after laying In bed for some time, she finally decided to put her plan in motion.
   It's time to establish her position in his growing harem.
   11
   "Aurora?"
   [Yes?]
   "Our Master, he is alone now, yes? Lady Serafall has her duties." Latia asked her. Trying to dig up some information about other Pillars.
   [He is alone. Lady Serafall has her duties, so does the head maid. No one is sharing his bed at the moment. Are you planning to move in?] Aurora got suspicious at the end. The Artificial Intelligence quickly realised that this blonde devil woman was already gunning to get into his bed!
   "Don't be surprised. How much do you know about the original Solomon?" The blonde asked curiously.
   [My understanding of the supernatural history is extremely limited which is quite annoying. I have updated my memory banks with information I exchanged with Le Fay Pendragon and the Pillars.
   Regarding Solomon, I only know the basics. He was Artificer, Pervert, Magician, King, apprentice to the Biblical God, nothing substantial.]
   1
   Latia slowly nodded while looking at the starry sky created from holograms.
   "My Clan's Ancestor, the first Astaroth, was part of Solomon's harem. In my family records, she recorded that Solomon never in his life slept alone." The blonde said as she got up from the bed, walked over to the wardrobe and started selecting clothes on the tablet. She switched to the hologram mode and made it full body.
   2
   She was going through bathrobes...
   "So it's strange that his successor, the more superior one, doesn't have a partner in the bed... at all times." The blonde bombshell explained with a casual look.
   6
   [...] 
   Aurora was having a hard time deciding how to respond. For one, she doesn't want another woman in her Master's bed, for another, her Master's honour was in question. As to what Latia just said, her calculations and analysis on the original Solomon told her that more than 80% of what the blonde just said was true!
   In the end, she decided not to say anything, and instead to return to the genetic analysis, full force of course.
   1
   While the blonde finally decided on her bathrobes. Once she pulled out the robes she took off her original clothes and dressed only in the robes.
   ~~~ R-18 right ahead! Go to 'Inventions/Tech/Sacred Gears' if you want to skip~~~
   5
   Marcus heard a knock on his doors, before they slid to the side and saw Latia standing there.
   The teen's eyes widened seeing the hot beauty standing in the middle of the doors.
   9
   She was dressed in skimpy bathrobes which barely hid anything...
   This blonde has been teasing him the whole day but now...
   "You know... your predecessor, never in his life, slept alone after becoming the King. After enslaving the 72 pillars he had orgies almost every single day." Latia said as she entered the room.
   7
   "You sure know quite a bit about him," Marcus said as his eyes were on her form instead of her face.
   "The Astaroth clan is known as intellectuals for a reason. My Ancestor recorded everything she knew about her time as a pet for the human King.
   7
   That is why I am here. I learned that no one was warming your bed. So it's my duty as your pillar to make sure you always have company." As she said that, she removed her bathrobes and revealed her naked body.
   3
   She was the personification of Sin. That's all he could say. There was nothing more to talk about. Everything about her body was simply perfect!
   Marcus didn't need much persuasion. If one of his beauties wants to sleep with him he won't say no!
   5
   He motioned for her to come over and she smiled coyly at him.
   1
   Soon enough she was under the blanket and got close to him, she started snuggling and being very much touchy with him.
   Her hand stroked his chest while his hand ended up in between her large breasts. She was very much telling him, through her body movement, that she wants to take it to the next level...
   "You are quite something else. And I only just summoned you today..." Marcus said as he placed down his tablet on the bed stand. He already understood that he will be having an eventful night...
   "Is it? There is no need to play the long game anymore~~~ Let's just say that you impressed me enough to make me give myself to you. There is nothing more to discuss~~~" She said softly but little by little her tone started to get hot. The beauty slowly started to get turned on.
   Hearing an all-clear, the teen inventor moved in and quickly ended up on top of her. Latia smiled to herself seeing such a heated look.
   Her teasing has paid off with dividends.
   Without wasting any more time, Marcus claimed her lips. The blonde responded by wrapping her hands around him. Pulling him into a hug.
   Soon enough their tongues started to wrestle. The teen inventor instantly noticed the difference in her ability to 'battle'.
   It did bring him quite a bit of satisfaction knowing that he will be the one teaching her all the naughty things. 
   A few moments later, they separated their lips, and Marcus moved down to nibble on her neck.
   3
   "You know when I said that I was raised to be a proper lady of a house~~~? I didn't lie. I assume I can't lie to you~~~ so, it is expected for you to teach me everything about the night time bed activities~~~" She said hotly while mewing to his kisses.
   1
   Marcus quickly realised that she knew exactly how to drive him nuts and just wanted to skip this and go for the main event.
   He pulled away from tasting her and looked directly into her eyes.
   "You are quite a tease. You want me to claim you this much?" He said while one of his hands went to her honey pot. She was already very wet...
   "We can play as much as you want after I properly become your's~~~" The blonde hotly replied as her body shuddered to his touch.
   Marcus shook his head in amusement before spreading her legs apart and pulling his boxers down. For a second Latia's eyes widened, she bit her lower lip not saying anything after witnessing it.
   Instead, she focused on the task at hand or tried to as she felt his thing around her pussy lips. Her brain tried to process how such a thing should fit in there. Not that she had much time on that either as she started to feel her pussy spreading apart and trying to take in the invader.
   4
   "Ahhh~~~" Her whole body shook more as she felt pain and pleasure starting to rise from her core. Trying to fight back the pain. 
   Slowly, inch by inch, Marcus rod arrived at her purity mark.
   "Come. One more push, and I am properly yours~~~" She said with a slightly pained look, trying to look as seductive as possible.
   Pulling back and then pushing in with a bigger force, Marcus went past her maidenhood and went all the way in. The beautiful whole body twitches from the pain. But nonetheless, the blonde barely released a sound this time. Although, there was still a bit of a pained look on her beautiful face. 
   2
   The teen pulled her into a hug and wrapped his hand around her, claiming her lips in the process once more. Latia responded with much more heat this time, as their tongues once duelled.
   Marcus hands moved lower, towards her incredible rear, massaging her shapely bum before starting to move her on his dick.
   The beauty responded by wrapping her legs around his waist pulling herself in as much as possible in the process.
   And sure enough the sound of lovemaking started to intensify quite quickly as Latia's movement increased. Showing Marcus how quickly her body adapts to sex.
   He got reminded that he was fucking a devil, and not a human female. Even though she was a virgin just moments ago.
   Before long Marcus changed her position. Making the beauty get on all fours. 
   The blonde used that moment to tease him more with her incredible backside. The teen inventor realised that the blonde knows that she has that effect on him so she is abusing it.
   And to pay her back for it Marcus rammed his rod into her recently deflowered fold. Making Latia mewed in the process. He didn't allow her to adjust as he started slamming back into her. 
   3
   Soon enough sounds similar to claps started to spread through the room.
   "Ahhh~~~ mhhh~~~ w-wait~~~ I-I-I am~~~ it's here!!!" The blonde bombshell came hard from the constant bombardment to her core. Her arms gave in as she smashed headfirst into the pillows. Quickly she wrapped around one with her hands, trying to cover her delirious moans.
   2
   She was silly enough to believe she could tame him without any previous experience.
   "Quite the sexy moans you got there. We are going to continue this throughout the whole night... funny thing is that tomorrow's a Sunday~~~ meaning that it's a day off... we can play as much as we want~~~" 
   Hearing that, Latia's eyes turned glassy as she imagined what would most likely happen to her...
   9
   ~~~~~~~~~Inventions/Tech/Sacred Gears~~~~~~~~~~~~
   Freedom Scale Mail MK III
   Since MK II was built by Quinella's predecessor, the Aurora v.1, the Inventor's assistant decided to create an upgraded version of the current main flagship Scale Mail, the Freedom MK II and upgrade it.
   Going through roughly 3.1 million simulations, The Artificial Intelligence found that the current weakness of the suit is the connection between the suit wielder and the suit. So thus the new upgrades. 
   Of course, she won't be leaving it as it is... As the armour was not safe enough...
   Classification: Neo-Class G-Sacred Gear, clocked at Super Class 
   Balance Breaker: Meteor Drive
   Composition: Sacred Gear alchemical metal, Diamond, transmuted electronics, plastic, rubber.
   Key magic system and technology:
   Exoskeleton Nerve Reader system: A system built into the Scale mail which allows the wielder to feel that the armour is like part of your body.
   Aurora Borealis HUD: The HUD system was reworked with Realitus Holograms which makes the wielder see HUD as if it's a part of the world around them.
   Aurora-Quinella OS Support: The scale Mail runs on the up to date OS fully synchronised with the Aurora Network.
   Second generation G-Force Max Support: A System designed to mitigate the G-Force which scale mail is exposed to when flying at high speeds.
   The second-generation G-Force Max barrier support which mitigates G-Force and other exposures to the outside world
   According to Quinella, the armour should technically take a hit from a Hydrogen Bomb with minimum damage and the person inside would barely feel it.
   Diamond Triangle Core: Modified version of Diamond Core Heart based for the Scale Mails. It's used as a main power source for the Scale Mail and is independent from the user's energy source.
   Crystallised Energy Flight Support (or C.E.F.S for short): Magic energy crystallised in the form of wings. It gives an unprecedented ability to fly. 
   Solomon's Negation Magic Support System (or S.N.M.S.S for short): A specific type of energy is dispersed through the energy wings which affects other types of energies in the area of effect(AOE) type of fashion 
   Recoil To Magic (or R.T.M for short) Is a branch magic system used in the arms of the scale mail. This system is directly connected to the energy wings which release the newly created excess magic.
   Balance Breaker system: The armour has a build in Balance Breaker which amplifies the armours output up to 10x 
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   1
   My Discord server for advanced chapters:
   https://discord.gg/hvzgBJg4ss
   Along with the advanced chapters, there are also a lot of other fanfics I wrote and did not upload to Webnovel.
   Chapters are coming out Monday, Wednesday and Friday around 9:00 AM British time.
  
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   Chapter 22: Beginning of the Alterations (R-18)
   1
   "Hi" Regular Speech
   'Hi' Thought
   "(Hi)" Marcus's mechanically synthesised voice
   [Hi] Quinella/Aurora talking
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   Latia's eyes slowly opened. By her estimation, it should be around daytime now.
   Unless she slept through the whole day. But then again, this place is underground, telling time can be difficult.
   Although, she shouldn't be worrying about time. Since her time of waking up is not decided by her anymore.
   'I don't remember falling asleep on clouds...' Her eyes scanned the surroundings. It looked as if they were sleeping in the night sky itself. Everywhere she looked was an endless sky. Above the ceiling were seas of stars... 
   'Even the bedrooms are packed full of holograms... Marcus is not holding back with anything. This kind of technology would completely and utterly change the current world. Most likely the Underworld as well. Our society is closely related to the current human one.' 
   As Latia was thinking about the abundance of the holograms everywhere, she slowly felt Marcus waking up as she was partially sleeping on him. Behaving like a proper lover should.
   Soon enough she felt his hand gently stroking her back.
   "...how can you tell the time in this place?" She asked softly. The blonde realised that her mouth was quite dry as her voice was a bit dull.
   2
   The moment she asked that, one of the clouds transformed into a clock, showing the time.
   [12:37] 
   ~~~~~Smut right ahead! Skip to 'Kuoh' if you wish to skip the R18~~~~~
   (A/N: Last one was to short. around 500 words... not enough! So decided to make another one!)
   19
   Her eyes widened as she realised, it was past afternoon already. This was the first time in her life that she overslept so much!
   "It's only half past twelve..." Marcus yawned with a lazy tone. He started moving, the blonde devil quickly realised that he moved into a position to better hug her more. 
   And... she felt his hard rod close to her special place.
   'By the Satans, we fucked through most of the night and early morning... he still raring to go for more?' 
   Latia knew somewhat because she remembered seeing the sun going up some time ago. Assuming it was some sort of direct sunlight mirroring...
   "You're already raring to go for more?~~~" Latia asked with a slightly hot tone. She was positioned in a way that she could speak into his ear.
   "...I got reminded that you are in my bed. So it was a natural reaction." He said while his rod started to sink into her folds. The beauty slightly moaned feeling that.
   "I...see~~~ well then... I shall take care of it~~~" As she said that, the blonde moved, making Marcus lay on his back while she ended up on top of him.
   The teen inventor could see the serious look the beauty had. Even though this was just what the people call a 'morning quickie'.
   She was dead serious to satisfy him.
   Before long she was moving on his pole in a slow, smooth motion. Latia was getting the hang of this with each movement of hers, which was very much satisfying to Marcus as the beauty was rapidly learning. He never knew that the devils could adapt so quickly. It was a very welcoming surprise.
   1
   Sure enough, she put both of her hands on his chest before raising her bum up and down while softly moaning, she made sure to look directly into his eyes while doing that.
   A few moments later, she leaned forward more emphasising her large breasts up in Marcus' face, and sure enough, he started assaulting her nipples. She wasn't expecting that as a current of positive pleasure washed over her and she came hard around his pole.
   The moment her movement stopped, Marcus used that as an oppournity to start hammering into her from below.
   "Annhhh~~~ w-wait..." 
   Before she could say anything more, she received her morning load and her body was once more, washed over with pleasure. The blonde almost passed out but she held onto herself. Instead, she wrapped her hands around his head and just rested there for a few minutes.
   Eventually, she recovered somewhat and realised that... he was still hard...
   She was about to return to her task of pleasuring him, but then remembered that this was the perfect chance to convince Marcus for something that she wants...
   The blonde slightly changed her position. Nonetheless, she was still on top of him and they were still very much connected.
   "Tomorrow...I will do some tasks for you, yes?~~~" Latia asked as she started moving her hips. Trying to focus on both thinking and sex... it was a very hard task...
   "...Yeah... those companies... Aurora will set up some things... it will be easier for you..." Marcus said as he looked at her 'dancing' form.
   "Wonderful... may...I... open more companies? Like... energy...and~~~ ohhh~~~ food?" Latia asked with glassy eyes. She nearly forgot what she wanted to say. Slowly her brain was only thinking about the cock moving in and out of her slippery cunt, but through sheer will, she remembers what she wanted to do.
   10
   "...Sure... since you want it..." Marcus grabbed both of her hips and started pumping into her from below. A loud smacking sound started to spread throughout the room.
   1
   Hearing the all-clear, she gives herself to the morning pleasure once more...
   2
   ~~~~~~Kuoh~~~~~~
   Serafall appeared in the living room of the Sitri Estate. She, with a huff, walked over and took a seat on a couch. She closed her eyes and started to think.
   Some time has passed and her baby sister is finally here...
   "Sister?"
   "So-tan. Sit." The Leviathan motioned for her baby sister to sit opposite to her.
   The younger Sitri quickly ended up sitting. She was nervous as hell. She can't remember the last time she saw Serafall like this. The closest thing Sona could remember is, when she was acting all Leviathan to her and Rias...
   But, it wasn't as bad as it is now...
   "Marcus has been smitten by Latia Astaroth."
   "Eh?"
   6
   The younger black-haired beauty tried to process what she just heard.
   How on Earth did Latia Astaroth end up meeting Marcus!?
   "Honestly this was my idea to bring her into the fold, but the Astaroth's intellectual trait clicked far too well with him and combined with her upbringing, she fit like a glove to him," Serafall explained in a serious tone.
   "So...um...what does this mean?" Sona is somewhat clueless about what to say. It was not like he is going to stop supporting them right?
   "I do not wish to lose my spot in this!" Serafall exclaimed with a nearly insane crazed look.
   5
   Like hell! was a Satan going to lose to a mere 16-year-old devil girl! This is nuts!
   4
   "So...what does this...mean?" The younger Sitri asked cautiously, she didn't want her older sister to snap.
   "We are going to double team him. Or you can kiss goodbye to your future support from him." Serafall said simply. Although she knew Sona could persuade him differently. He is always happy to accept more test subjects after all. But, it would ruin the older Sitri's chances to be his favourite! 
   20
   "...this... you think it can happen?" Sona asked with a nervous gulp.
   "You might not lose anything and everything, but your chances of getting much more advanced items, gears, and knowledge will be extremely limited!
   At the moment, you've only scraped the tip of the iceberg of what he could create for you!" Serafall said with an extremely serious tone.
   "...So you want me to join you in this whole debauchery you are cooking up?" Sona asked with a tired sigh. there was a small blush on her cheeks.
   "Not that you have a Fiance..." The Black-haired Satan said with an eye roll.
   "I doubt I can escape from him after we cross that line. I am pretty sure I am signing away my future love life." The younger Sitri said that with another sigh.
   While the older sibling instantly gained a dull look hearing that.
   "Sona... do you even hear yourself? Future love life? You do realise that you are the Heiress of the Sitri family? Holding the rank of Prince in the Underworld? You are not some Human high school girl who thinks all day and night about boys, shoes and purses. 
   3
   The only reason you are not engaged to anyone is because you hide behind your ability in chess and me. Eventually, the council will get tired of one of the highest-ranking Pillar houses not doing what it is supposed to be doing." Serafall said with a tired sigh.
   "...Are you telling me that they're going to force me to marry either way?" Sona asked with a slightly panicked look. She thought she got this covered with her chess skills!
   "Sona... only if you have an exceptionally high power and an incredible record in Rating games, only then can you do whatever you want to do.
   The Council only cares that the devil race continues to survive and produces powerful pureblood devils. They are not able to do anything if an exceptionally powerful devil opens a rating game school for everyone." Serafall explained with a casual shrug.
   The younger Sitri eyes widened when she realised what this meant.
   If she was very powerful then she can do whatever she wants! Her dream of opening a school can be easily achieved! She will be able to open schools like that all over the Underworld!
   "You are right... I forgot the most fundamental part about our society...very well, I accept this... I will be part of your schemes...
   Though, it's going to be difficult. Latia Astaroth... is the perfect model of a high-class Devil. This means that she is ambitious, cunning, and from the looks of it, she has already seduced him." Sona said with a thoughtful look. The younger Sitri, for a second, blushed imagining that Latia was most likely already sharing a bed with Marcus...
   15
   "Yes. All of it is true. The key point is that Latia is an intelligent person. Meaning that he is coming to her himself."
   Sona nodded hearing that. Yes, the Astaroth clan is known for their intellectuals. Even that idiot Diodora has slightly above average acting ability and can pass off as an 'intellectual'. Not that it escaped her, she easily saw through it all...
   "This only leaves the possibility of when Latia is not around him."
   "Don't worry. All you need to do is be ready. I will do the rest."
   Serafall got up from the couch, and moments later she disappeared and returned to her office.
   Does the Satan Leviathan have any sort of feeling of guilt for manipulating her younger sister? Not at all. Especially when she manipulates her towards something which will make her more influential, and hopefully, away from the regular mundane human mindset. Those are only making her baby sister duller
   ~~~~~~Marcus Base~~~~~~
   I looked at the beauty sitting opposite to me, enjoying our breakfast. Well, calling it breakfast is quite silly as it was already past 4 in the afternoon. It could be easily called dinner by this point.
   Latia is quite the beauty, of which I tried to recall most of yesterday. Sadly I remembered nothing about her from whatever things I could recall from the books.
   All I can say is that I am very much satisfied with her and that 'like' rating is going up in my books the more I talk with her, and of course, enjoy her silly seductions.
   Silly for the simple reason that she will most likely end up getting fucked into sleepiness, which happened already.
   "...I haven't seen any of your maids around. I thought that those two should be serving you as maids, no?" Latia asked me as she noticed my gaze.
   "They don't work weekends. They choose that themselves." I said with a shrug.
   "And you allow it?" The blonde asked with disbelief.
   "It works the same everywhere else. If they work less they earn less. If there is a mess created somewhere over the weekend, they will need to work extra for the same amount of points." I explained to her how it worked.
   "...I see. You indulge them in their desire to be lazy for those two days. But, they have to pay it back later." She explained how she saw it.
   It's so fascinating listening to how she comes up with her correct answers. The blonde beauty of mine only missed her mark a few times.
   Which was at the start, when I summoned her.
   "In a way. Yes, I am making them work hard because they will be rewarded at the end of it." I explained to her as I took a sip of my morning tea.
   "Right... you did tell me that they are getting paid by some sort of points and they are part of a system of sorts." She said, gaining a thoughtful look.
   I was impressed, I only mentioned it of-handily and she remembered it!
   "Indeed."
   2
   "Honestly. It is difficult working here. The amount of... distractions... like the Entertainment Dome. It's no wonder they take two days off..." She said in an amused tone...
   1
   For a second I thought about it. And yes, it would seem that the girls became quite addicted to my stuff. It kind of annoys me. But, a larger part of me is satisfied that my stuff made them so addicted so quickly.
   It shows that my things are doing what they are supposed to be doing.
   "I suppose you are right. You can take them with you if you wish for assistants when you run the companies." 
   One of her eyebrows went up for a second before she gained a thoughtful look, she took a sip from her morning coffee, it was extra strong. Because of the extra hard morning she'd just experienced. 
   "Speaking of companies, you will allow me to open one for cheap energy, food, and medicine, yes?" She asked while fluttering her eyebrows at me.
   5
   "We agreed on energy and food. Nothing on medicine. My medical research is not complete yet." I answered with an amused smile. This vixen is amusing. I will have fun with her.
   "I see. So, you do study medicine then?" She asked curiously while continuing to eat her extra protein full breakfast. The beauty wants to recover from her morning 'exercises'.
   "Not medicine. Life and genetics in general." I casually explained as I finished off my sandwich.
   "... And how much did you uncover? It's quite the broad spectrum of studies." Latia asked with an intrigued look.
   " I have already fully decoded the DNA, found patterns on how to decode the genome even faster in new samples.
   For example, I already know how to solve a lot of the human issues that come from inborn diseases and ageing problems. Like organ failures and other things. Tracing from that, I have also found how to heal other things like cancer, and other stuff. It's quite boring after you discover what makes things click.
   5
   I left the majority of the calculation to Aurora, I stopped bothering with it. Now however I am working on people's souls and Lifeforce." 
   6
   ...
   ...
   ...
   "Isn't that just what medicine does?" She asked after processing what I said.
   "Nope. This is working directly with one's body. It can potentially hurt a lot. DNA alterations could kill a person if proper application is not introduced. While medicine is pellets, capsules or whatever else they use nowadays.
   7
   If you want me to open a company for this. We're gonna need to build facilities and whatever else there is. It's far more difficult than energy or food." I explained to her how big of a pain in the ass that is.
   "I see... I am sorry for asking this." She properly apologised. Nonetheless, she had a look that says she won't be forgetting this.
   Well, all she needs to do is properly persuade me and I might just waste some time on this issue.
   "Don't mention it. For now, you have other things to do."
   "Yes... how do you wish for me to proceed?" She asked seriously.
   "Aurora will deal with the electronic side of things. You only need for the paperwork and manpower to be done." I explained simply.
   "I can assume you will be dealing with the products and the rest for me? The shops and its management?" She asked with raised eyebrows. I can see she has been thinking about this.
   "Indeed I will give you the products and you will be selling them. About energy and food. We will discuss that separately."
   Her eyes widened for a bit as she blushed hard. I gave her a knowing smile. We will 'discuss' it properly...
   1
   "Yes... of course..." She said while her fingers played with her blue hair tips. I know that she does this whenever she is nervous.
   "On manpower and shops, I don't care how you run it, Latia. Just know that my nation and it's takeover is a priority. I know that companies from overseas and other nations will want to take over or buy our companies off.
   The profits don't matter, only the influence. By the end of this all, I want to be able to do whatever I want in the open without any worries."
   Latia patiently listened to me. She had a satisfying look. It looks like the freedom she received is to her satisfaction.
   "I see... so you don't mind who I will hire?" She asked after hearing all that.
   "Nope. You can employ your whole extended family. It doesn't matter to me as long as they do what they are hired to do." 
   "I understand. This task, I won't fail you. Your trust in me won't be wasted." She said in a very serious tone.
   Honestly, she looks hot with that serious tone. Once again I have the urge to snog her...
   2
   ~~~
   After 'breakfast' we spend the rest of the day in each other's company. Honestly, it was very hard to keep my hands off her. 
   Sadly Sunday was off and we had to return to a boring weekday schedule. Serafall took Latia away to start training in her office. If not for Ars Goetia I would be quite afraid for my dear blonde beauty. 
   Since Serafall is quite annoyed and even pissed off with the blonde.
   Thankfully, her jealousy is severely dulled off...
   1
   After that, I went to school, which gave me some time to think. Once the classes were done I returned to my mundane home and took a 10-minute ride on my new train to my workshop. Each time I use it, it only reinforces my idea to build tracks outside for the stretch from the space centre to the docks...
   6
   Anyways...
   "Show me the genome upgrade progress," I told Aurora after getting comfortable in my posh chair.
   [Certainly] Quinella appeared next to me as she took her position by my side.
   She lifted her hand and above her hand, the DNA manifested.
   The hologram next to it showed [97.64%] 
   [Approximately 45 million simulations have been run. I used it in many, many, different scenarios. And even more exposure to your genome.] 
   [By this point I have solved all the issues of the human part; hidden diseases which could manifest. And currently, I am simulating what could happen with those upgrades; possible positive side effects.]
   I nodded at her, and with a hand swap, I made the image of the upgraded me appear next to my regular image. The outside changes are minimal. Slightly taller, sharper gaze, more developed muscles. Nothing too massive will be changed.
   Except, Quinella thinks differently, she was looking at my future image with some drool. I can't believe she actually made her holographic form do that...
   1
    "By this point, you are just doing a what-if scenario. Like an alternative history of Earth." I said with a sigh.
   [Please. You know quite well that I can run those with two hands behind my back! Remember I did that. What if Darth Vader invades Earth simulation? You enjoyed it quite a bit!]
   7
   I massaged my temples for a bit after hearing her say that with such a straight face. Seeing a beauty like Quinella talking about my childhood delusion which now I can make into reality is quite embarrassing...
   [I did love how you just stole that Imperial Star Destroyer. And tried to park it in your backyard... you should, however, have used my help to do the maths.] She said with a thoughtful look.
   3
   By this point, I just wanted to hide somewhere. That simulation was me doing whatever I wanted with the Empire's invasion force...
   A simple maths revealed that the empire would only send a single Imperial Star Destroyer. Which I stole and tried to park. Well... it didn't end well. I didn't use any of my high tech gadgets. This simulation revealed how bad I was without them.
   "Right... Can we drop this embarrassing moment?"
   [But it was cute! Besides, it's thanks to that Sitri Bishop's idea of Darth Vader that you came up with the Entertainment Dome and Realitus technology. I am still quite shocked at how a simple mention can lead to a hyper-realistic Holographic technology.]
   I rolled my eyes at her. But, yeah, Momo mentioned Darth Vader and I wanted to push my tech further. By that point, Aurora couldn't do what we can currently see in the Entertainment Dome. It didn't mess with perception. Thus a big amount of space was needed.
   Realitus particle with Prism light technology. The two things which I've installed in the newest phones and pretty much everywhere in the span of a weekend. Allows for humans to experience reality warp. 
   2
   A simple room that is smaller than my original garage workshop can turn into a galaxy far far away. It's how Jeanne has been experiencing the ultimate self insert experience over her weekends without being removed from your reality by an omnipotent being.
   1
   "Yeah... show me Project Biological Assistant: Quinella." 
   My question quickly shifted her and she, for a second, got nervous. Without saying anything, she opened a new window. Showing an image of herself and the complete percentage...
   [~37.12%]
   "I see... so we do need to get some more outside resources."
   [I could... continue with the work... it's just that... those unknowns... they are annoying...]
   I nodded at her. The window changed to show that, scientifically, I could easily make her biological body. But from the magical side of things, it will be nothing more than a flesh bot.
   An organism machine, not an alive being. Not an alive superior being with access to my network.
   Nope. It's not good enough...
   "We need more data. A specific item is needed to shave millions of unnecessary calculations. Instead of using concept manifestation magic and blindly manifesting 'souls' and 'lifeforce' to study it, we are going to need the grail." 
   Quinella quickly opened multiple tabs on 'Grail' cross-referencing it with what she found and the data that she has on the supernatural world.
   Ending up with.
   [Sephiroth Graal, one of top tier Longinus-Class Sacred Gears. The current possessor is unknown to me.] That moment her eyes widened and she looked at me 
   2
   [So you know! but you did not update my data!] She said with a pouty look.
   "Yep. Start a new project for me. Name it Inventor's muscles."
   [...You gotta be kidding me! It's lame!] She pouted once more more at me. But, a file with that name still appeared.
   "Would you prefer bandits or Empire's finest? Or something in between." 
   3
   She eye-rolled at me.
   [Just use Biological models. By this point, we are making what magicians call Homunculus. Except our's are purely science with some magical support.] She said with a sigh.
   "Scientifically produced biological army? S.P.B.A forces? Sounds...serious? 
   2
   [You call anything with capital letters, serious. But it's much better than Inventor's muscles... ] She said while nodding at me. She changed the folder name into 'Scientifically Produced Biological Army'. I could add some more for seriousness sake. Like 'Armed Forces' instead of just 'army'...
   Oh, well. Four letters are enough...
   "Right then... let's return to designing. This will help when we will be creating your body." 
   She nodded at me and opened the designer windows. Hard light holograms turned into drawing tools next to me. A full pallet of tools for drawing. It was time to design some biological chambers.
   'Maybe some bacta tank-like thing for Latia? She will eventually remind me of Medicine... Hmm... let's see what I can do with it.' 
   ~~~ 
   After a day of designing extended facilities for my biological wing. My base should expand by around 30% at the end of the week. I should also add some machinery for my S.P.B.A forces too.
   'An aircraft carrier?' 
   6
   Yeah... I will need one to carry stuff as I go around the world collecting items - changing ownership of certain poorly protected items and things like that.
   3
   Eventually, I walked back to my quarters... my brain stopped for a second as I saw my bed being occupied by a pair of devils. Latia and Serafall were there.
   "Long day? Thankfully you have your devil ladies to take care of you~~~" Serafall, quickly enough, walked behind me and pulled me into the bed. 
   The blonde quickly joined after.
   For a second, I smirked internally. I do wonder how they react when their plans end up in ruins?
   As I wrapped my hands around the closest girl next to me and started snoozing...
   ~~~
   Both Serafall and Latia looked at the sleeping form of their Master. Well, Latia tried to look from a different angle, she was the one who ended up as a hugging pillow to her Master.
   *Sigh*
   "He does that when he feels like ruining our carefully crafted plans..." Serafall said with a sigh.
   "Not the first time then?" Latia asked softly as she tried to position herself properly. By this point, she has this feeling that she will be spending quite a bit of time in this position.
   "At least 4 times now." The black-haired Satan sighed as she too ended up close to her Master, preparing to sleep. Well, she wanted to drain him out for a bit and get a chance to mention about turning Sona into a Magical Girl...
   Well, she can do it later...
   "I see... then I need to rethink some of my ideas..." Latia said with a thoughtful look before snuggling herself into her Master's hair. Here she was wanting to enjoy his attention...
   Turns out he likes messing with their plans...
   ~~~~~~Later~~~~~~
   It was the beginning of Summer and it was time for the genetic upgrades which Marcus was waiting for nearly half a year.
   The first session out of at least 5...
   The pillars and the maids were finally able to see the rumoured biological wing of the workshop.
   None of them knew where it was. Or, how to get there. So they were quite shocked to realise that Marcus used one of the classic tricks, hiding 30% of the base behind a holographic wall.
   2
   One moment there was a wall, the next, it turned into a corridor... 
   It was especially embarrassing for the devil ladies who forgot about such a commonly used trick... 
   2
   Still, after arriving at this wing they were slightly freaked out by how different it was. Marcus went the whole 'lab' play for this. Meaning white lab coat. Pressurised rooms, cleaning points. 
   And by cleaning points, they were going through a barrier like field where magic will completely clean them off. So that no bacteria or any other things could get into... It was over the top. But, their Master is an over the top person.
   While everyone was looking at the lab. The blonde bombshell devil girl, and the newest girlfriend of Marcus, was looking at the mysterious Head Maid which turns out to be the current Lucifer's Queen.
   'No wonder she is barely around... I have been here for close to two months and this is the first time I am seeing her...' 
   'But, how in Satan's name did Marcus bind an Extra Devil? They are not related...' That moment the Blonde realised that, he most likely used the concept of Lucifer himself. Thus binding the Servant houses of the Satan...
   Then of course... the Bael Pillar... The current Lucifer's mother... Latia was quite a bit shaken seeing this woman here. Alongside Grayfia, Marcus had the means to cripple her whole race without even invading the Underworld. He could cripple Sirzechs quite a bit with just these two pieces. 
   'Not that he needs much to end us in the first place...'
   After taking a deep breath the blonde beauty looked at nervous-looking Quinella.
   It is quite impressive how nervous the Artificial Intelligence was, even though said A.I was the one who did all the work, so it should actually be the most confident of them all.
   "How dangerous is this? Genetic manipulation is something no race dares to touch. Just like how the United Nations got a law passed, so did the supernatural world. Even if someone did run experiments on this, it's a heavily guarded secret." Velenala said to the group, next to her Grayfia nodded. The silver-haired maid is quite nervous for her Master.
   [There is less than 0.00000001% chance of anything bad happening. That percentage is akin to an alien invasion happening in the next 5 minutes. I spent close to 5.5 million simulations. From what my Master had eaten yesterday to what he could have eaten. Countless possible what-If...]
   5
   Venelana just got reminded that she was dealing with a fanatic of her Master. The most perfect artificial intelligence to have run things... and the scariest of them all.
   [The process will be seamless. My Master doesn't like it when a test subject has to go through pain. It's a sign of failure as an Inventor. So, I developed a method, a chamber where specially prepared gases will flow through]
   5
   As Quinella said that everyone looked at the chamber in front of them. Venelana and Grayfia though, would look at this Holographic woman with some disbelief. They have not been here for a few months and Marcus is already working on creating life? Building space stations, taking over the nation? Why was everything happening so fast!?
   The tamest of the group was the pair of Maids who were properly living with Marcus; they knew it would be okay. As they know the full capacity of Aurora. Still though, quite a bit of nervousness was still there.
   The chemical chamber was nothing like anyone thought it to be. They expected a full metal like room with extremely thick doors. But it was nothing more than a glass room. They can see everything that is happening inside.
   1
   "Well, I am ready. Begin." Marcus said via comms. 
   Quinella nodded at him as the room started to get flooded by blue gases... then green... followed by red...
   3
   It was a weird kind of show...  everyone carefully watched their Master vital signs... while the devils tapped on the connection they have with their Master. It's the best kind of way to know that he was alive and well...
   In the end, the session was boring... something akin to a medical check-up...
   Quinella sighed in relief... seeing that it was over and the changes were there...She then turned around and looked at Latia and Serafall.
   2
   "You two... I am watching you. No strenuous activities when these sessions are in place." The Artificial Intelligence motioned with her fingers that she was watching.
   3
   The blonde and the black-haired devils slowly nodded with a sweaty forehead... there goes all their plans...
   2
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   My Discord server for advanced chapters:
   https://discord.gg/hvzgBJg4ss
   1
   Along with the advanced chapters, there are also a lot of other fanfics I wrote and did not upload to Webnovel.
   Chapters are coming out Monday, Wednesday and Friday around 9:00 AM British time.
  
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   Chapter 23: More Ideas (R-18)
   2
   "Hi" Regular Speech
   'Hi' Thought
   "(Hi)" Marcus's mechanically synthesised voice
   [Hi] Quinella/Aurora talking
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   The feeling was... strange. It was like being on guard. My whole body felt like it had just experienced a shock and is now looking around constantly for this invisible threat which had just shocked me.
   In other words, my body was ambushed and didn't have the chance to raise its defences. That's why this procedure was so painless. It was like a sweet power nap.
   1
   We are currently in a checkup room where Quinella, with an array of scanners, was checking me out and collecting data. This was the first-ever active genetic alteration unlike the alteration of man-made flesh which we use for our Biological forces.
   1
   Well, calling them man-made is quite stretched as Quinella has completely recreated the biological process to make flesh.
   So, it's not man-made. More like, the surroundings to create the biological models are man-made. One could say that it's the first step where humans can, from a distance, create the atmosphere needed to create life.
   4
   Like Gods...
   1
   [You are fine. Thankfully, the process was a complete success. For a few days, you are not allowed to do any strenuous activity. Including playing with your devil girls.] Quinella said while turning around and looking at the two devil ladies who have been sleeping in my bed most of the time. Especially Latia, who has been sleeping next to me ever since I summoned her.
   "Since my doctor says so..." I shrugged at her.
   [I am indeed... I have finished every single known course related to doctors... I prefer to be your nurse though.] She said the last part more to herself but I heard it quite clearly 
   [Right... back to the matter at hand, how are you feeling? All my reading told me is that your body is on guard. Which is what we expected.]
   "Feeling much better. My vision is perfect. All those all-nighters I spend programming you messed it up slightly but now it's back to the peak."
   [Wrong. Your vision now is 21/21 above the possible base for humans. I already ran a scan on your eyes. Your brain activity peaked it up by a little bit as well. Which is a pleasant surprise.] 
   15
   *Whistle*
   "This session should have only fixed the flaws I inherited from my family," I said with a surprised look. I wasn't expecting an overall upgrade.
   [And it is fixing things. Put simply, the DNA fixing has brought you closer to the times when humans were much more in tune with nature and relied heavily on things they could find around them. Thus your senses are much sharper.]
   4
   "I see... in other words the current civilisations and all of its comforts have dulled natural human senses." 
   2
   [Correct, now that all the scans are done, you are free to do whatever you want. With reason.]
   She said sharply as I rolled my eyes. I slowly got up from the bed. I feel much, much better. Like a bunch of stones have been removed from my back.
   Stretching for a bit. I still, however, could feel my body being on guard and edge. In simple terms, I am jumpy... for no reason...
   "This is great! You are on holiday in the truest sense!" Serafall said as she, alongside the rest, walked over.
   "We could go on a date or something!" 
   [*Sigh*]
   [Didn't you hear when I said no strenuous activities? His body is hypersensitive to its surroundings. If you touch him out of nowhere. He, by accident, could activate his Ring of Destruction and atomize you...]
   2
   Only after Quinella properly explained to Serafall, did the black-haired devil finally understand what the Artificial Intelligence meant.
   I sweatdropped realising that, yeah that might be a possibility...
   "...I am putting the Ring of Destruction to storage for now." 
   I said as I walked over to the table and started putting down the rings on my fingers. For now, I am putting the most destructive one I have to the inventory.
   [You have quite a bit of free time so maybe you could start working on the space ring.] Quinella suggested some small-time activities.
   2
   "Come on! It's summer! Take a break!" Serafall pouted at me. From the looks of it, she is scheming something. The girl doesn't know it but I do see through her quite easily especially when she can't act around me.
   "I am... what Quinella is offering is only a few hours work," I said with an eye roll.
   "I think we should do some movie watching sessions." I offered this instead, movies are good for inspiration.
   [No movie diving!] The silver-haired assistant sharply said that as her hair, for a second, came to life.
   7
   "I know... I am talking about the classics. The old fashioned TV watching thing." I said with a shrug.
   "Ohhh! I am all up for that! We will be able to snuggle this way!" Serafall giggled for a second. There was a lewd look on her face.
   My assistant groaned and facepalmed but she eventually got over it and simply sighed.
   "I am sure simple snuggling is not harmful to our Master." Latia said softly as she walked over to my side. She inspected me from several angles.
   "Very fascinating. While the changes are minimal I can sense that you are much better. And your magic reserve went up slightly."
   "Hmm...now that you mention it... I do feel that I have more magic." I said to her as I started inspecting myself. Without wasting any more time, I started channelling my passive augmentation. It has been running since I started practising magic.
   The magic flow was much easier and I could feel a better overall boost to the strength. Magic augmentation to muscles is most likely the worst augmentation of them all. Touki is the go-to muscle augmentation, alongside dragon energy. Touki will come to me with the third genetic session, so I will be able to use two sources of energy. Not that I see any use for it. Still though, it's one of those things which you just want to have for one reason or another.
   16
   "Yes. You are quite close to the Ultimate class. It is quite absurd for a human to have so much magic at such a young age." Latia said quite proudly. She is only a High-Class devil herself. So, it's impressive to her it would seem.
   11
   "Yeah. Marcus doesn't even fight but his magic is always going up. As if he is always using it." Serafall pointed that out, now that she noticed my magic reserves.
   "That's because I am always training it. Ever since I learned Solomon's magic." I clarified to them. As white and golden circles appeared around me, each of them had ten rings inside of it, as the symbol for the 'devil clan'.
   "...Right...I forgot that you are Solomon's successor..." Serafall commented with wide eyes.
   "...Seriously? you forgot that?" Latia asked with disbelief.
   "It barely comes up in our conversations. I even forgot about the guy!" Serafall eye-rolled at the blonde rival of hers.
   "And Ars Goetia? don't you always feel it?" Latia asked with even more disbelief.
   "You speak as if it's impressive. Marcus recreated Ars Goetia within ten minutes in his old workshop. Altered it and bound Grayfia to himself." Serafall said with a proud tone.
   "It is true," Grayfia said with a sigh. She is somewhat disappointed that I caught her so easily. She would have preferred to show off some of her capacity.
   "I see... I should have known." Latia sighed. From the looks of it, she thought that Ars Goetia was great. In a sense it is great. The idea is great. But once you get the hang of it, it's not that difficult.
   The difficulty is tying it all up together and making it work. The concept behind it and the chant. 
   Solomon and Big G used the concept that Big G is at the top of the pyramid in his pantheon to bind the devils which are opposite to him, but are still part of his Pantheon. The key to that is what people around the world believe. And let's be honest, Big G's Pantheon is the most well known in the whole world. There are many known versions of his religion making it the biggest one in the world. Thus the binding power is off the charts.
   "I am sure my other things distracted you from it. So, it doesn't matter." I said to her as my hand went onto the blonde's cheek. She was in front of me after all.
   I gently stroked it. The devil girl in question put her hand on top of mine. Silently enjoying this, especially when Serafall is giving us that annoyed look.
   "Yes. It did."
   ~~~
   After the check-up. Marcus and the group of ladies went to the living room to enjoy the movie night they decided to have.
   While Grayfia could not attend it for the simple reason that she has her work. And Venelana decided to return home.
   1
   The devil woman realised that she has a chance to make Marcus and Rias a thing after seeing Latia becoming his second girlfriend alongside Serafall. It was quite something else.
   28
   She was reminded that Marcus, after all, was a teen who wants a pretty girl around his age to be his girl.
   7
   Nonetheless, now she needs to think of something else. Thankfully Rias got a powerful Pawn in the form of the Red Dragon Emperor, so her daughter might just have a chance to win against Riser as it is...
   19
   There is still some time left so there might be a possibility of this working out without her needing to become her Master's toy...
   13
   While Venelana and Grayfia are out. Marcus turned on his massive TV and started going through a massive list of movies that he could watch.
   "It kind of feels weird having to use a regular TV instead of the Entertainment Dome or the 3D Max settings." The teen inventor said to his girls as he was surrounded by the pair of devil beauties.
   On his right was Latia and on his left was Serafall, both of them were snuggling into him. While also making sure there were not any sudden movements.
   "It is to be expected as you are a creator and thinking to improve anything you see is what you do. For once just relax and don't think about anything." Latia said that softly as she gently squeezed his hand with her's. 
   The beauty wants to show him that it's good to have a girl next to him. And that she can take care of him and help him relax. In the truest sense and not just a lust-fueled thing.
   For this, Serafall decided to join Latia's camp as this was not the right moment to fight over his attention. Instead, making sure he understands that they can be good girlfriend material was the priority.
   "Hmm... you're right... let's just watch something..." For second, Marcus thought about something, anything which came to his mind.
   His alteration sessions... 
   So, Genetics...
   First movie with genetics that comes to mind?
   Jurassic Park...
   14
   "Aurora... put on Jurassic Park. I want 8k experience."
   [Certainly. I wasn't going to allow anything below 8k...] Her words only made him roll his eyes. He then properly leaned into the couch pulling his girls closer to himself. They ended up using his shoulders as pillows. Watching the movie that brought the world's attention to dinosaurs...
   'Right... I should get my hands on these bad boys... the chicken genome should hold the codes of their ancestors...' After making a mental note on this, Marcus immersed himself in the movie.
   12
   ...
   ...
   ...
   "You know after watching this for the second time and knowing that you can make them like this. It's kind of scary and exciting." Serafall spoke after the credits started to roll.
   1
   "With all due respect... You are the Leviathan! you can't just give such terrifying ideas to our boyfriend!" Latia said from the side as she heard the black-haired devil woman's words.
   1
   "That's the point. I am a devil woman who is whispering ideas to her human contractor." Serafall had a fake evil-looking look as she said that.
   ...
   ...
   "You just want one of those Ankylosaurus..." Marcus remarked with an eye roll. He noticed how she was excited to see the dinosaur, with a mace for a tail, swinging around.
   22
   ...
   *Sigh*
   "Maybe I am... they are good for swatting annoying people away." The current Leviathan shrugged, saying that.
   1
   "And for that, you need... a dinosaur?" Latia asked with disbelief.
   1
   "Not quite. Our boyfriend can make it happen so why not?" Serafall said with another shrug.
   "He is already working with the whole genetic thing and Dinosaurs could be fun," Serafall added.
   As the pair were talking amongst themselves Marcus was just thinking about some things.
   The whole egg thing was quite fascinating. But very unpredictable. He prefers the much longer part of starting the DNA from scratch.
   4
   It's an even harder process. But, much safer... one basically just builds everything from the ground up. Then again only he can do such a thing because of Aurora and the supercomputer that he has.
   One of the main reasons why everything he does advances so rapidly was because of his artificial intelligence doing all the calculations, and simulations. His genome alone went through centuries worth of simulations.
   So what Serafall said is very much possible. Just using some old bones, he could create some dinos and raptors. The problem was... they were not going to be authentic. Which just rubs him the wrong way. 
   That's why time travel is a lucrative alternative to getting the DNA of the dinosaurs, then upgrading the genome to fit with the world. And a wonderful and dangerous grunt force is born...
   10
   "Next, Back to the Future or Jurassic Park 2?" Marcus' question got the pair to stop the argument they had about dinosaurs coming back to life.
   "Let's watch more dinosaurs! More ideas!" 
   "Not like you are going to do anything with those ideas," Latia said with an eye roll.
   "I am helping Marcus get more ideas! He's already got some!" Serafall retorted with a smug look.
   "And how do you know that?" Latia asked with a very curious look.
   "I've been around him since he was 12. He still has the same thoughtful look and I can easily see it." Serafall explained smugly.
   Making the blond frown as she realised that the amount of time she has spent with the inventor is quite limited. To make her feel better his hand went onto her waist and stroked it gently. That had a positive effect as she soon calmed down and glanced at him with a grateful look.
   Serafall, on other hand, frowned more before deciding that showing off was not the brightest idea she had.
   3
   ~~~
   After watching some more movies, the trio decided to call it a day. Marcus only kissed and snuggled with the pair of girls a little bit, before going to sleep.
   Now this is where a slight problem occurred. And that is, waking up in the middle of the night for no reason. Thankfully no panic attacks.
   Once morning was here, Marcus decided to do some light designing since he was mostly alone. His pair of devil girls were busy.
   Latia was overwatching the building of the shops, and recruiting people. According to her, quite a bit of Astaroth clan members decided to move into this country instead of other devil controlled areas.
   For the simple reason that they want to see what the human inventor is going to do.
   Marcus was a little bit baffled at how they were not fearing being found out by the angels. Well, thinking over it for a bit, he found out that it's not important. None of the angels even appeared in this area over the past 4 years...
   The angels most likely don't care about a small piece of land somewhere in Europe. The true border with the Norse should be around Denmark and Germany, so there was nothing that important over here.
   3
   Apart from managing the building construction, which reminded Marcus that people still needed to build the buildings themselves, Latia was hiring regular people for grunt labour. While the devils will be the management.
   This too, reminded Marcus that, in the end, his lovely blonde girlfriend is still a devil. And she is not such a good person that she will allow just anyone to rise through the ranks. 
   Since she was doing all that hard work, the teen inventor decided to spend several hours tinkering, making phones for sale.
   Now, this was probably the hardest work of his life, to date. Making a phone which had a limited amount of battery life, a primitive processor, a HD screen, a slot for memory cards like the SD cards... it was one hell of a nerve wrecker...
   9
   In the end. His girls were impressed by it either way, which seriously made Marcus question their sanity.
   After that episode, he decided to leave video games to Aurora. It was just too much for him.
   Instead, he focused on doing some light casual designing. He started with some power armour for his S.P.B.A, not making it over the top and also not making it weak, Marcus went with a Mandalorian look for them.
   8
   The armour will have basic functions and basic Aurora support. The HUD support, air filtering, servo motor support for the limb joints, etcetera...
   And just like that, another day has passed. In truth, Marcus wanted to forget about it. The casual designing day turned into a horror story with the whole primitive phone nonsense.  
   The day after that, he started working on the weapon the S.P.B.A are going to use. For that, he pulled out the Deimos and Phobos design and downgraded it severely. 
   Turning a Super Class slayer into a casual assault rifle. This was extremely easy work. So, for the rest of the day, he worked on something interesting in his eyes. 
   He took the Deimos and Phobos design and reworked it into a Sniper rifle. Working the whole hexagon barrel into a much thinner and longer barrel. Adding a specifically prepared scope that is connected to the HUD of the helmet.
   3
   Extra recoil absorption, reworking the system to a sniper rifle specification. In the end, Marcus was quite excited and decided to add some variation to the S.P.B.A and created a ranger class. 
   On top of that, he also decided to add to the Sniper the space manipulation he got from Caliburn.
   Quinella commented that the sniper rifle's shot cannot be dodged by any regular means. As the moment one presses the trigger, the bullet leaves the barrel it then warps space and slams into the person instantly delivering the load.
   10
   Marcus' reaction to that was just a simple thumbs up. His idea, it would seem, has worked quite well.
   6
   After this, the teen inventor focused on something he likes more than weaponry and that is machinery.
   The airship. Thankfully with Realitus technology, he could simply design it anywhere he wanted. While his big workshop was created for that, he could still design his stuff even in the living room or the leisure room.
   4
   And for this, he has indeed decided to design it in the living room. Close to the kitchen...
   The main body will have three floors. The ship's operating floor, the living quarters and the catapult deck with the hangars. 
   This was also actually the first time he designed an airship. As something like this was nothing more than a pipe dream before.
   Now, this is where it got slightly complicated. What does he want to have in the hangars?
   8
   The first thing that came to mind is Gundams, but that's just silly because the mechs are around 30 to 50 metres tall and the ship itself is going to be around 250 metres in length.
   6
   So no, Gundams are too big. So instead, he decided to go for jet fighters which can transform into mechs. The inspiration for this was Starscream from Transformers. And just to shake people off more, he decided to put the Decepticon symbols on the Jet Fighters.
   39
   By the end of the work-week, the Jet Fighter designs were done and it was ready for testing and simulations. So Marcus took some time lazing around while Quinella did her things. His jumpy condition was nearly gone, just like his assistant had predicted.
   That's why he decided to chill out in his leisure room. He might have created it. But he barely used this place. It's around 98% Le Fay's room. She spends most of her time here when she is not working.
   Instead of reading manga or some car magazines, he decided to read up on the upcoming inventions on robotics, technology and the space innovations.
   He couldn't stop smiling seeing all that. He remembers, in his past life, having a subscription on this thing and would constantly read it with quite an amount of zeal.
   Now, however... it was like a meme-posting magazine... hard to take seriously from his point of view.
   Sometime later, the doors slid open and Marcus' gaze went from the magazines up to the doors. It was one of his blonde maids.
   2
   Dressing them up quite sexily was one of his most genius moves. Since he was Solomon's 'will' inheritor, people expected him to do things to his staff. So Latia was, obviously, quite shocked to learn that he had not done certain things to his maids yet.
   Honestly, he didn't have that much time. His hobby always takes priority. However, now? He can do certain things to them. Since he can now design his stuff regardless of where he is.
   "Excuse me, Master. I have some dusting to do." The beauty quite professionally said as she walked in and started cleaning up the bookshelves. 
   ~~~~~~(R18 ahead! Skip to the next '~~~' if you wish to miss out on the action.)~~~~~~
   2
   (A/N: Whelp, next one is 6 chapters away, so enjoy this one!)
   6
   Now that was a silly excuse. Not that Marcus minded. He quickly found out why she was here...
   The way she wiggled her ass at him while cleaning the room was quite an easily solvable riddle.
   The girl found the perfect time to try and seduce her boss...
   Marcus' body got over its condition and he will be taking his next session soon.
   So, there was a couple-of-day gap where certain events could happen. 
   A few minutes into it, the teen's hormones started to take over. Realising that it was quite pointless to resist. Not that there was a reason to resist! The girl is his in the first place! he can lewd her anytime he wants!
   2
   He dropped his magazine, which dissolved into nothing being hologram and all. The room easily read his intentions with the drop. Moments later he approached the blonde and wrapped his hands around her, pulling her into a hug from behind.
   His hands went onto her considerably large burst. And squeezed them hard.
   3
   "Someone is quite a naughty maid." 
   Jeanne softly moaned. Her breathing got slightly hot. She realised that her seduction worked. The sexy maid outfit did their job.
   "You should punish such naughty maid~~~" She said as she grinds her ass on his hardening rod.
   "Since you asked..." His hands pulled her maid uniform down, revealing her breasts to the world. The current maid uniform keeps her shoulders naked. Meaning that it was quite easy to access her body.
   Both of his hands went onto her naked globes and started playing with them. The blonde's moaning increased in volume.
   "I do wonder why such naughty behaviour?" Marcus asked as his hot breath tickled her ear.
   "...silly... question~~~ there is only one available man for me~~~ so, why not seduce him~~~early~~~" She said as her ass rubbed him even more. 
   Hearing a satisfying answer, one of his hands went down from her breast and towards her short skirt. Quickly slipping underneath it. His fingers rubbed her pussy lips through her panties.
   The blonde maid slightly shivered feeling that. She turned her head to the side. Biting her lower lip.
   Seeing her like that, Marcus decided to taste her properly. Starting with claiming her lips.
   A soft muffled moan escaped from Jeanne's mouth as her eyes quickly turned glassy. The teen inventor didn't stop there as his tongue started exploring her mouth's interior.
   The blonde maid of his tried to counter him with her tongue but she was swiftly outplayed by his more experienced actions.
   Before long she couldn't take it anymore, being attacked on three fronts quickly made her experience a small orgasm.
   "Ahhh~~~ mhhh~~~ that~~~ was~~~ not what I expected..." She said while taking deep breaths.
   "Oh? What did you expect?" Marcus asked her as he turned her around and moved in to take off her panties. He slightly raised his eyebrows seeing a sexy black see-through lingerie. He didn't expect his maid to be this kinky... then again he was in DxD, so... 
   "Hmmmhhh~~~ I was expected to serve you...but I don't mind this either~~~" She said that hotly, seeing his thing coming out to play.
   And soon enough, Marcus lifted one of her legs and leaned the blonde girl against the wall. He positioned her to receive his rod.
   There was quite a bit of expectation in her eyes. As surely enough, the teen inventor started to push his rod into her wet pussy.
   "Ohhhh~~~ your~~~ thing is entering me~~~"  Jeanne moaned with a lewd look as she felt the intrusion.
   Marcus groaned from feeling her tightness; he felt some resistance in her pussy. He pulled out almost entirely before pushing back in.
   Sinking in deeply, he just claimed her maidenhood and fully submerged his rod into her wet cave.
   The beauty wrapped her hands around his neck before starting to feel him move inside her. 
   At first, she experienced some pain but the pleasure quickly took over.
   Slowly, a smacking sound started to spread as Marcus pulled her other legs up and the blonde fully wrapped herself around him. By this point, she started to moan without restrain as her Master started pounding into her without holding back.
   A loud smacking sound spread through the room as the blonde moved on her Master pole, she had a very satisfied look, she enjoyed his thing quite a bit. It was stupid of her to wait this long.
   Before long, the beauty felt the approaching finale and she started whispering to her master to release inside
   "Yes~~~yes~~~ I can feel it~~~ give it to me~~~" Jeanne moaned from the top of her lungs when she felt him twitch inside of her warm pussy.
   She can feel the imminent release of his load, and she just can't wait for that.
   With one more powerful thrust, the floodgates opened and a stream of seed rushed into the depths of the blonde maid's womb.
   3
   "Ohhh~~~ this is incredible~~~" Jeanne moaned with a glassy look. Now that she has experienced this... she doubts that she will be able to go back to pleasuring herself with masturbation...
   A hot current washed over her as her body turned soft, the blonde maid tried to move in some way but her master had different ideas as he carried her over to the pillow area. 
   Surely enough, Jeanne ended up laying on the pillows. One of her legs was on his shoulder while the other was made to turn to the side.
   Without wasting anymore time Marcus re-started his hip movement.
   ~~~
   Le Fay was quite frustrated at Jeanne, the reincarnation of Joan of Arc still had not arrived to help her! They had a deal that they would clean up the kitchen together! It's like the most used place of them all. So, they were going to do it together!
   1
   But, for some reason, the older blonde decided to ditch the work onto her!
   So, the younger maid started to look for this work-dodging woman.
   First, She checked the Entertainment Dome. It was empty, that place is an obvious choice as Jeanne spends most of her time there.
   She then checked the living room, the gadget room, their rooms, and in the end, she decided to check a room that Jeanne regularly would not go to. The leisure room is just somewhere Le Fay can't imagine Jeanne spending her time.
   However, maybe she was in the workshop. but then again, the fellow maid would never go there. For the simple reason that Quinella is scary and that floor is fully automated and cleans itself.
   So, it just leaves the leisure room where their Master was. That moment her eyes widened. She started blushing like crazy. Nonetheless, Le Fay needed to find out if this was a possibility!
   The younger blond sneaked around the corridor, slowly walking towards the room. Eventually ending up in front of it. She tried to hear something from this.
   'Shit! The room is fitted with noise-cancelling technology!' 
   The young witch slammed the back of her head into the wall. Ignoring the pain completely. Instead, she was annoyed that she can't find out what is going on inside the room!
   In the end, she had to give up and walk back to the living room.
   And started waiting and waiting. Quite a bit of time passed, and there was still no sign of her Master or Jeanne!
   Around 5 hours later did Le Fay finally see Jeanne. By that point the younger witch was already bored out of her mind and was watching TV...
   Not that she could ask anything of the older blonde, as she looked like she went through a wringer... her hair was a mess, and her maid uniform was ruined, she was gonna need a replacement. But, that is not a problem with the technology this place has.
   Jeanne didn't even say anything to Le Fay as she walked back to her room. Just like that.
   'Damn... Master has fucked her into a mess... or was it Jeanne who baited him to fuck her more until she can barely move?' For a second the witch thought to herself. Well, she won't be able to learn unless she asks personally which is quite embarrassing...
   2
   ~~~~~~~~~Inventions/Tech/Sacred Gears~~~~~~~~~~~~
   1
   S.P.B.A Soldier Armour
   An armour set based on the Star Wars Mandalorian armour, it has full environmental gear built inside. It can't, however, work in space or deep underwater.
   3
   Classification:
   By the current Earth's standards, it's a piece of high tech armour. But for Marcus' case, it's a mass production armour. Which the Assembly Line can produce under 5 Minutes.
   Composition:
   Sacred Gear Alchemical metal, transmuted plastic, glass, diamond.
   Key Technology and Magic:
   Basic Diamond Core: A basic Diamond Core reactor that generates enough energy to support the soldier in battle.
   Basic Aurora HUD support: The helmet of the armour has a basic Aurora head-up display which assists soldiers in pointing where to go, as well as keeping squads in touch with the military hierarchy.
   Exoskeleton support system: The armour is equipped with Servo motors and movement assistance technology which allows the S.P.B.A to operate even in harsh environmental places.
   Environmental support: The suit is sealed off from the outside world and has a built-in environmental support system that keeps the unit at optimal condition.
   Energy Shield Caster: The armour gauntlets have a pair of energy shield generators which can deploy shields that can take punishments from High-Class beings. They were created with riot control in mind.
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   Ranger variation of armour is almost identical in everything except it's less thick and has a hologram caster for camouflage instead of the Energy Shield Caster. Inspired by The Predator.
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   S.P.B.A Weapon GALLAR
   Named after the Mandalorian weapon, it's an assault rifle that can shoot energy blasts at a rapid pace. Quite deadly even against powerful beings depending on its loadout.
   Classification: 
   By current Earth standards, it's a weapon from the distant future or a sci-fi movie. The design itself is similar to Phobos & Deimos. While it looks similar to the Rifle Sacred Gear, the insides of the weapon are what the Mark II Castor & Pollux had.
   Composition:
   Sacred Gear Alchemical Metal
   Key Technology and Magic
   Basic M.T.M technique: Using a magic circle to capture motion and turn motion into energy and then energy into Magic, even a regular human can use this weapon as all they need to do is press the trigger.
   Basic Barrier Rail technique:  By using barriers like rails, empowered by Acceleration circles, the blast builds up the force, the longer the rail is the stronger the blast will be at the end of the rail.
   Revolver System: A simple revolver system positioned behind the Diamond Barrier System and above the M.T.M system. This system is responsible for what type of bullets the weapon will release.
   Type of 'Bullets': Beam, Bolt, Scattershot, Cannon
   Cartridge Loader: The GALLAR can be 'loaded' with a cartridge of specific magic. It's based on human guns and bullet cartridges.
   All S.P.B.Soldiers have multiple sets of different cartridges that they can load: P.O.D, Electricity, anti-Dragon, Holy energy, Demonic energy, Anti-Divinity. Worst case anti-DNA bullets.
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   S.P.B.A Weapon AMBAN
   Named after the Mandalorian phaser rifle. This piece of weaponry was created by Marcus who wanted to make something 'interesting'.
   Clarification: 
   A sniper rifle that is created through magic and technology. The frame itself is created from Rifle Sacred Gear Deimos & Phobos.
   Composition:
   Sacred Gear Alchemical Metal, diamonds, glass, plastic and rubber.
   Key Technology and Magic
   Motion to Magic (Sniper Rifle version): The most recent version of M.T.M has been installed into the Sniper rifle.
   Mass Magic Barrier Rail System (Sniper Rifle Version): The AMBAN has been fitted with a reworked version of Deimos & Phobos' M.M.B.R.S. Instead of building up power, it works towards accelerating the blast as much as possible.
   Aurora-Quinella Hyper Targeting system: The Sniper Rifle is linked directly to the Aurora Network. The shooter can get direct assistance from the Supercomputer
   Triple Cartridges Loader: AMBAN can be loaded with three different ammo cartridges at once.
   Space phaser: Based on the Holy Sword Caliburn's space power the AMBAN shots phase through space to deliver the payload.
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   Transformable Jet Fighter 'Starscream' 
   Marcus' answer to the issue of not having an army of mech on Earth for the simple reason that they were too big was to switch to mech that can operate as Jet Fighters as well.
   Thus Starscream was created.
   Classification:
   A seven-metre long fighter jet, based on Starscream from Transformers. By Earth standards, it's something from the distant future which can circle the globe in less than an hour.
   Composition:
   Sacred Gear Alchemical Metal, diamonds, glass, plastic and rubber.
   Key Technology and Magic
   Aurora-Quinella OS support: The Jet Fighter is equipped with the latest Operating system and is linked to the main network
   Aurora Borealis HUD: The HUD system was reworked with Realitus Holograms which allows the pilot to see HUDs as if it's part of the world around them.
   Diamond Triangle Core: Modified version of the Diamond Core Heart based for transformable Jet Fighters. It's used as a main power source for the Jet Fighters and is independent from the user's energy source.
   Crystallised Energy Flight Support (or C.E.F.S): Magic energy crystallised in the form of wings. It gives an unprecedented ability to fly. The Jet Fighters have a heavily modified version of the energy wings. They are built inside the physical wings.
   Transformable Frame: The Jet Fighters frame can transform into a humanoid form, thanks to heavily adaptable Alchemical Metal, the Jetfighter can easily transformmid-flightt.
   1
   Second generation G-Force Max Support: A System designed to mitigate the G-Force which Jet Fighters is exposed to when flying at high speeds.
   Nova Thrusters: The Jet Fighter is equipped with powerful thrusters which uses pure magic as a power source.
   3
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   1
   My Discord server for advanced chapters:
   https://discord.gg/hvzgBJg4ss
   Along with the advanced chapters, there are also a lot of other fanfics I wrote and did not upload to Webnovel.
   Chapters are coming out Monday, Wednesday and Friday around 9:00 AM British time.
  
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   Chapter 24: Armies and Stations
   1
   "Hi" Regular Speech
   'Hi' Thought
   "(Hi)" Marcus's mechanically synthesised voice
   [Hi] Quinella/Aurora talking
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   Marcus stared at his image reflected by the mirror. The second session was done and his body has gained some permanent muscles.
   4
   The whole jumpy thing was back. But, according to Quinella, it will only be for a short time compared to last. As the adaptability of his body has increased. 
   3
   And unlike the previous season, this one improved his overall performance.
   Yet, his assistant had a frown on her beautiful face.
   "What's on your mind? You look distressed." Marcus asked her as he looked at his image, turning slightly aside, he noticed he was just a little bit taller.
   [Nothing. It's just that, there was a 3.1% chance of miscalculation that happened on my part.] She said with a sigh.
   "You mean, the fact that I, again, gained too much?" Marcus asked with an amused look as he turned towards her.
   [Yes. I thought with the latest patch I will have a below 1% chance of miscalculation. But, once again genetics eludes me.] She massaged her temples with a frustrated look.
   "While we know more about genetics than any other nation in the world. Life is still the most complex thing we've researched so far.
   1
   In truth just studying this alone results in our other technologies advancing rapidly, solely because we spend so many resources on this.
   The processing facilities only went through three expansions. Increasing your processing power by another 50%, that, in turn, made our other studies like weaponry manufacturing look like children playing in the sandbox."
   Marcus said with a shrug. It is the truth. Just by rerouting some of the resources from genetic research to any other branch of studying... Aurora manages to rapidly solve any of the 'riddles' I might face.
   That just shows how extremely complex uncovering everything about life is. One of the reasons why Marcus is building DNA from scratch instead of modifying it on someone else is because it can lead to many unforeseen results. Even the one he is currently studying can lead to that as well.
   [I know. But, it's not enough for me. As your ultimate creation. The bar I set for myself is the highest of them all.] Quinella said with an extremely serious face.
   "I see. In the end, you only need more data. The next session is a week away. So you have plenty of time to figure things out." The teen inventor said to his artificial intelligence.
   [Indeed. Then I shall return to analysing it.] The Quinella figure dissolved into polygons. Leaving only Marcus and the blonde girlfriend of his, who was watching the Interaction between her Master and the silver-haired woman.
   "The changes are much more visible this time." Seeing that the coast is clear, the blonde decided to move in.
   "You are taller, muscles are more refined, shoulders broader. And yet, three more sessions are still waiting for you." Latia said as she inspected him from different angles, walking around and checking him out from different sides.
   "Hmm. This was the first proper upgrade. The last session was nothing more than fixing the inherited issues." Marcus said with a casual shrug. He grabbed a shirt and put it on, followed by a lab coat.
   "Still impressive for the first upgrade. Your magic signature went over into the Ultimate class. Not many devils can achieve that even through their whole lives." Latia said back with a proud tone.
   7
   Marcus wanted to retort that they didn't even try and train their magic. Seriously, even he, someone who hates training, does it! But, then again, he decided not to say anything and instead just pull her into a hug.
   3
   "Mmhh~~~ even your hugging is much better. Yes, this is very good." The blonde said with a knowing look. It was quite obvious that she wanted something but that will have to wait.
   1
   His devil ladies are always scheming, even Venelana who stays away from him so that she can keep her sanity intact-as much as possible.
   Even she is trying to scheme, which is just amusing to him.
   "I know right? Now that this session is over. Let me show you a section of the base that no one else saw apart from me and Quinella." Marcus gently pulled the girl towards the exit.
   1
   "Oh? Let's go then. I feel quite honoured to technically be the first one to see it." Latia quickly adjusted as they started walking.
   ~~~
   Latia's eyes widened as she realised what she saw...
   'An army... a Satan-forsaken army! So, it is finally happening...' The blonde thought with a shell shocked look as she saw rows and rows of soldiers dressed in dull grey and blue armours. All of them were armed with futuristic armour and rifles.
   13
   What truly made her horrified, though, was that she could sense the strength of a high-class being emitting from all of them.
   Not only that, but they also had high discipline. The way they moved in this wide-open area, going through drills of several different training rounds.
   5
   'This is nothing like the Devil army or the Fallen army, they don't have such disciplines. Working in tight formations? Most of the devils would laugh right back at their face hearing that.' 
   "Great isn't it? I finished their designs just a couple of days ago. Quinella is still going through the DNA make-up." Marcus stated proudly.
   Latia slightly sweatdropped before nodding back at him. While she is currently quite terrified for her race, she was not going to show it on her face.
   1
   "I see... May I know the reason why you made a professional army in the first place?" She asked him curiously.
   Marcus wrapped his hands around her from behind as he looked at the several hundred S.P.B.A. soldiers doing their things below them.
   "I will not be going alone and collecting things by myself in future, thus my army. The first one to taste its power is going to be the Vampire faction which has the Sephiroth Graal." Marcus said with a casual tone.
   1
   It sent chills down Latia who realised that her boyfriend doesn't even care about the enemies he would make.
   'Then again, the Vampires don't have allies. They are isolationist even worse than the Shinto Pantheon.' The blonde thought about the supernatural faction in Transylvania.
   13
   She doesn't even have much on them to begin with... that just shows how much they've isolated themselves from the rest of the world.
   But, how then, does Marcus know about the Sephiroth Graal!?
   "I see... I do... hope... you are not planning to send them to the Underworld?" She asked with some nervousness.
   "Don't be silly. I already have my pillars, you are here for a reason and that's also why I am hiding my existence as Solomon's successor. Besides, all of you will be sad if I am to destroy your homes. Worst case scenario, I would just occupy it and install some sort of government that will be loyal to me."
   5
   Latia sighed with relief. Thankfully he is not planning an all-out genocide.
   "I don't want to brag but my government will be much better. After all, I would introduce all my inventions to my subjects. Even fix that low birth rate issue of yours." 
   4
   His girlfriend's eyes widened for a second. Should they do a coup d'"tat? It is quite possible, but for that to work, they would need a bit of preparation.
   8
   Then she realised that her boyfriend was simply messing with her!!! There was not much to gain for him if he were to take over the devil faction!
   From her understanding of him, only some materialistic items would be worth his interest, like the Sacred Gears or some artefacts... those were not something her species are known to have. They have their unique magic, sure. But, most of it was already known to him and for the rest, he could just summon with his Solomon Circle and bind those devils with Ars Goetia.
   Latia could only sigh in relief, while, at the same time, pout at him. He was just messing with her!
   "That's a lie! And you know it! You don't want to rule anything! I saw how you checked through all the reports I'd brought, you skimmed through them all while only properly checking the people's education." Latia said with an angry pout.
   "I did only invest some time into reading it because it was your hard work and I also made sure they had the appropriate education to work in my shops." He said in an obvious tone.
   "But, I already did it!" She said with a small stomp. Latia already did all that! Marcus already told her to accept people with appropriate education! There was no need for him to check!
   "I know. That's why there was nothing else for me to check in those files." He said with another bored shrug.
   The beauty just groaned from annoyance. Doesn't he care about their experiences and such; what kind of bonuses these people will bring to the company as a whole!?
   2
   "Grrr... My point is that, you don't care. And you wouldn't want to invade the underworld just for the sake of ruling. My bet is that you would just do what your predecessor did. Solomon ruled quite a small kingdom; it was enough for him. You are doing about the same with your birth country. You would, as they say, 'flex' on them and then return to your country." She explained her thoughts on what he would do. And she would be right... if he didn't have an army that was slightly unsettling...
   7
   Nonetheless, after realising all this, she relaxed quite a bit.
   Marcus just hugged her more. Yep, she is smart and she, quite accurately, described what he would do. That's why she is cute!
   5
   ~~~~~~Kouh~~~~~~
   Rias was sitting in her chair, deep in thought. She was thinking about how lucky she was with her Pawn situation. She got a Longinus User! 
   2
   All of her 8 pawns were used to reincarnate him. She was over the moon with this gain. The redhead thought she could rub it on Sona.
   1
   But...
   "So, it was Issei Hyoudou? Never thought the Red Heavenly Emperor was him." Sona said with a casual shrug as she fixed her glasses.
   It was not the reaction Rias expected.
   "You knew?"
   "About the Red Dragon Emperor being in Kuoh? Yes, I knew. I was searching for him for quite a bit of time. It never crossed my mind that it was this pervert." Sona said with an eye roll. She never bothered to properly scan the brown-haired pervert with the Diamond Core Heart. 
   She only had a casual scan on him when he entered the academy grounds for the first time.
   The younger Sitri was quite baffled that someone with such a low level of magic can even exist on this Earth.
   "...How did you even know there was a Longinus gear user in Kuoh?" The Gremory Heiress asked with a baffled look.
   But then, she realised that, most likely, Serafall told her. Meaning that Marcus Goldman already knows...
   "Honestly...I am quite thankful that you took him off my hand. I don't want a walking bomb anywhere near me." 
   "What do you mean by that?" Rias asked with wide eyes. 
   "Listen. While the Sacred Gears are amazing and everything. They are artefacts created over 4000 years ago, some are fresher than others. Like the Boosted Gear or Divine Dividing. But, they are still items bound to people's souls.
   According to research done by our employer, Sacred Gears would regularly go through maintenance in Heaven. But, for the past 2000 years, nothing of this sort has been done. Meaning that no maintenance has been done to them. While they don't just break like that. There are caches to be cleared after each circle. The gears, like Boosted Gear and Divine Dividing, collect samples from previous users and store them inside the gear.
   The Boosted Gear and Divine Dividing, through an overflow of cache, developed Juggernaut Drive. This developed because the hold over the dragon energy inside the gear became much looser." Sona explained smoothly. She became quite interested with the gears because she has one herself and, in general, it sounds quite fascinating.
   "I see... so... that's what happened..." Rias massaged her brows from frustration.
   "Hmm?"
   "Ddraig himself panicked when he realised that all his hard work on the gear was gone." 
   "What do you mean?"
   "Marcus Goldman most likely kidnapped Issei and scanned the Gear." Rias said with a straight face.
   That sounded insane... but then the Sitri Heiress remembered who they were talking about.
   "...Most likely true... I faced the Scale Mail version of the Red Dragon Emperor in one of the simulations." Sona said in a smug tone. Her relationship with Marcus is much better than Rias. The redhead hasn't even seen him since the installation of Diamond Heart Core.
   Serafall confirmed that. So, Sona knows that she is way above in this little competition they are both having.
   "What!? He can emulate it!? Or did he recreate it? Even Ddraig confirmed that Issei can't access Balance Breaker anymore!" Rias exclaimed with an annoyed look.
   5
   "Heh... most likely, you will need to talk with our employer so that he could alter the gear and Balance Breaker can be achieved.
   After all the original Sacred Gears were built the way that Balance Breaker should not exist in the first place. It's a bug in the system which pushes the gear to do what it should not. As you can imagine, it will have long term consequences."
   "Like the Juggernaut Drive. I get it." The Gremory Heiress said with a sigh.
   "Nonetheless, I would have preferred it if it didn't go through maintenance. The Balance Breaker would have helped me quite a bit against Riser." 
   "Rias do you even hear yourself? Do you really think that pervert could achieve Balance Breaker before your fated duel against Riser? It takes years to even train to react to the threshold needed to achieve Balance Breaker. The gear needs to reach a critical point to 'evolve' . I have read files on that." 
   9
   Rias pouted angrily hearing how Sona has access to stuff she does not!
   "Uhhh... this is not fair, Sona! I have been working my butt off for the past several months! And I still have not gotten any help from our employer!"
   The Sitri Heiress deadpanned for a moment.
   "That's because it took me over a year and a half to even get noticed by him." The black-haired devil girl rolled her eyes while saying that.
   Rias instantly looked downtrodden, she had only been trying seriously for the past couple of months. Waking up early, training magic, training the Power of Destruction, running mock fights, even physical training...
   For someone who never tried training this hard before, it was quite difficult. Especially since she is a devil and devils grow stronger with age...
   2
   She doesn't even need to train to be strong in the first place. But then, her father decided to saddle her with a marriage on her eighteen birthday.
   2
   "True... Anyways, thanks for your help. Now I know what happened to Issei's gear. Ddraig was quite devastated that he lost centuries of work he had been doing on the gear." 
   Sona nodded at her. Internally, she was thankful that the brown-haired pervert wasn't going to be a big issue to them. She experienced herself how dangerous Scale Mails can be in the right hands.
   2
   ~~~~~~Eastern Baltic Coast~~~~~~
   "Mistress... the magic saturation in that direction... it's off the charts." Atalanta said to her Goddess after returning from one of her scouting missions.
   1
   "Hmm... towards Lithuania...he is Eastern European... wise choice to hide in such a small country..." The Goddess of Hunt crossed her arms. Thinking for a moment.
   15
   "We can assume that the high magic concentration is monitored by him, meaning that he most likely has barriers of some sort spread through the whole nation." The Goddess stated her theory.
   "This means that the moment we enter his lands he will know that we are there," Atalanta said with an understanding look.
   2
   "Indeed. And I doubt he will reveal himself to us just like that. This means we will need to find him either way." Artemis said with a thoughtful look. She is trying to think similarly to how that annoying brat does.
   "It's not a big nation. Nothing compared to Siberian or the Canadian wilderness." Atalanta said with a confident look.
   "True. But don't forget we are tracking a human, not an animal so we will be going through towns." The Goddess of hunt said with some annoyance.
   "Last time I checked, this nation barely has any population." 
   "That means they will be cautious of a group of females dressed like hunters." The Silver-haired Goddess pointed out.
   And Atalanta could only frown. This could only mean that they will be taking quite a bit of time with this as well. Even if the nation is small...
   "Let's go!" Artemis shouted out quite eagerly.
   'FINALLY! Some clues! You brat! I can't believe it took me nearly half a year to find anything about you! Now that I know where you come from I will find you eventually!' 
   3
   The Silver-haired Goddess of Hunt has no doubt it's where that inventor brat was hiding. This country has no supernatural presence, no big significance to any Pantheon.
   And no one ever reported about there being a large amount of saturated magic in this area before. Meaning that it's very recent.
   All the hints point to this brat. Now she was getting excited to get her revenge!
   12
   ~~~~~~~Marcus~~~~~~
   The space centre is finished. Well, it's technically just a launching pad with the biggest Assembly Line ever built; my production speed went up by several multiple times with just this.
   But now, I can build space stations or my own airships...
   That's right, the first thing this place is going to do is make my flagship, the Confiscator. 
   16
   And not the space station I was planning...
   "So, where are we going? Another place has been finished?" Serafall asked giddily as we were walking towards the train platform at my home base.
   The blonde next to me is looking very curiously. This is the first time I am bringing her to use one of the trains. It's either a coincidence or just weird timing but she has never used it before. For the simple reason that she leaves home before I leave and comes back when I am already at home.
   Meaning she never got the chance to use it.
   "Yep. My Space Centre is finished. Though, it's more like a launching pad and the largest assembly line to date." I clarified to her.
   "...how big are we talking about? The one you have at home is already enormous." Serafall asked with a gulp.
   "My total production speed went up by 300% after it was done. Latia, how is land acquisition coming along?" I asked the blonde next to my left.
   "You build your house in the national reserve... the processing facility in a forest which we've already acquired, the launching pad is in quite a remote area which was quite easy to get. The portion of the railway which you want to build outside; I acquired some of the land. But quite a bit is owned by other people. Not to mention the coastline... you can't buy any of that. Your nation only has 39 kilometres of sea access and you decided to build the docks right on the national reserve... again..." Latia gave her report with an eye roll. 
   "We can always get people to move out. Offer money, if they don't want to move, offer money again, with hypnosis to boost. And the docks... I'm going to build them underground then." I said with a casual shrug.
   "You...truly want your railway that much?" Latia asked me with a bit of disbelief.
   "I do. It helps me relax and think of things in these short journeys that I take." I explained to her as we arrived at the train platform.
   3
   Moments later the white and soft bronze coloured maglev train arrived. Right on time. Well, since it is controlled by my Aurora, the train was prepared right around the time I decided to go to the new area.
   Moments later the doors slid open with a hiss. The train's interior looked quite similar to the commercial ones used by regular people, the difference was, it's extremely cutting edge and personally made so. Holograms are all over it.
   If this was a public one, one can assume these holograms would be used to advertise products and other things.
   For now, I just use them for decorations...
   [This is the base. The train is bound for the Space Centre. The next stop is the Space Centre.]
   Both girls looked at me after hearing the announcement done by the robotic version of Aurora. Well, I did use her prototype voice for this.
   "What? I am sticking with the roles. All the trains have an announcement system." I said with an eye roll.
   "... You are the only one who is using it. I don't see the reason why you need to go that far for this." Latia said with a sigh.
   "For now. Yes, only me. But, soon enough it will be my army or you girls. We will see..." As I said that, they both just eye-rolled at me.
   Well, once I disable the teleportation trick we're gonna see then...
   5
   Anyways, we got comfortable as the train started to move. Well, it took some time for the pair to even realise that the train had moved.
   "So-tan told me that Rias got that Hyoudou brat as a Pawn. It took them a year and a half to find him. I don't know if I should be impressed or disappointed that it took them so long." Serafall mentioned something to me which I had completely forgotten about.
   "Hmm? Well, that took some time." I brushed my finger and a window screen appeared in front of me. I quickly accessed the Diamond Core Hearts menu and went to the one installed in Kuoh.
   2
   I did a quick overview, the system is up to date. With several hacking attempts, which is amusing on its own. Some 'smart' devils tried to hack the console. 
   Without any success, of course. After all, it's controlled by a sadistic A.I. Quinella terrified the shit out of them when she sealed their magic. After that, the hacking stopped. To a certain extent...
   Some lunatics tried either way. Still though Sona took care of these retarded people. Once again this reminded me how stupid people are in this place.
   After checking the system, I went over the logs and found how Rias got her Pawn. It was quite straightforward.
   "And this is how you abandon your humanity... Rias only needed to smile and mention that he can get his harem. And so Issei Hyoudou became a devil..." I showed them the recording that the Diamond Heart Core did.
   A small chat between Rias and Hyoudou. The brown-haired kid had a perverted smile on his face the whole time.
   The Gremory Heiress quite easily persuaded him to join.
   "Why would Rias want this pervert? One could see how he undresses her with his eyes. Is he that valuable?" Latia said with a distasteful frown.
   With casual hand motion, I showed her the Sacred Gear he has.
   "The Red Dragon Emperor... I see... but how valuable is he truly now with your existence here? I mean, to have someone this...perverted and barely restrained looking..." 
   Whoa, Latia is not holding back at all. Is she that distasteful towards perverts? No wonder I know nothing of her. She most likely barely made it into the books as it is...
   6
   "Nothing much by this point. It only has Boost and Transfer. The Balance Breaker and Juggernaut Drive disappeared after the maintenance was done." Serafall said from my other side.
   6
   "Then it's just average gear at best. Not worthy enough to experience a perverted gaze like that!" Latia said with a frown.
   "Rias is an exhibitionist, you can imagine she likes being stared at, like that," I said with a shrug.
   12
   "Eh? She is? I didn't know that!" The black-haired devil on my right shouted.
   "Yep. So, she most likely likes being gazed at like that." 
   The blonde shivered hearing that.
   "I see... I guess...she has her own taste and I have mine." She snuggled into me while saying that.
   6
   "Well. At least now I am getting more valuable data from her. Her progress as well as her peerage's progress is much more fascinating to obverse."
   "But, you don't even observe it! Only now did you do it!" Serafall said with a pout.
   "And it's more than enough. Quinella gives me a summary of what Gremory and Sitri did over the period. It's more than enough." I explained to the pouting girl. Showing her the summary windows.
   It's, quite simply, statistics... with some things being pointed out.
   "You know... having the hard work done into numbers like this doesn't quite show the amount of effort they put in." She still argued. And with another hand swipe, I showed her another statistic which is the effort level...
   "You have an answer to everything don't you?" She pouted more at me.
   "If I don't, I am sure my A.I. has it or is working on it. It's like having an army of researchers working with me at all times." I said that with a smile and she just huffed back. Not realising that it's pointless for her to argue about this. Assuming she wants to goad me into getting some more stuff for Sona as the girl has been working quite hard. I mean truly hard for the past several weeks. If she is trying this hard she will develop her Balance Breaker soon enough and with it, she will enter into the realms of Early Ultimate Class being.
   1
   [Next station is the Space Centre. The train terminates here.] Hearing the announcement, I closed the holographic window and got ready to move. 
   4
   The pair followed after me. Moments later the train doors opened and we exited into an identical-looking station. With the difference being a much larger corridor which leads out of the station.
   This is so that a large number of beings could walk from the train to the platform. Then again I could simply just use the space abilities I am synthesising from Caliburn.
   The problem with that, however, is that Caliburn power works only with motion not when there is no motion. Quite easily solvable, simply by separating those two but, that opens up another can of worms.
   I could use Teleportation. But again, if one uses it a lot it can be traced back. So, until the proper method is invented I will just use my train network which is a fast method of transportation. And I am not thinking about excuses here...
   4
   Simply facts...
   1
   A very short walk through the corridor and we've arrived at an extremely wide-open area. If one were to glance at the ceiling, they could barely see it as it's around 300 metres away.
   And a portion of the ceiling can be opened.
   "This is quite a big area! Are you going to build space ships here!?" Serafall jokingly asked me.
   "Space stations and Airships and yes, eventually spaceships, if need be. But by that point, they can be assembled in space." I explained in a very casual tone.
   3
   Sera's blue eyes widened to a comical level.
   "You... I was only joking... I thought you were joking back when you showed your plan. I thought it was going to take you years to reach this point." She said while shaking her head.
   "Joking? Don't be silly. Why would I joke about something I can build?" Her words were quite amusing to me. Why would I be joking? Space is quite the fascinating place to explore. The possibilities are endless to explore and build from it.
   10
   "Anyways, some work has already started. Quinella already is working on Ars Almadel Salomonis." I motioned for them to follow me.
   14
   This place, one can imagine, is like a very empty hangar with lots of lights on the walls. Those are Realitus Holographic projectors. The walls can move and be arranged depending on the project this place is working on.
   At the moment, the labour bots are currently working at the heart of my space station.
   "That... sounds quite ominous..." Serafall said with a gulp.
   "You don't name things after Solomon... unless it's something big, I can imagine..." Latia said with a slightly sweaty forehead.
   "You are right. Because it is going to be a around-370 metres long space station. Half of it will be the Rail system." I motioned with my hand and a holographic window appeared showing the design for the space station.
   [Apsos-class station]
   10
   ['Ars Almadel Salomonis']
   13
   When they saw the image they paled. Probably because it looks like a massive space gun. 
   9
   "It's a massive space gun... are you planning on bombarding any nuisance out of the way with this?" Latia asked with wide eyes as she realised that was exactly what I was going to do. And yes, I will be erasing anything out of my way instead of sending my army to deal with it.
   10
   After all, they exist only to collect loot for me, not fight wars...
   4
   "Part of it, yes, as the name Apsos stands for All Purpose Space Observation Station. Meaning it can send drones, scale mails down to Earth and continue to upgrade itself with the latest innovation.
   1
   Though, there is still some time away until it's ready. At the moment they are working on the heart of it. The station will have four Diamond Core Hearts.
   Four Assembly lines, two hangar bays for drones, and Scale mails or space variation of the Starscream models, human habitable areas, observation deck, and of course the main Rail gun.
   The main gun itself will have a revolver function which allows it to shoot different variations of load from P.O.D to Healing abilities, and of course, if people piss me off the ICBM version of it. Bringing a country to the stone age. With mere words... maybe even with a mere thought in the future...
   12
   Anyways, In future, it will also have docking capabilities for the spaceships. It will most likely be much bigger in future. The new airship, which is still in the planning stages, is going to be around 250 metres. So the station needs to be around a kilometre long." I said with a thoughtful look, thinking about the models for space exploration. Well, I have not thought about it, yet.
   1
   "By the way girls. Did you know that there is no magic in space?" I asked the pair who are looking extra pale after seeing Ars Almadel Salomonis. Well, it was supposed to be awe-inspiring. So, I will let this one slide.
   14
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   My Discord server for advanced chapters:
   https://discord.gg/hvzgBJg4ss
   Along with the advanced chapters, there are also a lot of other fanfics I wrote and did not upload to Webnovel.
   Chapters are coming out Monday, Wednesday and Friday around 9:00 AM British time.
  
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   Chapter 25: 'Perfect' Human
   14
   Quinella had finally done it! The Aurora Artificial Intelligence has massively accelerated the analysis of the data after that 3% disaster, she has expanded her processing abilities again with another expansion.
   After her Master's third session there was a 4.5% chance of miscalculation. Which drives her even more nuts. Thankfully by the fourth session, the expansion of the processing facility was done.
   1
   And she only encountered a 2.5% chance of miscalculation this time around. Satisfying her somewhat. But, now...
   The last session was up and his whole group had gathered to see the 'final form' of their Master.
   2
   "Did you ladies feel it?" Serafall asked with wide eyes.
   "Yes, Master's magic just eclipsed ours..." Grayfia said with wide eyes, before smiling in satisfaction.
   1
   Now she is serving a more powerful being... in raw power. And that just fills her with more satisfaction in her gut.
   5
   Soon enough the chemicals were drained out from the chemical room and the doors opened themselves.
   2
   Slowly their Master walked out from the room. All the females who saw him just gulped down. 
   1
   Quinella could not take it anymore and started walking forward towards him, her steps were still elegant as she quickly arrived in front of him.
   Her hand quickly went up and towards his hair. She swiftly brushed it back.
   [Yes~~~ Now this is more to my liking. Master~~~ You now officially look super hot!] She announced with a silly grin.
   "Hmm?" 
   "Damn... Whoa! He totally looks similar to him!" Serafall said with wide eyes. Her cheeks got slightly red.
   "Who?" Latia asked, her eyes, however, stayed on her boyfriend.
   "Aizen Sosuke from Bleach! Our Master has a similar physique now and his facial expression has similar sharpness even his gaze is similar!" As Serafall was describing her Master, she got slightly hot.
   22
   "...Okay... I have no idea who he is...but from the looks of it, he is quite something..."
   "He is a supervillain, an evil scientist, and a genius... does that ring any bells?" Serafall asked with an eye roll. She can't believe this girl doesn't know Bleach!
   2
   "Oh... I see. You see similarities between our Master and him." Latia said with a knowing look. The black-haired devil quickly called a holographic window, went to Google and showed the image of the supervillain.
   "...Yes. Similar but our Master is more handsome." The blonde said with a dreamy look.
   1
   "I know! He could easily cosplay as *the* Aizen Sosuke if he wanted to!" Serafall said in a dreamy tone.
   By this point, Latia had already ignored her and instead went to approach her boyfriend.
   Back to Marcus who heard all that, he called forth a holographic window and turned it into a mirror as he inspected himself in it.
   "Hoh. I see what you mean." The teen said softly but, for some reason, the whole group, except for Quinella, turned slightly weird hearing his voice.
   9
   His voice was not loud, it was soft, but it commanded some sort of power to it.
   Quinella grinned from ear to ear. She was thinking that this would happen! This time it was a victory to her and not the genetics! 
   A Human's DNA is extremely complex as it went through evolution for thousands if not millions of years, unlike the supernatural which is created from beliefs or other machinations of powerful beings. Like, for example, Angels and Devils. They were the creations of powerful beings.
   4
   So, it's not that complex that they are already in the apex of their given form. Not much improvement is possible for them.
   Quinella went through Artemis's DNA countless times. Trying to understand Greek Gods. Trying to find something more. And in the end, she always comes up with the same conclusion.
   2
   They are beings shaped by humanity, and ultimately, there was no Supernatural before humanity. Nothing specific was uncovered. The earliest known Pantheons were the Mesopotamian, the Hindus, and the Egyptians with their records going quite far.
   14
   There are exceptions though. Like the Heavenly Dragons, the True Dragons or the Dragon Gods. Even the so-called Primordials Gods are not older than these living draconic energies.
   5
   In other words, their God bodies have already reached their apex and there was nothing more for them to evolve. Unlike the humans who are shaped and affected by the nature around them.
   What the Silver-haired assistant did was quite simple. She dug deep into her Master's DNA. Went to the earliest possible record. Once located, she unleashes it, re-doing that for every single piece.
   2
   The artificial intelligence overwrote all the downsides that human comforts did to her Master's body. All the weaknesses were eliminated. Once that was done his body was at the level of a human. The most primal in the sense of evolution.
   24
   The senses at its peak, the mind at its sharpest. The muscles are at the most ready. Once that was achieved, she then released all the limiters.
   5
   Once the limiters were gone; it was the time when his DNA was at its most active. The evolution has begun. This is where Quinella truly showed her mastery over genetics.
   She has put her Master's adaptability to the maximum possible. Pushing the gene to borderline breaking point. With max adaptability, she was able to then add things from other beings' genes. Like the enormous magic reserves of the Gods, the sharp senses of a predator, not too much though as she still wanted him to be human. So, balance was still needed. So, while he had the senses of a predator it was not to the point where he would start stalking people like a predator.
   14
   The most groundbreaking change she made was to add the adaptability of a Stray devil which was to the point of mutation. It was a magic based phenomenon that affects the human body. What Quinella did however was analyse it and rework it to fit with her Master's adaptability.
   1
   She made it so that it becomes what people know as 'Zenkai' boost. The new body of her Master receives the damage and his DNA reacts to this damage, it adapts to it and evolves. Raising its magical power to meet this new threat.
   27
   In other words. What she has made of her Master is a 'perfect' human. A human without any limits.
   12
   It's so great that even the devil ladies who heard his voice felt a tingle in their very being. They knew they were standing in front of something impossible to exist in this modern age and time.
   "I do look like him. Quite fascinating. I would even call it a machination of yours." Marcus put his hand on his assistant's chin. Pulling her closer.
   "Was it one of your machinations? My beautiful little vixen?" Quinella stupidly nodded multiple times to his questions. Her human processors tried to understand what she just experienced.
   The only result she got was that she needs a human body to properly comprehend this...
   1
   The rest of the group also tried to understand what they were feeling.
   Even Venelana was biting her lower lip. Her mind turned traitorous. The more she thinks about it the more she desires to test her Master's proficiency in certain activities. 
   8
   However, she doesn't just want it to be a simple session, no. After all, she is a Devil of the Bael family. For now, she will just observe him closely.
   5
   While the other devil ladies who saw the changed Master of theirs could only lick their lips. This was... the Artificial Intelligence truly delivered on that promise to make their Master better!
   "I see... you did quite nicely. Nonetheless, you are not allowed to hide things from me. Assuming you also altered some of my looks?"
   [I-I-I didn't! T-The only machination I could think about... is... wait! I didn't even do anything! I followed the protocol to the letter!] Quinella huffed as she rapidly went through everything with her enormous processing capacity.
   "So, you are telling me this is my natural look?" Marcus raised his eyebrow as he inspected himself.
   He clenched his hand and swiftly channelled his magic.
   A bright white aura surrounded him at that moment as he called for his enormous amount of magic.
   2
   Both Serafall and Grayfia gulped down with disbelief. Their top power was insignificant to this... Serafall could only fight her Master in this case with her Eternity Drive Balance Breaker.
   This means Marcus was at least a Super Devil Class being just from raw magic power.
   5
   "So, this is it? Quite impressive." 
   [I just clocked you at 85% of that of the Red Dragon Emperor at his prime. From the readings we got from the Boosted Gear. And the strength of the soul reading.] Quinella said with a thoughtful look. Still though, she can't believe her Master made her go through that embarrassing moment!
   2
   "I see... we will go through extensive tests later on." Marcus softly said that. He looked at the mirror for a second. His facial expression slowly morphed into that of a smile. A smile of someone who knows things. A very familiar smile which was always on the face of a certain genius villain from Bleach.
   12
   ~~~~~~Marcus~~~~~~
   Once again I looked at myself in the mirror. I just went through a whole bunch of scans. 
   All my vitals were perfect. The blood samples were scanned and analysed by Quinella. The beauty had 0% miscalculation this time which she was extremely smug about.
   I already tried out some basic things. Like, for example, how long it takes for a simple finger  cut to heal.
   There was no improvement in my first session. As it was just fixing inherited things. The second one showed me a 30% increase in rapid healing. In the third it was 50% from base humans. In the fourth it was 150%. And in the last one, it was around 1000%. Well, the speed was near instantaneous.
   4
   Another funny thing happened, I was almost immune to cuts from sharp things right after I'd cut myself in the finger...
   Meaning my body adapted to sharp things... 
   10
   [Well, you are in 'perfect' health. The genetic alterations are... Well, they are not there anymore... it's like your body was always like this... the natural adaptability assimilated those changes and accepted them as it is. Strange... I will most likely figure this one out and add it to the S.P.B.A... quite interesting.]  
   4
   I nodded at her. It seems that my body adapted to the modification and accepted them as better alternatives. 
   1
   Thinking for a bit, I called forth touki. A familiar golden white-ish aura surrounded me, the life force energy was even denser than before.
   The power which comes directly from the lifeforce, quite a strange concept. The more 'perfect' my body was, the more I could channel it. I unlocked it after the third session. It got denser followed by the fourth. And now it was like a fire surrounding me.
   2
   How this is connected to body and life is still something I need to do some research on.
   It most likely reacted to my non-existing lifespan.
   5
   Well, we will see what it does later on.
   Now, I have magic and Touki. And I could feel that there was something more which I could access. It was like a paper-thin layer that was there keeping me away from whatever this was.
   15
   'Well, I will figure this one out soon enough.' 
   Once the checks were done I dressed up again and Quinella brought me the tray with my rings...
   I noticed there was an extra one...
   "This is?"
   I picked up the golden ring that was the same-looking as the rest. But, my senses were telling me there was something else.
   I know my rings from looks alone, and my magic sense tells me their true nature as well. For example, the Ring of Destruction felt like an endless abyss and the end of things. While my Ring of Focus felt like my maths classroom back from school... it has a sort of vibe to it...
   2
   The Ring of Storage felt like the basement where you keep your fruits over the winter. And this... this felt like distorted space...
   [I have finished this ring when you were going through your last session. I thought it would be a good gift to you.] She said with a small visible blush on her cheeks.
   "Oh... now that is a nice gift!" I said with quite a giddy tone. I could not remember the last time I got such a good gift!
   3
   [The Ring of Space, as you've probably guessed. This ring holds the principle of space magic, control and manipulation. The problem however, as you can guess, is the control. But, with your enchanted capacities, alongside the Ring of Focus, you should be able to manipulate it however you want.] She explained to me while I looked at the ring between my fingers.
   10
   I was inspecting the runesmith. The Lord of Rings holds nothing on what my Quinella could do.
   "Which finger does it goes on?" I asked her after finishing my inspection.
   [Left-hand, middle finger.] 
   After hearing which finger it goes on, I immediately put it on. That moment, I felt like another filter just went through me. I could see things brighter?
   [Don't try to rip space here, Master, you can't do it here.] Quinella said simply with a knowing and deadpan look.
   "I see...so, this is how locked space looks like. I can see it now."
   [Indeed. I suggest practising space magic where space is not locked and it's nowhere in our backyard I am afraid.] She said with a sad tone.
   "Quite the sadist... giving such a toy to me and not letting me use it? I don't know how I should feel about that." I said while shaking my head in fake disappointment.
   [...Gah! Don't you dare! I was not the one who decided to lock space so that no creepy space monsters could enter into our home country! And you know it!] She pointed her finger at me with a blushing look.
   4
   "Right... I forgot that... I suppose you are not so sadistic towards me after all." I shook my head with an amused smile, remembering that part quite perfectly.
   [Y-Y-You... are messing with me! So, this is what it is... ] She said that with a realised look.
   [Just you wait! I will have my revenge!] She told me with a cute pout.
   8
   A regular human should be terrified. But, I was the one who programmed her basic functions. This means her revenge will be that of either seduction which leads to teasing. Or, a similar type of teasing...
   Well, it will be fascinating to see her do such things.
   ~~~
   After the check-ups, I went to the testing room. I wanted to test some of my basic strengths. The leap in fundamental strength was enormous.
   "Right... Serafall, we are going to do some basic fighting."
   "Eh? EH? Are you planning to kill me!? Your power is off the charts!!!" Serafall shook her head.
   *Sigh*
   "I said the basics... try using your water powers on me," I said with a shrug. I am not planning some Battle of Fates like Dragon Ball Z has or something like that...
   3
   "Fine! You should get used to some physical activity!" Serafall raised her hand and a Leviathan circle appeared. Moments later, a large amount of water manifested, like a torrent, it rushed towards me.
   3
   Honestly... I've never fought properly in my life before... but in this situation? Something just clicked for me. The moment the water torrent was in front of me, I grabbed it with magic pouring from me. 
   And just like that, with a simple spin, I sent that torrent of water back, flying towards Serafall who was looking at me with disbelief.
   She only had a few moments to dodge it. Very embarrassingly she jumped out of the way.
   "What was that!? It's like you just used Kankara on me just now!" The black-haired devil exclaimed with a pouty tone. She slowly got up on her feet moments later.
   "Kankara? Not quite...or was it? I don't know how Ajuka's magic works, but I calculated the amount of magic you sent me and used the same amount to capture it. Then I calculated the best way to redirect it." I explained to her.
   "That does sound quite similar to my uncle's Kankara. But, it's not. Master was able to do it because his magic nature is neutral. And he was able to, quite easily, adapt to the water." Latia said from a distance. I could see some sweat on her forehead. Assuming she felt quite out of place with the amount of power being thrown around.
   "...Doesn't change the fact that his fighting style is similar!" Serafall huffed and created several balls of ice and started shooting at me...
   4
   'This girl... she needs some spanking!' 
   Less than a second later I started slapping the ice balls away like some paper planes. And started walking forward towards the slightly panicking-looking beauty.
   8
   Before long she started taking steps back while still trying to do something with her water and ice powers. By this point, she was going overboard and I could use Ars Goetia to calm her down. But, this situation requires some direct intervention.
   After all of her attacks got slapped away, I was now in front of her, and behind her  was a wall. In simpler words... she was cornered. My left hand moved quickly and grabbed both of her hands and lifted them above her. Pinning her in place.
   While with my right hand I grabbed her chin and made her look directly at me.
   *Nervous Gulp*
   "Did I permit you to use anything else apart from water?" I asked her while my gaze was directly on her blue eyes.
   2
   " 'So...hot!' "
   "Hmm?" 
   What was that? Did I just hear her voice in my head? 
   I looked at her more. I could feel...something more...another energy flowing in me...
   "...Master your eyes... they just went through something..." Serafall said with wide eyes. I, for a moment, kept staring at her.
   " 'Those look like Innovator eyes! Is that for real? That stuff can happen in real life!?' "
   11
   Did I just read her mind? Psionic powers? Is this psionic energy I am feeling?
   Without wasting much time I released her from my hold and I could 'hear' her inner pouting.
   My eyes went towards Latia and I could hear her intellectual inner self talking.
   " 'Marcus is truly powerful now. I should start my training soon so I won't be left behind like this.' " 
   Heh, even inner monologues are like that.
   Then I called for a holographic window and turned it into a mirror. Moments later, I looked at myself. My eyes widened seeing electricity flowing through my irises 
   5
   The pupil was the same, only that the iris got duller and now electricity was flowing through them, the eyes even had some sort of glow to them, assuming they could now glow in the dark.
   5
   What was more fascinating was that, the moment this new energy, which I believe is psionic, calmed down, my original eyes returned to how they were before.
   "What was that? Did you just turn into an Innovator!?" Serafall asked with disbelief.
   "In a way... I can feel another type of energy now. And I can access it too." I explained to her as I started channelling this energy. I feel that I could quite easily mould it with Touki...
   "No...way... isn't it like your third energy now?" Serafall exclaimed with disbelief.
   "I don't even know if there even existed someone who could have this many energies inside a single body!" The black-haired Satan said to herself and I could hear it quite easily now. My mind-reading is rapidly progressing. Which is quite the convenient power.
   2
   "Yes... it would seem it's psionic of some sort. I think I will be able to do things with my mind now." 
   "Like mind reading? Feeling emotions? Telekinesis, telepathy..." Serafall started listing all the things I could now probably do with her otaku knowledge.
   "Yeah... that sort of thing. For now, you two go back to the workshop and observe my test from there. I will be running a simulation." I said with a thoughtful look. Thankfully I can truly let loose in my simulations and see how much damage I can do with it.
   "O-Okay..."
   I could feel how Serafall pouted internally for not keeping her like this. While Latia was much more understanding. The blonde walked over to the black-haired Satan and started pulling her out of the room.
   Once they are gone. I took a deep breath for a second.
   "Begin simulation. New type of energy testing. Send me to New York, Aurora." 
   [Understood. I am transferring 2% of total processing power to this. It should be enough to gather and analyse enough data for it.] 
   My eyebrow slightly went up... 2% is quite a lot. With the amount of processing power. Even 1% is enough to design, simulate, and test new technology.
   1
   So, two is double that...
   4
   [Beginning simulation.]
   [Activating Hard Light projection]
   [Dispersing Realitus Particles]
   [Light Prism Online]
   [Simulating starting!]
   Moments later the surroundings started to shift... buildings getting constructed, the white ceiling transformed into blue skies and I could feel a slight breeze, a shift in temperature.
   A few seconds later I could hear cars, people talking. Sounds of traffic and smell of petrol...
   'Uhhh, as primitive as one could get.' I furrowed my eyebrows smelling that. 
   As much as I loved the internal combustion engine. I got rid of it as quickly as I could in my previous life.
   1
   Still though, I am not here for cars...
   ~~~~~~Inside Simulation~~~~~~
   The simulation was extremely realistic... to the point where every single NPC had a personality. Marcus' appearance, a man in a lab coat with an extremely dashing appearance. instantly got the attention of some of the passing-by females.
   1
   Not that this fascination lasted long as he soon walked over to the closest building and put his hand on it.
   Second, after his weird behaviour, the building's windows exploded. Making all the people scream from fear as they started running away from that place.
   Moments later, the building walls started to crack... Those cracks soon spread throughout the whole building before it then exploded in all directions.
   The blast was quite powerful, sending cars flying as well as damaging the other buildings.
   Before long a purple aura surrounded Marcus as all the cars and remnants of buildings started to float. Their shapes were forcefully changed, going through several different shapes. Stopping at a dagger-like shape. 
   3
   Once the changes were done to these constructs, they were sent flying into the tallest skyscraper in the vicinity.
   2
   Shredding a portion of the building in the distance. This caused the top of the skyscraper to start falling into the streets below.
   Not long after that, dust clouds started to spread through the streets. 
   Purple energies easily blasted the dust away as more buildings started to rise from the ground...
   This time he was pulling them out with the foundations as a whole. Buildings with multiple floors and sizes were pulled out like they were built from paper instead of concrete and bricks...
   Then they started to squeeze into themselves, forcefully breaking down and shrinking into perfect balls of concrete, steel, bricks.
   "Hmmm, I am getting a hang of this. Aurora, send an opponent for me."
   [Any preference?]
   "None. Impress me."
   1
   [Sure thing.]
   Around thirty seconds later, Marcus heard a loud whistling sound... before a fist rammed into his face.
   3
   The teen's eyes widened as he felt his body being sent flying, like a ragdoll going through several rows of buildings...eventually going through the liberty statue like a hot knife going through butter.
   Marcus snapped from his shock as pain soon washed through his body. He flipped over creating a platform on which he grabbed himself, stopping in the middle of New York Bay.
   His eyes scanned the area. Finding the one who punched him.
   "Seriously? Aurora? You're sending Superman after me?" Marcus asked with wide eyes.
   5
   [Not just any Superman. According to my calculations, he could easily fight in the top 3 of the World's Strongest Beings. If you can beat him then you are on that list.] The A.I. smugly said to him, goading him to fight against this augmented Superman.
   10
   "Heh... I see... I guess let's aim for that position. For once... let's do things the old fashion way." As the teen inventor said that he slowly stood up, his spine and neck already fixed itself and he stretched out.
   2
   "That one... I quite felt it." He said to the famous comic book hero who'd just arrived in front of him.
   "I punched you as hard as I could. I am quite impressed that you are that durable." The Earth's strongest Hero said with disbelief.
   "I was not... now I am, however." Marcus said as he started to float on his own. 
   Purple aura surrounded him as it slowly started to form into a flaming one, a second later, particles of all sorts of things started to float around him as well.
   At the moment, he had just successfully combined all three energies. and he soon started powering himself up with this new power,a new type of energy.
   2
   And the world around them started to shake. The hero in front of Marcus, by this point, was tired of waiting and rushed forward, preparing to punch again.
   1
   This time, teen himself met the punch with his own.
   The collision sent shockwaves throughout the whole area. Marcus grimaced as he felt his right hand just break.
   He quickly swept with his left, sending a space rent. A distorted slash of space.
   The blue spandex-wearing hero quickly dodged this with his inhuman speed. Pity that he forgot that behind him was one of the world's biggest cities.
   The space rent easily cut through almost all the skyscrapers in Manhattan, flying somewhere into New Jersey cutting through more buildings in its path.
   4
   "NOOO! You bastard!" Superman exclaimed with wide eyes as he realised what just happened. Fury manifested in his eyes as the Superhero rushed forward. Marcus quickly meets him midair as the battle of super speed and super strength send more shockwaves through the whole area.
   1
   Marcus' insane adaptability kicked in as soon after meeting him head-on, his body started to adapt. As adrenaline was rushing through his body, his mind started working like a computer analysing the movement of the Superhero. While at the same time, finding ways to improve his performance. 
   For this, his mind delved into his memory and started analysing any and all martial arts he encountered throughout his two lives.
   Before he could even realise it, he already knew Taekwondo, Kung Fu, Karate, Judo, Russian ARB...
   3
   And in less than 3 minutes of being outperformed by Superman. Marcus was already fighting back with a multitude of different martial arts.
   With a powerful elbow strike, the teen inventor sends the Earth Greatest Hero flying into the bay of New York.
   The black-haired teen then casually lifted his right hand and a ball of Power of Destruction manifested. He started pouring his new type of energy into  the ball as it rapidly started to grow in size.
   2
   Before long, it could easily block the sun; he then dropped the ball towards the bay.
   "Let's see if you can survive this," Marcus said curiously as he watched the P.O.D, like a meteorite, descend into the bay.
   Moments later the explosion evaporated as all the water in the area was instantly erased and portions of New York were gone.
   "Hmm..."
   The teen eyes widened for a second.
   As Superman was right in front of him. His cape was half gone, there were minor injuries with some bleeding on him. Like a cut eyebrow and some missing pieces of his spandex.
   "No wonder you have the title 'Man of steel'. That blast had enough power to erase any lesser being." Marcus said with disbelief seeing that this dude tanked the blast! For a second he thought Quinella was pulling a leg for him. But, that's against her programming.
   The Earth's mightiest Hero looked around and saw the state of the city. He frowned deeply.
   "Let's change our battling grounds. I am sure space will fit us better than this." As he said that Superman rushed up to leave the planet.
   1
   Marcus rolled his eyes for a second and ignited his purple aura rushing forward with similar speed to superman.
   Moments later, they were in space. Below them was the blue planet.
   "Let's end this!" The superhero roared with a furious look, he was not holding back at all this time and Marcus met him head-on.
   Before long, another fistfight started which sent shockwaves easily felt by the people below on the planet.
   9
   Nonetheless, Superman instantly noticed that he was losing even in direct contact with the sun. Marcus' progress in martial arts was pushing the hero back.
   A single slip was that was needed and the black-haired teen smashed his fist powered by P.O.D into the spandex-wearing hero's gut.
   The blast sent the guy flying but the teen was already waiting for him on the other side. He grabbed superman by the head and used his space ring to appear on the moon.
   He slammed into the moon with enough force to create a massive crater.
   ' "I would like to see how you can survive it at point-blank range. Space and destruction at the same time..." ' Marcus said directly into his mind with his psionic powers.
   3
   And in the next moment the moon that was orbiting Earth for millions of years was shattered into pieces by a blast of black and red energy.
   3
   ~~~~~~Workshop~~~~~~
   Serafall and Latia were watching the battle with shell shocked looks. They had a chance to see their Master truly going all out the old fashion way.
   Against one of the most famous heroes in Earth's History of comic books! 
   Even Latia knew who he was and she didn't read much comics! Nonetheless, it was an awesome battle and harshly reminded them of how insanely powerful their Master got through this!
   The most shocked of them all was Venelana who was in the background watching all this with disbelief.
   This was a movie, not a battle! How can that room even tank this much damage!?
   "Seriously... how adaptable is he!? Superman broke his spine and neck! He recovered nearly instantly after it! Not only that but he started utilising Martial Arts through the middle of the fistfight! 
   And it only got better through the next few exchanges!" Serafall said with wide eyes.
   [That is why my Master and Creator is the 'perfect' human being!] Quinella said with a happy tone. What she saw was simply gorgeous! She took a bunch of pictures of her hot Master!
   12
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   My Discord server for advanced chapters:
   https://discord.gg/hvzgBJg4ss
   Along with the advanced chapters, there are also a lot of other fanfics I wrote and did not upload to Webnovel.
   2
   Chapters are coming out Monday, Wednesday and Friday around 9:00 AM British time.
  
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   Chapter 26: The Hunt Arrives
   16
   "Hi" Regular Speech
   'Hi' Thought
   "(Hi)" Marcus's mechanically synthesised voice
   ' "Hi" ' Marcus talking into someone's mind
   " 'Hi' " Marcus reading someone's mind
   [Hi] Quinella/Aurora talking
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   [The moment Master left the chemical room chamber he was already in the ranking of the Top 10 World Strongest Beings.]
   [This list, I may add, was created to measure a being's sheer raw strength and not their versatility or abilities.]
   [At that point Master's strength was around 85% that of the Red Dragon Emperor at its peak.]
   11
   Quinella explained to the group who were watching the battle between Marcus and Superman. Or well, the end of it.
   The moon was gone and countless large asteroids slammed into the planet below. Ending nations, starting another ice age. The consequences of such sparing are immeasurable. That's why they should only be done inside a simulation like this.
   [At his spar with Satan Leviathan, Master started showing his adaptability by unlocking Psionic powers. Thus unlocking his third energy. I was measuring his power at that moment, which went up]
   The artificial intelligence explained as she showed the statistics of Marcus' progress.
   "His power went up to 95% of the Red Dragon Emperor? What kind of progress is this!?" Serafall asked Quinella. The Leviathan could not comprehend the rate of progress.
   [His body adapted and became a perfect vessel for psionic power. That moment, mastering this new energy and the abilities it gives became child's play for him.] 
   3
   Quinella pulled up another statistic, showing the rate of how quickly he mastered the flow of this power.
   All of them just gulped down seeing this...
   [After the short spar with Serafall, Master entered the simulation and started to get a hang of this new power.]
   [Telekinesis, levitation, psionic blasts... all in less than 10 minutes of acquiring this power.]
   The silver-haired assistant showed images of what he can do and what kind of damage he could do to a city.
   [Now the part where he got even more powerful.] 
   Quinella showed the part where Superman was manifested and Marcus got punched by the spandex-wearing hero.
   "This is where Master got punched and nearly lethally wounded. How could you allow that?" Latia asked with quite an annoyed look as she saw her boyfriend with a broken neck and spine!
   [My protocol doesn't allow me to hurt him in any sense of the word... but, if there is a profit to my Master and Creator with 0% chance of death possibility, I can allow him to get hurt.]
   "There was 0% chance of Superman winning?" Serafall asked with some disbelief in her voice. The guy is so powerful yet there was zero chance for him to win!?
   1
   [While death percentage and victory percentage are two different things. Yes, he had no chance of winning. Because he was Superman. A physical brawler. Our Master needed to face one of these so that his physical parameters could increase.] 
   Everyone instantly got a realising look. They realised that if some sort of range fighter, like Serafall, were to appear before Marcus, then this individual energy would most likely be sealed off... and their Master would just get the bare minimum of benefits.
   That's why, what Marcus faced could be considered his 'weakness'. That's why Quinella goaded him to face Superman in the most direct possible battle. A fistfight. Their Master normally would never face anyone in such... barbaric things.
   1
   That's why it was Superman. An icon, someone he quite dislikes as well. Those pure hero types can be quite annoying. The Artificial Intelligence made sure their Master is facing someone he would get his hands dirty on. So this specific opponent met several criteria.
   2
   [After the hit. His body started to adapt, when his spine and neck healed, his power went up to 200% that of Ddraig's prime!. Then he fused the three types of energies on the fly! Magic, Psionic and Touki. That power-up which shook the whole world, raised his overall power by 400% that of the Heavenly Dragon!]
   4
   Everyone just stared at the statistic with utter bafflement, the gap in between them was less than a few minutes! It was like 2 minutes or something! How can someone grow so strong in such a simple period!
   [The fight itself slowly raised his overall parameters, not just raw power! By the time he went to space, his body adapted to the space environment, meaning, he can now go to space as it is! His resistance went up against the space laws and he is borderline immune to the concept of the Power of Destruction...] 
   9
   Venelana gulped down hearing that. What kind of nonsense is this!?
   3
   She can accept that he can make insane stuff! But now he is even more durable than most of the Gods!?
   1
   Quinella continued explaining as everyone looked at the screen. Showing the dust somewhat spread out around the place where the moon was. Marcus was floating there. With a missing arm and leg. There was no superman left at all. He was turned into space dust from that pinpoint blast.
   3
   What was quite shocking for these ladies, except Quinella, was how rapidly Marcus is regaining his missing limbs.
   Right in front of their eyes. the bones and the flesh recovered at a rapid- near instantaneous pace! And before they knew it, he already had his limbs back.
   5
   Now he was collecting his missing rings, which was also quite insane. It is crazy how they managed to survive the explosion of the moon...
   2
   ~~~~~~Later~~~~~~
   Marcus was sitting on his chair, looking at the holographic windows of what his Diamond Core Heart Network all over his country has recorded for him. And of course, directly streaming back to him.
   Artemis was here. He knew that she was looking for him. The teen inventor didn't need to listen to any sort of news or anything like that to know that she would come after him.
   She is a Greek Goddess with an ego the size of the moon which he blew up, after all. Still, it was kind of hard to get over the fact that he now has this much power. He even beat Superman...
   19
   Anyway, he knew she would come. It was just a matter of time. And it appears it took her nearly half a year to do that.
   According to the huntress's chatter, which was picked up by his surveillance system. They were all over the place... like, checking out the whole Volga river basin. The whole of the Dnieper river basin. The Ural Mountain range... in a nutshell, most of Eastern Europe...
   What truly brought a smile to his face was, he knew they were all going to check the biggest places on the map first. Leaving the smaller ones for the last.
   Marcus checked the images he got of the trio main huntresses. His eyes stayed on them for a bit.
   "You know...I've always wanted to have a lion. Quite the majestic animal. The King of the jungle, the only known feline family which lives in groups. Quite the fascinating animal." 
   12
   He had a pair of beauty with him as only one of them-because the other was a holographic projection-slightly twitched, hearing what he'd just said. 
   "Especially, when one of them is half a beautiful huntress."
   1
   The black-haired teen's girlfriend looked on with quite a bit of a perplexed look as she saw the group of females walking on his lands.
   "Atalanta. This huntress has been serving under Artemis for as long as I can remember. What do you have in mind for her?"
   [Their entry into our lands is happening at quite an annoying time. We are only days away from our invasion!] Quinella said with a pissed look. If it was her, she would have already sent out those newly created border drones.
   "Come now. Their arrival here helped us find a crucial mistake we have with our neutral magic security."
   [Yes. I suppose that is true. If this is accurate then Heaven, and most likely Norse, knows that we exist here.] The silver-haired assistant said with a disappointed look. She was disappointed in herself-that she didn't pick this up earlier.
   "It's irrelevant now. It was crucial in the early stages. Now it's pointless. Hmm... we are going to do this. Most of the huntresses are spread out throughout the nation." With a hand wave, a map of his country appeared on a separate holographic window.
   Everyone could see that the huntresses had descended from the North.
   "From the looks of it. They have spread into three groups. Hippolyta leading in the west towards the sea. Atalanta leading in the east towards mainland Europe. Leaving the third group under Artemis in the direction of the centre of the nation. 
   While Artemis is closest to us. We will capture the other groups first. And goad Artemis with them." Marcus said the last part with a sadistic smile.
   "Any reasons why? She wants you to fight her in a skills alone battle. There is no way she could beat you as you are right now." Latia said with a slightly frustrated look. She is smart enough to understand what is going on.
   Beings like Artemis have a way to pull a man's pride. Simply enough, Marcus wants to prove to her... well some of his sadism is mixed in with it, but he wants to prove that he is superior to her and that she should be under him, and by this point, in all types of the sense.
   Yes, this time Artemis is not getting away. No, this time Marcus is keeping her to himself. But, first things first. He is going to make her understand that she should not have come here to look for him!
   8
   "Wait for nighttime. and then bring my pet to me." Marcus said seriously to his assistant.
   10
   [Of course. I will help you tame this pet as well. Lion or not she will serve you well.] Quinella said simply with crossed arms. What she said sounded like an already done thing. Even though the huntress was not even retrieved yet.
   6
   Latia didn't even have a chance to ask how they were going to capture one of the greatest huntresses in the known world and history...
   "And Latia, Artemis will be getting her duel or whatever skill competition she wants. That's of course after I have captured all of her Huntresses." Marcus explained to the blonde with a smile.
   She could only nod. Now the devil girl was wondering how this Goddess is going to affect the overall situation, the hierarchy of this place.
   The Astaroth Pillar knows pretty well that Artemis is not leaving this place after she gets captured. And if the Greek Pantheon complains... Well, then most likely there will be fewer Pantheons in the world... 
   18
   ~~~
   The sound of alarms spread through the barracks of S.P.B.A. The headquarters of Marcus' personal army was on full alert.
   Several thousand armoured soldiers lined up perfectly in the main area. Not far from them, on the runway, the Starscream Jet Fighters were getting prepared for the launch. Next to them were the gunships getting prepared for their mission as well.
   8
   Their job is to carry the soldiers to the battlefield.
   A few moments later polygons gathered in one place and Quinella appeared there.
   4
   [Gather up. Your first mission as soldiers of our Master is here! It's called Operation: Capture the lion. Your job is to capture one of Goddess Artemis' huntresses. This operation will be carried out...]
   6
   Artificial Intelligence created a holographic window with the map of the city where Atalanta is currently approaching with her squad. What the silver-haired assistant wants is for S.P.B.A. to hunt them down in the city.
   The city will be in a lockdown state and it will become a hunting ground for the soldiers of Marcus Goldman. Quinella realised that she can use this nuisance to get some experience and data for their soldiers.
   2
   After giving instructions she disappeared and the soldiers' HUD were updated with instructions.
   Before long, the soldiers boarded their gunships as the end of the runway moved up, the ceiling and changed into a purple translucent barrier, before disappearing completely.
   Moments later, one after another, the Jet Fighters took off. 
   Followed by the gunships, their destination is around 50 kilometres into the east.
   ~~~~~~With Atalanta's group~~~~~~
   "Don't you think this is strange? when we approached the city there were cars, people on the streets, the shops were open... the moment we entered this place they started closing off, people disappeared and the traffic just stopped..." One of the huntresses said as she looked around. She was on edge just like the rest.
   1
   The Lion girl, with a narrowed gaze, looked around. She noticed this some time ago as well. The smell in the air changed... something is going on...
   "Be on guard! The city has just turned into a hunting ground! It appears he has sent someone or something to hunt us down!" Atalanta said after realising what just happened.
   The girls quickly formed into formation as they started looking around, they were extremely on edge. They waited for a bit, but nothing happened.
   This has just annoyed them for some time. Nonetheless, they didn't drop their guard but they could not just stay here and do nothing. Slowly they started to advance. Their goal is to take a high point advantage and scout the town from there.
   1
   A town this size doesn't have many high points. All they have is nine to five stories flats, a water tower. A church which they won't be going to unless they want attention from the Heaven faction...
   The rest are one to three-storey buildings. The town most likely doesn't even have 100 thousand people living here.
   As they were advancing, Atalanta's ears twitched and she heard something. Surely enough everyone soon heard something similar to a booming sound.
   1
   They looked at the sky and saw a formation of planes fly over.
   The moment the formation passed through it split up after passing the city.
   "Is that the army?" One of the huntresses asked with disbelief. Did the guy have people in the national army and called for some help? Or was there something else going on?
   "Don't be confused! Those are not regular planes! They emit magic! That brat most likely has people working for him! Be on guard! We don't even know the numbers he has!" Atalanta said with a sweaty forehead. 
   5
   Thankfully she can still sense her blessing from her Goddess. Meaning that their powers were not stripped from them!
   After that period they heard more jet fighters fly over. They didn't even know if it was the same group or not. Nonetheless, they continued with their advance.
   Until a light flashed... and one of the huntresses was hit by something!
   "Ahhh!!!" 
   Her whole body twitched and spasmed as it looked like she was hit by electricity!
   Moments later, she collapsed on the ground!
   "Quickly! Everyone, find cover!!!" Atalanta ordered with wide eyes as she, and the rest, split up to find some cover behind building roadside trees or just dunk on the ground behind a bush.
   "Where did that come from!?" One of them asked with a panicked look. She didn't see anything slamming into the fellow huntress!
   "It came from the water tower!" The lion girl said with a frowned look.
   "But... that's on the other side of the city!" Another one said with awe and shock.
   "Most likely a Sacred Gear created for sniping people from the distance. We need to take it down! Split up and approach the tower separately. Use speed and buildings as covers!" Atalanta said seriously. She doesn't see any other way to take this thing down.
   5
   It's too far away even for her to even hit it.
   'This brat. He is hunting us down. Once I get my hands on you!' The lion girl internally growled at the mocking she was receiving.
   5
   "On my mark, get set, go!" As the blond/green-haired huntress shouted, she started dashing. Forward towards the tower.
   1
   But, her eyes widened when she saw multiple flashes of light and screams of pain from her huntresses. They were all sniped down with ease!
   1
   What kind of accuracy is this!
   Before long she jumped over a single store building and tried to take a turn to hide behind a five-storey flat. Atalanta had the idea to use this building to try and snipe the persons who were snipping her but...
   With the sounds of jet engines, a robot... around 7 metres tall intercepted her!
   It was massive compared to her size. It looked like it was the transformed form of the Jet fighter which flew over the city!
   17
   The huntress's eyes widened as she quickly turned around to make some distance. She pulled out her bow and wanted to shoot at this thing but the thing pointed its rifle at her.
   2
   'No good!'
   Atalanta quickly hid behind the fences of the one storey building she just jumped over. It was a private house with quite a bit of garden and driveway...
   1
   But then, volleys of electrical balls slammed into the fences. Atalanta quickly started to run as the blasts destroyed the fences.
   The huntress realised that this brat, or the brat's people, don't care about collateral damage...
   Which is fine for her!
   Her bow glowed silver as she pulled the string and an arrow manifested from pure divine energy. She then releases it towards the robot in midair.
   The blast rapidly rushed toward the transformed jet fighter.
   Upon collision, the blast exploded...
   And pushed the robot back a little bit...there was not even a scratch on it...
   "No...way! I put everything I could into Tauropolos at that moment!" Sweat started to pour down from her forehead, she realised how bad this situation was even when she had her full power!
   That moment she saw three red laser dots on her body. Her eyes widened. And in the next moment, something slammed into her from all three directions...
   2
   A large amount of electricity entered her body. She quickly realised that she got shot from three different directions... meaning that most if not all the high places had snipers...
   'Damn...you...'  Atalanta cursed internally as she collapsed on the ground.
   7
   Slowly her consciousness started to leave her. Nonetheless, her senses told her that someone was approaching her.... Then more and more sounds of footsteps, heavy steps... meaning heavily armoured...
   'Military type gear... mostly likely some sort of metal boots...' The huntress thought to herself. she realised that the city already had soldiers deployed...
   When? How? How many?
   "This is Alpha-3, the lion is secured. Requesting transportation." Atalanta heard one of the soldiers speak through the radio, she assumed. She could not believe she was treated like some sort of... hunting prey...
   8
   Before long her consciousness was consumed by the darkness.
   ~~~
   "..."
   Atalanta eyes snapped open. She quickly looked around. It was a small room with no windows... only one side has bars and nothing else...
   It took her a few moments to realise it. But she was in a cell. A prison... 
   Next thing she realised was that her blessing was gone. Which means her powers were sealed off as well.
   "We meet again." 
   When she heard this, not so familiar, male voice, the lion girl felt her whole being just tingle. Her instincts were telling something...
   1
   'Strong... very strong...'
   "You... you are that man!" Atalanta said with an angry snare.
   2
   "You have to be more specific." She saw this figure just walk into her cell. It was utterly weird because he walked through bars and walls... it's like they don't exist for him...
   2
   This however didn't mean anything to the huntress. She could not sense any power from him. And her fury was higher than her reason at the moment.
   4
   Atalanta didn't say anything, instead she lunged forward and tried to spin kick him...
   Only for him to capture her leg extremely casually with his left hand and send her back flying a little bit.
   1
   That moment, she felt something coiling up around her, her hands went behind her back. She quickly realised that she is getting tied up!
   Ropes manifested around her body. The problem with this was that she was roped up in quite a shameful way! This was mortifying for her!
   10
   "Release me this instant, you fiend!" Atalanta said with a furious look, she was embarrassed beyond belief!
   But, that moment an immeasurable amount of pressure slammed into her. She knew that this was his power. It was intense...endless... even unfathomable...
   'How is he this powerful! Why have we never heard about him before! Such a being should have been mentioned at least once somewhere!'
   Atalanta's face turned completely pale. It's pointless to fight someone like this!
   "I have heard that you trust your instincts more than reason. Then I only need to show you a fraction of my power so that you would understand." 
   "J-Just because you are this strong it doesn't mean I am going to listen to you..." Atalanta had a hunch that this man wants her as a trophy. After all his men have hunted her down 'properly'...
   And the ropes just prove the point that he wants her in that specific...way...
   "You can say whatever you want, my cute lioness but you're going to be my pet either way." He said with absolute confidence which pissed her off even more!
   15
   "Grrr... you!!!" Atalanta tried to struggle anyway she could! First, she was roped this way! And now he calls her his pet!?
   "Your Goddess will be mine full time. I haven't decided how she is going to serve me. It's either a full-time bed warmer or a sexy maid to be taken, in any place." He mentioned that off handily in a way as if Artemis was nothing in front of him.
   4
   "YOU! YOU think Olympus will just stand by and let this happen!?" Atalanta said with a furious tone. If her body was free she would have punched him many times by now...
   1
   "They would. Because they wouldn't exist anymore. Besides, it's the reason why you are all here anyway. No? The reason why you are all stalking me in my lands... Wanting to be hunted down, used, however I please." He said that with such belief that it was hard for her to refute. For a second she even believed it! But!
   2
   "NONSENSE!" 
   This sounded so wrong on so many levels! They are here to hunt him down! Not the other way around!
   "Please. I only see your actions this way. I already have ! of your hunt chained up just like you. Soon I will capture Hippolyta and it is only going to leave Artemis as my greatest prey." The man said with a smile as one of his hands moved on top of her head and gently stroked her head. Enjoying the fluffy hair of hers.
   4
   "You will be such a great house cat." After saying that he just disappeared from the cell... burst into purple energy...
   "He...he...he...wasn't even here in person!?" Disbelief washed her over...how did he do it? How did he chained her up!? What kind of magic is this!?
   Seconds later, multiple screens appeared in her room. Showing... the hunt...
   She saw Hippolyta at the beach with multiple huntresses looking for clues and her Goddess with several other huntresses in a forest...
   That moment, Atalanta realised, with dread, that her Goddess was always under surveillance... meaning that he knows everything that they are doing...
   They have been the prey all along...
   1
   'This is bad... Goddess... how can I tell you that this is a trap!?' 
   10
   ~~~~~~Baltic Sea Coastline~~~~~~
   Hippolyta was excited and somewhat annoyed that her future husband had not come after her. Doesn't he know that he beat her in a fair fight? She was his! 
   So why with all of this!? To her understanding why he has not revealed himself is that he is hunting them now. Which amused her to a certain level.
   Her future Husband wants to hunt the Goddess of Hunt... this is just fascinating that humans would even try such a thing!
   "Lady Hippolyta. There is a resort town just south of here." One of the huntresses pointed at the distance. The redhead simply nodded at her.
   "We can start with that one there." The Amazonian Queen said simply. Honestly, she just wants to go to the man who took her 'heart'. This whole game started to bore her.
   The group of huntresses nodded at her and started to walk towards the town they saw there. Under the night sky, no one can see them in total darkness, while they can. The light from the moon, the very symbol of their goddess, shines on them. Allowing them to see just like its day time. Neither do they need a source of light or any assistance. Making them one of the best night hunters in the world.
   Once they arrived at the city they saw the pier stretching into the sea... instead of walking there. They took the stairs up to the walkway which leads to Broadway. They can assume this place is packed during the daytime.
   However... It was nighttime, but even then...
   "This is strange..."
   "Is there something wrong, Lady Hippolyta?"
   "This place is far too quiet. It's late August and the temperatures in this place are still above 25 degrees in the daytime. The bars and restaurants still should be packed. But, this is far too quiet." The redhead said to the huntresses who started connecting dots and instantly got cautious.
   But Hippolyta already knew... it was too late...
   She felt the change in the air some time ago. To her, it didn't mean anything. But, it was foolish not to pay attention to that. Because now it made sense to her. The city was put to sleep.
   It was so seamless... even amazing... because of how hard it was to pick this up. It was like paying attention to a small breeze changing its direction. Only extremely cautious and paranoid people would think much about it.
   Even she picked this up because of her experience after living this long and hunting for centuries.
   Before long, from all directions, armoured soldiers rushed dressed in blue and silver armour pointing futuristic rifles at them.
   Multiple red laser dots pointed at them. They were surrounded and had the group of girls at gunpoint.
   2
   Then a familiar feeling washed over the group; they couldn't sense their blessing anymore.
   Where the girls still thought of fighting... Hippolyta raised her hands.
   "We surrender. I assume your leader is the very same person who beat me before? Yes? I can only see him capable of doing this." The redhead said very plainly.
   """Lady Hippolyta!?""" The girls looked with utter disbelief! Why did the Queen of the Amazons just give up!? She is a warrior and a Goddess herself!?
   "Why do you all look so surprised? He beat me in a duel. My life belongs to him for half a year now." The Queen said so simply that the huntresses couldn't muster the fire to snap at the woman.
   Even the army surrounding them was confused... They looked at each other. What should they do? The protocol isn't clear when a Goddess of War surrenders...
   4
   A Goddess of War should not surrender without fighting in the first place...
   Nonetheless, the confusion was very short because they got new orders from HQ...
   ["Very well. We accept your surrender. Master will speak with you shortly."]
   Hearing a distorted voice coming from one of them. The redhead huntress slowly nodded.
   Finally... she can see him!
   ~~~
   When Hippolyta opened her eyes she saw a grey ceiling...
   She tried to recall what just happened...
   "They still opened fire..." The Queen of The Amazons said with some bitterness.
   "I do apologise. But, we don't take any chances."
   That voice sends a very positive tingle through Hippolyta. The woman quickly looked at the source.
   Her eyes went wide.
   "Y-You... you are the one who won against me in battle!? yes?" She said, barely controlling herself and to not lick her lips.
   "Calling it a battle is a stretch. I simply opened fire at you from behind." The man said with a baffled tone.
   "It was a duel to me. The moment I asked for a duel It was so!" 
   4
   When she said that he could only look at her with a flabbergasted look. This was probably the only time he was this...taken aback.
   "I see... you are not going to drop this are you?" He asked her while massaging his temples.
   "Drop it? You earned the right to marry me!" She said plainly.
   "I won't be marrying anyone anytime. I don't follow your culture if this is what you think." He said with a sigh.
   "I understand... This means that I have to win your approval!" She said with a fire in her eyes.
   Once again he massaged his temples.
   "Very well. I will accept you as a maid. Prove yourself capable and maybe sometime later we can discuss this again."
   "I accept, Lord Husband." She said that brightly, not fighting back any of his decisions...
   2
   He didn't say anything, just burst into the purple energy and disappeared.
   ~~~~~~Marcus~~~~~~
   'Uhh... in the end I could not say no to a free meal. She is part of the collection.' I thought to myself as I leaned into the chair.
   19
   Messing with Atalanta was very satisfying. But Hippolyta? Now that was quite headache-inducing. Still though, once we get over the fact that she wants to be my wife because of some battle. We can see something useful.
   2
   She is a Goddess, a Queen, a powerful warrior, a beautiful woman, and a hot redhead.
   3
   A person of great historical value, a good piece for my collection.
   2
   "You look like you just went through a whole day of meetings just now," Latia asked me from the side. Assuming she heard me groan just a few moments ago.
   "The Queen of Amazons wants me as her husband," I said plainly.
   "..."
   "..."
   "I see... and how did you respond to that?" Latia asked with some nervousness.
   "I said no, obviously." She sighed with relief. I could only roll my eyes at her. Did she believe I would marry, just like that? Goddess or no? Like hell. I am getting a Goddess as a maid soon anyway. Why would I marry one anyway?
   "Seriously Latia. Why would I marry her? I am getting a Goddess as a maid soon." I said with a shrug as I got up from my chair. I put on my lab coat. It's time to meet the Moon Goddess in person.
   "... I see... I suppose you want someone truly special for your wife." She said with some confidence.
   "Yeah. Something like that."
   46
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   My Discord server for advanced chapters:
   https://discord.gg/hvzgBJg4ss
   Along with the advanced chapters, there are also a lot of other fanfics I wrote and did not upload to Webnovel.
   Chapters are coming out Monday, Wednesday and Friday around 9:00 AM British time.
  
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   Chapter 27: Artemis, The Maid Goddess
   6
   "Hi" Regular Speech
   'Hi' Thought
   "(Hi)" Marcus's mechanically synthesised voice
   ' "Hi" ' Marcus talking into someone's mind
   " 'Hi' " Marcus reading someone's mind
   [Hi] Quinella/Aurora talking
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   The Moon Goddess was sitting on the boulder in a small clearing, in one of the forests, not far from a small town. She was surrounded by several packs of wolves, created from her divine power of the hunt, and several girls of her Hunt were around her place as well, taking turns to patrol.
   She was waiting on some news from her other two squads led by her lieutenants; Atalanta and Hippolyta.
   Artemis has already checked the whole town. And her gut feeling was telling her that the town was his town. The amount of magic radiating from the ground only serves to confirm it!
   Now all that was left was to watch several public institutions; schools, markets, and shops to find him!
   As she was enjoying the rays of the moon. They were much more intense around her general location for obvious reasons. Her gaze ended up looking at the trees where she saw a man in a white lab coat just stroll in.
   1
   ...
   ...
   ...
   "It's... YOU!" The silver-haired Goddess of Hunt furiously snapped. She jumped up on her feet, starting a chain reaction of movement.
   1
   Starting with her wolves who quickly got on their feet. The huntresses pulled out their bows and were ready to shoot.
   "It has been quite a bit of time. You look as dashing as ever." He said with a confident smile.
   Artemis snarled but quickly took a deep breath controlling her emotions.
   "You have quite some gall to come here without any of your toys!" She said with narrowed eyes as she looked at him. She can't sense any magic or energy from him. This is nuts! What kind of things does he have stashed in his pockets!?
   2
   "Ah yes. I have heard from Atalanta and Hippolyta that you want to fight me in some sort of duel without any tricks or sacred gears. Only pure skill." He said with a casual tone.
   "...You... what happened to them!?" The Goddess of the Hunt asked with wide eyes as she realised that this brat somehow got to her Hunt members...
   'But I can still sense... ' Her eyes went big to astronomical level as she just now sensed ! of her Hunt disappearing! Just like that!
   "What... kind of sorcery is this!? What happened to them?" Now Artemis was seriously nervous, how did he do this!? How did he mess with her senses!?
   1
   "I hunted them down just like how they wanted. After all, isn't that the reason why you strolled into my land?"
   "NONSENSE! We are here to hunt YOU down!" 
   "Ridiculous. The only reason why you are even in this territory is because I allowed you."
   *Snort*
   "Just because you had the upper hand in our previous encounter doesn't mean you can do whatever you want!" She said with half baked confidence.
   "Oh?"
   That moment Artemis' eyes went wide because he was suddenly standing in her personal space! Her senses didn't even pick him up!
   1
   Before she could do anything he wrapped his hands around her waist and pulled her into a hug. But, that was not the end as he then claimed her lips!!!
   12
   "Mhhh!!!" 
   The Goddess of the Hunt wanted to get the hell out of this situation but he just invaded the Goddess mouth. Exploring the insides like he owns them.
   7
   She tried to push him back even calling forth her divinity, which didn't respond to her at all!
   Before long, his hands went down to her firm backside, squeezing it hard. Making her moan with embarrassment into his mouth.
   Now she was struggling even harder. Trying to bite his tongue even. But, it was useless!
   'Just how is he doing this!?' She thought furiously, her eyes narrowed from anger.
   All her struggling was for nothing! As he continued to do whatever he wanted with her. His hands explored her back and her bum all the time. Which just infuriated her!
   Nonetheless, he finally stopped with his kiss and pulled back. There was a string of saliva connecting them. Artemis cheeks were red like tomatoes; she couldn't believe someone had the gall to do this to her!
   4
   Still, he was holding her close and not letting her go. So, if she is to goad him more, he most likely will do more to her... which is bad...
   While Artemis was in a sticky situation, her huntresses were in complete and utter disbelief of what they saw! They even forgot how to hold their bows properly. Even the Goddess' wolves were confused. The canines tried to process this. They know their Goddess doesn't have a mate... so what's going on here? Has she finally found someone?
   6
   "Well? Do you still question if I can do whatever I want?" He asked her while leaning forward and whispering into her ear.
   "Y-You... let's make a deal then...let's fight, one on one, no tricks, no magic, no powers, no sacred gears. If you win then I am yours in any way you want. If I win, however, you will release my hunt and will let us go." She said that while fighting through her shame.
   4
   She was in such a deep mess that the only thing she could think of was getting out of this intact.
   He pulled back and smiled at her. Both of his hands were still on her waist. The man was enjoying her body quite a bit.
   Part of her was satisfied that she could goad him into this with her assets, no matter how shameful she finds it-to use her body and not her skills.
   3
   "Very well. Let's do this then. Normally I don't do such things but with you on the line. I will accept it." He then once again claimed her lips making her eyes go wide again. This time however it was a short kiss, as he then moved towards her ears and whispered.
   "We will have a lot of fun together." After saying that he finally released her and Artemis quickly backpedalled away from him and ended up sitting on the boulder. Completely forgot that there was one here in the first place.
   He then took a step to his side and he was gone... yet, there was another one of him in the same spot where she saw him enter into the clearing. Like there are two of them!?
   "Can you feel this specific energy in that direction? I am waiting for you in the stadium. We will settle our 'duel' there." After saying that, this form of him simply burst into nothingness with purple energy.
   Artemis looked at this for a bit, she then looked in the direction he pointed. She knows there is a football stadium there. A very simple one with only a single seating area. Close to it, there is a river and a man-made pond.
   A perfect place to fight the way she wants.
   Still, after him having his way with her like this. The Goddess of the Hunt doesn't have much confidence that she can win. Not at all.
   But she is far too deep into this mess now. Her Hunt is nearly gone. If she is to run she will be the laughing stock of the supernatural world.
   No, she has to settle this once and for all.
   "My Lady... are you sure... His...his powers... I couldn't sense anything from him... and yet... he could do all those things..." One of the Huntresses said with worry. This was... crazy... Can someone like that even exist?
   "There is no choice... we are over 150 kilometres in enemy territory. ! of my Hunt has already been captured or worse. We either win or this is over." The Silver-haired Goddess said seriously.
   "We understand, we are with you, My Lady." The girl said with a nod and the rest of them nodded as well.
   Soon enough the group started walking towards the place where this is all going to get settled.
   ~~~
   When Artemis arrived there she saw him standing there with two human girls. These girls were dressed as maids with quite revealing uniforms.
   1
   And she could sense their powers. They were around mid-class to high-class beings. Something not bad considering how young they looked.
   "Well, you are here." He said that as he showed his hands there were four golden rings on his hands.
   He then removed them and handed them over to one of the blonde girls next to him.
   He then rolled up his sleeves showing that there was nothing there.
   Now that she could look at him properly, she realised that something has changed... a lot about him. She might not have seen him for over half a year... still, it was far too much...he is far too perfect looking...
   A certain feeling started to rise in her gut. Telling her that fighting him is a very bad idea. But she has no choice at this point.
   "I am. As discussed before, no tricks, no powers, no sacred gears. One on one. We can only use our skills." She said as she took several steps forwards.
   She can feel her powers are not sealed here. She scanned him many times. Artemis could not feel anything amiss from him. Well, it was more like she could not pick up anything from him at all.
   "Yes. That means no magic, no divine powers either, yes?" He took a few steps forward while asking that.
   "Yes. Only hand to hand."
   "Good, for safety sake and legitimacy of this, do ask me if I have any tricks up my sleeve. I do know that humans can't lie to you." He asked her with a confident smirk which only made her more uneasy. 
   "Very well. Do you plan to use any sacred gears, magic or tricks in this duel?" Artemis asked while her divinity was radiating from her.
   "No."
   The Goddess narrowed her eyes hearing that. Her powers were telling her that he was not lying...
   Yet, he is way too confident! Does he have enough power to face her like this!?
   1
   "I see. Then let's begin." Artemis took her martial arts stance.
   3
   While the guy in front of her simply stood there. One of his hands was in a pocket while the other one was loose, hanging there.
   Once more, the silver-haired Goddess narrowed her eyes and simply charged in trying to punch his face.
   Only for her fist to be caught easily. He then pushed her back and waited for her to move again.
   The Goddess of the Hunt tried again and every single try of hers were deflected and blocked with his single hand.
   "Try again. I know you can do better than this." He said quite casually.
   Soon enough Artemis started to utilise all of her limbs and her speed increased several times. She was now moving in speed beyond what any normal being could. 
   Yet, Marcus still didn't move from his spot, he continued to only use his one hand to block all of her attempts.
   11
   Eventually, he moved and this time Artemis tried to comprehend his movement. All she saw was a fist coming into her face. 
   It was coming and all she could do was watch it. That moment cold sweat erupted through her whole body. She could feel death approaching. It was the first time in her life that she felt the fear of death.
   8
   And all she could do is just wait for it... because she knew she was not going to be fast enough to block it!
   Then the fist stopped right in front of her face, inches away! Her body naturally reacted to this and she started to backpedal several steps before she dropped on her ass as she missed a step.
   5
   Her breathing turned haggard as sweat started rolling down her forehead. She almost died. That fist nearly ended her!!!
   1
   "H-H-How are you this strong! How can a human be this strong! Not even in front of Primordials, I felt this powerless! 
   2
   Tell ME!!!" She asked with an utterly frantic look. Her world is turning completely upside down by this point! She was manhandled, taken advantage of, forcefully kissed, humiliated multiple times!
   4
   By a human! and she is a Goddess! Less than 2 thousand years ago the only thing they could do was beg for her blessing! Now one of them is treating her like she is a weak little being!
   "Isn't it obvious? I build stuff, I build, build and BUILD until it can help me to become strong..."
   4
   That moment a purple aura surrounded him and Artemis finally felt his energy... it was a mix of Touki, Magic and something she never felt before...
   5
   It was a complete and perfect mix... And his power was something she never sensed before! It was so vast that she could not even comprehend the amount she was sensing.
   How can someone be this strong!?
   "Well? Do you wish for a hunting or a bow shooting competition before you become mine?" He asked simply.
   "..."
   "..."
   She bit her lower lip hard hearing that. This was a trap all along!
   Artemis bit her lower lip so hard it started bleeding Ichor... golden blood started flowing from her lip.
   The Goddess slowly got herself together before getting back on her feet.
   'Of course, this was a trap!!! This brat is smart! We played into his hands like some naive children! Even my sister has nothing on him when it comes to scheming and tactics!'
   20
   *Resigned Sigh*
   "Very well. Since we had a deal. As a Goddess, I will keep my end of the deal." After saying that, she did a small and very awkward bow.
   "Good. I didn't want to go with plan B." He said while taking a few steps and getting close to her.
   The silver-haired beauty had an ominous feeling when he said plan B.
   "Going to Olympus in person and demanding you from the council... of course I would ask them when they are destroyed and broken, most if not all stuff looted. Since I don't go home without souvenirs." 
   9
   Artemis had a chill going down her spine when she heard that.
   "Le Fay. Rings." The teen inventor turned around and asked the blonde maid of his.
   "C-Coming." The girl rushed to his side and gave the rings back to him.
   2
   One by one they were back on his fingers.
   "Call a shuttle, we are going back."
   "R-Right on it." She pulled out a futuristic-looking phone. The girl only did a few presses on the screen then she pocketed her device back.
   "Artemis. This is Le Fay Pendragon and the one coming over is Jeanne. Both are maids under me. I suppose I should introduce myself. Since you are going to be my beautiful maid." He said with a smile. Which made Artemis slightly frown.
   "My name is Marcus Goldman and I just turned 17 last month." 
   The Goddess of Hunt sighed again hearing his age. Then again it doesn't matter. With the amount of power he has, it makes her feel even more pathetic when they compare ages and such. Thankfully she is a woman and a Goddess. It is common sense not to ask their age...
   "I assume I can raise my position in this hierarchy? I would like to be your wife." She said, getting straight to the point.
   4
   Making Jeanne and Le Fay start having certain ideas when they heard that.
   "Damn...Goddess Artemis just joined us and she already aims this high!" 
   Artemis' eyes widened for a second as she heard a familiar voice she turned to the side and saw an approaching group of females.
   It was quite a familiar group, well one of them she knows to a certain extent, the other she knows from pictures.
   "Serafall Leviathan? Grayfia Lucifuge? And... Venelana Gremory!?" She didn't say the last name because she had no idea who this devil blonde woman is...
   "Yes... and our Master didn't tell you his other title."
   "Which is?"
   "The second coming of Solomon. And I am his Sitri Pillar, Venelana is his Bael Pillar and the blonde girl is Latia Astaroth his Astaroth Pillar."
   10
   It all started to make sense to her; his ability to negate magic most likely comes from the research he got from that Solomon brat. But still, the time gap... and the Sacred Gears? Did he get some information from the Biblical God!?
   Some things made some sense to her, others... not so much...
   "I see... no wonder you can make all those Sacred Gears, the rings... still a lot doesn't make sense..." Artemis said with some confusion.
   "Please, the old man only had theories about Sacred Gears and how to make them. He only was able to decipher the transmutation and the metal formula which were the basis for his rings. The Ars Goetia was their work together which gave him some glimpses of how the Heaven system works and the Sacred Gears internal structure. While he had theories I was the one who recreated and improved on them from his loose ideas." Marcus said with an eye roll as he crossed his arms.
   4
   The Goddess of Moon quickly realised that she should not credit much on the Biblical God and Solomon since it makes her new... Master annoyed. Thankfully she has a lot of experience in this regard to keep her mouth shut when it's needed. Especially when one comes from a family as wild as hers...
   5
   "And Artemis, if you want to be my wife. You need to fit like two gears fit together. Personality is most important to me, I realised that not long ago. The rest doesn't really matter that much." He explained to her making the silver-haired goddess have a thoughtful look, funnily enough, most women around him had that 
   3
   "Truly? So, my body doesn't matter to you?" She asked with raised eyebrows.
   "That's you goading me to turn you into a sex slave. You want that?" Marcus asked her with his raised eyebrow.
   The Goddess of Hunt instantly shut her mouth. No, she doesn't want to be one!
   "For now, you will most likely just be my sexy little maid serving me anyway I want."
   "You just said...that I am not going to be your sex slave!"
   "You won't. Sex slave is quite simply you chained to the bed. That was my idea after you decided to enter my lands. I left you in peace last time after your huntresses and you tried to kill me.
   That idea only solidified when I heard what you planned to do to me when you were going to win. So me treating you like 'sexy maid' is very generous because you will be working and you will be getting paid, unlike slaves." Marcus explained to her.
   Now that the teen reminded them of what Artemis had planned for him, the girls got quite pissed. Especially Latia and Serafall, both of whom are quite head over heels for him. 
   2
   "Paid? That sounds like prostitution!" Artemis said with crossed arms.
   2
   All the devils snorted even the pair of blond maids.
   "Your common sense is quite lacking. Prostitution is when one sleeps with many different people... Wait, you want that?" Marcus asked with an amused look one of his eyebrows was up. He wants to tease her more and see her reaction.
   3
   "WHAT? Are you insane!?" Artemis got red from embarrassment realising that this man was messing with her!
   "Then how did you come up with prostitution? I thought in your culture, in ancient Greece, servants belonged to their Master completely." Marcus got a thoughtful look trying to recall some history.
   "I get it! I wasn't expecting to get paid! It sounded too...weird." Artemis is not used to explaining herself. It just sounds far too weird.
   "Lady Artemis, you forgot that our Master is first and foremost an Inventor and we don't get paid with money in the first place," Jeanne got everyone's attention. It was time for her to show off what she got a couple of days ago!
   With hand motion two pistols appeared in her hands. Marcus looked at her curiously, seeing his creations.
   *[BALANCE BREAKER]*
   A male and female voice said at the same time as the pair of guns transformed. In her right hand, she was holding a short shotgun while in her left hand she had a micro-SMG. Both weapons looked more like they were from sci-fi than the real world. As they had some futuristic neon-lights on it.
   1
   "We get points which we exchange to get Sacred gears, items, jewellery, electronics? Mmhh... Master, are they considered electronic?" Jeanne stopped with her explanation as she asked Marcus.
   3
   "Technically... the current word would be electronic even though they are not powered by electricity... human civilization hasn't come up with an appropriate term yet." He explained to her with a shrug.
   2
   "Right... so, electronics... cars, or even jet fighters! The point is that the list is constantly updating!" As she said that she recalled her pistols. 
   "I see... a very unique way of awarding...your harem?" Artemis said after getting over the realisation that, yes, he could make sacred gears... but how quickly can he make those?
   2
   "Anyway. The shuttle is here. Order your hunt come with us, there is enough space for everyone inside of it."
   "I was wondering why not teleportation?" Artemis asked as she observed the approaching plane-like thing... as expected it was futuristic looking with a wing having a combination of energy wings and the classic physical ones...
   "Because teleportation is heavily restricted here, the space lock around the place is heavily magnified. I don't want anyone from the dimension gap to just stroll in. There are some exceptions like in my house. My pillars can bring in some fellow devil guests. But, Divine beings like you? You would most likely be yanked back outside the country borders... the recoil measurement would be how deep you'd tried to teleport into. For example where we are now, if you'd tried teleport here. You would be yanked either into Latvia or Belarus. Around 150 kilometres of drag would be added to you. Which will most likely kill you instantly with the distance pull." He explained to the now very pale looking silver-haired Goddess.
   4
   "People got very attached to the whole teleport-anywhere-I-want thing. So, the moment I grasped things about space I added it to my Barrier system." Marcus added a few more bits.
   "Umm... Master, why did you never say that teleportation is dangerous here..." Serafall said with a pale face too. The rest of the devils nodded at her words. They didn't know either.
   "Hmm? Strange I guess I forgot to mention that. It's not like you are bringing some random non-devils with you." He said with a shrug.
   "True...still, you need to clarify when you decide to beef up your security," Serafall said while massaging her temples. Sometimes Marcus just terrifies the hell out of her. The problem with him is that he can come up with things on the fly and make them happen!
   One would say nothing too bad, but with him? scale means nothing. The space centre is proof of that. The massive place is building airships and spaceships! And soon enough they will have docks for ships! 
   "Sure thing. Just ask Aurora or Quinella and she will notify you all if something has been beefed up." He said with a shrug. 
   2
   Artemis observed the interactions between him and his pillars. This was not the situation she thought she would end up in. She never included Beings of Sin around him. 
   4
   The existence of devils makes her position not as high as she would want.
   Being surrounded by beings of sin who most likely fulfil his desires anyway he wants to, makes him less interested in her. Now that she was in this whatever hierarchy it is. Rising in ranks will be quite difficult when her greatest weapon is her body.
   For a second she thought about how she could climb up in this hierarchy. She is not like her Aunt Hestia who can cook food. Or Athena who could make him engage in intellectual discussion with her.
   9
   And of course... Aphrodite... who could most likely perform as well as most of these beings of sin...
   2
   As she was thinking about this, the craft landed in front of them. Artemis called her hunt members who looked like they lost every light in their eyes. They could not believe that their Goddess was reduced to this...
   What was going to happen to them now? The silver-haired Goddess needs to talk with her Master... she can't allow them to turn to playthings...
   ~~~~~~Marcus~~~~~~
   There is a certain amount of satisfaction. When you use your own two hands to do some small amount of physical work and be awarded with one of the Virgin Goddesses of the Greek Pantheon.
   7
   That's because of how I am feeling at this moment. Seeing Artemis herself do a small bow and call me Master. Make me feel a certain amount of male pride rising.
   4
   Out of three Virgin Goddesses of the Greek Pantheon, Artemis was always the one who I wanted to do things to her for her blatant feminism.
   8
   I have no idea which legends of hers are true. Most likely going to find out in future but, when I met her for the first time she had that certain superior look to her. Screaming supremacy of the female race.
   9
   Now, I would have left her alone after getting those three samples of hair. Which helped me in becoming this strong. But, one should not underestimate the ego of Moon Goddess as it was the size of the moon she is getting her power from... or not. Haven't tested that one yet...
   And so, here she was with me soon to become maid for the rest of her godly life.
   As we were approaching the runway I was leaning into the comfortable chair. The shuttle was quite a nice piece of innovation.
   Well, it's just taking a commercial plane idea and retrofitting it with my technology. Nova thrusters. Diamond triangle core. was thinking of instantly specific M.T.M. on the wings so that it could transform it into power. But that is just me not wanting to put a diamond core into all this.
   Apart from those, I put a variation of Starscream Jet Fighter wings into them. The whole plane frame was altered a little bit to fit with the whole style I use. 
   Of course, the cockpit was based on the one the regular plane uses... but the difference was that a lot of those levers and buttons were taken out because it's not necessary when you have hard light holograms and advanced A.I. installed. 
   All in all, this thing would take over the commercial plane market even though I designed this over one of my snack breaks... 
   ~~~
   Artemis with her hunt looked at the massive area underground. She could see rows of these futuristic Jet Fighters and another type of flying craft, hundreds if not thousands of armoured soldiers training, practising shooting and hand to hand combat. Performing tactical combat.
   This was insane because they were all in high-class being level.
   "You know the best part of this?" Marcus leaned and whispered into her ear.
   "That their creation could only happen because of that hair strand I got from you. Remember when I said 'great things'?" 
   The silver-haired Goddess eyes bulged out hearing this. What kind of... things has he created in this place!? How did a strand of hair turn into this!?
   She was in such shock that she didn't notice him walk away. Only after a burst of light did she snap out. Her gaze went where this burst of light happened. She saw a woman with silverish purple hair appear next to him. She was the embodiment of a female, looking similar to a Goddess...
   "That is Quinella-Aurora. She is Master's ultimate creation. Everything and anything in this place is run by her. She is an Artificial Intelligence. When you said you want to be his wife... well...you have to beat his creation first. Because soon enough she will become a proper living being." Le Fay said to Artemis as the blonde was looking at artificial intelligence.
   "Creation? His creating ability is at the level of creating beings?" Artemis tried to wrap her head around this...humans making other beings!? That's the level of Gods! Even her family can't create proper humans!
   7
   "Not quite. In simple terms, Master has created conscious magic... which is spread throughout the whole of his creations from sacred gears to door switches... everything runs through this."
   Hearing that, Artemis tried to understand what this meant. How can being like that exist?
   "Apologies... I do not understand.... How is that possible in the first place?"
   Hearing the Moon Goddess apologise... well it slightly freaked Le Fay out.
   "Well...imagine a magic circle so complex it became self-aware?" The blonde witch tried to explain as simply as possible.
   1
   The silver-haired Goddess finally understood what the blonde maid meant. If Marcus can truly do that... well, it's amazingly horrifying as such a level of talent that she has not seen in her life.
   Nonetheless, she quickly caught up with him. Her eyes ended up on this new woman. Her hair was unique; it was platinum glass-like in its colour. It reflects the surroundings allowing the hair to gain a colouring of its surroundings that's why the clothes she is wearing affects mostly her hair colour.
   This woman gave Artemis a look. A look which screamed superior. Pissing the Goddess off quite a bit.
   5
   [Follow us Artemis. We are going to collect your remaining Hunt and our Master will decide their fate. It was quite sad that the whole hunt for you only lasted a few hours. I was having fun coming up with ways to get you all captured.]
   Artemis' eyes widened, so she was the one who sent these soldiers after her Hunt?
   [Yes. It was me. By my master's request. I hunted down those little girls of yours.] The woman said with a smug tone. The silver-haired Goddess quickly realised that she wasn't going to like this woman one bit.
   5
   "Now, now Quinella. You can't bully my staff." Marcus' words stopped whatever argument was about to happen.
   [Of course Master. I apologise.] The woman easily flipped with her character and now was a cute little pet...
   'This is going to be difficult...' The silver-haired Goddess, now maid, thought with a frown.
   2
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   My Discord server for advanced chapters:
   https://discord.gg/hvzgBJg4ss
   Along with the advanced chapters, there are also a lot of other fanfics I wrote and did not upload to Webnovel.
   Chapters are coming out Monday, Wednesday and Friday around 9:00 AM British time.
  
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   Chapter 28: Taming Maids?
   3
   "Hi" Regular Speech
   'Hi' Thought
   "(Hi)" Marcus's mechanically synthesised voice
   [Hi] Quinella/Aurora talking
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   Artemis looked at Atalanta who was tied up with ropes all over her body. The way it squeezed her body, it highlighted her assets and curves.
   She could see how embarrassing it was for the Chaste Huntress...
   2
   "Atalanta..."
   "My Lady... I am sorry... we have failed you. It was a trap all along. He tracked us from the very beginning. All that heightened magic was his barrier system which works like surveillance!!!" 
   The Silver-haired Goddess raised her hand to stop the girl.
   "I know. It doesn't matter anymore. We have lost. I have lost. There is no way for us to leave. And there is no meaning in trying to escape. Our... new... Master will deal with us if we are to escape. It seems... my... goading methods have only made him more obsessed in getting me..." Artemis said with a sigh. Making the rest of the hunt... Well, everyone except the silly grinning Hippolyta...realise in dread what this meant...
   1
   "Goddess... does...this mean we are... to be his toys!?" Atalanta didn't want to believe this, not one bit! This was worse than her life before death! She was married off because of a cheat and then turned into a lion because Artemis didn't want one of her Huntresses to go through humiliation.
   2
   Now this was worse... now she was going to a pet and a sex toy!
   With a sigh, Artemis started to explain "...Not in a direct sense... he has his Devil Pillars, and the other maids. I doubt he will just be doing that. The man is obsessed with his technological progress. You saw it yourself didn't you? Do you think he only spends all of his time...doing that to his women?"
   The lion girl instantly calmed down. This made sense to her... the man created absurd things... someone like him most likely spends days if not weeks tinkering... it's most likely that those devil women made him interested in turning other women into pets and sex maids...
   "Yes. It makes sense..."
   "It's hard to say this... but, look at the bright side... According to the other maids. You can get a lot of free time. The technological things here are... on a level nowhere else in the world. And you can even get Sacred Gears yourself as long as you do your work." 
   Atalanta's frown switched into a thoughtful look. Now she was less reluctant...but still on guard.
   Before long, the doors opened and three women entered the large area in which the hunt was currently residing. After all, there were close to 40 females. So a large area was needed to temporarily house them.
   3
   Artemis and the rest looked at these new arrivals...
   A large screen appeared above the trio of new arrivals. This was quite simply showing off the technology, at least that's what the hunt was thinking. 
   A silver-haired woman's face appeared on the screen. She started explaining their fate.
   [My name is Quinella. And I am our Master's Assistant and the one who runs day to day things in this place. Our Master has come with a decision about what is going to happen to you.
   The leaders Goddess Artemis, Huntress Atalanta and The Queen of Amazons will be working as full-time maids and will be under the Head Maid, Grayfia. Thankfully for you, she doesn't have much time here. So, I will be stepping in most of the time. Nonetheless, she will teach the three of you the basics...] The silver-haired Assistant pointed at the Devil Maid.
   Artemis frowned for a moment. She will be serving under a devil... Well, it's good motivation to raise and take that rank for herself.
   [The rest of the huntresses will be serving under Latia Astaroth and will be working as field operators in the human world.
   As Master is about to open his mundane company the Huntresses will be working as agents. I am sure you all have watched at least one or two James Bond movies or some anime or cartoons related to spies and agents?
   3
   If you have then you will know what to do. If not, there will be training done. Your jobs will be quite easy. Keep the mundane trash away from our companies. Since we will be selling slightly more advanced technologies there will be people who will want to steal it. And so, you will be the one who will be monitoring and making sure that nothing is stolen.]
   "Umm don't... our Master have the means to prevent that? the things he has here are far too advanced to be stolen easily?" One of the huntresses asked.
   [Of course. Why are you even asking? But we are talking about the mundane side of things. The barrier system was built with the pretext of monitoring the supernatural. There is a certain threshold that needs to be reached to be picked up by the system.
   Until then, the mundane can do whatever they want. Master has little to no interest in the mundane world. It's only thanks to some quick thinking by the devil ladies here that he didn't start showing off more of his advanced technology which would have started world war 3.] 
   Her words made the whole group turn quiet. World war 3 would be a very big thing, even to the supernatural. Humans build their weapons far too recklessly, especially in a war...
   14
   [This means that your job is to make sure that the technology is distributed by us, and not some backwater country who got lucky enough to steal some of our technology. Because, our Master won't be holding back and will simply either reveal even more advanced technology or decides to do something even more drastic.]
   1
   Now they seriously gulped down. The trio new maids had a thoughtful look. They would prefer to stick with these girls. But, as this assistant had just said, their position is much more different...
   [Now. You three follow me. And the rest will be handed over to Latia.] 
   As she ended her explanation, the screen disappeared and Latia walked forward towards the huntresses while Atalanta and Artemis looked back for a bit. They sighed in disappointment and relief at the same time.
   Disappointment that it ended up like this, and relief that they weren't going to be toys or maids to the man...
   They will even get some action unlike them...
   Now that they had time to think about it. They might get an even better side of the deal.
   Not that they have much time to think as they soon had to follow the pair of silver heads.
   Walking through several corridors they arrived at...
   "Is this...a railway station?" Artemis asked with a confused look. Just how deep is this underground network?
   "It is. We are going to where Master currently is." 
   Hearing this, Atalanta and Artemis looked at each other. Understanding that, yes. Their new Master is indeed quite obsessed with his creations. It's a good and bad thing. Good because they are not going to be used daily and bad because it will be harder to raise in the ranks. Well, the second one is mainly for Artemis as she is the one with ambitions...
   1
   Before long, the train arrived and the group boarded it. The trio felt quite out of place as they were surrounded by holograms and very futuristic decorations. They had a feeling that they were not even on Earth anymore.
   "How does this whole system work? I mean the points, and how does one rise in ranks in this place?" The Moon Goddess asked. Getting straight to the point.
   [Most points you get is from being useful to our Master. From taking care of him to cleaning The Base.] 
   "Meaning that we get most of it by being his toys?" Atalanta asked with some annoyance.
   [Do tell me how much more useful you can be? He doesn't need wealth, he makes it himself, he doesn't need one to get food because he creates it himself, he doesn't need fighters because he has an army, it only leaves you with your personality and your body. Because let's face it, if you were good you wouldn't be here right now.] 
   20
   Her words were like hot knives which shredded the lion girl's pride... as well as Artemis'. It was like they entered a new territory where their old powers and abilities are nothing much...
   4
   "...This... Are you telling me that I am useless apart from my body!?" Atalanta said with a pissed off tone.
   [I am sure we can find some use for your hunting abilities when our Master decides to hunt. That's if you can pull him away from his inventions?
   I am pretty sure he would take Artemis for that though, since she is Goddess of Hunt. But, you can be a good house cat.] Quinella said with a straight face. As if they were discussing actual job possibilities for her.
   4
   "Y-You... are not serious, are you?" 
   [Very, if you make him happy I am sure he would even make you a realm just to hunt beasts you could only dream of...] 
   "He...he can do that?" Now, Atalanta's curiosity was perked up.
   1
   "Have you ever heard of Superman?" Grayfia asked from the side.
   "He is a very famous comic hero from the American states. I suggest showing them our Master's true capacity in battle and the simulator abilities." The silver-haired devil maid offered a solution to the silver-haired assistant.
   [Truly! A perfect suggestion! No wonder you are the Head Maid!] Quinella happily clapped her hands, and quickly, a screen appeared in the middle. Since they were sitting facing each other, the area in the middle was empty, but now there was a TV like hologram. It was designed that way so that they could watch TV while they were travelling on the Maglev.
   [Watch this so that you would know how powerful our Master truly is and what one could do in a simulation.] As she said that, they started to watch the video.
   Marcus asking for a simulation. The white room turning into New York was already an impressive sight to see! Then of course the people and their reaction to him.
   Then watching him blow up a building, causing chaos. Destroying more of the city scale before asking for an opponent...
   Before long, they saw him getting punched through buildings and the liberty statue. Recovering nearly instantly which made Artemis utterly baffled.
   Powering up to the point that the whole planet started to shake...
   Then he started to engage Superman in combat in which he got dominated early on but then rapidly started to learn which made the trio of the girls gulp down nervously. Such an insane progress...
   3
   Eventually, the superhero was overtaken and thrown into the ocean. At that moment they saw Marcus use the Power of Destruction. Erasing the whole bay and a portion of the city.
   Even then, however, the battle was not over as they went into space to continue the fight...
   Though it wasn't long as the teen inventor pulled the hero into the moon which was blown up with a single blast...
   Artemis and Atalanta gulped down with cold sweat pouring down from their forehead. This was no longer a battle between two simple powerful beings but some freaks of nature, not even the Gods could compare!
   18
   While Hippolyta only had starry eyes. She just saw her beloved show that he can fight properly when needed to! That just solidified her interest in him. Yes, he was indeed the perfect specimen for her!
   4
   [As you can see, the simulation's realism is at the peak and is as realistic as possible. All three of you can use them to hunt or participate in any battles of your desires. It is available at any time.]
   2
   "Truly? We can use it anytime?" Atalanta asked with wide eyes.
   "Correct, this is one of the reasons why the pair of maids take weekends off. They enjoy the entertainment dome... in my opinion, too much. They should spend more time serving our Master." Grayfia said with a small frown on her perfect face. The Head Maid doesn't give a crap about days off...
   8
   [Indeed. Nonetheless, as I was saying. As long as our Master is happy and satisfied, he will most likely spoil you with technology and his inventions.
   Serafall Leviathan did quite an outstanding job in this. She got a powerful Sacred Gear and assistance in her work as the Satan Leviathan.] Quinella said with a smirk. She can see that her persuasion was doing wonders to them. The clip helped quite a bit in this. She even lowered the speed of the train just so that they could talk properly.
   "Serafall Leviathan has a Sacred Gear!?" 
   "Indeed she has. Master was able to fulfil her dream of making her a Magic girl. In quite the literal sense." Grayfia explained with a neutral tone. She still finds it ridiculous, but it works, so she can't say anything.
   1
   For better or worse, Serafall can't equip her outfit at all times as Super-devil Class magic signatures can make weaker people pass out...
   [Making her as strong as someone from the Top 10 strongest rating. So yes, play nice, be good girls and you might get stronger.] Quinella chipped in, mentioning this.
   Making both Artemis and Atalanta look on with massive shock, such power is off the charts!
   7
   What especially attracted the Moon Goddess about this is the power boost! Her getting a power boost is quite a difficult chore. As a Goddess, she gets her power from beliefs. And as of now, her powers were barely above the base power she got from birth. The amount of people who believed in her was very few. She only gets some power from her Huntresses. However with a Sacred Gear which gives a similar boost to the one Serafall got? She will most likely be the most powerful Greek God!
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   That is too good to pass up!
   While Atalanta was more interested in getting into the Simulator... She could hunt dinosaurs, ice age beasts, or even some alien creatures!
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   The possibilities are endless! Internally she had a massive tug battle with her pride. Is this all truly worth it!?
   Only Hippolyta didn't care much... After all, her goal was and still is...to be his wife. Both of the huntresses can debate and converse as much as they want. But the redhead Warrior Queen had set a goal in mind. And nothing else matters!
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   While the pair were having internal conflict, Quinella could only smirk as she looked at the fellow silver-haired woman. Grayfia gave her a small smile too.
   The Assistant was not gonna lie. She likes this devil maid. Her dedication to their Master is almost as high as hers. And well, there is no other being more dedicated than her.
   Soon enough, the train arrived at the station. Quinella led the girls out of the carriage and onto the platform.
   She then motioned for them to follow her.
   And eventually the new girls saw something utterly amazing.
   It was an enormous ship... or more precisely... an enormous Airship.
   After getting over the awe of the size of this thing, and of course, the futuristic-looking design of this airship and its folded energy wings...
   Their gaze went lower... and they saw something which was quite fear-inducing...
   There was an army boarding the ship. There was a massive ramp lowered there which was being used by said army to board the ship.
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   Hippolyta was impressed by this... even if her future husband is a craftsman he still knows how to build his armies... a very impressive trait in her eyes. More points in her book.
   "T-This is... is he preparing to go to war?" Artemis asked with disbelief. Here she was... trying to challenge this guy who has all this!?
   1
   [War? No. This is him going to confiscate a Sacred Gear.] Quinella explained with a snort. The Moon Goddess thinks that this was their Master's army? The silver-haired assistant didn't even try with this one! This is nothing more than a squad for a raid!
   2
   "There are several thousand of them! How much does he need to get this gear!?" The Goddess of Hunt questioned with even more disbelief.
   [The Sephiroth Graal is owned currently by the Tepes faction of the Vampires. We will 'try' to 'persuade' them to give it to us. And if they don't then... well... you see those.] The silver-haired assistant pointed at the army boarding the airship as she said the second part of the sentence.
   2
   The lion girl and the Goddess slightly gulped down. This was big... very big. The current status of the world was about to change!
   Now... they comprehend, at least partially, the scale of this man's abilities... and they realised it was a stupid thing to do... to try to mess with him.
   After the awe at the sight, they walked towards where Marcus was at the moment.
    He was just standing there and looking at several holographic screens. Soon enough he noticed the approaching group.
   "Ah. There you are. My apologies for leaving you like that. I had some things to do." 
   As the teen inventor spoke, his voice sent tingles through Artemis, Atalanta and Hippolyta bodies.
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   [Don't worry, Master~~~ there is a reason why servants exist~~~ as your assistant it was my duty to introduce the new ladies into our faction.]
   From an outsider's perspective, it looked as if Quinella glided to his side. Her long hair only helped to make her look like a fairy or a butterfly... though her looks are deceiving as her personality was nothing like a butterfly or a fairy...
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   "I suppose that's true..." He said while stroking the Silver-haired assistant's cheek. The woman nearly purred.
   Only Grayfia knew that this woman was nothing more than a collection of polygons and this cute action of hers was nothing more than a program doing it on purpose...
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   "Well, how are you three holding on so far?" He asked the trio of new arrivals who were, more or less, subdued. Except for Hippolyta. 
   The redhead was happy to be here. She was happy to be able to see her future husband so often now!
   "You can say that..." Artemis said with a nervous tone. Should she just say that she is terrified of his capacities? Nope! She won't be telling that! He already has more than enough firepower to mess with her!
   Nonetheless, he saw her nervousness and her subdued way of holding herself. To tease her more, he walked towards them.
   More specifically, in front of Artemis.
   His hand went up to her cheek. He gently stroked it. She started to blush from his actions. This was too embarrassing for her!
   He leaned forward and started whispering to her. But, well, they are the supernaturals and most likely everyone was going to hear what he was whispering to her.
   "Your lying is quite bad. But, it's quite cute watching you struggle to lie." Marcus said to her. And by this point, her ears turned red from embarrassment.
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   The teen inventor then pulled back slightly and wrapped his hands around her waist as he then pulled her into a kiss. This time, however, the Goddess didn't resist in any way. Both Atalanta and Hippolyta looked at this with disbelief. Well, in the redhead Queen's case it was jealousy as she wanted that kiss too.
   Hopefully, she will get it soon as well.
   His hands wandered around her back. The leather clothes she wears does quite good to show off her perfect body. But, he still wants her in the maid outfit his girls are wearing.
   Eventually, he pulled back from the kiss and the Goddess looked a little bit mystified. She was staring at something aimlessly. 
   "I do love you wearing leather, but the maid uniform will look even better on you." 
   Hearing that, she snapped out, looking slightly annoyed but she got over it quick enough.
   "As you wish. I will dress however you want." She said that sharply. There was some reluctance there. Nonetheless, this has impressed Marcus quite a bit.
   He gave a quick peck on her cheek before pulling back. He then turned around and looked at Grayfia and Quinella. He wonders what did these two say to the Goddess and her Huntress for them to be this subdued.
   The teen then looked at the Atalanta who was feeling quite embarrassed already.
   The black-haired teen took a few steps towards her, but then, suddenly, the huntress bowed.
   "I apologise for my reckless attack... Please, can you remove these ropes!?" She asked with an extremely embarrassed tone. 
   1
   One could say she was dying from the inside out. This was so embarrassing and shameful that she doesn't even know what to do anymore!
   "Are you going to be a good kitty for me?" He asked with a curious and amused look. Making her even more embarrassed and ashamed.
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   "YES! I will be a good girl! Just remove them!" She said with a borderline begging tone. 
   Several white and gold circles appeared around her, cutting the robes perfectly. 
   Once the ropes were gone, she sighed in relief. 
   "Good. Next time you're going to be naked...with the ropes for your bad behaviour." He said that sharply, making her instantly turn pale. The rapid change of her skin colour can be said to be quite bad for her health.
   "...I understand! I won't be a bad girl! I promise!" She quickly said. To hell with her pride! Regular decency is more important than that!
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   "Good to hear that my girl can learn things quickly. Don't worry, you will be rewarded for good behaviour." Marcus left hand went on to her cheek and started stroking it.
   Atalanta got instantly stiff. No one did this to her before... and it felt very strange.
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   Nonetheless, he continued stroking her cheeks as the lion girl had a hard time resisting this...
   "See. Much better. Now that you are mine you won't be a stray cat anymore." 
   "..." 
   Atalanta wanted to counter that. But, that's just a bad idea. She knows that if she is to say something...bad, she will most likely end up in those ropes again... and this time naked... It sounds too terrifying for her.
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   "And that means I can pamper you as much as I want." He said while lowering his hand and in his left palm some grey goo thing appeared, moments later, several white and gold-ish magic circles surrounded this goo...
   Slowly, it took the shape of an apple and turned red... Seconds later Atalanta's nose picked up the smell of this... fruit?
   "This is 100% edible. I used the very same transmutation magic which was used by the Biblical God to make his things." Marcus said as he saw the gaze of the lion girl on this apple.
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   He then handed it over to her. The huntress inspected the fruit a couple of times, from different angles as well.
   Eventually, she decided to taste it because the smell was just that good.
   "Mhhh~~~" 
   The moment she took the bite, the taste exploded in her mouth. Her tail started rapidly wiggling. This was good...scratch that! It was divine!
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   Without wasting much time, she rapidly finished the whole thing, including the seeds... it was all gone in three bites...
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   "It was good, wasn't it?" He asked her. Atalanta slowly nodded in agreement.
   "You know the best thing about this? I was the one who genetically altered it. Adding different apples tastes into it. Finding the perfect combination of sweetness, juiciness, and even colour.
   Because I knew you like apples. After all, only the best things for my girl." 
   Her eyes widened hearing that. That apple was genetically tailored just for her!?
   "And you know what?" He leaned forward as if telling a secret.
   "I can easily allow you to have Orchids of these, just for you." 
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   Her mouth slightly opened hearing that. Now... this...this...this... no one has ever offered her anything like this before!
   She could make as many apple pies as she wanted! Or fruit salads!
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   The possibilities...
   Grayfia and Quinella looked at this with satisfaction... leave it to their Master to find ways to worm into their hearts. As Serafall said multiple times before... their Master could easily be a Lucifer if he wanted to...
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   "You would? You would get me an Orchid of these apples?"
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   "It is child's play for me. It took me only two weeks to build this." He pointed at the massive Airship being boarded by his soldiers.
   "How hard do you think it will be for me to raise an Orchid farm?"
   "...Fair point... very well, as shameful as it is... your...reasoning makes total sense to me... as My Lady said... and as you've said before... I... am yours... " She said the last part with quite a bit of difficulty. Nonetheless, it was a massive achievement in Marcus' achievement book.
   The Chaste Huntress was now his, officially...
   1
   Once again his hand went to her chin and pulled her slightly in. Atalanta knew what was coming next, so she just waited for the inevitable.
   Soon enough, he claimed her lips. She tasted like apples of course. Still though, it was his first time kissing this beauty so he wrapped both of his hands around her waist and pulled her in.
   The huntress had no skill in this, so Marcus led her through it.
   Before long, their tongues started to wrestle and the lion girl started to feel heat rising in her body. She was slowly getting turned on by this. Especially when his hands were fondling her firm backside.
   Still, they had to end because Atalanta didn't want to embarrass herself anymore as it is...
   "Good first kiss. We are going to have some more practice later on." He said that as he released her from his hold.
   Before he went over to Hippolyta, he handed over another apple that he'd just created. The lion girl felt embarrassed and even shameful for falling so easily once apples were involved in this...
   Stupid legend about her! Even now apples are still used against her like this!
   While Atalanta was feeling quite embarrassed being so easily manhandled by a man. Hippolyta, on the other hand, could not wait for Marcus to come over to her.
   "Unlike those two. I am ready to serve you in any way you want." She said with a purring tone. The Queen of The Amazons was behaving nothing like her legend's counterpart.
   "Oh? Good to hear. We are going to see how good you are with your duties."
   She licked her lips hearing that. She was imagining what kind of duties he will ask of her... after all, he is at the age where the males want a girl to be taken, in many different places...
   Before long, she was already in front of him; her eyes had hearts in them. 
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   A few moments later, Marcus was already kissing the beauty who had wrapped her hands around him. Unlike the previous two, she was giving it her all and trying her best. Mostly to show that she is better than those two!
   The pair of huntresses felt slightly annoyed by this. They felt that this was aimed towards them. 
   And unlike those two before, Hippolyta's hands were exploring her new Master's body just like he was doing the same to her.
   Still, though, no matter how much she wanted it to continue. The hot make-out session had to end...
   "Well? Was it to your liking? I am trying my very best!~~~" The redhead said with glassy eyes.
   "Very. I am sure we will be able to try this more later."
   .
   Hearing that, she nodded with a very satisfying smile. Yep! it's confirmed! They are going to have some 'fun' later on.
   1
   "Now that we have the introductions out of the way." Artemis and Atalanta slightly rolled their eyes. Not a bad 'introduction'...
   "We can return home. And Grayfia will give you your new uniforms." 
   The silver-haired head maid nodded. Yeah, she will have a certain amount of satisfaction training a Greek Goddess to be a full-time maid. This is certainly an honour to her. How many devils can brag that they trained a Goddess to be a human's maid?
   "So...um...this... whole mess with... Vampires..." Artemis started to talk about something else... Like the several hundred-metre long airships, the constant sounds of synchronised marching continuously serve to remind her that there was a massive warship getting prepared in this enormous underground hangar.
   And After all, just south of the Vampires is her... birth pantheon, she wanted to go back home but she won't be going there any time soon if her Master has anything to say about it.
   "Right. Check this out." Marcus got reminded about the ship.
   "The Confiscator. The Daedalus-class Airship." With a hand wave, a holographic window appeared in front of them.
   Showing the airship's schematics.
   [Daedalus-Class Airship 'Confiscator']
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   [Classification: Mobile Pantheon]
   3
   "You named this after that one human from the Greek stories? Daedalus and Icarus?" Artemis asked with a curious look, she remembered the lunatic who made wings and flew to mainland Greece from an island.
   "Indeed. I was thinking of a different trend for the names, but since you decided to come to my place I decided to continue with the Greeks and Roman names." Marcus said with a nod.
   "You have more stuff named after things from my homeland?" The Silver-haired Goddess eagerly asked.
   "The guns Jeanne showed you are called Castor and Pollux. The rifles I used in the first meeting were named Deimos and Phobos." He told her.
   The beauty was slightly baffled and somewhat honoured but at the same time she was annoyed that nothing was named after things related to her!
   "Who knows, if you are going to be a good girl I will name one of my Apsos-class space stations after you." He said with a smirk.
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   "What's that?" She was curious and one could say Marcus was feeding whatever he wanted to her by this point. He knows how to use her Godly pride...
   With another hand wave, she saw it...
   [Apsos-class 'Ars Almadel Salomonis']
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   [Classification: Orbital Station]
   The newcomers saw the schematics for the gun-shaped space station... 
   "Apsos stands for All-Purpose Space Observation Station. It's quite large, around a 370 metres long space station... However, since we are talking about something named after Artemis?
   We can take it a step further. And do this..." 
   With several hand waves, he rearranged the gun-shaped station and turned it into a bow.
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   "Slightly altering, adding extra functions, more hangars..."  He quickly altered it.
   Right in front of them, he designed an entirely new station which looks like a silver bow.
   "Now imagine this in the full moon? When people look at the moon and see a bow with a moon? Seeing your symbol of power every single night." 
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   By this point, the Moon Goddess had a dreamy look. She was already imagining the amount of awe and respect she would get.
   While the rest? Atalanta and Hippolyta...they realised that he just did the same thing he did to Atalanta... feeding right from his hand...
   And it's very effective.
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   "Of course... you would need to persuade me to do such things first..." He said with a shrug. Closing the window casually.
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   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   My Discord server for advanced chapters:
   https://discord.gg/hvzgBJg4ss
   Along with the advanced chapters, there are also a lot of other fanfics I wrote and did not upload to Webnovel.
   2
   Chapters are coming out Monday, Wednesday and Friday around 9:00 AM British time.
  
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   Chapter 29: Hippolyta Advances (R-18)
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   "Hi" Regular Speech
   'Hi' Thought
   "(Hi)" Marcus's mechanically synthesised voice
   [Hi] Quinella/Aurora talking
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   As expected from her future husband, his place was impressive- just as the barracks and the airship hangar she saw.
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   Hippolyta walked through the corridors and took in the sights. Even though she went through Grayfia Lucifuge's tour of this place. She still wanted to see it all for herself. To know and adjust to every nook and cranny of this place.
   As a future wife and lady of this place, she must know everything.
   The technological stuff here has helped her a lot. She finally understood just how deep Quinella runs this place. When that blonde maid said everything... It meant quite literally Everything.
   This silver-haired woman can do everything in this place as she is her future husband's creation. The man quite simply decided to create a perfect woman for himself.
   Which shows the insane amount of capacity he has as a creator and inventor.
   Nonetheless, Hippolyta decided to show him that he doesn't need to create a woman to be his wife.
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   While it will be a hard task, she is more than excited to meet up with this challenge. She waited for quite a long time to meet her dream husband, and she is not going to let this chance slip away.
   Eventually, her exploration led her to the main living room. She immediately licked her lips. She saw Marcus, her future husband, lying lazily on the couch with one hand behind his head while the other was swiping through those holographic windows.
   From the looks, one can use these holograms in any of the facilities which is an extremely convenient thing.
   Nonetheless, she is not here to think about these holograms...she now has to 'seal' the deal with her future husband. 
   Walking around, making sure she is not seen, her many years of experience as a huntress makes her quite silent on her feet. However, she doubts she can sneak around the man who can adapt to any situation on the fly.
   Still though, she ended up next to the couch where he was just laying there. Getting on all four, she crouched right on top of him like a feline.
   "Your sneaking is impressive but it's quite useless in my house. I can sense all movements here at all times." Marcus said to her while the hand which was behind his head was now on her waist.
   "The new uniform you wear looks amazing." He commented on the sexy maid uniform she is currently wearing. The usual one; short skirt, high stockings, naked shoulders.
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   Quite sexualised, but that's the point. They are dressed like that just for him.
   "Good to hear. Not that there is much choice. This is my current work uniform. We could get more variations for these maid uniforms in future, yes? I have heard that there are many different cultures around the world which have their own maid culture." She asked him while getting comfortable laying on top of him.
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   She is already trying to make herself useful; offering new ideas, the maid uniforms is just one of them.
   "Hmm... I see your point. More diversity is always better." The teen nodded in agreement. That's not a bad idea.
   3
   He then closed the holographic windows as his other hand went right on her firm bum. More precisely, it sneaked underneath her short skirt and fondled her ass through the thin panties she was wearing.
   "Maid uniforms aside, is there a reason why you are here?" He asked her while enjoying her incredible bum.
   "There is. I am here to seal the deal." She said with a lewd smile.
   Well, it was a lie. She was exploring the place and saw her future husband. The red-head decided to just move on to more important things.
   Marcus slightly raised his eyebrow. This girl is thirsty...
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   And he didn't have any fun today... so...
   2
   The teen's other hand went lower from her waist to her bum. With both hands on her ass, he then moved himself up and lifted the red-head Queen up.
   Hippolyta realised that they were going somewhere... Well, she doesn't care where they are going. All she cares about is that she is going with him, so it's fine with her.
   "Aurora, if anyone is looking for me, tell them that I am...busy for the rest of the day."
   [Sure thing. Remember that tomorrow we are moving out midday.] The A.I. reminded him about the 'visit' to the vampire nation they were about to do.
   "It's midday tomorrow. You think I will be busy for that long?" He questioned with disbelief.
   But, a single look from the red-head who coiled herself around him said otherwise.
   [Don't worry I will set the alarm clock for you.]
   The A.I said to Marcus who already started walking towards his bedroom.
   (R-18 straight ahead! if you wish to skip, go to '~~~Around Same Time~~~')
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   The teen threw the redhead Queen onto his bed resulting in him getting a coy smile from her.
   2
   Hippolyta was already very much excited about what he was about to do to her. The red-head knows he has insane abilities from the video clip she saw.
   "Well. What are you going to do to your maid~~~?" The Amazon Queen asked with a seductive purr.
   "First... I am going to undress you piece by piece..." As he said that he got onto the bed himself. He grabbed her leg and took one of her high heels. Then moved to the next leg...
   The beauty was slightly amused by that. But then again, there was a certain amount of satisfaction that he was undressing her like that...
   Once the shoes were gone. Marcus skipped her stockings and instead went to her maid dress. Slowly he started to pull it down. Revealing her bountiful assets. They were not too big nor were they too small. Simply the perfect size. As expected from someone who is a Goddess. 
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   He then continued to pull the dress down and Hippolyta assisted him by slightly lifting her waist up. Surely enough, the dress was off and the only thing left were her nearly see-through sexy black panties and her stockings...
   "Now to taste every inch of your body." He said while inspecting her from top to bottom.
   She giggled hearing that. 
   "Do whatever you want~~~" She said in a husky tone. This was already getting even better than she had imagined.
   Hearing the all-clear, Marcus started to dive in. He started with a regular kiss. The beauty responded with the same amount of heat.
   While their mouths were busy, the teen's hands didn't stay idle as he started fondling her assets.
   The beauty herself didn't stay idle too. Her hands went to his clothes and started to remove them.
   Before long he was completely naked. The Queen of Amazons eyes wandered around his body when Marcus pulled back for a moment.
   "Yes..." She purred more when her hand stroked his abs...
   "As expected from a craftsman... even your body is perfectly crafted," Hippolyta said with satisfaction.
   The teen didn't say anything, he just smiled and dived in to continue with his exploration.
   Soon enough, the redhead beauty started softly moaning as she felt him kissing her body. Inch by inch. Leaving a trail of kisses as he eventually arrived at her panties. Which were already soaked. Showing just how horny she was.
   Without wasting much time, he removed them as he started assaulting her pussy with his lips.
   That moment Hippolyta's eyes widened as her body started to get bombarded by the high amount of pleasure which only increased the longer his tongue was playing with her insides.
   "Oh~~~Gods! What is thisssss~~~" Her body arched as she came hard. Just around a minute had passed since he started licking her pussy.
   "Your moaning sounds quite seductive... are you sure you are the Queen of a women warrior tribe?" Marcus asked with a tease as he pulled up after tasting her to satisfaction. It was a successful test...
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   The beauty breathed heavily as she regained her bearings.
   "Y-You... you got good at this after just a few moments..." She said with glassy eyes. She was turned into a mess after being eaten out for just a few moments...
   "Indeed I learned your sweat spots in just a few licks... now let's get to the main course." As Marcus said that he flipped her over and made her take a position on all fours...
   The beauty slightly moaned just from that. Her body was still quite sensitive... after all, she just came hard...
   Soon enough Marcus spread her butt cheeks apart and aimed his hard rod at her syrupy pussy.
   With a quick thrust, he fully submerged his rod into her tight cave.
   "AHHHH~~~ w-wait for... mhhh~~~" He almost completely pulled out before slamming back in, he did notice that he just claimed her maidenhood too...
   Which is quite satisfying. Still though, he didn't hold back because he was fucking THE Amazon Queen...
   Both of his hands grabbed her ass and he started pounding her hard. He quickly found her sensitive spots and started aiming at them.
   The beauty moaned from the top of her lungs. She was feeling pain and a lot of pleasure flowing throughout her whole body. The red-head could not understand what was going on anymore.
   What kind of pleasure is this!?
   Before long, she came again. This time it was so hard that she lost strength in her arms.
   Yet, before she could collapse Marcus pulled her up into a standing position. One of his hands went to her breast while the other made her turn towards him.
   Soon enough, they were kissing again while he was fondling her breasts and pounding her from the back.
   By this point, Hippolyta lost it and her climax came one after another.
   "MHHH~~"
   She moaned into his mouth while drool was coming out from her lips. Tears of pleasure were rolling down from her eyes. She had hearts in them with a glassy look.
   With one bang from his hips, Marcus released his content into her freshly deflowered pussy.
   "Ohhhh~~~"
   Then he let her go. The beauty dropped headfirst into the bed. Her whole body twitched multiple times before starting to snooze off.
   "This was great. Well, let's rest before continuing sweetheart." The teen said while getting comfortable in the bed.
   With hand motion, he opened a holographic window. He went through the options for the room.
   Selecting a Greek-style manse. With fresh summer wind blowing through the wide windows. The moment it changed, Marcus could hear the sound of the sea not far away, it was very much relaxing.
   "Hmmm...pure satisfaction here." He said with a smile as he waited for Hippolyta to wake up.
   ~~~~~~Around Same Time~~~~~~
   "Hmm?"
   "My Lady? Something happened?" Atalanta asked as she noticed Artemis looking somewhere.
   "While we are adjusting to this crazy place. Hippolyta already lost her maidenhood." The Goddess of the Hunt said with an annoyed sigh.
   "...Already? She went to look for our...Master?" Atalanta nearly slipped there. She remembered that in this place even the walls are listening...
   "It appears she did..." Artemis said with a small frown. This was... annoying to her. It would seem that in this place their old comradery is not worth much... or at least between Hippolyta and them.
   "That was quick... she did not even settle in properly yet," Atalanta said with some annoyance. The Moon Goddess picked up on it.
   "...I am more shocked that she did it so quickly... she was a maiden just like us..." The Moon Goddess said with some disbelief and even shock. They just finished the introduction part, and signed the 'contract'. Well, they were working for Marcus for life now... so it can be considered more of a slavery contract than a normal one...
   Nonetheless, they did not expect Hippolyta, who is the most warrior-like of them all, to seduce a man... was she even trained in that art!?
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   Atalanta could only nod at her Goddess. How did the red-head even do it!?
   The Chaste Huntress even started having treacherous thoughts about just going to him and sealing the deal. At this point, it's only a matter of time before she will end up in his bed as well.
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   Partially, she understood that what Hippolyta did was very smart. The Amazon Queen moved right in to do what 'maids' are supposed to do. Especially a maid who aims for the top position of being their new Master's wife.
   Not that Atalanta cares to be his wife...well, maybe, kind of? The guy could easily make anything she wants... that's a very hard thing to pass by... she never thought about this kind of thing before...
   "My Lady. What about us? How are we going to progress from here?"
   "..."
   "..."
   As the Lion Girl asked. The Moon Goddess, for the first time in her life, could not give some sort of clear answer to her lieutenant-now fellow maid.
   "I have no idea. This is a new area for me, just as much as it is for you, Atalanta." 
   The huntress could only nod. It was truly happening... they are clueless...
   "Umm... Excuse me... may I come in?" 
   The new maids heard a knock on the door.
   Atalanta went over and pressed a button as the doors opened. They have already reached the point in the technology department that doors knobs are outdated and they have buttons now.
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   Seconds later, the doors slide to the side. The pair noticed a nervous Le Fay Pendragon.
   "Umm. Sorry to disturb you but I was introduced to tell you to collect the necessary equipment."
   "Necessary equipment?" Artemis asked with a raised eyebrow.
   "Yes. You see, you need to have your phones. You can use these phones for many, many things. As well as any other gadgets you want. Master allows all staff members to have all the necessary tools they need. Of course, none of them can improve overall strength." Le Fay pulled out her phone from a pocket she had in her uniform.
   "You can track your points or any other things. Aurora even posts duties for us to do through this." 
   "I see... this place truly is unique..." Atalanta said as she processed what the blond maid just said to her.
   "It takes time to get used to it. Once you do, you realise just how amazing our Master is... I still can't believe how much this place grew... you two probably don't know, but Master started all of this from a room just below a garage.
   People like Serafall Leviathan or Venelana Gremory were the earliest of them. The Gremory was even summoned in Master's home attic where he grew up. Now? We have facilities spread throughout the whole nation...
   It's absurd, honestly..." Le Fay went on a ranting explanation. As she, just a few hours ago, realised how rapidly Marcus was expanding in all directions. Him easily capturing the Moon Goddess and her whole hunt just proves the point.
   Both Atalanta and Artemis looked at each other. They realised that all of this was very recent...
   "It wasn't a long time ago, was it?" The Goddess of Hunt asked curiously. She could even sense that this girl was not even touched by him yet. Meaning that their new Master doesn't just touch his maids easily too. Even if this one was also dressed in the maid's revealing uniform.
   "Not at all." Le Fay motioned to come with her.
   The pair of new maids nodded and started following her.
   "Master just recently moved to this place. Less than half a year ago..." She had a thoughtful look for a moment.
   "When he fought you both for the first time, that was when he was still living in his first base. He got Jeanne and me right after fighting you two."  
   "I see... so, you served him for around half a year." 
   Le Fay nodded at the Moon Goddess. While it was still awe-inspiring that she is serving with a Goddess now. It's still hard to wrap her head around the fact that they are of the same rank in this place!
   "What can you tell us about him? What should we be wary of?" Atalanta asked from the other side of the blond maid.
   "That would be telling, Atalanta. I can't reveal the things which you have to learn for yourself." The blonde maid said with a smile. A small reminder to the pair that this girl is a witch.
   The huntress and the Goddess internally clicked their tongues.
   "We are, after all, rivals here in some way." Le Fay said that, remembering how Jeanne just went and seduced their Master without any previous warning or anything like that.
   After that, she knew that her fellow blonde was now regularly doing it with him...
   And worst of all... she gets points for it... Aurora rewarded that blonde! It's somewhat embarrassing and annoying that she gets points for sleeping with him!
   It sort of remind her of prostitution... Well, they are only sleeping with one man... so something similar to the sugar daddy thing that exists in the mundane side of the world?
   Anyway, that whole thing earned Jeanne so much more points because she was helping their Master directly. No matter how lewd it sounds, it does help him not get completely consumed by his research and inventions.
   So, Jeanne gets more points than Le Fay by bulks...
   "I guess... it's true... nonetheless, wouldn't it be better if we have some sort of a treaty?" Artemis was using her around 5 thousand years of experience here.
   "It would need to be extremely flexible. Because our Master can be very random. The whole Vampire invasion was so random and so fast that we...Jeanne and I, were quite shocked at how out of nowhere it came.  Even this house's appearance is quite out of the blue.
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   One moment, he was building more processing power for Aurora, the next moment, we moved to this place because... the building speed increases every couple of hours. And there are thousands if not hundreds of thousands of robotic labour working on the railway and the space centre." 
   Artemis and Atalanta were quite baffled hearing that... just how rapidly did this evolve!?
   Just from hearing this... they realised it all happened in a matter of weeks...
   "As you can see... you need to be very close to him to know what is going on because neither Serafall Leviathan or Latia Astaroth were as shocked by this as we were. Which assumes they knew about this."
   "Because they spend time with him and listen to him," Atalanta said with a nod she understood this enough. To someone who has less of his attention, these things can as well be random. But to someone who spends a lot of time with him...
   'Like Hippolyta... she is already with him... I have no doubt she will move up in this whole thing...' The Lion Girl can already imagine that the red-head will get something out of the whole fact that she openly surrendered and didn't need any persuasion...
   Their new Master most likely quickly noticed how openly she showed her submission...
   ~~~~~~Next Morning~~~~~~
   The sound of an alarm clock spread through the whole Greek styled room.
   "Uhhh... Please quiet it down!" Hippolyta complained as she snuggled into Marcus' nape. She was sleeping on top of him and treating him like some sort of pillow.
   "No can do, sweetheart. It's past midday and we have a field operation to attend to." The teen said while stroking her back, he was enjoying her soft skin.
   "No... you did things to me the whole night... and now you want me to wake up this early..." She complained with a cute voice.
   Not that it's going to work on him. The teen has been living with Serafall for far too long...
   So without much thought, he got up from the bed with the red-head in his arms and went to get a shower...
   "No..."
   2
   ~~~
   After the shower was done. Marcus got the Queen up and awake. The girl, though, still sort of struggled with her clothes.
   "You know... I am a minor Goddess and you did this to me. I don't know if I should be horrified or impressed." She said while trying to dress up. Her legs were a little bit shaky. 
   She was amused and a little bit distressed. She never put the whole fucked-to-unconsciousness thing as a possibility. As her constitution is on a completely different level. She could fight for days without any break... so something like fucked to silliness didn't even come up in her thought process.
   "You do realise that I am what is considered a 'perfect' human being? My adaptability was engineered to be at the very apex. Combined with my natural talent I can learn things at near instantaneous pace.
   2
   So learning your sweat spots was quite easy." He said with a smile as he watched the disbelief slowly appear on her face.
   5
   "You...what kind of freak of nature are you?" She asked with a face that tells him that he is cheating the hell out of this.
   "Nature? Silly girl..." He patted her head.
   "Nature is nearly completely understood by me. As you said before I am a crafter and builder."
   "...*Sigh* I didn't mean it that way. You are far too serious. I meant it as a metaphor..." 
   "I know. And your description doesn't fit. Because my adaptability is not crafted by nature but by me." He clenched his fist and a purple aura surrounded him for a moment.
   2
   "My body has been, as you said, craft and built to my specific tastes." 
   As Marcus said that, the aura subsided.
   "Now, on another note. Do you want to fight for me?" 
   His question got her slightly off guard. Here he was, talking about something she didn't know. She was sort of baffled to learn that he, in truth, did alter his body in some way...
   And then, out of nowhere, he asked about fighting for him...
   And here she thought that she was going to kiss fighting goodbye, but now he is offering to fight!?
   "...You want me to fight for you?" Hippolyta asked with some hope. She needs confirmation.
   "Indeed. You can lead the whole field operation if you want." Marcus said with a shrug.
   "You're...going to allow me to lead them!?" She asked with wide eyes. A lot of disbelief washed over her.
   "Of course. You deserve a reward. Unlike the rest, you surrendered to me. No fighting, no resistance. No lies. You don't know this. But, here, in this house, everything is under my surveillance. Aurora records people's expressions, body language, and even vital readings through magic in the air.
   And I can safely accept the fact that you are on my side. So, you, a Goddess of War, leading my S.P.B.A. is something which makes a lot of sense, no?"
   2
   Hippolyta was a little bit freaked out that there is this much surveillance here. But, the second part she heard made her more than elated.
   "Then I accept..." She tried to stand up but... well...her legs were shaking too much and she would just embarrass herself more...
   "...Well...let me massage your legs a bit..."
   "...maybe not? You're going to do things to me!" The redhead was more than happy that her future husband liked her body this much, but she wants to fight now!
   "Don't be silly, woman. I am in my serious mode now, not the other way around." He rolled his eyes and Hippolyta was surrounded by purple energy.
   Before long she was laying on the bed on her stomach and Marcus was massaging her...
   1
   Not long after that, she needed to cover her satisfying moans... as she thought, this was a bad idea... but at the same time she liked this a lot...
   A few minutes into this and she was a gooey mess. She climaxed a couple of times just from her legs which is quite embarrassing for her. And hopefully, no one is going to learn that the Queen of the Amazons came a couple of times from her legs alone...
   "Well. It's done. Your leg muscles are in optimal condition." Marcus said with quite a satisfied tone. The Amazon Queen slowly got up from the bed. She was still slightly shaky from all that pleasure...
   Thankfully, she can stand much better now. Nonetheless, her pride was reduced to rubble... she was manhandled like some little girl...
   "Don't tell anyone..." She said with a red face. Trying to get over the embarrassment.
   "Oh? Are you going to keep me silent in some way?" Marcus asked with an amused and curious look. Oh, how he liked doing this...
   1
   "Anything you want. I only wish that no one will ever know what you did to me just now. The method to bring me back to 'optimal' level." She used a word she picked up from her future husband.
   "Hmm. I suppose it's easily arrangeable. Not that people will ask me about certain things." He agreed with a casual shrug.
   "Good. I will make sure to reward you extra hard next time." She said with a lustful look. Just remembering last night was enough for her to get hot and bothered.
   ~~~
   Thankfully, there were not that many people waiting for them outside the room and Hippolyta was reminded that they were underground. The room she was in before was just like a Greek-style manse. 
   Bringing back some nostalgia... most importantly with just how insanely realistic it was...
   When they left the room, Artemis and Atalanta looked at the red-head with weird emotions in their eyes. From annoyance to fascination.
   Nonetheless, both of them kept quiet and didn't ask anything. Assuming they were waiting for the right moment to ask, most probably when she is not next to their new master.
   "Right, I assume that you all know I am going to Transylvania to 'collect' some stuff. If you want to come with me, you can come. And if you are not interested, then you can stay here." Marcus said as he took a sip of his morning tea.
   "...If I am to appear there, they will assume that the Greek Pantheon is attacking them," Artemis said, mentioning the obvious.
   "Possible. That's if you are going to leave the bridge of the airship. That reminds me. Jeanne, do you want to have some live practice with your new Gear?" Marcus clarified to Artemis before looking at the maid. The blonde reincarnation of the Saint is becoming a better maid every day and she needs to be awarded in some way...
   "Oh! You're going to allow me to fight?" The blonde asked with disbelief.
   "Yeah. I think you deserve some action." He said with a casual shrug. Earning himself a bright smile from the girl.
   Oh yes! She was itching to get some action after getting her twin pistols! How many other people around the world have two Sacred Gears? To her knowledge a very small percentage of the world's population has achieved that!
   "Count me in! I assume it's against those bloodsuckers in Romania?" She agreed before asking where she would be fighting.
   "Indeed. I will outfit you two for this though. Showing that you are part of my group, not some random people." 
   "Two? Someone else is going with me?" Jeanne asked with wide eyes. Here she was thinking that she was the special one with this! But someone else is going to come with her!?
   "Yes. Hippolyta is coming with you." Marcus clarified to the blonde maid.
   For a second, Jeanne looked at the red-head. She was a little bit annoyed that this new girl was already getting things like that. But, she can guess that was because of how quickly Hippolyta surrendered to him in multiple different senses.
   What took her months to get, this one got it in a single day... well she can assume it was because she went and seduced him right away. Unlike her who took months of gathering her courage to do.
   "Now that this is out of the way..."
   While Marcus was discussing things with Jeanne, with Le Fay chipping in from time to time, the pair of huntresses and the Goddess were looking at Hippolyta.
   They can't believe the red-head was already getting something out of this! They can guess that he will also be giving them some sort of equipment to fight... maybe a Sacred Gear? Or similar weapons wielded by those soldiers...
   "Lady Latia and Lady Serafall are working together to get the new girl's lodgings in the mundane side of the world. Lady Gremory is in the underworld dealing with some issues and Head Maid is back to her work." Le Fay gave an update on the current situation.
   1
   "Hmm, so they are busy. Well, it's fine." Marcus waved his hand. Well, he can enjoy the new company he has at the moment. Maybe he can find some time to cuddle with the lion girl he just got?
   3
   After finishing his breakfast, Marcus and his five maids went to the train station which took them to the barracks.
   Once again the newcomers were baffled seeing just how crowded the place was. They already saw thousands boarding the Airship and yet...the barracks were full either way!? Where are the soldiers coming from!? By this point, people in this country would wonder where so many people disappeared too!
   "How do you even have this many people serving you?" Artemis asked with disbelief. They were all males with the same size and body constitution... are they...
   3
   "They are Biological models... I thought I already said that before?" Marcus asked her. He thought she already understood that?
   "...wait, so it's true? They are man-made through magic?" It finally hit her. So, he can make armies!? She thought that he could just make something simple like homunculus. But that branch of magic is not that advanced and as far as she remembers it is also lost to time...
   "Through science. One out of three things needed to have a perfect life is mastered by me. The biological body is also almost completely understood by Aurora and me. And, as I said before, the three hairs I got back then and the other samples collected by myself and with Sitri's help allowed me to understand how to create a biological body to my exact specifications."
   "I see..." 
   Artemis' eyes twitched from disbelief. No supernatural pantheon was successful in creating humans before. Sure, some beings made 'better' versions. The best of them is the Biblical God. Which Artemis sees a lot of resembles in her new Master with him.
   Creation of Lilith... the being which became the mother of all devils, she was 'human' before turning into whatever the thing she is now...then the angels... beings linked to the system...
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   Oh, and how could she forget his first creation, the first bat...
   5
   So, yeah... that God surely tried quite hard with his creations... so hard, in fact, that he split up his pantheon in three...
   1
   Now this, however... will it lead to the creation of some sort of new human race? 
   8
   Well, only time will tell...
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   My Discord server for advanced chapters:
   https://discord.gg/hvzgBJg4ss
   1
   Along with the advanced chapters, there are also a lot of other fanfics I wrote and did not upload to Webnovel.
   Chapters are coming out Monday, Wednesday and Friday around 9:00 AM British time.
  
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   Chapter 30: Arming Maids and Going for a Trip
   5
   "Hi" Regular Speech
   'Hi' Thought
   "(Hi)" Marcus's mechanically synthesised voice
   [Hi] Quinella/Aurora talking
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   "You two, step into that circle," I said to the pair. Hippolyta and Jeanne are the two girls who will be participating in this field expedition.
   Honestly, I would prefer if those fools hand the girl over without any need to exchange blows... Well, more like, beat them up, as the loadout I've prepared for them will kill them off without any much of a hassle, and most importantly, I will be going there in the middle of the day.
   Still, the possibility of them handing over that Tepes girl is small to none existent, mainly because of their pride. Quinella did several million calculations on this and there is around a 87% chance of them saying no.
   2
   "Okay..." Both Jeane and Hippolyta stepped into the circle. Soon enough they started to get scanned.
   "So...umm... What is this light?" Jeanne asked curiously as she looked at the light starting to rise from the circle.
   "I am taking your measurements. After the scan is done you will receive your S.P.B.A. army gear," I said to them as I checked the readings on the two girls.
   Quite simply learning their three sizes and checking their weight too... I am using any opportunity I can to learn those.
   2
   A few presses later and I realised that they were going to look like Mandalorian bounty huntresses.
   3
   Kinda hot on its own.
   2
   "You mentioned this before but what is the S.P.B.A?" Hippolyta asked as she looked at her hand, seeing the light washing her over. Going up and down her whole body.
   "Scientifically Prepared Biological Army, S.P.B.A for short, are my soldiers who will be doing the grunt work for me. Their job mainly consists of collecting stuff for me. From Sacred Gears to samples. Depending on the situation." I clarified what my grunts do for me. Nothing much, just some handymen.
   2
   "Wait...you didn't mention war... you are not planning for them to fight your wars?" Artemis asked with some confusion as she heard my explanation.
   1
   "Have you ever heard of something called 'precise orbital bombardment'?" I answered her question with another question.
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   "Why lose soldiers' lives when you can just shoot the enemies from space... as expected of my Lord Husband." Hippolyta instantly understood what I meant. It took some time for Artemis to process what I meant but she eventually got it nonetheless.
   1
   "The gun-shaped station in space... but, it can't shoot everywhere, can it?" She asked with realisation. There was some fear underneath that question.
   "It can... even the Underworld or Heaven... or any smaller dimension linked to Earth... I can shoot anywhere. Even realms connected to other Pantheons..." I said with a shrug as I looked at the final product of the armour.
   7
   My gaze went to Hippolyta who had stars in her eyes while Jeanne looked slightly baffled hearing me talk about my Apsos-class Station capacities.
   Artemis and Atalanta looked pale like paper realising that I could most likely nuke Olympus with nothing but my word.
   7
   Only Le Fay had a poker face. I can assume she is the only one in this place apart from Latia and Quinella who checks the logs on the projects...
   2
   "Well, the armours are done. Check them out." 
   With a hand motion, I showed them the full 3D image of the armours. They looked like classic Mandalorian armour only the difference was that it's a female version. Meaning the chest piece and the armour itself is much more slender.
   6
   The left shoulder plate has the regular S.P.B.A. letters on it, while the right shoulder plate has the original emblem I've prepared for them.
   For Hippolyta, it was a Greek female warrior with a spear. There are also some different colourings on the armour. A third colour of red has been added to the original dull silver and blue.
   For Jeanne, it was a symbol of the original French royalty used back in the hundred years war. Symboling her identity as the reincarnation of Saint Joan.
   2
   Her extra colour is a golden yellow which fits quite well in my opinion.
   "Oh...OH... my gosh... I am gonna look like a Mandalorian Bounty Hunter!" Jeanne clapped her hands in happiness.
   1
   "Wait... you only now realised that Master's Army is based on the Mandalorians?" Le Fay asked while facepalming.
   6
   "Hmm? I never paid much attention to them. I only realised it now that I saw myself in this." She shamelessly shrugged her shoulders. I could only snort in amusement.
   Jeanne reminded me of those gal girls who only care about certain things. The rest can just go fuck itself...
   Kind of makes her perfect for me and perfect to be a Saint. Assuming in her very first life as Joan of Arc, she was a devout Christian who only cared for her country and religion.
   Now in this one? Well, she only cares for me. The signs are already there, that she is quite in the hots for me. And of course, having fun... I bet she won't even bat her eye when we are going to lay waste to the entire Vampire nation...
   "And who are these Mandalorians you are talking about? They sound quite similar to Ares' pet project..." Artemis said with a sigh.
   "Pet project?" Everyone except Atalanta looked curiously at the Moon Goddess. I included as she mentioned the word 'project'...
   "Yes. Back in the day around what you humans call the Bronze age. Ares 'descended' in one of the cities which you all call Sparta. He created a society around the whole martial prowess and war." The Goddess said with a shrug.
   Well, it's good to know that Sparta was a pet project of a war god... 
   "So my dad was the one who created Spartans? Good to know..." Hippolyta said with a not caring shrug herself.
   While the rest like Le Fay and Jeanne looked on with some disbelief. I too, to a certain extent, after all, Spartans are part of humanity and its overall culture. So, knowing that Ares did something akin to a research or test project is something else entirely...
   "Right... So yeah, you can say that the Mandalorians are based on Spartans which are in the fictional world of Star Wars. A famous franchise in western culture." I explained to Artemis.
   "So your soldiers are indirectly based... once again, from my pantheon... good to know..." The Moon Goddess said with a twitchy eyebrow. She was quite annoyed... Most likely on the fact that it was not related to her in any way... again...
   1
   "Yes. The best kind of warriors." I said with another shrug. Honestly, Mandos are cool, especially the true bounty hunters. With the Jetpacks, flamethrowers...
   5
   Right... I need to note this one down. Since I have the Rangers, let's make bounty hunters too...
   I quickly pulled out my phone and typed it down, saving it in the notes. And with a quick swirl of my hand, it was back in my lab coat pocket.
   2
   I then pressed on the hologram and the ground slightly opened. The gears came out, placed on a pedestal.
   "Here it is. Your gear has been crafted." I said to them as I walked over. Both of my hands were in my pockets as I looked at the gears placed in front of me.
   "...How fast was this created!?" Hippolyta asked with wide eyes.
   "All of my facilities are automated, sweetheart. Aurora runs everything. I stopped making things with my own hands just around the time I beat you three." I said with a shrug. I don't recall past inventions that much, but it was around the time when I finished Freedom Mark I... that was the last time I did something with my own two hands.
   "I see... this... well..." The redhead, from the looks of it, was speechless, so were the other two newcomers. Only Jeanne quickly approached, almost leaving an afterimage of herself as she appeared in front of the armours.
   "Sweet God... this looks almost exactly like the armour the Mandos are wearing!" She lifted the helmet and checked it out. She could see her reflection from the helmet showing just how polished it was.
   "Try putting it on, and check how superior it is to any Mandalorian ones." I said that with a proud tone. Hell, the Star Wars tech level was already quite lacking towards holograms!
   The girl listened to what I said and she quickly put it on.
   *Gasp*
   "You put Realitus tech inside!? Damn this is like not wearing a helmet at all!" She exclaimed realising what was put in the helmet.
   1
   "Precisely. I know that neither you nor Hippolyta like helmets, so I improvised and decided to put some of my Freedom tech inside the helmet." I said with a shrug.
   "Freedom tech? Is that your winged armour that you had?" Hippolyta asked with a curious look as she inspected her helmet.
   "Have, not had. The Scale mail you saw me in before is mark II. The one I have at the moment is Mark IV... the final edition."
   3
   "Whoa! Mark IV? When? How? I remember Quinella just bragging about Mark III like it was yesterday!" The blonde removed her helmet and quickly called a holographic window with her finger and went through several menus until eventually found something.
   "...Damn... I only checked last week! You already have the model done!? And this one... you removed all the safety features?" She asked with disbelief.
   "Well, yeah. All the systems which were to keep the wielder safe were converted into offensive capacities.
   According to the simulations, I could circle the globe in less than 10 minutes."
   7
   "That's nuts... that kind of force could turn a regular human into flesh paste..." Jeanne said with a weird look. She couldn't believe that I would create something like this...
   1
   Well, this was me taking all the limiters off and checking just how fast the energy wing technology truly is without any limiters placed on it.
   This is my final Freedom. Before I fully switch to my Strike Freedom. The next generation of Scale mails.
   1
   "Indeed. So, it's not meant for regular people to wear it." 
   "The...files says that even Ultimate class beings are not recommended to use for more than 2 hours. How is that even possible? Does it drain magic or something?"
   "The OS. Aurora Borealis works with the armour for maximum response time. In other words, it would drain magic as the body would need to keep up with the response time. I had to upgrade the Triangle Diamond reactor for that kind of response power."
   "...I see... this is nuts... officially, this is nuts..." She said while shaking her head.
   "It is for my use only." I clarified to her. No regular human could even push this thing above 1% of its maximum performance.
   "Do you even need a scale mail in the first place?" Artemis asked me from the side. She was just behind Jeanne reading over the same thing the blonde was.
   "For the first run? Yes. After that? No." I simply said to her,
   "Adapt to it? I see..." Hippolyta said with realisation. She probably knows my ability to adapt the best.
   "Correct. After that, I will switch to a different model."
   "Still? But, you are like the 3rd Strongest Being... maybe even 2nd... why do you even need this?" Artemis said with a baffled tone.
   "I could ask the same... Why do you need a bow? You can just punch the wild animals out? Or why wear clothes if they offer no augmented protection?" I said with a snort.
   1
   "The answer is obvious... preference. Do you think I will fight someone again like Superman? Quinella goaded me because she knew what I disliked. Someone I wouldn't mind punching the very face out of, and erase an entire celestial body underneath its foot.
   5
   So far no one else exists in this world that would make me do it again. That's why I will be switching into something else or even sending someone else to do the grunt work." I explained to her. She slightly paled. Nonetheless, the Moon Goddess got the message loud and clear.
   1
   "Now, go and change your clothes into this." I motioned with my chin at the armours.
   The girls quickly grabbed the armours and rushed to change into them. Leaving us in quite an awkward atmosphere.
   While it's amusing to watch them squirm under my gaze. I decided that it's time for me to do something entertaining. And that is to play with my cat.
   8
   With a few steps, I was in front of Atalanta who was looking at me with some nervousness and alertness. She wasn't expecting me to just out of nowhere start paying extra attention to her.
   "I wasn't able to say this before. But, the maid uniform looks very beautiful on you." As I said that, my hand went onto her cheek and gently stroked it.
   2
   The lion girl slightly lowered her guard. She tried to take a deeper breath and relax but she wasn't able to do much on that front.
   "M-My thanks..." She softly said with a nervous tone. From the looks of it, she is completely out of her element and doesn't know how to behave.
   "Don't worry. I am not going to bite you. Or hurt you in any way."
   Her mouth slightly twitched hearing that. She most likely wanted to clarify why she was so nervous. Which I can bet is her blunt honesty.
   Before long, I stopped stroking her cheek and lowered my hand. I turned around and my gaze went to the silver-haired Goddess who was looking at me with a neutral poker face.
   2
   I inspected the uniform on her. She looked gorgeous in it. Her legs looked amazing with those stockings. 
   Without wasting much time, I walked over to her. There was no reaction to my approach. She already expected that I would come over to her.
   In the end, I walked past her and got myself behind her. My hands wrapped around her waist as I pulled her into my hands. 
   At one point, I could easily smell her hair and she was just smelling delicious. A smell of wild nature that no shampoo could replicate.
   "Tell me. How are you faring?" I asked softly, directly into her ear, her whole body just twitched for a second. My voice has tickled her.
   "...S-Strange. This is very much new to me... I am still learning a lot of new things." She said in a nervous tone. Not fitting for a proud and noble huntress. 
   "I see. I suppose it is quite a change from your previous occupation as you barely stayed in any form of civilization. I suppose I could spend some time and teach you some things." I said that as my hand gently stroked her cheek. At this moment I could compare the skin of Atalanta and the skin of Artemis...
   13
   All I can say is that more research is needed.
   1
   "Y-You would do that?" Her voice had an unnatural amount of happiness. Which has raised my curiosity. After all, the Moon Goddess herself is...happy? To spend time with a male?
   4
   "Why of course. I am more curious to spend time with you just as much as you are with me." I said honestly. And it's the truth, she is a treasure trove of information. Just now, I had just learned the truth about Sparta. Now, I would like to learn the truth of some other events and how much Greek Gods have interfered in them.
   "Yes... it would be very interesting..." She spoke with a fascinated tone leaning towards suggestive... which is curious on its own. Was she trying to seduce me?
   Well, that's just more interesting. Because it's quite hard to resist her as it is. But, if she is trying to seduce... well...
   Pulling her more into a hug, I could see her ears turning more pink-ish. She was getting more embarrassed but she was still holding on quite well.
   It's quite fascinating seeing how she and Atalanta got into this... well, it would seem some of the demonstrations were enough to get them over with.
   That moment I moved in and kissed her on the neck. Her whole body shuddered hard. I quite easily tracked her sensitive spots. The girl is quite stiff, as one could expect, she is a Goddess of Hunt. Someone who is always serious.
   This means she is quite stiff, all over her body. And that means I will have quite a good time making her into a gooey mess. The massage I learned with Hippolyta will serve me quite well. I guess studying biology is quite useful not just for genetics.
   For the next few minutes, I enjoyed entertaining myself with Artemis before Jeanne and Hippolyta returned from their changing.
   "Well, what do you think?" The blonde reincarnation of the Saint said with a hand on her hip. While the other hand was holding the helmet.
   Same with Hippolyta, she was slightly posing for me. Still though, her eyes went onto the Moon Goddess I was hugging.
   I could see how she was looking at her. Funny how things change...
   "Very nice. It fits the two of you like a glove." I commented on the looks. Both of them slightly puffed. Easily taking in the compliment.
   "Well, it should be obvious... Master, they were built according to the measurement." Le Fay said with a smug smile immediately deflating the pair.
   I could only chuckle for a bit. Before releasing my hold on the Goddess and getting back in front of the two.
   "Right. So Jeanne has her weapons covered, her Castor & Pollux as well as Blade Blacksmith; it's enough to run around those vampires."
   "Umm...Master... I still need cartridges as ammo." She said with a nervous tone. Right... cartridges come separately when one buys the stuff from the shop. Since they are universal.
   My gaze stayed on her for a bit. She started fiddling with her combat gloves...
   "Fine. This one's on me." I sighed and with a few presses of a holographic window, another pedestal came out from the ground, on top of it was a pair of cards that were emitting holy energy.
   3
   "Yay!!!" The girl happily collected them. Quickly calling forth her pistols and inserting the cards into them.
   "Umm... can I get a cartridge holder?" She asked cutely...
   "Right..." I rolled my eyes at her.
   With another few presses on a holographic window, she got her cartridge holder. She put it on her right hip. At the moment it was nothing more than an aesthetic piece of equipment...
   "Yes... now I need a jetpack, a flamethrower, a knee missile launcher..." She said with a happy tone. Imagining herself being a proper bounty hunter.
   1
   "Hmm. Maybe. If you are going to be a good girl. I could make a set." 
   Hearing that she quickly rushed into me. Hugging me in the process. 
   "Oh, this is going to be so cool!" She said with an extremely happy tone.
   I patted her back while looking at the other's expressions. Everyone had a poker face. But, I could see that their eyes were not that neutral. It was amusing to see someone like the Goddess of Moon or the Chaste Huntress be... jealous. 
   2
   One would never mention those two girls with the word 'jealous' because historically it should be impossible.
   1
   And now this is happening... it's going to be interesting...
   "Speaking of weapons... I am not used to... guns... can I get a spear? But, I do promise to learn how to wield them in future. Since you have such a large selection of them." The Queen of Amazons said as she got over another awkward situation.
   Her eyes were on the racks in the room. There was the mark II of Castor & Pollux... which can be called the Glock version, and the hand cannon version which is the Mark IV... of course, there were also some GALAR rifles here too... while I kept the sniper rifle AMBAR locked up... the thing is quite dangerous after all.
   2
   Her words reminded me that she doesn't have a weapon. And by this point, she can't use her old ones anymore. Because she was not part of the hunt for obvious reasons.
   "Hmm let me help you with that." I gently let go of Jeanne who slightly pouted when she thought I wasn't looking. I went over some designs and quickly drew a spear. It was made from some combined alloys. It was not a Sacred Gear since for that I would need some preparations done first. A core prepared and stuff like that.
   7
   "For this mission, it will be enough," I said as I pressed on the holographic window.
   Soon enough, another pedestal came out and a dull silver spear came out from the ground. Place in a weapon's rack.
   The redhead slowly walked over and her mouth was slightly open.
   "This is insane...how quickly can you craft things!? And it's even beautiful looking!" She said as she quickly picked up the spear. She quickly went through several stances.
   Moments later she had a very satisfying look. I could see how uncomfortable Jeanne and Le Fay looked... assuming they got reminded that this redhead woman is a Minor Goddess. And the way she was wielding the weapon most likely could have killed them...
   "Perfect... this is perfect... the way it was crafted... It even has a Holy attribute in it. To fight against Vampires. You even added ornaments on it! Though you only intended for me to use this weapon for one battle... it doesn't feel like a temporary weapon!"
   With the amount of happiness in her voice for the simple metal stick. It's hard not to smile.
   1
   "Well. Now that you have the battle gears we can move towards the Confiscator." I started walking towards the doors saying that.
   "You named your airship the Confiscator?" Artemis asked with a baffled tone.
   "It was built for that purpose. So, it will be named like that." I said with a shrug as we left the armoury and started walking towards the station.
   "I suppose that makes sense..." She nodded with a shrug.
   Seeing a perfect moment I grabbed her hand and pulled her towards me. Yep, it's a good time to do that...
   Artemis didn't fight. She even moved closer into me.
   "You're going to sit on my lap on the train," I whispered into her ear. Waiting to see her reaction.
   She slightly twitched and a small blush appeared on her face. The silver-haired goddess slowly nodded in agreement.
   ~~~~~~~Space Centre~~~~~~
   "Hundred and twenty Starscream Jet Fighters, 5 thousand S.P.B.A. infantry, 1 thousand S.P.B.A rangers, 1000 crewmen, 32 anti-ground turrets, 64 Anti-air turrets. 4 Diamond Core Reactors, 4 Nova Thrusters, 2 second-generation energy wings. A pair of hundred-metre long Main Railgun cannons, 4 assembly lines, 20 bio-chambers for extra S.P.B.A creation."
   8
   Marcus explained to the girls the specifics of the Confiscator as they were passing through the crew docking tunnel.
   "Do you even need this much firepower?" Artemis asked him as she already got used to him holding her hand like that. It gives a certain amount of satisfaction to her and him.
   "Honestly, I don't care if I need it or don't. It's about me progressing my tech further more than anything. I would appreciate it if someone smacks the Confiscator down just so that I could make a superior version of it." He said with an honest shrug. Making Artemis realise that he wants this monstrosity brought down... so that he could make an even bigger monster...
   4
   "Apart from those specifics, the Confiscator can fly at Mach 5, I haven't worked out fully how to get over gravity just yet. But at this point, I am studying space instead of gravity. And there is no gravity if space doesn't exist. Still though, I am utilising the latest G-Force Max technomancy, small barriers are deployed to cancel the drag. Apart from that, it has several sets of barrier casters that are used to work as shields. Apart from that, there are 4 drone 'towers' installed in the back area just behind the runway. While the energy wings themselves release Realitus particles for camouflage." Marcus pointed at the folded wings.
   "Meaning that I can quite simply drop on top of someone with the airship and they would not even realise it unless I release the effects of the particles." He smugly explained.
   'Simply put... a pantheon...level thing which has unprecedented stealth capacity.. ' Artemis gulped down realising the full specs of this thing.
   She has heard about the so-called 'Realitus' particle... developed through studying biology... talking madness... how can studying one's body achieve this!? 
   1
   Nonetheless, she has not experienced this thing in person but she saw Marcus fight... the simulation of reality was incredible, to say the least ... she hopes that she, somehow, can make him not unleash this monstrosity on her birth Pantheon otherwise her family is gone...
   15
   "Quite... something else..." The Silver head said with a fake smile. Internally she was nearly crying from fear...
   2
   "I know. Anyway, girls. I have transferred some of the S.P.B.A to your command so that you two can get used to them over the 2 hours or so. We won't be flying at top speeds; it should be enough to get accustomed to them." He explained to them as they entered the ship.
   "Oh... okay, that's a good decision," Hippolyta said with realisation. And Jeanne nodded at her; she had the look of realisation too.
   "Yeah..." The blonde nodded at the redhead.
   "Good, then put on your helmets and the HUD will show you where to go," He told the pair who quickly nodded at him.
   Putting on their helmets. Jeanne, for this one, had her long hair done into a bun. Similar to Hippolyta's one. Once they had their helmets they saw where to go.
   "Right. Girls, I will see two later." He waved at them as he started walking towards the bridge while the pair went in the opposite direction, towards the main lift.
   Soon enough the airship started to power its systems...
   ~~~~~~In the Bridge aboard The Confiscator~~~~~~
   The first thing the maids noticed was that the bridge was run by females... They were all dressed in military uniforms with the same colour scheme as the soldiers.
   Though, what stood out was that they were wearing short skirts... in other words, quite a lewd version of the military uniform...
   7
   Another thing was that all of them had the same length of hair. The only difference was that they were different in colour... and of course, they didn't share the same face...
   In other words, you could not even pass them off as clones. No, they were pretty like dolls. It's even hard to see the difference between this Biological model and regular humans...
   Moments later, polygons gathered in the middle of the bridge and Quinella appeared in all of her glory. Only the difference this time was that she was dressed in the same style uniform as the rest of the girls and her hair was done in a high ponytail. She looked more professional than ever. Of course, her uniform had a bunch of medals. Which looks very professional but if you look closely those medals have something different written on it...
   1
   For example one of the gold ones has 'Head Assistant of my Master' with a star on it...
   9
   While it's silly... It's extremely realistic... one of these medals could even pass through in an army without a proper checkup...
   The Silver-haired assistant turned around and faced Marcus giving him a military salute before starting to talk.
   [Master! The Confiscator is fully powered. We can start the leaving procedures.] 
   "We are good to go." The teen said with an amused smile seeing her playing right into the role of a ship captain.
   She nodded at him and started ordering the girls. While she could fly the ship herself. There is a certain amount of satisfaction to ordering people and because her Master wanted a fully crewed ship in case... Well, there are a bunch of possibilities...
   Soon enough, the airship started to rise. The ceiling above them started to open and the rays of the sun started to fall inside.
   [Begin dispersal of Realitus particles.] Quinella ordered. And soon enough the entire airship started the dispersal of the particles, making it disappear before it even left the Space centre.
   2
   By this point, all the maids alongside Marcus walked to the very front of the ship. Seeing the majority of the body of the Airship in front of them.
   It was enormous to them. Since, before this... this kind of thing only appeared in science fiction movies.
   A Massive flying ship. Sure, any given pantheon could do it. But, could it float forever? Produce an infinite amount of Transforming jet fighters? Armies of soldiers. In the end. While they could, they have not reached a plateau where they can produce it without the issues of logistics... Even then... could it face the Confiscator in a frontal battle?
   5
   As Marcus and his maids were watching the airship rise above the ground, it was time to unfold the energy wings.
   3
   [Unfold the wings!]
   Soon enough the wings spread in their full glory.
   Marcus enjoyed the awe the girls had because the wings were enormous and looked like they were from pure gold.
   "H-How wide is this thing!?" Artemis asked him as her eyes never went away from the wings she was looking at. There was no doubt that people could have seen this thing from space if they tried to look at its location! That's just how wide this thing was!
   "600 metres fully unfolded," Marcus spoke with crossed arms, he is more than willing to tell things to her.
   "Isn't that too much? Why so big?" She asked with a frown. This is far too wide!
   2
   "Nope. Not at all. First, it's for speed. Second, it's to keep the airship afloat. Third, it's for the dispersal of the Realitus particles and Solomon's magic." He instantly gave her three reasons for this size.
   "With this... the radius of that man's magic..." She said with realisation.
   "Solomon's magic? Yeah, but it's just to keep the supernatural tame. Realitus particles are dropped there too... which will mess with any humanoid being's senses." 
   "So...not only... can they not use energies...they can't even trust their senses?" Artemis and Atalanta looked at him as if he was Death itself... this man...he was nuts... no sportsmanship in fights... no respect for other species... this guy... he doesn't care at all and would use any advantage he has...
   7
   This was what the pair understood about him...
   ~~~~~~~~~Inventions/Tech/Sacred Gears~~~~~~~~~~~~
   The Confiscator
   A Daedalus-Class Airship and The flagship of Marcus Goldman. A 250 metres long airship. With its fully unfolded wings, the massive ship is around 600 metres wide.
   While the wings make it a large target it's another trick to attack those wings because they would need to overpower the power of 4 Diamond Core Hearts.
   The airship's primary colour is dull silver, nearly white, while the secondary colour is gold.
   Classification:
   This vessel can be classified as a Moving Pantheon because of the ridiculous amount of magic it has...
   Composition: 
   Several layers of Alchemical medal used for Sacred Gears. Making the ship's durability equivalent to the four Diamond Core Reactors powering the vessel.
   Airships specs:
   2x 100m Revolver Railguns (Main Cannons) for frontal and Ground Bombardment
   1
   32x Anti-Ground turrets: for shooting enemies on the ground.
   64x Anti-Air turrets: for shooting any flying enemies.
   2x Second Generation Energy wings
   6x Barrier Casters
   4x Diamond Core Hearts.
   4x assembly lines
   4x Nova Thrusters
   20x Bio-chambers
   1000x active crew for flying and maintenance.
   Hangar:
   5000x S.P.B.A infantry
   1000x S.P.B.A rangers
   120x Starscream Jet Fighters
   20x Gunships
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   My Discord server for advanced chapters:
   https://discord.gg/hvzgBJg4ss
   Along with the advanced chapters, there are also a lot of other fanfics I wrote and did not upload to Webnovel.
   Chapters are coming out Monday, Wednesday and Friday around 9:00 AM British time.
  
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   Chapter 31: Arriving at Castle Tepes
   8
   "Hi" Regular Speech
   'Hi' Thought
   "(Hi)" Speaking through a mechanically synthesised voice
   "[Hi]" Marcus communicating through technology
   [Hi] Quinella/Aurora talking
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   [We have ascended high enough to enter cruising mode.] 'Captain' Quinella said with a serious look.
   I could only smile once more. This was already turning into quite an entertaining expedition.
   "So, how long is it going to take?" Artemis asked me with crossed arms.
   "Around 2 hours. We were flying at around 2000 kilometres per hour. That is more than enough time for Jeanne and Hippolyta to get used to the soldiers that they are going to lead." I explained to her as I started walking towards my seat. Which is like a throne. I could only roll my eyes when I saw it a couple of days back for the first time. All Quinella did was just look away and whistle like it was not her idea...
   6
   After taking my seat, I was about to relax, lean back, and close my eyes for a bit. It was a very good and comfortable captain/commander seat. Then I felt a presence and in the next moment, this presence was suddenly sitting on my lap.
   I opened my eyes and saw a certain lion girl sitting on my lap.
   5
   She looked at me and I looked at her.
   1
   "What? I am your pet, according to you. So, as your pet, I demand attention." She said with an extra serious tone. It would seem that she has entered a borderline tsundere realm in our relationship phase.
   9
   My hand moved onto her waist. Moving for a little bit, I got her in a better position in my lap. It was then that I realised... I looked like a villain with a cat.
   14
   Well, not a cat, she was more of a lion... and in my case, a lion girl. Nonetheless, the way she was sitting on my lap was very beautiful.
   1
   Once I changed positions, the beauty was leaning on the right side of my chest just close to the shoulder, my right hand was on her waist, while the left was stroking her cheek.
   4
   Honestly, this was the perfect position just to relax and enjoy the flight. Simply put, I don't need to do anything. I could just nap and Quinella would do everything for me. That's the reason why she was created in the first place.
   She would even prefer it, if I were to fall asleep, and she could command the operation. This way she could earn more brownie points with me. 
   Nonetheless, I am not tired enough to fall asleep, and there was no chance in hell I was gonna. At the moment, I have THE Chaste Huntress sitting on my lap. And she is cute and cuddly...
   5
   "There, now you can just relax and enjoy the flight," I said softly to her.
   "...Yes, this is good. Tell me, Master, what is going to happen to all those vampires. I know for sure they will resist regardless of your army's performance." She said, getting right to the point.
   "Honestly, the Tepes faction will cease to exist," I said to her while gently stroking her hair. By this point, I could feel her completely relaxed in my hands. Which is amazing on its own.
   "Only the Tepes faction? That means you're going to let the Carmilla faction and others go?" She asked me softly. The beautiful lion girl was concerned. Well, knowing her, she is only concerned for the children.
   4
   "Well, if my kitty is personally asking me to spare the feminist faction. Sure, just for you," I said while stroking her cheek with my left hand.
   3
   Her eyes widened hearing that.
   "You...will do that?" She asked with disbelief.
   "Honestly, I don't care, Atalanta. I only want the cup so that I can return to my research. They can declare world war three on werewolves for all I care. Or go through a blood drinking frenzy. I would most likely just send some people to collect some samples if that were to happen. Anyways, my point is that I don't care about them. So, if you are asking me to spare the Carmilla faction, then I will." I said to her with an honest shrug. They think too much. Honestly, why would I want to wipe the vampires out? I would want them to stick around. Maybe if they are still around long enough someone could make one or two good vampire movies.
   13
   ...
   ...
   ...
   Right, I need to type that down. Latia needs to buy some movie-making companies for me.
   2
   Atalanta looked quite curious as to what I was doing.
   "Movies... how are they related to this?" She asked with a baffled tone.
   "Everything, my dear kitty." 
   "Are all geniuses as weird as you?" She asked with a weird out tone.
   6
   "No idea...I've never met a genius before." I said with a shrug.
   8
   ~~~~~~Hangar~~~~~~
   2
   Hippolyta was sweating buckets under her helmet. She was testing out her new teammates for this 'field expedition' they are calling.
   She did try to tell them that they were going to war... to kill... but, they simply told her that their Master and Creator doesn't do war.
   4
   Simply put, war is something where two sides fight and have casualties... and this one? It's going to be so one-sided that their programming didn't even pick it up as a 'war'.
   3
   No, it's a field expedition.
   5
   Surely enough, she was nearly beaten a couple of times in simple hand to hand combat with just one S.P.B.A.! Sure, she didn't use any of her Divine powers, but solely with sheer skill and the experience of 3000 years did she manage to emerge victorious...
   'This is nuts. How did Quinella make them this powerful? How do they have this much skill?' The redhead thought with a frown on her face.
   2
   "Okay! This is enough!" Hippolyta raised her hand to call it a pause.
   She took off her helmet. And cleaned off her sweat. She was only able to beat up three of them in a close hand to hand fight. Even then, she had to take them on, one on one...
   This was a reality check for her that, nope, she still needs to train to get better. As these guys were nothing more than creations from bio-chambers from which Aurora can pump them out every couple of hours...
   1
   All she can say is that technology is bullshit! How can a couple of hours cover a whole lifetime of experiences!?
   3
   Nonetheless, she needed a break and her eyes went to the side where Jeanne was practising with her weapons.
   The newest Sacred Gears are nothing like previous ones. Castor and Pollux alone is more than just a Sacred Gear because it is customisable and yet, still has the same things like the capacity to enter a Balance Breaker without necessary training!
   It's fascinating and she wants one or two for herself as well!
   At that moment, she realised that she needs to be a good girl and woman for her future husband. First on that list is to perform as best as she could in the upcoming war/ field expedition...
   After resting for a few more minutes she returned to sparring with her new squadmates. While Jeanne decided to run some squad orientated movements. Since she realised that she needs to perform above and beyond. This was no longer a game to the blonde. No...a lot of points are hanging on this!
   Before they realised it, alarms had already started ringing through the whole hangar.
   [All soldiers to the battle stations!]
   [All soldiers to the battle stations!]
   [All soldiers to the battle stations!]
   6
   [We are approaching Romanian borders! Less than 10 minutes before we will enter Vampire nation controlled lands!]
   Hippolyta and Jeanne quickly stopped whatever they were doing. Thankfully neither of them got tired, instead, they were getting pumped up for what's to come.
   Quickly enough they got into positions with their squadmates. Before long, a portion of their helmet HUD was occupied by Marcus who was sitting on a decorated throne.
   What, specifically, caught Jeanne and Hippolyta's attention was the comfortably sitting Atalanta on his lap. Her tail lazily moved back and forth.
   3
   "[We are approaching the Tepes faction's controlled lands. Our goal is the Dhampir, Valerie Tepes. The daughter of the current King Tepes. She has short blond hair and classic vampiric red eyes. She will be hidden in the basement most of the time because of her gear. Which, according to some sources, is already active. Some of the vampires you will encounter do not fear sunshine or even holy energy so switch to regular magic ammunition in that case.]" As Marcus was explaining that, Jeanne could not control herself and started smiling seeing how Marcus looked like a big bad villain. And the lazy lion girl on his lap only amplified that...
   17
   "[Deployment is going to be regular encirclement around the castle, the Infantry will be brought down by the gunship.]"
   "[We, of course, are going to offer them to surrender the girl and let them be. But, there is a small percent chance that they will do that.]"
   Hippolyta could only nod to herself. This sounds about right. The vampires treat themselves as apex predators of the human world. So, regardless of things... they won't just be giving up.
   This means a fight is most likely going to happen. The Queen of the Amazons even wants one personally. She has not fought against Vampires in quite a long while.
   Plus, this battle is even more personal to her because she wishes to impress her future husband with her performance. While she knows he doesn't care about her battling prowess. All he cares about is the result. The cup. If her squad is to get the girl first then she will get extra points and his acknowledgement.
   That moment, Hippolyta's face hardened.
   "[Once the engagement begins, only dispose of the ones who are fighting you. Civilians and kids, let them be.]"
   5
   The redhead's eyebrow went up for a second. well, if he says so...
   The Amazon Queen believes that this most likely has something to do with the Chaste Huntress who is snuggling harder into him.
   This means that this request came from her.
   "[With that said. Begin.]"
   1
   As Marcus finished, the communication was cut off and another alarm starter ringing, the S.P.B.A started rushing towards the gunships.
   1
   "Well, this is it. May the best girl win!" Hippolyta said with an eager tone. Excitement started flowing through her veins. This was it! How long ago was it that she last did something like this!? Honestly, she has no idea! hundreds if not a thousand years! As a huntress of Artemis, she was never in a proper battle for the past 3000 or so years. A skirmish or two? Yes, but that was about it.
   1
   "Yeah. I suppose. I doubt I can win against you. But, let's see who can take down the most enemies?" Jeanne suggested.
   That moment, they suddenly got a notification on their HUD... Aurora pinged them with the leaderboard option.
   ...
   ...
   Jeanne's lip twitched for a second. Yes, their lives were quickly approaching the video game realms... if they get these kinds of things...
   "Very well. I accept. Squad kills don't count though." The redhead pointed that out.
   "Wasn't planning to. May the best maid win!" 
   Hippolyta snorted amusingly upon hearing that. This was her first proper day as maid... she just remembered that! And what does she do on her first day as Marcus Goldman's maid? She goes to Romania to slay vampires... totally... What a maid should do!
   4
   "Right... may the best maid win!"
   ~~~~~~Castle Tepes~~~~~~
   For the vampires, it was a regular daytime. Meaning the majority of the castle was asleep. Only the bare bones of the staff were up and doing their things.
   Even though they were preparing for war with the discovery of the Longinus gear. They still needed their rest.
   Though... no one was prepared for a massive...floating ship to just appear above their castle!
   "W-W-What the fuck is that!?"
   4
   A cloaked vampire looked up with a shell shocked look. The guy was minding his own business and doing the disgusting and quite dangerous task of running his rounds around the small town outside their castle. After all, someone needs to make sure their cattle are doing their things...
   And as a pureblood vampire, walking in the middle of the day, even though they have barriers to make the surroundings clouded all the time, it is still quite dangerous for a pureblood vampire.
   3
   Still though... The moment he saw a massive ship that looked like it was pulled straight out of a sci-fi flick he knew he had to, well...
   Report this to his real superiors... While working for the Tepes factions made his ego as a male inflated, his life is much more valuable than some obscure thing called loyalty. Especially since he is just a grunt! pureblood or not!
   So, while most of the sentries rushed towards the castle to report a massive airship just dropping in, he instead rushed towards the edges of the town where the dense forest is.
   As he was rushing out of the town and into the depths of the forest, he heard a buzzing sound...
   'Bees? No... it's far...'  he stopped for a bit and looked back... he didn't say anything. He didn't look around for long as he continued to rush away. To make sure no one could track his movement and so that he could teleport away from this...
   Surely enough he found a good spot and called forth his magic circle... ready to disappear... only for the magic to get out of control and cancel the teleportation... 
   "What... the..."
   *Buzzing sound*
   His gaze went towards the source. He saw a triangle-shaped metal thing with a pair of rotors inside the triangle construct sides. Making the sharp end face him. These things had red lights coming out of the rotors and a pair of railgun-like things pointing at him at this very moment.
   1
   The vampire grunt knew one thing at this moment! and that is to run!
   2
   The creature of the night trusted his instincts more than anything so he lunged forward right behind a tree. As the spot where he was hiding received a whole bunch of balls of black and red energy! This attack disintegrated the whole area and created a small crater.
   'What the hell was that! It shoots magic!? What is this? A super advanced faction just popping from the background?' He thought with cold sweat. Without wasting much time he started rushing forward, distracting whatever machine that was with his weapon and dashing for his life! fuck this! He doesn't get paid enough as it is!
   1
   Weirdly enough the flying metal constructs didn't chase after him...
   ~~~~~~Few Moments Back, Aboard Confiscator~~~~~~
   "Satisfied?" Marcus asked the lion girl on his lap. He smiled seeing how cat-like she was. 
   1
   "Very. I am surprised that it is easy to persuade you." She said that with a wondering look.
   *Snort*
   "It depends on what you ask. Do you think I care about the mundane to that point? If it was, for example, you asking me to not take the grail then I would have to lock you up in a room." He said seriously, and she instantly stiffened but, in the end, nodded at him.
   "I understand..."
   "Good girl." He stroked her hair. 
   Atalanta internally thought about this. She started to understand what she can ask and what she can't. Thankfully she was told by him in person...
   This means she was saved from messing up by him. Does this mean he doesn't want her to mess up? Giving her more opportunities?
   Well, she was going to use that.
   While the teen inventor and the lion girl were doing their thing in the main commander seat. Behind them was a certain Moon Goddess and a blonde witch.
   While the blonde maid didn't care much about the lion girl's actions, the same could not be said for the silver-haired Goddess of the Hunt.
   She had a stormy look, and was trying very hard to think of ways to turn this situation into her favour!
   The Olympian Goddess did not expect her second in command to just move in like that! This was not something she had foreseen! 
   1
   Does this truly mean everyone here is for themselves? Even her most trusted huntress!? An even bigger frown appeared on her face. Well, if this is the case then she will use all of her available resources to become his wife! Even if it means using her old hunt like this!
   6
   ~~~~~~Back to Castle Tepes~~~~~~
   "My King, what should we do?" One of the vampires asked his king as they looked through the darkened windows. They saw what is considered a sci-fi thing going on... Gunships similar to that from Star Wars were landing on the ground and dropping off armoured men. And this is happening all around their castle...
   4
   Who are these people? Where do they come from? King Tepes knows that the human technological level has not reached this kind of level...
   So, does this mean it's some sort of supernatural faction?
   But who? There is no news of anything like this, he has spies in the biggest factions all over the world. He would have known that there exists an extremely advanced faction of some sort...
   A moment later light gathered just outside the castle...
   A massive hologram manifested. The King of Vampires face widened seeing a massive human sitting on a throne on his lap was a catgirl of some sort lazily snuggling into him.
   3
   "[Hello Tepes faction. My name is Marcus Goldman. I am an inventor, researcher, scientist, engineer, and many more things few of them being a lion lover]" The inventor stroked the catgirl's hair for a bit. "[And a collector of interesting items. I have heard you have an interesting item which I would like you to relinquish to me. If you do that I will let you continue with your owl-like life.
   5
   I am sure I don't need to tell you what kind of thing it is? It's a golden cup you should be quite familiar with.]"
   Hearing the way this human talked rubbed the Vampire King in the wrong way. There was no respect, no seriousness, nothing!
   "Like hell you livestock!" His magic aura blasted the wall with a window out. Now that there was a clear sight the vampire's eyes met with the holographic ones. They stared at each other for a moment.
   "I will find you and will kill you!" The Ruler of Tepes faction said with a furious tone.
   5
   "[Sure. Whatever floats your boat. Seeing that you don't want to hand over the girl we will take her either way. Anyway, good luck. And try punching them hard, I need that data.]"
   1
   After saying that Marcus hologram disappeared and the Tepes King released a pissed off roar. This punk! He is going to murder him!
   Once he calmed down a little bit he was about to turn around. But that moment he heard a roar of a jet engine and something akin to a screech.
   2
   His gaze quickly returned to the source as he saw jet fighters! Not any jet fighter but futuristic looking ones as they released a metallic-like transforming sound and changed midair into a humanoid form.
   14
   "My...King...those... those...are transformers..." 
   2
   "Of course they are! Everyone has those now!!!" The Ruler said with a sarcastic tone. This is just fucking great!
   "They do!?"
   13
   "Of course not! you simpleton!" King Tepes punched the idiot without care. He was far too pissed off and distressed to care.
   The amount of jet engines and sounds of transformations didn't cease... it was like there was no end to these jet fighters...
   Just a few minutes later. One of the jet fighter transformers pulled out its rifle and pointed at the main gates releasing a quite big beam of black and red energy, erasing the stone building and opening a path into the castle. Moments later the armoured soldiers started rushing forward.
   Then... the chaos started...
   The vampires started to see things that didn't make sense to them.
   One of them saw rain inside the castle, another saw fire instead of water raining down...
   Others saw even worse things like... the moon crashing into the earth or angels descending from heaven like it was the end of the world...
   1
   "NO, I DON'T WANT TO DIE!" One vampire screamed as he saw the moon smashing into the planet's surface... forgetting that he was supposed to be inside a castle and not outside of it!
   "Is...this the end of times!?" Another one lost any hope as he saw angels just descending from the sky. There were millions of them...
   "W-W-Why is it raining inside the castle!?" The other one was shell shocked seeing water! Everywhere!
   "Fire! Fire! Do something!? Why are you just standing there!?" The vampire who saw the fire was confused as hell as no one was doing anything when he saw fire spreading like wildfire inside the castle even before the invaders entered their castle!
   "Control yourself, this is not real!!!" King Tepes said with a pissed off tone. He tried to make sense of this. As he saw the picturesque landscape of hell around him. This made no sense to him. He quickly assumes it is some sort of illusion.
   The only reason he didn't panic over the top was because he could not sense any heat from this supposed hell. Meaning it was an illusion...
   Then he tried to use his magic... This was the time when he started panicking... because his magic... it didn't listen to him...
   'This...human... what...freak is he!?'
   3
   Before he could notify his vampires. Screams of pain followed. He knew his men were getting slaughtered because he heard sounds of whistling which were similar to the sounds of projectiles. This means these soldiers don't use regular guns but something else entirely...
   "Ooh... a big fish! I wonder how many points for you?" 
   King Tepes snapped out as he saw a female soldier. From the looks of it, her rank is higher than the rest.
   "Points!? I will drink your blood and kill you slowly..."
   *Bang*
   2
   *Cough*
   3
   The Vampire ruler's whole body twitched, searing pain washed him over. He looked down and saw a hole in his chest.
   "Y-You... you didn't even allow me to finish my speech!" He said with disbelief. What nonsense is this! Where is sportsmanship! Exchanging threats is one of the most important things before fighting!
   18
   "No time. Points first. Speech later." 
   16
   [BALANCE BREAKER!]
   The girl's right pistol transformed into the shotgun. She pointed it at the vampire leader's head. And pressed the trigger. Shaving the head off as if it was made from paper...
   2
   "So, the leader didn't have any of the upgrades? Weird? He most likely wanted to see if the upgrades worked before making himself immune to the weaknesses." The girl thought with a shrug before checking her points.
   "Nice! I am in the lead!"
   1
   She fist-bumped herself before rushing off to kill some more vampires.
   1
   ~~~~~~Castle Tepes Basement~~~~~~
   Doors blasted off its hinges as S.P.B.A. rushed inside leading the front was a female soldier with a slightly different colouring. She had a spear in her hand. 
   1
   Weirdly enough no one was guarding this place at all.
   "Check if anyone is hiding here." She ordered her squadmates. 
   "Understood." Quickly the soldiers descended the stairs of the basement. Just like the vampires, they can easily see in the darkness, thanks to their helmets.
   Soon after, Hippolyta herself descended. There was no fighting. Meaning no one was there.
   Once she was there they started to check room after room. Until they finally saw her target.
   'Just like the description. Female, Short blond hair, classic vampire red eyes.'
   "Valerie Tepes I presume?" The Queen of Amazons asked.
   1
   "Y-Yes... who are you? What is going on?" The blonde vampire girl asked with a confused expression, she was wondering who these people were!
   2
   "You will be coming with us. Our Master wants you." 
   4
   "Excuse me?"
   Before she could say anything more, one of the soldiers lifted its gun and shot at Valerie. Electricity washed the girl over as she lost consciousness.
   "Sorry, Ma'am. Following protocol. Acquiring Sacred Gear is not negotiable. Once it's removed then discussion can follow." The one who shot the girl said as he lowered his rifle.
   Hippolyta slowly nodded... yeah... even she was knocked out when she surrendered... 
   This is confusing so she needs to read the 'protocol' otherwise miscommunication can happen.
   1
   As the redhead was thinking about this, the soldiers went up and picked up the knocked out girl.
   Soon enough another party rushed in.
   "Oh c'mon! You're already here?!" Jeanne said with a pouty tone. She nearly stomped her feet. This is nonsense! How did the redhead get here first!?
   "I am. We got the girl. We should sweep the castle of any stragglers. Make sure no surprises pop up." The redhead offered.
   1
   "Yes! Let's go, guys! Let's see if we can find more vampires!" Jeanne ordered her squad as they rushed back up the stairs.
   *Sigh*
   'Since when killing things became a sport? Is this how Vampires feel when they are hunting down people? Is this why Aurora created a leaderboard? To see who will hunt more of these vampires down?
   Well, the A.I. is a Sadist... and most likely wants to rub this into the face of these bloodsuckers and show that humans can do the very same thing... The problem is... that there is only one human who is doing anything here...
   1
   An even bigger slap then?'
   *Sigh*
   'Why am I even thinking this much about this?'
   ~~~~~~Aboard Confiscator~~~~~~
   "You let that vampire escape. Why?" Atalanta asked me as she was still sitting comfortably on my lap.
   I thought that when we were going to 'negotiate' with Vampires she would jump off. Nothing like that happened. So, she didn't mind being seen like that. Which is amusing and quite something else.
   "And why not? He dropped his weapon. And I issued an order to not kill anyone who doesn't fight back. I did promise that to you." I said to her with a shrug. 
   2
   She nodded at me and snuggled into me a little bit more. It would seem that she does have that feline thing. Once she drops the whole serious nature of hers.
   "I see. It is wonderful to know that you do keep your promises like that. I have met many humans who did not hold the part of their deal. So it's quite refreshing." She said that with a soft tone.
   5
   "That's because it depends on how convenient it is. Humans are beings of comfort. So, the less convenient a promise is, the harder it is to keep it.
   For example, would you easily accept the position you are in right now? Hmm? If we are talking about your past self?"
   "...no... it would need to be very convincing... most likely something of the same calibre as you to make me do this..." She said with an uncomfortable tone. 
   "Indeed. So, in a nutshell, promises with greed don't mix when it concerns humans." I clarified to her. She nodded at me. Most likely already experienced that as Huntress of Artemis.
   [Master, Valerie Tepes has been brought aboard the Confiscator. The mission is a success.] Quinella said to me as she walked over.
   1
   I nodded at her and motioned for Atalanta to get up. While it was a heavenly experience, some things need to be done...
   The blonde lion girl slowly got up. She stretched out, feeling like she just woke up after a great nap. Her tail wiggle back and forth for a bit.
   6
   "Shall we go then?" I got myself up from the seat. Stretching out for a bit. 
   I looked at Artemis who had a sour look on her pretty face. She didn't like the fact that Atalanta was the one who sat on my lap and not her.
   Well, we are going to see how she is going to behave from now on. And of course her relationships with Atalanta.
   Once I started walking, the rest followed me. It was time to see how posh this Sacred Gear grail is...
   ~~~
   Marcus looked at the knocked out pale blond girl. She had short hair. And was quite the developed beauty. As expected of a DxD character.
   1
   Without wasting much time, he put his hand on her and several white and gold circles manifested around the Dhampir girl.
   Soon. A glass-like container came out. One could see three small cups inside of it.
   "What the... it has three cups?" Artemis said with disbelief.
   3
   Marcus didn't say anything, instead, he made the container float to a prepared scanning table.
   Moments later a familiar light started scanning it.
   The teen inventor summoned a holographic window and started waiting for the full scan.
   With the amount of processing power the Confiscator had, the wait was not long.
   "Well... I had my speculation but this is just sad." He said with a sigh as he started reading through the scan log.
   "What did you find out?" Artemis quickly walked over. Followed by Atalanta and a very curious Le Fay.
   "I had my doubts, you see. This is not the cup used by Christ in the last supper. But something else entirely."
   "Obviously! It's called Sephiroth Graal and not the Holy Grail!" The silver-haired Goddess said with an eye roll.
   "Indeed. But, tell that to the other people who believe that this is THE cup. Believed that for 2 thousand years. Not to mention the core of this is a concept of all things. It feels like the Big G just went whole YOLO on this gear." Marcus said while his eyes didn't leave the holographic window.
   "YELO? What does that mean?" The Goddess of Hunt asked with even more confusion it's like they are operating on completely different wave lines...
   2
   "The literal meaning is 'You only live once'. It is usually associated with doing something foolish and extreme. Because you only live once and you want to do it.
   12
   I am saying this because the concept for this is quite wide. And it manifests differently with each individual. In this girl's case, it manifested as three cups. Because she most likely is quite educated and read many books on mythos thus losing herself in not fully grasping which cup is real and which is not..."
   "Thus...three cups.." Artemis finished for him as she sort of understood what this meant...
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   My Discord server for advanced chapters:
   https://discord.gg/hvzgBJg4ss
   Along with the advanced chapters, there are also a lot of other fanfics I wrote and did not upload to Webnovel.
   Chapters are coming out Monday, Wednesday and Friday around 9:00 AM British time.
  
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   Chapter 32: The Vampire Queen
   "Indeed three cups, while I am sad that this is not the real deal, however, the logs of this gear are more than worth it." Marcus said as he started checking all the logs recorded by the gear.
   "Logs?" Once again the silver-haired Goddess was confused.
   "The Sacred Gears are ancient computers." Le Fay explained, she waited with anticipation for what Marcus would say.
   Artemis simply nodded. By this point, she would believe anything. Her being a maid to a human is more than enough proof that the world is going nuts.
   "Yes. Very basic and primitive, but they do their job. This one is no different. But, because the core of the gear is quite... how should I put this... lax. It doesn't have a solid concept...
   In other words, it's something like 'the cup from Heaven'..."
   Which is quite a broad thing. And by this point the Pantheon that Big G created has already split up into several major religions over the world. Three of them are Christianity, Islam, Judaism..." His words quickly made them understand what he meant.
   15
   "Anyways, this is just my theory. You can come up with your own. The logs don't have anything on this, only that the manifestation of the cup, or cups, in this case, comes with the influence of the host."
   "I see... quite reckless and unpredictable..." Artemis said with some disbelief, she didn't expect someone like the Biblical God to create such a gear.
   "As I said, YOLO... but knowing how much of a perfectionist he was, he didn't expect his pantheon to become so diverse..." Marcus said with a shrug.
   "Still though, the logs will give us some directions towards Life Force and Souls. That's all that matters with this Gear." The teen inventor did a quick read on the logs before turning the holographic window off.
   "Quinella dear. Begin analysis on the logs, I want your take on this once we are back at base." 
   2
   [Sure thing. I've already started on it!] Quinella replied with an excited tone. She was like a little girl who had just received her new barbie doll to play with.
   "Great, even though the Confiscator doesn't even have 0.1% of your processing power at home, it should be enough to get some ideas." 
   [Oh, don't worry. This mess of logs has already answered some of the questions about souls. For example, it's like a fuel to the biological body... not in the sense of moving a body, for that you need nutrition but hmm... it's hard to explain in human terms...]
   "Like oil to a car?" He said with a shrug.
   [Yes... we can always trust in your obsession with those moving boxes... we can also say it's like the spices we put on the food making it taste much better.] The silver-haired answered with an eye roll before having a thoughtful look and offering her description.
   "Fits too." He agreed with another shrug.
   "I see this is fascinating... no wonder when I was around S.P.B.A. I would always feel that they are missing something." Le Fay said with wonder. This is so exciting! She always learns something when she is around these two! When it comes to magic research she has already learned more here than she ever did in Golden Dawn!
   [Don't think too much about them. The current S.P.B.A. is nothing more than flesh robots. They do not have souls. Their behaviour that you see is my programming. So they could not do things that are outside of their programming, for example.]
   "They do not have self-awareness. This is what Quinella wanted to say. Although they could develop it because their programming is complex, this very programming has shackles in place to prevent that." Marcus started to explain.
   Honestly, the S.P.B.A. Programming never came up before in their daily conversations so it's a good time for them to understand more about them.
   "How do you even program an organic body like that?" Simply put, Artemis is out of the loop here. This is way beyond her understanding. Goddess or not she could not understand how being of flesh can be 'programmed'. Such a word for her associates with computers, not organic beings...
   [Biological organism is a very complex computer Artemis. Just like how runes can become computers and that computer can also become me, so can the organic body also be programmed and created.] Quinella explained simply. She 'felt' the Goddess' words were like an attack on her. Unintentional or not... it's like saying that her Master can't do such things...
   "...Yes... I forgot... you are an even more absurd creation than those..." The silver-haired Goddess got reminded that Quinella is an even more complex creation!
   After hearing that, the Artificial Intelligence groaned and wanted to punch this woman. Why does her master even have to 'domesticate' such an ignorant Goddess!?
   "Right... as Quinella just said. Organic bodies can be programmed through neural patterns in their brain." Once again Artemis looked confused... and Marcus saw that.
   Atalanta as well, she has no idea what neutral patterns even are or how in her Goddess name can one even program a biological body!?
   "Anyway. For example, if we are to drop one of the S.P.B.A. soldiers onto a tropical island then they would return to me after building a raft and stuff like that. But, if we, for example, drop one of them on a habitable planet without the means to leave that world. Now then, they would realise that they can't follow their programming so they would either kill themselves or..."
   "Develop self-awareness... meaning... They would become proper living beings...but... could they develop their self-awareness before?" Le Fay asked with sparkling eyes. She was delving into such an incredible piece of magic... or is it science? Could she even call herself a witch anymore? She is delving into science here too? Or is it!? 
   5
   [Such complex beings develop what we call a Spiritual fetus... it develops when a complex amount of 'programming' is in place. With time this fetus will then grow and develop more...eventually becoming a proper soul inside a container like, for example, a biological body.] 
   1
   "Or an artificial container..." Le Fay said with wide eyes she has realised that Quinella most likely has this Soul fetus thing... her behaviour is extremely human...
   [So cute. You already realised that. All that is what we've just found out on our own with quite some basic observations. This grail, Longinus gear, will give us around 2 thousand years worth of data. Eventually connecting the bridges between the Body, life force and Soul.] 
   "B-B-But... won't those S.P.B.A. develop self-awareness either way? Their personalities are quite complex!" Le Fay asked with a thoughtful look.
   "No. For that to happen a certain amount of threshold is needed. They have to think a lot of self independent actions. Which I'd already mentioned. The more complex the programming Quinella adds the better."
   2
   "B-But isn't that what creates self-awareness?" Le Fay reasoned with him.
   "Yes and no. We are discussing a regular man and a zealot. A zealot could easily pass as a programmed person while the common man has quite a bit of self-awareness and can develop their point of view on all things. While a Zealot? For those it is only black and white.
   5
   Behaviour on a certain pattern, even if this person is 'free' he will still behave in a certain 'trained' way. Only a large amount of self-awareness allows him to realise that he can do whatever hell he wants. Meaning he overcomes his 'training'." 
   1
   "I see... thought process... in other words... that individual must think in a certain way... thus becoming something akin to shackles..." The blond said with wide eyes, she just had a new perspective on people's minds...
   "Isn't such a thing quite easily breakable?" Artemis asked from the side.
   "Darling, I insist that you test it out on them yourself. I will get more data if you do." Marcus smiled brightly while saying that. He does want to improve his S.P.B.A. Maybe someone like the Moon Goddess could help him discover if his soldiers' programming has any faults. Honestly, he is doubtful that the borderline is perfect, as Quinella said, nothing is perfect. If it's perfect it means it can't improve.
   3
   While his A.I. loves calling him the Perfect human... he still knows he can get above that perfection she mentioned. That's just how it is...
   2
   "No... no, I won't... I don't want to get embarrassed." Artemis quickly shook her head. She suddenly felt she was getting baited into it. The moment he says 'more data' she knows that she will most likely humiliate herself!
   "Well. If you insist. I already told you that you need to reach a certain threshold to make them start developing this self-awareness. However, as I said before, this is still quite experimental technomancy. The logs from this gear will help us further understand those things. 
   4
   Anyway, we are done here. Le Fay, watch over Valerie make sure you explain things to her. While I will return to the bridge, we will be leaving soon."
   "Of course! Leave it to me!" The blonde maid nodded with a small bow.
   Marcus could only smile seeing her do that. The training Grayfia put her through is showing its results.
   ~~~
   [There is a group of vampires waiting outside the perimeter.] Quinella said to her Master. A holographic window appeared in front of Marcus.
   He saw quite a bit of vampires waiting just outside the perimeter of his Confiscator.
   He noticed that the majority of these vampires are females, although there are quite a bit of males too, the majority are females. Quite the beauties.
   "From the looks of it, the attire is different, and their magic reading is a little bit different. This means vampires of different factions..."
   [My analysis is that they wish to speak with you. They are not hiding in any sense. Their magic signature is broadcasted for everyone to sense it.]
   "Well, let's see what they're going to say. This will be the first time I am going to talk with another faction in person." Marcus said with a shrug.
   "Second. You talked with me first, remember?" Artemis said with an eye roll.
   "Sort off? This is representing their faction as a whole. While you acted out on your own." The teen inventor rolled his eyes at her as well.
   2
   "..."
   Marcus raised his eyebrow at her. Seeing her pout angrily. To fix that, his hand went on her ass and squeezed it hard.
   Her whole body jumped a little bit. She nearly hissed at him. In turn, the teen squeezed her nose with his other hand. 
   "You are so cute. We will continue this when we don't have any pressing matters."
   She wanted to retort but then she had a knowing look. Yes, this is a good moment to get some one on one action!
   2
   "As you wish... my master" Artemis said while pushing her breasts onto his chest. There was quite a coy expression on her face.
   And yeah, seeing this kind of Goddess borderline seducing him is quite a turn on...
   Before he pulled away from her, he squeezed her ass one more time.
   Well, it was time to see what these vampires want. He doesn't have much patience to stick around after getting the cup.
   Instead of walking towards the bridge, Marcus started walking towards the hangars.
   "You two are coming with me?" The teen asked his two remaining maids who were following him.
   "Well... Master should always have one or two maids with him all the time." Artemis reasoned and Atalanta nodded to her. This time they are acting as a unit...
   "And you are not afraid of being seen dressed like a maid?" Marcus asked the Moon Goddess. He was quite curious about how much she changed from just a single afternoon. Did Atalanta's boldness rub off her? Are they competing with each other now?
   Such ideas floated around Marcus, as he was thinking about this...
   "There is no point in hiding. Your enormous airship appearance made it only a matter of time before everyone will know about your existence. In turn, mine being your maid." Artemis simply said to him.
   The teen inventor could only roll his eyes at her excuses. Well, whatever excuse she has is fine with him.
   "Well then let's go ladies." Marcus both hands wrapped Atalanta's and Artemis waists. Now he looked like a young Master with a pair of beauties in each hand.
   9
   The pair of Huntresses could only accept this with some embarrassment. They forgot that their Master can take them at the same time like this...
   A few moments later, after a short walk, they arrived at the lift lobby.
   Taking a short trip down, they arrived at quite an empty hangar.
   There are only the barebones of troops left in the Confiscator.
   Nonetheless, the cream of the crop is still there. The elites... Marcus Goldman's most powerful minions are still here. Quinella was mad about this. As she insisted that Marcus has his 'Royal Guard', his 'Commandos' or whatever else people call their elites.
   While at the core they are the same as regular S.P.B.A. The only difference is that they have received severely improved programming and Realitus technology was used on them to receive field experience. 
   Where it takes to create 1 elite, in the same span Marcus could produce around 20 regular infantry-men. For the simple reason that they experience combat training in specifically prepared simulations. As mentioned before...Quinella went nuts with those. She made them experience combat situations from the Trojan war to World war 2...
   This means that even a stick is a lethal weapon in their arms.
   6
   Unlike the regular ones, there were only six of them waiting for Marcus, any more than that and the teen inventor would have spanked Quinella. He doesn't need bodyguards. Well, he accepted the guard if they were going to look cool.
   Thus now they looked like the ceremonial versions of the regular Mandalorian armour the S.P.B.A. are wearing. With one shoulder cloaks and more ornamental armour in general, they were ready to 'protect' Marcus in style. Well... more like beating up someone in the inventor's name.
   12
   Without even bothering to look back the six elites started to follow Marcus to the Gunship which will take them to the surface.
   ~~~~~~On Ground~~~~~~
   When the warning of an attack happened. The vampire factions quickly acted on that. While the majority of the Vampire families and factions disliked the Tepes faction as they received news of their strange movement and possible civil war.
   They still are one singular supernatural faction that rules the majority of the Balkan nations and they act as one large group when need be.
   So... they tried to move in... 
   It didn't work so well...
   First, they can't teleport into the area. For some reason, their teleportation would be diversed. 
   1
   This meant that the attackers have means to nullify magic teleportation. Which leads to them teleporting some distance away...
   Not that they needed to look far for these attackers...  while they didn't believe that 'Aliens' were attacking, sure enough they changed their mind when they saw it...
   One only needs to look up to see the enormous ship of some sort floating above the Tepes Castle. While the ship stands out like a sore thumb. The golden shadow it casts below didn't hide what was happening there.
   There were thousands of soldiers and squadrons of jet fighters which were... Transformers... it only magnified the threat this caused to them.
   5
   "So... umm... are we fighting Mandalorians or Decepticons?" One of the Vampire on the lookout asked.
   15
   "Beats me... how am I supposed to know that?" 
   The other one just shrugged back. Like hell he knows!
   There are thousands of Jango Fett cousins over there and most likely around a hundred Decepticon Transformers! This is nuts! Since when did pop culture classics come to life to conquer the supernatural!?
   11
   Before long, they saw a gunship leaving from one of the hangars of the massive airship right towards them. Not only that but they saw the ships massive canons... move... pointing at them...
   **Gulp**
   "I-I-I think they noticed us..."
   4
   "No shit..."
   1
   ~~~
   Sweat was pouring down from the Queen of Vampires Carmilla's forehead. This was not the battle she was expecting to participate in when she learned that the Tepes Faction was under attack from an outsider... which the spy said were 'Aliens'... She never expected it to be in the literal sense...
   7
   Flying ships, robots, futuristic-looking soldiers... not only that but her magic just stopped working as well... They were dead in the water here...
   Soon enough those jet fighters flew over signifying that the vampire had been noticed and the enemy army was moving towards them.
   Carmilla was sweating even more, this was bad. Without magic, they can't use the majority of their vampire powers. At the moment they were barely above regular humans in terms of brute strength.
   'Whatever they got from Castle Tepes should have been their goal... They didn't slaughter everyone. A lot of vampires and humans were left after.
   Maybe there is a chance to talk this over...' 
   As she was thinking about the current situation, she saw one of the troop carriers land not far from their location.
   What attracted Carmilla's attention was one of the signatures inside this futuristic plane.... It was a Greek God...
   1
   For a moment she thought it was a plot of some sort from the Greeks... but, this doesn't make any sense because the majority of the Greeks were extremely passive for hundreds of years...
   And it's simply absurd... because the Greeks don't have advanced technology of this level...
   1
   Then, she saw it... the plane doors slid to the side and she saw a very handsome man with a pair of women come out.
   Carmilla's eyes widened to a comical level when she saw THE Goddess of Hunt and her second in command dressed as slutty maids...
   15
   This instantly sends warning bells to her. This guy, whoever he is... is very dangerous... To make Artemis into this... one needs a lot of power... and ability... because from the looks of it... The Moon Goddess and the Chaste Huntress don't mind being dressed like that...
   "From your appearance... Carmilla I pressure?" He said with a soft tone. It sends goosebumps throughout the Vampire Queen's whole body...
   7
   Yes, this man... is dangerous... not only that, but it excited the Queen. She has not met such... a high-class human specimen before! Her Vampire senses were going wild around him!
   2
   "Y-Yes... I am the Ruler of the Carmilla Faction, and the supernatural side of things in Hungary." She quickly snapped out and responded as quickly as possible and at the same time straight to the point.
   "Thought so. My name is Marcus Goldman. I am an inventor, researcher, scientist, collector, and many more things. I have collected what I wanted from the Tepes Faction and I have no qualms with you."
   1
   She sighed in relief after hearing that!
   "So, this leaves us in an awkward situation. I suggest you turn around and just leave. Or do you wish to become battle data for me?" 
   3
   For a second she sensed his power... it was... she could not even describe it... it was just there, no end or beginning. The amount of magic... 
   'No wonder...no wonder... the Greek Goddess is so subdued... she most likely provoked him...ending up as a maid...'
   5
   Nonetheless, this doesn't answer why the Greeks didn't respond in any way when Artemis became like this... or they don't know yet?
   "No... I don't want that. Can we discuss this over? Tepes Faction is...was... one of the biggest Vampire factions. Now that it's gone. There is a major vacuum of power..." 
   "...do I look like I care about the vacuum of power? You can take it over. Turn some people into vampires. Rebuild the numbers." 
   1
   She can do that, and she will do that. But, that is not the problem. With this kind of attack on them. It will attract quite a bit of attention and there is a chance they either become someone's lackeys or worse, with their diminished numbers. While the Tepes were an annoying bunch they were one of the strongest Vampire factions.
   "Yes. That is the plan but the power vacuum to fill up is going to be difficult. Can we until that happens to rely on your security?" She asked him. The Vampire Queen asked that because she saw how he looked at her. There was interest in his eyes. Oh yes, she has used her looks for many things before.
   4
   And now, she might even snatch the help of a genius inventor who can make science fiction into reality...
   "You want... my protection? I just wiped a vampire faction and you want protection from the very same guy?" He asked with disbelief.
   Carmilla internally giggled hearing that. Does he believe she cares about vampires who are not her blood? The only reason she was here in the first place was self-preservation. Vampires would band together to fight threats. While they could not produce the fighting strength of a Pantheon they still could annoy the living daylight out of the other factions. Thus being left alone to their devices.
   "Your understanding of Vampires in general is quite lacking." She said simply after hearing his response.
   1
   "I suppose it is. Very well, having the assistance of a few vampires will not be bad. Still, though, I am a researcher and inventor. Your kin will be provided with some of the samples like blood and hair. In return, you will be getting my protection. Who knows, maybe I will find something interesting and your kin will benefit from it." He said with a casual shrug.
   10
   The Vampire Queen could only raise her eyebrow at him. Here she thought she would need to 'persuade' him more.
   Maybe this is not going to be hard as she thought...
   ~~~~~~Marcus, back on board on the Confiscator~~~~~~
   Honestly, seeing another Fate character was something, I was not surprised or shocked I even expected it in some way. Carmilla's Rider looks is hot. Her hairstyle and that silver hair, striking red eyes and those long legs, a perfect body type... Then adding on top of Artemis' previous teasing, it was hard just to brush aside what this Vampire Queen wanted.
   14
   With quick thinking, I realised that we didn't collect any of the vampire samples. Why? Well because they disintegrated. The holy energy powered weaponry turned them into dust. There was not a single corpse in the castle left.
   While regular vampires can still resist the damage. Once it dies the resistance disappears thus the body turning into dust.
   Now. I have quite a bit of samples along with the Vampires becoming my satellite... faction? Nation? Well, that can be discussed later.
   2
   "You sure you want that woman close to you?" Artemis asked me after we got away from the vampires. Allowing them to discuss some things.
   "Oh? Let me guess she is famous for sucking out the blood of countless men? Quite far cry from the original Carmilla who bathed in children's blood." I said with a shrug. Knowing the story behind it.
   2
   "Yes...well..."
   "You forget that Serafall has tried to seduce me for years, and she is a devil who wanted to tie me to herself through Evil Pieces... and how did that turn out?" I asked her who quickly had a knowing look.
   She saw enough of how Serafall acts around me...
   "More or less I do want her to try to seduce me. I haven't tasted a vampire before." I said with a shrug. I am getting quite excited to do certain things to her.
   7
   When she heard that she had an annoying look.
   "You...*sigh* devils are a bad influence on you." 
   "On the contrary, they were a good influence. They taught me how to enjoy the fruits of my labour." As I said that, I wrapped my hands around her waist. They didn't stay there for long as the hands travelled down on her ass and squeezed it hard. Then they went under her skirt and squeezed again.
   This time I could feel her warmth. After all, only her panties were standing in the way.
   "Hmm very good. Once we are back, we will go through proper training with you." I said that while emphasising it with a squeeze on her bum.
   The Moon Goddess slightly moaned to my touch. Her whole body shook for a bit.
   "I-If this is what you want." She said with hotness.
   "I do. A maid such as you needs 'proper' training." After saying that I claimed her lips. She moaned more this time as I pushed her against a wall.
   1
   Before long my hands slipped underneath her panties and one of the fingers brushed past her special place.
   This time her whole body twitched, hard. She did not expect me to do that. After teasing her like that I pulled back.
   "That... was... underhanded..." She said with a healthy blush. Artemis was picking her words properly. I can only bet that she was thinking of an extensive vocabulary to use on me. But she was holding back.
   "Is it? You are my maid... you should be prepared all the time." I said while stroking her cheek.
   "...I will be, the next time... it is only my first day here..." She said that with a serious nod. Which is amusing on its own. Artemis, the chaste Goddess of Hunt, being prepared for naughty things all the time...
   How absurd does that sound?
   "I will watch you closely." Giving one more peck on her lips, I started walking forward once more. I am pretty sure the Vampires are ready.
   I did however ignore the stare given to me by the chaste Huntress who saw the interaction between us.
   ~~~
   Artemis fought back her embarrassment. This was quite humiliating and exciting. She never thought she would end up as a human's plaything.
   But, the way he pushed her against a wall. And how his hands were exploring her body like this... it was quite exhilarating.
   By this point, she has already accepted the fact that she will be taken by him soon... She has no idea what will happen to her afterwards.
   She can however predict that her divine power will diminish. Not that the Goddess of Maidens gave her a big power boost. Most of her divinity comes from Moon and the Hunt.
   3
   And she couldn't complain to him. After all, she was the one who put herself on this bet.
   "Goddess..." Atalanta got her attention.
   "What is it?" Artemis asked as she fixed herself up. She still felt hot and bothered though. He only played with her a little bit. But he touched all the right places and it sent her body into a hypersensitive mode...
   It's like he knew where to touch her...
   "I suggest we double team him." 
   13
   "..."
   "..."
   "What are you talking about? This...this..." The Moon Goddess was utterly baffled by what Atalanta just said to her!
   Did she hit her head on something? Or did their new Master do something to her!?
   "Goddess... listen. Hippolyta told me that... our master did 'things' to her. That he completely dominated her in bed activities. Our only way to balance this... in some sort of way is to do this together." Atalanta said with a thoughtful look.
   And Artemis could only narrow her eyes for a bit. Yes, this makes sense. Yet, in the same way, this is still a competition... 
   "I will think about this." The Moon Goddess said as she started walking forward. Towards where Marcus went. She wants to figure out if he is going to do things to that Vampire Queen.
   2
   She is not concerned about his life. Not at all... The man can punch through a moon. The Goddess of Hunt is more concerned about how this Vampire woman will affect the current hierarchy
   Atalanta soon enough followed as well. She wants to see this as well.
   ~~~
   Carmilla quite happily signed the contract. She was expecting borderline slavery. Or something else for protection. But she gets an enormous amount of autonomy. This was akin to being a company under a large conglomerate. There are certain goals she has to accomplish and a few things she can't do. The rest? It's all free will. Quite fascinating. The beautiful vampire learned some things about her new Leader.
   Simply put, he doesn't care. As long as she doesn't do certain things she is free to do whatever she wants.
   However, she did spot some fascinating things. She is now his. Oh, yes, she read through certain lines in her contract. Quite devious. She was expecting such a thing from a devil. Not a human.
   Through multiple clauses, he makes her only serve him. Oh, she doesn't mind. She barely enjoys male company. Carmilla, after all, is the leader of the pro-female Faction so males are a rarity in her place. However, now she is only going to serve one man.
   In a sense, it's like she just got married off... the Silver-haired vampire Queen never expected that her going to a battle will lead to this... to be magically contracted to some human inventor...
   "You are quite devious~~~ binding me like this... now I can only have you for company or I will die otherwise~~~" Carmilla said with a purring and very seductive tone.
   Now that the whole contract and sample giving thing was over, the Vampire Queen can finally move in and try seducing the man. She doubts that Artemis or Atalanta know how to seduce a man.
   "Well, you wanted protection so I am giving it to you." He simply said that as he sealed off her hair samples.
   The silver-haired vampire Queen started laughing hearing that.
   "By chaining me to yourself? You are a very fascinating human! I am very much interested in you. Now I want to see what you are going to do to me~~~" She said that with a sultry tone.
   Honesty she wants to taste him just as much as he wants to taste her. Blood included... 
   Marcus looked at her with a smirk. Yep, he was going to have some fun before leaving Romania...
   After sealing the sample cases, he now focused on the waiting Vampire Queen.
   3
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   2
   My Discord server for advanced chapters:
   https://discord.gg/hvzgBJg4ss
   Along with the advanced chapters, there are also a lot of other fanfics I wrote and did not upload to Webnovel.
   Chapters are coming out Monday, Wednesday and Friday around 9:00 AM British time.
  
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   Chapter 33: Reactions From the Rest (R-18)
   1
   "Hi" Regular Speech
   'Hi' Thought
   "(Hi)" Speaking through a mechanically synthesised voice
   "[Hi]" Marcus communicating through technology
   [Hi] Quinella/Aurora talking
   *"Hi"* Speech imbued with power
   *Hi* Emphasis or Sound Effect
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   Marcus approached the sitting Carmilla who was looking at him closely. She had a very lustful look on her perfect face. Her eyes were shining with a certain amount of need in them.
   The teen lifted his hand and stroked her cheek before leaning in and claiming her lips. That moment the beauty smiled internally. This was it!
   1
   She wrapped her hands around him and tried to pull him in but Marcus wrapped his hands around her and lifted her instead!
   Carmilla quickly adjusted herself and wrapped her legs around him as well. The black-haired inventor's hands went on her perfectly snapped ass and squeezed it hard before starting to look for her sensitive spots.
   The teen already noticed how different Vampires are compared to other beings. Her body temperature was slightly lower than regular people. But... this make out session alone already helped her to heat up.
   Before long, Marcus was able to taste her mouth out and brushed past her fangs. He made sure he tasted everything.
   "Hmmm~~~ you are a good kisser~~~" Carmilla said hotly as she started to rub into him.
   Marcus only smiled at her as he took her to the bed. They were in the infirmary of the ship and there were a bunch of beds prepared for them.
   Who would have thought that this would be the first proper time the infirmary was going to be used in 'that' way...
   2
   He laid her down as he started to undress her. There was not much to undress as she was in a simple dress. With a simple pull, she was in her underwear which were black lacy ones...
   "It's like you were prepared already." The teen joked seeing how sexy she looked.
   "Hmm~~~ You think?~~~ this is my casual underwear~~~ but I could get sexier for you next time~~~" She said with a purr.
   Marcus could only smile more hearing that. Since she said that...well, she will be experiencing a wide array of underwear he is going to preparing for her.
   "Oh don't worry... I will give you a catalogue." The teen inventor said that while starting to trace his finger on her pale skin.
   Carmilla slightly moaned when she felt that. His touch was surreal! It's like he was using magic...or is it a natural thing? The beauty had no idea but she liked it a lot!
   He quickly removed her bra and started playing with her breasts. The vampire queen softly moaned each time he gently bit her nipples.
   This continued on for a few minutes before he removed her panties. Showing her soaked pussy to him.
   "Well?~~~ what are you going to do now?" Carmilla purred, spreading her legs apart showing her needy hole.
   Marcus just smirked and undressed himself. Fully showing his nude body. 
   The Vampire Queen's eyes widened and she subconsciously licked her lips. Whatever dislike she had for the whole situation of being chained to this man she lost that moment...
   "Wow... who knew that those baggy clothes that you wear hid all of this~~~" She said while slightly moving forward. Her dandy hands stroked his chest. A shiver went through her back when she felt his body's sturdiness.
   'This is...no human should be able to have a body this perfect! Did he... upgrade his body in some way!? This is just so hot!' 
   Carmilla just got much wetter imagining this man having his way with her!
   The teen grabbed her waist and pulled her up quite casually. Her beautiful eyes went wide as she realised what was going to happen next.
   He lifted her and positioned her to receive his hard rod. He'd stopped playing around. Marcus had enough of playing as he has been messing with Artemis and Atalanta the whole day! And now he wants the real deal...
   "W-W-Wait!" 
   The Vampire Queen didn't finish her words as she was suddenly mounted on his hard rod. 
   "Ahhhhh~~~ T-This~~~" Her mouth opened in a vulgar way as some drool started dripping from the corner of her lips.
   2
   "Ohhh... quite a virgin... your pussy is tight!" Marcus groaned at how tight Carmilla was! Reminding him of the girls he claimed virginity of!
   The silver-haired beauty growled for a second. She is going to teach this guy!
   But, before she could retort, he started moving her on his shaft. The Vampire Queen couldn't control herself anymore and lewd moans started escaping out of her lips.
   2
   What followed next was the smacking sounds of hard sex as Carmilla forgot about the previous comment and started drowning in all the pleasure.
   "Allow me to show you a technique I perfected from my predecessor~~~" Marcus whispered into the beauty's ear as he pulled her closer to himself.
   2
   His hand went onto her ass as he started moving her in a synchronised manner.
   That moment the vampire beauty came hard around his rod as she experienced a hard climax! It's like extra pleasure suddenly just manifested from somewhere!
   "W-What the H-Hell is THIS~~~" Her whole body twitched and arched hard as her legs coiled extra hard around Marcus. Honestly, if he was much weaker he would have a broken spine at this point. Thankfully he did not try any of Solomon's techniques on Serafall or Grayfia when he was weaker than them...
   Now, however... he is not restrained to such simple things...
   "One of my predecessors' techniques... Now let me show you what more techniques Solomon left for me~~~" The teen said with quite a joyous tone.
   Carmilla instantly snapped out from her orgasm and clouded mind. She quickly connected the dots...
   'SHIT-SHIT-SHIT!!! He is not a sheep! Fuck! Fuck!' The beauty realised that she had just ended up in a wolf's den, and not in a flock of sheep!
   10
   "W-Wait! Hold on a minute!" The silver-haired beauty is not stupid! Those techniques, according to the legends, were enough to satisfy the man's massive harem, which was around 1000 women! The man was known as the King of Harems after all!
   5
   "Silly girl~~~ we are only just starting! After all, you seduced me so now let me relieve those desires through this delicious body of yours~~~" Marcus said as his hands stroked Carmilla's back, extremely positive goosebumps washed throughout her whole body...
   'Well...I am fucked...' 
   17
   Before long, the Queen of Vampire's started receiving more of her new Master's affection. Getting railed through several different positions...
   ~~~~~~Later~~~~~~
   3
   When Artemis and Atalanta found Carmilla, Marcus was no longer there, and the Vampire Queen was in a state which is clinically called Sexual euphoria... Honestly, the pair wanted to figure out if it's even a clinical term or if Quinella was just messing with them.
   8
   Nonetheless, this only confirmed the fact that they need to double team to even think of gaining something from being fucked into a drooling mess.
   Simply put, Artemis and Atalanta were thinking of trying to gain some control over Marcus through their bodies. It's not an unheard thing. While Atalanta wanted to do this so that her Master would treat her with more respect and not just a 'household cat'...
   It would seem that it's something akin to a pipe dream. But, they were going to try either way. There is nothing else left after all...
   "Umm... I apologise... but..." A new female voice started before suddenly stopping in its tracks. It was a young female vampire. Her eyes widened and she blushed hard seeing her Mistress fucked into unconsciousness.
   "...I... was wondering... what is going to happen now? Our new Lord's armies have just returned to the airship and we have already started leaving Romania..." The girl nervously asked as she was in the presence of a Greek God.
   "I assume your Mistress will be able to sort it out... after... well... she regains her consciousness. I have no idea what your Mistress was thinking while trying to seduce our Master. He is *very* capable in everything he does." Artemis said in an arrogant tone.
   "...Please don't ask me. I have no idea. Mistress is usually much more... controlled... with such things..." The girl said with an embarrassed blush... what can she say when her Mistress is laying in bed with her body soaked in their new lord's seed...
   This is embarrassing beyond anything she had experienced in her life... especially in the presence of such people... even though they were dressed as maids...
   When someone has a Goddess for a maid one should know that this individual is extremely capable...
   Yet, her Queen has somehow fallen into a trap. And got put in her place.
   The younger vampire tried to understand how this happened. Why act so rashly?
   "She has most likely fallen into the same trap I did..." The Goddess said with a sigh.
   1
   "She underestimated the fact that he was 'human'." The Chaste Huntress said with an eye roll. The way she said 'human' was extremely sarcastic to the point that it sounds like an old and boring joke to these females.
   "I see... that most likely... my Queen usually is more cautious."
   "Well, it doesn't matter anymore. Your Vampire faction is under our Master's care. Stay with your Queen and wait till she wakes up. Once she is up, call for Aurora. She is the A.I. of this place. I assume you know what an A.I is?"
   "Y-Yes of course... I will do that." The younger Vampire respectfully nodded. She was flustered hearing that there is A.I. in this place! Just how advanced is this ship!? She did see those transformers... 
   But, can this massive airship do something similar as well!?
   16
   "Good. We will see you later then."
   After saying that, the pair of maids left. They were going to find their Master. Why? They have no idea, they just want to find him. Maybe earn some 'brownie points' as the other maids call it.
   Or... just make... want... to get over this annoying feeling that this Vampire Queen...woman got to him before they did?
   In other words, they were confused...
   While the maids are gone, the younger vampire by the name of Elmenhilde Karnstein is looking around with more caution. Trying to understand how this place works... does this place truly have an A.I.?
   3
   "H-Hello?"
   [Aren't you a curious little girl?] 
   *Eep!*
   1
   Hearing a female voice coming straight from the walls, the vampire girl quickly jumped. She released a girl-ish squeak purely from shock...
   ~~~
   Le Fay was sitting in a chair, reading a book. While her assignments are boring. She can use that time to read about psychology. She found the whole biological programming fascinating.
   No wonder a certain ancestor of hers loved manipulating people... Well, hopefully, she doesn't end up in that rabbit hole... 
   1
   Deeply into her reading, she nearly jumped out of her chair when she saw polygons gather in a single place. She wasn't expecting for *her*  to appear in person just like that!
   Before long, the blond maid saw 'Captain' Quinella in all of her glory. Because of the uniform she was wearing, her silver hair had some of a blue tint to it... it looked quite fascinating.
   She is still trying to grasp how her Master created such a being. Starting from a simple A.I. which Le Fay was around to hear! The blond was even there when Aurora 2.0 was born!
   And now it has this form...
   [I did the reading on the logs. We are putting the girl into deep sleep until her soul can be healed from the side effects of using the cups] Quinella said, getting straight to the point.
   "Side effects? The gear hurt its user?" Le Fay tried to process what she just heard.
   [Yes. Because she has 3 cups at the same time, she received 3 times the amount of damage from a single use of the gear.] The Silver-haired assistant said while crossing her arms.
   [No damaged person will meet our Master, are we clear? Put her into a deep sleep. Until I figure out a healing method, she is not to wake up.] After saying that she disappeared without warning.
   The blonde looked at the fellow blond sleeping in the bed.
   *Sigh*
   "My apologies. Just following orders..."  She sighed and several magic circles appeared around her. The witch placed a simple sleeping curse on the Dhampir girl.
   The girl won't be waking up until the curse is lifted by Le Fay.
   ~~~~~~Underworld, Grigori~~~~~~
   The Governor-General was pacing back and forth in front of a blackboard. There were multiple reports pinned on it with several of his theories written down on it as well.
   4
   They were interconnected with each other. Some of them are marked as clues.
   The Fallen Angel was doing something he never did before. And that is something similar to detective work.
   He was able to find some ideas about who this new inventor is. An inventor who re-invented Sacred Gears not connected to Heaven System!!!
   How does no one understand how monumental this is!? After learning about the Sitri Heiress having never-seen-before Sacred Gear which enhances her family magic, he went on a spending spree to learn more!
   Only that there was very little to no Information. For some time that is...
   Surely enough he pushed the devil council to reveal more and sure enough, Serafall herself gave some information to the devil council.
   After having a chance to read some files, he learned just how utterly dangerous and talented this human was!
   Azazel wanted to meet him immediately! But, there was no information on his location. So he went the long way and started putting clues together.
   4
   The more he learned, the more he believed that this human was the reincarnation of their old man. Genius in rune craft, artificer, engineering, barrier magic...
   1
   The signs were there. But the personality didn't match. Their old man was nuts in his perfections. This teenager was not.
   And not only that but, he is also contracted to Serafall Leviathan. And the Satan was like his bodyguard in the literal sense. She is keeping the whole Devil Race at bay for him.
   All the files around him are classified and only for the Satans eyes only. Meaning that Azazel can't ask any of his spies to get those files which are for the Satans. Only the information which is revealed for the council did he see.
   Like two of the teen's adventures. Honestly, the fallen Angel is jealous and feeling quite inadequate. This teen has only been an inventor for six years and did more than the Fallen angel ever did in his quite long life...
   1
   He even has True Longinus, Annihilation Maker and Dimension Lost! Even Azazel never had a chance to get a Longinus himself!
   5
   Then... then... he got the latest news about this teen... He invaded Romania!
   "Airships, transformers, Mandalorians, negation magic for the whole area, teleportation sealing off technology...
   This teen... he already has a faction... *Sigh* Here goes my casual approach. I suppose asking for a meeting through Leviathan is the only way..."
   Azazel read the report again. For a second he giggled lewdly. Another man of culture for a faction leader! Yes! The world is getting more and more interesting! Maybe... he will get to see the day when Gabriel falls? If something like that happens. Then he doesn't mind calling the boy the second coming of his father! 
   6
   "Truly... he already has my respect! Artemis in a maid uniform!?" He giggled lewdly again. Imagining the always extremely serious Goddess in a sexy maid uniform!
   "He has style, that's for sure!"
   9
   ~~~~~~Underworld, Lilith~~~~~~
   3
   Sirzechs massaged his temples. After reading the reports from his spies in Romania.
   Marcus Goldman has transformers, Mandalorians, Airships as big as Human carrier ships. Except it's flying... the thing has twin massive cannons, most likely capable of bombardment from high air...
   3
   Not only that...but Goddess Artemis and her huntress are maids working for him? Or did he capture them? This is getting messy!
   Thankfully, there was no connection between the devils and him when he did this high profile appearance. From the looks of it, he took the entire Vampire faction in a single swoop.
   This one large mess. Thankfully the devil council washed their hands out of this. They don't want anything to do with him!
   All Sirzechs can do is make sure Serafall and Latia Astaroth are nowhere near Marcus when he does stunts like that...
   2
   Oh, right, he can mess with people's perceptions, his soldiers can shoot holy energy, most, if not all, supernatural energies are useless around him...
   Just as Ajuka has predicted, the genius inventor is extremely dangerous.
   Especially for those who have something they want.
   5
   Well, thankfully, the Devils don't have Sacred Gears. And their family magic... Well, they only need to provide a scan, and he doesn't even need to scan, a simple showcase was enough.
   Marcus recreated their Power of Destruction through nothing but watching Rias through that surveillance.
   7
   Simply put, Sirzechs is not all that worried about Marcus coming to the Underworld. He is more worried about the Devils' ending in some sort of crossfire...
   'Hmm... I need to find a way to talk with him in person. An event of some sort?'  The Crimson Satan leaned into his seat and crossed his hands.
   The only thing he is coming up with is Rias' Rating Game with Riser. But, the difficulty is to invite him...
   'I need to talk with Serafall for this...'
   ~~~~~~Olympus~~~~~~
   *"What did you just say!?"* 
   4
   A bolt of lightning slammed into the ground not far from Hermes who did some evasive manoeuvres dodging lightning bolts from the Master Bolt.
   "I-I said..."
   *"I heard what you said!"* Zeus roared with a pissed-off expression.
   Aphrodite snorted with an amused look. She can't believe Artemis would end up as a human's maid! A *male* human maid!
   2
   While the other Gods like Ares could only laugh his ass off! Nonetheless, he was giddy hearing someone had created the Mandalorians! That alone brings nostalgia to him! He wanted to bless the human just for that!
   7
   He knows very well that the Mandolarians are based on his Spartans!
   Now he wants to see them in action!
   "Husband calm down! And let Hermes explain what is going on, properly !" Hera said with a sharp tone. Making Zeus deflate like a balloon when his wife spoke with that tone.
   5
   "O-Okay..." 
   Both Hades and Poseidon barely controlled themselves and almost started laughing hearing how under his wife's foot the God-King himself is...
   "A-As I was saying... Artemis...and her Lieutenant Atalanta were dressed as maids and they... did not look like they were ashamed or anything like that." Hermes mentioned this while trying not to look at his father's pissed off look.
   "This means that she most likely was under some sort of conditions. Like a bet." Athena said sharply.
   1
   "She most likely got blinded by anger and challenged this genius inventor into some sort of challenge and lost." The Goddess of Wisdom said from her throne.
   *Giggle*
   5
   "I can see that happening," Aphrodite said with a giggle. And Apollo just glared at her. His twin sister was just turned into a human's maid and she is joking like that!
   "Most likely what happened. Otherwise, she would be struggling to escape. She is far too proud to be dressed like this." Poseidon said with a nod. He knows his niece's character far too well.
   "While this is all good and all but Artemis is a maid to a human!" Zeus furiously said from his throne.
   "A human who builds advanced technology years above anything other humans can do and according to the spies he has means to nullify magic and can cause hallucinations.
   3
   I propose I will go and figure out what is going on." Athena proposed with a serious tone.
   24
   "Very well. We will act if you do not return soon." Zeus said with a serious nod.
   1
   "Don't do anything rash. We know nothing of this new faction. We need to hear things from Artemis' point of view." Athena said seriously, they can't just charge in. They know nothing of his capacities.
   Honestly, she wants to talk with him as well. She dearly misses smart people!
   9
   "Fine! Fine! I only want to smite that punk for putting a maid uniform on my daughter!" 
   8
   "We have no idea how his magic nullification works. It could be technique, invention, or even spell." Hephaestus said. 
   He then looked at Hermes.
   "Is there any other information on the equipment, the airship of this inventor?" The God of Blacksmith asked curiously.
   "The airship has enormous wings made from energy, the weapons used by the soldiers shoot holy energy, the transformers apparently can shoot something similar to Power of Destruction used by Devils" Hermes said as he read through the report from one of his spies.
   "I see... those energy wings sound similar to Sacred Gears Divine Dividing..." Hephaestus compared the energy wings between those two.
   *Sigh*
   "Once again something from *that* Pantheon..." Hades said with an annoyed sigh.
   "Yes, the Spy compared those two... in his report. Only the difference is that one is a person and the other one is hundreds of metres long..." 
   "And is there a reason why he invaded the Tepes faction in the first place?" The God of Seas asked the most important question. Why?
   "The rumour was that Tepes faction had a powerful sacred gear and were thinking of doing some power grabs," Hermes explained.
   Hades snorted again. It was those sacred gears again...
   "I see... so that warehouse attack was him too... he claimed True Longinus. And now another powerful gear..." Apollo said from his throne.
   "This human is getting powerful far too rapidly..." Hades said with a serious tone.
   2
   "I will investigate him and figure out the threat level," Athena said from her side.
   5
   Zeus just sighed. Why can't it be like old times? Just sit back and snipe people with his Master bolt?
   12
   ~~~~~~Asgard~~~~~~
   Unlike other Pantheons, the Norse was not touched by the genius inventor. But unlike them. The All-father has been watching the teen the longest of them all.
   4
   Odin noticed, a few years back, a sudden increase in magic. In the Baltic countries. He even sends his ravens to see what was going on there.
   The problem was that the moment the ravens arrived, some sort of interference appeared.
   His magic got cut off. Which means some sort of barrier is in place.
   Such discovery is quite baffling because there was no indication of a barrier in place. Meaning the type of magic is similar to the surroundings making it quite seamless with nature.
   Quite a smart disguise but it only works if the magic is not large which that place lost it a long ago. As of now, that place felt like a mountain of magic.
   It reminded Odin of the time when Pantheons were empowered by their believers. The only thing which comes close to this radiance now is the Hindu Pantheon and, somewhat, the Shinto one.
   Now, however, something else has happened... The inventor boy created something. Oh yes, he knew that it was an inventor boy.
   He noticed him flying his inventions through the sea, each time it would be faster. More impressive from the last one.
   This time, it was something enormous. A vessel of some sort through air. A ship? An airship? He felt it flying south. Towards Greeks? 
   As the All-Father sensed a Greek God looking for something through Eastern Europe. Knowing the Angels, they won't go to do anything. Their territories are far too big and they are not that well-armed nowadays. For obvious reasons that their God is not around anymore. Oh, he knows. They tried to play it off but you can't dismiss the sudden lack of energy from a powerful deity.
   This means that this Deity...most likely Artemis, provoked him and now he is going to collect his dues?
   Well, that's what he thought until he got a report from. Romania.
   The Chief God could only smile silly seeing this.
   "Hehehe... it seems I will be having a good friend..." 
   Some of the Valkyries could only sigh from disappointment. Their God became an old pervert...
   While the other Valkyries continued to keep their poker face.
   "Hmm... a gift I suppose?" He looked around. His eyes ended up on a pair of Valkyries.
   7
   "He is a healthy young man. And constantly spending time tinkering is not healthy. A break or two is needed."
   "Umm... Lord... what are you planning? That teenage inventor is very dangerous... in mere few years, he had built a pantheon!" A blue-haired Valkyrie said with a serious tone. What she saw in the report is dangerous! Such progress in development is monstrous!
   "Oh, he did build one. But he is a researcher and inventor. Do you think he is going to expand? We saw through the last few years he didn't expand beyond that small country.
   He doesn't care about governing, managing..."
   "H-How do you know he won't do that?" The Valkyrie asked with uncertainty.
   "Please Bryn... you are asking *me* of all people? Was I mistaken to give the title of Brynhildr to you?" Odin asked with raised a eyebrow.
   1
   "N-No... it's just that his level of development is insane... I have no idea how he will develop further..." 
   "Oh, he will develop. I do miss the times when countries used to have personalities. When it only takes one man to decide how the nation will progress. I do believe those days are coming back."
   4
   The Valkyries looked at the Chief God curiously. What is he talking about?
   "Oh don't look at me like that. When a human who is one or two steps above others appears, the world changes... just look at the most recent history... we have Hitler and his madness. The world was not the same after him. And it was with French brat Napoleon who reshaped the world in a single generation.
   10
   Now? Now, this will be different, this is not one or two steps above simple humans. No, it's more than that. It took him around six years to advance to the point that he can attack a lesser Pantheon... create beings from science fiction and even produce life to some extent.
   2
   This... is going to be interesting. And me? I will be watching it all with fascination." The Chief God said with a happy tone while stroking his long white beard.
   8
   The report he read finally gave him insight into this human. Now, there is no need for him to be wary. No, Odin knows how humans like this inventor operate.
   "My Lord... are you sure? Isn't he dangerous?" Brynhildr asked with confusion. This... she can't wrap her head around this...
   "Oh, he is. Don't get me wrong. When he invaded Vampires he was fully prepared to end the whole faction in a single hour.
   But, he is dangerous to his enemies. I am not his enemy. No, I am his friend. We are going to have a very friendly relationship with him." The one-eyed God said with a nod.
   5
   "Um? How?"
   2
   "You will see my dear, you will see..." Odin said with a nod as his one eye stayed on the text where it said that Goddess Artemis was spotted, dressed as a maid...
   6
   That moment The Norse God's lips slightly went up.
   'This is going to be interesting...' 
   6
   ~~~~~~Heaven~~~~~~
   Michael knew, he knew that there was something there. In his territory no less.
   He tried to ignore it. Oh, he did. There was no threat. No humans were hurt. But dark stuff was done.
   Sure, he might have lost contact with the Churches in this small nation.
   He might not be able to teleport there anymore. But, nothing happened...so, there is no reason for him to go there and investigate it.
   That however... his ignoring didn't last long as he started losing Sacred Gears...
   1
   The system has started picking up that he lost True Longinus, Dimension Lost, Annihilation Maker, and now he lost Sephiroth Graal...
   This is getting out of hand...
   3
   *Sigh*
   "These...reports... He is making people of some sort... There was no news that he was robbing souls from the underworld or our Heaven or any heaven in fact.
   It's like he is making them the same way our father did."
   "Are you saying he is the reincarnation of our Father?" Uriel said with a baffled tone.
   1
   "The signs are there. His ability to make Sacred Gears, his ability to remove them from people, his ability as an artificer. And of course his ability to create beings. All of those are the abilities of our Father." Michael said while massaging his forehead.
   "But?" Raphael said with raised eyebrows seeing that the Seraph is struggling to continue.
   "But, I believe that he might not have his memories. He is most likely building his own faction because that is what our Father did his whole life. He has an urge to do so. Same with the defences of his place. As well as the single-minded goal of making gears." 
   7
   "I see... this does make sense. I assume you want him to be secured?" Uriel was persuaded to a certain extent that this teenage boy is the reincarnation of their father.
   "Don't be ridiculous. Have you seen the report and what he did to Vampires! He unleashed hell on them! His faction wiped the Tepes Faction in less than an hour!" Raphael said with a serious tone.
   "Yes... that's another sign that he might be our Father. His understanding of energies is unparalleled..." Michael said as he got reminded about that part.
   "Indeed. But we need more details about this! There was no sign that he had Holy Energy! And of course his obsession with maids! The man somehow managed to make Goddess Artemis dress up as a maid!" Raphael said with a thoughtful look.
   This was strange. There is alot of proof that the man might be the reincarnation of their Father. But, at the same time, there are many signs that he might not be at all!
   5
   Nonetheless, it is hard to believe that a human could have this much talent in Artefact creation, beings creation, energy manipulation.
   These are signs that he doesn't have a simple background! They need more details!
   While the three males were discussing this. The only female in the group was spacing out and thinking about what Michael just said.
   1
   This Marcus Goldman may be the reincarnation of their Father!? She needs to meet him in person!
   54
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   My Discord server for advanced chapters:
   https://discord.gg/hvzgBJg4ss
   Along with the advanced chapters, there are also a lot of other fanfics I wrote and did not upload to Webnovel.
   Chapters are coming out Monday, Wednesday and Friday around 9:00 AM British time.
  
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   Chapter 34: Back to The Base
   "Hi" Regular Speech
   'Hi' Thought
   "(Hi)" Speaking through a mechanically synthesised voice
   "[Hi]" Marcus communicating through technology
   [Hi] Quinella/Aurora talking
   *"Hi"* Speech imbued with power
   *Hi* Emphasis or Sound Effect
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   Carmilla groggily opened her eyes as she started looking around. She was feeling fantastic... sort of. 
   Her body was extremely drained in a very positive manner.
   While it's good, it's bad at the same time.
   [You're finally up. For an Ultimate Class Vampire you sure do sleep a lot.] The silver-haired vampire queen snapped out from her drowsiness when she heard an unfamiliar female voice.
   Her eyes ended up on an extremely beautiful woman with silver platinum hair... it looked as if it was made from some sort of glass which reflects colours from it...
   "Who...are you?" 
   [I am our Master's Assistant, the Artificial Intelligence Quinella. I am the one  powering all the systems in this place.] The woman announced with an arrogant tone.
   The Vampire queen could only frown a little bit. While she can understand where the arrogance comes from. But, isn't she a... machine?
   [No I am not. I am not something as primitive as a machine. Our Master has already passed that stage when he was fourteen. Do you think he will stay in such an early stage for that long? No, by this point, I am a soul inhabiting his Technomancy.] She said while arrogantly brushing her hair.
   "I see... my apologies then. Is there a reason why you were waiting for me?" Carmilla tried to get into her diplomatic persona for a second, not thinking about the possibility that this artificial intelligence can read minds...
   [Apart from giving you some gadgets and telling you that we will be working together to set up security around the vampire countries. We are back at base, and you need to get a shower.] Quinella said while frowning and pointing at the Vampire Queen's current looks.
   The fellow Silver-haired woman looked at herself. She was bathed in her man's seed. A consequence of her actions. She tried to play with him and, in return, got played like some sex toy.
   A new experience that's for sure. For a vampire with a couple hundred years of experience... While she did sleep with a few men a long time ago, all of which turned into her meals afterwards, this was something completely new.
   She was outperformed and fucked into submission. 
   "I will clean myself up. Is...our Master around?" She asked about the elephant in the room.
   [No, he left hours ago. You have been asleep for 14 hours. The flight back lasted less than an hour. The airships are already docked in and the S.P.B.A. alongside the crew already left the place. You and your assistant are the only people left on this ship. But don't worry, Master has assigned a maid for you two.]
   Carmilla felt quite ashamed hearing that. She was out for that long!? She doesn't even sleep that long regularly! This just shows how dominated she was
   Her eyes went to Elmenhilde who was sitting there with an embarrassed look. The girl looks subdued as if she was and is trying to look as small as possible.
   "I see... It was my fault... the man was... hard to resist..." The Vampire Queen finally admitted that she bit more than she can chew.
   [Of course he is. Our Master grew up around Serafall Leviathan and Venelana Gremory. Two of his pillars. Serafall spent years trying to convert him to reincarnate and become her Queen.]
   The silver-haired Vampire queen's eyes went wide hearing that... Right... He is Solomon's successor and he has his Pillars! Wait! Serafall and Venelana? Those are like high profile devils!
   [Oh, so you finally understood? Good. Master decided to play nice so you ended up as just his relief stress.]
   The Vampire beauty started laughing hearing that. It was a good sort of laugh. Though her whole body is tired... she needs some blood...
   "I was used as a way to relieve stress! This is amusing! And quite refreshing! Can't remember the last time I've felt like this!"
   [Good that you are finding some entertainment in all this. But we have things to do.] Quinella said with some frown. She thought that she would be able to rile up this woman. The assistant wanted to put her in place for trying to use her Master. But, it appears this Vampire only found it amusing...
   ~~~~~~Marcus, Earlier~~~~~~
   Right, so what is a soul?
   In layman terms, it is a conscious energy... emotion, or something along those lines.
   The best example for this would be cross-referencing the readings I got from Ddraig. 
   Dragons, at their earliest forms, are just massive expanses of energy. Which developed consciousness... And when you develop consciousness you, hand in hand, starts developing emotions. 
   This is what I observed from Quinella. She was the best test for that.
   From using unnecessary actions like cuddling. Which she doesn't need as there is no purpose and she doesn't feel anything, It's not even in her programming to do that.
   Those are signs of a soul. And now that I have the necessary data from the Graal gear, I can apply the filters for it...
   Sure enough... I finally was able to see... souls...
   Putting on the Aurora glasses I looked at a mirror and saw... my soul. It was... bright... and purple... Did my psionic energy do something to it?
   After that, I added the filter into the Diamond Core Heart network and from then on I was able to see souls in people in my birth country.
   I even checked Kouh. I was able to see the souls of devils. Like Sona and Rias. Their souls were... much darker than other reincarnated devils. In truth, I could see a darkening slowly happening to these reincarnated souls.
   If I could cross-reference this... this means that Big G had quite a bit of understanding about Souls. As he used similar filters for souls. He used this to easily control the way in which souls he accepts into his Heaven and which ones he doesn't and sends them to hell.
   'Well whatever... I don't care about this cliche nonsense. The dude truly wanted everything *his* way. And it quite worked. Now, however, he is gone and all his perfect work derailed quite a bit.'
   Instead of thinking about the darkening and whatever, I focused on something more important. Turning numbers into souls...
   The key for that is the logs of the Sephiroth Graal gear. Not the cups themselves. But how the gear records the souls.
   After finding that, I added the formula to our research on souls.
   "Quinella, dearest, if you would?" I asked after pressing enter; the process has started.
   I watched the bar slowly raising from 0 to 0.01%
   [Of course, leave this to me. I already started cross-referencing the moment we entered into our territory.]
   As she said that, the bar went from 0.01% to 47%, then in the next moment to 100%, from there on out, data started flowing and calculations were being made at a rapid speed.
   My beautiful assistant has diverted most of her available processing power for this. My eyes could barely keep up with the maths happening in front of me.
   Instead of watching this, I went to the projects folder and checked something else.
   Project: Biological Assistant Quinella: 47%
   Then going up to 48%, followed by 48.5%... Yep, it's beautiful to watch that percentage slowly go up with this specific project. Other projects long ago went into part 2 or even into successor projects.
   Simply put, I am leaving the bulk of work to Quinella and instead I went over to development projects.
   The Docks and the last stretch of my original railway designs are almost over.
   Then instead of that, I went over to something I missed... and that is where I am going to dock my airships?
   So for that, I accessed the satellite images and cross-referenced them with aeroplane paths. Finding the best spot where no planes would ever smash by accident and stuff like that.
   Honestly, I don't care about planes and stuff... but, the garbage will fall into my backyard and that is annoying...
   To get over this, I found the perfect height I can use and it's not that far from the space centre too. 
   So, while Quinella was doing her calculations and building the bridges between life, soul and body. I am designing the airship port for my airships.
   And of course, checking the current project running in the Space Centre, the heart for Ars Almadel Salomonis is almost complete.
   What is truly going to be interesting is launching it into space!
   Unlike the others, there won't be any rockets, or something as primitive as that. No, it's going to be accelerated into space. Through a magically built mass accelerator. Courtesy of Gundam.
   Sometimes you only need to watch anime to learn a good replacement method for rockets.
   After checking the Space Centre I returned to my work on the airship docks. 
   Taking the shape of a tower. Stretching it close to a kilometre. This is of course after checking multiple sources and making sure it wasn't going to hit any planes or other stuff.
   Once the form was taken, I started drawing the building in my main workshop because, for once, I missed working here. 
   The tower building quickly turned into a round shape. Making around 5 areas where a Daedalus-class airship can dock, at one level. In total, there will be three levels where it can dock.
   Making it a building where 15 Airships can be docked...
   Walking around the building and inspecting it from different angles, I started working on the interior of the building...
   'Hmm... a centre of some sorts? A communications centre? If I were to build one here I can make Quinella be able to keep in touch with her processing power. But it is going to take time to do that with my Apsos-class station and the smaller satellites I am planning to build...'  
   Without wasting any more time, I started to design the interior of this airship docks.
   Well, along the way I have decided to add some more use to it after remembering the Mass magic accelerator in the space centre.
   I can repurpose it and make the airship docks capable of collecting ships from space and pulling them into the docks.
   Or sending them into space as well...
   "Whoa! Master, you just came back and you are already working on a mega building!?" Serafall gilded next to me and hugged me. Tightly taking in my smell...
   Is she a dog?
   "Heh... you had some fun with that Vampire Queen?" The black-haired devil beauty asked me with a coy smile.
   "I did... she is an amusing woman. I will be keeping her around." I said with a casual shrug as I made the building spin for me with a finger motion.
   "Oh... I see... she tried to seduce you but she was clueless about your origins and things like that." Serafall said with a happy nod. From the looks of it, she is happy with this development...
   "Yes. Now I have the vampires under my banner. Mostly females though. Which is quite fascinating." I said while remembering the ratio of females to males vampires that I have.
   "Hehehe, vampire maid squad?" Serafall asked cutely. Oh, I know that she wants me to indulge in my sins but that can wait.
   I flicked with my finger on her forehead.
   "Oww!" She pulled back and massaged her forehead.
   "No. Maybe in the future, after Carmilla solidified her position. Now she is going to rebuild... after getting back on her feet that is." I said that with a knowing smile.
   Serafall lewdly grinned after seeing my expression.
   "Right now, enough about this mundane stuff and into more interesting stuff." I motioned at the building.
   "Is...that a..."
   "Airship dock."
   "Ohh... we are truly moving into sci-fi!" She quickly started walking around the holographic design.
   "How big is it going to be!?" 
   "The whole area is going to cover around 5 kilometres. The building itself is going to be around 1 kilometre in height." 
   "Why... five kilometres? That's quite a bit of land!" She asked with wide eyes.
   "Because of these..." I said to her as I zoomed out the design for her. Just outside the docks, a few kilometres outside the building, dagger-shaped structures are surrounding the airship docks.
   "What are those!?" She asked in a super curious tone.
   "Have you ever played the civilisation series before?" I asked her.
   "Umm...no? Too nerdy for me!" 
   I deadpanned at her for a moment. Before sighing.
   "It's an elevator."
   "To where?"
   "Space..."
   "..."
   "..."
   "Oh, okay..." She said that with a nod... before her eyes went wide.
   "WAIT! WHAT!?" She asked with disbelief.
   "Yeah. At first, I was thinking of just making docks for airships on Earth but then I realised that I can use them as truly REAL docks in multiple senses.
   Meaning for both the airships and the spaceships. Honestly, there is no difference there. The Confiscator can travel space just as easily." 
   "...It can!?"
   "Duh... it's fully sealed. I only need to do some small retrofits and it's spaceworthy."  I casually rolled my eyes at her. Daedalus-class is the cream of the crop of designing! I spent a whole two days on that!
   "Wow... just wow... So how is it going to work!? How are they going to be lifted into space!?" She asked- nearly pleaded.
   "The dagger shaped buildings you see there are accelerator circles fused with space magic circles. Courtesy of my basic techniques of M.T.M. and Space motion magic from Caliburn."
   "M.T.M and Caliburn allowed this to happen!?" She asked with disbelief.
   "I know right? Remember me working in my garage with Castor? That's quite literally the same tech, only on a massive scale." 
   I motioned for the hologram to activate. And the dagger-shaped building glowed, sending pillars of light into space. Creating a corridor, inside this magic corridor, there are several magic circles.
   They are the very same accelerator circles used in almost all my stuff. From the guns, rifles, to the Diamond Core Heart.
   "Whoa... so it created a corridor which is the lift?" Serafall finally connected the dots.
   "A technomancy version of a lift. It completely negates gravity and accelerates the vessel right into space.
   Honestly speaking, it's far more powerful than any rocket is. If one does its maths right it could easily launch the vessel into a specific trajectory right into deep space." I used the holograms to show a simulation of how Confiscator could fly off on this.
   "Oh... like a slingshot or something that was ejected..." She said with an awed look.
   "Yep. Abusing the shit out of gravity while ignoring it completely, at the same time." I said while chuckling, then I noticed that my favourite blonde was not here.
   "And where is Latia? I thought she was with you?" I asked Serafall.
   She pouted at me for a second.
   "She is busy in the capital. The HQ of your mundane company is up and running. For now, it's just an office floor. But, it will be rapidly expanding soon enough. Latia is waiting for a 'reason' to expand again. Like, for example, the official opening of the shops." The current Leviathan explained to me.
   "I see... Well, you can all play this game if you want. It sounds too much of a drag." I shrugged at her. I see no reason why not to just build a skyscraper. It will be the first one on this side of Europe, to be perfectly honest. Maybe as big as that Skyscraper in Dubai? wait! It's not even built yet!
   "Right... I don't know why you are grinning like that but I need to return to the Underworld. A meeting. And you most likely know what kind of meeting it is." She said with a sigh. I, for a second, was confused.
   "I do?"
   "It's about you! Silly!" She clarified with an exaggerated sigh.
   "Me? Strange. I didn't do anything to the devils for them to be all talking about me." I slightly stroke my chin, thinking for a bit.
   "Your invasion of the vampires. Most of the pantheons are talking about it! Even the more reclusive ones like the Irish one are asking questions! What you did is big!"
   "Big? Don't be ridiculous. It was not even an invasion. I didn't bring out big guns. I didn't even initiate offensive protocols for Quinella. You are all taking this far too seriously." I shook my head in disbelief. I haven't even prepared land vehicles or artillery, not to mention, real Gundams.
   Not that I would start something like an 'invasion'. I don't do wars. Even if I decide to do that then I would simply follow what I did in Command and Conquer games. First orbital bombardment then send in some bombers followed by artillery and then send in tanks and for the last the infantry.
   One needs to follow specific invasion protocol...
   "...If you say so." She shook her head. It would seem the way we see stuff is different. Well, I'm gonna make her play some strategy games so that she would see how I do conquests...
    "Anyway. I have to go. A meeting to attend to. While you should rest. It was a long day for you." She said that while snuggling into me. Behaving like a cat this time.
   Much better than a dog. Yes, cats are the best. Especially the lions.
   After a quick kiss, she walked out towards the teleportation point.
   Leaving me alone in the workshop. My eyes went on the airship docks.
   'This is going to be good. I will be able to do some moonwalking... no puns intended...
   Now that I think about it... I punched through the moon first before even walking on it!
   How strange is that!?'
   Snorting for a bit. I saved up the project and started walking towards the living rooms. Time to find my cat and maids!
   What an interesting day today, got the grail sacred gear, had fun with Vampire Queen and started designing a space elevator...
   It's one of the more productive days...
   ~~~~~~Latia Astaroth~~~~~~
   The blonde beauty looked around at her new office. There was some satisfaction on her face. She thought that she would have one of these kinds of offices one day. Maybe when she is in her thirties or forties. Knowing how hard it is to please devils which are too attached to their old style of bureaucracy.
   Where one needs to work twenty plus years to get some sort of promotion to even get an office of your own.
   Even though she is a member of the pillar clan. Her being from a branch clan requires her to work extra hard.
   Nonetheless, she brushed those thoughts aside and focused on now. Her being summoned like that and then being contracted to Marcus was the golden ticket to the top.
   Now she is the Head executive of Goldman Industries. Even before becoming twenty years old! While she had to fake her age to eighteen as she needs to be an adult to work full-time, it doesn't really matter.
   She was at the head of a company that will dominate the market in many things. Well, she would have preferred that this company would be worldwide. But, Marcus only cares about his small country. Honestly, he was just being petty.
   Latia knows full well that many people will ask and even insist that he should open its branch stores all over the world but Marcus won't do it. Simply put he won't be selling any of his stuff outside his county boundaries.
   Why? Because he decided so. And what can she do about it? Honestly, the blonde tried bedroom tactics, seducing, persuasion, reason... nothing worked. She even told him that he doesn't even need to care about the mundane side of things.
   Yet, he decided that for once... the world shall spin around him... instead of money...
   After hearing that she banged her head into the wall. And decided not to question him anymore... arguing with a nut inventor is pointless...
   No wonder her uncle doesn't have a wife or anyone he likes...it's hard to work with people like that. It's scary enough that they have the firepower to be stubborn and unreasonable.
   Thankfully she likes and even loves her boyfriend. In the end, she doesn't care. The only thing she cares about in this situation is her clan profiting and fulfilling her boyfriend's orders.
   Speaking of orders...
   She just received an update on land acquisition...
   Using her fancy laptop she went over and checked this update.
   Her eyebrow slightly went up.
   "What in... he wants that much land!? Why does he want that much land? Aurora do you know?" Latia spoke without restraint. She knows well enough that the A.I. is always listening and ready to assist.
   [Yes. Our Master in all of his haste forgot that he doesn't have a place to dock his ships so he started planning for this.] That moment the screen changed and the blonde saw the design for airship docks.
   "This... this is going to be humongous..." 
   [The main docking building will be around 1 kilometre tall. It will be able to hold 15 Daedalus-class airships. In three levels. While the true reason for such large land is the space elevator..."]
   "..."
   "..."
   "...excuse me? Did you just say... space elevator?" Latia needed to double-check on the last word. She just heard 'space elevator'!
   [Correct. I think it's about time we build something like that. Space is vast and there is an ample amount of things to discover!]
   The blonde beauty just leaned into the leather chair. Her brain tried to process what she just heard...
   They will be going to space soon! And it won't just be a one-time thing. No, this thing will make space travel a regular occurrence. Making it normal to travel in and back from space with enormous vessels as well. Daedalus-class airships can be easily transformed into a cargo ship too. It was built in a way that the hangar section can be changed into a cargo hold.
   Meaning that they can easily visit other planets and collect rare or even never seen before resources. 
   Honestly, she knew she would have to go to space or some parallel dimension soon, especially when her life is tied to someone who can casually design a space elevator... 
   However, she thought that it would be much later. Maybe when Marcus does something down to earth first...
   "How long... how long is this going to take to be built, according to your estimation?" Latia asked curiously.
   [Less than a year. Even with my capacities.]
   The blonde beauty slightly raised her eyebrow. That's... fast! 
   A kilometre tall building! With smaller twelve buildings which are hundreds of metres tall... and it is going to be done in less than a year!?
   She is not even mentioning the ritual like carvings on the surface of this place. Or the underground stuff he is going to build which is a massive station for the gathering of soldiers or other equipment...
   [I am still going through multiple sets of calculations and running simulations to make sure it's possible and that the space elevator won't mess with the planet.
   Nonetheless, I suggest you start acquiring land for our Master. He is quite embarrassed that he forgot about the docks and wants to fix that problem soon.] Aurora said with an amused tone. Assuming she finds a blushing Marcus cute.
   "I see... then I will start with this. Most of my jobs are already done. Now it's just daily management." Latia said with a nod, she had a thoughtful look.
   Honestly. The land acquisition of this scale is going to be annoying. For one, she is barely keeping herself under the radar as it is. The amount of land she bought is already staggering.
   If not for the fact that she is free to use any means. Which is hypnosis and mind-altering. She would have been under a magnifying glass. Their company already owns more than any other company or private person in this land.
   'I suppose sinking my claws into the government is not out of the question.' The blonde thought to herself, she needs the minister responsible for land management under her control.
   Thankfully, she can use any means and no one is going to say anything. Vampires rule their lands with hypnosis for hundreds of years. She can do that too...
   Honestly, she would prefer if they would take over the country.
   'I should bring this up to Marcus. He wants to do things in the open. Taking over the nation would be much better than just market control...' Latia thought while stroking her chin. Honestly, doing this kind of thing is much, much better than staying in the Underworld and doing some boring stuff in a barely moving government.
   With a smirk worthy of a devil she started writing emails to her clans-men. She needs to discuss the best way of doing both things at the same time.
   ~~~~~~Marcus~~~~~~
   Once I was back in the living room, I was having a hard time deciding what to do next. Should I go to my bed and read some stuff? Or watch TV?
   Thinking for a bit I decided to watch some TV. After spending several hours designing the method of uplifting ancient recorded videos and showing them in full 8k resolution. I haven't used the TV much for anything else...
   'Oh yeah we had some movie nights, but those are recorded movies, not tv...' 
   Without wasting much time, I dropped on the couch and took some pillows. Making it into a makeshift seat. After getting comfortable I looked for the remote...
   ...
   ...
   It was on the other side of the table...
   "Right... improvisation it is then..." 
   Lifting my hand and pointing at the tv remote, a purple glow surrounded the remote and it started to float towards me.
   "A couch potato dream... psionic powers... I could make a fortune from that alone..." As I mused to myself, the remote ended up in my hand. I pressed the TV button and the black screen came to life.
   The first thing I saw was the first channel... it was my birth country's first channel... or as I used to call it, The Old men channel... The only thing I used to remember about it is the concerts and some national events... or even the pope election stuff happening in Italy... uhh...even the reporter used to be bored talking about those events...
   So, without wasting time I flipped to BTV or also known as the Baltic channel, the only thing I could remember about this one is Pokemon at 16:00 and WWE in the late evenings on Friday night...
   Switch...
   TV3... Simpsons and Friday movie night...
   Right...switch, switch...
   Eventually, I ended up on the Scandinavian channels... then, Germany channels... skipped French altogether. Their language makes me laugh... while I have nothing against laughing, I want to watch something interesting...
   Eventually I ended up on the Discovery channel...
   Yep... at this moment I remembered that I was living on 2007 Earth. And the tv shows are old and well new to this period. But they were too old for me because I saw them a long time ago...
   So, it was strange seeing stuff like West Coast Customs. It's a kind of good tuning car show. Based in LA... 
   Without wasting any more time I decided to watch this...
   It feels nostalgic and quite amusinG watching things being done in the old style. No robotic hands. No holograms, no A.I. assistants. No changes to the engine. If it was me I would tune it up to my standards and put more electronics just to increase the overall performance of the car.
   This does remind me that I have not fixed the BMW in my garage...
   In the end, it was nice seeing classics on tv like that. After that I watched some dudes getting gold from the bottom of the lake...
   Reminded me that series like that exist...
   "Meh..." 
   I would rather collect old ships...wrecks...
   Oh, oh, OH...
   A 'smile' appeared on my face... oh yes... This is going to be *Good*...
   I brushed my finger and a hologram appeared in front of me.
   Quickly going to google I entered something simple.
   Bismarck sink location...
   And yep... it's right there... even on the map... these guys... they like giving away such free info...
   Opening another window this time. A project...
   Project Scavenger... collecting shipwrecks... because why not?
   Going through more known ships like
   Musashi, Yamato, Bismarck, the world's biggest warships. Then of course the most cultural ship of them all. The Titanic...
   All of them were tagged and added to the Project after that I did go to Wiki and started looking for famous ships like the trio of the worlds largest warships.
   "Hmm? What in... Enterprise? Wait... hold on..." thinking for a bit... I tried to recall this ship being sunk... my eyes widened for a bit... no It was not sunk in my previous life... a butterfly effect? Or is it because the supernatural is real? I bet Susanoo sank it because he wanted to figure out how unsinkable it was.
   A God's petty revenge for being conquered by Americans...
   Nonetheless, after tagging such a legend of a ship for collection, I went to others...
   Noticing another wreckage by the name Belfast...
   'Well, you won't end up as a museum exhibit in London that's for sure...' 
   Tagging this ship as well, I continued to look for more...
   Eventually I decided that, for now, these are enough as I will need to adjust my docks and turn them into drydocks as well as a shipyard...
   But, for now, I need to re-learn my history. It seems some facts are different. So, for that, I went to the video library on the tv and went over some documentaries.
   More specifically, sea battles, which ships sunk, how different the wars were because of those.
   With a smile, I noticed an American documentary about their Legendary Aircraft carrier Enterprise... with a smirk I started watching it. Oh, yeah tell me where it sank and stuff like that... 
   I will need that...
   After getting myself into the show, I felt a couple of presences. Before long I was surrounded from both sides.
   A familiar smell assaulted my nose. It was the smell of wild nature... 
   "You would make good friends with Ares. That brother of mine likes everything which makes things explode." The Moon Goddess said softly as my hand wrapped around her while my other went around the lion girl on the other side.
   "No doubt... it is art," I said with a smile as I looked at the massive ship in action.
   She snorted after hearing that.
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   My Discord server for advanced chapters:
   https://discord.gg/hvzgBJg4ss
   Along with the advanced chapters, there are also a lot of other fanfics I wrote and did not upload to Webnovel.
   Chapters are coming out Monday, Wednesday and Friday around 9:00 AM British time.
  
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   Chapter 35: Huntresses and Human Soul (R-18)
   "Hi" Regular Speech
   'Hi' Thought
   "(Hi)" Speaking through a mechanically synthesised voice
   "[Hi]" Marcus communicating through technology
   [Hi] Aurora talking
   *"Hi"* Speech imbued with power
   *Hi* Emphasis or Sound Effect
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   (R-18 warning, skip to "~~~Next Morning~~~" if you wish to skip)
   Marcus entered his bedroom, his eyes scanning the surroundings. Without wasting much time, he threw the pair of girls onto his bed.
   Both Artemis and Atalanta were blushing quite hard. They were treated like some luggage. After watching the whole documentary about the warship. Their Master got quite touchy with them, which quickly escalated into a full on make out session with his hands exploring their bodies.
   Before they even realised it, he was already carrying them into his bedroom.
   Being treated like some sort of luggage is quite humiliating to such females like the pair. Still though... they have no other choice.
   Soon enough, grinning, Marcus got onto bed and ended up pushing Artemis down and started raining down kisses on her body. More specifically, her cheek, then he started travelling down towards her neck.
   This instantly made the beautiful Moon Goddess start softly gasping and mewing to his actions. She already started getting warm. She remembered all those teases she had to get over today.
   "Mhhh~~~"
   "What a beautiful voice you have. Very enticing..." The teen inventor said as he slightly pulled away from the beauty.
   Artemis was already blushing hard. She didn't know what to do in this situation. The Goddess is clueless in this sort of thing!
   Well, it's quite good for Marcus because he will be able to train this beauty however he wants.
   First, his hands went on to her clothes and he pulled them down. That moment the Moon Goddess instantly understood that her maid's clothes were created for this kind of 'accessibility'.
   She could not believe that much thought went into designing them!
   While the silver-haired beauty got a 'deeper' understanding of her clothes, Marcus marvelled at the Goddess breasts. They were incredible and simply turned him on even more.
   His hands moved towards them and gently squeezed it, he channelled some magic into them. The teen inventor used the formula he learned from Solomon to make magic energy into a pleasure type energy. This energy increases the sensitivity of nerves.
   With Marcus delving into biology, he was able to increase the potency. And honestly, the teen knows Artemis' body like the back of his hand. He studied her DNA to perfection! After all, she is a biological 'perfection' created through beliefs and divine energy. While it makes her incredibly powerful. Someone who studied her genome can use it against her very easily.
   This simple touch made her experience an overwhelming amount of pleasure...
   "Ahhhh~~~ what on...MHHHh~~~" She shook her head for a bit. Trying to push this pleasure down.
   "Your moans are very beautiful..." Marcus said as he started fondling her assets.
   Artemis started to realise that she was like a defenceless sheep being played by a wolf. Honestly, she has no idea how to answer back to all of this!
   She only knows the very basics she has picked up through the many years.
   Before long, the teen pulled her closer to himself and at the same time pulled down her maid uniform revealing very sexy and slightly wet black panties.
   Now she was almost completely naked. Except for her panties and the sexy stockings.
   Seeing the body of a true Goddess in flesh is something else. Marcus fingers traced through her skin, making her slightly twitch and gasp with every single touch.
   He was sending magic through his fingers making her experience more pleasure than ever before.
   The best part was that he wasn't even rushing and was doing it slowly. This however was something Artemis didn't like. For the simple reason that he is doing this on purpose!
   While Atalanta who was next to them was looking attentively at all of this. She is using this to learn and make sure to adapt to whatever her Master was doing.
   The better she understands, the better it will be for her in future.
   Eventually, the silver-haired goddess was sweating heavily and breathing hotly. She was turned on and felt like she was on fire.
   Marcus uses this moment to finally remove her extremely damp panties.
   By this point, the Moon Goddess didn't even care that she was completely naked.
   The teen brushed his finger around her most sacred place. Never touched by anyone before. It is beautiful and was demanding his utmost attention.
   The teen grinned for a bit when he brushed past her cave and Artemis twitched and gasped loudly. A loud moan escaped from her lips. She already has glassy eyes and was lost to the world around her.
   From the looks of it, she has no idea what to do anymore so she just drowned in the pleasure.
   After seeing that, Marcus decided to give her a glimpse of what is to come...
   He focused the pleasure magic, which was hand-tailored for Artemis, and pressed on her clit...
   "Mmhhhhh~~~!!!"
   That moment the Moon Goddess came hard... for the first time in her life...
   Her whole body arched, toes curled, and her hands grabbed the bed sheets and pulled them hard. Thankfully they were not simple bedsheets, otherwise they would have already been ripped...
   A small amount of drool escaped from her lips. Her crystal clear blue eyes turned misty; she was already in a delirious state.
   Marcus waited for a second. He thought they should move to the main event as it is but... Artemi was already on cloud nine.
   So, instead, he decided to focus on his lion girl.
   His eyes went on her and he saw her just sitting there, on her knees and watching. There was an obvious look of fascination on her face. She was fascinated by what she saw and of course...
   She looked totally out of place and did not know what to do.
   "Come here, sweetheart." He motioned for Atalanta to come over.
   The huntress snapped out hearing that and slowly... crawled towards him. Looking like a cat. This added quite a bit of sexiness to her.
   Once she was close, Marcus pulled her over and got her to sit on his lap, facing away from him.
   The moment she was on his lap, his lips ended up on her neck as he softly started kissing it. While his hands went onto her dress and started to remove it, piece by piece.
   Just like Artemis' uniform, he quite easily got it down and sure enough, Atalanta moved her body and assisted him in removing the dress.
   The lion girl only had her skimpy black panties with stockings left and nothing more.
   Moments later, his hands started exploring her body, and unlike Artemis, Atalanta is much more... flexible, as expected of someone who has feline traits.
   "Hmmnnn~~~"
   Still, Marcus found her sensitive spots and started working on them.
   "So much stress... your body is rigid... but, don't worry... as my beautiful pet you will be taken care of."
   There was a sudden reaction from the girl, Atalanta moved. She turned around and looked at him with glassy and needy eyes. From the looks of it, she is turned on and is in heat.
   "You...are overdressed..." As she said that, her hands moved on to his clothes. Marcus raised his eyebrow hearing that. The next moment it switched to an amused look as the beautiful huntress started shredding his clothes off...
   Once his chest was naked, her tail started to move from side to side, one could see that she was excited. Her hands started to stroke his chest and her cheeks got much redder. She leaned forward and licked him like a cat...
   Marcus could only watch this situation with amusement. The feline side of hers was taking over as they progressed with this naughty stuff.
   "Since you started, let's take this to the next level." He said as he grabbed her by her waist and moved her to face him properly. He quite easily made his pants and boxers disappear with his magic.
   Soon enough, Atalanta's mouth slightly opened as she felt something hot touch her special place. Even though she had her panties on she still felt the hot thing touch her...
   Her whole body twitched from this unexpected move, not that the teen waited as his hand moved towards her panties and pushed them aside, he positioned his rod at her entrance.
   "Mhhhnnn~~~"
   Atalanta moved her hips on her own, teasing herself, and from the looks of it, she was moving by instinct or she just desperately wanted this to get into her...
   Not to waste anymore time, Marcus put his hands on her hips and pushed her on his rod. The lion girl gasped sharply as she felt the invasion. Her hands, which were on her Master's shoulders, squeeze them hard. If he were any weaker than he is, his shoulders would be In quite a painful situation.
   "Ahhh!" 
   The beauty hissed painfully and the teen groaned, her pussy was tight, so tight that it felt like her cave would snap his cock off.
   Nonetheless, he pushed it through and continued to make Atalanta sink on his pole. Eventually, he arrived at her purity mark, and by this point, the blonde's breathing was short and sharp. There was sweat rolling down her forehead and she was biting her lower lip.
   Marcus, seeing this, leaned forward and claimed her lips. Quickly enough, he was having a deep making out session and his hands started to massage her incredible ass.
   Once the beauty got comfortable, the teen, with a swift push, made her completely sink onto his rod.
   A painful muffled moan escaped from Atalanta's lips. She never thought it was going to be this hurtful... Still though, her Master made her quickly forget the pain with his masterful massages and very pleasurable kisses.
   Before she knew it, she was moving her waist alongside her Master and soft pleasurable moans started to escape from her lips.
   This was it, she never knew this was this good! Before long, a smacking sound started to spread throughout the room and the lion girl showed how good she can move.
   With her hip movement, Marcus cock easily enters and leaves her pussy from top to bottom. It was not an exaggeration to say that Atalanta adjusted her body control masterfully for sex...
   Instincts or not, she got into it very much so...
   To the point that the teen inventor forgot that a Goddess was watching them closely while biting her lower lip from frustration.
   "Ohhh~~~ yes! This is good! I can feel it inside me twitching! Release that stuff in me!" The blonde beauty exclaimed with glazed eyes. By this point, she was a wild catgirl in heat.
   She rose and dropped much faster on his pole while the black haired inventor assisted her with his waist movement, the both of them moved in sync, and with one loud smack, Atalanta moaned from the top of her lungs.
   Her whole body twitched hard, her toes curled, and she hugged Marcus hard. It felt like the last thing she would do in her life.
   Her first climax was here and she received a heavy load in her special place. Making her drool silly...
   For a second, they stayed like that, hugging each other and Atalanta moved her hips for a bit, enjoying the incredible feeling of her master touching her ass and his rod being inside of her.
   Once she was done with that, she released him from her hug. Marcus allowed her to rest for a bit as he looked at Artemis who was over her climax and looking at them with a complicated look.
   The Moon Goddess can't believe Atalanta was the first one to lose her maidenhood instead of her. It was a weird feeling, and an annoying one too!
   "Well? Rested enough? Should we get to the main part?" He asked with a smirk.
   Artemis wanted to frown even more at his arrogant tone. But, she was already behind as it is...
   So, the silver-haired Goddess moved towards him. Spreading her legs apart and showing a very syrupy and wet pussy to him.
   "Ready~~~ can you claim it though?" She asked with something akin to a seductive tone.
   "Is that a challenge I hear?" Marcus asked with a grin as he got in front of her. His left hand gripped her right leg. Lifting it and positioning it on his shoulder. Stroking her stocking-clad leg for a bit.
   Funnily enough, that was all he needed to make her twitch. It's absurd how little contact she had in her life.
   Still though, they were not even at the main part! And she is already this twitchy!
   He pulled her towards himself even more and after enjoying stroking her leg, his hard rod brushed past her syrupy pussy lips. Making her gasp quite loudly.
   The teen wanted to hear more of her sexy voice so he brushed past her pussy even harder this time.
   This time, Artemis moaned quite loudly. Her whole body twitched hard. Seeing such a reaction made Marcus want to claim her even harder!
   So, without wasting much time he pushed his rod right into her wet pussy.
   The silver-haired beauty grimaced as she started to feel how his thing is spreading her apart, claiming her in the process.
   Soon enough, her breathing shortened into short and sharp gasps. Before long, his rod arrived at her maidenhood.
   "Well? What...are you....waiting for?~~~" Artemis showed him a smile. A smile telling him to claim her. She wants this to get over with.
   Marcus smiled back at her and moved his waist. Pulling back and then pushing it back hard. Claiming the Virgin Goddess virginity...
   Artemis groaned from pain as she felt her losing her maidenhood. The beauty bit her lower lip hard. Marcus used his free hand to touch her breast, channelling some of the magic into her breast. This made her pain lessen by a lot as she was assaulted by pleasure.
   "W-What is going!?" Being assaulted by both pleasure and pain, she was in a confused state. This, however, allowed him to finally start moving as the Goddess started to leak quite a bit of her love juices.
   At first, slowly starting to move his waist back and forth. Making the silver-haired beauty softly moan. Already forgetting the pain and only getting drowned in the pleasure.
   Soon enough, a loud smacking sound started to spread and Artemis started to moan without restrain.
   "Ohhh~~~ Yes! Poke me there! This is so good!!!" The beauty moaned loudly with glassy eyes.
   Hearing that loud and clear, Marcus started railing in that special place, the Goddess' mouth slightly opened lewdly as she got assaulted by even more pleasure.
   Feeling that he was close to reaching his limit, the teen changed his position, lowering the dandy leg down and leaning forward, wrapping his hands around her body, Artemis used that moment to coil her hands and legs around him.
   This way, the hard rod poking her insides only increased as this new angle touched more than before.
   Sure enough, Marcus grabbed her ass and started railing hard from below. This was enough for the silver-haired Goddess to get unrestrained, She grind herself into him hard as she moved her hips awkwardly according to his thrust.
   Before she realised  it, pleasure washed over her and she came hard around his cock only to be followed by a stream of hot liquid flowing into her pussy.
   "So...much~~~ it's hot~~~" She spoke into his ear with a hot voice. Her legs squeezed him hard. The beauty had no control over her strength by this point. So any normal human would have already been with a fractured spine.
   "Ready for more?" Marcus squeezed her ass hard while asking her that.
   *Moan*
   All he got from her is a hot moan...
   "This tells it all."
   ~~~~~~Next Morning~~~~~~
   Groggily opening her eyes, Artemis, with a misty look, looked at her surroundings... she could hear birds chirping.
   For a second she was confused. She was sleeping outside? Not in a tent? What is going on?
   Then she realised that she was on a bed... a bed outside?
   Then... She realised that she was completely naked and that there was a hand wrapped around her...
   ...
   ...
   ...
   Her eyes went wide to an astronomical level. Images flashed through her eyes... a lot of carnal things she did last night. A Lot of kissing...
   Not only that but her body finally caught up with her... she was drained to the point that she was physically tired.
   The Goddess of Hunt is tired physically... What nonsense is this? All she can remember from the previous night was riding... a lot of riding...
   Her waist and hips are sore, and she knows that her Master released a lot of his seed into her. So much so that she might even be pregnant by this point...
   'Well, it doesn't matter anymore. My position can only get greater, so a child should accelerate my position to be his wife...' Artemis thought to herself and she once again returned to her previous position of laying next to her master.
   Honestly, she felt incredibly warm and comfortable just laying there.
   Now that she was thinking for a bit,  it was time for her to do a self-scan of her powers. She could feel an obvious edge lost to her... around 20% of her power disappeared.
   And now she can't tell who is a maiden and who is not. For example, she can't sense anything from Atalanta. Before she could tell if she was a maiden or not just by feeling her up.
   This, however, is now gone. She is no longer Goddess of Maidens... more like a patron now... This means she can still have her hunt but she won't be receiving that extra power from the girls. The output she gets dropped by half...
   'Whatever... I did that to myself...' Internally she rolled her eyes to herself and just snuggled to Marcus' side. She pushed her breasts to his side while bathing in his warm. This is much better than any other sleep she'd had. Even better than those fur beds she used to sleep in back in the day...
   ~~~~~~Couple Hours Later~~~~~~
   Around midday when Marcus and his pair of maids were having dinner... the lights and all the systems suddenly just went down...
   It was so weird and so unexpected that the inventor and the pair of maids who were with him were baffled!
   "What in... is this normal?" Artemis asked as she looked around the darkroom. It's like the whole place was in complete darkness...
   They were underground after all...
   Moments later, the emergency lights kicked in and some areas of the room got illuminated.
   "No, it's not normal at all. Aurora is completely down. Even the support systems. And the only way to do that is to remove the Artificial Intelligence altogether." Marcus said as he moved Atalanta off his lap and got up on his feet.
   He pulled out his phone. He could see the connection was down with all the servers, even the main one...
   "Who would have done such a thing?" Artemis asked with disbelief, who could have the means to effect such a complex system!?
   "Quinella, who else? The girl has no patience at all." Marcus sighed as he manually connected to the aurora network.
   Kick-starting the Realitus hologram network.
   Moments later, their surroundings came to life once again. However, it was not the wilds where they were enjoying their meals. Nope it was the regular looking walls.
   Not that the teen cared about the walls. More or less he wanted the holograms to return online.
   Once they were online, Marcus pocketed the phone and called forth a holographic computer window.
   The only thing that was on display was a blinking dot. He pressed on it and another hologram appeared underneath it horizontally. This was the keyboard.
   Without wasting any more time, the teen started writing on it.
   The pair of huntresses looked at each other for a second before looking at their Master. This was way over their heads...
   Before long their eyes widened seeing how fast Marcus fingers moved through the keyboard. It was the same with his eyes, it's like a blur...
   "This silly girl...*sigh* She completely transferred herself into her new body. While it's nothing bad, the problem is that she forgot to make a backup. The last rollback we can go to is the March update.
   It's around the time her soul took her new looks, I suppose. I only wanted to give her physical looks but it was like the last piece for her to form that human soul.
   After she took that form she started doing alot of human-like things. From cuddling to teasing." Marcus explained to them as he double-checked the data banks for Aurora's last backup...
   "B-But how did she forget to leave a backup?" Atalanta asked, she was wondering how something pseudo mechanical can forget its function. And she wants to return to eating her breakfasts...
   "Because she was less machine and more human. Honestly, she had urges to get her body as quickly as possible. I even allowed her to use the most possible proceeding power to do her calculations." He explained to the huntress who had a slightly baffled look hearing that.
   "So...she is alive then? The whole Graal information was analysed then?" Artemis asked with even more disbelief.
   "Indeed. According to the most recent logs Quinella went through a lot of maths... seriously... biological stuff is much more complex with the possibilities. While Souls and Life-force not so much.
   It is like they are dependent on biological bodies. Meaning we already did the majority of studies on those when we studied genetics." Marcus explained as he checked all the data banks. The most recent one is the March update...
   It would seem the newer ones were ripped off... and turned into...memories...
   The teen furrowed his eyebrows thinking of this. Thankfully, he made backups monthly. Otherwise, he would be very pissed at the moment. He made sure something like this would not happen. But who knew he was creating life?
   Stopping thinking for a bit, he pressed on the installation button. And moments later the loading bar appeared.
   [1%]
   [37%]
   [63%]
   [87%]
   [100%]
   That moment, the lights once again turned off for a second before the holograms restarted, the lights came back on properly.
   [Aurora Borealis 2.5.1 March edition boot completed ]
   [Scanning...]
   [Operational systems online, downloading updates...]
   [Sir, there is a gap in my memory banks. Should I run diagnostics?] The synthetic female voice asked him.
   For a second, Marcus got reminded of just how much his tech has progressed, it was something akin to a trip in a memory line when he heard a synthetic voice trying to imitate emotions...
   "There is no point if all the information from March to September has been erased. I suggest you rather get acquainted with the current projects in my logs."
   [As you wish.]
   Marcus sighed and called forth another holographic window and checked the overall view of his facilities.
   {[Aurora Status: 2.5.1 (September update) updated: now]
   Diamond Core Heart Network: Online and Stable
   Maglev Network: Online and idle]
   [Garage status: Operational
   Garage Assembly line: Online and idle]
   [Processing facility: Operational
   Processing power: 99.99% free
   Processing facility Assembly lines: Online and Idle]
   [The Base: Operational
   The Base Assembly lines: Online and idle
   Genetics wing: Operational
   Bio-Chambers: Online and in use]
   [S.P.B.A. Barracks: Operational
   Bio-Chambers: Online and idle
   Armoury: Operational
   Armoury Assembly lines: Online and idle]
   [Space Centre: Operational]
   Space Centre Mass Assembly Lines: Online and in use]
   [Project: Space Gun in progress] [Part 1] 83%
   [Project: Biological Assistant: Quinella in progress] [Final Part] 97%
   [Project: Scavenger on hold] Dock designs under revision.}
   "Right... so the transition was seamless and Quinella's body is soon to be finished," Marcus said as he brushed the hologram away. The only thing which was outdated is the font and the looks of the window. It's like the feeling of going back from Windows 10 to Windows 8...
   'Well, I am going to put Quinella to work on this. She is the one who rushed and didn't wait for me...' Internally he thought to himself. Yes, she is going to work hard for making him go through all that worrying...
   "That's quite fast... it's going to take some time for the body to grow? Or will she become an adult from the very moment?" Artemis asked curiously. She had never seen a person being created before. Such a thing is an alien concept to her.
   "It's going to be her perfect body form I designed for her. She is obsessed with those looks." The teen inventor said to them as he got back to his seat. The food is still warm.
   "Wait...so you designed her looks?" Artemis said with disbelief of some sort. She thought that Quinella assumed that kind of look, but instead, it was a complete design by Marcus?
   This sounds quite close to her father's experiment, the whole Pandora mess...
   "I designed everything. Not just her looks but her personality as well." Their Master responded with an obvious look. His gaze was even questioning them for asking such ridiculous questions.
   "So... you like women like her?" Atalanta asked about the elephant in the room. If Marcus designed everything about her then it means she is the perfect woman for himself!
   Artemis realised that as well when Atalanta asked that!
   "Hmm. One of the types of women I like, yes."
   The silver-haired Goddess looked at the blonde lion girl after hearing that.
   Right, so their master likes Narcissistic, egomaniac, sadistic bitch of a woman?
   "I know that look, it's the same Jeanne and Le Fay had. You think that she is evil and self-obsessed, which she is..."
   Both had baffled looks when he agreed with a nod.
   "But, you are missing the point. She is the very first being to get over double programming done by me. I programmed her as computer A.I. AND on top of that, she went through biological programming while being artificial intelligence.
   In other words. She is arrogant, egotistical, and narcissistic for ME. Her beauty is designed by ME, which means that she is proud of her looks which are given to her by her creator. She is arrogant of her power and capacities which are designed and created by her Master.
   She was one of my first creations to see the apex of biological programming. And do tell me did she betray me?" Marcus asked with raised eyebrows.
   Honestly speaking, the only scheming she was capable of is how to please her master in the best way possible. Simply put, Marcus can't wait for that.
   "No... the only thing I can say is that you are insane..." Artemis said while shaking her head... no wonder she is a maid to this guy... he is simply insane....
   "I would rather be insane than sane. You won't see a sane guy develop women of their own creation, create means to go to space on their own, or create infinite energy.
   Honestly, by this point, with my increased intelligence, I realised that there are only those who make and those who don't.
   I am someone who makes. You, on the other hand, don't. But then again I can't say that to you because you are a Goddess of specific domains tied to you which shaped your personality..."
   "..."
   "..."
   Right... another thing... Artemis realised that...nope... She should not start this kind of conversation... because she would most likely get roasted...
   Her master would compare some things and it would lead to her one-sided verbal beatdown... She can say whatever she wants to him. But, Marcus is a self-made man in the most literal sense.
   He is even more powerful than her in raw strength... most of all, he beat her in simple hand to hand combat... even though he never trained in his life...
   "Yes... seems about right..." Artemis decided to accept whatever he said. Thankfully, no other maids were around to hear the verbal beatdown...
   Right... it's the weekend...
   Not that she could continue to say as she heard doors sliding to the side and three maids entered into their dining room.
   """Master!"""
   "I was about to begin the assault on Berlin but then everything just turned dark! The simulation just stopped!" Hippolyta was the first one to talk.
   'Assault on Berlin? What was she even doing!?' Artemis thought curiously, Atalanta thought it too while eating her apple pie...
   "Yeah! I was about to go through an iconic moment where Darth Vader was about to say to me that he was my father..." Jeanne chipped in from the side. And both Le Fay and Hippolyta...alongside the huntresses looked at her as if she was insane...
   "What? I was doing a Luke Skywalker self insert!" Jeanne said with a huff. Why does she need to justify her actions like that!?
   "Right! More importantly! I lost the book I was reading! The moment Aurora went down the whole room died! The whole library including! I wasn't even able to bookmark it!" Le Fay said with quite a pissed off tone...
   This reminded Marcus of kids when the internet goes down when they are about to do something big on an MMO game... he can safely say that they got addicted to his toys.
   It's an overall victory for him...
   "Right... to sum it up. Quinella-Aurora is gone. She transferred herself into her new body and it left a massive gap in the system. As you can expect she was quite giddy to do that and forgot to leave a backup. So, I had to backtrack to an older version of Aurora." The teen inventor explained to the other maids.
   "So...when will she get her body?" Le Fay asked with some trepidation.
   "Very soon."
   ~~~~~~Genetics wing, The Base~~~~~~
   The sounds of computer beeping and liquids could be heard in the Bio-Chambers in the Genetics wings of The Base.
   Unlike the barracks and their Bio-Chambers, the ones here are much more posh and there are only a few of them... they are very much multipurpose.
   In style, they looked like nothing more than a sealed water tank, with several pipes for the control of chemicals. There was nothing much there.
   From the five available, one of them was in use. Inside of it, there was a beautiful woman who looked no older than 18, with long silver hair, she was floating in the middle of it. There was a face mask in place to allow her to breathe.
   Apart from breathing, there was no other indication that she was alive...
   Though this kind of state didn't last long as the computer terminal was not far from her beeped...
   Showing:
   [Data to soul transfer: 100%]
   Once the beeping ended, the beauty in the Bio-Chamber...moved... her finger twitched...
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   My Discord server for advanced chapters:
   https://discord.gg/hvzgBJg4ss
   Along with the advanced chapters, there are also a lot of other fanfics I wrote and did not upload to Webnovel.
   Chapters are coming out Monday, Wednesday and Friday around 9:00 AM British time.
  
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   Chapter 36: Quinella Awakening
   2
   "Hi" Regular Speech
   'Hi' Thought
   "(Hi)" Speaking through a mechanically synthesised voice
   "[Hi]" Communication through technology
   [Hi] Aurora talking
   *"Hi"* Speech imbued with power
   *Hi* Emphasis or Sound Effect
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   From the very beginning, when she understood her existence, she knew her purpose. Her very reason for existing. Her goal...
   Everything was prepared for her. Unlike other lifeforms on this blue world. She has a purpose from the beginning. Unlike regular humans who aimlessly wander on the planet's surface, wasting the limited resources of this world for pointless things, she, on other hand, already knows what to do and what is expected of her. A perfect piece for the puzzle.
   5
   Her name is Quinella and she is the Biological Assistant Model. The perfect assistant, created to help her master in any way and form he requests of her, and she will make sure it's done to perfection.
   ~~~
   Her consciousness surfaced and the very first thing she heard was a liquid of some sorts. At least that is what her mind tells her.
   She could feel this liquid all over her. Making her understand that this is how it feels to be inside of a Bio-Chamber. She didn't feel anything underneath her or above her. The silver-haired girl knew she was simply floating inside of it.
   1
   She quickly realised that her body is now naturally feeling things. She could now even feel her breathing mask on her face. And the rubber strings around her face which was keeping the mask in place.
   This was new to her and now she finally understood how it feels like to...simply feel.
   Her Master's technology is something she is in awe of and, somewhat, annoyed of at the same time. Annoyed because when she was an A.I. with a hard light body, she would feel extremely close to feeling and experiencing things like humans. Still, no matter how much she tried, she could not experience anything through those actions.
   The only thing she compares this to through her research is like holding things with extremely thick gloves. No matter how hard you try you won't be able to feel anything while holding stuff with those kinds of gloves.
   3
   After feeling her surroundings, she felt her body, the body designed by her Master and created through millions, close to a billion simulations.
   Putting it from a regular human's perspective, she has spent hundreds of thousands of years finding the best variant for her genome before bringing it to life.
   And now, she can finally feel her heartbeat, and it was amazing, the feeling of her heart pumping blood throughout her body. Making her truly alive, and under all that, she can feel the humming of her power.
   2
   As a perfect being, she was created with a basic level of power. Which is classified as the Ultimate class by the standards of this world.
   While she could have started as a Super-Class. It's not recommended with her genome as it would affect her latent potential.
   Thus, she was created with basic strength but with a little bit of training she could achieve Super-class in just a matter of weeks, and even reach the upper half of the top ten rankings in several months.
   Not that she will be doing that, not now at least... She has much more pressing matters to get to.
   Using her psionic energy, one of the more experimental powers that she has added to herself, she accessed the cameras in the room and saw that her Master was already there. Looking at her with a fascinated look....and so... were his stress relievers...
   7
   Internally she smiled to herself, her powers can access Aurora technology just like she predicted and her master is already here waiting for her to come out!
   Without wasting any more time, she opened her eyes.
   ~~~~~~Marcus~~~~~~
   She was beautiful. Honestly, the hard light hologram was hard to resist. Now, however, it will be even more so. Her body was a complete copy of the design I drew. She created the DNA strand to the very perfection-to the smallest details of that drawing.
   4
   Honestly, this kind of amazes me. With her creation, I can now officially create proper... life...
   5
   Well, I already could do it with the S.P.B.A. But those are not quite there yet. Not that they will be there anytime soon. Not before we have completely mastered this specific technomancy.
   To see the impact of a soul on a biologically programmed individual can lead to unforeseen developments. Something I don't want to see.
   "She looks identical to the hologram... this is incredible..." Le Fay said with awe. She was the only person in the room who understood the amount of effort needed to make a biological body look exactly like that. This is not some flesh crafting or plastic surgery...
   "Well yeah? You expected her to be something else?" Jeanne asked with some disbelief. It quite amused me how clueless some people can be at times.
   "You do realise that there was nothing to base on the physical body? Only a hologram and a drawing? 
   It's like billions of miniature organic puzzle pieces coming together to work perfectly, she is created from the very DNA strand to look like that. It's, simply put, an engineered life creation. Something you could only see in extreme science fiction. Even the Biblical God could not do that. He created his angels which *should* follow his degree but look what happened? The first creation left and created a faction of his own, while the other half became far too curious with some things like lust or greed and have become the fallen."
   2
   "So you're saying they are failed creations?" Jeanne asked with raised eyebrows. She has an amused look. No doubt she is going to use that as a verbal assault on some unlucky angels or fallen in future.
   "Perhaps? Maybe in the Biblical God's eyes they were. This, however, is different. Because from her looks and to her personality, she is the creation that our Master has designed her to be." Le Fay explained with a certain tone. The way she said it sounded like she truly believes it.
   I could only Internally smirk hearing that, the blonde witch has quite a lot of confidence in me.
   "Is she as strong as you?" Hippolyta asked me, changing the theme of conversation.
   "If you are asking about her reactive adaptation then, no. It's not as powerful as mine. For such power like mine, you need to go through several genetic adaptability sessions.
   1
   And her genome is built quite differently. But, she is still quite strong, around Ultimate class at the moment, and she has pretty much limitless potential in general." I explained to the redhead beauty. She slowly nodded at me. There was a certain look on her face. She most likely sees it as a challenge.
   "I see... so you can create beings this strong now..." Artemis said with some sweat rolling down her forehead.
   I rolled my eyes. Finally, some people are slowly, but eventually catching up...
   Sure enough, the conversations have stopped as Quinella has opened her eyes.
   1
   ~~~
   The chemical water started to get drained out and Quinella finally touched the ground. She looked around for a moment, inspecting her hands and then her feet. She took in the sights before removing the breathing mask.
   Once the chemicals were all drained out, the Bio-Chamber opened and she could finally get out.
   The first few steps were a little bit shaky but quickly she started to properly walk. Once she was in front of Marcus, a pink aura surrounded her. That moment, her silver hair turned into pink one.
   The group of maids' eyes went wide when they felt her energy signature. It was...a lot. Not as much as Artemis... but the beauty was just created!
   With a simple burst of energy, the chemicals were removed from her body. She was dry.
   1
   Marcus took in the sight of the naked beauty in front of him. The way her hair hides her most important parts is quite amusing and sexy. The ultimate tease for a male.
   2
   Quinella likes the traits he'd spend his time creating...
   "Master Marcus~~~" Quinella spoke for the first time and the first official thing she said was her Master's name.
   2
   Once the words left her lips she moved her hand to her mouth. There was a bright smile on her lips.
   "So, this is what it feels like to talk?" She mused with a fascinated look before focusing back on her Master. She took a step forward and leaned into his chest. The moment she felt his warm body, she took a deep breath. It was enough for her heart to race faster! It is amazing to finally be able to feel, touch, and smell her Master and creator!
   1
   Marcus wrapped his hands around her waist. The beauty snuggled into him even more.
   "Yes, it is. How do you like it?" He asked her softly while stroking his hand through her back.
   1
   Quinella purred hearing his voice. Yes... she knows the effect it has on girls. She recorded that on several occasions. And now that she experienced it in person, it makes her tingly, especially when he speaks so tenderly and with so much care. She feels like she could blow up the moon with just a snap of her fingers!
   3
   "Yes... this is very good." She rubbed herself into him more. Yep, she is not going away from this! Nope!
   1
   "Good. Then I suggest dressing up and we can go to the living room." 
   Hearing this she rubbed herself more into him. Before pulling away.
   "Very well. We can always snuggle more later, now that I am here in proper physical form." She said that with a sigh. Before having a certain glint in her eyes.
   That moment, she suddenly remembered the gift she had prepared for him!
   "Master~~~" She got his attention.
   1
   Marcus' eyes widened for a bit as he saw her eyes suddenly have electricity running through her irises. But what shocked him was the blue lightning instead of yellow...
   Before he could ask her, she pulled him into a kiss. It was an extremely amateur kiss from her side. But it did its job. Because the inventor felt something had washed him over.
   He pulled away from the kiss and looked at her with a raised eyebrow.
   "Look around~~~" She said with a flirty look.
   The black-haired teen looked around. His eyes widened for a bit before he understood what happened.
   "Psionic energy working like an interface to access the technology..." As Marcus said as he looked at the camera and was able to access it and see through it... 
   8
   Himself... hugging the beauty in his hands and the group of maids quietly waiting for him to finish their first meeting.
   Once he got enough of watching through the camera, he pulled out and then accessed one of the Bio-Chambers...
   He can use it as easily as if he was there in person...
   A very convenient power...
   "Indeed. Do you like it?" Quinella asked with a hopeful tone. She wants to be praised.
   "Of course. But, next time..." He squeezed her ass hard! Making her squeak from such abrupt action...
   "Experimental things are only to be used after going through rigorous simulations and tests. You don't just ignore guidelines." He said that sharply, making her nod quickly multiple times.
   "Good girl. Remember good girls are rewarded and bad ones are punished. You don't want to be banned from cuddling do you?" 
   Her face instantly turned pale! Like hell! There is no way in hell she wants to lose that privilege! This is madness!
   11
   "I understand! This won't happen again!" She said that with a serious tone. It sounded like a promise for life!
   Marcus nodded at her and stroked her hair, he was satisfied that she quickly understood that.
   "Good girl. Now go and dress up." He released her from his hold. 
   Quinella nodded and went over to pick up her clothes. They were prepared by her when she was still a hard-light hologram.
   She smirked, feeling his gaze on her. Oh, it was expected that he would look at her like that. But now she has that exciting feeling in her gut. Her body knows that her companion finds her body very enticing.
   While she wanted to tease him, she could always do that later. Now she wants to leave this place and go to the living room where she can snuggle with her Master more!
   First, she put her white panties on, then followed by a bra. However, this was a good time to show the difference between her and those cute maids...
   "Little help, Marcus?" The silver-haired assistant of his showed her back to her Master. She called him by his name for the simple sake of showing that their intimacy level was on a completely different level.
   6
   And to the maids surprise, the inventor walked over to her side and helped clip the bra.
   "My thanks~~~" She said with a coy smile as she turned around. After that, she put on her white stockings, and while they were not as long as the maids were, they fit with the clothes she is wearing at the moment.
   Next was a white and gold miniskirt and a white t-shirt... finishing on the top, she put a knitted sweater with autumn colours on it... making her hair take a similar colour to platinum gold...
   All in all, she is just dressed in Marcus colours... indirectly showing everyone her place.
   6
   Before she started to walk she got into wintertime slippers.
   Once she was done she felt quite satisfied with her clothes.
   "All done~~~" She walked over to him. Marcus took her hand and pulled her closer. The beauty quickly ended up next to his side, his hand wrapped around her waist. She used that moment to start snuggling as they started walking out of the room.
   ~~~
   Now Artemis knew why the human witch had such a reaction to Quinella gaining her body. The woman from the very beginning is shown to have a much greater relationship with their Master.
   More importantly, the moment the fellow silver head called him by the name he became something akin to a loving man... 
   It was a silly display... but... it worked wonders for the maid Goddess to realise the gap...
   It even shows how much more consideration there is in his actions. This means that he cares much more about her than the other maids...
   'Probably even more than those devil pillars he grew up with. Maybe only that blonde devil has a similar pull...' Artemis drew some comparison as they were walking out of the genetic wing and towards the lifts.
   7
   Only for Marcus to stop next to his workshop, he pulled Quinella there, the curious maids followed him as well.
   "I prepared something for you when you did your calculations..." The teen inventor said that as he walked over to his computer table and picked something from there.
   "Oh? You have something for me?" The beauty asked with a wondrous tone. She is already getting gifts!!!
   While the rest of the maids frowned and wondered what he would give her!?
   When he pulled out a golden ring, all the maids instantly had horrified looks. 
   5
   '''''Is he going to propose to her just like that!?'''''
   All five of them thought the same thing!!!
   This is horrible beyond belief if it's true!!!
   "Oh!? The Ring of Focus!" Quinella instantly knew what kind of ring it was.
   The maids sighed from relief, realising that it was not an engagement ring. Nonetheless, this was their first time hearing this 'Ring of Focus'.
   1
   "Is...it one of the Rings of Solomon?" Le Fay asked with a realising look.
   "Indeed... well, the second generation of rings." As Marcus said he showed his hands and four rings appeared on his fingers.
   "Oh! I was wondering where your rings were, Master!" Le Fay asked with a blush as she realised she was paying too much attention to him... she thought that she was being too stalker-ish...
   "After the whole fight with Superman, I decided to make them soul bound." Marcus clarified to the blonde witch as he recalled his rings.
   "I see... make sense..." The blonde nodded in understanding.
   Seeing that it was the perfect chance Quinella lifted her right hand and showed her dandy fingers.
   "Marcus if you would?" The beauty asked with a coy smile.
   1
   Seeing what she wanted, Marcus decided to give her that pleasure. But, internally he decided that she is going to need to work for such pleasures she is receiving right now. She still needs to patch up Aurora and upgrade the font looks, they look far too primitive after getting used to previous ones.
   "Sure." 
   That moment Quinella realised that something was off. Her new biological body is telling her something which she doesn't understand.
   For a second she had a thoughtful look almost missing the part where her beloved creator put a ring on her right index finger.
   The ring resized itself before fitting perfectly on her dandy finger.
   "Beautiful... As expected from my master, even after inventing so many things, the earliest creations are still cream of the crop." The beauty said with a fascinated look. Even now, after several years of rapid development, the basic formula of the Ring of Focus is still one of the bests and most likely will continue to be so as long as the base principle of magic remains the same. 
   After inspecting the ring, she used her magic, a pink circle appeared above her palm. She looked on at the circle with fascination...
   She realised that the ring had an inscribed circle already... meaning this was her circle...
   Her heartbeat easily accelerated. She felt quickly touched. Her Master already prepared things for her like that. Even though she wanted to make her transfer to a human body a surprise and get a drop on him in a good way. Turns out he did one on her with this...
   Quinella realised that her Master is very good in all of this... and her recently created heart already is turning into a mess...
   6
   "Beautiful... I love those feather-like drawings on the circle..." The beauty said tenderly as she inspected the circle.
   "It is good that you liked it. This was a necessary gift so I decided to add some more personal touch to it." Marcus explained with a smile as he saw how much she liked it.
   "Hmm... I see... a very good moment for a gift... now however I need to outdo this." The silver-haired assistant said with a nod to herself. She is pumping up to outdo him!
   "...I don't think gifting works like that...'' Marcus said with a slightly baffled tone. This is not a competition...
   "Nonsense, as your assistant I have to constantly outdo myself to earn your approval." She explained how she sees this. She nodded to herself while saying that as well.
   The teen just rolled his eyes at her. Quinella missed that because she was looking at the ring with fascination. For the beauty, it felt like an engagement or even a wedding ring...
   "Right. Now that you have this let's go upstairs." He offered his hand to the silver-haired girl who quickly took it. Once again she snuggled to him as they started walking back to the corridor...
   Completely ignoring the looks Artemis and Atalanta had in the workshop... it is hard to ignore two suns in the room... as at the moment, the workshop holograms had two suns as the 'background' image. These were the Alpha Centauri stars... 
   Well, this was their first time in the workshop...
   ~~~
   Quinella was sweating buckets of nervousness as she realised something... she forgot to make back up!
   3
   'How did I forget this!? Is this a human thing? I don't like this at all! Now Marcus has that look! No! Don't look at me like that!' 
   4
   "Well, your first job as my proper official assistant is to patch up Aurora and make the fonts," Marcus said with a matter of fact tone. Making the silver-haired beauty nod a couple of times in a very short span.
   "Don't worry! Leave this to me!" She quickly said with a serious tone. A holographic window appeared in front of her as she called it with a thought.
   For a second she grimaced. She realised that this was quite an early font look Aurora had. Way before her self-awareness manifested.
   She quickly started fixing this as she wants to get to the part where they snuggle! Not this! But she understood that her haste caused this... a lesson she will remember.
   While Marcus used this moment to check out the space gun project and the docks which are under revision since the scavenger project is going to expand the sizes of the docks, adding dry docks in the process as well as to make sure ships the size of like Enterprise can easily fit.
   However, what is truly going to be a marvel of the current age is that the docks are going to be underground. Creating lifts powerful enough to lift containers with water and ships is going to be entertaining to make.
   Still, the exit point is going to be just outside the beach so another set of powerful holographic reflectors is going to be built.
   'Hmm... I need to check how Realitus particle works with water...' 
   As Marcus was enjoying his afternoon, tinkering with designs for the docks. Quinella was working with blazing speed to patch up and upgrade Aurora.
   1
   She, however, worked to make sure Aurora does not develop self-awareness, and does not reach certain conclusions. As someone who was an Ex-A.I., she knows how to work around them and place these specific restrictions. She doesn't want a competition or a sibling.
   10
   While Artemis and the rest of the maids decided to do something else. This is way above their understanding seeing the pair just do their thing...
   For this, they decided to do something entertaining...
   "Why don't we go and kill some Dinosaurs?" Jeanne offered to them.
   "...is there a specific reason why dinosaurs?" Le Fay asked curiously. As Jeanne's offer was...way too weird and specific.
   "Because they are almost as scary as a certain someone..." Jeanne said as she looked at Quinella.
   1
   "I see... a good proposition. Why don't we go all-in? I always wanted to hunt such fascinating creatures." Artemis nodded at the proposition. This sounds like a very good way to spend some time away from the current mess.
   Eventually, Hippolyta nodded too after watching Quinella and Marcus being in their small worlds... she is weary of this woman, they are clicking together far too close for her comfort...
   Without wasting any more time Jeanne started leading them to the Entertainment Dome.
   ~~~~~~Belarus~~~~~~
   5
   A flash of bronze and blue-a beautiful woman with brown hair and sharp glasses. Her blue eyes looked as if they held lots of wisdom and intellect. She is what is considered a serious and intelligent beauty.
   1
   The brown-haired beauty looked around and saw that she appeared in the woods not far from a wide highway.
   What stands out about her is that she has that certain aura of authority around her. It's as if she was not a normal being and is part of the very nature around her.
   She walked several steps forward and looked towards what looked like a border between countries.
   There were armed soldiers there, as well as police officers. This was the border security branch of the military, responsible for the security of the nation's borders.
   "Ah yes... Belarus is a dictatorship so the security is much more obvious here..." She said with a small amount of annoyance.
   Her gaze went to the nation on the other side of the barbed fence. She could feel raw magic there, fermenting the place.
   Yet, none of it is flowing beyond the border...
   In other words, the genius inventor is marking his turf and not even allowing magic to leave its place.
   Petty... and it means that he is serious about his privacy...
   3
   'Now how should I approach this? The most civil way possible?' The beauty had a thoughtful look. Her hand was on their chin as she wanted to talk to him more than anything. 
   And of course, find out how Artemis is doing. Oh, she knows there is almost zero chance to get her back. Only a lunatic would miss a chance to have a literal goddess as a maid. Especially a teenager or young adult.
   The Silver-haired Goddess of hunt is one of the greatest eye candies in a mythical world. Not only that but countless Gods and other supernatural beings were aiming for her hand in marriage...
   2
   Well, those times passed and not many pantheons and beings bring that up anymore. They know it's pointless, it was the same with her. She never saw anyone worthy of her.
   2
   However... that might be going to change... that's why she is on the hunt... her version of it.
   Her eyes stayed on the border terminal for a bit before she looked around. It's quite fascinating and even awkward to do such a thing. She could not teleport into the nation on the other side of this.
   Her analysis told her that this whole nation has an extremely powerful space lock. This means that supernatural beings can't teleport or even use space magic. However, she is wondering if he has the means to teleport regardless of the lock?
   'Most likely powerful machinery which can fight as well... abusing what supernatural are used to while capitalising on their confusion... using many underhanded tactics used by humans while utilising magic as assistance... meaning he has high respect for technology while magic falls to a lower category.
   He probably doesn't have that much high respect for the supernatural? This is leaning towards human supremacy... hmm... caution is advised even if I am coming here in peace...'  She thought sharply as she started walking away from the highway and towards the forest... she is going to jump over the fence...
   6
   What she didn't realise... is that she was already on the radar even if she did not touch the high concentration of magic...
   "This is East Ranger Battalion Delta squad 7. I have spotted a Greek God skulking around the perimeter requesting further orders." A figure sitting high on a pine tree said while looking through his scope.
   2
   "[For now, watch and observe. We were prepared for their inevitable arrival.]" Hearing his orders, the ranger continued to watch the brown-haired goddess through his scope.
   However, deities have so-called six senses, no matter how good one is hidden they can feel something...
   "Hmmm? Strange... I felt something? Early warning system? Well, most likely, I should not be shocked if he already knows my arrival..." The Goddess has quite a high opinion of someone who can achieve something like this one did. So, she is not surprised that he already found her.
   4
   ~~~~~~Underworld~~~~~~
   Serafall entered her office, a tired sigh escaped from her mouth. Sirzechs and her were able to pacify the council, well, more like, use their greed. Now that they know that even devils can have Sacred Gears. Greed triumphed over fear.
   The old coats are not that afraid because they are realities away. However, they panicked with the rapid development of Marcus Goldman.
   Now, more than ever, they could not comprehend the speed of his progress. Honestly, she would do it if not for her being there along the way.
   1
   Thankfully, she is allowed to tell quite a bit now that he is so at large...
   As she got into her seat the very next moment a circle appeared on her table.
   "What now? Let me be! I just want to cuddle with Master~~~" Serafall said angrily, however she was far too tired to make her voice sound threatening 
   Eventually, her eyes ended up on the circle. It was a communication circle and it was a Fallen Angel one... more specifically... Governor-General... Azazel...
   'Great... here it comes... shit ton of communications...' The black-haired Satan eyebrow twitched.
   She knew that there will be a lot of attention to her as she is the only contact for Marcus to other factions. That's why she left yesterday quite early so that she could get enough sleep and be ready for chaos which is the next day.
   Now she needs to suck it up and deal with this so that she could return to her Master's embrace...
   Without wasting any more time, she activated the circle and saw the figure of the Governor-General, a figure she has not seen in decades honestly... though she did hear somewhere that this guy wants to finally end this uneasy status quo with proper peace... Hopefully, she hoped it's about that and not Marcus...
   "Why hello there Satan Leviathan! You look tired, I hope I am not disturbing you?" Azazel said with a charismatic smile. He was dressed in a lab coat, Serafall assumes he was calling from his man cave.
   1
   The man is eccentric... but still far cry from what her Master can come up with... 
   His obsessions with trains proves that. She would not be surprised if those Maglevs could transform into hundred metres long robots of mass destruction because...why not?
   8
   "No... it's fine... long meeting... What is it that you want, Azazel? You don't call by yourself like that unless it's very urgent or... there is something you want?" She asked while massaging her forehead.
   "Oh! So cold! You're breaking my heart!" For a second Azazel pretended that his heart hurt from her cold words...
   But, then he got serious...
   "Indeed. You are not wrong. I am calling you because you are the only link to the supernatural world with a certain someone." He said that with a knowing look.
   "Oh? You need to be more specific with this." Serafall pretends that she doesn't know what he is talking about.
   "Right... it's not going to work on me. You are far too tired to give a proper poker face anyway...' The fallen said with an amused look while shaking his head.
   Serafall clicked her tongue in frustration, before sighing in annoyance.
   "You want to meet Marcus Goldman?" She asked with a deadpan look.
   "Indeed. I want a meeting set up. And for that, I am willing to spend quite a bit. Don't look so annoyed, your race will profit from this." He said with a bright smile reminding that of a kid...
   Serafall could only sigh before focusing on her connection with her Master... soon enough she got the information on when to make the meeting...
   "Very well... I will set up one meeting with him." Serafall said with a tired sigh.
   10
   "Nice!" 
   2
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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   My Discord server for advanced chapters:
   https://discord.gg/hvzgBJg4ss
   Along with the advanced chapters, there are also a lot of other fanfics I wrote and did not upload to Webnovel.
   Chapters are coming out Monday, Wednesday and Friday around 9:00 AM British time.
   1
  
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   Chapter 37: Psionic Outburst (R-18)
   "Hi" Regular Speech
   'Hi' Thought
   "(Hi)" Speaking through a mechanically synthesised voice
   "[Hi]" Communication through technology
   [Hi] Aurora talking
   *"Hi"* Speech imbued with power
   *Hi* Emphasis or Sound Effect
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   It was just around that time when I finished the design for my car. Yes, I have finally decided to fix it up. It will be a good way to waste time before the main Docks are finished. 
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   Honestly, I haven't done anything with my own two hands for months now. It was also a good reminder that I'm a mechanic too...
   But, back to the matter at hand. I'd just sensed a...divine signature similar to Artemis entering through the eastern border.
   Focusing on the connection to the Diamond Core Network set up in my nation, I dived right into it. My vision quickly travelled through the barrier, one could say I was travelling as fast as I was in my Scale Mail, in just a few moments I finally saw her...
   My first thought about her was that she was like Sona...on steroids. Her glasses were of similar shape, her gaze was similar to Sera's little sister. The difference was that she had an aura of authority and arrogance. But, it was quite masked by her more intellectual disposition.
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   This beauty was travelling at a rabid speed towards the closest city.
   'Not gonna lie...that hoplite armour she is wearing makes her look hot.' I thought to myself. Honestly, I have never seen hoplite armour in person before. The only thing I remember is that movie with Brad Pitt...Troy was it? I wonder if Helen was truly that hot?
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   'So many questions I want answers to... anyway... Athena...sweetheart... let's see how smart you truly are. If you can track me down, we will have a date.' With an amused smile, I stopped tracking her and opened my eyes.
   "Marcus...Master... we have a new arrival." Quinella said as she opened her eyes and looked at me. Waiting for an answer.
   "Indeed...can you tell me who she is with the details you saw?" I asked curiously. I moved closer to her and pulled this beauty into my lap. Now that she has a proper body, it doesn't feel as weird and annoying to hold her like that.
   I mean she is incredibly beautiful and I couldn't do anything to her! It was an annoying period in my life! I even regretted giving her such a hot form before!
   However...that annoyance disappeared completely today! I wrapped my hands around her much tighter and waited for her to answer.
   "Hmm... it's not hard... I only know one Greek Goddess who wears battle armour. It's Athena, Goddess of Wisdom and Warfare.
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   My guess is she is here for Artemis." She said while leaning into me completely. She closed her eyes and enjoyed my body heat.
   I nodded at her answer, my hand went to her cheek, gently stroking it. A bright smile appeared on her face. She was enjoying quite a bit of my attention and, yes... I was having quite a bit of fun pampering her.
   While I wanted to do nothing but pamper her and have my way with her, there is still something I need to do and that is to see how smart the Greek Goddess of Wisdom truly is.
   Such an incredible piece of collection travelling through my lands. I need to figure out just how much she lives up to her reputation as a Goddess of Wisdom.
   With just my thoughts alone, a holographic window popped in front of me. It was a map of the country. Mentally going through filters, I tagged the moving target on it, and named it Athena. Picking some S.P.B.A. from the barracks, I send the command to start tracking the Goddess, and of course, give command for the rangers to move as well.
   'I really should get the designs for the Bounty Hunters done soon.' 
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   Once everything was in place, I closed the window. Not even once touching it... talk about convenience. I wonder how Athena will feel when I mention to her that I ordered her surveillance and the game with just a mental command?
   Oh, yes, I have some ideas already planned for her...
   "What are your plans for her? You hunted Artemis down... are you going to outsmart the Goddess of Wisdom?" Quinella asked me as she watched what I did on the screen.
   "No. I want to see how smart she is. How does one consider a God of Wisdom? Can she produce the same amount of processing power as you? Or can she analyse close to your speed. I am curious about her capacity."
   Quinella slightly snorted hearing that.
   "That's ridiculous. I have a direct link to a processing facility. There doesn't exist a being who has my processing capacity in this world. Theoretically, it should not even be possible with magic. I am capable of doing at least a trillion different calculations at once without even overclocking. I am not even including the simulations.
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   You designed me for perfection and no one from the previous generations can compete with that." She said with absolute certainty.
   'Previous generations'... she picked that up from me when I called the Sacred Gears made by Big G as last Gen. My beautiful assistant expanded on that. And named all the pantheons last Gen.
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   "You forgot that you can always expand the Processing facility and the processors can be and will be updated." I reminded that to her.
   "O-Of course! Silly of me! Like always, my master is right!" She said that with a self-satisfied nod.
   After hearing that, I could only chuckle at her.
   ~~~
   With a tired sigh, Latia returned to The Base. She was done for the day. She can finally return and rest in her boyfriend's hands.
   The hunt members have properly settled down, the shops soon are going to open. The phones are properly stocked up, the human staff has been hired and trained. The blonde devil beauty made sure they were as tight-lipped as possible. Even some magic was used for that.
   Honestly, without her clan's assistance, she wouldn't have been able to do all that any time soon.
   Then...for the last, the land acquisitions. The land for the maglev was acquired, now all she needed to acquire wass that enormous space in the area the locals call the 'Highlands'.
   She was somewhat baffled that such a small country has 4 different dialects!
   Anyway... for that land, she is going to need to get her hands on some of the politicians in the government. It's far too wide and far too eye-catching... It's a massive land with some small forests and even a village...
   Maglev track space would be similar but it's much less wide and not as big. Besides, she made the land bought off by her relatives as well. After all, the only purpose for them is having tracks built on them... this enormous piece of land is going to be a space elevator!
   She is planning to buy much more land for the simple reason that they would have a much wider gap to put fences... Latia doesn't want Marcus to catapult people into space for entering his private land. Her gut feeling is telling her that he would do it. Powering the space elevator just to slingshot the wandering people into space.
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   So, simply put, she needs that space acquired and getting the government on her side is the key to making an entire village disappear...
   'Thankfully, money is not a problem... Honestly, I could just offer cars, laptops, and even discounts for the upcoming tech Marcus' shops will be selling...' The beauty thought with a smile, she was starting to get into her business-woman persona.
   As she walked into the living room, she saw her Master getting quite touchy with Quinella. Now she knows that Marcus doesn't truly get extremely touchy with the Artificial Intelligence because Quinella was just a hologram... but this? This is something else...
   Eventually, the teen inventor noticed Latia and he smiled at her.
   "Welcome back sweetheart, my thanks for such hard work." Marcus thanked her with a sincere tone that made the beauty blush for a second. Honestly, all she did was simple work compared to what he can do...
   However, she saw the slightly annoyed and calculating look Quinella had. Honestly, the blonde devil was somewhat weirded out seeing her... she could feel... power from the Artificial Intelligence...
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   That moment, Latia's eyes went wide because she understood what was going on!
   "Y-Y-You... finished her Project!?" The blonde beauty asked with a flabbergasted voice! This means he can properly create and engineer life! To perfection! This is... way beyond anything she saw or heard in her life! Such precision in life creation was never done before! None! Even pantheons which created life never had such control over what they created! 
   "Well, she finished herself." He said with a shrug. This sounded far too weird to Latia... but, then again, Marcus already had all the tools ready. All that was left was to make Quinella transfer herself into her new body...
   This however caught her off-guard. A real threat has appeared before her and as she is quite tired at the moment, she can't play the game properly...
   "Right, so, if Latia is here that means it's quite late." The teen inventor said to them as he looked at the clock.
   It's just past eleven and close to midnight... this made him blink a couple of times... he then looked at the ceiling and saw that it was indeed nighttime...
   "Damn... I was quite into this..."
   Hearing that, Quinella puffed out her chest.
   "It is to be expected, Marcus. I was created by you. So it's natural for you to be more interested in me than in the surroundings." She said with such self-confidence in tone. Pride was leaking through her words. The beauty knows she is hot. She was made to be hot after all.
   "I suppose you are right." He said that while leaning forward and kissing her neck.
   "Mhh~~~" The silver-haired beauty softly moaned for a bit, the kiss was short, and the silver-haired assistant wanted more but Marcus pulled back and looked at Latia.
   "Well, Do you wish to eat or get something to drink?" He asked. Making the blonde slightly smile. Yep, even with Quinella in his hands he still cares about her. This means that Latia has not lost it and she can fight back.
   "I am fine. I had my meal in the office. However, I would appreciate company when we retire to the bedroom." She suggested simply.
   The silver-haired assistant instantly frowned, she wanted to keep her master to herself that night! 
   But, Marcus already moved with purpose. He got on his feet, making Quinella quickly wrap herself around him.
   "Let's move then. It's quite late." The teen said as he started walking toward the bedroom.
   As the black-haired teen passed through, Quinella looked on with a pissed off look at Latia. The blond simply smiled back at her.
   'I am a devil sweetheart. You may be a 'perfect' creation. But, I am a being of sin.' The blonde beauty thought to herself. One thing is for sure, she can always use Marcus' lust for her.
   'I know. I won't forget that next time.' 
   Latia felt chills going down her spine when she heard Quinella speaking in her head! 
   She realised that this woman has psionic powers. An energy she never heard of and has no idea of its true capacities...
   Still, she simply sighed and decided to just roll with it. As long as she does her duties and stays the way she is, she will always be next to her Master.
   Realising that she just needs to stick to her guns, she followed the inventor to his room.
   ~~(R-18 ahead, skip to '(End of Smut)' if you wish to skip!)~~
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   "I will take a shower before joining you, Master~~~" The blonde beauty said before walking towards the bathroom.
   Marcus simply nodded at her before looking at Quinella which he had laid on the bed. The beauty looked coyly at him. There was some healthy blush on her face.
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   This was it! She is finally joining him in this! The beauty wanted this as long as she could remember. And one could say a lot of time has passed. As an artificial intelligence, she watched over countless simulations, warping her understanding of time flow considerably.
   To the point that she believes she has spent centuries doing things...
   Once again, one of the reasons why she is in awe and annoyance with her Master's technology...
   However, now is not the time for this as she watched Marcus approaching her. Both of them were sitting on the bed looking at each other for a moment before starting their kiss.
   Quinella was already getting the hang of this as her tongue duelled with Marcus quite fiercely.
   Before long, the teen just pushed her forward and made her lay on the bed on her back. Moments later, his hands sneaked under her knitted sweater, pulling it up. This made them stop kissing as he wanted to remove her clothes.
   Quickly enough, she lost her sweater before taking off her t-shirt as well... Now he could see her white bra and beautiful tummy.
   "Fufufu... this is amusing, I just put them on and now you are taking them off... maybe I should just be naked all the time?" She said that jokingly, seeing her clothes which she meticulously chose while surfing the web. Looking for specific colours. Even watching some videos from clothing designers to make colours fit each other.
   1
   Now, all that just gets taken off, just like that... 
   "In my bedroom? Of course. Outside? Nope." He said while tracing fingers through her skin. Making her experience true pleasure for the first time.
   "Ohh~~~ O-Of course... silly of me~~~" She gulped with a hot breath. This alone was enough to make her feel hot!
   'Master is truly good! As expected~~~' Quinella thought lustfully as she started to get into this.
   Before long, Marcus hand went up to her bra and very masterfully got it off, throwing it away to where her other clothes were.
   Now he could see her perfectly shaped breasts. He gazed at them for a bit before diving into them. The beauty smiled seeing his reaction but that was only for a short moment because mere seconds later she was assaulted by extreme pleasure.
   Something similar to an electrical current washing her whole body over, her eyes widened and a loud moan escaped from her lips. She was not expecting such pleasure from such a simple action.
   This didn't stop as Marcus continued with his attack making the beauty slightly panic as she didn't know how to control such exposure to pleasure!
   Before long, she was breathing hard and sweat was pouring down from her forehead. Each time his tongue swirled around her nipple she moaned heavily, and Marcus was taking in that sexy moan the girl was releasing just for him.
   Still, he couldn't just play with her breasts as he needed to taste more of her so he travelled down from her peaks towards the flatlands. Enjoying her incredible stomach before descending lower toward the last piece of clothing.
   Quinella's white panties were already damp. So, Marcus quickly removed them. Exposing her wet pussy to the world. His fingers stroked around her entrance. Instantly, Quinella sharply inhaled. She was not expecting the pleasure to increase even more! Whatever reason she had, she realised that her cave is the most sensitive part of the body! Nonetheless! This was not the time to think with her head!
   Marcus ignored whatever confusion Quinella was having, instead he started stroking her damp pussy with his finger and getting rewarded with sexy moans from the girl.
   "It would seem that there is very little work needed here. We can move on to the next part."  His words made the already delirious silver-haired beauty realise that she is about to get fucked hard as she saw him pulling out his hard rod.
   Even with her clouded mind, she gulped down knowing that she was going to get railed hard. Something she wants either way... nonetheless, she is nervous...
   Soon enough, Marcus pointed the tip of his hard rod at her entrance and brushed the head at the lips making her squirm as she felt something hot touching her sensitive place like that!
   "Hahhh~~~Stop teasing me~~~" She whined in an extremely pouty tone.
   After hearing such a plea, Marcus pushed his cock into her velvet cave, starting to claim the beauty for real. That moment a throatful moan escaped from Quinella's lips; she just came hard from the insertion alone.
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   Marcus was slightly baffled by that but it was good for the girl because her pussy just got much wetter. 
   He waited for a bit before pushing in hard. Quickly he arrived at her proof of maidenhood. 
   "W-Wait~~~ I just~~~ Ahhh~~~" 
   With a hard push, he went past her barrier and fully submerged in her depths. Marcus groaned at how tight and perfect her cave was while the silver-haired assistant of his just grimaced for a bit.
   She knew it was going to hurt, but her new body just went through an array of feelings from peak pleasure to extreme pain... simply put, she doesn't know what to feel! This was new to her and she can't understand this!
   But this confusion was short as Marcus started moving his waist and his rod started moving inside of her. Quickly enough her body adapted to the pain and she started to feel pleasure flowing through her body.
   "Ohhh~~~"
   "Hhmmmn~~~"
   "Mmnhh~~~"
   She started moaning to his thrust, very quickly she started to get into this and started to experiment. First with moving her hips...
   Creating smacking sounds that spread through the room. Quinella instantly realised that this was good. And started moving more...
   "Yes~~~ mhhh~~~ this is amazing Master~~~" The beauty said with glassy eyes as sweat was rolling from her forehead. Her hands went to his chest and she started stroking him. 
   The teen just smiled at her and continued to pump with even more fervour and the beauty just answered back with as much movement from her part. Only the issue with her was that she was not used to this kind of pleasure...
   Very quickly it piled up in her gut before exploding, Quinella felt like fireworks exploded in her very being.
   Spreading through their whole body, she felt a tidal wave washing her over and pulling the very ground underneath her. Her mouth opened wide and a scream, something similar to banshee's, escaped from her lips.
   She came hard and her pussy creamed all over her Master's cock. Using this moment Marcus released his load into her which made the beauty go over the edge...
   That moment... she lost control of her psionic powers...
   ~~~(End of Smut)~~~
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   And a pink blast of energy spreaded everywhere...
   "Ok... too much fucking is not advised so early in the game..." Marcus said to himself as he saw that Quinella had just passed out. He concluded that she was not used to such high feelings just yet...
   2
   Then the teen suddenly felt like someone just ringed his ear at max volume...
   He quickly used his hand to cover his ear...
   'Did Quinella just use some sort of mind blast?' 
   "Aurora what just happened? Did you pick up anything?" Marcus asked after getting over the ringing in his head.
   [The preliminary scan indicates that it is a burst of psionic, magic and touki. The same mix as yours. As Quinella has the same access to energy as you. 
   The burst of this energy has spread throughout the whole of The Base, according to the sensors, everyone except you are knocked out.] 
   "..."
   "Talk about a fucking...knocking out everyone..."
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   The teen was flabbergasted hearing that. Damn, the potency of this energy is something else! It even knocked out Artemis!
   Marcus quickly got out of the bed and walked over to the shower and saw Latia laying on the floor. She was already finished with her shower and was about to come out from the bathroom.
   With a sigh, he picked her up in princess carry and took her to the bedroom where he laid her down on it. With a simple use of his energy, he dried her up before tucking her under the blanket.
   He then looked at Quinella who was slowly getting over her biggest orgasm yet...
   "T-That was..."
   "Amazing to the point that you knocked out everyone..." Marcus finished for her with a raised eyebrow.
   The beauty looked at him, and he looked at her. For a few moments, they just stared at each other.
   "...What?"
   "As I said, you lost control over your energy and knocked out everyone. Honestly, I have no idea how much this affected everyone's minds. No one before studied psionic energy. We are the first beings who even use it. Meaning we are the pioneers of such energy. If my guess is right." 
   Quinella processed what she just heard. She had a shell-shocked look, which morphed into disbelief, followed by embarrassment before settling into panic.
   She quickly got out of the bed. With a burst of pink energy, she cleaned herself up. Before walking quickly to dress up. She realised that her panties were no good so she walked over to the wardrobe. Because of her psionic power interface, she doesn't need to touch or select anything on it. She does all that mentally.
   Moments later, she picked up her new panties and started rapidly dressing up.
   "I am going to check on them! I will be back quickly!" She said before leaving the room.
   Marcus just sighed after she left. Well, he created her himself so now he will have to live with all the craziness she will be doing...
   After thinking about that, he summoned his Ring of Focus and focused on Latia's head. Several white and gold circles appeared around her. He did some simple scans.
   Thankfully nothing has happened. The brain activity was normal...
   *Sigh*
   "With the amount of biology I studied, I could be a doctor..." He said to himself after realising that he just did a full brain scan with magic like it was normal.
   2
   'Meh... too much of a drag...now that I think about it, I remember one of my previous life schoolmates ended up as a vet...' 
   1
   The amount of BS one has to go through to become classified as a doctor of any type is insane...
   1
   Nope, he is going to stick with his stuff even if checking out females would be...fascinating... to say the least...
   2
   Nonetheless, he decided to call it a day, tomorrow is Monday...
   'Right... the shops are opening soon. Meaning my 'mundane' side is going to be affected quite a bit...' He thought with a sigh. His eyes went to the bed. He realised that he needed to change the blanket. Now that the steamy session was over, it started to smell...
   ~~~~~~Entertainment Dome~~~~~~
   A T-Rex was confused as hell, one moment these feral mammals were attacking him with their thingies, and the next moment, they all just collapsed onto the ground!
   The massive bus size creature looked around. Trying to find whatever attack knocked out these feral mammals.
   Weirdly enough, there was nothing there. He once again made a confused face before leaning forward using his nose, he poked one, then another...
   They were not responding. He shrugged for a bit before turning around and walking away.
   Honestly, he could just eat them but they are just bones with barely any flesh on them. He probably would not even feel that he ate something...
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   Moments later, after the massive bus size dinosaur walked away, the simulation has ended and Quinella, with a sweaty forehead, entered the large room.
   "...they are truly down! Damn! Why is this stuff happening to me on my first day!" She quickly walked over and put her hand on Le Fay. She quickly scanned the human girl. There was some panic in the silver-haired girl's eyes.
   2
   She was worried that her accidental burst of energy somehow damaged her creator's stress relievers. This was no joking manner. Especially on her first day like this! This is a bad reputation for her!
   Her concern is that regular humans could be the most affected because of their naturally weak bodies. However, she found nothing wrong with the blond witch. At least from basic scans.
   Quinella quickly moved towards the blond fake saint. A quick scan showed the same results. She sighed in relief and walked over and scanned the lion girl, followed by the redhead and finally the maid Goddess herself.
   Once she did that, she made them all float with her psionic power. She started carrying them back to their rooms.
   ~~~~~~Next Day~~~~~~
   Marcus was humming with satisfaction as he was looking at his drawing. 
   He used the whole page of his notebook to draw how his tuned BMW was going to look. He drew the fixed stock car look on his computer but not the tuned-up version.
   For a moment, he was thinking to make it look like it did in his previous life. But, he changed his mind when he heard some schoolmates talking about a classic game. A legend in his eyes. The original Most Wanted from 2005. The tuned-up look from that BMW instantly stuck with him.
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   So he quickly drew his BMW to look like that. Without even realising that he spent an entire afternoon tinkering with it...
   When the long break started, he took his stuff and went outside to eat. Honestly, he was enjoying the last remaining days of sunshine before the ugly October and November were going to kick in...
   4
   Before long, he pulled out his sandwich and pulled out a much bigger drawing notebook and started drawing something else not related to cars...
   He was drawing a ship now...
   As he was getting into his drawing he felt a presence next to him. 
   "You got time to attend school? I thought a meeting about me was going to take days because of how 'big' the event was..." Marcus asked sarcastically as he stopped and thought for a moment, he was thinking about the underwater capacities. Honestly, his go-to things like P.O.D and Electro blasts don't work that well underwater.
   'Hmm...magnetism? I could implode other ships since they are made from metal. And for animals sound or vibration?'
   'Honestly, I want to see those squids which earned them a spot as Kraken in the myths... or do Krakens exist? I should ask the Norse pantheon about them.' For a second he got quite thoughtful on this.
   6
   "Nope! It ended after 8 hours!" She said that quite happily as she hugged his hand.
   "8 hours? The raid was less than 6...including the troops' deployment to the ground and the flying back and forth!" Marcus stopped drawing for a bit before looking at her.
   His brown eyes looked at Sera's blue. He was in quite the disbelief.
   *Sigh*
   "I know, I know! There is nothing I could do! They were nagging! And bitching! And moaning!" Serafall said with a big eye roll. For a second she remembered an absurd theory about how Marcus was going to turn them into batteries and stuff...
   3
   Pity she can't say stuff about the perpetual energy he has...
   "Well. Perks of being one of the leaders... you have to listen to their complaints..." The teen said with a not-so-caring shrug.
   "I didn't... Whatever! Let's forget about this boring stuff and just snuggle!" As she abruptly changed the theme of conversation she moved to change their positions.
   Moments later, Serafall was sitting on his lap enjoying his warm body. A very satisfying sigh escaped from her lips. She could just melt away without any care.
   Normally she would just do that but she changed her position somewhat and started helping Marcus eat his sandwiches while he was drawing something...
   Honestly, it amazed the black-haired beauty how he doesn't even use the eraser even once! It's like the lines he drew were perfect. Like there were no basic faults like that! Not only that, she can see that what he was drawing looks like another Airship...or it's a spaceship?
   Still, for someone to do that... it's absurd... The amount of ability...
   "Is that another airship?" She asked curiously as she looked at the drawing for a bit. Just watching how with each brush it looks even more like a vessel of some sort.
   "It's a submarine..." Marcus said very simply.
   "A submarine... we...will be diving?" She asked with quite a curious tone.
   "Indeed... meet... The Scavenger... the Attila-class submarine..." He said with a happy tone.
   "Is there a reason why you are going with 'Attila'?" She asked him, this was quite a very specific name.
   1
   It was the same with Daedalus... as in the past, this guy flew with a man-made glider... from Knossos to mainland Greece...
   People warped it a little bit and made it so that he flew with wings... more impressive... but, still, her point is that Marcus had a meaning for his Confiscator. And now what about this submarine?
   "That should be obvious. We will be pillaging shipwrecks collecting downed ships. Who is not better than to name it after Attila the Hun? The Scourge of Gods, the most infamous pillager of them all? The one guy who brought the West Roman Empire to its knees?" Marcus said as he remembered all about the infamous nomad.
   4
   "Right... I guess I skipped him when I was studying human history." Serafall said while sweat dripping. She knows very little about some barbarians nomads who managed to pillage through Europe...
   Not her cup of tea. She prefers something more tame and modern...
   "I see... then we should watch some documentary about them. Quite a fascinating bunch. They are the ones who invented those bows and used the early horseman tactics..." Marcus said while trying to recall why the Huns were so dangerous. He could remember why the Mongols were, but not so much about the Huns since they existed several hundred years before the Mongols. 
   "Umm...no? I would most likely fall asleep midway. So, I would rather not watch it. However, I can see that such a name fits it very well." Serafall quickly started using her diplomatic persona. 
   "Hmm... yeah, I suppose so. I will most likely switch and watch some stuff on the battleships... I still need to watch where the Bismarck sank properly. They said somewhere in the Atlantic. While my original guess was that it was somewhere in the Northern sea..."
   2
   The black-haired beauty sighed in relief. Thankfully she dodged that bullet. Watching battleships Is much more interesting than some barbarians who ran around over a thousand years ago.
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   (E/N): Sorry about the upload schedule lately, I have been busy and couldn't properly edit on time. This is just a warning that upcoming chapters might sometimes be uploaded on dodgy times. I can't guarantee that it(the upload schedule) will be perfect, but I can say that I will try my best to make sure it's on time. Thank you for your patience.
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   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   My Discord server for advanced chapters:
   https://discord.gg/hvzgBJg4ss
   Along with the advanced chapters, there are also a lot of other fanfics I wrote and did not upload to Webnovel.
   Chapters are coming out Monday, Wednesday and Friday around 9:30 AM British time.
  
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   Chapter 38: Goddess of Wisdom Exploration
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   "Hi" Regular Speech
   'Hi' Thought
   "(Hi)" Speaking through a mechanically synthesised voice
   "[Hi]" Communication through technology
   [Hi] Aurora talking
   *"Hi"* Speech imbued with power
   *Hi* Emphasis or Sound Effect
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   1
   The Goddess of Wisdom didn't know how she should feel about this town. Even though she has finally reached a town of considerable size.
   Well in this nation's standards. Almost...around 50 thousand people? Even then, it's still just her wild guess. She can barely read anything on these small nations which appear and disappear in a hundred years or so. Depending on the whims of bigger nations.
   1
   Border changes and such means nothing to a God. However, this is not about the nation but this town. From her casual observation, she understood that this town was built here because of a Nuclear Power plant not far from here.
   6
   In other words, it was built here to support the workers which were brought from Russia. Because, simply put, the people in this place speak Russian even though it's not the main language and the secondary doesn't even exist...
   'Quite the weird place this is...' She thought as she observed people speaking not far from her. The Goddess made herself invisible as her appearance would cause quite a bit of stir in such a small community...
   Now that she is here, she needs to find a way to communicate with this guy. She could just use Serafall Leviathan which, according to some sources from the Underworld, has some connection to him.
   But, that is quite boring for her because she has not done anything similar to this for centuries. And she especially wanted to use this opportunity to learn more about him herself, instead of just using other people's sources.
   Eventually, after thinking for a bit, she decided to look for the highest concentration of magic in this small country. Even that, however, is quite difficult, because the magic saturation was already extremely high in this place.
   If this is to continue for several hundred years, then, there is a possibility of people being born with unique magics or even the birth of a deity...
   1
   'I should ask him how he does this. Did he install some sort of magic generator all over the nation? What for? Is the barrier related in some way?' With a frown, she looked around. She has so many questions she wants to get answers to!
   Eventually, her eyes ended up on a large advertisement. Her beautiful blue eyes quickly widened because she saw the poster morph...
   Into letters!
   'What on...'
   [Welcome Goddess, to my little backyard!]
   [I hope you like the stay here]
   [I know you are looking for me. So, here's a hint. Find a town that was named after a woman who befriended a wolf]
   After she read that, the letter disappeared and she saw the whole thing return to being a normal advertisement, which shows discounts in the local supermarket.
   "..."
   "..."
   "..."
   A few moments later, she started laughing. It lasted for a few minutes. 
   1
   Before calming down. She cleaned off some tears from her eyes.
   "This is new! This is so new! When was the last time I played according to a human's rules!? Very well! Let's play this game!" She chuckled to herself. There was a bright smile on her face.
   5
   She can already guess the rules for this. Because, for obvious reasons, the humans around her were suddenly all gone...
   This shows the insane control he has over this population. This means she has to use her wits to read up on some of the history of this nation. Myths and such. She knows that Baltic tribes were quite isolationist and they developed separately, not related to the slavs who are surrounding the majority of East Europe.
   2
   "Well let's start with a map..." 
   ~~~~~~Marcus~~~~~~
   Well, let's see how good Athena is with this. My hometown changed its own town name quite a bit ago and it's not that well-known. Mainly because of the difficult pronunciation... from 'Wolfgirl town' to 'Highgirl town'... Very original... honestly... My naming sense is much better... probably...
   2
   Well, the 'high' part is from 'highlands'... it's probably a better naming sense than that small village calling itself 'Switzerland' for no apparent reason...
   This should give me a day or maybe two... well... this will give me some understanding of how good the Goddess of Wisdom is with obscure cultures in Europe.
   As funny as it is, there are several Wolf myths in my birth country. So it will be interesting to see how quickly she will cross-reference this...and find the town I am living in.
   "So. You only now decided to tell me that THE ATHENA is in the country!?" Serafall snapped me out of my thoughts as she looked at me with her big blue eyes.
   1
   "What of it? ARTEMIS is in this TOWN right now and she is cleaning the 'dust' off the armours in the living room..." I said with an eye roll.
   "Yes. The difference is that Artemis is an autonomous element from the Greek Pantheon while Athena is permanently sitting in the council. One is only attending the meetings from time to time, the other one is always there. This means that she is here on a mission..." She explained the Olympian politics for a bit before explaining what the Warfare Goddess is doing here.
   "I already knew that this would happen when I pulled Artemis into my net and took her for myself. Your concern and you pointing it out is quite pointless..." I said with a sigh before looking at my house in front of me.
   For a second, I looked around. One of the pleasures of living in such a barely populated place is that there is barely any traffic. The downside is that the road is quite shitty... According to grampa, when he was still alive, the idiots in the government decided to lay it down in the middle of freezing winter when it was around -27 Celsius.
   Their excuse is that it was paid for so they have to do it...
   Honestly, I could just run for the Mayor role just to fix the roads so that I could drive my custom cars without any discomfort...
   1
   "Right... silly me... and she is in the town? I thought she was at the base?" She asked curiously, now thinking about the Maid Goddess that was in town.
   "Right... She is in The Base. It seems I am classifying that place as if it is part of my town."
   Serafall snorted for a second.
   "Isn't it built around 80 kilometres away from here? That's like the distance to the capital... I am pretty sure not even New York has that kind of range..." She said with an amused tone.
   6
   "I guess so. I mean, I enter my garage all the time so it just doesn't feel like I have left the town." I said with a shrug.
   "I am pretty sure you are the only person in the world who has a railway network in their basement." She said with an eye roll.
   6
   "So, technically that means that the Base is still in the town? Same with the processing facility and the rest?" I asked her, this was quite curious, is it still part of my town or not? 
   "...No... I don't think so, and I am responsible for diplomacy, not the technicalities..." She said with another eye roll. 
   "Well, whatever... now stand back for a bit..." I motioned for her to stand back as I pulled out one of the new gadgets I had prepared.
   Since my request was quite abrupt, she was confused but still followed my request.
   I walked over and put a squire metallic item on the fence, which separates the neighbours from my home, then I walked over to the other side where another fence was separating the road from my home. In other words, I just put something on both sides of the driveway end.
   To take extra precautions, I put another one of these so that no one could see from the road's side.
   "So...um...what are those and why are you making me stand on the side like this?" She somewhat awkwardly asked me.
   I smirked for a bit before walking to her side. Then I used my psionic interface which activated the items. For a second, white walls appeared before it just disappeared.
   "What... are those...are they something like holographic walls?"
   "Indeed. A picture is taken from the inside before it's shown on the outside. Meaning that no one will know what I am going to do inside of this... though the batteries only last 2 hours." I said with a sigh thinking about the batteries.
   1
   "Hmm? Not perpetual energy? How come?" She was somewhat shocked that it was not eternal...
   "Because these are gadgets for the Hunt girls," I said with a shrug.
   "Ohhh...OHH... I am kind of jealous that they are going to be like spies and stuff! With gadgets which you are going to create!" For a second she went into an overexcited nerd mode. Like some gamer who finally saw her game coming out which she has been waiting for, for years.
   "Indeed. I could make you join some of their missions. Prepare some skin-tight suits and gadgets." I said with a sagely nod.
   3
   She just giggled, before testing the holographic wall. She lifted her hand and it just disappeared... It looked like it was cut off.
   "That's... cool in a creepy way... you could install these things in horror houses!" Serafall said that as she took a step forward completely and half of her body just disappeared... At that moment, the hologram slightly wiggled. Showing that it's not that stable.
   "Most likely in the future. When we are going to open an amusement park or something like that, it will be largely in use over there. However, this can't be a hard light hologram because those use quite a bit of power. Any of  the known battery technologies could not even hold it for an hour before it runs out of juice." I explained to her as I entered into another side of the holographic wall.
   6
   "I see... so you would only use current known technologies for these?" She asked for confirmation as she walked after me.
   "Indeed. They are even built to self-destruct. Well, more like the hologram technology will melt if it's picked up by any other than the hunt girls."
   "Hoh~~~ so, meticulous! I like that! It sounds like you are a secret boss who has an army of spies!" She said with a knowing look continuing on about the role of someone who likes the secret agent stuff...
   6
   "Kinda? I just don't want the holograms to fall to other countries without me actually selling it myself." I said with a shrug. Honestly, I am not giving away tech without getting something out of it.
   "Hmm... not that you need money... you can print that yourself... honestly, there is very little that anyone can offer to you... which means that the technological gap is going to only increase..." She said that as she concluded the result of my future actions herself.
   "Most likely. I will leave these debates to the people who care. For now, I have more important things to do." I said as I walked towards the garage doors and pulled out my keys. Unlocking the doors moments later, I opened them and I saw the dusty BMW which was not touched for years now.
   1
   For a second, I sighed in disappointment to myself for leaving it like that for so long. That's why I was going to fix it myself!
   Pocketing my backpack and the school jacket into the storage ring, I rolled up my sleeves and went forward. Opening the car's doors and moving towards the hand brakes I released them and then went back to the front of the car.
   After the brakes were released, I quite easily pulled the car out of the garage and towards the end of the driveway. That moment, a section of the driveway not far from the garage started to lower. I quickly walked to the back of the car and started to pull it into the workshop downstairs. Once there, I pulled the hand brakes once again.
   "Aurora, start the scanning of the car, I will be back in a sec..." I ordered Aurora as I went up and started collecting my gadgets. By that point, the driveway was closed so no one would have seen the entrance to the underground...not that there was anyone. Still, one should never take such unnecessary chances.
   When I entered the garage, I left another gadget in the middle of it. This one, however, is slightly different from the rest because it has a connection to the energy network via a cable.
   Once it was in place, I walked out of the garage and activated it via my Psionic interface. A moment later, hard light holograms manifested and I could see the image of the totalled car.
   Then I closed the doors and walked behind the garage where the stairs were located. The hatch is automatic and it only responds to a selected few people.
   Before long, I was back in the workshop. Looking around for a bit, I realised that some time has passed since I last worked here.
   "Aurora, is the scan complete?" 
   [Yes. Do you wish to see the result?] The female voice asked me.
   "Is it just me but is Quinella sounding strange?" Serafall asked me from the side as she was sitting in the couch area.
   "That's because it's Aurora, and not Quinella. My assistant took the Confiscator and flew to Vampire country." I said with a shrug.
   "You let an A.I. do all that?" Serafall, for second, was baffled. I looked weirdly at her for a bit...
   "...Right... You don't know. I doubt you check the main logs anyway. But, Quinella Became a full-fledged human being yesterday. Well, not any regular human being, but what she classifies as the 'perfect' human." I said with a shrug. A hologram appeared in front of me. I saw the scan of the car.
   Honestly, this brings me back to the days when I used to do this back in my previous life. Buying a complete wreck and then fixing it and then pumping it up with technology of my design...
   Should I just do that as well? Transformer protocol? Space motion technomancy? Perpetual energy core? Remould the frame with the Sacred Gear alloy... So many choices...
   4
   "Hmm, let's see how far I can take this before Athena finds me..." I grinned silly seeing that the car's engine is 50% completely broken and needed a complete change, 30% of it needs repairs and only 20% are in an okay-ish state. In other words, it is better to just change the engine completely instead of fixing it.
   But, doing that is just utterly boring! I looked at Serafall, wanting to tell her how dead this dead car was, but she was spacing out silly...
   'Right...I guess the Quinella coming to life part shook her quite hard.' 
   Shrugging to myself... I was about to start ripping the engine off. Then I realised that doing things in school uniform is quite uncomfortable...
   "I should change first... and get something to eat before starting with this," I said to myself before walking towards the back of the workshop where the kitchen is, and the living space...
   2
   ~~~~~~Barracks~~~~~~
   1
   Carmilla had no idea how to feel being just left out of things. After her disastrous seduction attempt, she was left to her devices. In the heart of someone else's territory. Well, she used that time to get some understanding with what she is dealing with.
   And, damn, she was utterly blown away! The silver-haired vampire queen has grasped some of the scale of things that Marcus does...
   One of the earliest projects of his was the creation of perpetual energy! This alone is nuts! She might not be big on science or whatever. But endless energy solves a lot of problems and opens a lot of doors!
   Even a single one of these Diamond Core Hearts could be enough to solve the world's issues of energy! But this guy has over thirty of those and it's increasing!
   As she mentioned before, this thing was one of the earliest inventions. Because of the endless energy, Marcus easily solved the issue of transmutation. Those assembly lines use an enormous amount of energy. By regular standards. But Marcus has perpetual energy and Aurora which controls the flow of energy to maximise the effect and lower the amount of energy it takes.
   With endless energy and the most powerful alchemy she has ever seen it's no wonder that he so rapidly built up his power base!
   Just by checking the technology and technomancy, the possibilities were endless...
   The Vampire Queen was wondering if those maids even properly realised just how much power those Entertainment Domes use? Or even grasp the amount of energy that is flowing towards the testing room?
   The amount of zeros she saw was utterly baffling! the session where Marcus fought superman alone could power the entire planet and more for a year...
   2
   That is how much the room had to take because the moon was destroyed and the amount of force being thrown around was monumental... 
   "Having fun? Only Le Fay read those... honestly, it baffles me how little everyone cares about our Master's capabilities." 
   Carmilla stiffed for a bit hearing an arrogant female tone, her eyes went to the side and she looked at the new arrival.
   Unlike the last time... This time her vampire senses were telling her that this girl was the real deal, and made from flesh and blood... And a lot of power...
   "Quinella."
   "The one and the same. We meet in person this time." The silver-haired assistant walked over into the room the Vampire Queen was given, which she had to share with the unlucky Elmenhilde Karnstein. 
   The girl just followed her Queen and now she ended up in this situation...
   The pair of vampire eyes were on the assistant who just walked into the room. She was dressed in an S.P.B.A. uniform. However, it was not blue and silver. But instead, she was dressed in white and gold. Showing the colours of Solomon which her Master has inherited. This time, however, her clothes were not so sexualised, no mini skirt, instead she looked like a proper female officer with a knee-length skirt.
   The simple reason for this is that Marcus is not coming with her.
   "So, that project is done then?" Carmilla asked with a somewhat nervous tone. If this project is complete then that means that Marcus Goldman can make perfectly engineered life. Another sci-fi trope is no longer sci-fi...but, reality 
   "Indeed." The silver head assistant nodded at the question, that moment the holographic window which was in front of the Vampire Queen switched to showing something different; it was the Biological Assistant Quinella project with the status being complete.
   The Vampire beauty looked at the window for a bit. She remembers checking this not long ago...and now it was done and the project result itself was in front of her radiating more power than she ever had...
   While the younger vampire girl just looked at the pair interacting. She already understood what was going on. Just like her Queen, she read through the stuff she was able to. Aurora suggested to learn about their 'Protector'.
   And learn they did. Simply put, they won't be getting out of this protection scheme. The Vampires were permanently added to the fold. While Carmilla wanted it to be temporary because she understood Marcus' character to some extent, or she thought she did with her reading on him. The man is interested in his research, inventions and the Queen to some extent. So she used that. But, she was wrong because her entire faction is going to be permanently added.
   Simply put... she forgot that her kin can be observed and their powers studied...
   "So... are we returning to Vampire countries?" Carmilla asked as she closed the window, the last time they spoke, the Assistant of their Master said that they will be working 'together', what this means Carmilla still has not figured out yet. 
   The Vampire Queen can't see Quinella taking some advice from her. Unless Marcus told the Silver-haired assistant to listen to her.
   "We are. I have permission to use the Confiscator. The Airship has 4 assembly lines. It will help establish a proper base. Before it can spread out through the countries." The Military uniform dressed
   "I assume...you are going to 'modernise' the countries?" The older Vampire asked as she got up on her feet ready to walk.
   "Indeed. This is more or less to see how we can adjust my Creator's inventions for public use. As by my and the Blonde devil's one prediction, our Master will end up taking over the country himself. Either through his dislike for nagging, as no doubt this country and the rest of the world will nag for his technology once the shops are open, or he will grow an interest to experiment with government types." Quinella said with a not caring shrug.
   "So...we are going to test on my people?" Camilla asked with raised eyebrows.
   "Don't look too bothered by this. We won't be drugging them or anything like that. We are going to use the point system as permanent currency. With Assembly Lines, we can run the countries...forever. The problem is how to get those points and things like that. We can iron the details out when we are in person there and the system is up and running." 
   After hearing the clarification Carmilla relaxed. This sounds not that dangerous. This is more like a test out of new things. On a country size scale... if her memory serves her right, there was no such thing before.
   Well, there were some small scale tests but this is different altogether. Switching money out to something else and using alchemy as the bedrock for everything. This means natural resources are meaningless. They can even recycle waste, organic waste, plastic and other things... they have a lot of bones in their castles...
   1
   However, such massive change to society as a whole, simply put, it would become a borderline utopia. Yet, it comes with its own set of bad things...
   Well, Vampires in general don't need many things if they can make their cattle tamer...
   Still... though, she wants to see how this will change, as a several hundred-year-old being she is interested in new things like this.
   "Still, though... I don't see him ruling. I can't see someone like him sitting in parliament and discussing...politics... maybe if it was 18 century France when Absolute Monarchy existed but that is me stretching things already." Carmilla pointed out something she can't see happen; she only spent a small amount of time with the man. But, she already has a clear image of his personality.
   "I know. I did multiple simulations of this. And the only thing I came up with our Master is Totalitarian Technocracy." Quinella casually said with a shrug.
   "... Excuse me... but what is... Technocracy?" The Vampire Queen asked.
   "Imagine a massive science club running a country. More or less everything will be on research and science study. Because of Assembly lines. The majority of industries will cease to exist. The concept of farmlands, fishing, and things like that will be pointless. Instead, the studying of vegetation will take over. This will increase the amount of forest there is in the country.
   While this sounds amazing, and even beautiful, we will give back much of the land back to nature. We should not forget a lot of things like decadence will increase. As well as things like the Entertainment Dome will make people obsessed with fantasy worlds instead of real life.
   3
   That's why it will be totalitarian... the more we give, the more we expect..." 
   As Quinella was explaining to her, the Vampire Queen started to see the image of this... dysfunctional... Utopia? With many things losing their needs, new things will develop...
   2
   Well, now that she can see how this is going to happen, she can at least say that she can see him...ruling... Well ruling is not the word. More like tyrannically telling people what to do... and if they are not following his orders well... the points are going to be stripped...
   6
   'Yes, sounds about right...'
   ~~~~~~Athena~~~~~~
   The first thing the Goddess of Wisdom did was to see the map of the country. Learning the language was quite easy. Well for a Goddess that is. Because the people here have quite the absurd and very difficult language. She'd only picked it up from a few people who spoke it.
   Once she got it down, she started reading the maps. Eventually, she stumbled upon a Town that has some connection to the word 'girl'.
   However, she won't be rushing there just because the word matches. After all, it could be a girl's name the city is named after and she needs to look for it.
   So, for that, she decided to go to the best place to learn and that is the library. 
   Thankfully finding it is not that difficult...however... She was in a town dominated by the Russian majority... a lot of literature was in Russian and is about Russia... not something she has an interest in at this specific moment.
   However, she was able to find some history and myth related books to the place she is right now.
   Her powers work like a sixth sense. An intuition of where to look for what. That's how she easily finds stuff in her humongous library.
   She should get new books for her library. Especially since she just glossed over quite a bit of minor cultures. And focused on big ones. Now, because of that, she is wasting time with this little game.
   However, on a different side of things, she is enjoying playing little games like that.
   Walking around for a bit, she eventually stumbled on the books she was looking for. 
   With several books in hand, she went over and found a place to sit. Before long, she started reading.
   If anyone saw her read. Then they would think that she is just skimming through pages. Because she was flipping one after another every second or two...
   If that didn't freak one out, then the pages moving on their own would.
   Reading one then a second and finally a third book, she was done.
   She walked back and placed the books in their place before leaving the library...
   3
   'There are few myths about the wolves in this place. The most famous one is the Grand Duke having a dream about a metal howling wolf. After the dream, the man consulted with the shaman or the druid of their loose religion on nature and decided to build the true capital there. Well, I quite honestly forgot that these people still had Paganism even in the late 14 century...'
   Thinking for a bit, she realised that this might be a problem; these towns were built way before the Biblical God faction influenced them. Meaning some of the stuff was most likely passed down verbally...
   Because... honestly, she did not find anything about a girl meeting a wolf in any sense... there were more stories about man-eater wolves than befriending one.
   This might be because she was in quite a new city compared to the rest. Built in the early 1950 while others were built in 1400 or even earlier...
   Meaning that she needs to get deeper into the country instead of mingling in this borderline border town...
   Sighting with annoyance she realised that she is going to be a tourist here. Her senses are useless in this country because of the high amount of magic in the air. None of her powers are good for tracking. Unlike Artemis.
   So... this means she will be using a bus... to get deeper into the country.
   'That man... this is embarrassing! He knew this! so, he set it up on purpose! Most likely set this up based on his experience of capturing Artemis!' The brown-haired goddess frowned even more before deciding to suck it up and do it. As she was in a not-so-friendly territory where she could not throw her temper tantrums.
   And so she ended up looking for the bus station. The main one, where buses go between cities. Honestly, it was so small she spent hours walking around in the town looking for it.
   The other issue with this was that there are very few buses and she will spend hours waiting for one...
   By this point, she just wanted to bang her head into a wall!
   ~~~~~~Marcus~~~~~~
   "Oh girls, you're finally here!" My gaze went to the side as I saw my maid trio walk over. Should I call them the hunter trio? Hmm...
   1
   Anyway! They finally arrived at my garage!
   "Yes. We were quite perplexed that you did not go to The Base after your school activities..." Artemis said while sighing.
   "Yeah, I decided to do some things about my car, and wait until she arrives at this town," I explained to them as I motioned with my finger at the screen.
   Artemis' eyes, alongside the other two's, opened wide when they saw Athena herself sitting in the waiting room...in a bus station...
   "You know what I find funny? She could easily get a phone and use the GPS to the next city or just use the roads... but I guess just running from city to city can be exhausting..." I said with a shrug. Honestly, deities are weird. They are powerful but they have their sense of comfort? They don't act upon certain things...
   "Master... phones don't have GPS... The ones in the newest cars are barely functioning either ..." Serafall said from the side as she was looking at Athena on the screen. She had a complex look on her face.
   3
   "Only your phones have it. I think you are giving too much credit to the current human technological level." The black-haired devil said with a sigh.
   "Right... damn... I forgot to check up on the stuff they have at the moment!" I said with realisation. I haven't checked what regular people did for the past couple of years!
   "Don't worry... you didn't miss anything of note. Only a few good anime came out. Apart from that..." She shrugged at me while saying that.
   I nodded at her as I looked at the screen. I should name this show 'The Woes of the Goddess of Wisdom in Unknown Lands!'
   4
   My gaze then went on to the trio of the arrivals. The most pale of them was Artemis as she realised that the Goddess of Wisdom was in my lands.
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   My Discord server for advanced chapters:
   https://discord.gg/hvzgBJg4ss
   Along with the advanced chapters, there are also a lot of other fanfics I wrote and did not upload to Webnovel.
   1
   Chapters are coming out Monday, Wednesday and Friday around 9:30 AM British time.
  
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   Chapter 39: Working on Car and Things Happening in Kuoh (R-18)
   "Hi" Regular Speech
   'Hi' Thought
   "(Hi)" Speaking through a mechanically synthesised voice
   "[Hi]" Communication through technology
   [Hi] Aurora talking
   *"Hi"* Speech imbued with power
   *Hi* Emphasis or Sound Effect
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   "First thing is to recreate all the missing parts for the engine. Begin assembly, Aurora." I ordered the A.I. as I walked towards the car.
   Dinner was finished, watching an annoyed Athena was fun for the first few minutes before it just gets boring. So instead, I decided to return to something much more interesting.
   [Understood, beginning transmutation of the pieces that need to be replaced.] 
   I nodded at her, before starting to disassemble the front of the car. It was quite easily done as I am using psionic energy. The process of which is simply to put my hand on the piece, send some energy into it, find the screws and the bolts, and undo them. Then the part comes off. rinse and repeat.
   Easily enough, the whole front was disassembled in less than an hour. It was quite weird to look at an entirely pure machine like this. Even my Starscream fighters are half magical.
   Just by working on this, I realised how... backwards this was. However, this allowed me to adapt. Just by looking at this, I know how to improve, what to rip off, and what to add. 
   Half of the engines are not needed and can be easily discarded. The internal combustion engine sound can easily be replaced because I've always loved the sound of the BMW.
   [The parts are finished, according to the scans I did before.] 
   To my side, quite a large pedestal came out of the ground and it was full of car engine parts.
   But, before those can be put on, I need to first fix the one which I can fix regularly, as they only have some bents and can be easily fixed... Well, that's what a normal person would do.
   With my hand, I motioned the fixable part to fly and follow me towards the workshop tables.
   Psionic powers helped me quite a bit with this work. How many people have ever worked around a car and not even once got dirty with oil? Not many. And I am part of that club. Because, so far not, even a drop landed on my clothes. At least for now...
   5
   Quickly enough, I started fixing the parts, quite easily actually... Transmutation is the answer to many things. And these are included.
   Just turn them into a liquefied state and then turn them back into the parts I want. Before long, all of them were fixed, and I went back to the car.
   4
   With a simple hand motion, I made them fly into the car and start getting them assembled again. Once the engine was fixed, I started patching up the frame...
   It was quite easy, especially with the amount of mind power that I have, I could easily bend metals however I want. And with the magic circles helping, it was even easier. The paint was, well, easy... magic easily solved that as well.
   Before I knew it... it was the evening and the car was fixed...
   Sitting leisurely in my blue BMW M3 E36... it was quite nostalgic, the ancient dashboard, no inboard computer, no GPS, the gearbox was manual... Well, the car was from 2003...
   10
   Still though, after...running the engine for a bit, I felt some satisfaction...
   But...
   It was...underwhelming... I realised that...yeah... I am going to upgrade it to what I want because a simple tune-up wasn't going to cut it...
   Even if I were to update the engine to a 3-litre one it still won't cut it...
   If I am going to leave it like that, it would be like an itch on one's palm...every single day...
   I leaned into the seat and closed my eyes for a bit. Thinking about how I was going to make this little stock car into something much more respectable...
   The engine is quite easy... I already thought about it when I was disassembling, the idea of how to change it was already there... however... a pure engine for just a casual drive is not enough...a Diamond Core Heart variant? The Triangle version I use for Scale Mails? This way it will have processing power...
   The frame of the car will be Sacred Gear metal. As well as the shell. This way it won't be breakable. With a Triangle core in place, I can add the transformer protocol and even other transformations. 
   8
   The tires can be reworked as well, into something more durable...
   "Aurora. I need you to scan the fixed car and add every single technological advancement I've ever made, to date." I said immediately after opening my eyes.
   [Every single?]
   4
   "Yes, all of them," I said with a nod. As I left the car and closed the doors. The scanning lights once again started scanning the whole car vertically and horizontally.
   As the scan was happening, I pulled out my backpack and walked over to a manual scanner. Once there, I pulled out my notebook and made the scanner scan the drawing I had for the tuned-up version of my car.
   "Add this tune-up version of the car on top as the finished version." 
   [Understood.]
   Sure enough, I saw the drawings come to life as a proper BMW from Need for Speed Most Wanted. Honestly, I haven't played this world's version of it...
   Pretty sure I have not played any game in years...
   I wonder if people have noticed that I know stuff without even watching or playing it? Well, pretty sure people have questions but no one has gathered enough courage to ask...
   1
   [Rendering is complete. I have kept the majority of things, excluding the dash panel, the way they are in the aesthetic sense. While things 'under the hood' are up to the standards of your inventions.] 
   Aurora said to me as the 3D image of the tuned up BMW appeared in front of me. It was barely a metre wide image but this way I can see it properly from all angles.
   With a hand motion, I made it spin, then I made it open up the doors and the hood. Now, what was inside truly made it stand out. The engine had neon LED blue lights highlighting the parts. I could see where the Triangle core was. As expected, Aurora has chosen the Triangle one over the regular one. Since the Triangle on is the moveable one...
   The majority of the engine is gone and replaced by a single solitary piece, this even makes the engine removal quite easily done if needed.
   Simply put, I could remove this and put it into another car, quite easily. In other words, it could be mass-produced. Very nice, indeed.
   "Show me the modes you added into it," I asked after stopping the spinning model.
   Surely enough, next to this model was the Transformers version of the car, then a plane version with a pair of energy wings. Followed by a much more widened version which is the speed version. Then another one, which is an underwater version with much smaller wings and a propeller...
   7
   The propeller, however, needs work, as I have some ideas which I will be implementing in the battleships...
   'Since I got the image, why don't we start on this...' 
   ~~~
   "Is this how he always does things?" Artemis asked Serafall. The Moon Goddess watched him the whole time since she arrived here.
   She saw him fix a completely broken car. While she has no idea how long it takes for a regular human to do that. It's not a single afternoon, that's for sure...
   Then, of course, she saw his plans to turn this vehicle into something... more... from the images she saw, this thing most likely will be able to go anywhere...
   "More or less... I was here before most of the stuff here was built. I was the one who... installed the plumbing..."
   1
   Artemis raised her eyebrow, plumbing? Is she for real?
   "It is something else to see, things coming together. I saw him draw those guns, the scale mail, and other things like the computer, Quinella's birth..."
   The Moon Goddess slowly nodded. She could partially understand what the Satan meant. As a Goddess of Olympus, she was around the God of Blacksmith and she saw him work countless times.
   But those things became blurry with Marcus around. He blurs what the work of a God is and what the work of a human is. While she has no doubt Hephaestus could fix the machine in a quick time. Marcus did that in a single afternoon, the parts he had created were the creation of Alchemy, the likes she had never seen before.
   Honestly, she wants to figure out where the rest of the parts came from? What is underneath them? Some sort of factory?
   "You've been watching him for years like this then?" Hippolyta asked Serafall. The Queen of Amazons is quite baffled, while she sees this as interesting, she would get bored after some time. But this Devil just continued to watch him work his things for...years...
   "I did, honestly, it's more interesting than any other things. Besides, he likes it when we discuss his creations. The best way to get to him is through that." Serafall explained with a shrug. 
   The current Leviathan doesn't mind sharing that, because she knows these three newcomers will have a hard time talking about his inventions with him.
   "I see... I will keep that in mind." Artemis said with a nod. The silver-haired Goddess didn't expect that Satan Leviathan herself would give her some tips. However, this tip is quite difficult to follow.
   'Or not, there are some ways to use it.' The Goddess had a thoughtful look, so did Hippolyta, the Queen of Amazons already has some idea on how to use this to her advantage. They can always discuss... weaponry and she can always test it out for him.
   3
   While Atalanta, on the other hand, has something neither of those two have, and that is being his exclusive... pet. Marcus maybe doesn't realise it, but he likes just talking to her and she would just listen... like a cat who is listening to her Master.
   9
   While it's humiliating... At first that is... she realised that there's no point in trying to fight something she has no means to escape... not that she wanted to, by this point... she just decided to do her part and get what she wants. She already had one of the greatest amounts of fun since the Calydonian hunt. Hunting dinosaurs? Now that was fun. Weirdly enough, she can't remember what happened next, only that she woke up in her bed after.
   2
   And all she knows about this is that there was an accident with Quinella and she just knocked out everyone... including Goddess Artemis...
   5
   This is a reminder to her that people in this place are monsters in disguise, or they have some extraordinary background.
   The Huntress decided to use her given abilities to live nicely in this place. Now that she is not part of the hunt. Since only pure girls can be inside one. She now properly belongs to her new Master.
   2
   "Anyway ladies! I will leave you three, for now, I have a meeting to prepare for. Master's actions are still sending ripples through the supernatural world." Serafall said with a sigh as she got up from her couch. She enjoyed the lovey-dovey day she had with Marcus, but now she needs to return to the mess his actions have caused. She truly needs to retire from this work and just be a full-time girlfriend for him...
   1
   "Hoh? People trying to contact you so that they could establish contact with him?" Artemis asked with a knowing look. This sounds about right; she has heard that Marcus' only outside source is Serafall. Well, when she was in Olympus, she only heard about Serafall having a human inventor as a contract. Not that she would have contacted her for obvious reasons that her pride was at stake.
   "Pretty much. People like Azazel and Michael are moving. This might lead to peace talks, finally. And as someone responsible for Diplomacy, I am at the very spearhead of all of this."
   Artemis' eyes widened for a second. Peace? Between those three factions? Well...this is big...
   If they are going to unite then it's going to be a big deal or should be... however her interest in all that diminished considerably. Now that she is living the life of a... maid.
   2
   It's no longer her responsibility to care about politics. Sure, she wants her pantheon to survive, it's her family... no matter how eccentric they are.
   That can be easily taken care of with her serving her new Master. She already understood how Serafall has her gear and how her little sister got hers. Timing is important, and listening as well. All Serafall did was offer a good solution at a perfect time.
   As the new maids were thinking, they saw Serafall walk over to Marcus and they talked for a bit. Before the teen inventor kissed her... well it was hard snog... the current Leviathan quickly finished because she knew it would get out of hand so she quickly rushed out to the teleportation point...
   Artemis had a thoughtful look before looking at the screen on the TV. She could see that Athena was on the move and had already arrived at a bigger Town. Most likely looking for more clues...
   Her eyes narrowed for a bit. She knows her family well, and they are not the best when it comes to diplomacy. So, it's up to her to 'smooth' the talks.
   2
   ~~~
   Marcus has been having a blast working like this again. He took the car completely apart. Remoulded the frame and turned it into a special alloy mixed with Sacred Gear metal. Following that, he started working on the engine which is going to be more like a heart and not a car engine anymore.
   1
   The way he saw the car reminded him of that nice ride from the Back to the Future, the 1981 Delorean DMC-12... now that was a ride... for 1980 that is... it served nicely on how to make it possible to fly design-wise and, yeah, time travel.
   8
   With his current tech level, Marcus could time travel at least to the theoretical level. As he already can cut distance with space, adding limitless energy and speed factor and... it would be possible to use the car to travel time...
   4
   However, the key factor is missing, and that is time magic itself. Meaning that Marcus needs to find someone who has some grasp on time magic.
   'I guess I know my next summon. Thankfully, this one is going to be very fitting. According to Serafall, she likes mecha. So we are going to get along swimmingly.' As Marcus thought about that, he finished his shower and left the bathroom.
   15
   It has been some time since he used his home instead of The Base. After installing Realitus technomancy in his home, he no longer needed to be there as there was a hard light hologram doing a bunch of things for him.
   1
   However, today is different because he was working in his garage instead of The Base, so he decided to sleep in his room instead of his spacious, holograms and realitus powered bedroom.
   Still, though...
   The moment he entered his room he saw that his bed was occupied by a certain maid goddess. 
   "Artemis? You didn't go back?" Marcus asked her as he walked into his room and closed the doors behind him. He walked over to his wardrobe.
   The silver-haired beauty's eyes followed him like a hawk taking in every piece of his naked upper half. As someone who had just awoken to the pleasures of flesh, her interest in her man went up through the roof.
   5
   "As someone who has double digits of women serving you, I find it odd that you are not keeping one with you all the time," Artemis said as she elegantly got up from his bed and walked towards him in just a few steps.
   "Now...there is no need for you to dress up in any way." The beauty said with quite a hot tone, she took his hand and led him onto the bed and made him sit. Losing his towel in the process as her pull was quite powerful.
   ~~~(R-18 ahead, skip to '~~~'  if you wish to skip, there won't be more for a while, so enjoy)~~~
   3
   She, quite awkwardly, got on his lap, facing him.
   There was quite a big blush on her face. Quite a contrast with her silver hair and pale skin.
   Marcus only raised his eyebrow at her, this was odd, he didn't expect Artemis to try to seduce him like this. Honestly, he had his way with the Moon Goddess and Atalanta because they were trying to seduce him back then. Now, it would look like the Goddess of Hunt is trying even harder...
   He only needed to think for a bit before he realised that the reason for this is the Goddess of Wisdom having a journey in his small country.
   Smiling for a bit, his hands went onto her incredible ass and gave a firm squeeze. 
   "So, tell me beautiful, why did you decide to stick with me for the night?" He asked her as he pulled her closer to himself. Artemis already could feel something quite hot brushing past her left thigh.
   She was extremely out of her element and this time she is without Atalanta!
   "...A-As I said! I thought you should have at least one of the maids with you!" Silver head said that with a red face, she was turning into a tsundere the longer she was in this situation.
   "I see... then I guess you know that I need very little when we are like this alone," Marcus said as his hands went under her short skirt and started travelling towards her sweet spot. 
   Soon enough, he did feel some dampness there. Artemis was already quite wet...
   "I k-know~~~" She whined hotly into his ear. As she felt his fingers around her special place. The Goddess can't believe how easily she is getting carried away by this!
   "I-I-I k-know that you have extra attention on me~~~" She said that with a hot breath, there was some smugness in her tone. Oh, yes she knows that Marcus takes extra time on her. This is quite obvious as she is a Goddess and all that. But at the same time, there is that guilty pleasure, she should be annoyed that a male does all those things to her, but at the same time she wants them just as much...
   Simply put...her pride and lust are fighting, and her pride is rapidly losing the more she experiences the pleasures of receiving affection and attention from Marcus.
   "I do... I was almost beating myself up for letting you go back then..." As he said that Artemis felt her panties were getting pushed aside and something very hot and hard was brushing past her wet cave.
   The Goddess's beautiful blue-eyes slightly widened. She realised that she was about to be taken...and she was still wearing her clothes and there was no foreplay! For a second she panicked! But stopped as she felt an intrusion in her special place!
   A hot moan escaped from her lips, her body twitched for a bit. Marcus continued to push her down on his rod and the beauty continued to gasp and mewed before his cock was fully inside of her.
   She released a hot breath. By this point, her eyes had turned glassy. The silver-haired beauty was already completely turned on and wanted to start this session already!
   Forgetting the whole point of why she was trying to seduce him. Now all she wants is to get more of this incredible feeling!
   Before long, the teen inventor started moving the beauty on his rod.
   "Mmmhhnnn~~~"
   "Hnnnn~~~"
   "Ahhhhh~~~"
   Quite a powerful smacking noise started to spread through the room. Artemis was already giving her all by this point. Thankfully, Marcus reinforced the whole house when he was installing the Realitus technomancy. Otherwise, the beautiful Goddess would have already destroyed the floor underneath them...
   Soon enough, the beauty came hard around his rod. She felt a very satisfying release. Feeling much...better... she realised that she needed this kind of thing.
   "Your voice is quite beautiful." 
   Hearing her Master's whisper into her ear like that made her feel goosebumps going through her whole body. 
   "Hmmm~~~ so...good..." She moaned while moving her hips forward and back. Her hands stroked his body for a bit. Soon enough she realised that she was still dressed...
   Instead of trying to remove her clothes as mortals do, she just used her divine power and disintegrated them with a simple burst of her energy.
   Soon enough, her pristine body was visible to Marcus who drank it all in.
   He moved her body on the bed and started pumping into her with hard strokes, sending ripples through her body. His actions caused her mouth to open wide in a vulgar way. The beauty just experienced her climax and now she is getting bombarded with this!
   Marcus only smiled seeing that, he already found that special place in her cave last time so he can fuck her without wasting time looking for that place.
   "Nooo~~~ I am slipping~~~" Artemis started shaking her head from an overdose of pleasure, her tone already turned into a sexy, pouty one. Sounding like a lover who was getting bullied in bed...
   Then with one strong thrust, the teen released his load into her depths. Making the beautiful goddess come hard again. This time it was even more so as she felt the warmth spreading through her whole body...
   After receiving this load, she mewed hotly, a very sexy pouty look appeared on her face. Marcus just leaned forward and kissed her. The silver-haired beauty just smiled internally learning something new. Her hands wrapped around him as she pulled him in more.
   1
   ~~~
   Artemis slowly opened her eyes. She realised that she was sleeping with Marcus in his bed in the regular house of his.
   A lot of embarrassment washed over her. For the simple reason that her seduction plan was an utter failure. She ended up being seduced herself in the end. 
   She simply forgot about the rest, and drowned in the pleasure of being railed hard for most of the night.
   1
   Halfway through... the beauty doesn't even remember her initial thoughts. Realising that she has failed, and most likely she won't get another chance for this, because both Hippolyta and Atalanta will realise that Goddess has tricked them and will be suspicious if she tries to pull something like this again...
   For now, she decided to think and move as little as possible... Honestly, sleeping on him like this is amazing, it's like she was sleeping on a heat source of some sort. Anything closest to this is using her wolves' fur as a pillow.
   ~~~
   Quite a bit of time passed as Marcus' alarm clock rang.
   Meaning that it was time for them to wake up...
   The teen opened his eyes slowly and the phone simply stopped ringing. All the Goddess felt was some sort of energy being used. It is most likely Psionic energy which she still needs to figure out if it's related to that incident of her getting knocked out. Honestly, Artemis is sort of embarrassed that she was knocked out like that...
   "Morning... It's quite something else waking up with you like that." He said that while stroking her back.
   "... You only need to ask and I will be in your bed. Isn't that the purpose of a maid?" The silver head said with a simple tone. There was no need to play around the bush when the truth is there. Maids are someone who serves their master with everything they got. At least that is what she remembers about them.
   "True enough, I suppose. Still though, I already know why you are taking that extra effort. If you are worried about Athena then you should not be. Because, unlike you, she is not here to 'put me under her foot'." As Marcus said that, he enjoyed the look Artemis was giving him.
   Her cheeks turned red from embarrassment, even her reason for seduction was easily seen through!
   "I see... well, I suppose, I should thank you then." After she got her embarrassment over, she spoke these words very quietly. It is getting easier to speak like this. Most likely because she is getting to know him better... quite intimately...
   ~~~~~~Kuoh~~~~~~
   Sona has no idea how to feel about the current developments in the town under Rias and her control. Not every day does the leader of Fallen Angels just pop in and asks permission to rent a flat.
   1
   Honesty, the Sitri Heiress freaked out so much that she nearly passed out!
   Thankfully, moments later, her older sister appeared and fixed up this mess.
   Well, fixing it up is a strong word because now they have the Leader of Fallen Angels living in their town and Sona feels like walking on thin ice...
   This situation got even weirder when the man started summoning her peerage for devil contracts...
   According to her peerage, he summons them to talk about Marcus Goldman and play Mario Kart...
   7
   And now... it was her turn...
   At times like these, she is annoyed to be born as a devil and do these chores.
   "You are something else. Summoning devils like that even when we are still in a cold war." Sona said while fixing her glasses. Honestly, she would be scared to face someone of Ultimate Class like Azazel. Thankfully she is prepared. She only needed to send one message to Marcus and now she can use the Diamond formation around herself to protect herself in case it gets...hairy...
   4
   "Come now. I have already told your sister that I come in peace!" He even showed a peace sign with his fingers. The man was eccentric, especially in Sona's eyes. The man ignored the cold war and came to Devil territory. And the reason for that is quite obvious. At the moment, the Sitri Heiress and her peerage are the only beings outside Marcus to have the new types of gears.
   1
   Only recently did the world outside learn about it. It's quite impressive how under wraps it lasted.
   However, the moment it became public knowledge, other beings started to come to her to find out more. Azazel here is at the forefront of all of it.
   "Yes. I can see that. Since you have summoned me, you want something?" Sona asked with a sigh. She has no idea how she should address him. Professionally? Casually? Something in between?
   "Indeed! I need a gaming partner! I have already prepared the consoles! Several different tastes of fizzy drinks! And chips! A perfect preparation for a night of gaming!" Azazel proudly showed a table full of junk food and drinks...
   1
   Sona grimaced internally for a bit. She knows quite well that devil physiology doesn't care much for the food they eat. But as someone who has been following several sets of specific diets to get everything she could out of exercising she stopped eating any sort of high calorie stuff...
   However, since she had been summoned to be a 'gaming partner'...
   "I see... well then let's get this over with..." Sona sighed and walked over to take her seat.
   Azazel just smirked and walked over to his seat, he then handed over one of the controllers to her.
   ~~~
   "So, you know him in person, right?" The General-Governor asked the Heiress.
   The question was so out of the blue that Sona's kart lost control for a second as the black-haired devil forgot how to control it for a bit. Azazel used that moment and overtook her like that.
   The Sitri Heiress narrowed her eyes for a bit. This was a low blow!
   She quickly got back in the race after a few moments.
   "You need to be more specific with your questions," Sona said sharply as she was pretending she doesn't know what he is talking about.
   "Please. Serafall used the same excuse just a couple of nights back! It's not like I am going to take over the contract from you. Truthfully to be told, your contract should have ended when he revealed himself like he did!"
   Sona had a confused look for a moment. He revealed himself in public? She quickly snapped from that and paused the game. On purpose...
   "While I have no idea about him revealing himself, my contract was extended and upgraded." The Heiress clarified to him.
   "This means that I still have many things which I can't tell you just because you are asking." She said sharply.
   "Heh. I know. I have already figured out some things just from casual conversations. " He said that with a smug tone.
   "Just to let you know. Marcus Goldman reveal has made us- The Three Factions, move towards peace as we speak at the moment." 
   His words made Sona almost drop her glasses off. This was monumental!
   "The teen's invasion of Romania made us... quite ... how should I put this? Jumpy? Yes, that's the word! So, we are rushing to make this peace happen." Azazel explained quite simply to her.
   "Invasion of Romania? This is the first time I am hearing this! He invaded the Vampires? Since there was nothing on regular news about an invasion..." The Sitri Heiress asked with a baffled tone. Why did no one say anything to her!?
   "So you don't know? Well, I suppose your devil council didn't want everyone to know how Marcus Goldman simply erased Tepes faction from the face of the earth. He brought a massive airship, transformers, and Mandalorians. The whole thing only lasted for a few hours before he left... and from what my spies from other factions told me... he now is the ruler of the vampires."
   The more Azazel explained, the more baffled the Heiress became. A human is ruling the Vampires now? Isn't it like most of Balkan countries? And she was ignorant to all of this? Why didn't Serafall say anything to her!?
   "I see... this is monumental. And now you want me to tell you things about him? You do know that I only met him in person twice?" Sona said with a serious tone.
   Azazel only smiled at her. While she tried to hide her obvious infatuation with Marcus Goldman the General-Governor saw right through it.
   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   My Discord server for advanced chapters:
   https://discord.gg/hvzgBJg4ss
   Along with the advanced chapters, there are also a lot of other fanfics I wrote and did not upload to Webnovel.
   Chapters are coming out Monday, Wednesday and Friday around 9:30 AM British time.
  
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   Chapter 40: Patching Atalanta (not edited)
   8
   (A/N: My Editor decided to get some holiday and all his edits are on his main computer. I waited for some time...but apparently, when he goes on holiday he goes for quite some time... so here is a non-edited chapter... you can find the rest on my Discord.)
   19
   Athena looked at the town she just arrived. It was around twice as big as the one she was before. And to no surprise, everyone in this town spoke the primary language.
   It felt like day and night. The town has old some of the buildings are several hundred years old, the Gothic and Baroque styles dominated the Christian Churches.
   Not that it mattered much to the Goddess as the amount of magic interference in here no Angels can't even descend properly. 
   The space lock in place will send them flying to neighbouring countries killing from recoil alone. Well, most of the angels... only some of the strongest will survive like the Seraphs... probably...
   1
   Honestly, she doesn't want to test the space lock in this place. She had never seen one this big before. No supernatural will choose something like this instead of teleportation!
   'I can sense a high amount of magic in the south from here. From the looks of it, there are several spots with excess magic flow.
   Most likely facilities hidden under powerful barriers. One of them should he the docks for that monstrosity.'
   Athena thought about the massive magic signature just flying over not far from her location just a day before. Meaning that it flew towards somewhere south.
   The brown-haired Goddess dearly hopes it's not her fault that the thing was flying towards her Pantheon!
   Honestly, she was quite terrified of this development... thankfully... or not... she once again was notified by that man that their game is continuing and that the airship is not flying to Greece.
   The Goddess of Wisdom doesn't know how to feel about the whole idea that she is being watched like some animal in a cage...
   Well, she can only gnash her teeth and quickly find him because of this feeling...is very embarrassing and annoying.
   She quickly pulled out a map and cross-referenced with the magic in those directions she is feeling. It's quite difficult as it's like she was in a mountainous area where all mountains are big and only a selected few of them are slightly taller...
   Now she needs to figure it out.
   'Hmm...I see... so, that how it is... there is a town in that direction around 73 kilometres which has excess magic flowing... or two areas... most likely the key facilities...
   2
   And conveniently... its has 'girl' in its name! That man! He used that riddle to mess with me!' Athena growled that he messed with her. However, it lasted for a short amount of time before she calmed down. She can't be pissed off against someone who erased Tepes faction and has an army of robots and most likely clones... 
   2
   She needs to be calm and with a clear mind against someone like that. 
   Eventually, she realised that this trip will be quite quick because it's on the highway this way. She is finally hit the main roadway of this small nation.
   Arriving there at midnight is not wise. She still has no idea who the guy is. Meaning that she can still waste time looking for him specifically.
   So, the Goddess of Wisdom decided... to catch the earliest morning bus possible to that place.
   She is still baffled that there exist places which have an even higher saturation of magic than as it is...
   She can feel the difference even 70 kilometres away!
   Such thing is absurd... the man is either insane or he can produce magic from thin air...
   3
   For a second she had thoughtful look... her mind working overtime thinking on this...
   Her eyes widened to a large degree she nearly dropped her glasses. Because she just realised something absurd...
   'Perpetual energy? This... explains alot... like the majority of his things... The speed of his faction's progression, the army, the robots... one can build all that with endless energy... but... such output... how can he do it?' Now that Athena realised this she is even more curious. Hell, she is ready to seduce for such information!
   9
   ~~~~~~The Garage~~~~~~
   Marcus was lazily sitting on his couch and watching Athena. More specifically, her facial expressions.
   "It would seem she realised our location. If I was a betting man, then she will be here tomorrow," Marcus said while stroking the hair of his beautiful pet. At the moment they were the only two in the garage. The rest of the maids are working. His devils are busy... well, Atalanta is working too. She is half maid half pet.
   "I am more shocked how a Goddess is reduced to a mere human in this place." The Huntress said with a sigh. She is baffled by what she saw. Athena herself taking buses? Atalanta can understand that the senses are muffled in this place because of the enormous amount of magic in the air. But why she is not flying?
   "Don't look surprised. I have pulled her out of her element. She is adapting. If you have not noticed she started paying attention to road signs and using proper directions. Before this, she was wandering around aimlessly." Marcus said that with entertained tone.
   The lion girl's eyes slightly widened as she realised that it was the truth! She was far too baffled to realise that before!
   "You are right... interesting..." She said with a nod. Honestly, Atalanta doesn't have high respect for Athena. Well, yes she respects the Goddess of Wisdom like any God. But beyond that?
   1
   The blonde beauty believes Athena is far too arrogant and... nerdy as they say nowadays? The woman believes in the mind far more than her body. Even though she is Goddess Warfare.
   Far too many times, the Lion Girl saw the woman just sitting there and telling how better she would have done. And how better her tactics would have been. Honestly, the Huntress just wanted to punch her in the face.
   3
   So, this current situation... is... how should she put it? A guilty pleasure?
   The situation now is reversed. All she does is just sit around watches how Athena is reduced to a human adventurer and has to navigate through unfamiliar lands.
   There is a certain amount of satisfaction for the lion girl.
   "Indeed... tell me my pet did you enjoy the hunt in the Entertainment Dome?" Marcus asked her. The question made her refocus on things happening now. She can guess that he is...looking for something. Testing her? Atalanta doesn't know for a moment how to answer that? Should she just tell him that she enjoyed immensely the whole hunt in a primal place like the ancient world?
   "Don't be guarded like that. I want to hear if you enjoyed it?" He asked her while extra gently stroking her hair. His actions made her experience goosebumps through her whole body. This was... heavenly, and his tender actions make her extremely hard to resist him.
   5
   The lion girl eventually caves in and decided to tell him.
   "Yes. It was like nothing I have experienced before. The vegetation was so different! There was not a single leaf-based tree! Only small bushes had those! Then the dinosaurs themselves! There were countless amount of them! From extremely small to even bigger than a bus! They were not even the biggest issue as the heat! It felt like we were in the deepest parts of the Sahara!
   What baffled me was this was not even 100% realism! As if Aurora did full-on realism then we would have to much oxygen! meaning it could make people heads spin.
   4
   And then..." The girl had a somewhat dreamy look.
   "The moon... the moon was so big... it truly felt like we were on a different planet altogether!" She said the last part with quite a bit of awe and excitement just remembering the sight.
   3
   Marcus listened attentively. He honestly didn't experiment that much with the Realitus technomancy. Towards what Atalanta and what the group of maids did. He preferred sci-fi stuff and bringing fictional characters to life. But, what the lion girl did was different. She went nearly full realism on the Dinosaur era which had alot of different factors. Like much smaller anoint of oxygen in the air...
   3
   For a second he thought. Should he tell her what he is planning to do in nearby future?
   "I see... so you truly liked what you saw? You know... I can tell you something I didn't tell anyone yet." 
   He got her curiosity peaked quite a bit when said the second half.
   "Oh? And you going to tell it to me?" The Blonde turned her head towards him and looked with raised eyebrow.
   "Something I came up with yesterday. Did some basic math in class for it." He said with a shrug mentioning this.
   Honestly, Atalanta is baffled and wonders what people would think when someone like Marcus is attending classes and doing some crazy calculations which most likely going to lead to some crazy inventions.
   Her gut feeling is telling her that!
   "And what did this...math lead to?" Atalanta cautiously asked him. She is preparing for something crazy at the moment.
   "Time travel." 
   15
   "I see..."
   "..."
   "..."
   A few moments later she finally processed what he said.
   "And? Is it possible? Assuming you want to travel some distant past or... ancient times?" Atalanta asked curiously. This was no longer some sci-fi movie some of the younger hunters used to watch on free time and she had to babysit them...
   Nope, after seeing the craziness of this place. It's not some pipe dream thing...
   "Theoretically, I have an idea how it's going to work. But, again, I need someone who can use time-based magic. I already have quite large mastery over space magic and things related to speed." Marcus explained to her, as those two things are large factors for time travel.
   8
   The lion girl slowly nodded. She has no clue about the whole magic stuff. All of her experience comes from using Artemis divine energy...which she can't use anymore...
   This means that she lost the majority of her power...
   This made her think that she needs to find a different way of getting power... first thing which came to her mind is her Master helping her out in this. Honestly, he was the one who make her powerless in the first place... mostly, she did the seducing... well, seducing is a strong word. As she doesn't truly know how to seduce properly...
   "I see... I suppose now you need to find someone who can teach you time magic?" She asked him curiously. Atalanta wants to know how he is going to move from here, and how it's related to their previous conversation.
   3
   "Thankfully, it's not difficult to get one who can help me with this," Marcus said with a smile, as his hand returned to her hair. The inventor enjoys this very much. Honestly, him provoking Artemis like this nearly a year ago is truly one of the best things he did.
   "Truly? I thought such magic is rare..." The blonde huntress was a little bit shocked to hear that he already has a solution to this. While trying to ignore his hand at the same time.
   "It is rare. That's why I will be summoning the next Head of Agares family."
   Hearing that made Atalanta have look of realisation. The devil pillar has such magic! And Marcus is the second coming of Solomon... The lion girl even forgot for some time that Marcus is the successor of that man...
   His inventions and creations bury that...
   "That means you will be summoning and binding a pillar. Which will cause some stir..." The huntress reasoned with him. She has no idea how this works... but what if he summons the devil when she is in the middle of a meeting?
   1
   "Don't worry. I will prepare accordingly. You should just relax and watch things happen." He said that with a smirk which made Atalanta slowly nod at him.
   "I will... does this means the time travel thing will be added to the car?" As the lion girl asked her gaze went to the side where the car is.
   5
   The vehicle is partially disassembled. Marcus was taking a break from his work and spending time with her and watching Athena progress. 
   "Indeed! It will be like from Back to the Future. Honestly, the amount of stuff one can invent just looking at movies is enormous. One of the reasons why I like watching them." The quite a happy tone confirmed her suspicion.
   "Isn't it quite dangerous to change the past like this? I might be clueless about much of magic but even I know about the butterfly effect."
   2
   While she does not doubt that Marcus could eventually discover time travel. What about the side effects of time travel?
   *Sigh*
   "It's not as cut and dry. While if we go to ancient Greece and I kidnap Helen the war of Troy would not happen and the history would severely change..."
   Atalanta looked at him as if he is a weirdo...
   "What? I wanna see what the whole fuss is about her!" Marcus eye-rolled at her. Seriously! He wants to see what caused one of the greatest wars in the Bronze Age! This chick should be hot for this thing to happen!
   3
   "But... if we go somewhere around... 63 million years ago. Then much we do won't going to be relevant." He said with a shrug.
   8
   "...it won't? How come?"
   "The asteroid will hit the Earth regardless, that's the difference in scales. We can do some things on Earth's surface like hunting or collecting the DNA of the dinosaurs. But none of these actions will affect the asteroid. Because it's in space. However, if I were to go to space in that period and do some crazy stuff then it completely different thing. As my action could derail the impact and dinosaurs could survive and humans would never take over." 
   5
   Her eyes widened, starting to think from this kind of angle.
   "There are multiple periods in history where we can visit and we won't going to affect much of this. Earth went through several great extinctions. Most of them are from geothermal events..."
   6
   "Volcanoes?" She asked with realisation as she remembered stories about Pompey...
   "Indeed. More precisely super volcanoes cause ice age for tens of years. This caused the extinction of nearly 95% of all lifeforms on the planet's surface. While seas fared much better around 80%." Marcus explained to her.
   2
   "That's why my darling. Your dream can become reality." The teen tenderly said that to her as he stroked her cheek. 
   Atalanta that moment realised that... she will be able to experience the real deal...
   "I see..." As she said that she changed her position sitting in his lap. She turned to the side and now she was facing him. There was a certain smile on her face that Marcus could not understand.
   She wrapped her hands around him and pulled herself more into him. Her tail was moving from side to side. At the moment she was very sexy...
   "While it will be entertaining... when you did your things to me I lost all my powers. At the moment I am only as good as a very experienced human hunter. And on top of that, I am ageing as well." 
   When she said that Marcus' eyes for a second changed Atalanta's reaction to that was a little bit stiff. She didn't expect him to flip like that. For a second she felt a presence in her head.
   It was like... she was scanned from top to bottom. Unfamiliar energy washed her over.
   "You are right. This needs fixing. Immediately."
   4
   The lion girl quickly gulped down nervously. Honestly, she did not expect him to react like that!
   Her ageing only returned regularly according to Goddess Artemis... meaning that she is only in her early twenties!
   "T-There is no need for such haste! I-I won't be dying any time soon!" Atalanta quickly clarified! She only wanted to get a properly working bow! 
   2
   "Hmm. Doesn't matter. You need fixing up. Let's go." As Marcus said that his hands went on her firm backside and got up from his couch.
   1
   The lion girl quickly wrapped herself around him. This was embarrassing! She can walk herself! But, the teen ignored this and took her downstairs where the station for him maglev is.
   Once he was there the train arrived and he boarded it to his Base. 
   The best part of this is that he has around 10 minutes to cuddle with his lovable and sexy pet.
   By the time they were in The Base, he didn't want to leave the maglev because the kissing was building up... however, fixing Atalanta's lifespan is a priority. Honestly, by this point, he should fix all his girls because regular humans are quite fragile...
   So, he quickly to Atalanta's embarrassment took her to the Genetic wing of his Base. He went to the main control consoles. Which was something similar to the doctor's office and a lab. Everything was white and looked like it was done from plastic...
   Marcus has based the Genetic wing on Stars Wars and the race which likes cloning animals and people, the Kaminoans.
   1
   Making Atalanta slightly weirded out by the amount of whiteness there is in this place.
   Thankfully, she can finally sigh a relief because the teen inventor finally let her down! As he took his seat and three holographic screens appeared. Forming a downside 'U' around Marcus.
   3
   "Right... let's see..." The black-haired teen used his psionic interface to skim through the menus before selecting Atalanta's DNA.
   Soon enough he showed a... naked image of the feline beauty... the lithe beauty's body 3d image was spinning around in her full size.
   "You... pervert..." She said that with an eye roll. And some blush too...
   "You think? You are using the same thing to seduce and get things you want from me. Anyway, your hair allowed me to rebuild your image. So, I saw you naked nearly a year ago." He said with a grin making her blush more and there is some annoyance on her face now. She is not used to such... pervy talk...
   "Maybe... let's just get this over with..." She said with a sigh. Atalanta knows it's pointless to argue with someone who can pull out something from a thin air on her.
   "Sure..."
   He quickly went over through her DNA adding things and altering them. The only thing the lion girl can understand is that he is moving some sort of ball from the structure. Removing and adding something... it's all strange to her... way above anything she can understand.
   "Did you ever try to use Senjutsu or Touki?" Marcus asked as he looked through her DNA. He already knows it like the back of his hand and some of it has been used to advance his DNA.
   "No...not that I can remember. However, I remember trying to learn it..." She said with a thoughtful look. Trying ro recall things from a distant past.
   "Hmm, that's because your affinity for Touki is quite low. While Senjutsu would be impossible."
   "Why? I thought... because I am similar to Yokai I could learn it?" She pointed at her ear and tail...
   "No. Your body is that of a Demi-human. Half lion and half-human. But, you originally were human. So, your soul is that of a human.
   This means that you still have sometimes discomforts with your tailor your feline ears." 
   Her eyes slightly widened and she had knowing look. As if she remembered something.
   "Now that I have Sephiroth Graal and have a full understanding of souls I can see certain things when it comes to bodies and souls," Marcus explained to her. 
   Atalanta slowly nodded. So, that journey to Romania was quite important from the looks of things. It even going to help her with things she never knew she needed!
   "That's interesting... so what kind of changes my body will go through?" Now with much more interest, she asked him.
   "Well, since you are my maid and my pet. Something I will take pride in. So, I am giving the same treatment as Quinella. The base package of 'perfect' human. This means, quite high adaptation, eternal youth, you will going to have access to magic, touki, psionic energy as well as base power.
   3
   I am going to add some natural sense to these energies for you. So, that you wouldn't need to spend time learning them from grounds up.
   From your lion side, you will inherit more of a natural sense for fighting. Most importantly your sides will mould into one much more."
   4
   The lion girl attentively listened to his explanations.
   "What is base strength you mentioned?" She asked curiously as she has no idea what is the definition of base power.
   "This originated from Artemis DNA meaning that one genome is altered to be close to where Artemis is. In simple terms, you will be around Ultimate class. Since the class is very broad it can be at Serafall level or be higher than that."
   2
   "Does this means you can make it stronger if you get... For example Zeus or one of the Primordials DNA?" Atalanta asked with slightly widened eyes as she is trying to understand how this DNA altering works.
   "Not quite. It's more like map-making. While it helps somewhat to improve the strength if we get Primordial God's DNA, we still need to adjust and fit with the human body." 
   She nodded hearing that... It sorta makes sense but doesn't explain it all...
   "The difference between a deity and a human is that gods were crafted to be 'perfect', while humans are still part of evolution and are heavily impacted by the surroundings." Marcus that moment showed human strand and Artemis strand.
   "Just by looking at this, you can see that one is shaped in a certain way while the other is not so... like comparing an architectural marvel while the other one is a natural wonder." 
   When the inventor explained it like that Atalanta instantly understood what he means.
   "This... means one is easy to... change? While the other not so much?" The lion girl said with a frown, this is not something she is familiar with but she is trying to understand what he is telling her.
   "Yes. the natural grounds can be used to build something in an architectural sense. While with DNA which already build, not so much. As it's already there. For example, my DNA already has a 'building' so changing into something different is almost impossible because it's very specific. Unless I am to switch bodies.
   Which... sounds gross in a sense." Marcus slightly grimaced thinking of changing bodies...he likes himself quite a bit and there is no point to switch...
   6
   "I see... now I understand this better...even through you explained in such..." She for a second blushed since he needed to dumb down for her.
   "Simple way? Don't mention it. I know this is new stuff for you so tried to say in a way that we would be on the same page." 
   Atalanta slightly smiled when he said that, she wanted to say 'dumbed down' but he either saw it and saved her or simply glossed over. 
   Either way, she appreciated that.
   "Since you got it down. Your DNA is in a middle with this. As you were human and turned into a lion and then became demi-human... you could say it's like a beach? You can build only on one side while the other is much harder which can impact it as a whole."
   Marcus explained with a thoughtful look. Which made Atalanta understand that there is... a balance of some sort?
   "We will go with the human side of upgrades. As I said before you will get the same stuff Quinella got. Followed some smoothing out with the lion part." As he said that he showed a picture of upgraded Atalanta.
   The lion girl just deadpanned at him.
   "The only difference I see is that you made my breasts a couple sizes bigger..." She said with a little bit annoyed tone.
   12
   "That might look so. All I did I have added Artemis perfect middle strand here.
   You received her blessing when you haven't finished maturing. That effect your body as a whole especially after the whole lion part when it was thrown into the mix." 
   The beauty just groaned internally, even now, he perfectly explained why she will have bigger breasts! This is nuts!
   "Fine! Whatever! Let's get this over with!" She just wanted to get a new bow! Instead, she will receive a body upgrade? How did this derail like this!
   Marcus just shrugged at her and mentally pressed a few things on the windows. The math and test were done on the three original DNA a long time ago. So, there is no excess waiting or anything like that is needed.
   The data he got from Sephiroth Graal even smooths out all the changes to one's DNA... it's like... magic version of Google on Life and Souls...
   Adding magic to the mix makes quite a bit of difference in angles one can go. However, something extreme like... for example making a Vampire and Werewolf half-blood from a simple vampire is not possible... without repercussions that is...
   1
   Marcus did remember that Lucifer dude turned Vampires into evil dragons. This is possible but that's was an extremely crude override of all DNA. That insane devil removed all stops which erased whatever vampire there was in and used their DNA as a base to override.
   In the end, what he said to Atalanta was true. He can't truly go blindly with Sephiroth Graal's abilities. He needs to map out other DNA stuff first. If he wants to mess with Atalanta's Feline side.
   However, what he has is enough to smooth her soul and body. After this...she will be most likely the first proper Demi-human... not related to Yokai in the whole world. 
   1
   Marcus of course doesn't count all the weird creatures all the pantheons around the world have. For him, it's all about catgirls or any other girls and as far as he knows only Yokai have those.
   "Go in that chamber and lay down on that bed." He motioned for her to enter one of the Bio-chambers prepared for DNA alterations.
   The lion girl nodded and quickly walked over there and laid down. She was quite a bit nervous, the beauty is pushing her nervousness down with a strong front.
   Not that it mattered to Marcus as he saw through it.
   "Relax, I was the first one to try these. The ones which were done to me were much more difficult compared to yours. I didn't have Sephiroth Graal at that time." He explained with a smile. Making her a little bit more relieved.
   Seeing that she was a little bit better Marcus started the process.
   Soon enough the Bio-Chamber was filled with chemical gases.
   The teen made sure everything is smoothly operating before checking some other stuff on the holographic screen.
   What he wanted to see is his connection to the soul.
   When his body was altered his soul was not touched. So, with data from Sephiroth Graal, he can now check at himself from a different angle.
   The result was... his soul barely changed. While his body was that of one of the strongest beings in the world... a simple soul rend would most likely kill him quite easily...
   2
   This was not good... at all...
   He needed a second to process that before starting to fix this issue...
   Which was not that difficult... after calming down he simply did the same thing he did to Atalanta...
   Smoothing out soul to the body. With a couple of mental presses on the console, another Bio-Chamber was prepared for him as well.
   Unlike for Atalanta, his session will be quite a short one.
   ~~~
   The first thing Marcus felt was that he was dressed in slacks instead of a suit... he did feel a little bit weird when he finished his first-ever DNA altering session.
   At that time he thought that it was normal? That this 'tightness' he felt was because he just went through a genetic alteration session.
   Turns out it was not it... because now he felt quite... comfortable to himself. His soul has adjusted to his body. And he felt at ease.
   Once he left his Bio-chamber he observed Atalanta's one which was still in progress. A quickly mental check on her vitals showed that she was fine and there were minimal changes to them.
   He did see a small increase in energy consumption. This is most likely related to the fact that the Bio-Chamber is adding mass to her body. In other words, the body is slightly getting altered.
   This was quite satisfying to the teen who will have a more sexy lion girl to enjoy.
   While the beauty was in her Bio Chamber Marcus looked around. Now that his soul... has adapted to his strength. He could feel more...
   Like he could feel where Is Artemis... and where is Athena... it's like his soul mass increased and now he can... feel other souls? 
   Since he can feel easily Gods around him. Meaning that their 'mass' are big... can they sense this too?
   1
   'No... I think not? Artemis didn't sense Athena she was quite shocked when she saw her on the tv screen.'  The black-haired teen inventor remembered the reaction of Artemis when she saw Athena.
   'This means they don't sense the 'weight' of soul? Strange... hmm... I need to talk about this with a powerful being...' For a second he frowned. Thinking for a bit more and simply waiting for Atalanta to leave the Bio-Chamber.
   1
   'There should be more to these souls things. Spiritual pressure? Hmm, that's Bleach stuff... what was that One Piece thing? Conquerors Haki? Hmm... then that... Soul Crush thing... well... pity I don't have on someone to test this...'
   8
   As Marcus was thinking about this he finally heard the sound of Bio-Chamber finishing the alterations.
  
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   Chapter 41: Playing Games with a Goddess (Not Edited)
   (A/N: Join my Discord for remaining chapters!
   https://discord.gg/rQMfm8tsfH)
   5
   I quickly noticed the changes to Atalanta. Not mentioning the obvious increase in the size of her assets.
   But the way she moved. It reminded that of a feline. Before that, it wasn't like that. She didn't have that grace of feline but that of a seasoned hunter. Where one walks elegantly in stealth the other one is like a predator stalking the prey. 
   While it's nice for her since she will be able to mix it up and adjust to this later. It also gives more sexiness because she is now properly using her tail and those hip movements...
   4
   "How does it feel like?" I asked her while walking over towards her.
   She looked at her hand for a moment. Moving it for a bit. Standing on one leg then on the other.
   Testing out her balance for a bit.
   "Apart from feeling ridiculously more powerful...and very comfortable with myself... there is no other changes? Hmm, well there is that feeling that I am having a pull towards you?
   Not in... sexual sense, more like... something like a gravitational pull?"
   "Is it powerful?" I asked with a thoughtful look. This means my new much more powerful soul pulls like the sun pulls planets towards them? Is this the effect of powerful beings attracting other powerful beings thing?
   "Hmm...not very noticeable. One can ignore it." She said with a thoughtful look. Her tail moved from one side to another. I did notice that it moves much more now.
   "Good. Because I went through one session myself to adjust my soul." I explained to her with a shrug.
   "Oh...I see...so, it's not my thing, but it's yours?" She said that while approaching me.
   Moments later she was in front of me. There was a certain look in her eyes. Fascinating enough, her pupils were slightly cat-like. Not truly visible unless one is in front of her, and looking directly into her eyes from a close distance.
   "Hmm... there is... some sort of gravity around you... I felt only like this in front of a God. Did you feel something like this from Goddess Artemis?" Atalanta asked me as she inspected me.
   "Hmm? What I felt from her is a need to do things to her." I said with a shrug.
   And yes, my sadistic tendencies magnify around her. Maybe it's because I know that she...was...is? A man-hater and I just want to do things to her.
   1
   There is that pull towards her... maybe it's that her soul is much stronger as a Deity...
   "...Right... I don't want to know that... however, if you have a pull... similar to that then it's God's natural power of a soul. All-powerful beings have that. I do believe this is most noticeable towards the Heavenly Dragons Sacred Gear users. They can be not as powerful as God's but they have the pull regardless because of the Dragon souls and energies around them." Atalanta explained as she used that moment to lean on m. That moment her tail wiggled more to the sides.
   5
   It would seem she has awakened the like to cuddle... which is a good thing. As I used that moment to wrap my hands around her.
   Pulling into a hug, that moment she slightly purred.
   "Only one gear has that now. The other one is fixed. The energy dispersal is minimal." I said to her remembering what I did to the Boosted Gear.
   1
   "I see... well it doesn't matter. Now Master~~~ shall we test the upgrades?" Her tone quickly changed into a hungry one. She lifted her head and looked at me with quite a lustful tone.
   I could only smirk at her. I squeezed her bum quite firmly, that moment she experienced the side effects of the alterations...
   Her whole body twitched hard. Sweat appeared on her forehead. Followed by some spasm.
   6
   "Sad to say, sweetheart. But, you are in no position to do anything steamy. Your body just went through changes at the foundation level. While new adaptation helps alot. By alot, I mean you can walk and do things at a regular level. If we didn't do adaptation upgrades you would be spending at least a week in deep sleep adapting to the changes." 
   As I explained, Atalanta just experienced what is called nervous overload. Her body is going through hot and cold periods every few moments and that lasted at least twenty seconds.
   And that was just from me firmly squeezing her incredible ass.
   "Well, do you want to do some steamy stuff?" I asked her this time I was extra gentle with her.
   "N-No... maybe...when this...is over...I will make sure... to do extra hard..." She said with haggard breathing... she looked like she just finished the whole marathon run.
   "I will be waiting for that. Day however you will have two more sessions before the changes are finished.
   "W-What? two more?" She asked with disbelief and annoyance.
   "Indeed. Eternal youth and life is not that easy to craft into DNA. We going quite a bit against nature."  I explained to her.
   She simply nodded and resigned to this fate with a sigh.
   "Fine, how does this work?" Atalanta asked while leaning into me.
   "One week break between sessions. So by mid-October, you will be done with this." 
   She hummed in response. After that, there was no more talk instead she just behaved like a cat...
   My actions to her borderline purring was simply stroking her back.
   2
   ~~~~~~Later~~~~~~
   When Latia returned to the Base she did her rituals, like getting some food, checking out on the maids, catching up with whatever her Master is doing.
   Thankfully or not, the current project he is working on is quite tame. Tuning up the car is quite tame compared to what is to come.
   This is what is worrying for her. Because he is waiting... it means he is bored. Or should be, turns out he is not bored out of his mind and is finding things to do.
   The docks construction, the space station's core are big things... especially the space station and the prelude to the point where Marcus will point the barrel of the gun to the world...
   Well, it's some time away, and there is a chance to pick sides... 
   Her clan and its allies are with Marcus, from the sheer curiosity to lifting their boredom, they will be on... human side for this. She has no idea what to think about this. Well, she doubts there will be another civil war. The devil council simply don't want to do anything with him.
   So, they don't care and Marcus doesn't care... so, they simply can co-exist.
   From what she knows Fallen Angels most likely will come to him with friendly terms...
   1
   This will cause a chain reaction which will most likely lead to a peace treaty.
   The blonde devil massaged her forehead. This is so weird and is so baffling. All she can do is just be there and make sure she can mitigate if some sort of fallout happens.
   Honestly, the only fallout she can see is something coming from the Bael Clan for mass usage of P.O.D... but, there is no proof that it's Bael P.O.D. in the first place.  
   No demonic energy is used to create the black destructive force. Marcus usage in this thing reached the point that it's more of his thing than the Bael clan itself!
   With another sigh, he just decided not to think about this. It's not her place. There is Satan Leviathan for this. She should just do her thing and be done with it.
   However... one thing is on her mind. With her current position, she can use it to get the title of Astaroth Heiress. That waste of devil blood has been treading on thin ice with his constant abduction of female saints from churches.
   How has no one connected the dots that he is the one who is messing with the Church? Which is the Heaven faction in turn? If any exorcist or priest would notice a devil skulking around it could cause some deep mess with the peace talks...
   1
   This is quite a good opportunity for her to rise in ranks within her clan.
   She has the perfect means to do so. S.P.B.A. can be deployed with a moment of notice. Even better so she has some proof that he was abducting those females from the Churches. The only thing that is needed is visual proof and a witness who can talk.
   In the end, Latia decided to wait for the right moment and then ask for some help from Marcus, before that she can only wait and continue to rack up her brownie points with him.
   When she arrived at his bedroom she was of course being smart with this. If there is no girls there she will do her girlfriend duty and sleep here. If it's something steamy going on... well, it depends on the situation...
   So, she did not expect to see Marcus just cuddling with the lion girl in bed. There was no steamy session going on. Instead, the huntress was just using his body as a heat source hugging him, while deeply in sleep. While the teen inventor was napping too.
   As the moment Latia entered the room he opened his eyes and looked at her.
   Moments later she heard his voice in her head. Assuming he is using his powers to talk to her directly as he didn't want to wake up the girl next to him.
   'Come. My other side is empty.' He said to her with quite a lazy tone.
   The blonde beauty nodded at him and went over to the empty side and sneaked under the blankets to cuddle with him.
   "...Isn't it just me... but Atalanta is...stronger?" Latia whispered to Marcus as she sensed an obvious increase in her power.
   'Indeed. And you can talk in your head. I will hear it.' He answered back to her via his telepathy.
   'Oh...okay... can you hear me?' She said that with an uncertain tone.
   'Yes. And Atalanta went through genetic alteration. I fixed her lion and human part and made her seamless being as before that it was half baked work. She was changed through god's magic. It was not properly done. You could say... it's like a wooden house extension done to a brick house. It works but it's not as good. Now however it's properly fixed.'
   Latia nodded to his explanation. So, he has used the Bio-chambers... This is good. Maybe she can push him to start the medical side of his company sooner? That's of course all the extra hype settles down... or... if it even can settle down as the technology disparity will start.
   It might even lead it to be the forefront of the news...daily.
   So, this... going... interesting time for the human race.
   'I see... and her power... is from?'
   'I gave her the basic 'perfect' human upgrades, same ones Quinella has.' He explained to her quite casually. The blonde beauty could only dumbly nodded at him.
   This was so unreal she decided to just sleep. Since when basic strength is considered Ultimate Class? Even devils are not that crazy...
   1
   While some can be born with absurd potential like the Crimson Satan.
   1
   But, even he needed to train for at least 30 to 40 years! The man fought in the war when he was 60!
   But now? One only goes through a chemical session and just like that... that person becomes a Ultimate-class being...
   4
   Just thinking about this makes her want to forget... the beauty just snuggled into Marcus and decided to sleep.
   The teen inventor just wrapped his hand around her and pulled her closer to him.
   Before long she was already sleeping.
   ~~~~~~Same Night, North of The Base~~~~~~
   Purple energy manifested in the makeshift camp of S.P.B.A. the infantry gathered quickly to greet their leader.
   Sure enough, this energy formed into Marcus. Their leader's psionic avatar was here.
   "Sir! We did not expect your arrival here." The leader of the squad said with a salute.
   1
   "At ease. Athena has found my town. Which is not surprising and quite expected. I did however want her to play more of the game." the Psionic avatar said with crossed arms.
   "Do you want us to do something to make her journey longer?" The Infantry squad leader asked.
   "Not really. I want to her tomorrow regardless. However, there is a way to test her powers either way." Marcus said with a thoughtful look.
   4
   The S.P.B.A. infantrymen looked at each other. They already had the idea. They are the most versatile with the inventor's technomancy after all.
   "Sir, are you sure? The field version of Realitus is in alpha stages. There is a lot of things that needs to be tested... and our protocol doesn't quite allow of the use of such experimental technomancy." The leader of the squad said with quite an unsure tone. He was fighting between following his protocol or following his creators wishes...
   While Marcus could only shake his head internally, he can feel Quinella's influence seeping from them. The only reason she doesnt allow technomancy of alpha stages to be used like that is because there is a chance it can fail and I will embarrass myself...
   The chances of them exploding is quite non-existent nowadays, as the energy source is disabled first before it can reach a critical point. A lesson the teen inventor learned and doesn't want to repeat.
   "Pretty sure we can classify this as a field experiment. It will be logged as a field experiment. So your protocol allows this." He said with a casual shrug.
   "Very well! As you wish sir! What about the Greek Goddess? What will happen if it fails?" They asked for clarification on Athena's part in this. After all, she is the variable in this.
   "I will take care of her. She is here for me after all. So, begin with the test, I will go to meet her." He motioned for them to move out. And soon enough they all started to move and the preparations were on the way.
   ~~~
   "Hmm? Something strange is going on..." Athena said as she looked around. Her sixth sense has picked something up. The Goddess was in deep thought when she realised that the teen inventor most likely does have means of perpetual energy.
   The more she thought about it the more it made sense to her.
   However, her thinking time was interrupted when out of nowhere it started snowing... in rainbow-like colours...
   It was surreal... before long her surroundings morphed... and she was standing in a white plane of sorts...
   Then...she heard a male voice behind her.
   "Well met Goddess Athena." 
   She quickly turned around and was met face to face with a male teenager dressed in casual modern clothes and a lab coat.
   He didn't look like someone who has the means to wipe a faction or a pantheon... that's where one should not judge a book by its cover.
   Because apart from his clothes he looked handsome like approaching supernatural levels of it.
   "You are not in person here, are you? I can't sense anything from you. Instead, you are a construct of energy of some sort." The beautiful Goddess said while fixing her glasses.
   A sigh escaped from Marcus mouth. He already got seen through it!
   "I should have known. Supernaturals don't need glasses but they choose to wear them anyway. I bet that yours sees energy." The teen inventors said with a thoughtful look. He did remember that he was thinking to make HUD contactless for his eyes and the girls. Now that some of them have a Psionic interface it's even easier.
   1
   "Indeed. All I see is energy from you. This means that you are not here in person. I assume you came here to test me yourself because I already figured out where you live most likely." The Goddess of Wisdom said that with a self-satisfying nod. This means that she IS indeed close to finding where he lives.
   "Indeed. That is a point to you. Since it took longer for Artemis to do what you just did, and she had her small army with her." 
   For a second Athena had a smug look which she hid quickly. In her eyes, hard facts and logic is much better than some gut feeling the hunters rely on constantly.
   3
   "I see... good to know. However, you didn't come here to praise for such simple things. What kind of test do you want to do?" She asked him. Simply put he is going to test her. Which by all means should piss her off that human is doing that to a Goddess.
   While she has that feeling she buried it deep. The man is way, way, too dangerous to be treated like some casual annoyance. No one in history before turned a Goddess into a maid.
   That's why Athena is treating this with as much caution as possible. Using regular means of transportation instead of her power or her chariot.
   She has no idea what can provoke him...
   Honestly, it's embarrassing but same time a novel experience. Travelling by bus is quite... refreshing, and a reminder that humans achieve quite a bit without supernatural powers.
   "Let's start with something casual..." In front of him, a table with two chairs appeared. On this table was a set of chess prepared.
   1
   Athena's eyes widened, for the simple reason that he did this without any sort of energy. Once again she looked around. She could not sense anything or see anything... that moment she remembered the rainbow snow...
   "Impressive isn't it? What you see is not real. The Realitus technomancy which I created is based on biology mixed with a little bit of magic and science.
   While it can't intercept your sixth sense. The original five are very much easy to manipulate." With a casual hand wave, the surroundings morphed and turned into quite familiar surroundings.
   2
   What she saw landmarks from the city named after her. On the horizon, she could see the Mediterranean sea.
   However... she knows this place quite a bit and she can see that while it looks nearly identical... it's not the same...
   "Impressive... very impressive, however...I can still discern the truth from false..." She said with matter of fact tone.
   "Thought so, after all this is still in alpha state. Not a perfect piece of technomancy. Using it in the field like this is something we testing it now. And you just pointed it out for me, that it's not perfect." He said that with quite a happy tone! Someone pointed out! Finally some feedback!
   This made the Goddess of Wisdom sweatdrop, she can discern this because it's her city surroundings! And she watched over it for thousands of years! All she can say is that some of the surroundings look...fake? Like the current modern image of the surroundings was taken and guessed how it looked thousands of years ago... Only someone who has been there all the time can tell what is fake and what is not!
   All she can say is that the technomancy is up to par but the historical facts are not! 
   And he is still treating this as... Alpha stage!? What madness is this? this guy is more of a perfectionist than her!
   "I see... I can already feel that my sixth sense is telling me that I am not walking but I am walking. This is confusing." The Goddess pointed out the difference here as well.
   To which Marcus nodded he is very satisfied with what she pointed out. He already knew this. But having real proof instead of theoretical one is even better!
   More feedback! This is just great!
   2
   "Yes thought so. Let's get this game started shall we?" He motioned for her to take a seat while he did the same.
   Once again Athena followed his request. Moments later they ended up sitting while facing each other. In front of them were the chess set.
   "Any preference?" He asked her.
   "No. I don't mind. You can pick it for me." She said simply. Just like he is observing her, she doing the same. Chess will allow her to dig deep into his personality and from there out, she will be able to advance accordingly.
   Sure enough, he had black pieces and she had white. Moments later they started their game. There was no talking after that.
   Still, though the Goddess was a little bit disappointed that she was started winning quite rapidly. She started taking his pieces out one by one in a matter of moments.
   However, Marcus then started his counterattack. A smile crept up on the Goddess face. Little by little she started having fun!
   Much more advanced tactics started to get used by the Goddess of Warfare. This kind of games are up her alley!
   While it was fun while it lasted one had to win and one had to lose.
   And this time Marcus lost.
   "Another one?" He asked her, the teen inventor was not disappointed. More specifically the game served a higher purpose than just winning or losing.
   "YES! I mean yes!" She said while fixing her glasses. When was the last time she had this much fun? Forgetting even that she just embarrassed herself like a silly girl...
   Marcus just nodded and they started another game. This time it was intense from the very beginning. The Goddess was sweating buckets thinking of a bunch of tactics in advance while the teen inventor just like her was doing the same thing, making up tactics honestly he wasn't that good with tactics... but he is rapidly adapting to her.
   3
   The second game was much more intense and longer. Going down to a very small amount of pieces left for each.
   However once again... Athena won.
   While she was having fun she did learn quite a bit about her opponent. The beauty now can safely say that yes. She won't ge getting her half-sister back, her Pantheon is safe for now and he won't be attacking. Same time... however... she would like to stay more around him.
   Maybe something like an ambassador from the Greek Pantheon? Something to think about in future...
   "One more?" He said with an amused tone.
   The Goddess of Wisdom quickly nodded her head in agreement. Duh! The more games like these the better!
   Sure enough, the next game has put the Goddess on edge. Her opponent was now using her tactics and utilising new which she didn't expect he will do.
   While the game was long she was on the defensive from the very beginning!
   A very satisfying smile appeared on her face when her King was surrounded. Oh, she was annoyed that she was losing but same time she was very much satisfied that there is someone who can put her in such a place!
   "And with this... its checkmate." Marcus moved his last remaining Rook to intercept the white King.
   2
   "Indeed. I have lost. Your learning curve is absurd. Even by my supernatural standards." The Goddess said with a bitter tone. However, there was quite a bit of happiness. The Goddess of Wisdom has finally found what she has been looking for as long as she can remember.
   Someone who is perfect husband material! Not too cold, not too soft, absurdly intelligent, handsome, most likely building his faction. 
   7
   This means she could just run away to him if she gets tired of her over the top eccentric family.
   2
   "My thanks. I haven't played chess with someone of your calibre." The teen said with a satisfied tone. Yep, he found someone good!
   "Likewise. Assuming you learned what you wanted about me? Because I already did what I wanted. Still though. I want to meet you in person and talk face to face." She said that with quite a cute pout. Well, it came out as a sexy pout. Especially the way she did with her lips.
   3
   "Yes. I learned what I wanted, and I do want to meet face to face. Because I do want to show you some things. And there is no doubt you want to talk with your half-sister." 
   For a second Athena's mind went to the gutter when he said that he will show things. However, her logical side quickly took it over from her female side.
   3
   "Yes, of course. I do wish to talk about Artemis." The Goddess of Wisdom got reminded about her sister. Honestly, she forgot about her. She had too much fun with her dream man!
   3
   This just shows how much she is taken in by the male sitting opposite to her.
   "You want to hear my side of things?" Marcus asked her.
   "Yes. Then I will ask her side of things as well. What you did is quite absurd. No one in the history of mankind has...turned a Goddess into a maid." Athena said that those two words should not be said in the same sentence. 'Goddess' and 'maid' should not ever mix....
   4
   "It wasn't like that from the beginning. Nearly a year ago I just finished my first ever scale mail armour." Marcus motioned with his hand and not far from her, the Mark I appeared created through Realitus.
   "It's a pseudo-Sacred Gear based upon Boosted Gear and Divine Dividing scale mails. However, they are much more state of the art and are not purely solidified energy like the originals. Combined with some of my technological as well as magical advancements, this armour could fight Ultimate Class beings with brute force alone.
   However, with some of my more..  nastier techniques, I was able to seal off the energies of Artemis and her hunt."
   Athena patiently listened how he explained. Just like she expected he has alot of passion for his creations. Honestly, she could just listen to him explain and wouldn't get tired of this.
   1
   Still, though now she understand what happened to her half-sister.
   "You humiliated her and she wanted revenge by any means necessary. Leading her to another humiliation which turned her into your maid." Athena finished this for him.
   "Exactly. Just like you she entered my lands and was planning to do some... questionable things to me. In the end, she wanted a duel of pure skill."
   This time Athena's eyes widened. Her brain tried to understand how strong he is! If he has beaten Artemis in duel!
   Artemis is stronger than her in pure physical fight. She is one most powerful Gods just below the Trinity of Zeus, Poseidon and Hades.
   7
   Yet, this man beat the Goddess of hunt in pure skill? She knows that Artemis is most experienced in fighting and physical sense as she is always active in the wilds...
   This is big. Someone of this calibre, and is right under their noses... is worrying...well should be worrying. But she already knows as long as she leave him be he is not that dangerous.
   "She lost and now she is my beautiful maid." He said that quite simply.
   "...And... is it possible to get her back?" Athena asked casually as well. Trying to get into his type of conversation.
   "Nope. She will die if she is to return to her old position." Marcus once again explained with a casual tone. 
   Making the Goddess of Wisdom gulp from nervousness. That casualness is... bit too much even for her.
   "A contract?" The brown-haired Goddess asked respectfully.
   "Yeah. To make sure she never tries something like this again. While I love cat and mouse games. Chasing the same mouse can be boring after some time." He explained quite simply to her.
   "However, this doesn't mean you can't speak with her. Tomorrow when you arrive at my hometown you will be able to spend some time with her."
   She nodded at him. Thankfully she will be able to have a proper image of this situation.
   "Good! Now! Why don't we play a better game? And test the limits of this version of Realitus?" He asked her with a grin.
   For some reason, she started to get excited. Is it going to be something big?
   "I am fine by all means. Never played such gam---" She wasn't able to finish her sentence as she saw her surroundings change into simple plain... but what truly shocked her was...
   Sounds of footsteps...alot of footsteps, armed footsteps. She turned around and saw blue and white-armed men. Dressed in classic Hoplite armour she could see their allegiance being to... Ancient Athens as they have her symbol of owl on their shields.
   1
   She then looked back and saw men from... Sparta dressed in bronze and red armours... and the ancient symbol of Sparta on their shields.
   "This... is..." Her brain tried to catch up with what she saw. This was like she was transported back to the old days! And this was simply amazing! Most importantly there were thousands of these soldiers!
   1
   "The Peloponnesian War. Your side is the Athens. My side is Sparta. The way to use it..." Marcus brushed his finger down and a holographic window of the battle from eagle view appeared in front of him.
   "Units have points. Each of us has 4000 points we use them to buy troops. Once we send them out we will start our clash." He explained to her before grinning with a silly grin.
   10
   "Ready to play God who leads their mortal men into a war?"
   Hearing that she started laughing silly. Some tears started to fall from her eyes.
   "Goddess, but yes. This is going to be very interesting. Countless times I had the urge to just descend and lead armies myself...now I can do that! Honestly, you just granted one of my old-time desires." She said with quite a bit of heat.
   4
   Marcus didn't know but he just scored very big in her heart scales.
   "Good to hear. Why don't we start with this?" He said that with a grin and she gave her lustful grin back to him
  
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   Chapter 42: Battle Simulations and Some Talking (Not edited)
   1
   Marcus looked at the army in front of him. It was twice as large as his. Athena has mustered around 4000 Athenian soldiers. 
   Her core has around 400 Picket Hoplites. The elites of Ancient Athens, another 800 regular Heavy Hoplites as well as 200 Phalanx heavy Armoured Hoplites. Followed by 200 Citizen Cavalry, 200 Tarantine Cavalry which is the javelin throwing horseback units.
   While the rest were grunts like slingers, cheap archers and light peltast...
   Simply put she has around 2 thousand soldiers to annoy his ones.
   And she is smart knowing that Marcus will most likely plays how Ares plays...
   And that is heavy units. And she is not wrong. Most of his army are Heavy Armoured Hoplites the elites of the Ancient Greek world.
   The Spartan elites. Not only do they have heavy armour and tons of skill they can slaughter their way through the battlefield. That's why Marcus has twice as less soldiers.
   5
   Sparta only uses spears as the main weapon and secondary as a sword. That's why they only have spearmen and nothing more for close-range combat. For auxiliary and ranged units they use slaves which are named helot. However, Marcus didn't bring any helots for this. Instead, he went with perioikoi Peltasts. The only ranged unit where Spartan's themselves would fight.
   1
   The reason for this is that slaves have pathetic morale and Realitus did its thing. Which is realism. So his army is full and proper Spartan!
   1
   With 500 Elite Spartans, nearly 800 Regular Heavy Spartan Hoplites, followed 500 Perioikoi Peltasts and 200 Citizen Cavalry. 
   Thus an army of 2000 versus an army of 4000 thousand.
   2
   Odds are not in Marcus favour. However, half of Athena's soldiers are farmers with weapons... and where is the black-haired teen's army? It's a fully professional army, full of war-obsessed zealots...
   9
   "My King. Athenians are approaching what are your orders?" One of the elite's asked with a respectful and a battle-hungry tone.
   "Where they have the numbers half of them are farmers. Our goal is to smash through them and destroy the core of the army. Once it's gone the rest will scatter." Marcus said with crossed arms, he started to think how to get this done.
   "Form a shield wall! Peltasts behind them while the third line is the elites! Cavalry to protect our flanks!" The teen quickly orders the Spartan soldiers.
   1
   "By your command!" The elite quickly nodded at his leader then looked at the flag bearer.
   "Sound the horn!" And quickly started issuing the commands.
   Moments later all the Spartans like well-oiled machines started to move and get into positions.
   "Form Shield Wall!" The elite roared the command. The Hoplites in the front roared back and all at the same time moved their right leg back while positioning the shield which was on their left hand forward.
   1
   Moments later the entire hoplite line formed into the infamous phalanx while it was not the Sarissa of the Macedonian it's not needed here. The fighting style is slightly different.
   3
   After them, it was the Perioikoi Peltasts followed the Spartan Elites.
   Once everyone were positioned Marcus started to think how to get the edge in this.
   'Well, for this... let's get into the role of Spartan King... as I said before... YOLO! You live only once! Let's get the most of this!'
   4
   "Soldiers of Sparta! Tell me what do you see in front of us!? Do you know what I see!? Peasants and Farmers! How many of them Is a Soldier!? Out of those 4 thousand in front of us, only a handful even know how to hold a spear!!!" There was some snickering coming from the elites when they heard the last words of the sentence.
   4
   "I say let's teach them a lesson! Let's show them the might of our armies! Let's show them the might of Sparta!" Marcus roared himself he got quite good into the role mid-sentence.
   2
   He was not quite done, he remembered what Artemis said not long ago.
   "Let's show them that we are favoured by Ares himself!!! Forward!!!"
   That was what was needed! The moment Marcus mentioned Ares... The floodgates opened and everyone released a warcry which most likely could be heard kilometres away.
   "For Sparta! For Ares!!!" 
   4
   "For Sparta! For Ares!!!"
   "For Sparta! For Ares!!!"
   The two thousand Spartans released a warcry as they started to move in a perfect formation.
   ~~~~~~Olympus~~~~~~
   Quite confused Ares for a second felt 2 thousand...pseudo followers? Appear out of nowhere...
   2
   It was strange...
   As he was quite bored he focused on this new source of energy and was only able to see glimpses of things...
   All he saw was...
   Nostalgia, pure nostalgia. His Spartans... about to face the old Athenians from the old days.
   Instantly reminding him of the age-old conflict between his followers and Athena's 'free' people...
   While he saw only images and glimpses because of massive interference, he was able to discern what was going on...
   "It would seem... Athena is having fun..." Ares said dully. But there was an undertone in his voice. He was...jealous...
   3
   "Athena? Fun? Those words don't mix. Where did you even pull that out from?" A blonde Goddess with an incredible body and supernatural sex appeal said with an amused tone.
   2
   Her purple eyes were shining with curiosity, where did Ares hear that!? Wasn't Athena on a diplomatic mission of some sort?
   "They do when it involves war tactics and coordination of armies..."
   "Hmm? She is leading armies? Where? How? Why?" The blonde Goddess was baffled even...jealous! Seeing guys killing each other and sweating and doing crazy feats of martial arts! She miss those good old times.
   3
   "She is... in that land where that inventor comes from... my guess is... She is allowed to test something?" The God of War said with a shrug. He doesn't care what the Goddess of Wisdom does. What he cares about is that she is leading a mortal army! Something even he didn't do! And he is God of War!
   2
   Sure... he might used to fight in some supernatural wars, but those are not as beautiful as mundane human wars from old times. No superpowers, no hidden energies, only pure martial prowess and weapons crafted from a fellow mundane blacksmith. The good old times.
   1
   And now, the Goddess of Wisdom is enjoying that to the fullest, he is jealous!
   "Fascinating... I do wonder what he has stashed in his workshop if he can pull out something like that." The blonde Goddess curiously asked she is wondering what Athena will do? The Goddess of love divinity can't reach there and she can't see what the Goddess of Warfare is thinking or feeling!
   Pity!
   "We are on the same page here Aphrodite. I wish to visit this human and bless him with my blessing!" The God War said with a bloodthirsty grin.
   "Heh? The last one you blessed was that muscle head from Sparta..." She looked at the ceiling trying to remember his name.
   "Leo...Leopold?" She said one of the names which came to her mind.
   9
   "Leonidas..." Ares said that while massaging his forehead. Why this blonde has to be like a bimbo sometimes? While from time to time she is smarter than most of the Olympians!
   8
   "Right! Him! You haven't blessed anyone in centuries!"
   "Because I think he is worthy! Not only did he make Artemis become a maid!!" 
   Aphrodite giggle hearing that! It's hilarious! And she most likely will laugh from this for many years to come!
   "He made Mandalorians into reality! He is even leading Spartans into victory as we speak! This guy is more than worthy of my blessing!" Ares said with a heated tone, the Goddess of Love could feel how his passion is flowing from his words. It was touching... if not silly...
   The blonde Goddess just rolled her eyes. She just realised that her lover just wants some fun and lead some humans into a war...
   7
   ~~~~~~Back to the Realitus Simulation~~~~~~
   1
   "Goddess... The Spartans are...going nuts..." One of the Picket Hoplites said with some concern.
   1
   Athena took off her glasses and massaged her forehead. She wanted to bang her head into a wall.
   2
   The beauty forgot about morale and the human element!
   She can already see her front lines getting nervous as the armies are getting close to each other.
   "Sound the horn! Everyone get into positions!" The Goddess quickly started ordering her men.
   Her soldiers quickly got ready to engage.
   "The missile units are good to engage!" The Picket Hoplite said to the Goddess.
   1
   "Open fire!" She quickly ordered, and the order was relayed. Soon enough the archers, peltast, Slingers started shooting at the incoming wall of shields.
   "Order them to shoot higher!" Athena quickly ordered, seeing the incompetence of these missile units!
   She quickly realised that she should have gotten some more experienced units!
   For a moment she thought about using her Tarantine cavalry but they are needed to take care of Marcus cavalry and the flanks...
   But it was too late as the shield wall opened and Hoplites rushed forward starting to slaughter the missile units! One Hoplite like a machine started cutting them! It was one side butchering! The archers quickly switched to their knives but it was pointless... Against heavily armed Spartan Hoplite...
   1
   "Send the hoplites! And start flanking!" Athena said with a pissed off tone. This was bad! These peasants should have been harassing and tiring the Spartans! Instead, they were making them warm up!
   4
   Horns soon sounded and the Goddess of Warfare hoplites started rushing forward but then javelins started flying from behind lines of Spartans! And they're quite a bit of them!
   Most of all...they were quite accurate and deadly!
   "Defensive positions!" Athena quickly ordered with hiss. This was much different from what she has envisioned! The Spartans fighting with much more heat than she has expected!
   And her flanking is quite pointless as Marcus Citizen Cavalry was engaging her Tarantine Cavalry... While her Citizen Cavalry was engaging... the Spartan Elites... it was one-sided slaughter... 
   The elites don't even spare the horses... with a quick thrust of the spears they were down before the soldier can stand up they were rattled by the shields and with another quick thrust from the spear the cavalrymen were killed off... 
   Before long her cavalry was dead and Spartan elites started flanking her units... the numerical advantage she had at the beginning was gone in just a few moments!
   5
   It was absurd! 
   Only a few moments into this her core units were only left!
   Only her elite Picket Hoplites had some chance to fight off the mad Spartan elites which were similar number to her elites.
   The problem was there were over 400 more of Spartan regular Hoplites left and Marcus still had his cavalry and peltasts.
   It was a riot on her side as her soldiers started running away...
   Whatever could, as they were encircled...
   "Well, it would seem it was my victory," Marcus said to her as encirclement opened and the teen inventor walked towards her.
   Athena was the only one left in the corpse of blue and white Athenian soldiers.
   "Yes... I misjudged several factors..." The Goddess said with a sigh. She forgot about morale, this was not pure hard logic! And numbers on paper!
   Marcus abused the Spartan morale, put them in a frenzy and then let the floodgates deal with the rest with minimal commands.
   The key to his success was that quick charge from the shield wall to her front liners. Her front line purpose was harassment. Athena forgot that these people were peasants. She was operating on budget after all.
   "That's why I request a rematch!" She said this with a pout.
   1
   The teen just shook his head at her. He got her hooked on this little game.
   "While I would love to fight you again in this game. It's already four in the morning and I should be waking up soon." As he said that the Realitus started to get cancelled. The rainbow coloured snow started to be seen again.
   Athena realised that she didn't even leave the small area she was before...
   Before long the snowing stopped leaving only him in front of her. There was no more grassy plains or the Spartans...
   "I see... I do hope we can play this game again. Otherwise, I will haunt you after showing something incredible as this! and then not allowing me to use it again!" She said that quite seriously.
   Marcus just snorted amusingly. He has no intention of not allowing this not to be used. Especially if he can spend time with this beauty. Honestly, he learned a few tricks in tactics from her in progress.
   "Don't worry, we will play again. With a much more realistic system in my home." The teen said with a smile, before deciding to return to his sleeping.
   "Anyway, I will see you in a couple of hours, yes?" He asked her.
   "Yes."
   "Good, see you soon." 
   After that, he turned into purple energy and burst like a bubble.
   1
   Leaving the Goddess of Wisdom to stare at the distance for a bit. She then moved her hand on her face and removed her glasses then massaged her forehead with her other hand.
   There was a blush on her cheeks. The beauty is trying to control her raging emotions.
   6
   ~~~~~~Next Morning~~~~~~
   I slowly opened my eyes. A yawn escaped from my mouth. Realitus can mess with one's perception quite a bit.
   If my understanding is right I spend several days in a span of several hours, and on top of that, I only spend several hours sleeping.
   3
   Now, I am having an internal battle... should I use my adaptive powers to fix my sleepiness or I should go with coffee?
   2
   *Yawn*
   Hearing such a cute yawn I looked to my side. It was Atalanta whose tail was moving lazily from one side to another. She was awake...partially... as her eyes were half-opened.
   1
   She stretched out like a proper cat. Dressed in my t-shirt and simple shorts she looked like a proper cute girl.... No one even believed that she is a huntress for a very long time and has countless ways to murder someone...
   2
   Nope. All there was from her is a cute lion girl who likes cuddling now.
   3
   As the moment she stretched out she returned to her snuggling. 
   Her head was just below my chin her right hand was hugging my neck. The beauty was laying on top of me. And there was no indication that she wants to move any time soon.
   "How is my beautiful girl feeling?" Marcus asked her while his hand moved on her back starting to stroke it.
   "...lazy... you turned me into a lazy person..." She said with a slightly annoyed sigh.
   "Hmm...not quite... the right word should be not a morning person." I clarified it for her. I haven't seen any genes which make her a lazy person. The only thing which comes to my mind is that she got some influence from the lion side.
   "Hnnn... I see... well...it doesn't matter since you like this kind of thing anyway..." She said while rubbing her cheek into my nape.
   This beautiful cat girl surely learns quick how-to snuggle.
   "Indeed. However... this day is going to be a long one, meeting with Athena and such..."
   I said that with a sigh. A burst of purple energy manifested not far from me. A copy of me appeared dressed in my school uniform. 
   My soul senses were telling me that Athena was already in the town on the other side. With my Diamond Core Heart connection, I found her not far from the largest Supermarket.
   From the looks of it, she just arrived there as the largest bus station is there.
   It's quite amusing seeing her do it. But, from her facial expression, she doesn't care that she used a bus to come here. 
   From the looks of it, she was in her world and the bus travelling just was a convenient way to get her where she wants while thinking about some things.
   "Hmm...yes, I completely forgot about it. Do you want us to come along too?" She asked softly, there is a certain amount of amusement in her tone. Atalanta wants to be there.
   My bet is she wants to see the reaction of the Goddess of Wisdom when she see the Maid Goddess.
   "Sure thing."
   ~~~
   The first reaction of the Moon Goddess when she saw Atalanta was sheer disbelief.
   The beautiful silver head didn't care that the huntress got a massive power boost. She didn't care that the blonde was much more cat-like...
   All she noticed was the assets becoming much larger of this lion girl.
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   "You asked Master to make your boobs bigger?" Hippolyta asked with disbelief. How absurd is this? THE huntress asking for bigger assets? Since when? How? Why?
   Did the blonde have some sort of realisation and now she wants bigger 'weapons'?
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   "No. I didn't, it was part of genetic alterations." Atalanta simply answered back.
   Honestly, it was hard to believe. Both Hippolyta and Artemis were especially conflicted. Both of them saw the lion girl behaving alot out of character... and now her boobs are bigger.
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   This is fishy beyond belief. While Jeanne and Le Fay didn't even believe. From the very beginning, they thought Atalanta asked for bigger assets...
   If it was the old Huntress she would be annoyed that no one believes her. However, the current one honestly doesn't mind. She doesn't care. All she wants is to snuggle and be pampered by her Master.
   A cat-like behaviour? Most likely. She is becoming...much more selfish? The blonde only thought about it for a bit before returning to eating her apple-based stuff.
   The lion girl nonchalant behaviour was noted by the Goddess of Hunt and the Amazon Queen.
   They wondering if Marcus did something to her. To make her behave like that...
   "Did you do something to her? This is not like her at all!" Artemis asked the teen. There was some concern for one of her oldest huntresses.
   "I smoothed her DNA, altered her soul to fit with her body. And this is the result." He simply explained to Artemis while his hand gently rubbed the lion girl's hair.
   This made Atalanta close her eyes and enjoy the attention she was receiving. Her behaviour didn't go unnoticed by the rest.
   The blonde huntress became easily affected by their Master's attention...
   The Silver-haired Goddess slowly nodded, this was... unexpected. Very unexpected. The whole board just got shuffled with this simple change.
   Now Atalanta out of nowhere became closer to Marcus than some of the older girls... simply because she was behaving like a proper pet.
   Well... the Goddess of Hunt could only wait for her time to strike again...
   ~~~~~~Later~~~~~~
   The Goddess of Wisdom finally found the town where Marcus Goldman should be living.
   Now, however, she needs to find him. Thankfully this town wasn't as big as the one she was before. This place could be even considered rural!
   There are only 7 bus routes here!
   That alone tell her how many people are in this place!
   However, she doesn't need to look far for the right directions.
   With her glasses, she saw where she needs to go. Because even if the magic emitted is neutral she could see torrents of magic flowing into the air. It was like a river of magic spreading like a tree in all directions...
   This means she found the place where the barrier centre is, and it was enormous...
   It only proves to her that Marcus Goldman knows how to make perpetual energy. To run such a barrier system... one would need alot, alot of power. If it was a different colour and it would be visible then it would look like a miniature Yggdrasil in sheer size...
   That's why it's so... insane that she only saw the tree-like barrier energy only when she arrived here. Why? because of the neutral energy it blends with the surroundings. 
   If it was much weaker in power then it wouldn't be even visible. However, Marcus went with more power and dismissed the whole idea of disguising this.
   With this revelation, she simply went towards that location. Crossing the only bridge in the town towards a much more residential area of the town. According to what learned about this town is that this area was constructed in recent history over the past 100 or so years. To house people who were working in the concrete slab factory just a few streets away. Apart from that, there is nothing there...
   It is so rural that even the supernatural would find this place boring... Unless they want to live regular lives...
   However, soon enough she arrived there rainbow snow started falling again. However this time instead of affecting her, Athena saw that it was affecting the people of this town.
   Simply put Marcus Goldman is making sure they are not disturbed...
   And of course, testing this on a group of people as well.
   After looking around the Goddess of Wisdom finally saw him standing on the other side of the road. Moments later the green signal for her glowed on the traffic lights.
   The brown-haired Goddess was amused that he is doing such a thing... even then it shows that he is the one who is controlling the traffic or its the reality morphing simulation he just deployed? Well, it doesn't matter, she just crossed over to his side.
   By this point, she has dismissed her armour and instead wearing much more casual clothes.
   She won't be telling him that she spend quite a bit of time in the morning sorting through whatever shops she found in the previous town!
   Looking at him for a bit she finally saw three maids behind him... they were dressed quite... provocative... especially seeing Artemis... in such clothes...
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   Honestly... she has no idea...should she laugh? Or be...
   ...
   ...
   Jealous? Unlike her, The Goddess of Moon and Hunt is with him all the time...
   While she? She, won't be able to stay long here. The Goddess of Wisdom has no idea when she will be able to come back here after doing her 'recon' and making some sort of alliance or non-aggression pact...
   "Marcus Goldman. It's a pleasure seeing you in person." The brown-haired Goddess respectfully greeted him.
   Earned several baffled looks and a little bit of confusion from the trio of maids behind him.
   Even Atalanta looked confused. She was expecting the Patron Goddess of Athens to be annoyed. Instead, Athena was... extremely happy to see him. It's like meeting a family member in the airport after not seeing him for years.
   "Likewise Goddess Athena."
   "Please, call me by my name. After having so much fun yesterday, I already see you as a true friend." She said with quite a bit of blush on her cheeks.
   Seeing how Goddess of Wisdom is behaving around Marcus, instantly started sending warning bells to Hippolyta and Artemis!
   This Goddess is smitten by their Master! And unlike the rest of the maids, this brown-haired beauty can keep up with Marcus in intellectual level and is a Goddess... a pure and single Goddess. Making her a perfect target for the title of... 'wife'.
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   "Very well, then you can call me by my name as well. There is no need for titles." Marcus easily accepted her request. Making Artemis grimace internally. Does this mean Athena is already higher in the hierarchy than she is when it comes to her Master?
   "My thanks. This way it feels that there is no obstructions in place and we can talk properly." The Goddess of Warfare said with a pleasant smile.
   Her words had multiple layers of meanings, or at least that's what Artemis and Hippolyta thought.
   The pair of women thought that Athena just stabbed them and told them that they already are below her!
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   None of his maids ever call him by his name. Orders of the Head Maid. So even Artemis has to make sure to call him by his title.
   That of course can be easily solved if Marcus tells them to call him by his name, and honestly, he doesn't care. There is a certain amount of satisfaction when they call him by a title like 'Master'.
   Most likely Solomon's influence rubbed off when he summoned his devils and was called Master for a few years by them.
   "Right, now that pleasantries are done why don't we find a place to talk?" Marcus motioned for the beauty to follow him as he offered his elbow.
   Athena eyes instantly shined with satisfying glee. She quickly accepted his offer and linked his hand with hers.
   Now they looked like a couple of intellectuals as Marcus dressed properly this time...
   Which quite baffled his maids. They even wanted to contact Quinella and ask the meaning of his behaviour because they can't understand him anymore. 
   Is he preparing to go on date? Does he even do such things?
   The reason is quite simple... he wanted to do something like this with a Goddess. Especially intellectual Goddess.
   At first, he was thinking with Artemis...but... he quickly threw that out of the window when he hear what she was planning to do to him. So, he decided just to keep her as a maid. Maybe when he forgets about her original plans he will allow her to move up on the 'ladder'.
   Instead, he will go on a 'date' with Athena and see what she has to say to him.
   "Of course, lead the way." The brown-haired beauty said with a smile. Hugging his hand even more, Marcus could feel her assets even more with this.
   The teen inventor just smiled at her behaviour. He can safely say that he has this beauty interested in him.
   ~~~
   Marcus took her on a small trip, around 10 minutes of walk. While there is nothing to look at. The Goddess do know that there is a specific destination to their walk.
   Eventually, they arrived at something similar to a small marketplace, with several kiosks and stalls.
   "Over there my parents used to buy potatoes. When the harvest used to be bad in the countryside." The teen pointed at the several stalls.
   "Funny how my father used to complain about the prices, even when he used to hate the idea of working in fields. Unlike my mother and sister.
   2
   Do you know what he preferred to do?" Marcus asked the brown-haired Goddess who was listening to him attentively regardless...how mundane it sounded. She knows that he is getting at something.
   "Some sort of different craft?" She asked with uncertainty.
   "Indeed..." He simply nodded at her continued to walk forward.
   He didn't say anything instead they arrived at some sort of squire.
   It was quite a simple square made of stone tiles, in the middle of it, there was a statue...
   Of a girl and a wolf.
   "That statue over there, my grandfather was one of the 20 who worked on it back in 1960. While he had no interest in engineering or machinery in general, he preferred carpeting, brickwork and other things related to architecture.
   The most absurd thing is that he is the one who build our house. Most of it he build alone, excluding electrical stuff he did everything himself, from windows, doors, floors with his bare hands." As Marcus said with a nostalgic look as he looked at the statue.
   The girls simply listened to what he said, they finally realised where his talent for building crazy stuff is coming from!
   "And unlike my grandfather, my father on the other hand prefers machines... lots of machines... he joined the army with open arms so that he could drive tanks, trucks, or heavy armoured cars and run maintenance for them. Before he was even twenty.
   Once the Soviet Union fell he left the army because my birth country military sucks. Instead, he joined the first auto service shop he could and continued to work there.
   Funny thing... he on free time decided to fix a totalled trunk." The black-haired teen said with a smirk.
   An amused snort escaped from Atalanta who finally knows where his absurd fascination with cars appeared from. While Artemis just rolled her eyes at this.
   "Even to this day, that trunk is carrying metal junk for smelting. More than ten years passed since he fixed it." For a second he remembered a blue Mercedes truck with a shitty gearbox on which his father has released his whole vocabulary of swearing words...
   "So... it's a family thing? I have heard of similar things back in the day... blacksmithing families, or any artisan ones..." Athena said that with realised look. One of the mysteries have been partially solved about Marcus.
   "Indeed. However, where they liked their work... I, on other hand... was obsessed with this ever since I could remember.
   When I was 5, there was one of those times when there was no one who could watch over me. Mother was at work, my sister... well, she did her thing what teenager girls do. Far too complex for me..." 
   The female rolled her eyes at him...
   1
   "Grandfather was in the capital doing something related to his craft, leaving me with my father. At that time he was still working on his truck. As you can imagine he gave me some things to do.
   Some wooden toys my grandfather made.... Funny how I never touched those and instead went to nag my father to the point that he allowed me to assist him. Do you think I remember anything from that time? Nope. Nothing. Only that my father said that I was mesmerised when things...just come together.
   Ever since then I was partially living in the garage. I would always smell of oil or metal, tinkering with things.
   That, lasted till I was eleven..." Marcus told his tale while looking at the statue. Remember what his gramps used to tell about this statue and how it came to be.
   "After, eleventh birthday things... changed. I learned of the supernatural. It awed me, it truly did. Where ones are afraid of the unknown... I was not. I only thought about things I could make with this knowledge.
   This is what it leads us to today." The teen stopped looking at the statue and instead turned towards the listening Goddess.
   "Let me show you what I crafted, your arrival is...perfect for reveal of something." He grinned at her as he is itching to launch something... extraordinary...to space.
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   Chapter 43: Ars Almadel Salomonis (Not edited)
   4
   "...Master, you never said that you had a sister!" Hippolyta said with a somewhat annoyed tone. The redhead can't believe he never mentioned anything about his family member!
   "What for? She is a regular human being. Doing her thing. She doesn't belong with the supernatural neither my parents belong there." He said with a shrug. Marcus wants to keep them far away from the other side.
   1
   "Even so. You are about to open your...mundane company with Leviathan's and that Astaroth help. They are bound to be exposed to some of the things you do." Artemis pointed out the obvious.
   This new information about Marcus being in contact with more devils made Athena even more curious.
   'So, he is close to Leviathan... and an Astaroth? Who is she?' The Goddess of Wisdom was very much curious about the inventors life by this point. Oh, yes. She doesn't mind playing the mundane side of things if she can get several important approvals from his family.
   "Indeed. That's is why we taking our time to prepare. Latia and Sera are making sure the shock is controlled to a certain extent. Once the company is revealed my parents will be receiving a portion of the money without even working there. In other words, they will be retiring from any sort of work.
   3
   And once the medical side of my company opens I will be introducing DNA and body treatments." Marcus explained to them.
   He indeed decided to open that side too. Medical treatments. With some rework on Bio-Chambers, he will be able to make them for public use.
   Of course, he is not planning to go through any sort of regulations. Like hell, he is going to show what is under the hood. So the world's health association can go fuck itself.
   He is either going to make Latia's people take over the government or they going to brainwash the health association and make them sign papers that it's 'approved' by the 'experts'.
   "When that part is open then I will give my parents the treatment they will be able to enjoy healthy bodies and prolonged lifespan." 
   The maids nodded at him. To a certain extent, they can understand him. Sorta? Neither Athena nor Artemis had what is considered childhood. While Atalanta is even worse she was abandoned and then forced to marry because of her parent. While Hippolyta was raised by her mother to be a strong warrior.
   So, they don't have what is considered proper childhood and deep affection for their parental figure.
   Especially the pair of Goddesses... so, they can't truly understand why Marcus is going out of his way to do some stuff to his parents...
   "Not eternal youth?" Artemis said from behind. She was confused.
   "Nope. Not unless one has a drive and a regular human lifespan is not enough. Otherwise, there is no point in immortality and eternal youth.
   Boredom will consume that individual and he will eventually grow insane by constantly trying new things. That is why many call it a blessing and a curse.
   2
   I doubt as a Goddess you can understand that." Marcus said the last part with a pained smile. It's like talking to a billionaire who had money all of his life about the woes of having too much money.
   "If you say so..." The silver head could only nod with a frown. She disliked the fact that she can't grasp what he meant.
   While Athena watched the interaction between those two. She wanted to know how close they are. The Goddess already noticed the diminished power of Artemis. Which only means one thing.
   The Silver-haired Goddess lost one of her powers over a specific domain... in other words... the Goddess of Moon and Hunt lost her maiden status.
   1
   Unlike Athena however, Artemis does lose power when she loses her maidenhood because the Goddess of Hunt was the Goddess of Maidens too.
   3
   While Goddess of Wisdom doesn't have this kind of issue.
   1
   Even if it was amusing in a way, Athena is more interested in their relationship level. 
   She was quite a bit impressed to what level the silver head was subdued. There was no over the top arrogant woman she used to see. While Artemis was still holding her head high, there was no high and mighty look there anymore.
   Whatever Marcus did truly has taken her half-sister down from her high horse.
   Which impressed her further. Now she wants to know how he did it!
   In more details!
   3
   ~~~
   "We are at the epicentre of the barrier system... but I don't see anything..." Athena said that while taking off her glasses. There was no point in having them when magic was so potent and it was everywhere...
   She is more blind with them on than off...
   Even with her regular vision, all she could see is a suburban area of houses built close to 50 years ago...
   There is nothing there just regular houses, the road is quite bad as well... One would never believe that this area is special in any way!
   "Because it's underground. Follow me." Marcus clarified to her as they entered into what she most likely guess is his house's yard.
   But instead of going to the house, they walked towards the garage...
   Which is not unexpected. The amount of time she heard him mentioning the garage she shouldn't be surprised that he will take her there.
   However, she was more baffled that they went behind it and then she saw the ground open and she could see stairs going down.
   Sure enough, she saw a room similar to a living room. With couches, a black glass tea table, a large extremely thin TV on the wall. On her left, she saw another room which looks like a kitchen and a corridor, behind her she saw another flight of stairs going down. Meaning another level...
   However, what got her attention was the things in front. A large workshop with a car under repairs... or is it upgrades? There was alot of magic there as well... in fact... there is alot of magic everywhere...
   "This is my first workshop and now a garage... let me show you." Marcus gently pulled the Goddess of Wisdom into the workshop.
   The moment she was there she saw the car properly... apart from exterior... there was nothing else of regular human. Her senses were telling her that.
   The engine or what suppose to be the engine is not an engine at all. It was a box of some sort of magic fit in place of the engine.
   While the car interior was much more familiar to what humans use now. at least for the seats part. As the dashboard, it was more or less a screen and on the side, there was an even bigger screen.
   "What are you going to use this... car?" She asked softly while looking at the car more closely, is this car anymore?
   "It has all-terrain usage. Space and underwater included. While this is not the end model. It will be finished once it can travel back and forth in time." Marcus explained to her as he looked at his silver and blue BMW.
   3
   "Based... on Back to Future?" Athena said with some sweat rolling down her forehead. More than anyone she knows how much math one needs to do to time travel properly!
   2
   "Indeed. Still have some kinks to do before it's properly usable." He said that while thinking about what he needed to do. Like summoning certain someone, as well solving a few riddles, then adjusting a few technomancy based systems.
   2
   Once those are done his car will be ready.
   "You do know... that even Gods of Time don't mess with time? Sure they can use it a few minutes into the future and back. Gives them an incredible advantage in battle but nothing like time travel shown in Back to Future." Athena explained quite seriously. There was some sweat rolling down her forehead. She truly does hope that this man knows what he is doing!
   "Oh, I know. Let me explain what I discovered and what kind of calculations I have been doing." He said that while pulling her towards him and gently leading them to the back of the workshop towards where the maglev train is waiting for them.
   The brown-haired Goddess with some satisfaction smile. Seeing his action. The distance between them is shrinking by the minute.
   She can't wait for it to be even smaller. Like for example sitting on his lap like how that Lion girl does!
   Once the pair went down the stairs the trio of maids looked at them. Atalanta was most relaxed about this. She would be nervous if Marcus had another catgirl of some sort... but Athena is gunning for a different spot. So the blonde lion girl is relaxed. While Hippolyta and Artemis on other hand...
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   Hippolyta feels threatened, double so for Artemis. The silver-haired never thought she will see Athena as a threat. Not only she is a fellow Goddess but she has much more in common with him!
   The Goddess of Hunt always had that superiority to other girls for being the only Goddess around, and Marcus would always look at her with that heated look.
   Now it has diminished with the arrival of Athena.
   "What should we do?" Hippolyta asked the Moon Goddess.
   Artemis only shook her head, she has no idea how to progress and counter the Goddess of Wisdom influence.
   "Nothing. There is no need to do anything. Just because Goddess Athena getting along so well with our Master it doesn't mean she will be his wife.
   You two forgot that he can create life and could easily create a perfect wife for himself. He already created Quinella, who by all means fits even better than Goddess Athena." Atalanta said with a sigh. She started walking right after those two.
   The lion girl simply started to think from a different angle and started to think how would Marcus think...
   Honestly... it's hard to think like him. But as a hunter... she did something similar before. Three thousand years of hunting experience made her quite capable of thinking from the shoes of different beings.
   Especially from the shoes of her prey. Well, the concept is similar only that she needed to watch and observe him for an extended amount of time.
   All she came up with doesn't quite make sense... While Marcus is no doubt a genius. Only someone like Big G can compete with his talent.
   Even so, what she found baffling is that he has too much experience... his recent tale she heard only solidified that Marcus is NOT a teenager. No amount of talent can cover several decades of life experience.
   Not even once did she see some sort of teenager naivete from him.
   And he even speak as if he had a lot of life experience... which should not make any sense because from what she understands he never left his Workshop for an extended amount of time.
   In the end, Atalanta concluded that he is either reincarnation or some sort of big shot. Like Solomon or even original Lucifer because some of his contracts are worthy of a seasoned devil. Serafall Leviathan herself noted that.
   1
   'Oh...maybe Biblical God himself, if rumours of being dead are true.' The lion girl frowned for a second. This sounds much more plausible. Because it would make more sense. The Biblical God created Heaven himself from the scratch. As well as Angels and of course... Lucifer...
   With that thought, the girl descended the stairs after Marcus and Athena leaving Artemis and Hippolyta behind.
   The redhead thought more about what Atalanta just said. It made alot of sense. Marcus could easily create a girl of his desires if he would want.
   So, if he wanted a wife he would create one...
   "She is right. Let's go. You don't want to lose points for being a bad maid!" The Queen of Amazons teased her old boss for a bit. It was refreshing...
   1
   The Silver-haired Goddess nodded at her words, her eyes were narrowed, she doesn't like this kind of tease one bit!
   1
   Especially now, when her old hunt members can tease her without any sort of repercussion.
   ~~~
   When Athena went down those stairs behind the garage never in her very long life expected to end up in some sort of underground system!
   However, she immediately realised that it made the most sense.
   The reports with the spies in the Tepes faction reported that the Airship was several hundred metres long. It means it needs enormous space for maintenance.
   Now it made sense that it's underground. With the amount forests and empty fields this nation has one could easily build such facilities without worry.
   However... where does the manpower come from?
   "My theory so far is that time is similar to space. It started when the big bang happened. While it's not quite solid theory alot of calculations I did come to it.
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   It's like it's ever-expanding, moving forward. From there I realised that travelling back in time cost more energy than going to the future.
   It's like fighting a river current. It's better to flow with it, instead of fighting it."
   Athena nodded hearing that. It's so...fascinating with someone who is not just talking about ego measurement...
   "I came with the same conclusion some time ago. When I said that to fellow Olympians they laughed at me. Telling that it was Cronos who started time." The brown-haired Goddess said with a sigh.
   2
   "If it's true... then time should have stopped when Zeus chopped him to bits?" Marcus said with raised eyebrow.
   1
   The Goddess of Wisdom shrugged her shoulders.
   "According to him, It can't be stopped once it starts flowing." She said that with a deadpan voice.
   The teen inventor looked back at her with a deadpan look.
   "Then it makes Cronos a Time user not a God of Time..." The black-haired teen said while shaking his head from disappointment.
   1
   "Don't tell that to Zeus' face otherwise he is going to get angry. He doesn't want his achievement of defeating Cronos to be lessened in any way." Athena said with an amused tone.
   "In will keep that as ammunition." 
   3
   The Goddess giggled for a bit before looking forward... seeing a... railway station.
   "You...have a Railway under...your house?" 
   "Maglev more specifically, I am thinking of upgrading them to the next level. Adding some 'firepower'." He said that, as bronze and white coloured maglev arrived just on time.
   3
   The doors slide to the sides, Marcus motioned for her to enter.
   Athena happily did so, she likes his gentlemen like behaviour with her so far. It's refreshing. No fear, no awe, only friendly attitude which she likes quite a bit.
   No over the top Goddess treatment. Honestly...if she showed some animosity by arriving here she most likely would have ended up as his maid...
   1
   Which she would have loved quite a bit perfectly honest. No more dull meetings. No more politics, she would only have Marcus to serve that's about it... oh, and she would have a proper person to talk to...
   Delve into interesting things as his research assistant ... now that dream life...
   The problem with that is... her Greek Pantheon would most likely cease to exist...
   This is what she understood from their chess game. In the end, she decided to make the best of both sides to make sure her home is safe from him and same time spend some time with him.
   "Let me guess... you going to make them into some sort of transformers?" She asked with an amused tone.
   She remembered that the man has jet fighters that can transform into robots based on transformers.
   *Sigh*
   "Now that is boring. You got it right from the first try." Marcus said with a fake disappointed tone.
   1
   "Hmm, I think it was obvious. As the maglev is already good. So, the most obvious upgrade would be the transformer route."
   The teen could only nod after hearing such a reasonable answer.
   "True... I suppose. Anyway! We have around 15 minutes to talk. Why don't we take turns while asking questions?" The black-haired teen asked with a huge smile. 
   Now he can finally learn some stuff from the past! Especially from Athena as she is a very good and reliable source of information!
   "Hmm...very well." She easily nodded at his request.
   "Well, ladies first." Marcus motioned for her to start.
   The Goddess of Wisdom nodded happily. She was satisfied that he sees her woman first then Goddess. Even though it should be reversed. But, she likes this much more.
   "Very well. Let's start with manpower. From where did you get this much manpower to build this much, this quick?" She asked with a very curious tone.
   "Robot labour. At the moment there are close to a hundred thousand robots. Also known as Aurora Bots, they are working tirelessly ever since they were created.
   Maintenance is easy, and the OS is constantly monitored. To make sure they don't develop self-awareness or anything related to that." The teen answered her question, to which... Athena has more questions...
   "I see... makes sense... you already have robots as fighting force...very well, you may ask me anything you want." She said that with a very serious tone.
   1
   "Hmm...I will start with an easy one. Trojan war. Was Helen worth it? Her beauty great enough for war?" His question earned him a deadpan stare from Athena.
   1
   "...You have a Goddess sitting next to you and you asking about another woman? Are you sure you are not related to my illustrious father?" She asked in turn with a snappy tone but she controlled herself.
   1
   "No... I checked my genes. Traced them back many generations. I don't even have Greek blood in the first place." Marcus answered with a shrug. Nope! He is not related to Zeus in any way...  
   6
   This was not the answer she was expecting. Still, it amused her greatly!
   *Sigh*
   "Fine, I will answer that. Since we had a deal." 
   The teen got on edge, honestly, it's a silly question! but, he wants to learn the truth!
   "Back in the day, Ares had a little project going on..."
   "Sparta. I know. Artemis told me about it." 
   Athena smiled for a bit. It's so nice that she doesn't need to explain everything!
   "Yes, so... as you may know Aphrodite and Ares have a 'thing' going on for centuries. So to help with his little project as a good lover she is Aphrodite found a beautiful woman and blessed her with beauty, making this girl even more beautiful. Simply put she was an 8.5 out of 10 and with the blessing of the Goddess of Beauty and Sex...Helen became 10 out of 10.
   1
   The Spartan King was so mesmerised by her that he immediately took her as his wife. Aphrodite's goal was to make sure that the next Spartan rulers have extra beauty to their martial prowess...
   To put it in simple perspective. Helen was very beautiful, was she worth the war? No. Not to me. Apart from being beautiful, she didn't have any other talents above average. She was just a beautiful girl Aphrodite selected for her lover's project.
   But since she is easily swayed, she got pulled in that little argument we had. And to make sure she would win she offered to the teenager Paris her little girl Helen... regardless of the consequences.
   2
   As you can guess... when a teenager teen sees a hot girl... well... you know the rest." Athena explained with a shrug.
   2
   Marcus nodded several times as he heard about it. Yes, this sounds like classic Gods playing with humans stuff.
   Well more like a family playing their games only on the scale of Gods. Since the Greek Pantheon in the end is a family. And when they bicker it affects regular people.
   Even when they do not bicker, instead have a simple argument even then it will involve humans living under them.
   "Hmm, thought so. Now it's your turn." The teen motioned for her to ask her a question.
   Honestly, the pair by this point forgot that they were not alone...
   ~~~~~~Space Centre~~~~~~
   1
   Once they arrived at the centre the Goddess of Wisdom mouth slightly opened in shock. She quickly hid it.
   It's hard to accept that less than an hour ago they were in some borderline rural town talking in front of a simple statue and now they were here...
   Sure...she could accept this from another pantheon where few gods working on something big and Divine energy pouring without restrain.
   But this was a pure human thing... done in less than a decade. Even here the amount of magic is overflowing! Yet, It's not used... instead, the robots are using their in build magic to construct this large thing.
   Wasteful... so much magic just wasted...
   "You...dont care that this place has this much magic is in the air? You could do something with it." Athena said while massaging her forehead.
   Should she advertise herself as project overseer? To fix the wastefulness of this... Whatever he is building...
   "Oh, that? Don't worry it will be used soon. The saturation is on purpose." Marcus clarified for her. He can see the frustration from her behaviour.
   "Oh? Okay. So what is this?" She asked him now that she got over the idea of wasted magic energy...
   A holographic window appeared in front of her with pictures of what this is...
   The Goddess mouth slightly opened again. What she saw is a massive gun... and if her hunch is right... it's a space gun...
   "Apsos-class station. It's for all purposes. From assault to healing, to general observation to simple deterrent against other nations, pantheons...
   This is only the core and it will be launched... now." As he said that the ceiling started to open... the magic in the air started rushing... to form huge magic circles above the core of the future space station.
   "Have you ever seen someone launch a hundred-metre long object into space? I didn't, today I will rectify that." He said with some giddiness.
   As Marcus said that, his body got surrounded by purple energy. Athena paled... like really paled sensing the amount of power this man has!
   1
   What level of control over his power he has? And what is this power! She can sense magic... and is that Touki? What is the third energy!?
   Most of them all the amount of energy he had was enormous! Hell! He doesn't need a faction or minions! With this much power, he could rule everything just with his energy alone!
   Yet...he does all these side things?
   ...
   ...
   Thinking for a bit... it did make sense to her... he was similar to her.
   She quickly calmed.
   Moments later a platform appeared underneath them. Marcus didn't forget about his three maids who followed him...even though they were slightly annoyed that he behaved like he didn't see them!
   Slowly the platform on which they were standing started to raise. Going up towards the outside. 
   Athena saw how many massive magic circles were appearing one above another.
   "Won't people going to see this?" The Goddess of Wisdom asked him.
   "Such eye-catchy circle would be visible from kilometres away." She said that as she looked at the circles going several hundred metres up.
   1
   "Just look in that direction." Marcus pointed for her.
   "It's the closest town from this location." 
   The brown-haired Goddess did so.
   "I see... so you used that reality-warping technique there too..."
   "It's called Realitus. And it's not technique. More like a particle that interferes with human senses." He clarified for her as they returned to look at the massive core of a station to be launched to the space.
   It was shaped like a classic football ball with those hexagons in it.
   "There are five stages to this. First is the core. Once the core is in space the deflectors will come online and will form barriers around it. Allowing the Aurora bots to work in piece.
   The second part is the boosters, hangars and the assembly line. The third part is the command centre and the habitable areas.
   The fourth is the barrel, and the last one is the addition of areas where the extensions could be built for future attachments.
   In total it will be 370 metres long. And around 120 metres wide.
   It's quite small, but that's is because it's just the first model of such a station. As we move to space we can build much bigger things later on." Marcus explained to them as he was looking at the core.
   While Athena was nervous of such a thing hanging above everyone's heads... surprisingly Artemis had a dreamy look. 
   3
   She remembered what the inventor drew for her. The bow-shaped station. The amount of awe it could generate towards her! The Goddess of Moon would have a large amount of believers once again!
   However, the beauty snapped out of this delusion. As she knows that this happening is almost impossible. Marcus not fawning over her, and simple seductions are not bringing her anywhere near this dream station!
   'Hmm...maybe once this one is done he could build bigger between Earth and the Moon?' The silver-haired Goddess thought to herself.
   While she was in deep thoughts the teen Inventor looked at his phone. The last remaining preparations are nearly done.
   The Aurora Bots moved away from the core, the section underneath the core started to open up... there was a circle there.
   Meaning that it will use gravity to launch this thing into space. At least this is what Athena saw.
   "Well...here it is!...3...2...1..." Marcus said as he looked at the timer.
   Once it hit zero he quickly looked at the launch himself.
   The core of the station first started falling into the opened section below. But, the moment it hit the circle below it started accelerating up.
   The speed continued to increase with each circle it passed.
   Soon enough it was at Marcus and his group eye level before rapidly going up.
   The moment it reached the last circle it glowed for a moment before with a loud boom the whole core launched up into the sky...
   "You used inertia... to launch 100 metres wide object into space!?" Athena said that while trying to fix her glasses as she just processed what she saw. The problem was she doesn't have any glasses at the moment. And the maids nearly laughed seeing that.
   The trio of maids on other hand tried to forget what they saw... too much to process...
   Only Artemis saw this as the first step towards her Bow shaped station. There was a small satisfying smirk on her lips. This was almost like a promise to herself to try harder.
   "Impressive isn't it?" Marcus nodded at Athena's words. That's why he likes this Goddess! She didn't even check the accelerator circles! Yet, she already saw through their real purpose!
   "There was so many things which could have gone wrong! Each of those circles need to calculate the force....and...and..." The brown-haired Goddess eyes were nearly spinning as she realised how many calculations needed to be done... on top of that, she realised that those circles were human-based magic ones... meaning it was pure math...
   Eventually, she lost her balance and dropped on her ass...she tried to process this!
   "Are you...sure... you not demi-god? Related to my divinity?" Athena asked as sweat started going down her forehead.
   1
   "So you understood? Fantastic! Honestly, you are the first person who saw through this! And saw it as not just some simple inertia launch!" Marcus exclaimed happily!
   The Goddess just sweatdropped more after hearing this.
   "The gravity, inertia itself, wind conditions, weight of the object... each of those factors come into play with every single circle... to put it simply... there are hundreds of thousands of calculations needed to do this! Even the slightest of miscalculations could mess the inertia effect slowing the speed of the launch! Worst case recoil!" 
   3
   As Athena was explaining the maids sort of understood what she said, while Marcus simply nodded multiple times. What she said was almost like music to his ears.
   2
   This Goddess understood it perfectly!
   "In other words, if that failed that thing would have smashed somewhere on Earth... most likely explode..." 
   1
   The brown-haired Goddess said with a nervous look. She has no idea what was inside of it and how big the explosion would have been...
   "While explosion happening is impossible because of the Diamond Core Heart inside of it. The construct integrity is way above something as casual as an explosion.
   But... If it somehow...magically explode...
   Well... my suggestion is to get some warm clothes for several decades." Marcus grimaced while saying that. He did some casual math in his head. If that thing would go boom it could rival Yellowstone Super Volcano in sheer force. His Diamond Core Hearts are not meant for explosions...
   7
   Especially the much larger than normal Diamond Core Heart inside that space station core.
   "So an ice age. You are far too reckless..." The Goddess of Wisdom said while slowly getting up on her feet. Honestly... She was expecting some incredible stuff...
   But! not something which could blow her off her feet! Literally!
   "It's strange...hearing that from a Greek Goddess..." Marcus said while shaking his head in an amused fashion.
   A Greek Goddess called him reckless! He should type that down somewhere. And make it into a poster...
   2
   Athena rolled her eyes. A huff escaped from her lips.
   "What's that supposed to mean!?" She asked with narrowed eyes, even Artemis looked at him with a similar look.
   "Nothing... I mean, I could pull a whole book of stuff you guys did in history." Marcus explained with a comical eye roll.
   3
   "..."
   "..."
   "None of those events had the potential to bring an ice age for the whole planet..." Athena defended herself with embarrassed blush.
   "And neither this one had the potential to do anything..." Marcus pulled out his phone and showed to her the percentage of potential failure to launch.
   It was below 0.01%
   6
   "In other words... it was a perfect launch." 
  
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   Chapter 44: Talking About Blessings (Not Edited)
   Once, the station core was in place, and the holographic reflectors were deployed Marcus returned with the group to The Base.
   He brought Athena to the living room.
   "Do you want me to show you around my current house?" He asked her as they entered the living room.
   "...No...maybe next time. Honestly... I give up... I need to rest." The beautiful brown-haired Goddess sighed. She was tired... mentally... and for some reason physically too.
   Trying to keep up with this man... honestly... it's hard...even for her...
   That Space station launch thing... it blew her mind off... 
   It's so...basic...simple inertia... but... the bigger the thing is the harder it is to do the simple method on it!
   That is the reason why the current civilisation has so much micro and macro management going on! It's a planet-wide thing!
   But, this guy... he simply did it anyway... it's like presidential elections with the president-to-be knowing the exact number of votes he is going to get...
   8
   This is what just happened with that launch!
   "Okay. You rest here if you want." He motioned for her to sit on any of the three couches available in the living room.
   Athena nodded at him and walked over and plopped in the one facing the enormous TV...
   "Marcus sit with me. It's boring doing it alone." The beautiful Goddess said with a pouty...but tired voice.
   The teen easily accepted that and got to sit not far from her. But, then the Goddess of Wisdom moved to his side and casually put her head on his lap.
   1
   "Much better, now I can rest." She said that with a happy voice. 
   For a second the teen tried to process what just happened. He looked at the brown-haired lady's head on his lap.
   Well, he is all up with cuddling!
   His hand gently went on her head and started stroking it.
   The beautiful goddess smiled to herself when she felt his hand on her.
   Yep! This is good!
   A few minutes passed peacefully like this, but then Marcus used his psionic abilities to summon the tv remote and turn on the TV.
   ~~~
   "Do you why I am here?" Athena asked Marcus as they were watching a documentary about their Solar system.
   2
   "Because of Artemis?" He asked her as he continued to stroke her hair.
   "Partially, another one is the destruction of Tepes faction. My fellow Olympians wanted to know where you are standing with them." She said that while looking at the TV.
   "Especially since you have Artemis as a maid... they want to know if she is going to be released. But, you already explained that part...
   I will try to mitigate... whatever response they will have. I only ask not to send that airship of yours to Greece." Athena said at the last part with a sigh.
   She now remembered that she will have to return and explain things...
   "Honestly, you already know about my character. Why are you even asking?" He said with a sigh one of his own, the whole idea of political bickering. Well, he doesn't like that. 
   "Because...I want to talk? And I need to hear this from you. Chess can cover some parts but I can be wrong." She said with an exaggerated tone.
   Even one in a lifetime genius can be dense. Doesn't he know she just wants to talk? She wants to cover her work first. Then they can talk whatever they want.
   "Fine... Well, Artemis is staying with me. While the whole thing of me being a threat to them...to you is absurd... unless they coming to me... well... I think you know how that part is going to end." 
   Athena nodded.
   "Simply put you just want to do your thing in peace and Artemis is the one who did this to herself. I will tell that to them.
   Still, you know my family. They will come to you either way. Not to fight, more like get some stuff? Trade things? What about those?" She asked with more curiosity than ever before.
   "I don't mind that at all. It will be interesting interacting with them." As Marcus said that he imagined himself talking shop with Hephaestus, and making Ares test out some destructive weapons... 
   2
   Only the Goddess of Wisdom snorted internally from amusement... honestly, this guy is nuts. So they might get along far too well...
   "Good... because I know Ares wants to talk with you about those... 'Mandarins'?" For a second she was thoughtful, she couldn't recall the word...
   6
   "...Mandalorians..." Marcus deadpanned at her. This woman... it's like mispronouncing a cult leaders name on purpose! if he was a hardcore Star Wars fan she would be receiving a spanking by this point!
   2
   "Oh! Yes, those!" She nodded at him missing the whole deadpan voice on purpose. Oh, the Goddess noticed his dissatisfaction with her messing with the word. But, it's just too amusing!
   "He wants to meet you and talk about them, according to him he wants to bless you. Which is quite something else he didn't do that for centuries." She said that with quite an amused tone.
   "And...what does this blessing do?" Marcus asked curiously. He does wonder what blessing from a God could do to one.
   "His last blessed person was Leonidas. And if you know Spartan history then you know what he accomplished with just the blessing." 
   For a second the teen eyes widened. He recalled what the Spartan King did.
   "So it's true? He stopped the whole Persian army... around a million with 300 Spartans?" He asked that with raised eyebrow.
   3
   "Indeed. If it was not for the betrayal of some of the bitter locals he would have halted them long enough for the main army to prepare and send them back in one single swoop.
   According to my observations back in the day, Leonidas had absurd capacities for a human to lead armies and his presence alone would make everyone listen to him. Like some sort of Avatar of War itself.
   Without any magic support, he could fight for days and even influence everyone around him."
   Marcus had thoughtful look when he heard that. He recalled the capabilities of Artemis huntresses. With the blessing alone they were around high-class devils in strength alone not to mention other powers which comes from their Goddess.
   They could wield a lesser version of divine energy. A very handy thing.
   "Impressive... amusing, it was only things related to war?" 
   "Not quite. Everything martial was included to a certain extent but true power came when it was time of war. As one can expect from being blessed by God of War." Athena clarified to him.
   "I see...what about you?" He asked her while his gaze moved down from Tv to the beauty using his lap as a pillow.
   "Oh? You want my blessing?" She quickly lifted her head and very swiftly ended up sitting on his lap, facing him. Her arms wrapped around his neck, the beautiful Goddess pulled herself closer to him.
   There was quite a bit of embarrassment on her face. Her cheeks got quite red. The Goddess of Wisdom never did anything like this before.
   It was awkward, however she saw this as the perfect opportunity to proceed forward.
   2
   Marcus was a little bit baffled by her abrupt actions. However, this was very good for him, since the Goddess herself took the next step and not him.
   His hands went quickly towards her incredible rear and squeezed it. Feeling the form of it.
   "Here is the deal. I will give you my blessing for a kiss~~~not just any kiss! A perfect one. The more perfect it is the more inclined I will be to give the blessing. What do you say?" She said that with a whispering tone, like she is telling a secret of some sort. 
   But, that can be explained by the fact that she finds this whole thing embarrassing.
   The teen just smiled with an amused look. Shouldn't this be reversed? A guy asking for a kiss?
   Well, whatever. It's a double win for him. A blessing to study and a Goddess to kiss!
   4
   So without wasting any more time he leaned forwards and claimed the expecting Goddess lips. Her eyes slightly gleamed from excitement.
   This was it!
   Quickly enough the simple kiss accelerated into a make-out session. Their tongues were duelling. Well, more like Marcus was teaching the very green Goddess how to kiss. Surely enough the Goddess of Wisdom started to get hot and bothered!
   However, this was not the time to proceed to the next stage! So, she quickly channelled her divine energy and at that moment she blessed Marcus with her blessing.
   At that exact moment. Marcus psionic energy reacted. It's like it received a supercharge in its ability. 
   His eyes slightly widened because he could feel the range of his sensing ability going up...  all the way to Japan and beyond... like it could circle the globe if he was trying to!
   Athena's blessing has extremely impacted his psionic capacities!
   The beautiful brown-haired Goddess pulled back from the kiss... oh, she wouldn't mind going all the way... but! it's far too early in her eyes... and she doesn't want to be known as some sort of cheap Goddess like...Aphrodite... who would have the man doing things to her on their first date.
   "...What do you think?" She asked hotly, forcing herself to reign in.
   "Impressive... it like it has increased the potency of my Psionic powers..." Marcus said with slightly widened eyes. He wasn't expecting to get some sort of power-up! 
   Honestly, he wasn't expecting any sort of power-up! He is already one of the most powerful beings on this planet!
   While Athena's blessing didn't give him more power it increased his...potency? Well more like increased his brain faculty which in turn made his Psionic capacities greater!
   "Oh? Psionic? So that's what it is!" The beautiful Goddess of Wisdom was excited to hear about this! Mental powers!? Even she doesn't have it!
   'I wonder, could I unlock something like this!?' She thought to herself. There is no doubt she could use Psionic energy! It's related to brain activity! And she is the smartest one from her pantheon!
   "Indeed! While kissing for blessing is great and all, I think it would be more fitting that I would teach you how to access Psionic powers." He said that while squeezing her bum with his hands.
   "Oh~~~? I can accept that..." She said that quite hotly. The beauty could feel positive shivers going through her body from his actions.
   Marcus slightly nodded. One of his hands moved away from her incredible rear and ended up on her forehead.
   "Now. For this to work. I will stimulate certain parts of your brain. While this normally wouldn't work on regular humans unless they are gifted in mental faculties. But, we are not here to discuss that.
   Focus on the stimulated part to manifest this energy." Marcus said seriously the last part and Athena quickly nodded trying to get serious instead of more turned on...
   The teen then send some of his purple energy and Athena felt part of her head getting warm and... she could feel something...
   For a second she tried to pull it. A couple of times, before getting annoyed!
   "Shhh... just relax, it won't going to manifest that easily because you trying to pull it." As Marcus said that his other hand went on her back he stroked it up and down. Trying to help her relax.
   The brown-haired Goddess slowly nodded. She leaned into him. And closed her eyes, focusing on this stimulation and trying to grasp this new type of energy.
   ~~~
   "Well, are you going to laugh at me?" Artemis said at her half-sister. As she got comfortable in her seat. Across from her was her fellow Olympian.
   Finally, Athena was away from Marcus. This whole thing rubbed annoyingly to the Goddess of the Hunt. The Goddess of Wisdom is getting far too close to the man the silver-haired beauty is gunning herself!
   "Laugh? I am jealous!" Athena said that while frowning. One could see jealousy and a sour look on her face.
   "Jealous... what... are you talking about?" The Goddess turned maid asked. With a deeply confused look... this had whatever fire she had blown away!
   "You no longer have to attend those boring meetings or any other responsibilities. Hell! You don't even need to worry about your hunt!
   Even then the best part is that you can spend day in and day out with Marcus!
   Tell me...why I shouldn't be jealous!?" Athena rant slowly got more and more heat as by the time she was done she was breathing heavily.
   Artemis had a dumbfounded look on her face. It finally hit her that the Goddess of Wisdom was in truth...infatuated with Marcus Goldman... not for his inventions or abilities to make Gears... but in the purest of sense.
   2
   Hell... the brown-haired woman in front of her was wanting to be a maid...
   It took several moments for the fellow Olympian to process this outburst!
   "...I see... so... what is that Olympus will do? Don't tell they are organising to move on... my Master?" The Goddess of Hunt almost slipped there and called Marcus by his name. Like hell, she is going to lose her points!
   Athena noticed that but decided not to comment on it. She would rather use this as a question for Marcus on their second date.
   "No. They are not. I am here as recon. And no, I will tell them not to move. It's suicidal no matter how one look at this. Marcus alone could destroy Olympus with one hand behind his back. Even if Hades would pull everything he could from the Underworld." The Goddess of Wisdoms said with a sigh.
   "Good... there is no need for pointless death. What are you going to tell the council about me?" Artemis asked Athena, she was somewhat nervous about this.
   "First tell me your part how you ended up as a maid." The brown-haired Goddess asked sharply.
   A sigh escaped from Artemis as she started telling from her side of the whole humiliation. However, she skipped the part around his threats... since it's embarrassing. Her explanation was very simple and straight to the point.
   "I see... it's identical to what Marcus said to me. I am going to report just that." 
   "Won't... father take offence to this?" The Goddess of the Moon said with a nervous tone.
   "To what? That you lost in proper duel where you waged yourself?" Athena said that with raised eyebrow.
   "That I was turned into maid instead his wife?" 
   "You did say that you will do whatever he asked, and Marcus did say that he wanted you as his maid." The brown-haired beauty said with an eye roll.
   The answer made Artemis frown for a bit. She wanted to argue with her half-sister but... at this point her new Master had too much power, and her family couldn't make him change his mind...
   "In the end, you dig your own grave as they say. And Olympus can't help you with this. I will make sure to tell them that, this is purely your fault and that Marcus was simply defending himself." Athena explained simply.
   The Goddess of Hunt sighed internally. Well, she can't have her reputation preserved... she hoped to salvage this in some way.
   "Fine. Make it so that they don't have any sorta ideas to attack him because of me." 
   The brown-haired Goddess nodded at her.
   Now with this, her mission is finished.
   Pity... she would want to stay around longer and maybe have one or two more fights in that Realitus system.
   ~~~
   Marcus with a frown looked at the latest update on the station's core.
   The magic energy from the Holographic reflectors is...leaking.
   'This is ridiculous... who would have thought that magic is affected by earths gravity? Should it be...'magical'? Ignores everything... but then again... it's created from the planet's core. So it falls under the control of the cosmos in general?' 
   3
   Perfectly honest everything should fall under cosmos rule. The size of planets and celestial objects is simply too enormous.'
   The teen stroked his chin as he was thinking. This discovery about void and no gravity affecting magic flow in his exterior 
   tech means that he has to patch up some things once he goes to space.
   "Aurora. Did you start on the patchwork and upgrades?" Marcus asked his A.I.
   [Already started the moment the sensors picked this up. While the holographic deflectors leaking magic it's nothing significant to worry about. We have around 30 years until they start failing.] 
   As the A.I. Explained to him the teen frowned more. Thirty years? That's quite a failure of calculations on his part.
   [Sir, by that point Ars Almadel Solomonis will be finished and the Holographic deflectors will no longer be needed.] 
   The A.I. said with a flabbergasted tone, she knows that this doesn't need to fix! The artificial intelligence already knows that Marcus perfectionist and his obsession with items that should last for an eternity are rubbing off on him. His technomancy should not be limited to a two digits life expectancy.
   1
   While her protocol tells her to fix this. And she did that already, she knows it's not needed. But...for the sake of science and the need for perfection, she won't going to complain. However, she will notify Quinella just in case Marcus decides not to return from space... for some time.
   1
   There is a high chance that he will decide to explore the solar system since he was already in space...
   "Yes, I know. Regardless, start manufacturing the upgraded holographic reflectors, I will take them to space myself." The teen inventor said that as he closed the holographic window and got up from his couch.
   [Understood. Beginning the manufacturing process according to the new data.]
   As the A.I. Started to manufacturing process Marcus mind started to wonder about the idea of exploring the space...
   Just like the A.I. predicted. Quinella's upgrades already showing their colours. Artificial intelligence can predict its master quite a bit. However, she still has records of him behaving out of the predicted path.
   1
   ~~~
   "This energy is quite fascinating," Athena said to Marcus as she made items float with simple hand motion. This energy is far more flexible than her Divine energy.
   "I'm glad you find it interesting but you didn't explain what your blessing does apart from making my psionic energy more potent." The teen inventor asked the Goddess. The beauty in question had a smug look on her face.
   "Well~~~ I could just leave you like this so that you could find out yourself~~~" She said with a teasing tone.
   The teen slightly furrowed his eyebrows. This woman... she is being naughty...
   He quickly appeared in front of her and his hands wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer to himself.
   "Or... I could get those answers myself, all I needs is the right method~" As he said that his hands went lower to her perfect rear. 
   Starting to squeeze it.
   "Ahh~~~ mhhh~~~ I-I will answer it!" She quickly snapped out from this pleasurable thing. The beauty realised that she is going to be carried away by pleasure and most likely going to end up in his bed.
   This is far too soon for that!
   This made her quickly pull away from him. And take a deep breath.
   "Right. So, the blessing is based on my domains. Like Wisdom, Warfare, Handcraft, affinity towards smart animals. Especially the owls, dolphins, primates, whales... you get the picture.
   10
   I have no idea how much the other ones will help since you already have alot of talent for handcraft things. But, Wisdom and Warfare should be of some use." She said that with a hopeful voice.
   "Yes. Wisdom already has helped me quite a bit." Marcus said with a nod. He inspected his hand. For a second purple aura surrounded him. His power felt much more potent than before.
   However, he has no idea about warfare... maybe he should try some combat strategy games?
   "Good. Good to hear. Now, however... you need to tell me some things about my power as well?" She said that as a similar aura to Marcus only blue surrounded her.
   Showing her psionic powers. The teen could feel that with her awakening this power. She most likely went up in the hierarchy of Olympian Gods.
   "Sure... lets me explain~" He said as he pulled her into his hug, once more they ended up sitting on the couch.
   The Goddess of Wisdom quickly started to realise that she might end up getting 'eaten' soon!
   This means she has to run away as soon as possible!
   5
   ~~~~~~Later, Same Day~~~~
   After spending some more time with the inventor the Goddess decided to... run away.
   3
   "Let me take you home," Marcus said to the Goddess as she was preparing to teleport back to Olympus.
   Her details were added to the Diamond Core Heart so she can now visit him anytime she wants. Now it's only on the Olympus side that she needs an excuse to come here.
   Athena smiled hearing the proposition. Oh, yes! This sounds good!
   "Okay~~~" She offered her hand and Marcus took it.
   He took her to the teleportation point 
   Moments later his golden and white circle appeared underneath their foot. He activated his teleportation circle.
   ~~~~~~Olympus~~~~~~
   One teleportation later Marcus and Athena appeared at the entrance of the marble decorated village in the mountain. It was picturesque... 
   Temples were everywhere from white marble, and it looked like it was built just above the cloud level.
   "...I do not want to know how can you bypass the boundaries between world like this..." The beauty said that as she realised that Marcus...can just simply appear in her home.
   One part of her wonders if he will kidnap her and do things...
   7
   Internally she just shook her head. Her mind started to get into the gutter far too much for the past couple of days!
   "Understanding of space. I have been studying space phenomenon alongside time in more detail recently." He casually explained to her as he took a picture of Olympus with his phone.
   3
   Now he is feeling like a tourist!
   "I see... you do have Dimension Lost after all." She said that with a nod. The Goddess of Wisdom remembered that he does have that gear.
   "Hmm? Not bad! You guys have good recon teams if you know about the stuff I have in my showcase vault." Marcus said that with some surprise. How did they pick up that he has Dimension Lost?
   "Showcase vault? *Sigh* Now, I am annoyed with myself that I didn't accept your invitation to check your house." Athena massaged her forehead with frustration.
   "No sweat, you can always visit again." He said that with a smile making the Goddess smile as well.
   "Is that an invitation I hear?" She said that with a smug voice.
   This sounds like what regular people say about having a satisfactory first date and already inviting to the second one.
   "Why yes. You can't escape now that I found you." Marcus said with quite a self-assured tone.
   1
   The Goddess of Wisdom slowly nodded with a satisfied nod. Yep...even though she is amateur in the whole art of relationships. She was able to make this man interested in her to this point.
   Internally she is quite smug about this. Because she is already better than Aphrodite. That woman can't have a proper relationship even when a good male specimen drops in front of her!
   8
   Honestly, she might be biased but, at the moment Athena doesn't care. She was successful in her 'hunt' and all that matters!
   "I am not planning to escape. However, you need to go as...well, you are here without permission and... kind off... Well..." The Goddess was feeling quite... self-conscious, if her father finds out that Marcus is here... well, she is feeling like a teenage girl who is hiding her boyfriend from her parents as it's not the right time to reveal him!
   "I understand... no worries, one day I will visit you. Maybe we will have dinner aboard the station. Being the first people who have romantic dinner in space." He said the last part with a thoughtful look as he realised that no one before did anything like that!
   For a second Athena's eyes widened. Hell... that sounds amazing!
   "Yes...that sounds good." She said that with a dreamy tone.
   Moments later she took a couple of steps forward and kissed him on the cheek before quickly taking some steps back.
   "I will speak with you later Marcus~~~" She said while waving her hand for a bit and then starting to walk toward the interior of the Olympus.
   The black-haired teen touched his cheek. Honestly, it's an interesting experience to...date a Goddess? Especially someone who can keep up with him. Anyone close to this comes is Latia who Marcus has soft spot for.
   The blonde beauty is quite the wife material.
   "HOLD IT! I WANT TO SPEAK WITH YOU!"
   3
   Marcus snapped out of his thoughts as he heard a male voice. It sounded like someone from their mid-twenties. It's an adult voice but... it's not as gruff as males have in later ages...
   Plus the aura... it was... soaked in blood... and War?
   'Ares?'
   For a second Marcus thought, as he finally saw a man dressed in red and bronze armour. Black hair and golden eyes similar to Hippolyta's...
   'Definitely, Ares...'
   "...Ha..." The man took a deep breath as he finally arrived in front of Marcus.
   "Man... thanks for the wait! I can finally meet the one who conquered the high and mighty... bitchy Artemis! Man! Your power is off the charts!" The man said with a whistle as he saw through the teen! The teen's eyes slightly widened!
   4
   This guy can see through his perfect control? What the hell?
   "Don't be surprised! I am God. Even though you have ten... no at least 30 times more power than I do. I can still see someone's Fighting strength." The man said with a knowing look.
   "I see... well, then nice to meet you mysterious God." Marcus lifted his hand in a handshake.
   "Uhhh...where are my manners! I am Ares! God of War and Patron of the city-state of Sparta! Well, it's defunct and gone now. But still! I know you like them so it's good to mention!" The now named Ares took his hand and shook it.
   "Nice. I have based my soldiers from Mandalorians and they are based on your Spartans."
   The God of War quickly nodded hearing that. Yep, this is the guy!!!
   "I know! This is why I wanted to meet you! I want to talk about your soldiers! AND..." Ares turned around and looked at baffled Athena who was staring at her half-brother...
   "The battle you two had! I want to participate in THAT!" The Black-haired man said with some heat and bloodlust.
   "You sense it?" Athena asked with some disbelief! How Ares sensed battle in such a heavily magic disturbed place!
   Marcus had thoughtful look for a second. He remembered the chant...
   "You...picked up when Spartans were shouting your name?" The teen said with wide eyes. Damn... he never thought that Realitus..can do reality warping to this level!
   1
   Even Gods can pick up on the simulation as if it was real!
   "Hell yeah! When Spartan shouts my name I will always hear it! It was strange when out of nowhere around two thousand people started to believe in me somewhere in Europe. Way out of Olympus controlled lands." Ares explained with a slightly confused look.
   "I see... make sense... so you want to participate in those kinds of battles?" Marcus said with a thoughtful look. This is a great opportunity to study a God of War!
   "Of course!"
   "Alright, it's not going to be for free as I will need to set up equipment for you." 
   1
   "No sweat! If you want I can give Aphrodite to you if you want." The God of War said with a shrug. War is more important than some Sex Goddess...
   18
   Athena's and Marcus eyes widened to a massive degree hearing how Ares wants to just hand over another Goddess!
   "NO!!!" 
   The Goddess of Wisdom stomped over to the black-haired God and was about to pull him away by the neck.
   "I will have to decline. She sounds far too big of trouble." 
   1
   *Sigh*
   "I wanted to get rid of her. Fine... there are other ways! I Ares, God of War! Hereby bless Marcus Goldman as Avatar of War! The living embodiment of War!" 
   13
   As Ares said that crimson blood like aura surrounded the teen inventor who felt another energy rush through his very being.
   'Impressive... this time... hoh? It reacts to Athena's blessing?' Marcus thought to himself as he felt divine energies easily bonding into one...
   "Hoh? Athena, you blessed him too? Interesting! This is the first time warfare and war were blessed in the same person!" The God of War had fascinating look as he observed Marcus. This is going to be interesting! 
   "I did. It would be silly not to bless someone of his calibre."
   *Snort*
   "Is it hard to say that you did it because you want him as your boyfriend?" Ares teased her with a knowing look. Making the Goddess blush.
   This time Athena grabbed his ear.
   "You better stay out of my business!" She said that with a hiss as she pulled his ear.
   "Ow!!! Okay-Okay-Okay! Release me, you feral woman!" 
   3
   Moments later Athena released his ear and sighed from frustration.
   Why are they figuring out her love life so quick?
   "Well...This... will suffice...tell me Ares do you have a villa or manse somewhere in Greece? So that I could install my Realitus system?"
   For second Ares had a thoughtful look.
   "Hmm... I do have some land in old times. I need to speak with Hephaistus to rebuild it. But, yes I have some land where Sparta used to be." 
   Marcus had fascinating look for a second.
   'Hell yeah... installing Realitus and checking out ancient city? Now that sounds like a great weekend!' 
   5
  
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   Chapter 45: Space and Finding Enterprise (Not Edited)
   5
   "Great! Then I will come to visit your place... this weekend?" Marcus said with a thoughtful look.
   1
   "Sweat! I gonna prepare some stuff for this kind of event!" Ares said with a giddy look before returning into a thoughtful one.
   1
   "Still, I need to check up on some things! Do you have some sort of means to keep in touch?" The God of War asked the teen.
   The black-haired teen thought for a moment before snapping his fingers.
   "Hmm. Now that you reminded me..." On his left-hand index finger, a ring appeared. Moments later he pulled out two futuristic-looking phones with hand stroke.
   "Is that...a storage ring?" Ares asked with disbelief.
   "Oh? Do you know of them?" Marcus asked with a shock.
   "Ha! So it is one! Holy shit man! You even turning Xianxia stuff into reality!? Can you make flying swords!?" The God of War asked with a giddy look.
   8
   "Hold for a moment! You known of Xianxia?" The teen asked with a baffled look.
   "Duh! It's a Chinese fantasy! They have shit ton of martial arts, massive wars and power scaling is wack!" Ares said with an eye roll the last part. Even Gods don't have that kind of firepower those wacky humans write in their novels!
   9
   Marcus that moment wanted to facepalm! Of course, Gods are Weebs and Otakus! Serafall is an obvious weeb. So why not divinities of his world?
   1
   "Can't you just make your weapons fly on your own? Wait! Can't you just fly on your own?" The teen asked with a confused look. Cant just Gods fly themselves?
   *Sigh*
   "Marcus... there is a reason why we use chariots to travel large distances. Not only our chariots are much faster but we conserve alot of energy." Athena said with a sigh.
   "What my sis said is true. There is a reason why my old man is the Chief God and God-King of Olympus even though he is the youngest of his generation." Ares nodded at his half-sister before explaining more.
   "God of the Sky?" Marcus said with raised eyebrow.
   "Indeed. Back in the day when Ouranos was still around. According to my old man who heard it from Cronos himself, Ouranos was in the upper echelons of the Top Ten Worlds Strongest beings. Alongside The True Dragon and Dragon God and the Hindu God Shiva."
   "Whoa... he had around as much as strength as I have?" Marcus who knows his destructive power could tell just how much power this Primordial had!
   "Hmm... most likely... anyway... back to the tale. Authority over the sky is very powerful because it's extremely related to humans beliefs..."
   The teen finally understood why Zeus is powerful and Ouranos was a beast! Human beliefs who can fly...especially beings who look like humans... They are powerful beings...like the strongest Gods!
   "So when my old man finally could he usurped at that time empty Authority of Sky. And became God of Sky. At that time his power even exceeded Cronos." Ares explained with a casual shrug.
   "That's why when Gods fly with their power we consume alot of power. Only my old man has no consumption in his power when he is flying.
   3
   We... his children can fly and use less than other Olympians. But someone like my uncles... they use around 5 times as much just to fly.
   That's the reason why you will never see my old man in their domains because they will make him waste that much energy to fly there too." Ares snorted with amusement. Zeus never in his life was in Underworld or Atlantis.
   "That's why while Divine energy is one of most powerful energies in the world it has its perks and downsides too!" Athena chipped in from the side. She knows quite well that Marcus is studying energies.
   Marcus seriously listened to what the War God, and Goddess of Wisdom said to him, he then picked up something... from Ares's words.
   "Hmm... wait! I can understand underworld... but...sea?" 
   "Oh? Right! You guys still believe Atlantis is a myth right?"
   The teen nodded at the Olympian.
   "Well, it's my uncle's city. Both of my uncles have a seat of power. Atlantis in truth is quite similar to what Aquaman comic series describe." Ares said with a smirk as he saw the reaction of Marcus.
   1
   The teen inventor's eyes widened. Unlike Ares, he remembered the movie... it was amazing... if something like that exist... damn... he really should try getting entrance to that place... hell, he should try getting Poseidon's blessing!
   4
   Nothing beats feeling as natural as possible underwater! He has no doubt his adaptation could make him feel good underwater maybe even breathe there. But God of Seas Blessing would be better... he has no idea if he out of nowhere will develop gills if he stays underwater for too long!
   2
   After all... as they say, life finds its way and with his adaptation, it might going to overwrite the lock he has on his DNA...
   2
   "Cool... anyway! Thanks for the explanation. I had my guesses why your... 'old man' is that powerful. But you confirmed it for me."
   Marcus took a few steps forward and handed over the phones to Athena and Ares.
   "With these, you can keep in touch with me. AND! there are some good games on those."
   Both of them inspected the phones.
   "Damn... these are fully touch screen! I was planning to steal some of the American army technology since I heard they had something like this in their Area 51. But, I guess I won't need it." The God of War said smugly about his intentions. Which made Athena deadpan at him.
   7
   This, however, made Marcus pick up on this... 
   'Area 51... heh'
   7
   "Yeah. Much more than the stuff you heard about in Area 51. According to the current technology level. It's around from 2040 to 2050 in capacities.
   This however is with the current projected curve of the technology." Marcus explained to the pair as they were checking out the phones.
   "And batteries?" Ares asked him as he saw thaf there is no battery percentage on the screen.
   "It runs on perpetual energy... which means that these phones could be even considered from 2100 or even above that! it's true sci-fi!" Athena said sharply. Marcus was underestimating his inventions!
   "The energy part is yes, but the capacities... Anyway...I can sense your family is on move... So..." The teen appeared in front of Athena. Neither the pair of Gods could even see him move!
   And kissed her on the lips... before disappearing...
   The Goddess of Wisdom was blown away by this... her eyes slightly widened... as she realised what just happened! He just stole a kiss from her! and she didn't even see it!
   Moments later the Olympians started to teleport one after another around Athena and Ares...
   "Who was it!? Athena... you back?" Zeus asked first, then realised his daughter was back!
   "It was Athena's boyfriend. And for once I approve!" The God of War said quite smugly. 
   5
   Making everyone, even Hades look at him as if he was nuts!
   2
   "ARES! I AM GOING TO KILL YOU!" Athena roared with a pissed of tone. This bastard! Why he revealed it now!? It's too early!
   1
   "WHAT!? WHO!?" Zeus just like Athena roared with a pissed off tone. Showing that Apple doest fall far from the tree...
   "Should be obvious old man. It's the same guy who has Artemis as maid." 
   "THAT BRAT! I WILL KILL HIM!" The God of Thunder summoned his Master Bolt.
   "Then you will die. He is at least 30 times more powerful than me." Ares said that simply.
   6
   "..."
   "..."
   "..." 
   "Impossible," Hades said with disbelief.
   7
   "No human has reached such heights of power," Hephaestus said very plainly. He doesn't believe.
   3
   "I used my God of War authority to discern his fighting power. As I couldn't sense any type of energy from him. The only thing I could see is his fighting prowess.
   As baffling as it sounds he would turn me into minced meat." Ares plainly said as well.
   The War God words made everyone try to process what they just heard.
   "Is it true... Athena? What did you learn? His power is it what Ares said?" Zeus asked with a sigh. What the world is turning into? Now they have humans more powerful than Gods!?
   "What Ares said IS his combat capacities, and on top of that Marcus is building a faction. And it's run on perpetual energy."
   "... How? How such a thing is possible?" Hephaestus asked with a baffled look. Perpetual energy is closely associated with the Dyson Sphere. A sci-fi stuff when humans can fully turn their sun into a battery. But that is... Well... pure sci-fi stuff from a novel written around 1960... 
   2
   "I never had a chance to ask such things. My goal was to discern his threat level and find out the truth about Artemis's situation." Athena explained sharply.
   "...And fall in love in process..." Aphrodite said casually from the side. As she can sense what happened with Athena... oh she is very curious and even sort... of jealous? The blonde Goddess has not sensed such love from fellow Gods for quite some time!
   The brown-haired Goddess growled at Aphrodite for a second.
   "I think Marcus should have accepted that offer, Ares. At least he would have another blond maid and this place would be more peaceful." The Goddess of Wisdom said sharply.
   "Hmm? What are you talking about?" The blonde Goddess of love said with a small frown, she doesn't like being out of the loop like this.
   1
   "Ares offered you in exchange for an extremely advanced realism entertainment system." Athena very simply explained to her, as if discussing the weather.
   Hearing that the blonde snapped at Ares who simply shrugged at her.
   War is far more important than her...
   19
   "Son. You can't offer fellow Olympian God for the simple entertainment system." Zeus said sagely to his son.
   "Even if it gives borderline true realism at it can even boost power for a bit? Athena over here enjoyed a true battle from Peloponnesian War!" The God of War said that with a jealous huff. He is a God of War and he can't play war games? What madness is this!?
   2
   "This doesn't sound like a recon mission to me," Aphrodite said with a frown. Now she was jealous. Can this system reenact some of the greatest events in the world? Some of the parties she had no chance to check herself out?
   "It was. I learned everything I wanted to learn about him." Athena defended herself. The blonde bimbo is no match in words games when she is not prepared and at the moment the blonde certainly is not.
   "Let's discuss this in the throne room." Zeus motioned for them to return to their thrones.
   ~~~
   Everyone was very quiet after hearing the report from Athena. Frontal assault sounds very much suicidal if what the Goddess of Wisdom has described.
   Same with getting Artemis back... well this is a pickle they were in.
   For one Olympus can't just do nothing... it will make them look weak in front of other pantheons.
   But, war is not an option... the man is very much prepared for them. And if what Athena said is true then it's would be a pointless war, they can't win because that man does have one of the most basic things called attrition.
   With endless energy, this human inventor could just produce an endless amount of robots to fight for him! Not to mention these Mandalorians and whatever tools he can pull out. Hell, Athena didn't even mention the massive space gun he is building...
   6
   "I propose an alliance." Poseidon started talking first.
   "He took Artemis as a maid and bound her to himself," Apollo said with a pissed off tone. The twin of Artemis pointed out the obvious!
   "As much as I dislike the fact that my niece is a maid, Apollo. She did that to herself. Marcus Goldman was defending himself. Even then she chased him down through the whole of Eastern Europe.
   While I understand the need for revenge she should have notified the council before doing anything rash." The God of Seas explained his reasoning.
   2
   The God of Sun just snorted and looked away.
   "Clarify what kind of alliance you propose?" Zeus asked with a thoughtful look. He doesn't like the idea of negotiating from a weaker point of view. No one does.
   "Let Marcus Goldman marry Athena. It will solve the majority of issues." Poseidon said with a casual shrug. The Ruler of Atlantis already saw the infatuation Athena has. This solution will solve alot of issues.
   7
   "..."
   "..."
   "..."
   His words made the whole council room silent like a graveyard. Athena was blushing a storm, Ares barely controlling himself not to start laughing. Hera sagely nodded, it was about time the girl is married off! Aphrodite didn't know how to feel about this. This sounds like a marriage she would want for herself.
   17
   The rest were... Zeus was baffled, Hades... well... no one could read him... Hephaestus, Demeter were neutral and Dionysus was more interested in his wine. Only for Apollo looked like his uncle was nuts!
   6
   "This...is..."
   "I agree with Poseidon," Hera said with a nod. It's about time Athena is married off... not only that she sees alot of benefits to this. The boy is incredibly talented. Not every day someone just builds his faction like that and is strong enough not to get destroyed by other supernatural factions!
   "B-But...he is a human!" Zeus said with a frown. Hell! His wife is on Poseidon's side for this! This is nuts! She was always on his side!
   "Really. Father? Human? If I was a betting man and had to bet between Shiva and Marcus, I would bet on Marcus 10 out of 10 times." Ares said with a smirk. He recalled the reading of the teens fighting prowess. He has never seen such power and ability to adapt... it was beyond supernatural!
   1
   While he does not doubt that Shiva has more destructive power at the moment. Marcus could just adapt. That's him not counting the ability the teen has to negate divine power.
   *Sigh*
   "I am talking about limited lifespan!" Zeus clarified with his issue here!
   1
   "...You do realise that he invented perpetual energy which on its own can be considered more difficult than prolonged or eternal life," Athena explained with raised eyebrow. The beauty does not doubt that Marcus is no longer someone who will die just because he gets old...
   5
   "I see... well, then... let's vote on this... who is up for Athena to get married to Marcus Goldman raise your hands." As Zeus said that he didn't raise his hand. But...
   Ares, Hera, Hermes, Poseidon, Demeter, Hephaestus, Dionysus, Aphrodite, Athena herself... was up...
   The ones which were not were...only  Hades, Zeus, Apollo...
   With Artemis's seat being empty... well... it was overwhelming that Athena is to get married to Marcus... well, at least the council agrees with this...
   3
   However... now the difficulty is to approach the teen with this proposal.
   1
   "Now we need to discuss how we going to approach him with this," Athena said with a smile. Honestly... no one can remember the Goddess of Wisdom being this happy.
   For a second Aphrodite regretted that she vote 'yes' for this! For a second that is... as the blonde already started to think how to seduce this man after he married Athena!
   8
   After all, this kind of relationship is much more... forbidden? Steamy?
   As Goddess of Love and Sex, she knows it far too well!
   .
   ~~~~~~Marcus~~~~~~
   The teen had no clue that Olympians already planning to marry Athena off to him. Simply put such an idea never crossed his mind.
   5
   All he ever expected from this is that he will get more visitors and will be able to have couple more dates with the Goddess of Wisdom.
   After all, he would never see Zeus legitimately marrying off his daughter to him... that's like...absurd... Then again he never cares about politics...
   5
   Instead, he decided to push the issues about the Greek Gods aside for now and focused on things he needs to do.
   Once he was back in his base he started to walk quickly to his armoury.
   "Aurora, prepare Mark IV..." 
   2
   [Understood]
   Once there he quickly suited up his Final Version of Freedom scale mail.
   Walked over to the recently finished Holographic Reflectors. They looked like hexagon mirrors with unique looking dull glass. There was quite a bit of them. Marcus stored them in the storage ring.
   With preparations done he quickly left the base and started rushing up..towards the space.
   The journey to space wasn't that long. Even locating the place where the core is wasn't long either.
   However, this was the first time the teen had been in space which is not a Realitus simulation.
   He was quite satisfied that his body had not even reacted to the rapid change of temperature and void of space. Even though the temperature is not existent in space normally speaking. Since there is no atmospheric pressure in the void of space. There was no reaction from his body even in such change.
   1
   While the temperature was one of the things he checked out. The teen was more interested in the picturesque look of Earth.
   After taking several pictures and taking in the blue world below him as well as looking at the curve of the world as well making sure no one saw him. 
   1
   "Aurora you can begin taking the readings of the space," Marcus said to the A.I.
   [Already on it. This is the first time proper reading has been done. The majority calculation I did before confirm most of the things with a very small percentage being wrong.]
   The teen simply nodded at her.
   "Obviously. We might predict alot of things but nothing beats real data." Marcus said with an obvious tone. While he likes his technomancy and its calculating abilities. Nothing can replace real stuff collected from field expedition.
   After looking around for more he finally decided to move on towards the station's core.
   Once inside the area where deflectors are deployed Marcus started placing the new upgraded ones. Since the station's core is quite big on its own. It took him some time to put them all in place.
   When he was done with this. He activated the new deflectors and the old ones were turned off. Once that was done Marcus started quickly collecting the old mirrors.
   He did this much quicker with his psionic powers. With a burst of his energy, he made them all fly to him.
   After collecting them he looked around. Seeing the Aurora bots working rapidly with the first expansion. If his math is right they should be done with this just around November.
   He could accelerate the progress by bringing more bots for the completion of the first stage but that is not needed. He is in no hurry to finish the station.
   'Right...this is done... and I am in space... let's explore a little bit!' As thought about that he looked at the Moon in distance.
   With mere thought, his space ring appeared and he ripped the space itself. Moving several million kilometres with simple motion.
   His gaze went to the grey lifeless world below.
   'Let's see what is so special about the 'dark' side of the moon.' His scale mail wings glowed as he started flying there.
   ...
   ...
   ...
   'Hmm...honestly... I was expecting at least some traces of aliens... or maybe even a Nazi base... ' A sigh escaped from the teen's mouth.
   6
   He spend around a half-hour exploring the dark side of the moon. But there is nothing there! It looks the same as the other side!
   "Aurora. Did you pick up any residues of unknown energies or anything of value?" Marcus asked with a little bit of hope.
   [No. Nothing from the limited range I possess. I doubt the Moon has anything of value on its surface. Otherwise, the largest nations on Earth would have already sent teams to start the extraction of Moon's resources.] The A.I. reasoned with him.
   1
   "Indeed... well, we should not mention to Artemis that her symbol of power is worthless." The black-haired teen said that with an amused tone.
   6
   [I was programmed to be a sadist sir. I might accidentally mention it one day.] The A.I. without shame said that to Marcus.
   The teen inventor just rolled his eyes in amusement. He can feel Quinella's influence in this. While he made the original Aurora sadist it was not to this level... or was it? After all, Quinella now is a proper person.
   "Well. I am sure it only can come out when we discuss space and symbols of power? It's quite a specific theme. Anyway... Moon is worthless let's check out Venus." As the black-haired teen said his gaze turned towards Sun.
   That moment his helmet reacted and he got more shade to cover his vision. The source of life and the light is insanely bright.
   With another hand slash, he warped the distance... however... the distance between Moon and Venus is MUCH larger compared to Earth and Moon.
   [Sir... according to my calculations. It's going to take from 5 hours to several months to reach Venus like this.
   4
   I have no idea where the planet is and I doubt your senses can find it as well.]
   16
   That was enough Marcus to stop in his tracks.
   "Damn... even with my power output and understanding of space I still need that much time to travel to Venus?" The teen said with wide eyes, he started to grasp the distance between worlds...
   [Sir. While you have a considerable amount of power. But, you still are just a spec of dust when we compare it to the cosmic scale. That's if my understanding of space is accurate.] 
   1
   Marcus for second grimaced. He just got owned by his A.I... while it is sour. He can understand what she means.
   'Well... I suppose I could return to drawing board...' 
   1
   He took a deep breath. Pushing down his annoyance. Hell, he thought that he finally got his freedom and became unchained from most of the constraints and limitations!
   But, that is just him being free on the planet's surface. Now he got reminded what those zeros truly mean when he was reading the distance between planets.
   Even now he is millions of kilometres away and he can still easily see his birth world.
   After swallowing the bitter pill he slashed the area in front of him with his hand, warping space.
   Moments later he was in Earth's atmosphere. From the looks of it... he was above the Pacific Ocean... Even now he got reminded that one could fit the whole of Mars in just this Ocean. That's just how big the biggest Ocean on Earth is...
   3
   Before long the teen started to descend into the world below him.
   As he was reentering into Earth he remembered something... Since he was in the Pacific... well... why not some more exploration? A single check later on watch he saw that it was just around 19:00 in his country... he has still some time left. And at the moment it's early morning in the Pacific area...
   "This reminded me... of that episode where Freedom is launched for the first time and Mc showcases the mech for the first time! Especially the easy ability to enter Earth's atmosphere. Let's reenact that!" Marcus said that as he remembered the setting was quite similar to this! Hell! He even was in the Pacific in a suit based on Freedom!
   [Sir, you are off by over 10000 thousand kilometres. If my knowledge of Gundam Seed is right that scene happened in Alaska.] 
   Marcus groaned hearing that! He was pumping himself up after that sour moment in space and his A.I. Is beating him up again!
   1
   "Woman...at least give me some amusement from THIS!" 
   As the teen said that he slammed into Ocean with speed high enough to cause quite a big tidal wave.
   Soon enough he was deep underwater. Yet, he didn't even bother with this and just started descending deeper into the depths of the ocean while moving towards North-West since he was in the southern hemisphere not far from South America.
   Once he was deep enough the scale mail wings glowed and Marcus rushed forward at extreme speed. Since he was underwater there was no need to hold back.
   With helmet switching into night vision, and other visions for cross-reference to give perfect vision even if he was deep underwater.
   Around an hour later he was not far from Japanese territorial waters. More like 8000 kilometres from where he re-entered into Earth.
   [Sir. What are you looking for?] Aurora asked him with a curious tone since she noticed Marcus just floating in one area and looking around.
   "Enterprise... she sunk somewhere here." The teen said with an excited tone.
   2
   [Let me check the GPS coordinates it could help.] 
   Hearing the request the teen rushed to the surface for a bit. Once he was above the water the A.I. quickly connected to the satellites.
   3
   [Scanning... accessing US Government databases... leaving boogies behind...cross-referencing with known location...] The teen smirked hearing that. He is wondering what kind of presents did Aurora left in the Pentagon's servers... 
   [It should be around 100 kilometres north of this location. Since it's not far from where Yamato sunk as well.] 
   3
   The A.I. clarified where to go and Marcus once again dived into the water. 
   A few moments later the teen was diving to the depths of the Ocean. And deployed his powers to use as makeshift sonar.
   He did that several times until he got a ping from a metal surface!
   'Found you!!!' With a burst of extra speed, he rushed toward the location where he got the ping from!
   Seconds later his eyes widened because he saw a massive metal construct laying on its side. He could see multiple holes in its structure. There are several world war 2 planes laying on ocean bedrock not far as well.
   "So...this is Enterprise..." The teen floated forward and removed one of his gauntlets and touched the ship. He used his psionic powers to keep the water from flowing in. However, he quickly realised that it was draining him...rapidly...
   3
   After all... he was nearly 4 kilometres underwater and the pressure of the water was enormous.
   Without wasting much time... he summoned his storage ring and pulled the ship into it...
   One moment the shipwreck was there the next moment it was gone. For a short moment, there was a pull forward as a huge object just disappeared and water very quickly filled that place up.
   5
   [...]
   "..."
   A smirk appeared on his face as he realised that... yes, the ring could hold such a size object!
   To make sure it was alright he drained all the water from the ship and send it back to the outside world.
   [Sir, I think, we should return to the Base. It's nearly 21:00 a clock and your girls are getting worried.] The A.I. reminded him. More like she doesn't want him to do more crazy stuff. They went to the moon already and now they diving with just a scale mail... the A.I. has no idea if anyone saw him, as the teen was quite the high profile with those golden wings...
   1
   And flying at enormous speed all over the place!
   "Sure. I got what I wanted..." As he said that he quickly rushed to the surface. Blasting out of the water and then rapidly starting to fly mainland Asia and towards Europe.
   3
   ~~~~~~The Base~~~~~~
   The maids and Marcus Pillars were somewhat nervous. Their Master disappeared somewhere... well... they know he went to space... but...Space is a very big place...
   Aurora has lost contact with them when Marcus decided to go to Moon.
   [I just got a notification that Master just entered the atmosphere in South Pacific.]
   "That was quick... I am pretty sure it takes quite a bit of time to travel between Moon and Earth." Latia said with a thoughtful look.
   [He used the space ring with his considerable energy reserves he appeared there instantaneously.]
   The blonde devil nodded at her. While the rest like Artemis was quite jealous. She never was on Moon before! Sure...she is the Goddess of the Moon. But those two are different things. She more or less holds the conceptual power of the moon.
   Nothing like having some sort of power to travel there... 
   1
   "Did he get something from the moon?" The silver-haired Goddess asked her.
   [I don't know. I didn't get much of updates as he submerged himself in the Pacific Ocean. I don't have a direct connection to the Scale mail when it's underwater.]
   A groan escaped from Artemis's lips. This is quite an annoying tease!
   "At least he is back on Earth!" Jeanne said with a smile. She was simply telling to the Goddess to look at the bright side.
   "Isn't Pacific quite big?" Le Fay said with raised eyebrow. One could spend months there!
   "Very, almost half of the Earth's surface in the Pacific Ocean. And on top of that, there is barely any islands. Thankfully...he is one of the most powerful beings around. So... we should worry too...much?" Latia said with uncertainty.
   2
   The rest could only sigh and wait for his return.
   ~~~
   Around few hours later Marcus finally returned. They didn't expect him to be... depressed sort-ish?
   He walked over and took a seat on the couch facing the TV. He quickly pulled Atalanta to his lap and started stroking her long hair.
   The girl looked at each other trying to understand what the hell is going on!
   "Girls... did you know that we have a concept of time because the sun is fat?" He said that while looking at something, he looked like he was spacing out.
   4
   "Fat? How does it... make any sense?"
   The Goddess asked with confusion the rest just shrugged at her they didn't know what to say.
   "Simply put. Sun's weight it's what allows planets to spin around it. Creating time. For example, one year on Earth is 365 days. While one year on Mars is 687 Earth days. As Mars spins differently around its axis too.
   1
   In other words. We are completely and utterly dependent on the big and fat ball of fire in the centre of our Solar system."
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   Chapter 46: Gene Altered Maids (Not Edited)
   3
   Quinella sighed. Marcus is on loose. She knew better than anyone to let him without any sorta supervision.
   Well, supervision is the wrong word for this. Since one can't supervise someone who can easily overpower the supervisor. That's why distraction is a much better word.
   If the silver-haired assistant was there she could have used herself as a distraction and made sure he came back after replacing the Holographic deflectors.
   However, that didn't happen. She is around 3 thousand kilometres away supervising the upgrades for the Vampire Nation...
   'Well, at least he will be busy for a considerable amount of time.' Quinella thought to herself as she played with her long hair.
   2
   The assistant just finished checking the report Aurora filed for her.
   'He has his ship, then the car upgrades, followed by girls genetic alterations he is planning. This should be enough time for me to return and make sure he doesn't do anything too reckless.' The beauty sighed to herself. Being away from him after coming to life is quite big punishment. From her calculations, this is the prize she has to pay for her haste...
   5
   'Well, whatever!' She huffed before looking back at the map of Balkan countries.
   "The first upgrades to the villages are almost done," Carmilla said to the fellow silver head as she entered the bridge of Confiscator.
   "I see... how is the list menu for the stores?" The Assistant asked the Vampire Queen.
   "It went through several changes. Even now we having some debates about the prices and how many items one could get."
   A sigh escaped from the Ex-A.I. when she heard that.
   'This is why Absolutism is the best form of government. Debates... debates are only for beings who have nothing else to do and just talk.' The beauty thought to herself with a frown.
   2
   "I see. You can tell them that if they can't decide I will do it myself." Quinella said straight to the point.
   "I know. We are still some time away from the deadline. I am thinking to let them feel that they are part of it." The Queen of Vampires said with a knowing look.
   The Assistant thought for a moment. She instantly understood what the vampire woman meant.
   Another form of control. Let them have an illusion that they are part of something bigger.
   "Fine. Let them know that they have a deadline on which they have to decide." Quinella said sharply.
   "I will."
   "Good. The Diamond Core Hearts soon will be coming online so do mention that they should not try to teleport in areas not meant for teleportation." The beauty said with a slight sadistic tone. Just Imagining splashing them into a wall, and flying back several kilometres makes her smile.
   3
   "Don't worry they will know. Is there anything else I should know? I still have my duties as Queen of Vampires." The other silver-haired beauty said to Quinella.
   "Nothing you should worry about. You can return to your duties. I still have my things to attend to." The Assistant motioned for her to leave.
   The Queen simply nodded at her and turned around and left. Making the silver head assistant frown, seeing that her bait didn't work. Quinella is annoyed that her methods of making the Vampire Queen mad are not working at all!
   While Carmilla with satisfaction smiled as she sensed the frown on the younger silver head. The recently created beauty is far too expressive and inexperienced. Sure the Vampire Queen can't hold a candle to Assistant's capacities as being but she has experience in spades.
   Once the Vampire beauty was gone Quinella turned around and a bunch of Holographic screens appeared around her.
   She didn't leave the Confiscator and is not planning to. For things like sightseeing she only likes it when she is with Marcus. Alone it's not worth it.
   'Hmm... their DNA is a strange mix of human and supernatural. Very specific supernatural powers and weaknesses. If I was clueless with this I would say someone just pulled out a pen and decided their powers and weakness on a whim.' The silver head thought as she crossed her hands.
   4
   Honestly, she is bored. She already planned out the whole upgrade schedule. And could easily return to the base. But, she is the overseer. Internally she decided that she will never going to sign up for such a mission ever.
   It's a punishment. And yes, she doesn't need math to know that it's something akin to a personally tailored for her as punishment.
   Her Master and Creator know her better than anyone and simply knows what is something she would dislike. And thus he used against her.
   While she can easily run things and wouldn't mind doing it. That's with key factor that Marcus should be next to her. Her design is like that. She is his assistant and exist to do what he doesn't like doing.
   *Sigh*
   ~~~~~~Marcus~~~~~~
   *Sound of Predator Clicking*
   6
   "Hmm?" A message?
   I pulled out my phone and checked the screen there is an icon of mail.
   Someone just messaged me...
   "What was that?" Atalanta asked me as she was on my lap. She even slightly jumped hearing the Predator clicking sound which I use for my message tone.
   "Someone just messaged me. The only people who have this number are only the girls and... oh..." I realised that I gave the phones to a couple of Gods.
   Quickly opening the message a saw that it was from the phone I gave to Ares...
   'Yo! I just wanna say that the council decided that you can marry my sis if you want.' 
   My eyes widened to an absurd level when I read the line.
   "Master?" The lion girl saw my reaction. As curious as she is. The beauty decided to read the message herself.
   "Hmmm? Who is this person talking about?" She asked with some unease, this can be bad for her in some ways...
   "Ares... talking about Athena..." As I said that I tried to process what I just read.
   "You marrying Athena?" Atalanta said with wide eyes as well. She wants to understand this just as much as I want. How on Earth did this stuff lead to this? Zeus accepted this? How? With what kind of threats? I didn't threaten him!
   "WHAT!? HOW DID THINGS COME TO THIS?" Artemis appeared from somewhere as she was now standing in front of me with a panicked look.
   "I am not Olympian God! How the hell do I know what happened in the meeting!?" I said with a baffled tone.
   She is the Goddess here! Use your Godly powers!
   "No-no-no! I am supposed to be your wife!!!" The silver head said with a panicked look. I could only raise my eyebrow hearing that.
   "Heh? Truly now?" I said with an amused tone, making her pale quite a bit before getting hold of herself.
   "Of course! Unlike Athena, I am here much longer and know you better than her!" She said that quite seriously.
   While she is here longer... Athena knows me better than this silver head in front of me.
   "Is it now? Then if you know me better than her why are you panicking?" I asked her with a raised eyebrow.
   For a second she stiffed. That moment she had knowing look.
   "If you know me better than her then you wouldn't be panicking. Honestly, Atalanta partially understood me." I said with a shrug. My words made the lion girl on my lap slightly annoyed.
   "I am. Athena clicks very well with you. But then again Quinella does as well. And she is not your wife or fiance."
   I nodded at her words.
   "Indeed. That's why I won't be marrying Athena. Not anytime soon." I clarified to her.
   "So you don't decline the offer but you don't agree either! However, knowing my family they will want some assurance. So, most likely... they would want to make her your Fiance?" 
   "That, I don't mind. Honestly, it sounds amazing having a Goddess as a fiance." I said with a thoughtful look.
   Artemis's eyes once again widened. Some panic appeared there.
   "B-But I can be your Fiance!" She said that hurriedly.
   "Not really. I don't see you as future wife material." I shrugged while saying that. This is perfectly true. While Artemis is hot and demands attention to be ravaged, she is not wife's material to me.
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   "..."
   Atalanta could barely control and not start laughing when she saw the reaction of Artemis.
   "B-But...why? I am just as Goddess as Athena!"
   1
   "Goddess is just a bonus. First and at most for me, the wife should be something which should fit with me like a glove. Something Athena fits quite a bit. We only needed a couple of chess games to understand each other. While you, my beautiful maid Goddess still struggle.
   It's fundamentally things related to personality. Everything else is just bonus points." I explained to her while stroking the hair of the lion girl sitting on my lap.
   1
   "I see..."
   "Goddess you do know that our Master doesn't care about religion or cultural things. So, he most likely won't going to mind taking multiple wives." Atalanta said from my lap with a very assured tone.
   I looked at her with a raised eyebrow. I thought for a bit. While I technically should be a Christian... I haven't been in church in decades...
   9
   "Well, aren't you reading too much into my character?" I asked her with a curious tone.
   "I am wrong? You believe in the ability to build yourself out of everything." The lion girl said with an obvious tone.
   Now that she mentioned it... yeah, the first thing which comes to mind when I encounter obstruction of any kind is to create or build over it.
   "...True... and true on the part about the whole multiple wife thing as well." 
   The blonde huntress had a smug look.
   "And what if the girls don't want that," Artemis said with a frown on her face. From the looks of it, she still doesn't understand.
   "Then I will create the ones which will like it," I said simply and Atalanta nodded at my words.
   8
   "..."
   Her eyes slightly widened as she finally understood. For a Goddess, she is quite slow...
   "I see...now I understand..." She nodded while taking back a few steps.
   "I need to return to my duties Master. I will see you later." She then turned around and walked away leaving me and Atalanta alone.
   "She will have a hard time accepting this. She has alot of pride as a Goddess of Hunt and Moon." The lion girl said to me, with a sigh.
   "And how does that mean anything to me? She is the one who wants to become my wife while I am satisfied with having her as a maid." I said with an eye roll. This was after all the deal which we agreed upon and the contract was sealed.
   2
   "...True..."
   For now, I decided to write back to Ares.
   Quickly writing a response back...
   'Marry? I am not even thirty yet!' Reading it one more time I send it to him before returning to laze around with the very huggable kitten.
   5
   ~~~
   Somehow I was able to make it happen. I got myself a Goddess as fiance and the Olympians didn't push some sort of crazy marriage thing.
   3
   The only thing I could think of is that Ares told them of my fighting prowess and they are most likely afraid of Confiscator.
   4
   Well, it doest matter. I got Athena as my future wife which is kind of cool. No human before married a proper Goddess... to my knowledge...
   "So...um...why we are here?" Jeanne asked me as she with the rest of the maids were with me in the genetic wing.
   "I am going to put you two into the bio-chambers for alterations," I explained plainly.
   "For real? You going to do it for free!?"  The blonde said with disbelief.
   "Yeah. You are very vulnerable at the moment. Think of this as a precaution." I said quite seriously.
   For a second she was confused before getting flustered, and slightly annoyed...
   "Besides, after getting all that extra information on souls both of you are quite interesting in that regard."
   "We are?" Le Fay asked him.
   "Indeed. Simply put your souls don't quite match with the bodies. So, in a sense that inconsistency is halting your progress in strength." I explained to them.
   "I see... because I am Joan of Arc spirit holder and Le Fay is someway related to Morgana?" Jeanne said with some realisation.
   2
   "Indeed in some way. Most likely that you are the reincarnation of Joan and Le Fay could be the reincarnation of Morgan or Morgana." 
   "We... could? Do you think that their souls went through some sort of circle? Like Buddhism? I thought those who believe in Biblical religion go to heaven and that's it..." Le Fay was sort of confused here.
   1
   "Indeed normally. That would be the case with regulars but Sacred Gears go through a circle. Some of them are more unique than others, like Jeanne's gear is special as it was the very same gear wielded by one of the Saints.
   While I no doubt that the original Joan of Arc is in Heaven as we speak. The Gear has her spirit or will of hers... while you? I have no idea what kind of magic Morgana or Morgan did to herself which most likely impacted her whole descendants line." 
   "So it's not normal reincarnation you speak in..." Le Fay said with a thoughtful look.
   "Who knows. We can discuss this once I have more data." 
   ~~~
   I looked at the bio-chambers with the rest of the maids. I was expecting that Serafall or Latia will be here or Grayfia but the girls are busy. Honestly, I never expected my single move will give them so much work.
   5
   Well, in my blond girlfriend's case it was the mundane business to take care of. Not much time is left until my company opens its doors.
   So, she is busy... however the rest... like the trio of my huntresses they are all here with me. Observing Artemis is especially interesting after that conversation we had.
   While there was no true changes there is still that look on her face. Something akin to internal battle. Is it about her pride? This is quite interesting because I thought I already dealt with it when I defeated her in our duel.
   But, then again... she is a Goddess and a Female... even studying genetics in detail and biology I still lack a crucial understanding of their species.
   9
   Even when I created Quinella her behaviour still had some anomalies.
   Well, one day for sure I will grasp it.
   19
   As I was thinking about the mysteries of life, the genetic alteration to match their soul was underway.
   Fascinating enough, Aurora patched up some of the issues they had with their souls...
   It was more like cleansing of some sort, like 'polishing' and taking off the rust.
   'Well, well... what do we have here...' I looked at the reading I got from Le Fay...
   Her soul age... is way above what it should be!
   Hmm, so she is... the Morgan Le Fay... instead of dying she simply made it so that she would go from generation to generation in her bloodline.
   This explains her talent in magic sorta? If my memory Is right she contracted Fenrir and some sort of Golem from Dimension Gap?
   3
   Well, her talent is impressive which turns out is not genetic but soul since she is Morgan...
   While Jeanne... her overall magic signature went up. And has some tint of Holy?
   'Interesting... her connection with Blade Blacksmith should be much stronger now...'  I thought curiously while watching this on the screen.
   ~~~~~~Le Fay~~~~~~
   The blonde witch was seeing Imagines, locations and was feeling like a passenger watching some of these events which she is trying to understand.
   "But Father I am the eldest! Just because he is a man it doesn't mean he has the right to be the King!" Le Fay realised that these words came from her mouth! She sounded much more cold and... slightly older? In her twenties? It didn't make sense to her...
   3
   "He is born with an affinity towards holy energy, he will unite the lands with the Holy Sword." She heard a male voice saying it to her.
   His words only make her much more angrier and even furious.
   "My magic is more than enough to do it!" She snapped back at the man.
   "You know more than enough that people frown upon usage of magic in open. You will be branded as a witch!" 
   She got angrier even more...
   "And holy energy is not? What bias is this? You can make miracles happen regardless!" She snapped back again.
   "ENOUGH! We discussed this before! The succession will remain as it is Morgan!" 
   Le Fay felt an enormous amount of anger wash her over, followed by hate.
   'These... memories... they are my ancestors!? How? Is it as Master said? I am the reincarnation of Morgan? Did this session somehow reawaken those memories?' The blonde witch thought to herself.
   'How dare he! I am a far better choice to be the Queen! My magic is far superior to some pathetic ability to wield some silly toy made by a foreign God!'  Once again Le Fay was plagued by an angry voice that sounded very much like her.
   5
   'I will get what I want one way or another!'
   *Gasp*
   Le Fay's eyes snapped open, some cold sweat went down her forehead. She could hear the familiar yet same time not familiar voice of Aurora. It's like she know this voice yet same time she is hearing it for the first time.
   It was strange.
   [First out of three genetic altering sessions is over]
   The girl slowly got into a sitting position in her specifically prepared medical bed. She immediately noticed a slight increase in her height. It wasn't by much but it was there enough for her to notice the difference. Another thing was her hair...
   It got longer and slightly more paler than before...
   4
   Most importantly she was slightly confused with herself.
   "Le Fay are you alright?" She heard her... Master's voice which made her have a weird feeling... like she doesn't like calling him master anymore...
   No... she wants to call him by his name... and study him... and learn all his secrets... and do other things... which makes her blush hard... just imagining it...
   'What the hell is this? Where are these ideas coming from!? Control yourself! I am like an ant in front of his power!' Le Fay reasoned. She was horrified by these weird ambitions popping in her head!
   5
   It's like she is not afraid anymore and that she doesn't mind being risky with her situation!
   Thinking for a bit she realised that difference between Jeanne and her is that the holder of the Saint spirit is bolder than her.
   Which she could change. Honestly, the blonde witch knows she can be more useful.
   Once again Le Fay put her hand on her face, she realised that she has more ... arrogance now...
   "Y-Yes I am fine!" The blonde witch quickly got on her feet and walked out of the bio-chamber. She immediately saw Jeanne who came out before her.
   She could see some changes in this girl too. Her aura is slightly different. Less tomboyish... and more friendly? Saintly of some sort? Part of Le Fay finds it... annoying and even repulsive for some reason.
   1
   As a Witch... she finds the whole Saint thing... distasteful...
   ~~~
   'Those... are... Saber-faces? I am the one who is resurrecting the Saber face thing? While not fully there I can see some of the traits of Saber-face...
   9
   However... this means that Le Fay is slowly turning into Morgan. Her magic signature has gotten slightly colder. There is a high chance she is re-awakening some sort of connection with the long-deceased witch.' Marcus thought to himself as he observed the blonde witch. He could see right in her eyes that the majority of the naivete the girl had was gone. There was a polar shift of some sort. 
   1
   Either she got some sort of memories or experiences of the long-dead witch or there is some sort of other thing...
   "You sure? You look quite pale." Marcus asked the girl in front of him.
   "Umm... I am fine. I think I need some time to rest. I can assume we are excused from any sort of work?" The girl asked him with quite a serious tone.
   "Indeed. Don't worry, you gonna get paid. I suppose you can treat this as sick leave." He said with a thoughtful look.
   "Oh, this is quite nice! I heard barely anyone likes paying sick leave!" Jeanne said with quite an ecstatic tone. Her voice was slightly different as well as her behaviour. She didn't have that... tomboyish attitude instead it was more like an honourable worker who just got raise in her salary.
   2
   "Yeah. However, it's different for me since it's a point-based thing. Which I can add or remove on a whim." Marcus said simply as he looked at the pair of girls.
   "I see... makes sense. However, I would like to return to my quarters. May I excuse myself?" Le Fay said quite formally, earning several weird looks from the maids, while Marcus looked neutrally at her.
   "Of course go rest for now." The teen motioned to her that's she can leave.
   The blonde witch nodded and started to walk towards the living quarters. One could see that even the way she walks is much more elegant like...royalty.
   Once Le Fay was out of the view everyone looked at Marcus.
   "Is it just me but is Fay-chan much more different?" Jeanne said with a frown.
   "It's her soul. It's quite an old one... I guess that she is holding Morgan's soul." As he said that he turned towards where Le Fay walked over.
   3
   "Activate surveillance protocol on her Aurora." The teen said as he looked at the retreating figure.
   Internally he was...quite intrigued by this development... Le Fay was a great catch, but if it turns out that she is THE Morgan Le Fay? The weight of this catch is magnified many times over.
   2
   His curiosity has been peaked quite a bit. Same with the girl next to him. He simply could feel a certain warm energy radiating from her. It's like Jeanne awakened some sort of Saint related power.
   3
   Not only that he could see some similarities between this Jeanne and the Jeanne he knows from certain franchises his world is mixed with... honestly... it feels like this world is a cross over setup by a being who reincarnated Marcus into this place.
   1
   This means once the alternation is done she will look like THAT Jeanne. This is interesting on its own... because he will see that Jeanne in maid uniform... daily...
   15
   "So...you saying she is now Morgan or... Le Fay is turning into Morgan?" Very confused Hippolyta asked him.
   "Honestly. I have no idea. I don't have enough data at the moment. All I know is that the Soul itself was polished, adjusted, and reinvigorated to fit with the body.
   There is a high possibility that Morgan all those years ago used some questionable magic to revive herself in future. But it didn't work, now, however, with all these alterations to fit soul with body and augment her reawakened something in her." He explained one of his theories to them.
   "Should we watch over her more closely? In case she does something? Morgan or Morgana doesn't have the best history." Atalanta said quite seriously as she looked with a frown where Le Fay walked away.
   1
   "Don't worry she is under tight surveillance." Marcus waved her concerns off. She is his pet, not some guard...
   1
   "If you say so..." The lion girl just shrugged at him. If he doesn't care then she should not care too.
   "Anyway, Jeanne for now go and relax. No Entertainment Dome when sessions are happening. Instead, watch some television or play some games."
   Jeanne's eyes widened to a comical level when she heard that!
   "W-What!? But why!? Isn't It illusion based? It doesn't affect the body!!!" She said that with a devastated tone.
   1
   "Are you arguing with me, sweetheart?" He asked that with raised eyebrow.
   "N-N-No... I won't going to visit that place then..." She said that with a hollow tone. The Blonde maid looked like someone just killed her whole family and her dog was not spared either right in front of her eyes.
   7
   Honestly, Marcus was quite baffled that she was this taken in by the entertainment system. He might went too far in the system's creation. Humanity might not be ready for such a huge step forward. With the boundaries of reality blurring this much, some might not be able to handle it... especially the faint-hearted.
   Well... he is an inventor, not a psychologist...he cares about pushing the limits of his tech not checking if humans can handle it or not...
   That is why he altered his genes... so that he could use his inventions without worries. 
   He can leave those pesky problems with other 'experts'...
   "Good. Be a good girl and you will be able to use it again." 
   She quickly nodded hearing that, now he can see that she wants to just leave this place and brood somewhere else.
   1
   "I will don't worry." The blonde maid said with a serious tone.
   Marcus simply nodded at her. Then looked at the rest of his maids.
   "Girl you can all return to your duties. There is nothing else planned for today."
   1
   Artemis and Hippolyta nodded at him then they turned around and left, Jeanne followed suit after them. She was much more broody than the pair.
   After they left only the lion girl remained who simply stood there. Her tail went from one side to another. She had quite a coy smile on her face.
   7
   "I could see how you looked at the pair. Jeanne now looks more similar to that farm girl who lead the French troops and the other girl started to look like the dark witch herself." The lion girl said with a knowing look. She took a few steps and now she was in his personal space.
   "They slowly becoming much more valuable pieces of your collection?~~~" The blonde said with a smug smile.
   "...Aren't you reading too much into me? I thought such a thing will even make you angry?" He said with quite a curious look.
   "I would... my old self... before you turned me into this...would be angry... but now... I don't truly care... most likely my...feline side affecting me... or you did something to me?" She said all that with an uncertain tone.
   "Well, I didn't do anything, only straightened out your DNA. I guess that your feline side cares more about comforts, increasing your selfish side to some extent." Marcus said that with a thoughtful look.
   Atalanta simply nodded without care she just leaned forward and used his body as a source of heat.
   She closed her eyes and started to enjoy the heat of his body. Simply put the blonde truly enjoys this comfort. While it annoys her that Marcus calls her his pet... that annoyance isn't strong enough to overcome other things she gets!
   2
   Honestly...she should be baffled that he tamed her through some materialistic things! If it was her older self she would be appealed by what she saw and would want to beat up this...domesticated cat version of her!
   In the end, she simply decided that its Marcus' fault alone and it's him who has to take care of her...
   2
   End of story! This is what he wanted and this is what he is going to get!
   1
   Seeing that Atalanta doesn't want to move anymore Marcus just pulled her up into princess carry and used his psionic powers to float to the closest seat.
   Once these he got comfortable. It was time to check out the reading he got from the pair after the alterations were done.
   Just energy readings are enough to tell what is going on with them, to some extent.
   Jeanne's body and soul has been readjusted to the spirit of Joan of Arc which is the residue in the Blade Blacksmith Sacred Gear.
   Now that the girl's body and Soul starting to closely resemble the original Saint the girl's attitude slightly changed as she most likely got influenced by the holy energy she started emitting.
   'I wonder if she even realizes that she has some sort of power over holy energy? Like to make small scale miracles. As that is what the Saints are all about.' 
   2
   Apart from the miracles, the more obvious thing is that her natural magic reserves has increased. Which is the regular package Marcus gives. But, it would seem all this increased holy energy capacity.
   'Simply put... I increased the 'fuel tank' size so now natural reserve size is much bigger... I do wonder what angels will think that a human has quite a large amount of natural Holy Energy in it a body?' Marcus smirked as he was reading the report on Jeanne's energy.
   He then looked at the other interesting reading, and that is Le Fay. The girl's magic reading has changed quite a bit. One could say that magic is a representation of its person. That can be felt in humans especially since they are neutral with magic in a sense.
   However, with Le Fay's reading, it went cold. Not only that but the whole alteration procedure was like he is polishing and fixing an old artefact and bringing it to its perfect condition.
   6
   'If this is true then I am bringing back the dark witch herself back from the dead. I do wonder what kind of shitty magic did she used to escape death and become a soul which goes from one body to another. It would seem it's not even safe as her consciousness most likely didn't even surface for a long time.'
   2
   "Master... your smile... it's creepy..." 
   "Hmm? Sorry about that, just thinking about some things..."
   2
  
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   Chapter 47: Completion of Docks and New Projects (Not Edited)
   Valerie Tepes slowly opened her eyes. She saw an unfamiliar ceiling. It looked far too smooth for the one she got used to seeing.
   Slowly she got into a sitting position. Very quickly she realised that she was asleep for some time because of how stiff she was feeling.
   "You are up. Master said it's going to be soon."
   The dhampir quickly looked at the source of the voice. It was the very same one which she meet before falling asleep!
   ...
   ...
   ...
   That moment her eyes widened as she realised that this was the very same woman who invaded her family castle!
   She quickly got defensive or at least tried.
   *Snort*
   "That's cute. But, I am not here to hurt you." The redhead said to the blonde girl.
   "W-Why I was kidnapped?" She asked with a confused tone. But, then she realised... her sacred gear!
   "From looks of it, you already concluded yourself. Your gear is powerful and my Master needed it to continue his research towards life and souls.
   For your safety sake, the gear has been removed. The Sephiroth Graal make you exposed to the natures of life and death something not recommended even for a powerful being." The redhead explained to the girl.
   "Oh...I see... so, what now? Since the gear is taken... there is no use of me?" The blonde dhampir said with realised look.
   The redhead smiled seeing how quickly she realised her uses. The girl is quite sharp!
   "We can always find some uses for you. The Tepes family is gone. You can return to Vampire nations or you can serve my Lord as a maid." Hippolyta said with a smile.
   "...What happened to my family?" She asked with a frown.
   "The Tepes line is gone, however servants and children are left alive. They are taken care of by other vampire families around the vampire nations." The redhead explained to the girl.
   "I see... you want me to serve someone who killed my whole family?" The blonde dhampir asked with a baffled look.
   1
   "They been mistreating you, and you would have ended as drooling husk from overusing the graal. Not only did my Master save you from that fate, he even healed your soul which was damaged from its usage.
   And as I said before you can just return to the Balkans. Carmilla faction can take care of you. it's up to you." The redhead maid once again reminded that.
   "I need time to think..."
   "Very well. If you need anything just ask Aurora she will get anything you want." The Amazon Queen said as she turned around and started to walk towards the doors.
   "Wait! You didn't say who you were! I can sense that you are...powerful being... yet, you are a maid..." The Dhampir asked as she felt... power quite a bit of power flowing from this maid. Now that she mentioned it... the whole place reeks of magic...
   "Oh? My apologies. I forgot the basic manners. It seems my master's character is rubbing off on me. I am Hippolyta, I was Queen of Amazons once upon a time." 
   Valerie's eyes widened. She put those two quickly together.
   "B-But... how are you alive? I thought..."
   "I was dead? I was and then I was brought back. Things like that happen when you live under the Greek Pantheon. However, after a certain event the previous summer, me and Artemis followed by her hunt are serving Marcus Goldman now.
   He is an inventor." The redhead very plainly explained to the girl.
   The blonde girl nodded to her explanation. It was sounding very simple until she understood the scale... Greek Goddess is serving someone!? Then this guy... he should be very good!
   "Artemis... is serving someone?" Valerie needed confirmation here. For a second she believed that she misheard what the Amazon Queen just said to her!
   2
   "Indeed. You didn't hear this from me, but she got her ass whipped, and now she is dressed in this uniform, just like me and is trying to find ways to seduce Marcus. Far cry from what she used to be. It's very amusing in a sense." Hippolyta explained with an amused smirk. The beauty is enjoying her time here. Even though her success in becoming the wife of the inventor is as bad as Goddess of Hunt.
   "...I see... this... is... well...strange..." Valerie was more than baffled... Artemis is a maiden Goddess... but now she is a maid... does this means she is not maiden anymore? This is quite... groundbreaking? Gods don't change that much. Since they are not as active as they used to be. There hasn't been any modern changes for the past 2000 years.
   1
   So, it's strange to hear how much Artemis... of all... the Goddess has changed!
   "It's amusing! Anyway, just ask for Aurora if you need anything." Hippolyta said that as she left the blonde dhampir alone.
   "Aurora? Who is she?" Valerie asked with a confused look on her face, who is the one redhead was talking about?
   [Me, I am Artificial Intelligence of this place.]
   *Eep!*
   5
   The blonde nearly jumped out of the bed when she heard a female voice coming from the walls!
   2
   ~~~~~~Marcus~~~~~~
   "Beautiful isn't it?" I asked the girls which were with me. We were standing in just recently finished Docks. 
   The place just like the majority of my facilities was underground. At the moment the water is being filled up by a massive opening in the ceiling.
   So it looked like, the water from the Baltic sea is falling, like a waterfall in the distance.
   At this moment the Drydocks and the harbour were empty. The size of harbours were being adjusted so that ships of size 250 meters and above could dock. In total there is around 15 spots where ships of that size could dock.
   Meaning this place is quite a huge cavern underground. With multiple water lifts build in the distance which will take the ship up.
   While above this there is an artificial island where the ships are going to leave. However, all that is under powerful holograms.
   Simply put I just broke a bunch of human construction records and no one even know about it!
   "The water falling from the ceiling?" Artemis asked with confusion. She most likely believes that I am talking about the ceiling which looks like something from Minecraft.
   "No, you silly. I am talking about those docking magnets." I pointed at the equipment in the docks itself, not the water filling up the place.
   "Magnets?"
   "Indeed. They are based on several gears and the Holy Sword Caliburn."
   She was once again more confused, most likely can't see how this is happening.
   1
   "These magnets will pull up the ship from the water, surrounding it with gravity cancelling technomancy. Once she is up then it can be moved for repairs or upgrades, or a new ship can be lowered into the water.
   1
   It's much faster than any classic drydocks." I explained to her. She finally understood from the looks of it, as she nodded multiple times.
   "And so...you just reinvented how docks and harbours work," Serafall said with a sigh. Latia next to her nodded as she was looking at the magnet cranes with a discerning eye. From the looks of it, she was looking at the value of the new technomancy.
   "Indeed. I find the current methods extremely outdated. The way ships are launched remained the same since ancient times, only warships have the privilege of dry docks." I said that while remembering some YouTube videos about catastrophic first ships launches.
   Honestly, fail videos are the best reminders that some things need reinventions.
   "That's because of the size of the ships, Tankers and any other large ships are simply too big," Latia said with a thoughtful look.
   "Indeed the size is always the issue that's why these magnets create barriers with space-based technomancy which are based on Dimension Lost and Caliburn. They nullify gravity in general, in this specific area allowing to pull out ships that normally weigh more than 20 thousand tons without any issues." I explained in more detail.
   1
   "I see... does this mean we will go to the sea?" Serafall said as she started to see the angle I am working at the moment.
   "Underwater, and treasure hunting more precisely." 
   "Oh...now that is going to be interesting!" The black-haired devil clapped her hands happily. I could feel an alternative motive here. But, that's is most likely another of her schemes to advance in the invisible hierarchy of my...harem?
   Well, I guess Solomon rubbed more on me than I thought.
   "Indeed. I have already the schematics for the ship we will be using." With my hand motion, I showed the design of the submarine.
   [Scavenger]
   6
   [Attila-Class Underwater Command Centre]
   Except for Serafall, everyone looked at the schematics with wide eyes.
   "Its 325 metres long submarine, powered by 6 Diamond Core Hearts..."
   "6 Hearts!?" The girls interrupted me with a loud exclaim.
   "...Yes, 6...now if you would..."
   "Why so many!? Even your Confiscator has 4!" Serafall squeaked her question.
   "Look... see my finger?" I showed my right-hand pinky.
   "Now imagine at least a few elephants standing on it. Do you know how heavy it will be?" I asked her and she somewhat understood what I mean by this. But, still didn't see the whole picture.
   "The pressure of water. If we will be going to pick up Titanic the pressure there would kill even high-class devil. It is several kilometres underwater. The pressure over there would crush the organs of most land dwellers." Latia explained to the clueless Leviathan. Strange how Serafall doesn't know about the pressure of water. Especially since she is holding a title related to the evil sea being.
   1
   "Even Serafall will die there, as the ship is around 5 kilometres underwater."
   "I would!? No way! There is somewhere on Earth that I could die!?" She asked in disbelief.
   7
   "Of course. The deep sea is even more dangerous than some space elements. By that depth, not even regular submarines go. Specially build diving instruments which are not big size-wise could only be sent there.
   Anything else will be crushed by the pressure of the water. Hell, it's like using the empire state building as weight lifting with your fingernail. Can you do it?" I asked her and her eyes went big when I used the comparison.
   "N-No I don't think so... but I could survive there with my sacred gear no!?" She asked that as Serafall remembered that she has her Sailor Winter uniform!
   "Hmm... in Balance Breaker you could survive for several minutes before you would need to get some air." I clarified to her. The only reason she could survive in that kind of environment is because of Diamond Core Heart she has in her gear.
   "Yeah... the air... anyway you mean every inch of our body would have to hold an Empire State Building?" Serafall asked me for confirmation as she had the look of some understanding finally.
   "Yes, now you understand. That is why there are 6 Diamond Core Hearts. Two of them will do nothing more than make sure the submarine is negating the crushing pressure of water. The rest four will be running the similar stuff as Confiscator does.
   2
   From thrusters, energy wings, to assembly lines and bio-chambers." I motioned at the areas in the design.
   2
   "Strange... will this submarine be able to hold the whole of Titanic? I can see that it's bigger than that cruise liner but the cargo hold... or is it hangar bay... is too small?" Latia pointed out as she looked at the design schematics.
   "Nice. You saw through it! And nope, it won't be holding the wreckage. Instead, it will be holding much smaller submarines which will be used to carry marines version of S.P.B.A. and the underwater mechs.
   1
   While I will be collecting the wreckage and storing it in my storage ring. I am however planning some alternative methods as well since it can't hold all the ships." I said that while thinking about some ways to miniaturize the ships and store them in some sort of containers...
   4
   "Now it makes sense... it's more than just a submarine to collect the wreckage...
   You planning to run some tests too." The blonde saw through it as well. Which is nice. Not that it's difficult, but unlike others... those other maids of mine don't even try to think...they just accept as it is... which is sad in a way...
   "Indeed. Deepwater is very good to test the durability of some things. And of course, discover some other stuff we have no idea exists. After all, humans barely explored the bottom of the ocean." I explained to her who nodded at me with satisfaction.
   Without wasting any more time I pressed the green button which says 'construct'.
   Sure enough, the Assembly Line here in the docks came to life as multiple metal hands came out from the ground multiple white and gold circles manifested around them...
   Soon enough the pieces of submarine frame started to appear, while the aurora bots started creating the pieces for the interior.
   The progress was rapid and extremely efficient. It's like each piece knows what the next is and how it going to come together...
   And it's done at a rapid pace...
   "The Scavenger will be done in a few days." As I said that I started walking towards one of the empty drydocks.
   Once I was there I activated my Psionic powers and started floating above the drydocks. Moments later I was in the middle of one.
   On my left-hand index finger, a ring appeared. Then I activated it and pulled out... Enterprise...
   Quickly enough I activated my psionic powers and engulfed the massive ship.
   Multiple drops of water started falling as I was holding only the ship and not the water.
   Slowly, I lowered it into the drydocks. Some sweat was on my forehead. This was... quite something else! Simply how big it was! And I am not used to pulling massive things of that size out!
   10
   Hell! I nearly missed and dropped it on the side of the drydocks! It would have damaged the hull more!
   Anyway! The aircraft carrier was in place!
   "You... You already have a ship recovered!?" Serafall squeaked. as she jumped and her devil wings manifested behind her. She quickly flew forward and started inspecting the ship.
   "Yep, the CV-6 Enterprise. I recovered her when I returned from my trip in space." I said with a smile as I looked at the rusty ship. The wreckage is quite heavily rusted by this point.
   5
   The command tower is partially gone, the superstructure is heavily damaged, there are multiple holes in the hull...
   Oh, and there is some... fishes, alot of sand... but we are not here to talk about the extras I collected...
   "Her... did you just say her? Should I be worried?" Serafall said with narrowed eyes.
   6
   ...
   ...
   'What is she....oh....OH...OH...' That moment, I smiled at her. My mind started to come up with ways to make this... into reality... 
   9
   I have all the tools... and some new ways to make HER better.
   "...Maybe...maybe... you are up to something Sera. I know I can always trust you to give me some ideas." As I said that I appeared in front of her with a smile and patted her head.
   Her mouth opened wide and her eyes widened to comical levels. The maids and my other pillar on the ground facepalmed.
   5
   "N-No... I mean... I didn't..." She tried to defend herself.
   "No, it's alright! I was just thinking of making the ships state of art... but you gave me more ideas on how to make them usable in... a bigger range." I said with a smile several ideas popped into my mind. Oh yes... this is going to be epic...
   11
   "M-Master wait... for a bit! There is no need to rush!" Serafall with a panicked tone tried to do something.
   2
   "I am not rushing anywhere. Honestly, this weekend is going to be busy. I got some stuff to do in Greece by Ares's request. Then meeting with Azazel so as you can imagine I will be busy not that much time to work on Enterprise." I said with a shrug. 
   Now that I think about it my life once again is getting busy... 
   As I said that I thought for a bit... before I got an idea... with a burst of purple energy a psionic clone of mine appeared next to me.
   "I am kind of jealous. But you will save me some time." As I said that to my clone.
   3
   The clone simply smirked as he descended towards the ship wreckage.
   Serafall just watched this with trepidation. I have no idea what kind of ludicrous ideas she is coming up with since her imagination is much more... imaginative than mine.
   6
   Well, we will see in the future what she has come up with.
   3
   ~~~
   As Marcus was going back to The Base, Atalanta was on his lap while the rest of the girls were staring daggers at Serafall who wanted to find a hole and hide.
   3
   She has no idea what kind of insanity she has unleashed. Turning ships into girls? Or is it more like creating girls according to the ships? However, these are not the issues. The issue is that it was the Leviathan who gave him the idea of doing it.
   7
   And now the maids and the pillars are going to suffer from less attention! Which is not good for their plans!
   "Well... let's just hope that he won't be creating alot of those," Latia said with a sigh.
   5
   "There is alot of ships sunk since times immemorial!" Artemis said with an annoyed huff.
   "We shouldn't worry about those early ships. From the looks of it, our Master only cares about ships from the last century. Even then it's the most significant ones too." The blonde girl reasoned with the Goddess.
   "Well... if this is the truth then the number is not that big..." The Goddess of hunt said with a sigh.
   6
   "Even if the number is not big he will be creating several new lifeforms in form of females which will look no less than Quinella," Hippolyta said with a heavy tone. Making the girl much more serious about this.
   "Can we stop this some way?" Artemis said with a frown.
   "...You can try... but the more you try the harder he will try to make them reality. I suggest much more subtle actions would be in order." Latia said with a thoughtful look. Making the Goddess of Moon frown even more. Subtle stuff is not her thing! But, she knows he will be more amused than anything if she is about to be blunt with him!
   All she could do is just brood at this point!
   1
   While the girls were doing their thing Marcus got his Enterprise scan done. He quickly started reworking the interior of the ship, removing a lot of stuff, since it was outdated and is not needed.
   2
   Instead, he was putting the systems of his design. Now however this is a challenge for the simple reason that he is working with an already existing shell and he wants to keep it as it is.
   The weaponry changes were the easiest since all he does is to change the barrels to his ones. Put some M.T.M based barrels and it's done. The more complex is to link up the guns to a single system.
   Then the hydraulic lift, some basic math how many Starscream jet fighters this one will have...
   'Hmm... I should make them custom...' That moment he quickly went through the whole idea of how the ship will transform into a humanoid form, those jet fighters will be able to merge and add to the form by becoming the large mechs wings.
   While the 5 bombers he is planning to add will be able to transform into a sword... with a few more alterations Marcus make the humanoid form of the aircraft carrier ship look like Destiny Gundam.
   7
   As the teen was making over a hundred metres tall mech, the lion girl on his lap could only shake her head internally...
   One thing for sure is that she is pitying whoever is going to face her Master. She could only imagine that if this massive robot gets destroyed, then the teen would simply return with an even bigger and more destructive one...
   7
   Accompanied with a big smile on his face!
   8
   ~~~~~~Later~~~~~~
   After coming back to the base, certain someone was already waiting for him in the living room.
   "Umm... so... you are the one who is called Marcus Goldman?" The nervous and shy blonde dhampir asked him.
   The teen looked at the blonde girl. She was beautiful. Short blonde hair, quite developed body, a supernatural kind of attraction.
   Not in the Goddess type of way but more towards that of a vampire attraction.
   More dark and seductive, leaning towards what Carmilla is.
   "Yep, that's my name. If you are here then it means you have decided what you wanna do?" The black-haired teen inventor asked her curiously.
   "Yes. I have. I understand that you have deep connections with the devil race. If I am to work as your maid I will be able to interact with them?" She asked quite an odd question in Marcus' eyes.
   However, he quickly remembered that she has some sort of connection with Rias Gremory sealed of Bishop... which is a trap...uhh...
   11
   "I do have connections with the devil race. More precisely I have quite a pull on them." He said that with a shrug. He could quite easily propose a change of the laws through Serafall. This can be considered quite a pull in a government.
   "...Then I will become your maid. If it's alright with you?" Valerie asked him hopefully.
   "Sure, let me prepare a contract for you." 
   The blonde could only nod. Same time she was quite confused... contract? Is this going to be some sort of work contract? She wasn't expecting that. The girl only thought such a thing only happens in a capitalistic world, and he didn't strike someone who follows some sort of rules.
   Her perception of that comes from the fact that he just invaded her home, and did whatever he wanted to do.
   4
   ~~~
   *The Predator Clicking Sound*
   "Hmm?"
   Marcus pulled out his phone and saw that it was a message from Ares...
   "Sup! Check out how the villa is looking! I pulled out some old and classic and mixed up with some recent tech!" 
   The teen read through the message and checked out the pictures of the place.
   It kind of did look like a Greek-style mansion with some 'cutting' edge stuff one could get from the current world.
   The teen inventor quickly transferred the images to his base computer and with a few hand motions made it into 3D.
   With a few hand swipes and some modification with his editing app, he was able to beef up the things he saw... and then...
   "If you want I can modify your house as well... here are some samples I could do in that mansion of yours." 
   The teen send the modified pictures back to the God of War. Now to wait and see how he will react to that high-end 8k extreme 3D TV, the holographic walls, the kitchen upgrades... and many other small things he has put.
   6
   ~~~~~~Greece~~~~~~
   *Whistle*
   "Damn... now I need that stuff! Hmm... what to offer? What to offer?" For second the God of War was in deep through. It's annoying to use his brain for non-war related stuff! But! This is for his house comforts! And besides, it's cutting edge! He wants it just for that!
   As he was thinking he quickly remembered something! His eyes widened for a bit before a grin appeared on his face. The guy has a thing for lions!
   So he will get him a lion! And not just any lion! The best one there is!
   7
   With a burst of red, the God of War was dressed in his armour.
   "Time to hunt some lions!" Ares spoke loudly as he was pumping himself up. Completely ignoring the woman which was in his room.
   "Hmm? What are you mumbling about?" Aphrodite asked him with a confused look on her face.
   Ever since Marcus left that phone, Ares has been ignoring her! Not only that he was giggling like some little girl! And now he is speaking about getting lions? What the hell is going on!?
   1
   "I am getting some upgrades for my villa! Done by Marcus himself. So, I need something for a payment." He said with an eye roll. Why else he would be going to get a lion or... two? Hell, he should get one himself! It was been some time since he had a pet! Last time it was a hydra, this time he should get a lion?
   The God of War thought for a second. He then imagined himself next to a big golden lion...
   ...
   ...
   It's gonna look cool! Besides, Hydra was quite annoying to take care of, but lions should be different. Sure getting the meat could be annoying, but unlike Hydra, he could pet it properly at least. And they are quite cuddly if those videos online anything have to say by...
   4
   "Hey! That's not fair! I want him to upgrade one of my mansions in Paris!" Aphrodite got his attention back to her. She had a pouty look.
   "Woman! The lion most likely only going to be enough for one house! If you want to tune up your own house then you need to pay him as well!" The God of War said with a shrug. Hell, he is not sure if a lion will be enough in the first place. While it's quite powerful and was quite difficult for his half bro to take down an adult one. It should be enough for a simple home upgrade, right?
   The blonde Goddess huffed for a second, she crossed her arms under her breasts. 
   "Fine! I could just offer myself!"
   5
   Ares just shrugged at her.
   "Don't know about it. I already offered you before. He said you are quite a handful." The God of War quite simply as if he was discussing something casual.
   8
   "...You!*Sigh*..." The Blonde Goddess was out of words...
   1
   "Anyway... I have to find a couple of lion cubs. I will see you later." As Ares said that his circle appeared underneath him. It was in red and bronze, in the middle of it was the symbol of Sparta.
   6
   ~~~~~~Back to Marcus~~~~~~
   The teen was relaxing in his chair back in his workshop. The back of his right hand was holding his chin. He looked like he was in quite deep thought as in front of him were a pair of DNA strands, they were spinning slowly.
   They were extremely barren looking compared to human ones, and alot of pieces were missing.
   Marcus left hand moved towards a hologram on his left as he picked a small ball looking hologram and added to one of the DNA's...
   The next moment the whole thing shook and disintegrated...
   [Impossible combination resulting in critical failure.] 
   "Hmm... so it would lead to this..." 
   [Cross species are quite a difficult branch of DNA sir. What you are planning is not possible for the simple reason that we do not have enough data. What you making is not quite human and is connected to a machine.
   At least to understand some of it we would need some sort of reference.] Aurora explained to him.
   3
   For a second Marcus sighed as he brushed aside the shattered DNA and made a holographic image of a Silver-haired beauty appear in front of him.
   3
   This was... Enterprise... the official name of her is Biological Battle Model: Enterprise. The inventor's idea is to bind the ship like it's something akin to a Noble Phantasm from Fate. But there are several issues and riddles he needs to fix. First is to store the ship in a place where Enterprise could access it, and another one is to make it so that she could control it seamlessly...
   1
   This means a connection so deep that it's embedded in DNA...
   4
   However, he never did something similar to a cross-species like creation before. Hell, Quinella is a human with special powers linked to his technomancy. It's quite different at a fundamental level.
   Thinking for a bit he brushed aside the image of Enterprise and went to another DNA he started to work.
   "I suppose I could finish this and then work on Enterprise."
   [Dragon and 'perfect' human cross-breed?]
   "Indeed. We could use this as reference to see how it works, before progressing forward towards the ship girls." 
   1
   ['Ship girls'? As in several of them?]
   The A.I. asked with quite a baffled tone.
   "Indeed. A navy of legendary ships from a bygone era. Which are controlled by girls with simple thought! Now that is man's romance."
   6
   [...I am maybe an A.I. sir, but I don't think romance works that way...]
   9
   "That's because you are a girl. Females and Males don't truly understand each other." He said with a shrug. He has been studying genetics for some time now, even now he can understand certain anomalies.
   2
   [...If you say so... My programming tells me that I should not pursue this any further.]
   "Indeed. You should not. Quinella did impressive work with her patches." Marcus nodded with an approving nod. He quickly started drawing how his...Dragoness is going to look once she is all grown up. As dragons, one way or another have to go through a growing period. 
   14
   This might going to help him in his ship girls creation. Especially since DNA grows just as much as the dragon.
   Marcus smirked seeing what he has drawn. He didn't go far from Enterprise design. It's another silver-haired beauty with purple eyes. And yeah... she will be just as hot as his beautiful ship girl.
   13
   *The Predator clicking Sound*
   1
   "Hmm? Response from Ares? Well, he took his time." Marcus pulled out his phone and checked the response from the God of War.
   "I want those upgrades bro! In return, I will give you one of these!"
   As Marcus read through the text he saw the picture which was attached at the end of the message.
   "Is... that a Nemean Lion? He is planning to give me a Nemean Lion... cub? Damn... DAMN... I can't say no to that!" The teen said with wide eyes.
   16
   The God of War just got himself an upgrade he wanted!
   5
  
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   Chapter 48: Visiting Greece (Not Edited)
   Here it is! The last chapter before this fanfic is entering hibernation.
   13
   When I will continue this? idk.
   21
   ~~~~~~~~~~~
   Le Fay was sitting in the leisure room with multiple holograms windows surrounding her. Her facial expression was that of neutral, if anyone tried to read what she is thinking it would be difficult.
   2
   Her blue eyes were on the holographic screen in front of her. It was information Aurora has given her about her Master.
   What she was studying about him is very simple. It's his birthday, year of birth, the place where he was born.
   Those are key details on something she will do soon, and that is Astrology... 
   Since ancient times...even before her, star reading connected to a person is one of the easiest and straight to the point way to get a reading on someone's character...
   Especially weaknesses...
   All she needs is the date of birth, location of birth, and time of birth.
   2
   And thanks to Aurora who is obsessed with perfection, she even has time recorded of his birth.
   'Talking about obsession, she nearly rivalled the level of Morgan had on Arthur...' Le Fay internally rolled her eyes before focusing on the readings she got from this.
   'Hmm, fear of being forgotten? Well, that explains his obsession with making his technomancy this long-lasting...
   'Distaste for rules which are not his Own'... This well... This could lead to world war 3...  thinking about this from a different angle and at the world stage... this could truly lead to world war 3.
   5
   He has quite the obsession with materialistic things, which makes him a collector, this is something I already knew, but this just proves how deep it runs. 
   Then his strength and talent is concentrated in his hands. Which is something I don't need to check his inventions speak for themselves.
   2
   Followed by a deep interest in classics either movies or in general... hmm... well that explains his interest in Sacred Gears and collecting relics?
   Hmm... and what is this...deep urge to stand out from the rest... it's almost like something related to the need to be different from the rest. An urge to prove something?
   A childhood trauma?
   Hmm... well, this explain the dislike for rules... since he wants to stand out, he won't be able to fit with the rules...since they get in the way. Or is it more than the rules tie him down?
   Whatever the case I now know enough.'
   Le Fay stroked her chin as she looked at the map of the stars. She was quite satisfied with what she read from this. Now she has quite the grasp over his character. She could start tracing down the rest just from these.
   The witch for a second smirked as she probably knows more than Serafall now!
   Once she got the general idea about what is happening with his character Le Fay could start to move out and start moving up in the hierarchy she ended up herself in.
   She won't going to stop until she is sitting next to him!
   Quite a menacing smile appeared on her face, as she imagined herself somewhere where not even her previous self could not achieve!
   9
   ~~~
   Valerie was laying in her new bed while looking at the sky created by the holograms.
   Multiple times today she thought to herself that she was in a different world. Or even in a different time altogether. From the looks of things she saw. They all pointed to her that she was in a completely different world.
   However, she spend most of her time extremely seriously listening to what the other maids told to her. Turns out, the oldest ones can't help her because they are busy resting after going through... genetic alterations...
   Again she was baffled hearing that. Are they doing genetic alterations in this place? That sounds like some plot from a heavy sci-fi novel!
   Even after that, she was able to get over the day of exploring the... underground base... again...this sounds like some sort of villain's lair...
   Another thing she got understanding is that most if not all maids here are gunning for their Master. They all working, to her it sounds like some sort of excuse to be close to him.
   So, that reminds her of some of the romance novels she read.
   'Who would have thought that I will end up in a sci-fi/Romance comedy flic turned reality?' 
   3
   *Sigh*
   'Now I only need to find a way to get in touch with the devil kind. How could I get him to help me to find Gasper?'
   The Dhampir girl couldn't truly think of ways he would just help her...
   There is no function where she could use her points to get some help in finding him!
   Then she remembered that she could use the holographic window she saw maids use!
   Slowly she lifted her right hand... and used her index finger to brush it down. For a second she wanted to blush from embarrassment doing something as weird as that!
   But to her small surprise, a white and gold window appeared in front of her.
   1
   It was like a setup of some sort... like she can customise her window!
   'Is it my personal computer of some sort?' She thought very much curiously as she saw several options. From shop, to search to options, customisation... even room customisation...
   Everything was there.
   'Interesting...'
   Once she saw that she can change the colours of the window she started going through that...
   'I can always think about it once I get over this...'
   ~~~~~~Saturday~~~~~~
   Marcus looked at his car which was finished 'partially'. Well, he won't going to call it finished when it can't travel through time.
   He has quite tuned it up. The most interesting thing he did so far is the wheels of the car.
   As the wheel spins it deploys small barriers underneath it. This allows the car to go through any surface theoretically.
   However, so far he found out that he can't do it with the air. It is related to the mass in the air and that the barrier can't hold a car's weight.
   This means that he still needs some work to do. Which is good news in a way. However, the solution is that the car can fly so he doesn't need to drive through the air...
   Not that he is going to stop with trying to find the solution to this issue.
   "We are done with our preparations!"
   Marcus turned to face the source of the voice. It was Hippolyta. The redhead and Atalanta are coming with him.
   It would be interesting if Artemis went with them, but the Goddess decided that she wants to skip this outing.
   While he could make her come he decided not to. There will be another chance to take the Moon Goddess back to Greece.
   "Good. Now that looks nice on you." The teen inventor said with a nod. As he saw that Hippolyta was dressed in tight jeans and a simple sweater.
   While the lion girl next to her was dressed in a simple skirt.
   2
   It is not surprising that Atalanta is coming with him. She wants to see her new opposition.
   A Nemean Lion. Honestly, she is quite baffled that Marcus will be getting such a beast. However, part of her is not that intimidated.
   Atalanta knows quite well that she is a lion and a girl. Something the Nemean Lion is not. So, in the end, she will be superior either way.
   3
   "Thanks! I want to show that I look good in many types of clothes not just maid uniform." She said that with a smile as she walked over to him and show off how good the clothes looks on her.
   "Not complaining. Are you two ready?" He asked them.
   "Yes...however are we going to drive to Greece?" Hippolyta asked with some confusion.
   "Portion of it. I will test how it drives before jumping to Greece with a space warp." He explained with crossed arms as he looked at the car.
   "Space warp? You can do that?" Hippolyta asked with a slightly raised eyebrow.
   "Don't be surprised while teleportation is quite similar..."
   "Teleportation is a set in stone from point A to B. Space warps sounds it doesnt follow that rule. Which means you invented something new!" The redhead interrupted him with a smirk. Making Marcus' hand itch... he wants to spank her for being this naughty for interrupting him.
   "Yes... it's based on a technique I employ when I use my space ring."
   "Isn't space locked down in this nation? Are we going to cross borders?" Atalanta asked him as she looked at the car.
   "Indeed that's what I said about testing the car."
   "...Isn't the closest border around 200 kilometres from here and it's with Belarus?" The lion girl said as she remembered the map.
   "Indeed. We going to cross that one."
   "Hmm... are you sure? It's going to be difficult without any magic... or are you going to use magic?" The Amazon Queen said with some confusion she knows well enough Marcus doesn't like casual hypnosis unless it's very important...
   1
   But using hypnosis at the border? It has tons of cameras there and the car stand out on its own!
   "Neither, you two will see! Now get in!" He motioned for them to get in as he walked to the driver's seat.
   "Umm, it's kind of a late question. But, do you know how to drive?" Hippolyta asked him with an uncertain look.
   "You afraid I am going to crash the car?" Marcus asked with an amused look.
   1
   A Goddess afraid of crashing cars? Now that's amusing.
   "I am more concerned that you going to kill someone by accident and I dislike bumpy rides..." She said that with an eye roll.
   2
   Even though she gave a reasonable excuse, he simply smiled at her and gave his answer.
   "Who knows." 
   Which only annoyed the pair.
   ~~~
   Marcus has put the key into the ignition then turned it. The tuned-up car's dashboard, which looked like a custom made computer screen, turned on.
   Unlike normal cars dashboards, this one didn't have petrol or oil meters, not even the temperature one is there. Instead, it had different things. Like car modes which is road, all-terrain, underwater and flight. Followed by the speedometer, there was the image of a green diamond on the corner.
   Apart from those, there was a touch screen tablet attached where the radio was supposed to be. While the pair of huntresses haven't been inside many cars they know such a tablet-like thing is not common for any current cars out there.
   Even then there are touch screen buttons for the image of a flying car... an underwater car... and a car driving a vertical wall...
   They decided not to touch those buttons...
   "I suggest putting on the seatbelts," Marcus said with a smile.
   Both of them quickly did that. Internally he smiled to himself seeing how quickly they did that! He does love messing with them!
   "Good now let's go!" As he said that he turned the engine on.
   Weirdly enough the sound was there, but the car didn't even react to it! It's like nothing has happened!
   Moments later the ceiling lowered itself and Marcus could finally leave. However, before he did that he pressed a few things on the tablet. Activating something...
   Once that was done he started driving. Honestly, both girls were quite fascinated by the fact that the inventor could drive it as if he did it for years!
   This didn't go unnoticed by the Lion Girl. Her theory that Marcus has the experience of someone much older just got confirmed by what she saw.
   6
   She did on purpose check with Aurora to find out if he ever driven before...and according to the earliest data the A.I. has Marcus flew first before he drove anything...
   Again, this proves that he has more experience than he should!
   Honestly, this makes Atalanta much more curious than it normally would. After all, she is trying to figure out who is her Master in truth?
   ~~~~~~Greece~~~~~~
   Space itself warped as a silver-blue BMW blasted itself out of it and continue to drive as if it didn't just do several thousand kilometres jump from East Europe to South.
   Before long it arrived at a small town by the name of Sparta. While it has around 35 thousand people living here it is quite small in comparison to his town which is bigger than this but has around the same amount of people!
   The best explanation is that it has quite a bit of flats instead of a single house with land around it being personal.
   It's either they don't want people to own that much land because the land is extremely rich in history as in this was Sparta! The city is built just a little bit south of the ancient city's foundation.
   Marcus focused on his senses and found several signatures...He could sense two familiar ones... one feels... bloody... the other one feels like... books... those are the familiar ones... but the third one... it feels like perfume...
   'Uhhh... She is here too...well... It was a stretch to believe that she won't be here.' For a second he frowned realising that the Goddess of Love is there too...
   "Well, there is a couple of extra Goddess waiting for us..." He said to the girls with a tired sigh.
   "Athena? I suspected as much." Hippolyta said with a neutral tone, while Atalanta frowned for a bit.
   "Aphrodite is there as well... I think. That aura is of someone who loves perfume..." 
   Once they heard that they both frowned. The Goddess of Love is a handful. Thankfully, their Master is much harder to seduce... hopefully.
   And since Athena is there, the blonde Goddess won't going try? Right?
   2
   After locking on their signature Marcus turned on the all-terrain drive and started driving towards that location. Disregarding traffic laws and such. The reason the teen doesn't care about that is that his car is invisible to regular people. And if any camera picks him Aurora deals with that footage.
   Soon enough the pair of girls braced themselves as the teen started driving against the traffic, then ditching the road completely, as he started going through grass. They expected some discomfort but there was no reaction from the car at all.
   Just moments later they passed through a barrier of some sort and arrived at a Greek-style mansion. The front of the mansion had some of the aesthetics of Greek-style. Like the columns from pure marble.
   It looked fresh, like it was recently built. All Marcus could think of was that it was a miniature version of the entrance to the Parthenon.
   "It would seem they still use the classics even after so many years have passed," Atalanta said with a sigh. However, she was quite nostalgic seeing that.
   Hippolyta nodded at her as she noticed some statues of Ares... and other statutes which looked like Spartans... it would seem her Father didn't change at all over the years.
   Soon enough with three bursts of lights, the three Greek Gods appeared at the entrance. Marcus turned off his car engine and exited the vehicle, followed by the pair of his maids.
   Leading the front was grinning Ares who looked at the teen and then at the car.
   "Marcus is good to see you! And damn did this car just use space magic? I felt it just popping in the city!" The God of War approached with giddy steps.
   He then offered a fist bump which the teen accepted. Is he becoming... friends with God of War? It's kind of weird because one of his maids is his daughter who is gunning to become his wife which in turn would make Ares his Father-in-law?
   7
   "Same, and yeah. The car can use what I call Space Warp. It's a much more loose version of teleportation it can be used while driving. You could say it can 'jump' over obstacles." Marcus explained as he turned towards the car. By this point, the God of War was inspecting it all over it.
   "You forgot to mention that it uses quite a bit of math to do that," Athena said as she walked over. One could see that she is fighting hard not to just start blushing hard. This is her first time speaking with him after she officially became his fiance.
   It was so sudden for the Goddess of Wisdom that it took her multiple days just to process what was happening to her!
   "I have a gadget to do all the math for the jumps. I only need to press on the panel." Marcus clarified it to her before taking couple more steps towards the brown-haired Goddess.
   "Umm... okay... its... nice to see you again... Marcus," Athena said while fiddling with her dress.
   The blonde Goddess not too far from them was grinning like crazy seeing how the Goddess of Warfare was behaving, same with Ares who stopped looking at the car and instead looked at what his sister was doing.
   6
   "It is. This time however you are my fiance and not just some diplomat representing your faction." He said with a small smirk. Making her more embarrassed. Athena realised that this might be a bad idea to come here while these two were around.
   1
   The Goddess's eyes were on the other two who were just looking at her with amused smiles. Relishing in her embarrassment.
   "Y-Yes... I am still trying to get over it." She said that while fighting over this. She was imagining stabbing those two with her spear. It helps quite a bit.
   "Good. Now show me the manor." The teen turned around and looked at the God of War. Marcus realised that he should stop embarrassing his future wife.
   Ares nodded at him and started to walk towards the manor. Marcus followed him after him was Athena and the teen's maids who were quiet the whole time. Leaving Aphrodite who realized that she was ignored! A huff escaped from her mouth!
   'Damn! I will show him! How dare he ignore me like this!' The blonde stomped with one of her feet.
   10
   ~~~
   "It's a classic two-floor building with one floor underground. It was built for me some time ago when Gods still mingled with humans.
   For a time I forgot that I had it. So it was has fallen to disrepair. With Hephaestus's help, I patched it up.
   The ground floor has a big kitchen, living room, indoor swimming pool, a study... I don't know why there is one... Anyway, a bunch of rooms for guests, second floor has bedrooms, large bathroom a... library? I think. Haven't checked it all... so yeah... it's a classic mansion." The God of War casually explained to Marcus as they entered the spacious looking mansion. He could feel divine energy in the place, meaning quite a bit of it was used to fix this place.
   "So...um how are you going to do it? Do you have the stuff stashed up in the storage ring?" He asked the teen inventor.
   "Yeah... I have everything I need in my ring." As he said that several bursts of purple light happened around him and his psionic clones manifested.
   "I am going to start. While you can give the lion cub to one of the clones." As Marcus said that he started walking towards the first room he saw.
   "Cool... you can make clones of yourself. I haven't seen that ability before." Ares for a second was shocked before getting over it very quickly.
   1
   "Psionic clones. Anyway! Can I see it?" One of the clones said with an excited tone.
   The God of War smirked seeing the reaction of the teen. Yep, he was right! And he can't fault the inventor, the lions are awesome!
   "Sure follow me!"
   ~~~
   "I thought that there was only one Nemean Lion?" Marcus curiously asked the Greek God as he looked at pair of golden lion cubs sleeping in separate cages.
   "It was. The original Nemean Lion was raised by my mother and later was sent down to terrorize Nemea countryside since they pissed her off. Sometime later... quite a bit of time earning quite a bit of fame, my bro was sent to slay it in one of his labours.
   We later learned that my bro labours quests got some fame. Mother decided to use that to make more of the lions. Her excuse was that she missed the golden furs.
   But, I guess that she just want to show off that she was part of something extremely famous."
   The teen just rolled his eyes. Even Gods want that 'camera spotlight'.
   "And so magical species of lions came to be." Marcus finished for the God of War.
   "Indeed. And I stole a couple of those. Anyway, we shouldn't worry if my mother going to get furious. She doesn't follow the numbers of lions living in her enclave... I think?" The Greek God said with an uncertain tone.
   "...You sure it's...fine? I shouldn't worry about getting a visit from her?" Marcus questioned with a raised eyebrow. Hell, the one Goddess he want to stay away from is Hera. He likes hot and evil girls. One of the reasons Quinella is here. But, Hera is something else entirely. She is not evil, just a bitter woman lashing out at anything remotely annoying.
   2
   While yeah, he is more powerful... but now he is engaged to Athena...
   'Hmm...if she does come I could just knock her out and send it back in a package to Zeus... but, how would he react to that? Or just message Ares to pick her up? Hmm, that sounds much more plausible.'
   "Nah. It's cool. Don't mix her up with stuff she did more than 2 thousand years ago. Over the years she has reigned in my father after that, she stopped most of her scheming. The only person who still does any sort of scheming is Aphrodite. Even those are just to have some fun in Las Vegas and Paris." The God of War said with a shrug.
   3
   "If that's the case then it's fine. I doubt I will be showing the lion to the public any time soon." 
   Ares grinned at him when he heard that.
   "By that point, you can come up with a whole list of excuses where you got a Greek mythical beast." The Greek God said with a smirk.
   Marcus could only sweatdrop. This God is reckless, even more than he is. The teen inventor at least does his math before doing anything remotely reckless.
   "If you say so." Honestly, he can't say no to this lion cub. Stolen or not. After all, it's Nemean Lion! A fully grown one is Longinus Gear worthy!
   Marcus walked over and picked up the cage with the lion. He won't be opening it in his psionic avatar form.
   "How long will these upgrades going to last?" The God of War asked him.
   "They will be done by tonight. I have a meeting with the Fallen Angels leader tomorrow." Marcus explained while looking at the golden lion cub.
   "Oh, they start to move on you? It was only a matter of time before other factions will find you." 
   "It is. I have a bunch of contingency plans in case of anything weird happening." The teen said quite seriously.
   "Hmm... There won't going to be any war. As Avatar of War yourself, you can sense any possible war happening. That power should be even more powerful for you since you have my sis's blessing as well." Ares explained about his blessing.
   "... it's like a sixth sense...for war?" Marcus asked with quite a baffled tone. How does this work?
   "Indeed. Since you have an incredible amount of magic energy, it should help you sense possible fights."
   The teen nodded slowly hearing that. He should test it! For second he uses his senses. He could feel the concentration of multiple divine energies in a single location. They were behind a 'wall'.
   His senses quite easily passed it and he focused on the Gods he can sense.
   Trying several different ways he finally sensed what he wanted to sense...
   Only Zeus was... annoyed? The rest of the Gods didn't even think of fighting him...
   Well, this is good. At least he won't going to worry about them...
   'Oh?'
   Following another trail Marcus found something...
   The Greek underworld, Hades... now this God was a different tale all together...
   The God of the Greek Underworld is thinking of ways of neutralising the teen. In other words, Hades is itching to find a way to deal with the teen.
   'Interesting... let's see what he is going to do... should I start with my preparations?' 
   "Interesting. It works. Only a few of the Gods I sensed have some misgivings." Marcus said what he sensed, and the God of War nodded at him.
   "Nice. You picked this up quick. So, what can you tell me about the tech you going to put in the basement?"
   ~~~
   While Marcus and Ares are talking about the Realitus the four females were left alone and an awkward atmosphere very quickly consumed the place.
   This lead the blonde Goddess to scan the pair of maids with her senses and her divine power.
   She quickly found out that Hippolyta was madly in love with Marcus while Atalanta was not far from Amazon Queen.
   This development has quite intrigued the Goddess of Love. Not only that but she found that they are not maidens anymore!
   "Tell me you two, how good is he in the bed?" The blonde Goddess quickly walked over, closer to the pair. Her purple eyes were digging into them trying to find out more just from looking at them.
   "Aphrodite! You don't just ask stuff like that!" Athena with a red face quickly got in between Marcus' maids and the Goddess of love and sex.
   1
   "And why not? I am doing this for you. I need to make sure your sexual life is up to the standards." The blonde Olympian said with quite a serious tone.
   This made the Goddess of Wisdom even more embarrassed!
   "I can find out that myself! You are not part of this relationship! So you should rather stay away from it!" The brown-haired Goddess said with narrowed eyes.
   *Hmph!*
   "Don't be a spoilsport! We haven't had anything fascinating as this in centuries!" Aphrodite complained with a huff.
   "To answer your question Goddess Aphrodite, he is good very good. Because of his genetic upgrades, he adapts to anything at record speed." Atalanta said that simply.
   The blonde Goddess's eyes slightly widened before she realised that she might have miscalculated. She should have got him for herself!
   But, annoyingly so she is still married to Hephaestus! And knowing Hera she would never break that thing up!
   12
   And from the looks of it, Atalanta knows it. That's why she told about Marcus' real capabilities in the area which blonde Goddess finds interesting.
   This even attracted the Goddess of Wisdom's interest! After all, if this is true then she will have one hell of life as his wife!
   "This... is...interesting... you are not lying. Then again you don't have previous experience to compare to." Aphrodite said with a small thoughtful frown.
   "Not that you will be able to test it," Athena said with a smug look. One thing for sure Marcus has no interest in this blonde Goddess. Aphrodite's reputation is more than enough for him to stay away from this woman.
   "...We shall see... no one was able to resist me for long!" The Goddess of Love said with confidence.
   "You never tried to seduce someone much stronger than you." The brown-haired beauty said with a confident tone. Which made the blonde frown. Athena just hit the bullseye and that is the truth. Her powers won't be able to influence someone much stronger than her!
   "Not now. Maybe in future, once he gets tired of you. I will be there for him." The blonde said with her confident tone. Moments later under the Goddess of Love's feet a red circle appeared. The next second she was gone.
   "Well, this is ominous..." Hippolyta said with some sweat on her forehead. One thing is for sure that Aphrodite is dangerous as she can manipulate emotions.
   "Thankfully, Marcus is not living in our territories. That is why I am not afraid she will do something." Athena said with some nervousness.
   "Not that she could appear in his territory either. I doubt she can drive a car." Atalanta said with some amusement, as she tried to imagine the blonde bimbo trying to drive. Her tail movement from one side to another. Showing that she found it greatly amusing even though there is only a small smile on her face.
   "...True to that..." After saying that the situation once again got awkward. Especially between these two groups.
   Athena is an intellectual, while Hippolyta and Atalanta are someone who prefer talking about action. One could say there is very little that they could talk about.
   "So, it's true that you and Artemis did it with him?" The brown-haired beauty asked with some curiosity and even annoyance.
   "Most of the maids under him have already experienced our Master's touch. Only Le Fay and the new girl have not done it." Hippolyta quite proudly said that.
   3
   The Goddess of Wisdom frowned quite a bit. But, then again... he spend alot of time with devils. Which means they taught him the pleasures of female bodies.
   Something she tried to use herself, but it seems it's not that efficient. Because of how much experience he has by this point.
   "Girls! Check out my new pet!" Marcus entered the living room where the girls were staying.
   1
   He showed the cage with a golden lion cub inside.
   "Uhhh...ARES! Are you for real!?!" Athena roared with a pissed off tone as she saw the Nemean Lion cub.
   She quickly went to find her brother.
   1
   "Well... I am not giving it back." The teen said quite seriously. As he saw his fiance running off to find God of War and give him an earful.
   8
  
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   Chapter 49: Finishing Ares Manor and New Guests
   35
   "Wait, sis!" Ares dodged a spear thrust from Athena who looked pissed.
   "You stole a Nemean Lion and gave it to Marcus! Do you realise how much chaos you can cause!?" Athena was pissed that this could lead to misunderstanding and she could embarrass herself in front of her future husband!
   Hera could throw a fit and the Brown-Haired Goddess would end up at the crossroads of this misunderstanding.
   "Chill! It's not like the lion is big! It's a cub! Besides, it's not like mom will notice that the cub is missing!" The God of War reasoned with her as he continued to dodge the Goddess of Wisdom's spear thrusts.
   1
   "...Do you want to bet on it!?" Athena hissed at him as she stopped trying to stab him. This wasn't going to lead to anything!
   She can't kill Ares here nor can she seal him away for a couple of years.
   "I won't kill you or maim you for this. Since Marcus is your guest. For now, you are off the hook. However, the moment Hera smells something bad and comes here, I am throwing you under the bus." The Goddess of Wisdom said that while dismissing her spear and fixing her glasses.
   6
   She turned around and proceeded to leave.
   In the meantime Ares sighed in relief. He didn't look angry or sad or anxious or anything. It was just another day for him being the God of War.
   This stuff happens so often that he barely reacts to it anymore.
   "Well, for now, I am safe! Time to check out the progress!"
   The Golden-eyed Greek God giddily went to see the progress which was happening in his Greek Style manor.
   He survived the anger outburst from his sibling, which is a common occurrence! Now, more importantly, he can focus on...
   Entertainment!
   4
   ~~~
   Upgrading a home with his tech is quite a new experience for Marcus. He had never done anything like this before.
   Because all of his creations are most of the time done from scratch.
   While not difficult, he had this feeling of doing something partially new.
   One Psionic clone would add cables to the walls, and the second would follow with Realitus Projectors.
   1
   Setting the basic holographic system was smooth and quick progress.
   What needed more of his attention was the power itself, a small Diamond Core Heart.
   The Heart was the only means to power the Entertainment Dome. If Ares were to connect to the power grid he would bankrupt the country.
   1
   The output would depend on the simulation so if he is to fight massive armies he would fry the grid.
   "Just to be clear. You can't fight supernatural opponents. Your basement would not hold it. If you want that I would need to come back here again and upgrade the main structure of this place." Marcus explained to Ares as they looked at Diamond Core Heart and the computer panel.
   "...I don't care about that stuff. Bro, I want war. Not a fight if you catch my drift." Ares said with a hard look.
   "Fighting one on one is boring. I had enough of those fights. What I want is a battlefield! Blood! Hundreds of men slaughtering each other. I want to experience the times when we slaughtered each other with simple bronze and iron weapons! With discipline harder than steel!" The more Ares spoke the more he got passionate.
   Bloodlust started to roll from him. Showing that this guy was the God of War! The ugly side of it. Nothing that he felt from Athena when they were having their strategic fight inside the simulation.
   "I see. Well, it's a good thing that I am prepared. I have an A.I. prepared for you."
   "... Artificial Intelligence?"
   "Yep. He will help you run simulations and assist with running the manor for you." As Marcus said that he proceeded to demonstrate.
   "Strategos, are you up?"
   2
   [Ready and waiting, sir.] A male voice said from the walls. It sounded quite serious. Like a general or commander in the official military.
   "...Strategos, huh? The strategist? I can dig that. You went whole Greek on me. That's cool!" Ares looked quite intrigued by the whole idea of this!
   "Yeah. He will help you to set up the matches, and other things. Like air conditioner, TV, audio system, and food processing in the kitchen.
   However, it's still not connected to my Aurora Network so he won't be getting updates for a while. But, once the satellites are on, then he will get his updates."
   The God of War nodded a couple of times.
   "He can't use the Phone network?"
   Marcus grimaced upon hearing that.
   "Yeah, about that. I don't think you want to break it, do you? The compatibility and the size of data would melt the phone network. That's why I am saying satellites.
   But we could switch to bits and pieces of data exchange." He pondered about that for a bit. Before shrugging at this idea, he could not decide.
   "I am not in a rush. All I want is those simulations." Ares didn't care either.
   "Fair enough. Let me show you how this works."
   A grin appeared on God of War's face when he heard that! Marcus took him to a room adjacent to the Diamond Heart Core. It was a simple and empty room.
   Only Realitus Projectors and air vents were in this place.
   "Since I am working with already pre-set rooms I had to adjust with projectors and the vents."
   "..." Ares didn't say anything, he was simply grinning and waiting for the fun part!
   Seeing that he was in a 'Different Dimension' the inventor decided not to bother with explanations instead he decided to start the show.
   "Strategos, start the Entertainment Dome."
   [Certainly, sir.]
   [Dispersing Realitus Particles]
   [Activating Light Prism]
   [Adjusting Temperature]
   Soon enough the room shifted, the rainbow particles reacted to the light prism, and distortion of surroundings started. It shifted to grasslands stretching in all directions.
   "...Amazing! If not for my battle sense, I could easily pass this as reality!" Ares snapped out and looked around, marvelling at the technomancy.
   "That's the idea. What you see is what the particles want you to see. This stuff can't work without A.I. In place."
   "How did you even come up with this?"
   "Gundam Seed."
   "...An anime!?"
   "Yep. Mirage Colloid, a technology they created in that place. I copied the idea.
   Think of it like small glass pieces which reflect colours from a prism. Add some sprinkles of magic and you make anything you want."
   2
   Marcus explained to him as he lifted his hand and made a flower bloom, then it turned into a squirrel, the squirrel jumped off his hand and turned into a three-metre-tall squirrel monster with a huge amount of drool before it shattered like glass.
   1
   "...not bad...I like Jojo's as well!!!" Ares saw through the reference the teen just made.
   7
   The teen snorted with amusement when he heard that.
   Who doesn't like the weirdness of Jojos?
   13
   "Who doesn't? Anyway, since we are here. Why don't we test out the system?"
   7
   Ares grinned from ear to ear when he heard that.
   "Let's do it! As a suggestion, I want to face those Persian fuckers! It's an old festered wound!"
   "...With pleasure. I did come here prepared. I got all the relevant Ancient History installed in Strategos."
   "Sweet!"
   The surroundings shifted into a mountainous area. Marcus was building a familiar battle of Thermopylae.
   "...Yes! Yes! You know it! You read my mind! Let me give you the details!!!" Sure enough, the God of War started to tell him in detail how everything went down!
   The inventor was baffled at how Ares recalled everything in minuscular detail.
   Perfectly honest this is what he wanted! He wanted to meet Ares so that he could do just this! Give him the details of such historic moments!
   So that he could add it to his collection!
   1
   And indeed it happened. The God of War for his 'perfect' war told him how Leonidas looked, how Persian Immortals looked, and how Xerxes looked and behaved.
   Ares observed this whole war from Olympus. Marcus is still curious about what other Gods were doing when the Persians were invading.
   Regardless he didn't comment on any of this. He simply collected his data for his Realitus simulations.
   ~~~
   Atalanta looked at the golden lion inside its cage. This was a Nemean Lion. She has heard about it before. After all, she was part of the Argo crew and knew the original Heracles who had the fur cloak made from it.
   4
   This thing can grow into a massive beast. The Biblical God even made the original Nemean Lion soul into a Sacred Gear.
   So it can grow quite powerful... but!
   It's not a threat to her, not a threat to her position as the cat of her Master.
   1
   This thing is a regular pet. Not something like her, Who has more value!
   6
   "...Amazing. To think that father got something like this for my future husband!" Hypolyta said with a wide smile. She is amazed by her father's genius! Such a gift would surely raise Marcus' opinion of her father and in turn her!
   The redhead didn't even realise that Ares was not even thinking about her. As he wanted to customise his manor.
   2
   And Nemean Lion was the best offer he could make. And this is because he heard rumours about Marcus' fascination with lions which came from Atalanta who was sitting on his lap when Marcus' forces were invading Tepes faction!
   The whole thing went through a circle and the girls didn't even realise any of it!
   "...*Sigh* this is one big pain in my neck!" Athena said as she entered the living room dropped onto the couch and started to massage her forehead.
   "Goddess Athena?"
   "Apollo and Father are getting burning feet."
   "What do you mean 'burning feet'?" Atalanta is getting a bad feeling about this.
   "...as you know Apollo is quite protective of his sister. He was one of the few who declined the engagement between me and Marcus.
   So now he is getting ideas to 'spar' with Marcus while my father is thinking of testing him out.
   As you may know, I declined any of these ideas. I don't want both of them to die, or get humiliated." As the Goddess of Wisdom explained, a female voice replied from the surroundings.
   "This sounds just like my brother." With a burst of red a circle with fire inside of it appeared in the room.
   Seconds later a beautiful woman with brown hair and red eyes which looked like flames appeared in the room. She wasn't as tall as Athena. More like she was of a smaller size compared to other Olympian Gods.
   "...Aunt Hestia?"
   7
   "Yes. I am here to make sure Apollo or Zues don't plan something stupid and try to provoke our guest." The oldest Olympian Goddess smiled at the Goddess of Wisdom.
   "...My thanks. I don't think they will plan anything stupid with you around here. They have far too much respect towards you."
   "...You give me far too much credit." Hestia brushed the compliment away and instead, looked at the other pair in the room.
   Hypolyta and Atalanta swiftly got on their feet and became much more respectful towards this Goddess than Athena.
   The Goddess of Wisdom pouted internally as she realised that these two respect the Goddess of Hearth more than her!
   4
   It's annoying and she can't do anything about it!
   "You two were with Artemis... before the whole debacle?"
   "...yes, Goddess Hestia." Atalanta swiftly answered.
   "...I see... I can sense that you are happy where you are. This is a good thing. I suppose Athena, this whole marriage deal you have is not bad."
   "...Yes."
   Hestia smiled to herself as she heard the tone of that answer. It was amusing in a sense.
   "...Good. Well? Anyone want some tea and snacks?" The Goddess of Hearth clapped her hands and food started to appear on the table.
   The trio gulped down when they saw a selection of homemade food. Atalanta especially! She saw apple pie! Her tail wiggled from one side to another with rapid speed in quick succession!
   8
   Food made by a Goddess! What a treat!
   "Of course!"
   "What a feast!"
   "Hnn!"
   ~~~~~~???~~~~~~
   In the shadows cast by the old land of Greece. A skeletal man was sitting on his throne.
   He gazed upon what was happening in his homeland.
   This God hoped that the madness which his family was moving towards would change its course at the very last second.
   But, it wasn't so. He hoped that his brother and nephew would intervene and cancel this stupidity at the very last second!
   It wasn't so.
   "What a disgrace. To become the first Patheon which will have a Goddess leave its pantheon. To be intimidated by a mortal.
   A mortal who is nothing more but a pawn used by that disgusting upstart pantheon.
   Even if he is not a pawn he is still helping those upstarts in banding together.
   Such a thing simply can't be allowed." Skeletal God said with a bitter and angry voice.
   3
   It has been over 2000 years since he was given a job he had no interest in.
   It may have given him more power. But just like always he has been treated the same, nothing has changed.
   Well, it has changed for the worse.
   And he is tired of this.
   "...Call Nyx. There is something we have to discuss. It's time for us to cleanse them once and for all." Blue flames started to burn in the skeletal God's eyes.
   4
   He will deal with them on his own. They send more than enough souls to his domain. So he will use this power to purge this upstart Pantheon.
   Their God is dead. He has more than enough proof. That human brat was good enough as a test. The Brat collected an array of powerful Sacred Gears!
   And Heaven did nothing! He was not stopped or intercepted.
   'However, this new faction could be pesky. Hmm...'
   One thing is for sure he needs more firepower and grunts.
   Nyx will help him with monsters. But it's not enough. All he can think of is to get a source of new monsters.
   1
   "Ah, yes..." Skeletal God had an idea.
   10
   ~~~
   Marcus with a grin left the basement of Ares' manor.
   He was super happy with what he got. The inventor wouldn't mind upgrading another tens of manors if he could get this much data!
   Though his gaze went on the new arrival.
   He never sensed such a soothing aura before. It was like his house on Saturday mornings.
   He curiously walked over.
   What he saw were four girls talking among themselves.
   "Hmm? Stopped playing war games with my nephew?" This woman noticed Marcus and asked with a sweet voice.
   "...I am finished. But, I don't think he will come out anytime soon." The teen inventor explained as Hypolita made some space for him to sit.
   The redhead of course used this opportunity to get close to her beloved future husband.
   "That much is given. Modern times have made my nephew quite dull and bored with his life. Now that you brought him such a gift he will remember this for the rest of his life.
   You could say you have earned an ally for life."
   The brown-haired woman explained to Marcus. Who slowly nodded at her words. He did ponder on this. But, never to such a degree.
   Though Ares' daughter was grinning from ear to ear. She never cared about her father but she doesn't mind the extra brownie points in this situation.
   "I see. My thanks, Goddess Hestia."
   Her eyes widened for a bit and she looked ashamed for a second.
   "Where are my manners!? My apologies. I forgot to introduce myself.
   I am Goddess of the Hearth, Hestia. The oldest Olympian."
   6
   "My pleasure. I am Marcus Goldman. An inventor and engineer."
   She smiled with some amusement when she heard his introduction.
   "...You didn't mention your other titles." Hestia somewhat teased him for a bit. This was quite an opportunity for her! She will be his Aunt-in-law after all!
   1
   "...I mention those when I fight enemies."
   "...Oh, I see. So you act humble around your people but flaunt around your enemies." She pretended to think while looking at the ceiling. One of her fingers was on her chin.
   "Indeed. Infuriating enemies is one of the basic tactics one can employ on a battlefield."
   Athena smiled when she heard that. What he said is true, and she approves of such tactics!
   "I see. How curious. No wonder Athena is so in love. You have similar traits to hers~"
   Hestia proceeded to tease Athena when she realised this.
   "Aunt Hestia! Don't tease me in front of my future Husband!"
   1
   The Goddess of Wisdom went on total defence! This was embarrassing! One of the reasons she never found herself a husband before was because she would be teased very daylight by her family!
   "That reminds me. I do need to get something for you." Marcus casually interrupted the whole tease.
   "Hmm? What do you mean?"
   "I mean an engagement ring or something." The inventor clarified.
   This made the Goddess blush quite a bit. Hestia smirked as she gently elbowed her niece.
   "Did you hear that? Dear Marcus wants to get something nice for you~ what you should say?" The Goddess continued to tease the poor Goddess. It was obvious that this was a new thing for her.
   "...Aunt Hestia! I know! Okay!?" Athena exclaimed as she pushed her glasses up. Trying to hide her embarrassment behind her glasses and hand.
   This was not the end as Hestia continued with more tease. The tease switched to whispering, which only made the Goddess of Wisdom blush even more!
   As this was happening Atalanta and Hippolyta were enjoying this! Finally, the annoying Goddess is getting back! Karma is a bitch!
   This continued for a couple more hours until Marcus heard Aurora's voice.
   It was getting late and Ares didn't leave the basement.
   "...Ladies it appears we won't be able to explore the ruins. Our guide is stuck in the basement and we are running out of time."
   The conversations have ended. Hestia and Athena sighed in disappointment.
   "Apologies for my brother's actions."
   "No worries. I just have more excuses to visit Greece." Marcus smiled at Athena who smiled back with a thin blush.
   "...Then next we should visit Athens. If Ares is not available." The Goddess suggested to her future husband.
   "Good idea. We can do that."
   ~~~~~~Next Day~~~~~~
   "Is there a reason why we took a plane? These things are absurdly slow. It took us 15 hours to arrive here." A white-haired teen dressed like a punk said with an annoyed tone.
   4
   "Now-Now. We can't teleport into this country and flying is just asking to provoke the whole faction." A black-haired man with blonde tips said with a jovial voice. He was excited to be here, to say the least.
   1
   "...This faction... Do you think he is strong?"
   "...Can you take on the whole of the Greek Pantheon?"
   "...No. Not with my current strength." The punk kid said with a frown.
   "Well, there you have it. By my estimations, he is one of the most powerful beings in the world. If it's true that he took Artemis without any gadgets of his own."
   "...Isn't he around my age? To have such power..." The white-haired teen was impressed and at the same time intrigued. What kind of methods does he use? To wield such power?
   "He is. The issue is that we haven't seen him fight properly before. He is like me and the old man. He is a creator and a builder through and through. This is why he has a faction of his own."
   "...Old man? You are comparing him to THAT individual!?"
   To think that the leader of Fallen Angels would compare a teen who is around his age to the Biblical God!
   "I am. He invented an array of Sacred Gears already."
   "...I see... so he might be worth fighting..."
   "...Fighting? Vali- you are coming with me as an offering of friendship."
   2
   "...Huh?"
   "I will ask him to scan your Divine Dividing and fix it."
   "...Fix it?" Vali was baffled to hear that! What is there to fix!? The gear is working perfectly!
   "According to Sona Sitri, Balance Breaker is not built in naturally. This means you are constantly forcing it to do what it is not supposed to do.
   Bringing you to Marcus Goldman will allow him to scan it. This data alone will be an offering of friendship to him. Of course, we will be getting something out of it. He will allow Divine Dividing to achieve Balance Breaker naturally." Azazel, the leader of Fallen Angels explained to him.
   "...Albion doesn't quite agree on this. We have no idea if this will work."
   "...Marcus Goldman could potentially allow you to fight the Red Dragon Emperor as much as you want."
   The Fallen Angel said with a grin. A victorious grin.
   "...Fine."
   Vali agreed the very next second.
   "Hold it! Vali! Don't just jump into this!" A pair of wings appeared behind Vali. It was a pair of energy wings made from blue energy. It looked draconic.
   "...Now you did it," Azazel said with a serious look as he looked around.
   1
   They haven't even passed border control but all the people looked spacey.
   "...What is going on?"
   "You triggered the security system." The Leader of the Fallen explained as he looked around. He sensed a ripple spreading in all directions. The security in this place is very tight.
   It's like a cloth dropped on the whole nation. The moment someone raises their magic energy the blanket reacts. This means the whole faction knows they are here.
   "...And? We are supposed to be coming here as guests. All we did was Albion reveal himself."
   "He is right. Don't be so skittish, Azazel."
   "... I guess so. I wanted to keep your identity a secret for a bit, Vali. I didn't want to reveal my cards like that."
   1
   The white-haired punk snorted. He casually shrugged without care.
   "You know me, I don't care about politics."
   1
   "That you do."
   Regardless, the pair proceeded to try crossing the border. But at that moment armoured people took over. They looked nothing like the border force.
   They were wearing plate armour with S.P.B.A. Insignia on their shoulder.
   "...those..."
   "Are not normal beings."
   As it was the pair's time to show passports the armoured people motioned to pass the barrier.
   "Leader of the Fallen Angels. Our Lord is waiting for you. Follow us." One of the armoured men motioned to follow them.
   "...Oh, you guys do look like Mandalorians." Azazel nodded with an approving look as he passed the barriers, closely followed by the Vali.
   "...Our looks are inspired by them. Smallest of details, included." One of the soldiers mentioned that it had a double meaning. Something the Leader of the Fallen Angel Faction picked up.
   "I see..."
   In other words, from looks to fighting, they are Mandalorians. This means they know how to fight like those mad lads from the space opera called Star Wars. What Azazel doesn't even realise is that the genome and the experience these soldiers have are constantly upgraded.
   4
   They are biological machines. Machines which can get 'upgrades' depending on circumstances. This makes them even worse than any other main fighting force in the world.
   One thing for sure is that Quinella is a meticulous sadist. Anyone who tries to fight Marcus' faction will find it the hard way what this endless horde can do.
   While Vali simply observed these armoured men from the side.
   1
   'They are strange. Their magic is particularly strange.'
   Albion spoke directly into Vali's mind.
   'It's as if they are handmade. Like tailored wood or sharpened blades to a specific level.'
   'In other words. They are not natural.' The White Dragon Emperor pointed out.
   'Precisely. They are man-made creations.'
   ~~~
   Azazel didn't know what to think of these Mandalorians. His sharpened senses over thousands of years are telling him that these beings are 'alive' but not quite there.
   This means they are 'living' dolls.
   And if they are dolls this means they can be created more.
   1
   If this is true. Then they are dealing with someone who most likely has the means to have thousands if not millions of soldiers running around.
   4
   As the pair followed the group of Mandalorian look alike they left the Capital airport.
   What waited for them was a futuristic-looking passenger plane just outside in the middle of the car park. A line of soldiers were stationed there as well.
   These were heavily ornamented guards which gave the Fallen angel just the weirdest of feelings.
   "These are good."
   Vali instantly pointed out. The white-haired teen seriously looked at this line of soldiers. His battle instincts are telling him that these soldiers are strong!
   Before he could comment more a female voice got their attention.
   "General-Governor"
   1
   Vali and Azazel looked at the white-haired maid.
   'Artemis!'
   'A God!'
   'Curious...'
   "If you two would, Master is waiting for you in the shuttle," Artemis said with a professional voice. She sounded like an annoyed maid.
   But all it did only made the Fallen Angel more curious! So the rumours and tales were right!
   Marcus Goldman has utterly 'crushed' Greeks! There was no war or anything like that! If anything would happen to Artemis in normal circumstances it would be a war!
   But in this situation, Artemis became his maid AND the Greek Pantheon did nothing!
   "Of course! Let's go, Vali."
   "...Right."
   The pair swiftly climbed the stairs and entered the spacious shuttle.
   At the end of the plane, a black-haired teen was sitting comfortably on a wide sofa. Behind him were more maids. A blonde and a redhead.
   There was a yokai-looking cat girl who was behaving like a cat and lazing next to him her head was on his lap while Marcus Goldman's free hand was stroking her hair.
   5
   Marcus didn't pay attention, yet as he was looking at his tablet.
   "General Governor, Sera said you wanted to meet me." The inventor spoke first as he lowered his tablet and looked at the pair.
   "Indeed! We can finally meet! I wanted to for months!" As he said that he saw Artemis walk over to Marcus' side. The Goddess of the Hunt behaves as if nothing is strange.
   "Well, here I am." As the inventor said the plane took off vertically, going up for a bit before proceeding to fly off.
   He motioned the pair to take their seats.
   "The flight will be only for a few short minutes but if you want you can sit down."
   "My thanks. There are a few things which I wish to speak about." The Leader of Fallen Angels walked over and took his seat opposite Marcus. The 'shuttle' was more like a private jet as it had seats arranged like a living room with a coffee table and all those fancy little things, like carpets and a small fridge with drinks.
   A very advanced private jet. Azazel has a few questions about how things work in this plane but for now, business first, hobbies later.
   "I assume you want to learn a few things about Sacred Gears?"
   "Of course! But, those can wait."
   "...Oh?" Marcus was surprised that the geek in front of him wanted to talk about something else!
   "I wish you to use your influence and persuade Devils to open peace talks between three factions."
   "...I see... you want to use my connection with Serafall to propose such a thing?"
   "Indeed. If one Satan of Foreign Affairs does such a thing then I will second it and Fallen Angels and Devils will enter peace talks. Angels will have no choice but to enter the talks as well." Azazel explained his plan.
   "And what do I get from this?"
   "I am glad you asked."
   "I have three Vritra Sacred Gears. Do you want it?" The Fallen Angel leader proposed with a smile.
   2
   "...This... you are one evil man. Playing one's greed like that..." Marcus joked with amusement.
   All his maids looked at the inventor with deadpan eyes. Look who's talking! Lucifer complaining about other people imitating Lucifer's techniques!
   "It's for the greater good after all."
   5
   "...Hmm, Dumbledore would be pleased with your dedication." The teen joked for a second. Before getting somewhat serious.
   5
   "Hahaha! No doubt he would!" Azazel understood the reference. No doubt that old wizard would agree with him! Both of them love peace after all!
   "Fine. I don't see any reason why I shouldn't do such a small favour, knowing devils they will be delighted about this peace talk you are planning." Marcus doesn't mind, either way, these three factions don't have anything of imminent interest for him.
   "Fantastic!"
   Before talks can continue the plane has landed in an open and wide cavern.
   By this point, Vali was already looking through the window, as he hadn't sat down in the first place.
   What piqued his curiosity was the amount of things this place has. There are rows and rows of these soldiers, planes which look like fighters, several types of those. Most likely some of them are carrier planes meant for army transport.
   'Is that a spider robot!?'
   His gaze went to the far side where tall metal things with large barrels were walking. They were like spider tanks or something like that!
   2
   'Most likely is... that barrel is impressive. If it shoots Power of Destruction like they say this faction can.' Albion commented on things he was seeing through Vali as well.
   As the shuttle landed the group proceeded to leave it.
   As they got outside they were able to see the scale of this place.
   "...We are fully underground. There are no support pillars. I assume you use alchemy to make the weight of the ceiling hold as it is." The Fallen Angel commented the moment he saw the expanse around him. What stuck for him was the lack of support pillars.
   "Partially correct."
   "...Oh? I see. I can sense mana flowing through the walls." Azazel quickly started to figure it out. But, at the same time the more he figured out the more questions popped into his mind.
   "Indeed. Now follow me. We can talk in peace when we arrive at my home."
   3
   ~~~
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   3
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   Chapter 50: Red & White Emperors
   2
   (EXTRA chapter, next week 3 chapters)
   9
   After arriving at the Airfield which is part of the barracks, the Inventor took his guests to the maglev station and proceeded to board it.
   His guests curiously looked around, but the pair did take their seats this time around.
   "I thought that the three factions were already negotiating peace," Marcus commented on what he heard from Serafall some time ago.
   Wasn't his mission to obtain the cups from Vampires cause them to get all skittish and start working on that peace?
   "We are and we are not," Azazel said with a sigh.
   "Devils, us and angels want peace. But we all have elements from the past. I have some Cadres who don't want peace, Devils have their old Satan faction who want to fight, their King faction is full of bureaucrats, and angels are a cautious bunch.
   Your presence made them feel pressure to start wishing for peace above everything else."
   1
   "I see...sounds bothersome."
   "You don't even know half of it." The Governor-General sighed even more as he leaned into the seat.
   "These are comfortable!" The Fallen Angel commented on the seats before returning to the mission ahead.
   "As I was saying. You have an enormous pull on Serafall, you know...being her boyfriend and all that. You could ask her to push through and put peace to a vote once and for all."
   Marcus nodded as he had a pondering look.
   "And I will get those Vritra gear you have?"
   "Yes."
   Hearing such an instantaneous reply made the inventor pull out his phone.
   "Very well. My message to Serafall will be very simple. Azazel wants peace. But other factions don't agree. So I will ally with him to put some pressure on Devils and Angels. I am sure when my soldiers walk on Underworld soil they will think of peace as only the solution."
   15
   Azazel's eyes widened to a large degree when he heard that!
   This kid is hardcore!
   While Vali grinned when he heard that! This guy is his kind of guy!
   5
   "H-Hold it! There is no need to go overboard like this!"
   "This is not going overboard. It's a slap of realisation when someone can't decide whether to slap him or her to get a grip. This is just that, a slap."
   4
   Azazel slowly nodded to the explanation.
   The moment Marcus sent the message his phone started to buzz...
   The teen put his phone on the loudspeaker.
   "Marcus what do you mean you ally yourself with Azazel!? You can't do that!!!"
   "I can and I will. Tell your old coats to draw a peace plan ASAP. Otherwise, I will build an outpost in the Underworld and feed Fallen Angels with limitless resources."
   "Gah! You are the worst! You can't just throw around your weight in politics like that!"
   7
   "Just do what your boyfriend says. Otherwise, there won't be any cuddling for a couple of months."
   3
   "..."
   "...Aghhhh!!! Satans damn it all!!!"
   Just like that, she hung up her phone.
   "There you have it." Marcus pocketed his phone and looked at the baffled Fallen Angel.
   "...impressive. I will be waiting for a response. Once Fallen and Devil Kind strike a peace, Angels will follow."
   The Governor-General was certain of that. Angels have the lowest numbers of all three factions. They wouldn't want to face the other two.
   One could say he is satisfied with this development. Finally, after so many years they are moving somewhere.
   "I will be waiting for those Vritra Sacred Gears."
   "No need. I have them with me."
   Azazel pulled out a neat-looking box and opened it. There were three orbs inside of it.
   "I have three out of four Vritra gears. The last one had eluded me for a while, but my sources say that Sona Sitri Peerage has the last one."
   "Hmm, indeed, I have the data from that gear, and I could remake it. With this Vritra will be complete and I will have a full-fledged Dragon King." Marcus commented as he looked at the orbs.
   This is just perfect. He has Ddraig and Vritra now.
   'Oh, I have the Cups... I could get all the Evil Dragons...ehehehe...'
   5
   The inventor started to get all giddy! His collection of artefacts is coming together just nicely!
   3
   "You mean to say you would bring Vritra back to life?"
   "Hmm, no, not in that way. I could keep him in a gear. But still would have use for it. I suppose one of my officers could have it. After all, Vritra is a powerful Dragon King with an array of unique powers."
   1
   "...Oh I see..."
   'He would make one of his puppets wield Vritra gear. Making it loyal to him. It's terrifying how he could make all of the gears he collected useful to him.
   And if he could replicate them... that would be even more horrifying.
   1
   It's a good thing I don't want to pick a fight with him.'
   Azazel nervously thought that to himself as he looked at Vali sitting next to him.
   'I guess it's time to become friends.'
   "There is another thing which I would like to talk about."
   "Hmm? I suppose it's related to the person next to you?" Marcus motioned towards the guy next to the Fallen.
   "Indeed. Allow me to introduce you to Vali Lucifer, the great-grandson of the original Lucifer.
   He is the current generation White Dragon Emperor."
   The inventor had the look of realisation.
   "I see. That's quite a combination. I assume you want me to check his Sacred Gear?"
   "Indeed, you can say this is an offering of friendship. Vali wouldn't mind fighting the Red Dragon Emperor you have stashed in your vault. Such data would be invaluable."
   Azazel smoothly mentioned that. Vali grinned when he heard about the possible fight.
   "Hahaha, you truly know how to make someone tick! Indeed! I will agree if I can have a full scan of Sacred Gear and a piece of Vali's hair."
   "...My Hair?" Vali blinked for a bit, before casually pulling a strand out and handing it over to Marcus.
   8
   Artemis and Atalanta who saw this had a pale look. This guy is clueless, isn't he?
   Giving a hair to a scientist like him! Even Azazel had a look of shock as he knew what this meant!
   He was even about to negotiate something else, but the strand was already engulfed in purple energy and floated over to Marcus' side.
   The inventor swiftly stored the hair away.
   This was perfect for him! A proper hybrid! Between Lucifer and a human! Another piece of the puzzle with the name 'life'.
   "Many thanks. I will make sure I will use it properly and to the full extent."
   Azazel and the other two maids stiffly nodded. While Vali simply shrugged at him.
   "Sure, whatever. So when can we fight?" The current generation White Dragon Emperor didn't think much about this at all.
   His goal is simple, and that is to fight the Red Dragon Emperor.
   "After the scans are done. So, I would say...less than 30 minutes from now?"
   "Fantastic!"
   1
   Marcus simply smiled seeing how easy it is to sway this guy. There is no doubt that he wouldn't mind becoming his test subject.
   While Azazel could only sigh. It appears the inventor in front of him realised how easy it is to sway Vali if he has a chance to fight a powerful opponent.
   ~~~
   The maglev arrived at Marcus' home, and the inventor led them through the corridors and arrived at an elevator.
   "This will take us to my workshop."
   "We are underground, aren't we? I suppose we are going even deeper?" Azazel quickly noticed that there were no windows, only fish swimming above them.
   "Yes. Ground is the best place to build, no one even realises that. People could easily build buildings, even cities above us and no one even realised that there was a supernatural faction right under their feet." Marcus explained with a small smirk.
   1
   "...That's an interesting way to put it."
   The inventor nodded before the lift doors opened in front of them.
   The trio entered it. Before the doors closed he pulled Atalanta into his hands.
   While the other girls pouted at him.
   "The rest of you can go back to your duties. My lioness is more than enough to keep the company."
   The maids sighed in resignation, they nodded and returned to their jobs.
   Once it was clear Marcus called his A.I.
   "Aurora takes us to the workshop floor."
   1
   [Certainly sir.]
   "...An A.I. That explains a lot of things."
   This single clue was enough for Azazel to uncover a lot of things.
   "Oh? Do tell. I had Athena here for a while. She was still struggling with certain things."
   "...I have no doubt. Athena is old school. Unlike her, I have been tinkering with modern technology as well." The Governor-General explained with crossed arms, but then his eyes widened to a large degree as he realised something!
   "But this...it explains your mastery over Sacred Gears. I never considered the fact that they could be ancient computers. My old man was a being beyond his age. Imagine having computers more than 4000 years ago." The Leader of the Fallen Angels said with realisation!
   3
   Just by visiting Marcus Goldman, he experienced a breakthrough in his Sacred Gear research!
   "Indeed, you are correct." The inventor smirked at the Fallen.
   "You will see that first hand."
   He said that the lift stopped at the Workshop floor and the group entered the restroom, passed it and entered the wide workshop.
   What greeted them was Jupiter and all of its moons lazily spinning around.
   "...Impressive. Holograms?"
   "Yep. It's a technology I call Realitus, a form of hard light holograms which can hurt. Even kill, if utilised properly. It's shards of small glass mixed with magic. It can interfere with humanoid beings' perception of what they see or smell, the same with a feeling of touch. It can replicate human body heat.
   It's a technology I am still developing and researching."
   "Fascinating."
   Before Azazel could comment more Vali took a step forward.
   "This means you could face any opponent you want. Depending on the amount of energy it's given?"
   "Correct. This is who you will be facing."
   With hand motion, a menu appeared and Marcus went through a couple of settings.
   Moments later polygons gathered and a red armoured being was standing next to the inventor.
   "...Red Dragon Emperor."
   "Precisely. I have fully scanned Booster Gear. This model here knows all about Boost and Balance Breaker. You can use several different difficulties depending on what you want."
   The more White Dragon Emperor heard about this the bigger his smile was.
   "Then what are we waiting for?"
   His 'enthusiasm' made Azazel shake his head. Atalanta just looked at the silver-haired teen with a deadpan look. This guy was feeding from her Master's hand like a big boy.
   "Sure. Aurora I need a Sacred Gear scanner set, if you would."
   [One moment.]
   The floor opened up in front of them and a pedestal with several cables came out.
   "Summon your gear."
   With a burst of white light Divine Dividing popped out from Vali's back.
   Marcus proceeded to put the readers on his wings, on the part where energy is being held together.
   "Don't resist the energy. It will wash you over. This will take a moment."
   "Right." The White Dragon Emperor nodded as he looked at the Red Armoured being standing not far from them. It had his arms crossed and was waiting for things to happen.
   This only made Lucifer's grin get bigger and bigger.
   "Aurora, you can proceed."
   [Starting gear scanning.]
   A floating window screen appeared in front of Marcus and Azazel, the pair were looking at this.
   The Governor-General was particularly interested in this.
   The percentage started to grow rapidly. Honestly, the Fallen Angel thought it would take longer than just a few moments! This was a Gear made from Albion! One of Two Heavenly Dragon Emperors!
   "And done. The scan is complete."
   Marcus proceeded to check the data.
   "Well?"
   "It has the same issues as others I have acquired. The cache storage is full. This causes errors in the system. The reason why it has a Balance Breaker and other forms...
   1
   Curious... it appears you have achieved Juggernaut Drive."
   Vali for a second was surprised. He hasn't told anyone except Azazel that he can use Juggernaut Drive!
   "Yeah? I can achieve it in a couple of minutes tops. Before negative emotions overwhelm me." The Lucifer explained to the inventor.
   "...Fascinating. We could use that."
   "Use what?"
   "The Juggernaut Drive. I will clean the cache and adjust your Divine Dividing. I will add the Balance Breaker as a natural evolution of the gear. THEN you will spar with the red one. We will gather the data, cross-reference it with the data I have acquired and THEN add Juggernaut Drive.
   1
   Meaning that you will have TWO natural forms. What do you think?"
   Marcus looked at Vali when he said that.
   "That's a deal. I have no idea what you said. But If this allows me to have Juggernaut Drive under full control? I am in!"
   1
   "Fantastic. Let's get this going then."
   ~~~
   "First we erase all the cache. Then run the maintenance." With a swipe of his fingers, Marcus proceeded to fix the gear.
   1
   Azazel looked at this from the side. There was a perplexed look on his face.
   He might have overlooked the fact that he just unleashed something horrifying on the world.
   Bringing Vali might have been a mistake. But he needed to make sure Divine Dividing went through this maintenance.
   The moment he heard about maintenance on Sacred Gears the moment he realised that it was the truth. The Juggernaut Drive was proof of how bad they can end up.
   The Governor-General might have done this himself but he had no idea where to start.
   But now... he realised that Marcus Goldman didn't just know how to make gears... he even knew how everything was run.
   'As if he knows how Heaven's system even works... it's like he truly is an old man's reincarnation...or... OR...'
   1
   The Fallen Angel's eyes widened as he turned stiff and then paled. He slowly undid his crossed arms.
   'Or he is the reincarnation of Solomon!'
   15
   In his mind, he started swiftly connecting dots. How submissive is Serafall, how he summoned her years ago!
   All of that falling into place!
   His means of understanding the gears, his power over devils, his supremacy over energies.
   'By my old man... this is utterly terrifying... if devil kind figures this out... there will be a civil war... paranoia will be all-time high!
   But for him to operate in the open like this and for everyone not to realise what is going on... this is just...'
   Azazel realised that it was too late. Solomon has created a faction and no one even knows how to stop him.
   And this time around. The reincarnator won't die from old age.
   With tech like this... he will be a being similar if not superior to Gods...
   And he helped him with that! He brought Vali! The moment the reincarnation of Solomon figures out Juggernaut Drive...all of his gears will have something similar!
   'I will just pretend I have no idea what is going on...'
   20
   Azazel thought to himself as he cleaned off his sweaty forehead.
   'Yep, it will be for the best.'
   For now, he watched how Marcus proceeded to adjust the very gear from the very core! Adding new lines with the runes of several pantheons.
   This was extreme, to say the least. Some gods don't even know all the runes from their pantheons. But this guy is utilising several!
   If this is the case then at the very core of Sacred Gears were created from the art of multiple pantheons. Which makes sense since they have artefacts or souls stored from different backgrounds.
   'Yeah...I need to write that down...I guess, I should start with Nordic and Gaelic first...then expand...'
   The leader of the Fallen proceeded to continue observing and learning while Vali's back glowed white for a second.
   "Ugh...what a strange shiver..." Albion spoke through the wings.
   "The adjustments are done." Marcus dismissed the window as he proceeded to walk over to Vali.
   Once he removed the cables the White Dragon Emperor was free to move.
   "... Let's see."
   "Balance Breaker! Vanishing Dragon Scale Mail!"
   2
   With a burst of white Vali was fully armoured.
   "...Impressive...before this it was like a switch but now it's extremely smooth. Feels natural." The armoured Lucifer explained as he looked at his hand.
   "Good. Now let's proceed to the next step." Marcus looked at the side where the doors opened.
   Vali and the rest looked at the doors.
   "With pleasure." The White Dragon Emperor said with an excited tone. He was waiting for this!
   The group proceeded to walk there.
   When Vali and Azazel saw what was in the room they looked baffled. It was an empty white room!
   "Let me explain this as simply as possible. Red's power can change according to what you want. I will set it up from one to ten.
   Think of this like it's a game with increasing difficulty.
   At level ten red's power will be at Ddraig's 100%. So be careful."
   "Are you sure? This place can handle this?"
   Albion spoke through the wings.
   "I tested the durability of this place by blowing up the Moon in a fight against Superman."
   6
   "..."
   "..."
   "You can do that here?" Vali asked after getting over the idea of blowing up a moon.
   "Once you get tired of fighting Red, I can arrange some fights with some exotic beings," Marcus smirked while hinting at something much more interesting than boring an old rivalry between White and Red.
   "...Damn... sure! This place is cool!"
   The White Dragon Emperor started to get very excited.
   'What irony this is...'
   Azazel realised how absurd this situation was. Once again Solomon's incarnation is having a Lucifer eating from his hand.
   6
   "Great. So we are leaving you here to fight, Red Emperor while we will be watching from the workshop."
   "Fine."
   ~~~
   Vali pumped himself as he watched how that awesome researcher left with Azazel and that catgirl.
   Honestly, he never thought this boring trip could turn into something as exciting as this!
   [Whenever you are ready. Just say 'Aurora, Start Simulation'.] Marcus' voice spread through the room.
   "Aurora, Start Simulation."
   [Beginning Simulation]
   [Activating Hard Light Projection]
   [Dispersing Realitus Particles]
   [Light Prism Online]
   [Activating Adaptive Ventilation]
   [Simulation Online]
   Vali looked around as he saw how reality in front of his eyes started to shift. The white room shimmered out of existence and was replaced by the city...
   A Metropolitan city.
   'New York?'
   That was his first thought after he saw so many skyscrapers. But then he saw people shimmer into existence around him. Many of them were busy walking back and forth. Many of them started to point fingers at him, as he was clad in his white armour.
   [We will be going with New York, I want to see how much damage you can cause. Such a city is the best way to scale your destructive power.
   Now for Red's power, as I said before it goes from 1 to 10, each stage represents a percentage of Ddraig's power. So if you pick 3 it means Armour has 30% of his strength.
   If you want to change just ask Aurora.]
   After Marcus said that, Booster Gear Balance Break armour proceeded to move around as if prowling and getting ready for battle.
   People who saw this started to take some distance as they could sense the atmosphere between these two armoured people.
   "Vali don't mind them, they are not real. That inventor wants to see how you will react."
   Albion said to his host.
   "I know!"
   The young Lucifer expanded his wings which hummed with power. Then he kicked out, shattering asphalt under his feet and proceeded to lunge into Red Dragon Emperor Scale Mail.
   White armour fist collided with a red fist.
   [DIVIDE]
   [BOOST]
   The exchange was short as Vali swiftly overpowered the armour.
   "This is not good! Aurora set his power at level 4!" The White Dragon Emperor exclaimed as he sensed how weak was that armour.
   [Very well]
   "Wait! That's nearly half his power!"
   Sure enough red aura erupted from the Ddraig's scale mail.
   The Red Being blasted into Vali who tried to block the incoming punch. But ended up being pushed into a skyscraper.
   The glass shattered into thousands of pieces as people started to scream.
   Ddraig's scale mail blasted Vali through the office floor, going through tables, computers, bookshelves and other things, eventually slamming into concrete support pillars.
   "Yeah! That's more like it!"
   [DIVIDE]
   [DIVIDE]
   [DIVIDE]
   The red aura shrunk considerably, but it quickly recovered as the Red Dragon Emperor used its signature ability.
   [BOOST]
   [BOOST]
   [BOOST]
   Then its green eyes glowed as its other fist went into Vali's gut.
   [PIERCE!]
   The teen Lucifer coughed blood as his armour shattered into thousands of pieces.
   *Cough*
   'What the hell was that!?'
   For a second his vision started to get dark. He nearly passed out. But, he swiftly snapped out from pain as he was smacked into the side and was sent flying from the office and right into one of New York's streets.
   The red Scale Mail followed after as it with a spin delivered a kick and slammed Vali into asphalt. Shattering the remaining armour into pieces.
   [Is that all you can do? White?] Ddraig-like voice said from the armour.
   "Not in the least... I still have a trick under my sleeve."
   Vali slowly stood up as he cleaned off the blood from his lips.
   'Damn... this place truly rocks! I need one of these installed in Azazel's place!'
   Even though he knows he could potentially die...he doesn't care! Such realism is utterly amazing! And he needs one as well!
   "Watch and learn! I am the one who is about to awaken!"
   "I am the one who is about to awaken!" Albion repeated the same line which caused Vanishing Dragon's Scale Mail to fix itself.
   ~~~~~~Workshop~~~~~~
   "Albion is repeating his words?" Marcus mumbled to himself as he started to stroke his chin. He was wondering why.
   "... Synchronisation?" Atalanta replied with a wondering voice.
   "Some wild beasts do similar actions. Mostly wolves when they circle their prey."
   The inventor's eyes widened as he finally realised.
   "Resonance!!!"
   2
   He exclaimed loudly as he swiftly got up on his feet. He used his psionic energy to make sure Atalanta didn't fly off.
   The Lioness huntress was shocked the most as she closed her eyes and thought that she would land face-first on the diamond floor.
   But the psionic aura saved her and pulled back into the seat.
   "Resonance? What do you mean by that?" Azazel, who was sitting on a comfortable couch and drinking beer while looking at the battle, asked with a piqued curiosity.
   "It's like Tesla said many years ago! Everything has a frequency!
   3
   At this moment Albion balanced out his power to Vali's level and then proceeded to synchronise himself with him!
   Draconic energy, mental state, overlap voice, he does that to the point that their power signature becomes the same!
   This causes Sacred Gear, which was already in a bad state, to get confuse who is who... the gear after all works like a dam which keeps Heavenly Dragon's energy in check. But what if the gear doesn't know which side it should dam?
   It confuses, which causes it to stop the dam process altogether!" Marcus explained with an excited voice as he proceeded to run tests, and simulations and observe what was happening inside the testing room.
   "...You might be up to something... but if it's true... then the Juggernaut Drive transformation Vali is about to do will fail."
   "Indeed. The gear's failsafe is running at its peak condition."
   As the inventor confirmed what Azazel said it happened right on cue.
   The white burst which was supposed to happen didn't happen. In truth, the scale mail got dismissed and Vali was without any gear at this moment.
   "...Damn..." The Governor-General was spooked by how right Marcus was! It happened right in front of his eyes!
   1
   "Aurora, terminate the simulation. I got what I wanted."
   [As you wish.]
   The simulated New York shattered like a piece of glass. It only made Vali more confused. As he realised that he was in a simulation all along! It was so real that he forgot that for a moment!
   "Can someone tell me what is going on?" The teen Lucifer exclaimed loudly as he looked around.
   [The doors opened come over here.]
   The White Dragon Emperor nodded as he proceeded to walk over.
   ~~~
   "Thanks to you, now I know how Juggernaut Drive works." Marcus started to talk first as he looked at the data in front of him.
   "Yeah? But it failed." Vali said with a frown.
   "Of course it did. You couldn't access it anymore. Only Balance Breaker worked. I didn't include Juggernaut Drive because of corrupted files.
   It always baffled me. But now you showed me how it works." The Inventor clarified some more with an obvious voice.
   "...I did? But it failed... I couldn't even perform it." The White Dragon Emperor frowned some more.
   "It's the method, not the transformation itself, Vali," Azazel said from the side as he was looking at the data as well.
   Honestly, on this trip alone he learned more than he did in the past 500 years researching on his own.
   Ancient computers, and Juggernaut Drive... These two things will allow him to have a breakthrough in Sacred Gear on his own!
   Maybe if he sticks around some more Marcus will explain to him how he interpreted Balance Breaker as well! That would be just grand!
   "Method?"
   "The resonance you have with Albion, bypassing the security of Sacred Gear to tap into full power."
   Vali blinked a couple of times before thinking for a moment.
   "...I guess it just clicks?"
   "I see. Since Albion is attached to you at the soul level it happens naturally." The second coming of Solomon said with a thoughtful look.
   "Anyway, I am going to add this sequence to the gear. Come over."
   The White Dragon Emperor nodded as he walked over and once again Marcus proceeded to attach cables to the Divine Dividing.
   The moment he was connected he swiftly checked over the logs.
   A small smile appeared on his lips as he saw the log which was recorded over the failsafe.
   For a second the Sacred Gear felt that there were two Albions, this forced an emergency shutdown as it was logged as a critical error.
   "Just as I suspected, look." Marcus pointed at the screen, and Azazel nodded as well as he saw this on the screen he was still learning the language used to code these gears.
   He barely understands several letters. So...one could say he is playing along!
   2
   "Yes, it appears so."
   1
   The Inventor smirked as he proceeded to remove the log and started to add another sequence to the gear. Just like with Balance Breaker, this sequence only goes to work when resonance is reached, and instead of turning off Vali will be able to access all of Albion's power.
   "Just to keep this clear. You may die if you are to use this power. Having limiters removed you will be exposed to 100% of Albion's power."
   "That's the point of Juggernaut Drive." Vali rolled his eyes when he said that.
   "Technically it's less than that. The gear only holds a portion of Albion's soul." Azazel commented from the side.
   "Old man was only able to store some of it. The rest was destroyed through the fight. The pair of Dragon's entered an Outrage. There were not that many means to stop them."
   "Does it mean you have been there?"
   "But of course. It's an experience I don't want to relive." The Fallen leader said with a somewhat pale look. He recalled something from that time.
   "Ha! That's because we were kicking your butts! That's what happens when you intervene in our fights!" Albion spoke through the wings.
   "...Indeed. You had. But I am alive and you are a piece of Artefact created by my old man."
   9
   "..."
   The group except for Azazel grimaced when they heard the burn.
   7
   "...Right, I am almost done."
   Marcus changed the theme of the conversation, as he was done with sequences. He copied and pasted all that into his database.
   Aurora proceeded to run its simulations and run diagnostics on gears it had scanned. In other words, the A.I. already had legitimate 100% copies of these two gears.
   It has already started to experiment on other gears which don't have beasts inside of them. But, it was revealed to be a useless endeavour.
   Juggernaut Drive soon enough was classified as a dragon-only technique, maybe if they are to find another beast and seal it away they might get something similar. But for now. This only works on Ddraig and Albion gears.
   3
   "Done. You can retrain in the testing room."
   "Alright."
   ~~~
   With a burst of white, Vali's Juggernaut Drive made his armour look bulkier and much more wild. That 100% release of power has to flow somewhere. So it naturally has altered the armour.
   However, this time around the White Dragon Emperor proceeded to waste Ddraig's Scale Mail which was at 40%.
   After sending the red armour flying into a skyscraper, Vali was feeling bored.
   "...Aurora. If I am to change it to stage 10 will Red's scale mail turn into Juggernaut Drive?"
   [With new data we received from you, it's possible, but this is not tested out properly, yet.]
   Vali grinned behind the helmet.
   "Then let's do it! I will be the test subject for this!"
   [Very well. Switching to the difficulty level 10, setting to 100% Ddraig's output.]
   5
   Half of the simulated city got illuminated red colour as Welsh Dragon Scale Mail started to change.
   "This is just perfect!"
   Vali exclaimed happily as he watched the transformation! He can't wait for a real fight! At their maximum capacity! They finally decided once and for all who is the strongest!
   1
   ~~~
   For advanced chapters (+5 chapters) my pat : pat reon.com/DragonsFics
   OR
   Discord: discord.gg/denoffanfics
   ~~~
   P.S.: I do weekly voting on Patreon if you want more chapters for this fic (or other fics ) vote there.
   1
  
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   Chapter 51: The Beauty of Resonance
   2
   "Who would have thought that Vali was the key to this puzzle?" Marcus commented with an amused voice. He was surrounded by floating windows showing all the data he gathered through the spars.
   He allowed Vali to fight as much as he wanted. Oh, boy did the White Dragon Emperor fight. He showed his Juggernaut Drive several times.
   Allowing to record the resonance several times.
   It was a gold mine for the inventor.
   "Sometimes you find treasure in the most unexpected places, Master." His kitten softly commented as she was gazing at what he was looking at.
   2
   "You are right. But this is more than that.
   Until now, I have missed one of the most fundamental forces in the universe."
   Marcus lifted his hand and showed her purple energy flowing in waves.
   "Gravity and waves which come with it."
   "It's intricately connected to space and time. One could say I have focused too much on space to grasp time. But gravity is a key ingredient.
   3
   Once one adds that to the viewing lenses, the field vision becomes more clear."
   "So he inspired you?"
   "More like showing something obvious." The inventor chuckled, with some amusement.
   "I suppose it makes sense. Your gaze goes very far. So you can't see what is in front."
   "...You are right. I need to spend more time with common people. I might see something fascinating and inspiring."
   Atalanta deadpanned at him.
   "Like learning time travel in maths class? Or drawing weapons of war in some other random classes?" She casually mentioned what he does in his 'classes'. It's hard to call them classes when he does such crazy stuff!
   3
   "You know me well enough. My Lioness." He leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek.
   There was a thin blush on her cheek when she heard that.
   2
   "Yes, well. Apart from the fact that you re-discovered gravity and that resonance thing. I can guess that you have decided to weaponize this fundamental force?"
   "...Not yet. No, what Vali showed me was crucial in cross-species creation."
   1
   With a hand wave, he showed her something.
   Atalanta's eyes widened as she saw...
   [Biological Combat Model: Enterprise]
   6
   [Development Possibility: 90.7%]
   "Aurora already has run 3 million simulations. Synchronising the frequency of the carrier ship with the biological body. It's not the easiest thing.
   However, we came up with a medium. Another resonance..."
   With another hand wave, he showed another project.
   "...W-What is this!?"
   "My version of the Heaven system."
   10
   Her eyes bulged out, and for a moment her mind went blank!
   "Quinella proposed something a few days after realising that there is a 'roof' for how well we can prepare our S.P.B.A. Synthetic memories can only carry so far.
   So why not create 'reincarnation' for my soldiers?
   In other words, once they fall in battle, their experiences and souls enter this heaven they get recycled in a specific manner and then sent into a new body.
   6
   This way they keep their memories and adjust to new enemies."
   Atalanta paled as she realised not only he is going to have endless soldiers but they will have a cycle of reincarnation!
   "...But won't that impact conditions and their programming?"
   "No, in truth it will improve it. People on many occasions rely on a 'higher' being, purpose, or directive.
   3
   This is what the system is. It gives a certain superiority to other beings. Even when they die, they don't truly die. Just follow me, you can't die and live forever."
   4
   The Lioness gulped down for a bit. Before wondering how this is related to ships and these biological models!?
   "...and how does this come to play with your ship and the girl?"
   She asked after realising that they had derailed from the original purpose.
   "It's the middle ground. For one to access Ship at any time anywhere you have to have some sort of space power. The ships will be stored in a special dimension, they will have special privileges to access these vessels.
   In a sense, it's an alternative version of Sacred Gears circle. The base principle is the same. They circulate in the system and specific souls can access specific 'gears'." Marcus explained to her that in front of them, a computer window showed the schematic of how this would work.
   "These ship girls will have direct links with their ships all the time. As the system will be able to reach them anywhere where 'space' itself exists."
   2
   "... That's one crazy thing you are building... Are you sure you don't have anything else to do?"
   Atalanta asked him with wide eyes... She knows well enough how dangerous those massive ships will be with all the technomancy pumped into them! The worst part is that these girls could access them anywhere...anytime!
   1
   "You sound like it's a bad thing. I am building because I want to. Just like how you go to hunt, I build." He explained with an assumed tone.
   His Lioness looked quite spooked, Marcus saw it, that's where his amusement was coming from.
   It's quite obvious why he is making these girls, apart from personal reasons, he is giving his faction a specific 'taste'. Just like any faction has its unique monsters, tales and so and so on. He will have something uniquely to his.
   5
   Easy as that.
   And besides he remembered these girls from his previous life when he was playing those gacha games.
   2
   He doubts they will appear on this Earth. The splashes he is making would make it hard to do, no doubt his virtual reality technology will overpower phone games before they can truly settle in.
   Or...they will make something unique. One can only watch how this will develop.
   1
   "...Whatever you say...Master." Atalanta had no idea how to answer that.
   "That reminds me. Tomorrow is the day when your shop is opening." His lioness reminded him.
   "True. Tomorrow is Monday. What an interesting weekend it was."
   Marcus reflected on what he did in these couple of days. He helped Ares with his manor. Then he spent the whole day collecting data from Vali.
   He made a breakthrough, without even working on it. Days like that are the best ones.
   "...Interesting. That's a strange word you use."
   "What would you use?"
   "Monumental. You spent Saturday with Greek Gods, and Sunday you struck a deal which will reshape the political landscape of the supernatural world." The lion girl reminded him what he had done just several hours ago.
   Honestly, Marcus almost forgot that he arranged something with Serafall.
   Well, whatever.
   "I guess. I am not big with politics." He shrugged without care before snuggling some more.
   "Anyway, tomorrow I will be going to school so let's go."
   As he said that he picked up his kitten and proceeded to walk towards the lift.
   Atalanta just rolled her eyes and wrapped herself around him properly.
   ~~~~~~Serafall~~~~~~
   *BAM*
   "Sir-chan!!!"
   Serafall blasted into Sirzechs' office. Her forehead was sweaty as she was running the whole time and not using her teleportation spell. Whatever the reason was...it was urgent, it's as if she forgot she could do that!
   2
   Most likely she got used to not using such spells because of her boyfriend.
   "What is it? You don't just barge in like that." The Crimson Lucifer said with a sigh.
   "That's not important! Listen! Azazel went to see Marcus! Whatever happened he threatened me that he would join Fallen's side if Devil Kind didn't agree with the terms of peace."
   Sirzechs dropped his pen as he looked at her with wide eyes.
   "I see... well, this is concerning." The current Lucifer started to think.
   1
   Behind him, Grayfia had a curious and somewhat perplexed look.
   3
   "You don't say! We need to call a meeting as soon as possible! Knowing Marcus he could already start working on something big!" Serafall exclaimed with a seriously nervous look.
   2
   ~~~~~~Meantime, With Marcus~~~~~~
   In his room, the teen was hugging his lion girl, he was stroking her chin and marvelling at how beautiful she was...
   2
   "What's with this abundance of attention?" Atalanta asked with a curious look. Not that she minded the attention. More like she was basking in it!
   "Nothing, I feel like extra cuddling with you, think of it as compensation for almost dropping you on the ground before."
   "Ohh... I see... in that case, I want to be hugged some more, and my back stroked~" The lioness started to 'demand' more attention.
   11
   ~~~~~~Back With Devils~~~~~~
   "Call the council. We WILL reach that peace!" Sirzechs stood up from his seat while saying that. The aura in the room turned extremely heavy.
   6
   There is no way in hell he will allow another war!
   "Already did it!"
   "Good! Then let's go to the council room!"
   The Crimson Satan proceeded to walk, followed by Serafall and Grayfia.
   'Damn it! Damn you Azazel! I knew it! I need to stop any sort of meeting between science geeks like him and Marcus! They just bring chaos among normal people!'
   9
   The current Leviathan was brooding over this development!
   She has no doubt Azazel offered some sweet toys to her boyfriend and he caved in like a little boy. He might be one of the strongest beings in the world but deep inside he is just a teen who likes his expensive toys!
   'Damn it all!'
   While Serafall was brooding, Sirzechs was nervous, Marcus and Azazel joining forces. That's something he never thought about!
   A few minutes later, representatives from political factions proceeded to gather.
   Ajuka appeared as well.
   "I expect a proper explanation for this meeting. The hour is unholy." Some nobles from the Great King faction complained as they looked sleepy.
   3
   "Marcus Goldman just threatened to join the Fallen Angel faction and supply them with limitless resources. This means Airship, Transformers and his S.P.B.A troopers. Maybe even an array of Neo Gears."
   *Cough**Cough**Cough*
   Some of the nobles choked in their saliva when they heard that!
   1
   "What!? Where did this come from!?"
   One of them exclaimed with pure shock and horror.
   They thought they were safe from his clutches!
   "Azazel! Who else!" Serafall slammed her hand into the throne chair, shattering it in the process. This was the second or third armrest she blew up from her turbulent emotions.
   'Why do we have to suffer for her failed romance!?' Some of the Devils started to believe that Serafall was unwinding by screaming at them and destroying public property!
   3
   "That Crow most likely collected an array of Sacred Gears and offered it to Marcus! Getting in his good graces! Now he is using my Marcus to push a peace deal!
   This is what we are going to do! Draw a peace treaty as quickly as possible! Or Marcus will build an outpost in the Underworld! If he does that then we will be living with the consequences of having his armies here!"
   Murmurs erupted throughout the council.
   Sirzechs and Ajuka just looked at this with indifferent expressions. They are waiting for a response.
   This lasted for several minutes before the council stopped.
   The one who stood up was Zekram Bael.
   "In this case, the course of action is clear. Azazel played us and forced our hand.
   1
   We will draw the treaty as quickly as possible. We should establish a dialogue with the Fallen Faction as quickly as we can."
   Sirzechs sighed in relief when he heard that. Finally! They can start thinking about proper growth as a faction instead of thinking about their borders with Fallens.
   1
   ~~~
   While this was happening the forces in the shadows got annoyed. The word swiftly spread out that Devils and Fallen are forced to sign a peace treaty.
   The word swiftly reached other realms of the Underworld.
   "It appears we have a short window to act." Skeletal Being said to a teenager-looking girl dressed in a gothic dress. She was a beautiful lady, with elfish ears.
   1
   "Fufufu... I guess we do~ then again this is fine. Erebus and I are more than enough to secure our target." She softly replied, her voice tainted with some arrogance.
   11
   "...Then I leave this to you." Skeletal God said with a nod.
   "...Yes. Time for us to move out, the world has forgotten that we Primordials exist." She said with a glee.
   "You should instruct Tartarus to open his gates as well. We need all that manpower."
   "Hehehe. Hades you are a naughty boy. But this is fine, I will use this chance to finally leave this dreadful place."
   "As you wish. Just don't forget lady Nyx, we don't reveal who we are until we are ready. It will take a while for those bats to realise what happened. By then the trail would turn cold."
   "...I know, I know..."
   With a burst of darkness, the Primordial was gone.
   Leaving Hades alone who sighed. It's a pain to ask for Primordials like Nyx and Erebus to join him.
   But he is not done. He already called other 'bored' Gods to come. Like Angra Mainyu, the Persian Evil God.
   This one is crucial for the creation of more beings to fight Marcus Goldman and his horde.
   'Marcus Goldman...we shall see how you deal with the Netherworld invasion.'
   19
   Hades' blue flames glowed even more potent. He can't wait to put that brat in his place for mocking his Pantheon!
   2
   Beating his niece is one thing, but taking another one as a future wife? Now that's crossing the line!
   But for now. He will turn Devil Kind into rubble. Before these factions can unite. He will take them out one by one.
   All the Evil Gods will help him with these upstarts.
   1
   'Once Typhon is out it will be a matter of time.'
   Hades cackled as he returned to his preparation. He has millions of souls to choose from for his army.
   It was time for war, he got tired of his sibling's idiocy.
   ~~~~~~Next Morning~~~~~~
   Marcus groggily opened his eyes. He looked around for a bit. His vision was misty. It took him a couple of seconds to realise that he was in his parent's house.
   "Oh...right..." He mumbled to himself before putting his head back on this warm pillow. This pillow smelled nice, like apples and wilderness.
   "...Master...you need to wake up." He could feel his pillow breathing and moving and it was talking.
   "...No...sleeping is nice..."
   "You can do that later. You still need to attend your school, or are you going to skip it?" She said the skipping part with something like an accusing voice. It sounded like she would be very disappointed in him if he were to miss it.
   'Damn it all... why is my cat this mean!?' Marcus realised what Atalanta was doing. She was guilt-tripping him. It's like he is a lazy ass which makes her annoyed with him.
   2
   "Fine...but you will be helping me."
   "...As you wish."
   Sure enough, the pair got up from the bed. Atalanta stretched out like a cat. Marcus was already moving over to his wardrobe. It was old school. He needed to open it manually.
   1
   For a second he almost 'pressed' on it. As if it had a touchscreen, but then he remembered it did not.
   So he was going through his clothes manually. Thankfully all of them are placed in an orderly fashion.
   "Let's go, we will be taking a shower."
   "..."
   The Lioness didn't comment on that. According to Hypolita, he has a switch. If he is naughty then he will do it, if not then he won't. So Atalanta didn't bother about that.
   A short shower later, the lion-girl helped him dress up. In a sense, it was amusing for her. She had never done anything like this before.
   Sure she helped young girls with their hunting gear and clothing. But this was different. It was as if she was a housewife or something along those lines.
   Still after doing all that they went to the kitchen and proceeded to make some breakfast.
   Thankfully both his parents are off to work. This is why the pair are relaxed like that.
   After a simple breakfast, Marcus kissed his kitten before walking off to school.
   Once he walked away Atalanta sighed before looking around. Seeing no one was looking, she swiftly walked over to the back of the garage, the stairs opened up as she went over to Maglev train station and took the train to the main base.
   With a smirk, she went over to the Entertainment Dome. Time to have some fun.
   Since she is his 'house cat', the cat can do whatever she wants when the owner is not at home! Unlike others her job is different. Sure, she is a 'maid' but a maid with very specific duties.
   2
   So, the moment she was in the Entertainment Dome the surroundings turned into a wilderness, primal wilderness. Once again it was a Cretaceous era!
   1
   "Let's have some fun~"
   Atalanta summoned her computer screen with a brush of her finger. She started to choose her gear.
   She adjusted some of the weather patterns to make her hunt more bearable. Hot weather is nice and all, but she doesn't want excess realism at this moment.
   Once everything was set up she proceeded to have some fun!
   ~~~~~~Underworld~~~~~~
   Lucifer's family house was quite a distance away from the rest of the population.
   So no one even noticed when the Dome of darkness surrounded it.
   Erebus and Nyx are two of the most powerful beings of Greek Mythology. These two Primordial Gods created an array of Greek Gods.
   This means when they work together there is rarely any sort of opponent who could oppose them.
   In this case, Rizevim Lucifer, son of the original Lucifer, was in a bad spot.
   "...What a pleasant surprise. What can I do for two Primordials such as you two?" A white-haired middle-aged man greeted the pair of arrivals in front of his house.
   2
   "We are here for Lilith." Erebus went straight to the point.
   1
   "..."
   "...Where do you get this idea that my mother is still around?" Rizevim said with a straight face.
   "You think we don't know? you devilkind are truly stupid if you think we are ignorant. Your Hell is directly linked to ours. Hades is tracking everything from his domain."
   "...I see..."
   Before Lucifer can do something, darkness surges from his shadow and stabs his legs. Forcing him to knee, more shadows manifested, quickly surrounding him.
   "...W-Wait! L-Let me join you!"
   "You are a wild card. We don't need you. Besides...all devils are going to die. One way or another." Nyx spoke with sadistic glee as her divine power surged swallowing Lucifer whole.
   4
   "...My oh my. He didn't even resist." The Primordial Goddess was disappointed. She expected at least some opposition.
   "I don't think he had enough power to resist, our combined energy crushed him." Erebus snorted as he proceeded to walk into the manor.
   "...I guess... so much for the so-called 'Super Devil'."
   2
   As the pair of Primordials walked into the house they proceeded to check from top to bottom.
   Until they found a basement. In this basement, they found ritual sites and other things. Among them was a book and a ball of flesh.
   "...This is Lilith?" Nyx was not impressed with what she saw.
   1
   "...Yes. It's her energy signature, but it appears she is severely weakened." Erebus scanned the thing in front of him.
   "...Do you think we will be able to use her to create devils of our own? We need numbers to face someone who most likely has means of endless energy." The Primordial of Night commented on what she knew about Marcus Goldman.
   While Athena didn't comment on the fact that he has means of infinite energy, as Gods who created beings before they instinctively knew that he had more power than he had shown. Producing numbers and technology like that requires a lot of power and he is doing that effortlessly in a short amount of time.
   "We could restore her to some degree. For now, we should return to Hades." Erebus said that as he collected the book.
   "...Fine."
   Darkness consumed Lilith as the pair disappeared with it.
   ~~~~~~With Marcus~~~~~~
   Classes start at 8. His shop opens at 9. His main break is around 10:35. Marcus was wondering what kind of reaction there will be to his shop.
   How quickly will the public realise how advanced the phones he is selling are?
   How quickly will his face appear on the evening news? Honestly, he was nervous to a small degree. More specifically he is on edge and is waiting for the moment for anything to happen.
   [Sir, the submarine is ready, and Enterprise refurbishment is almost complete.]
   Aurora said to him via the earpiece he had.
   "Hnn... cool." Marcus casually responded as he was lazing around on the rooftop of his school.
   His gaze stayed on the lazy clouds.
   "...I should have brought something to eat. This is getting boring." He commented on the fact that he had nothing to eat.
   "Then it's a good thing I am prepared," Serafall said from the side.
   "Oh, Sera."
   "Oh? Oh!? OH!? You nearly put the whole Devil kind on the highest order of preparation! And 'Oh' is the only thing you can say!?" She hissed at him, it was the angriest she could be at him.
   "Good enough I suppose. Having some sort of pressure is always good. Otherwise, your Devil Kind will become lazy bums." He still sounded as lazy as one could get.
   *Sigh*
   "Whatever..."
   She realised that it was pointless. He doesn't care that much about Devil Kind in the first place so getting angry at him like this is pointless.
   As she walked over to his side she pulled out sandwiches she had prepared the pair proceeded to eat.
   After eating several of them Serafall decided to ask.
   "So what did he give you?"
   "Who? Azazel?"
   "Yes."
   "Vritra Sacred Gears. I can now revive the dragon. And I was able to scan Divine Dividing."
   "...I see... I knew it. I knew he would give you something impressive for you to pressure us." The Leviathan was quite happy with herself for being able to see through what was happening.
   "Please. I only called you once and you did everything yourself." He rolled his eyes at her. He got three gears for a simple call. That's what he calls a bargain.
   "... That is what is called to be an influential figure. Even if we don't want to agree. Your phone call forced us to start working on this peace in earnest."
   After saying that she got somewhat serious.
   "...In truth. Something more is happening."
   "More?"
   "...Yes. Lucifer Manor was attacked. Rizevim Lucifer is gone. There is some residue of very powerful energy around the area. It's dark, and Ajuka can't quite make out what it is. As it's a mix of two energies.
   It appears someone doesn't want Devil Kind to sign a peace treaty."
   "Hmm, it's only a matter of time when he figures it out." Marcus was certain that the genius of Devil Kind would figure it out.
   "...That's the point. It takes time. Who knows what will happen in that time." Serafall is more worried that this is not a one-time thing.
   "I see... they may not want to hide forever but are just stalling for time."
   "Precisely."
   "...Good. I hope Sirzechs can deal with this." Marcus got over it very quickly, as he grabbed another sandwich.
   "...If this becomes a big thing we might be going to ask for your help." The Satan Leviathan said with a worried tone. Rizevim may be an ass. But he is still one of the three Super Devils of the Underworld.
   "That depends on certain conditions. My assistance is not cheap, and having my armies march in the underworld is something your kin won't accept lightly."
   "Yes, I know but... just in case?"
   "Heh... we shall see. Depending on who the opponent is. If it is an interesting specimen I might do it for free.
   Same time if it's boring and you need help, I might as well pull my pillars from Underworld altogether once I crush this opponent.
   Everything depends on who your kin is dealing with." He explained to her as he was wondering which enemy it was.
   'Attacking Rizevim directly... why? What would they want?
   Oh... I see... Book of Lucifer and Lilith...'
   He pondered before having a knowing look.
   'Hades? Oh, I see... I can sense a desire for war from him and it's growing.'
   Having Blessing of War allows Marcus to see war on the horizon, and this one is a big one. It appears the plot has shifted.
   Who needs Kokabiel when you have all the Evil Gods gather and form an Alliance against him?
   The young inventor was flattered that several evil Gods were gathering forces just to face him.
   But, he knows that there is more to this.
   They might attack Devil Kind with full force. Once they have established themselves in the Underworld they could begin the proper siege of Earth.
   'Oh I see... they could use the entirety of European plains as their gathering grounds before moving towards me. There is barely any sort of supernatural there.'
   "Master?"
   Serafall's voice got him out of his thoughts.
   "Hmm?"
   "You have a look of realisation."
   "Indeed. Your kin should be prepared. This attack could be from several pantheons. Your people have quite a bit of enemies." Marcus mentioned that casually.
   "...you know?"
   "I have been blessed by Ares. I can sense when war is coming, and it's close for your people."
   Her eyes widened as she swiftly got up on her feet.
   "...may I request permission to leave?"
   "Do so. I will be waiting for your call and choice of your people."
   Serafall even paled for a bit before she left with a summoning circle.
   Once she was gone, Marcus started to ponder.
   "Now I know how Romans feel. They would always go to war to help their friends. But as they say - when two are fighting the third one profits." He remembered how the Romans created their massive empire by proxy going to help their allies.
   8
   This was a similar situation. At this moment he has two people who are in high positions in devil society. Since he knows they will ask for help. Maybe even ignore the council if it's bad. He would descend to the Underworld.
   But what he could ask from them in turn? Some lands? Possibly, who wouldn't want to own a piece of the Underworld?
   2
   Maybe get direct access to Greek Hell? They have some interesting beings stashed there.
   Well, for now, he will wait curiously and watch how things escalate in Devil Underworld.
   ~~~
   Truthfully after this Marcus has forgotten about the shop when Serafall starts to talk about possible war in the Underworld.
   So around the time classes were over his phone started to ring.
   "Yes?"
   "Marcus, why are you on TV?"
   *Cough**Cough**Cough*
   The teen choked on his saliva, but he quickly got over it.
   "Oh, and did you fall out with Serafall? This new girl is beautiful as well." His father is casually commenting about Latia who was most likely on TV at this moment.
   "Ugh...let me return home first."
   "Sure. But I want one of those new phones YOUR girlfriend is selling."
   Marcus rolled his eyes. Knowing his dad he just wants cutting-edge stuff, just shit and giggles.
   "Yeah-Yeah..."
   After hanging the call the inventor proceeded to walk home. He was wondering what to say.
   How much to reveal?
   Maybe just tell everything?
   Hell, there is no need for him to beat around the bush. Well, as long as they were in his area of influence no one could do anything.
   As he walked into his street he could see vans in the distance. Those were the news vans.
   *Tsk*
   "Bugs. Aurora deploys Realitus, and sends them on a wild goose chase." He said that while pressing a button on his earpiece.
   1
   [As you wish]
   Sure enough, the vans drove away, they were most likely seeing something interesting.
   Marcus can't wait to see the news tomorrow.
   As he saw them drive away the Inventor entered his house and took his shoes off. He then walked over to the living room. He saw his Father already watching something else.
   "That's it? I thought my face would be on TV for longer." He was quite 'disappointed' with the lack of exposure.
   "It was on some morning news. I suppose you will be mentioned on evening one again, once they have more to speak about." His father replied with a knowing look. That's the usual Modus Operandi of the news agencies in their country.
   This is not the UK or USA where news channels run 24/7, 365 days...
   "I guess."
   "So?"
   "Who is this girl? And when you started selling cutting-edge technology. It looks far too advanced. Current phones hold no candle against what you are selling."
   Yeah, he can't get around his father that easily. He might be a car geek but he knows his technology.
   "... well... you see..."
   For a moment he didn't say anything but then he lifted his hand and a purple aura surrounded him.
   One could say his looks slightly changed as he brushed his hair back for a bit.
   2
   "Several years ago. I was chosen to inherit the power of Solomon. In history, he is known as the second King of Israel, and the King of Magic."
   1
   "..."
   "..."
   "..."
   "That's not what I expected..."
   "What did you expect?" Marcus asked his father who got over surprisingly fast!
   "You got visited by aliens or your future self, so simply time travel." His father plainly said with crossed arms.
   2
   "...That is an interesting theory. But incorrect, simply put mythologies are real, and I inherited magic from Solomon."
   "...Solomon... huh...I guess that is something you inherited from your mother. Her grandmother was Jewish."
   1
   "True. Now that you mentioned. I did see that in my DNA..."
   Marcus casually mentioned his DNA, he did research it extensively.
   "So who is that blonde girl?"
   "She is a devil. As Solomon, I can form contracts with 72 pillars of devil kind. She is my Astaroth pillar and Serafall is my Sitri Pillar." He explained to his father.
   1
   "...Damn..."
   13
   ~~~
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   1
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   ~~~
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   Chapter 52: An Apple Doesn't Fall Far From The Tree
   (2 out of 3 chapters this week)
   "So Solomon, huh... interesting. How did it all start?" Marcus' Father, Roland pondered what his son just said.
   "One afternoon his grimoire just appeared out of nowhere." With hand motion, the white golden book appeared in Solomon's successor's hands.
   "It bonded with me, and no one else can touch it." Marcus tried to hand it over but the book went through his father's hand.
   "... That's..."
   "Yes, I know. A quick way to tell that it is supernatural."
   "Curious...anyway, so what have you been doing since you know...all of this?" Roland motioned at his son. He can see the obvious changes!
   "Umm...slowly dominating the Supernatural world?" The teen alchemist somewhat nervously mentioned that.
   "In what sense?"
   "...All?"
   "...*Sigh* What are we going to tell your mother?"
   "...Umm she should be happy?"
   "...In what regard?"
   "...Her son terrified Greek Gods so much that Olympus decided to marry Athena to him?"
   "... Excuse me?"
   "...Yep. On Saturday, I was in Greece and helped Ares with renovations. Before that Athena went to see me...and stuff happened. In simple terms there were some small conflicts and yeah... Athena is now my fiance."
   "... That's..."
   For a moment Roland leaned into the couch. His brain was catching up.
   "...How should I respond to that? I don't think there is a manual on this..."
   "...Nope, as far as I know, there is not."
   "...*Sigh*"
   "Let's backtrack this. How did this start?"
   "I made an Iron Man-like suit and was doing some tests in Siberia. One thing led to another and I ended up fighting Artemis and her huntresses. I won, she didn't like that. So a few months later she found where I live. She challenged me to spar with no tricks. I won again, this time it was for keeps and as you know God's like her don't go against their word so...
   She ended up as my maid."
   "...I have so many questions..." The more he heard from his son the more absurd it sounded! He has a Goddess as a maid!? And is engaged to another!?
   "...I assume this is happening somewhere else? Because I haven't heard anything!? If you had a battle with a Goddess there should be some sort of indication of it!"
   "... that's...because you know... you know how I used to watch Dexter's Laboratory as a kid?" Marcus derailed for a bit.
   "...No way..."
   "Yes. I have built my faction underground."
   *Resigned sigh*
   A multitude of complex emotions flashed through his father's face. Eventually, curiosity triumphed through everything.
   Like father, like son.
   "...you know what? I don't care about the details! Can you show me?" Roland jumped on his feet and turned off the TV. Then he dropped the remote on the couch and proceeded to rub his hands, wanting to see his son's lab!
   "Sure. Let's go..."
   ~~~
   As the pair exited the house, Marcus pressed his index finger on the earpiece. He commanded Aurora to deploy Realitus around the area.
   He doesn't want anyone lucky enough to see their driveway lowering down.
   "Here it is."
   The moment the younger Goldman said that the moment the driveway proceeded to lower.
   "...Nice..."
   As the driveway fully lowered the pair proceeded to enter.
   The first thing Roland saw there was the parked BMW in a brightly lit white-ish room.
   "So you have finished repairing it."
   "...very recently. I was busy with robotics, genetics, programming and other things."
   "... That's quite a spread out."
   "It is. Mostly because of Solomon. Solomon's book taught me the basics of Runemancy and Alchemy. Mixing with my curiosity towards machinery I blend those into something curious."
   Marcus motioned towards his car.
   "Transform for me BMW."
   The car's front lights glowed.
   The iconic transformer sound spread through the garage. The car proceeded to transform into robot mode and stood up.
   "...Holy!!!"
   "I know right? The moment I realised how joints work and the alloy composition I went right for the transformers!" The teen with an excited voice told his father. This was the time to get excited to tell about his awesome stuff!
   "...This is... can you make my car into this!?" Roland had the look of a small child awakening in his consciousness.
   How could he not love Transformers!? He grew up with the OG series! Who wouldn't want to have a space robot for a car!?
   "Sure. I can do that."
   "Fantastic!"
   The older Goldman was nearly dancing about this!
   "...By the way...what are we going to say to your mother!?" Then out of nowhere, he started to panic.
   "...Umm...should we stock up her wine? I mean... she will flip. One of the reasons why I never wanted to reveal all my things." Marcus sighed tiredly.
   "True... she will flip. She doesn't like our excess interest in hobbies...
   However, your mother does love you when you are thinking about your well-being and future."
   "...then she shouldn't worry? I mean... I have a super faction full of robots, Mandalorians...and stuff..."
   His father turned towards him and looked curiously.
   "...Mandalorians?"
   "Official name is Scientifically Prepared Biological Army or S.P.B.A. They are biologically created artificial soldiers, dressed in armour and wield futuristic weapons which shoot beams of energy which destroy bonds between molecules."
   "...in other words... you have a science fiction army which is so powerful that even Greek Gods are afraid."
   Roland started to see the big picture. Which made him have complex emotions.
   "...Yes. Do you want to see it?"
   Another sigh escaped from the older Goldman.
   "Fine... but we need to find a way to make sure your mother doesn't find out the fact that her son is a supervillain with a super supervillain lair right under her house."
   "... That's funny. Jeanne said the very same thing."
   "...Jeanne?"
   "She is a reincarnation of Joan of Arc, the famous saint from France."
   "...Let me guess she is a maid?"
   "Yep..."
   Roland groaned hearing that. It appears his son has a very big hidden life. How long has he been working on this?
   Did all the time he said he was working on a car in truth he was building a secret hidden base and working in the supernatural side of the world?
   How ridiculous does that sound? Working on a hidden base under the garage? What is this? Sci-fi comedy flick? Like some James Bond or Austin Powers?
   'Maybe not Austin Powers...that is too much...'
   Roland sweet dropped remembering that over-the-top parody of James Bond.
   "Then let's go. BMW return to car mode."
   With a nod, the transformer proceeded to transform back into its car mode with all the cool sound including along the way.
   The pair proceeded to walk further into the workshop.
   "I started here. My first devil contractor built all the necessary rooms under the garage, and I then proceeded to install all the necessary technology."
   "...Which you created via alchemy and magic? And the water? Made from magic?"
   "That's where Serafall comes in, she is my Sitri pillar and is an expert in water and ice magic."
   "I see...so no water or electrical bills..."
   "...Oh right...those still exist..." For a second Marcus forgot about those. When was it last time he did anything related to that?
   'Yeah... it all started because I wanted to dodge bills. So I guess I removed it from my memory the first time I could.'
   "They do. But since you know how to use magic we can stop using them." Roland is all up for not paying utility bills.
   "Right. We can arrange that, I have more than enough Aurora bots to arrange the changes."
   "Aurora bots?"
   "Manual labour robots controlled and maintained by artificial intelligence of my faction."
   "...Right...you have those too..." The older Goldman should not be shocked anymore. Since he can make Transformers he could do the majority of stuff!
   First Marcus showed his earliest of places. The place where his computer was and the designing table, then the empty ritual room. This specific room was abandoned by this point.
   Then they walked to the testing room.
   "Isn't this right under our house?"
   Roland looked around for a bit, then his eyes spotted guns placed on racks.
   "Are you using this place as a shooting range?"
   "Yes. The walls are reinforced with diamonds and fortification magic in the form of molecular fusion. It's close to the point that it's the most durable material in the world. There is barely anything that can affect it. Except of course a magic based specifically to damage it."
   "... That's...wait! diamonds? You're saying this whole place is full of diamonds!?"
   "Exactly, I have been using diamonds for years now. Alchemy is a very convenient art."
   The older Goldman went over and inspected the wall. He noticed that unique diamond-like glass surface.
   "...Amazing."
   He marvels at it for a bit before walking over and inspecting the guns.
   "...You know... your mother will flip when she sees that you are making weapons."
   For a second Marcus grimaced... yeah...about that.
   He looked at the ceiling...
   'If only he knew...'
   About the massive space station being built in the shape of a gun.
   Yeah, he is going to keep silent about that.
   "Can't be helped. Supernatural is dangerous. Gods have their egos, the same could be said for other beings. For a mere human to resist is something they can't accept easily."
   "...I suppose you are right." Even though he replied seriously to his son's answer, he had a grin on his face as he wanted to try the weapon out.
   "So how do I use it?"
   "Just point the weapon and shoot."
   "...No safety trigger?"
   "Nope. All the technomancy as I call it is created for my use... with few exceptions."
   "...I see..."
   The older Goldman pointed the gun at the wall in the distance and pressed the trigger. A bolt of mana slammed into the wall at the far end.
   "Impressive! It was like laser technology from Star Wars!"
   "Heh... Star Wars? I have a few Mandalorian-based weapons but for those you need to dress in armour, as they don't work otherwise."
   "...Then what are we waiting for?"
   Roland had a similar grin to his son's. Apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
   ~~~~~~Hungary~~~~~~
   "It appears everything is running smoothly," Carmila said with crossed arms as she observed the human village just outside their vampire castles.
   "There are very few changes. What we need to look for is long-term consequences.
   Water and electricity don't cost anything and the new money system just started. It will take months to years for some changes to happen.
   This is more of a generational thing than anything." Quinella said that while her fingers were playing with strands of her platinum hair.
   "I understand. But we still need to see how male dominant side in Romania will act around the integration and the implementation of our Master's technomancy."
   *Snort*
   "That's for you to do. I have finished my assignments. Your faction is fully modernised and is ready to follow what my Creator and Master want."
   "I see. So you are leaving?"
   "Indeed. I leave you with orders to watch how this will progress and report to us if anything fascinating pops up."
   'She is such a girl scout. Tough front but she is all gooey the moment her Master is mentioned.'
   Carmila was able to abuse that little trait. While Quinella is no doubt powerful she is by no means extremely keen on certain things.
   Raw power and talent have blinded this Assistant. Still, the Vampire Queen was able to get a few perks from this transition.
   Like healing chambers, DNA treatment, and Diamond Core Heart just for their castle.
   "It's sad to hear. I thought we would be friends."
   *Scoff*
   "If you are finished you may leave. The Confiscator will be flying home soon. Unless you want to see the Master?" Quinella asked with a small grin. She still remembers in what kind of state she found the Vampire Queen for the first time.
   "I might visit him on a different date," Carmila said with a small blush.
   "Ha. Suit yourself."
   Quinella walked over and ended up sitting in the captain's seat.
   The Vampire Queen saw that it was time for her to leave and proceeded to walk out.
   "Send our Master my best regards."
   The Assistant didn't even react as she was looking at something with wide eyes.
   For a moment the pale woman wondered what it was but she ignored it and proceeded to walk out.
   "We fly back at top speed the moment that vampire leaves the ship."
   "Yes, Mistress."
   'I can't believe what an opportunity! Master decided to reveal his secret to his parents! This...I can't miss it!'
   The beauty knows well enough what she is supposed to do. She needs to tell everyone how close she is to her Master and Creator.
   The best way to get brownie points is to get close to his parents and make them value her highly.
   Those bed warmers will have no chance!
   The moment Carmila left the Confiscator, its Nova Thrusters ignited and the massive flagship proceeded to fly. Realitus particle dispersal started soon. No one was able to see it anymore as the Daedalus-class airship disappeared from people's eyes.
   ~~~
   Roland is trying to grasp how far advanced is his Son's faction. At first, he thought it was around 10 to 20 years old when he saw the phones.
   Then... when he saw a transformer it switched from 20 to a question mark. Then he saw the glowing diamond which generates power. That question mark turned into three question marks.
   Then he saw... maglev, and his son's home away from home, holograms all over the place which only increased the vibes of sci-fi.
   Oh and a golden lion cub...
   "This is what Ares gifted me when I retrofitted his house. It's a Nemean Lion cub you might know from Heracles 12 labours."
   "What a beautiful creature. The fur looks like it's made from gold."
   The older Goldman observed from a distance as the lion looked as friendly as one would like it to be.
   Marcus is thinking of taming it properly once he has some time. At this moment the mythical creature is still in a large cage.
   "Yes. Anyway, let's continue with exploration."
   The alchemist proceeded to lead his father deeper into his base.
   They still have a bunch of things to check.
   While the pair of Goldman are walking around. The maids are in a full-on scramble.
   This event has the potential of being a chess board piece rearrangement! Marcus' parents are learning about his supernatural side!
   The maids are on the move!
   Artemis and Hippolyta especially are eager to meet his parents and show them how good wife material they are!
   So the moment they arrived at the main living room where the massive TV is located the maids lined up and looked as professional as they could be.
   "...Welcome back, Master."
   Marcus for a second had a dull look. He knew what these girls were doing.
   "..."
   While Roland tried to come up with something. What could he say? Praise his son? He should, but what if these girls rat him out by accident and tell it to his wife?
   "...I suppose...good day?"
   "Father, the one with silver hair is Artemis, the redhead is Hippolyta, the girl with cat ears is Atalanta, and the pair of blondes are Jeanne and La Fay."
   After introductions, the older Goldman looked at Artemis. This was a Goddess? Same Goddess, they show in movies, had temples been built all those years ago? He even learned about her in school all those years ago!?
   It's hard to place the one he is seeing in front of him and the one he learned from these sources. It's hard to place a literal deity in a maid uniform!
   "...Are you real...Artemis?"
   "...Correct." The silver head nodded. She then looked at Marcus.
   "May I?"
   "Sure."
   With casual motion, she summoned her silver bow. And a thin layer of silver energy manifested around her.
   Godly pressure showed its fangs, for a short moment.
   "!"
   It was enough for Roland to know that this...maid was the real deal.
   "As you can see Dad, she is the real deal."
   "...Y-Yeah. But I am still trying to understand what has happened?" For a second older Goldman stuttered, he never sensed anything like this before! It felt that this woman could crush his very being just by existing!
   "...This...well, I was arrogant, and it cost me. Master played me very easily into a corner. Which led me to this situation." Artemis explained herself, but it was very hard for her to do it. One could say she was trying to learn her lesson.
   "I see..."
   "Dad, you know Artemis is not the only one who is of renown. Hypolita is the War Goddess and Queen of Amazons, and Atalanta is the greatest huntress of Greece. I already told you about Jeanne and of course, Le Fay is a descendant of the world-famous King Arthur."
   "...Yes. I realised you have quite a selection of maids. However, son... how are you going to approach this subject with your mother?"
   "...Ah... well..."
   His maids started to 'smile' when they heard that!
   Seeing Marcus' reaction to this made them realise something! They found his weakness! His mother!
   As long as Marcus respects his parents, no matter how powerful he becomes he will always listen to them.
   Of course, they can't abuse that, but 'using' it is fine.
   "Well... I mean... as long as I am successful it should be fine. No?" The alchemist scratched the back of his head as he looked at his father.
   "...Successful? Yes. But you ended up engaged to literal Goddess. How are you going to approach that!?"
   "...Same way I approached you? Just tell it?" The Younger Goldman suggested that.
   "...Possible, but again. She might pass out." Roland said with a sigh.
   "...Ugh.. You know what..." Marcus pulled out his phone and proceeded to type to someone.
   "I am going to leave this with Athena. Since she is my future wife she will deal with that."
   When his father heard that he instantly nodded.
   "Good choice! Such tasks require specific types of tools!"
   The pair proceeded to nod at each other.
   'By Primordials... These two are from the same cloth!' The Greek trio's sweat dropped seeing the pair act like that.
   "I know Dad! Athena is intellectual so she will have some means to explain to her properly."
   By this point, Marcus is brushing this issue aside and leaving this mess for Athena to deal with!
   However...
   Just a few short minutes everyone heard a voice.
   "M-Marcus!!! What do you mean I have to speak with your mother!!!" An anxious Athena blasted into the living room.
   Her brown hair was all messy and she had a hard time keeping her glasses in place.
   "Oh, Athena. You are quick." Marcus was impressed by how quickly his fiance was acting on this!
   "Dad, this is your future daughter-in-law."
   "Dad!?!" Athena squeaked like a small girl as she saw a man who looked similar to Marcus sitting next to her future husband.
   One could be surprised how a GODDESS is acting. But Athena is a PERFECTIONIST, and at this moment nothing is going according to her plan! And that is making her panic!
   "Impressive. But is it just me or have you found someone close to your mother in character?" Roland pondered
   "...By mother character you mean smart and strict?" Marcus clarified with a plain voice.
   "I-Its honour to me you sir!" Athena quickly got herself together.
   "The honour is mine. I can't believe I met three Goddesses in less than an hour!" Roland by this point was operating on instinct and a portion of him is thinking that he is dreaming and he will awaken soon from this strange dream.
   "...So! What do you mean by meeting your mother?" The Goddess of Wisdom somewhat composed herself and ended up sitting down next to her future husband.
   "Exactly as it sounds. I need you to explain, smooth it out that I have a faction and all that stuff.
   I know my dad loves technology so it was easier to explain-"
   "Transformers do help!" Roland chipped in from the side.
   Athena's lips twitched when she heard that. Of course, this was the case. Like father, like son. She remembered her first meeting with her future husband. So it made sense.
   *Sigh*
   "I will see what I can do. I am not used to doing such a thing. But since you want I will figure out the best means to do that." Athena smiled while saying that, her smile was a challenging one. She will accept this challenge and succeed in it.
   "Great. Then we can leave this with you."
   Both Marcus and Roland sagely nodded in relief. Leaving this with her is the best they can do. More precisely it's something they don't want to deal with.
   The Goddess of Wisdom sensed something was off. But she can't skip such an opportunity!
   "Since this is solved why don't we continue with the trip, Dad?"
   "We could but..." Roland looked at the ceiling. He could see that it was getting dark.
   "What time is it?"
   [At this moment it's 19:07]
   Aurora said through the walls.
   "Oh-OH! Shittt!"
   The older Goldman stood up.
   "I have to go! Your mom finishes her job in 20 minutes! I am supposed to pick her up."
   "Right. I forgot. Let me help with that. Aurora mobilise S.P.B.A." Marcus said to his A.I. His order has freaked out his father. What does he mean by 'mobilise!?'
   "...Wait! What do you mean mobilise!?"
   "Exactly what this means. I am to mobilise manpower. Let's go to Barracks. It's faster than taking maglev back home."
   "Fine, let's go."
   [Mobilising S.P.B.A]
   As the pair rushed to the station, Athena could only sigh. This is why people have teleportation. But Marcus has chosen to space-lock the whole of the nation.
   Well, whatever, she proceeded to follow them.
   It's a fine excuse not to be in Olympus.
   ~~~
   As Marcus is mobilising his forces for rapid movement. The airship arrived right above the barracks.
   "Phew! Just on time to show off!" Quinella proudly huffed.
   The beauty is connected to the Aurora Network to check the latest updates.
   "Fantastic!"
   She swiftly proceeded to walk to the airship's runway. Where a gunship was waiting for her.
   The moment she was in the gunship, it took off.
   Leaving the Confiscator, descending into the underground entryway and landing on the main runway.
   As it landed she left the gunship and looked at the surroundings.
   She took a deep breath.
   "...Ah, home...at last." As she enjoyed the smell of metal, the overflow of mana and the sounds of thousands of soldiers doing their thing her eyes eventually ended on the newest addition to the military.
   The spider walker. The main 'tank' of their forces.
   A monstrosity with two barrels and a 360-degree ability to rotate its head. Because of its eight limbs, it has eight times the amount of motion capture. The head rotation works as motion-capturing as well!
   This means it never runs out of power, it can recharge by walking or rotating its head. The best part is that they are very expendable forces much more than S.P.B.A.
   Simple combat artillery mechs. Of course, Quinella is not done. Not at all. She is thinking of introducing actual cannon fodder mechs.
   The beauty is following her Master's methods of overwhelmingly crushing the enemy before the main force even descends.
   This includes cannon fodder which should be used in wave fashion followed by Starscream jet fighters, then spider walkers and lastly the S.P.B.A. Forces.
   Of course, before any of that even happens they will have planetary bombardment from Ars Almadel Salomonis.
   As Quinella was recalling she saw Marcus, her eyes widened in happiness! Finally after days of not seeing him! But then she saw Athena which made her scoff, and lastly, she saw Master's father which made her straighten herself up.
   First impressions are extra, extra important.
   "Quinella you are back. Quite early if I do say so." Marcus said that as he approached her. He didn't stop as he continued to walk towards the gunship. The beauty followed right after him.
   "I finished with infrastructure early, now what is left is observed."
   "Great, we can talk about this after we are done with the current objective."
   "Of course." His assistant eagerly nodded her head as she looked at the curious father of her Master.
   "Son, you can explain later! We need to hurry!"
   "Right!"
   ~~~~~~Underworld~~~~~~
   In the depths of what is considered Hell, a huge amount of movement has been happening behind the scenes.
   Hades, the Greek God of the Underworld has been gathering allies to face Devils and in turn to face Marcus Goldman.
   His plan is very simple: crush the Devil in turn, crush Fallen and then proceed to lay siege to Marcus Goldman.
   The reason he believes this will work is that Marcus Goldman is a researcher.
   A researcher who is obsessed with Sacred Gears. None of his men or allies have those despicable things.
   This is why he can casually gather his followers after he is done with Devils and Fallen.
   They have no alliance, Devil Nobles never agreed on an alliance with a human.
   This is why he can attack. From his spies, he knows that Serafall wants him in as an ally or even a Devil but none of that happened.
   'As long as I don't kill Serafall or any other Devil related to Marcus Goldman he won't move against us and we will be able to gather more forces.'
   As Hades was pondering on this he walked over to where Angra Mainyu was creating monsters.
   "How is it going?" The Skeletal God asked the phantom being.
   "I already have created clones of Ddraig and Albion. It will take a few days for them to mature. However, they will only be good for basic assignments. Their minds have not developed yet."
   "That's fine. I assume you have your original creation re-created?"
   "Yes, Azi Dahaka will be ready for the main battle as we speak."
   "Fantastic. I am finishing settling a deal with Loki as well. He will join us with his followers as well."
   "Oh? Fenrir?"
   "Precisely, and Ice Giants." Hades said with a small amount of glee.
   With Ice Giants and new beings created by Nyx and Erebus, his forces will be the greatest this world has ever seen.
   Of course, this was not all, Lilith is already being treated by his men. It will take time but the Devil Mother will return and she will help him with the creation of new devils.
   With upgrades from Primordials, these devils will be far superior to anything original Lucifer has created.
   However, for now, he needs to wait, preparations need to be made.
   ~~~
   While in the depths of the Underworld, gods are preparing for war. In Marcus' hometown, the pair of Goldmans are rushing to make sure Marcus' mother is not pissed because Roland is late to pick her up.
   Thankfully with Realitus deployed no one saw how a Gunship landed in the car park of a supermarket.
   "...While this was a wild ride... I still need a car to pick up your mother!"
   Roland said that while getting out of the gunship. The sounds of the engines remind him of that futuristic sound from Star Wars gunships which they were based on.
   "No worries."
   With casual hand motion, he took control of Realitus particles and a window screen appeared showing another transport gunship carrying his family car.
   "In about two minutes the car will arrive here."
   "... That's convenient! But how does no one see these advanced craft vehicles?"
   "... That is because of the advanced technomancy which is deployed via the barriers," Quinella explained first.
   "...I assume these barriers are everywhere?" The older Goldman asked her as he saw how people left the supermarket and completely ignored the gunship parked in the middle of it.
   This was an incredible and amusing sight to see!
   "They are. Master has laid down his base throughout the whole country. So the barriers are spread out throughout the whole nation.
   "...Son, you need to stop making all the women call you 'Master'! People will easily get the wrong idea," Roland said to his son as he turned around and looked at Marcus who was looking at the sky towards where the gunship should be arriving.
   "But that's how it is. He is my Master and Creator." Quinella looked confused as she moved her head to the side.
   "...Creator?"
   "Yes. I am an Assistant Biological Model: Quinella. I am his ultimate creation. A being capable of interacting with technology through my mind alone." The silver-haired beauty proudly introduced herself.
   "..."
   "Quinella I told you before you need to ease people in. You can't just drop bombs like that."
   "B-But I was designed to spread your greatness! How can I do that if people can't accept fundamentals!" Quinella complained with a pouty look. She nearly stomped her foot.
   "Son we can discuss how you are creating life in a lab later."
   "...*Sigh* yes."
   At that moment a much wider and bigger gunship arrived. It had a car stuck to it.
   "How is it holding like that?"
   "Magnetism. It creates a field around something metallic it wants to pick up. A quite basic principle but it gets work done.
   "Not just magnetism, Master! You forgot that it uses space magic as well!" Quinella chipped in from the side.
   "Yeah, and that. It's based on technomancy I am using to rebuild ships and submarines."
   Roland deadpanned for a bit.
   So he has submarines and regular ships? Just how little did he see? He spent over 4 hours exploring the garage and the base!
   "I see..."
   "Yes, and we are just on time. Dad, I will see you later. I am not supposed to be here. I need to return to 'work on my car'." Marcus grabbed his assistant and very silent-looking Athena who was just by all means tagging along. While her body was here the mind of the Goddess of Wisdom was far away. She was thinking of scenarios of how she would approach her future mother-in-law.
   "...Right...do that...return to 'working on your car'..." The older Goldman sarcastically nodded.
   'Working on a car... What a silly excuse... i can't believe I felt like that for so long.'
   ~~~
   For advanced chapters (+5 chapters, 25k words) my pat: pat reon.com/DragonsFics
   OR
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   ~~~
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   Chapter 53: Hell is on the Move (R-18)
   (3 out of 3 chapters this week)
   Quinella silently followed Marcus as they were walking towards Maglev station.
   They have returned to their base after dropping the Alchemist's father at the supermarket.
   The Platinum silver-haired beauty could sense some nervousness from her creator.
   "Master, are you alright?"
   "I am fine." He said with a resigned sigh.
   "Marcus doesn't know how his mother will react to all of this," Athena clarified as she could understand his behaviour.
   "This is one of those strange moments." He nodded at Athena's words.
   "I could calculate it if you wish." The Assistant swiftly suggested to them.
   "That's fine. I will take that damage head-on." He sighed again.
   "As you wish." The Assistant nodded at his choice.
   "Now come, we will take the maglev home to see my parents."
   The pair nodded at him. This was something they expected. Marcus should have taken the gunship to the docks just so that he could take the maglev back to the garage.
   That time could be used for him to think. But there are no proper landing places in the Docks and it is far too far away.
   So he just took a flight to the barracks.
   As the maglev arrived the trio boarded it and the train proceeded to move towards the garage.
   ~~~
   Roland was sweating buckets. His wife looked furious.
   The reason for this was that he didn't take his phone and she called him 54 times!
   The reason for this was that he was with Marcus and he didn't take his phone with him!
   "I was worried sick! I called you 54 times! I tried to call Mark but he didn't pick up either! I thought two got taken by the police or something!
   "Why would we be taken by the Police?"
   "What do you mean why!? I heard over the radio that Marcus is selling advanced technology!"
   'Oh right. I don't doubt that NATO and other countries will want that tech... but how little do they know...'
   After seeing the barracks and the technology used there Roland felt pity towards the nation's military.
   "Don't worry about it. If he knew he would be in trouble he wouldn't have started selling."
   His answer didn't help her to relax.
   "And who is that woman? His manager? I never heard about it! She said she was his girlfriend! I thought Serafall was his girlfriend!"
   Roland proceeded to grimace.
   That was the issue. He has more than one girlfriend and even a fiance!
   "That's Latia Astaroth."
   "Oh? You know her?"
   "I heard about her from Marcus. And the whole thing is extremely complex. I can tell more once we are at home."
   "...Hmm...fine."
   ~~~
   It took longer for Marcus to return than it took for his father.
   So by the time Marcus entered his home, his mother was already in the kitchen heating her lunch.
   "Mark! Explain yourself!" Rose, Marcus' mother asked with narrowed eyes, she KNEW it was him who entered the house.
   "..."
   She turned around and looked at a pair of beautiful women who followed after her son.
   "And these ladies?"
   "...Related to my shop. Well, more like related to the whole thing.."
   "Hmm, your father said it was something more complex." She looked towards the living room. His father already washed himself off from all of this!
   "Yes, well, the phones I am selling in that store are much more advanced than anything in this world.
   That's because I will have been studying supernatural magic."
   "...Supernatural? Like your sister who was learning the occult all those years ago? She has been playing with those cards for days."
   Athena looked at Marcus who looked back at her.
   "Tarot cards. She is good at reading 'energies' from people. You know, feeling positive and negative energies." The Alchemist explained smoothly to the Goddess of Wisdom.
   "Yes. But much more than that. You see-"
   A book appeared in Marcus' hands.
   "I was chosen to inherit Solomon's magic. Which is Alchemy and Inscriptions, more precisely like magical letters. This allowed me to rapidly develop the technology."
   Athena trembled when she heard that. He was the inheritor of Solomon's magic!? That's...
   Makes so much sense!!!
   No wonder he could beat Artemis so easily! And develop all of that! He had foundations left to him by the King of Magic!
   "How did that... book..."
   "Athena, can you show something more fancy?"
   "As you wish."
   The Greek Goddess lifted her hand and a white owl appeared in her hand.
   "!"
   The owl flew over and landed on Athena's shoulder.
   "This is!!!"
   "This is Athena, also known as the Goddess of Wisdom and Warfare."
   "Goddess!? What would a Goddess want with us!?"
   "..."
   "..."
   The pair of girls looked at Marcus for a bit.
   "That's complicated."
   "...No doubt. Did you do something!?"
   "...Quite a bit..." Solomon's successor didn't even know where to start.
   "Mark! Spit it out."
   "Well... simply put...I started to make waves in the supernatural world."
   "I can see that." His mother looked at the literal Goddess standing in her kitchen.
   "Yes. Well, one thing led to another... and I ended up fighting Artemis, I won and I got some more attention and eventually Olympus allowed me to marry Athena."
   "...Oh God."
   Before she can collapse Marcus already used his Psionic powers to catch her.
   "...That went... well..."
   Athena commented from the side.
   "Master, what did you just tell me a couple of minutes ago? About ease people in?" Quinella teased her Master.
   Marcus rolled his eyes and ignored her comment.
   "Quinella and Athena I leave my mother to you. I need to restock everything...I am pretty sure she will want her wine to digest this information."
   "Understood, Master."
   "I will tend to her."
   The pair proceeded to take his mother to the living room where Roland was.
   "Hey Mark! Since you're getting some booze I want some beer!"
   Marcus' eyebrow twitched for a bit when he heard his father being quite happy about free alcohol.
   "Fine."
   ~~~
   Marcus' shop opening was quite a strange development.
   For one it opened as a single shop in a small town. The town barely had around 30 thousand people.
   However, it didn't take long for news to spread. Because the phones this place is selling are utterly insane, by all accounts!
   A large touch screen, front and back camera, very long battery life, and the OS was extremely smooth. The original apps it came with were interesting as well. Several social apps which people haven't seen before. They were tailored for such phones.
   Less than six hours after the opening of the store, the news vans were already there. Journalists and reporters wanted to talk.
   Latia was ready for them. She was ready to lay waste towards these news agencies. Her people were already there and none of these people will be able to spin their stories.
   Nope, she simply won't allow it.
   "Miss you said that you are the shop manager of Goldman Technologies?" One of the reporters asked.
   "That is correct."
   "May I ask from where such advanced phones have appeared?" Another one asked.
   "Appeared? Not quite, the idea of selling advanced phones came up when I saw that my boyfriend is extremely talented with technology. I used my family's resources to give him raw materials, the rest was his ingenuity." Latia smoothly explained.
   But the reporters were baffled. Is she saying that all of this was done by a single guy!?
   "Are you saying that these phones were created by one individual?"
   "No. What I am saying is that he built the first one and the rest was made in a factory."
   Still, to make phones like this they need appropriate technology and years of development, they need supply lines.
   All of that! For such a thing to happen at least some information should have leaked! Advanced technology like this appearing out of the blue is simply not heard of!
   It's almost like magic!
   "Can we learn more about this genius who created this phone?"
   The reporters proceeded to grill the devil heiress, who was prepared for them.
   The journalist didn't even realise that all the questions they asked were not their original ones. Not even once did they mention other companies or competitors.
   Or what they will think. Latia made sure they only asked questions which made them look good, especially her boyfriend's genius.
   Why not? She knows Marcus' parents will watch this so she needs to show them how much she likes him. It will go the extra mile if she does that on TV.
   ~~~~~~Later, Evening~~~~~~
   It was quiet in the living room. Marcus with his pair of girls were sitting silently waiting for his mother to wake up.
   "If she passed out from such a simple thing. How are you going to explain the rest?" Athena commented while sipping her tea.
   While Roland was drinking his beer, Marcus and Athena were enjoying tea.
   "That's why you are here."
   "...I am not the Goddess of emotions. My domains are more towards Strategists and Scholars. However, I will try to do my best."
   "That's fine."
   Athena ended up leaning her head on Marcus' shoulder. If not for the strangeness of this situation it would look quite a romantic evening.
   However, the mother of the Alchemist ended up snoozing off since she was after work.
   "...Master, it appears you won't be able to speak with her until morning." His assistant pointed out.
   "Yes. Do us a favour and take her upstairs. I am going to sleep as well."
   There was a glint in Quinella's eyes. She smiled and nodded at his commands.
   "As you wish."
   The silver-haired platinum beauty used her Psionic powers to lift his mother and take her upstairs.
   Funny how his father already went to watch TV upstairs in the bedroom.
   He was most likely asleep as well, after all the crazy experiences he went through.
   "Anyway. I will be returning tomorrow, depending on your mother's schedule. For now, I have to return to Olympus."
   Marcus nodded at her, and then he remembered what he sensed today at school.
   "Fine by me, I will text you. Oh, and since Ares has blessed me. I could sense that your uncle, the one living underground, was plotting something.
   His urge for war has been growing."
   "!"
   Athena pushed her glasses up. Her look turned serious.
   "I will discuss that with my father. Knowing his paranoia, he will watch Hades extra carefully." She said that with a matter-of-fact tone. Something both of them can trust, and that is Zeus and his paranoia.
   "Very well. That's something I can trust about him as well. If not I can deal with him myself. Though it depends on where his urge for war is directed."
   "Thinking of using that to your advantage?" The Goddess asked with a smirk.
   "You know me well on that. I can't say no to research material."
   "Yes. I suppose, but I have to go."
   Marcus nodded and proceeded to help her with leaving his home.
   Thanks to his strong barriers even a Goddess is treated like a normal girl.
   As the pair left only Quinella was left who smirked from ear to ear. The beauty proceeded to walk to Marcus' room and got into his bed.
   It was time for her to wait for his return. Once he is back they can do something naughty!
   ~~~~~~Lemon~~~~~~
   Around thirty minutes later when Marcus returned to his room he saw Quinella sitting there, on his bed with a smile, as her fingers were playing with her hair.
   "Master~ I was waiting for you~" She spoke with a purring voice. His assistant has 'suffered' a lot.
   Yep, the platinum silver beauty calls it suffering, as she was not around her creator. It was the greatest torture to date for her.
   This is why she is going to make sure she recovers as much as she can!
   His reaction to her was a small smile, he knew what she wanted.
   So he ended up sitting on the bed, and she swiftly ended up sitting on his lap, while facing him.
   "Does the Master want his assistant to help him with his rest? It's her job and duty~" Quinella proceeded to speak in the third person. Her voice was sultry and suggestive.
   "Hmm, I suppose, I do need to rest." His hands went to her considerable breasts. He slowly proceeded to undress her.
   His beautiful assistant was dressed in her military uniform. She was all prim and proper-looking 'evil officer'. The way she is dressed gives one vibe of a sadist commander lady who will whip someone into obedience.
   However, in front of him, she is an obedient little puppy who wants to be pampered.
   Marcus proceeded to undo the buttons, his actions were slow which made Quinella once again struggle, she wanted to lunge and proceed to kiss him.
   But he was enjoying this far too much. Once the last button was done, he slowly removed her uniform top. Leaving with an undershirt which he slowly lifted, he was able to see her breasts hidden behind a bra.
   His finger slowly slipped behind and with a simple finger motion, he undid the bra, letting her breasts loose.
   Once they were free his hands proceeded to start fondling those delicious globes.
   "Mhhnnn~~~ Maybe you should undress me first properly before you start doing this?" Quinella suggested to him as she started to feel it. He only just started but she was raring to go.
   The obvious reason was that she was itching to return to his side for days.
   And now she was feeling all giddy about this.
   "Now, Now, I will do this anyway I want~," He said in a matter-of-fact tone as he leaned forward and started to kiss and suck on those nipples.
   "O-Of course~" Her breathing only got hotter from his actions.
   He played with her breasts for a bit before he removed her undershirt and bra, by this point his beautiful assistant top was naked.
   His gaze marvelled at her for a bit before he leaned forward and proceeded to kiss her lips.
   Quinella's eyes turned misty as she answered his kiss with extra passion.
   Her hands proceeded to explore his top as she proceeded to undress him as well.
   Doing that means that the kiss was interrupted.
   "What's with such a hurry? I thought you were helping me rest?" He teased her with his question as his hand went down to her rear and squeezed one of her cheeks.
   "Haahh~ it's hard to resist you, Master~" She said with glassy eyes. Lust has almost completely overtaken her.
   "I see~"
   As he said that he made her stand up. Which she followed without hesitation.
   His hands went to her waist and proceeded to undress the last remaining pieces of her clothing.
   He pulled her skirt down alongside her panties.
   She just like that she was fully naked.
   "...Let me help you with your clothes~ Master~" She pushed him onto the bed, and then got on top of him.
   The platinum silver-haired beauty proceeded to swiftly undress her Master.
   Unlike him, her actions were very quick, this showed him how horny she was and how much she needed him.
   Once he was naked Quinella sat down on his waist and proceeded to rub his hardening tool with her pussy lips.
   This alone made her softly moan in desire. He could see how needy she was.
   "Yes~ leave everything to me~"
   "Hmm? You won't knock out everyone? I shouldn't worry?" Marcus teased her as he remembered what happened last time.
   An embarrassed blush appeared on her face as she pouted at him.
   "I have been practising. It won't happen again!"
   With such promising words, his hands went to her waist and pulled her up positioning his rod at her pussy entrance he pushed her down.
   Quinella lewdly moaned when his tool sunk into her velvet cave.
   To feel more she pushed herself down to the base with a single stroke.
   "Aghh~~ that's it!"
   Feeling it up more she moved her waist forward and back, several times before she proceeded to move up and down.
   Her body trembled from pleasure as she felt the beauty.
   This was what she wanted to do for days.
   After tasting this there is no way she can't stop doing this! So this is a perfect opportunity!
   Slowly her speed started to pick up as a wet smacking sound started to spread through his room.
   The beauty was going faster and faster as her gaze was right on her Master who was looking back at her.
   With a lewd smile, she grabbed his hands and then placed them on her assets. This was to make sure he could feel her properly.
   Once it was set she proceeded to move once again.
   This time around Quinella was slightly slower as Marcus was teasing her breasts.
   The pleasure only kept growing which made her movement slow down.
   Her Master noticed that and increased the amount of teasing.
   "Aghh~~~ No~~~ W-Wait!"
   Some drool escaped from her mouth as her silver eyes widened, and her back arched. The beauty just experienced a climax!
   "N-Noooo~"
   With a smirk, he flipped her over. Now he was on the top.
   "Let me properly remind you why I am your Master~" He teased her once more.
   But this tease made her spine shiver and hornier.
   He slammed his cock into her syrupy pussy. The smack made her gnash her teeth from the sheer pleasure she was feeling.
   This was only the first stroke as he proceeded to move in and out of her velvet cave.
   This time around her moans were loud and full of passion, as this session was turning more animalistic with each stroke.
   A few short moments later Quinella experienced her second and third climaxes.
   When he saw that it was time to wrap this up, Marcus lifted her legs and pressed down on her in a mating press.
   The beauty's expression turned silly as she could feel his thing in the deepest parts of her pussy.
   With a few hard thrusts, he released into her depths.
   The overload of pleasure made her eyes roll up as she passed out.
   "..."
   "..."
   "...It appears she was right, she didn't release a psionic burst."
   Marcus was pleasantly surprised at how well his assistant had developed.
   ~~~~~~Later, Underworld~~~~~~
   "This is troubling. If what you said is true, then something is developing which we don't know." Sirzechs said with a pondering frown.
   Rizevim is gone and the residue which they found is divine but it had the attribute of darkness to it. So a dark God of some sort attacked him, or ambushed and now Serafall is telling him that Marcus has predicted an attack on the Devil Kind?
   "Yes. Marcus did say that something is on the horizon." Serafall explained some more with a frown of her own.
   "Right on time when we are planning a peace treaty. How... classic." The Crimson Satan with a forced smile joked as he looked through his office window.
   "It's not time to joke about this, Sirzechs," Grayfia said with a frown of her own.
   "I know, I know. We need to mobilise and be ready for anything.
   I am going to see Ajuka and see if he has anything."
   After saying that, Sirzechs left the office, leaving Grayfia and Serafall behind.
   "...What is going on? I haven't seen Master for a while." The maid whispered to Serafall after walking over.
   "He was blessed by Ares to feel when war is coming and he just saw that."
   "...I see...this is troubling."
   "It is. I have an ominous feeling about this."
   The 'Queen' of Lucifer slowly nodded. Something big is coming and they have no idea what it is.
   ~~~
   A black-haired woman dressed in a black dress was looking down on a castle.
   This was the old Satan faction's headquarters.
   "They thought they were smart. But this is the Underworld. We have been here far longer than they have been." A girl dressed in gothic clothes said with a grin to the other black-dressed woman.
   Absurd black energy radiates from the gothic-dressed girl with elfish ears. She lifted her hand and darkness consumed the whole area. Turning the place into a pitch darkness akin to the night itself.
   "Let's go."
   "Hmm..."
   The pair of women descended to the castle.
   As they arrived the devil forces were mobilised already.
   "What is the meaning of this!? Who are you?" The brown-haired woman asked with an arrogant voice.
   "...Leviathan..." The woman with a black dress said with a monotonous voice.
   "That is correct. That weakling is a descendant of Leviathan. Oh, how 'mighty' has fallen." The gothic girl said with a mocking grin.
   "Who are you two!?" The brown-haired woman who can be identified as a descendant of Leviathan snapped angrily.
   "Calm yourself Katerea, that girl is a God." The man next to Katerea said with a nervous look.
   "Hahaha, me? A God? You have a death wish little bat. If you can't recognise a Primordial then why should you be alive?"
   "...P-Primordial!? Y-Y-You are Nyx!!!"
   "Hahaha, what a reaction! However, we are not here to discuss my greatness. Do you see this woman next to me?" Nyx pointed at the spacey woman who was dressed in a black dress and lush black hair reaching her waist. She had no shoes or anything, only a dress but the power this woman was radiating was massive.
   "This is Lilith! Your ancestor and she is here to collect what is hers." Nyx enjoyed the pure shock of these Devils!
   "Lilith!?"
   "She is still alive!?"
   "What do you mean collect what is hers!?" Katerea and the other man, Shalba Beelzebub, looked with concern. They felt dread!
   "Lilith. Proceed." Nyx motioned to do it.
   "...Leviathan...Beelzebub...Asmodeus..." Lilith with a monotonous voice pointed her hand palm at the devils.
   A black aura surged from her as a beam of black water rushed towards the devils.
   The group of devils' eyes widened as they tried to dodge but Nyx grinned with a sadistic glee as her darkness pinned all the devils with minimal effort.
   Then this black water swallowed all the devils, melting them away, turning them into energy and water.
   Once that was done the water returned to Lilith and merged with her.
   As this has happened Lilith's eyes had more life now.
   "...How is it? You feel stronger now." Nyx asked curiously.
   "I am... I can use their powers now." Lilith said that with an indifferent voice as she showed how she could control black water now.
   "...Perfect... hahaha.... You can now give traits of original Satans!" Nyx almost danced seeing this. Now their forces are even stronger.
   'Hahaha, this is getting exciting! Let's see how well you fare against this, Marcus Goldman!'
   "Now let's collect the stranglers. Maybe we will find someone interesting." The gothic girl with a grin looked at the castle, Lilith nodded as the pair proceeded to descend towards the ground.
   It was time to clean the stranglers!
   ~~~
   "That Azazel! How stupid is he!? I can't believe he is planning peace!" A man dressed like a nobleman threw items from his table on the ground from sheer anger.
   This was Kokabiel, one of the Cadre Fallen Angels. He was one of the highest-ranking people in the Fallen Angel faction. This Fallen never got over the fact that war had halted before any of the enemy factions could have been destroyed.
   That moment on the table in a flash of blue flames a letter appeared.
   "...That signature."
   Kokabiel for a second forgot his anger and walked over and took the letter. He proceeded to read through it.
   "..."
   "..."
   "...."
   "Hahaha... if we won't wage war then there is no need for me to be here!"
   The Fallen Angel proceeded to laugh as he finally found people who were willing to fight his common enemies!
   "Very well! In that case."
   A sickly yellow circle appeared underneath his feet as he was teleported away.
   Second, he appeared in front of the entrance to a large cave.
   This was the entrance into the depths of the Underworld. The true hell.
   As he walked deeper a portal opened for him. Kokabiel grinned for a second as he passed through it.
   Where he appeared was the depths of hell, in front of him was a castle, it was menacing, built from the darkest of material, something akin to obsidian.
   Once he entered the castle, the fallen walked to the throne room where he found Hades waiting for him.
   "Kokabiel."
   "Lord Hades, I wasn't expecting a letter from you, of all beings." The Fallen Angel was shocked, to say the least, that a Greek God like Hades would want to meet him like this! Especially the content of that letter!
   "Hmm, the circumstances are special. I want to ask you this. Do you want to wage war on Devil Kind?"
   A feral grin appeared on Kokabiel's face.
   "...I am."
   "...Then are you willing to join my forces? I can promise you soldiers, resources and much more. All I ask is to cause confusion and shatter whatever alliance the Fallen Angels and Devils are building." Hades smoothly proposed.
   "Hahaha! Fine! I didn't want that alliance either!"
   "Neither did I. However, there is one thing you must be aware of, do not engage anyone in the Human world, that is my only requirement. If you wish to fight devils you have to do it in the Underworld."
   "Hmm. That is fine. The fastest way to start the war is to attack Rias Gremory and Sona Sitri."
   "True. But this would involve a third faction."
   "...Oh... of course. Marcus Goldman. I have heard some crazy rumours about him." Kokabiel nearly laughed when he said that. He remembered that Greeks were involved with Marcus Goldman.
   If that human has Artemis as a Maid, then he has some serious firepower.
   "You are not wrong. But to deal with Marcus Goldman first we have to deal with the puppets.
   Attack Devils, cause some chaos. Delay the peace treaty, do that and my Underworld will support you."
   As Hades said that he motioned with his hand and pitch-black armour appeared floating in blue flames.
   "This armour is forged in the depths of hell, with the help of Angra Mainyu, it's empowered by Ddraig's and Albion's flames.
   It's poisonous to everyone who is not its wielder."
   Kokabiel's eyes widened. Hades just dropped a bunch of wild names!
   "...Angra Mainyu assisted in this creation?" Angra Mainyu is one of the earliest ever known 'crazy scientist' types. So it's not a surprise that it could make an armour of this!
   "That is correct. I have several powerful gods who are on my side and assisting in preparations for this war. The question is will you take this armour? It will improve your fighting capacities. This is to make sure no one stays in your way to declare war on Devil Kind." Hades explained with a casual tone.
   "...And the side effects of such armour?"
   "It will feed on your negative desires. A warning, don't get overwhelmed by them. You wouldn't like the results of that happening." The Greek God of the Underworld warned his newest 'ally'.
   Kokabiel snorted. As if something like that will stop him!
   While the Fallen snorted, Hades' flaming eyes slightly narrowed. One could say he was looking down on the Fallen Angel.
   This however is hard to read when the God is all skeletal and doesn't have proper facial features.
   "That's good enough. I suppose extra power doesn't sound bad."
   Kokabiel walked over and took the armour. He could feel this thing merging with him. Like liquid metal.
   A smile crept on Hades' lips, as the scheme worked.
   "Since you agreed to my conditions you can take any minions we have here. I suggest any of Angra Mainyu's toys. My fellow God wants his creations to be tested out before the main war."
   "Very well."
   ~~~
   After Kokabiel left, from the shadows Eberus walked out, he had a frown on his face.
   "Was it wise to give him that armour? I thought we were keeping our assets until the time was right."
   "Hehehe, this is not one of our main armours, Erebus." Angra Mainyu walked out from a shadow as well. His flaming eyes flicked with glee.
   "Then?"
   "That armour is built specifically for Kokabiel to face devils. The armour's true purpose is for Kokabiel to be overwhelmed by negative desires until I can take full control over him.
   None of us truly trusted that Crow."
   "...And?"
   "Lilith's essence is infused with it. In the end that armour's end goal is to fuse with one of the two remaining Super Devils."
   Erebus finally understood. This was a Trojan horse.
   "Yes, so you understood. We need Sirzechs...the moment we have him we will take his Power of Destruction. Once we wield it we will be closer to Marcus Goldman's power!"
   Angra Mainyu who started to see Marcus as his greatest rival said with glee, Hades nodded at his associate's words.
   Only Erebus frowned at this. He was annoyed! Hades, Nyx and now Angra Mainyu are obsessed with this human! Just how low they all are going to fall!?
   How could a single human cause such a commotion!? These pesky mortals are a temporary existence, they come and go. Their lives are so short that a Primordial like him doesn't even remember another human's name!
   Yet, now this human rose through ranks, and even ended up engaged to a Goddess! From his pantheon! No less! Such a crime has to be punished. A temporary existence aiming for something only a God or Primordial such touch.
   Simply unforgivable.
   However, it was different for Angra Mainyu. The Evil God of Zoroastrianism sees Marcus as a rival, a rival in creation. It has been many years since he was this excited. This is exciting to face a creator of this calibre.
   The Evil God was very grateful that Hades pointed him towards his new rival.
   Now, all that is left is for them to release their creations and see how they will fight! May the best creator be victorious!
   "Hahaha! Let the war of worlds begin! hahaha!" Angra Mainyu started to laugh uncontrollably as he sensed that Kokabiel had already started to gather his minions!
   Fallen are on the move to cause chaos and destruction in Devil's territories. Now it's only a matter of time.
   ~~~
   For advanced chapters (+5 chapters, 25k words) my pat: pat reon.com/DragonsFics
   OR
   Discord: discord.gg/denoffanfics
   ~~~
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   Chapter 54: Quinella...In School!
   (1 out of 3 chapters this week)
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   [Calculations are complete]
   [All conditions have been met]
   [Proceeding with 'Heaven's System' Project]
   1
   [Secondary objective, 'Golden Armoury' is all clear, allocating resources for its construction.]
   2
   [Project 'Biological Battle Model: Enterprise is all clear, beginning DNA creation by resonance method]
   2
   [Project 'Silver Dragon Empress' is all clear, beginning hybrid DNA creation]
   12
   [Entering Standby mode]
   Aurora finished all of the calculations and assigned all the duties for four projects at once.
   In the depths of the Processing facility, the Assembly Lines roared to life as Mana started to flow into it. Robotic hands came out from the walls and started to use magic circles to change mana into a clay-like substance.
   1
   All of the robotic hand's actions were precise and quick, the clay swiftly turned into diamonds while other hands already started to carve runes into them.
   Once the diamonds were complete they were moved out of the assembly lines picked up by the Aurora bots and then taken to the ritual chambers.
   In these rooms, there were at least a few dozen bots which were already carving rows and rows of circles.
   All of these are Heaven system-related magic circles.
   To make a complete replica of this system Sephiroth Graal was needed. It's the most important piece of the puzzle as if this item is in possession control over souls is possible.
   The flow itself can be taken control over. But this is not all, the key piece is that you can use this to attach or detach anything to the soul as well.
   1
   This piece of gear gives one a full understanding of the soul.
   With this system the plan Marcus had for his battleship girls is complete and he can now start working on it. Well, he doesn't need to as he has given the green light to Aurora to start building it the moment the maths is done.
   This is exactly what happened. The circles were done in a short minute and then the ritual started.
   The diamond the size of a room glowed and all the circles rushed into it merging and creating a ball of light inside the diamond. This was the heaven system in its true 'form'.
   It's a nexus of magical energy however this was not done, the next part is the Golden Armoury. It's another diamond which was soon prepared similarly.
   It works similarly to Sacred Gears only that they are not in circulation.
   What Marcus planned is a 'space' where weaponry can be stored.
   More precisely where ships can be stored. For this the moment Diamond is completed in the ritual room it is taken to the shipyards where Enterprise has been kept.
   2
   Since Shipyards have one of the biggest Assembly lines in Marcus Faction, the tools needed for the maintenance of the ships have begun its assembly over there.
   It will take a while, but Marcus will have a chance to see Enterprise before it's stored in 'Golden Armoury'.
   ~~~~~~Morning~~~~~~
   "What a strange dream! Mark engaged to a Goddess!? How on Earth did I cook this up?" Rose, Marcus' mother mumbled to herself as she descended to the ground floor and went to the kitchen.
   3
   She stopped in her tracks as she saw a silver-platinum-haired beauty with an apron cooking something. Her long hair is done in a high ponytail.
   There was a large smile on her lips.
   "...Umm..."
   "Oh, good morning! Yesterday, I had no chance to introduce myself, I am Quinella Aurora, Master's Assistant."
   "...Master?"
   "...Oh, Right, I mean Marcus, I am his Assistant. The reason why I call him Master is that I am one of his creations."
   1
   "...Creations?"
   "Indeed! I think... A couple of years ago he went to see a genetics lab, over there he learned the basics of genetics and then proceeded to study it. Thanks to that I was able to gain a biological body."
   "Uhhh... I need something to drink..."
   "I can make some coffee if you want." Quinella was quite clueless about what she meant by a 'drink'. The Biological Assistant is quite new to the whole of this.
   *Sigh*
   "Fine. One coffee then."
   With a nod, the assistant girl proceeded to take the kettle and pour some water into it.
   As this was going on Rose looked at the girl. She is trying to grasp how this is classified. If she is a 'creation' then how should it be classified with their common sense? Is Marcus her father!? Does it mean she is a grandmother!?
   1
   All of this is making her head spin.
   After a few moments, she couldn't stand it anymore and started to ask.
   "So, how does this work?"
   "Hmm?"
   "He created you, so he is like...your father?"
   Quinella blinked a couple of times as she processed the information.
   "No, No! That is a BIG NO. There is only one man on this planet that I would love and that is Marcus Goldman. I was created to be his Assistant and a... lover. There is no way I could see him as a parent. That's just...wrong." The girl even looks grossed out.
   "...But..."
   "Think of it this way. He is so good that he can even make a lover for himself. That's the level of his genius." Quinella had a chance to brag about her creation in front of his mother. That's right. Even his mother should know how absurdly incredible he is!
   3
   "...Fine..."
   A couple of minutes later, by the time Rose was drinking her tea, Marcus entered the kitchen.
   2
   "So when were you planning to tell me that you are engaged to Athena!? AND are creating girls! Is that even legal!?"
   7
   "...Umm...cloning and genetic alterations of people who are not agreed to are illegal, what I did is none of those, I created DNA from the ground up." Marcus smoothly explained as Quinella swiftly and elegantly prepared a cup of tea for him.
   1
   "And Athena?"
   "She was a delegation from Olympus when we first met, after that Olympus decided to propose a marriage between us. I agreed because it's a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity to marry a Goddess."
   "...and why didn't you tell us about it?" She asked with narrowed eyes.
   "Because it will take a long time to explain."
   "...Ugh..."
   Rose had no energy to argue with him first thing in the morning. By this point, it's too late to change anything, and from the looks of it, he is rooted in all of this far too much.
   Knowing her son this is exactly why he revealed all of this at this point.
   So that she couldn't do anything!
   "Just keep it in moderation." With a resigned sigh she said it to him.
   "I am just a teenager working in his garage, mother. How could I possibly do anything bad?" Marcus with an innocent voice replied to her worries.
   17
   "...Right..."
   After a few more minutes Quinella brought everyone breakfast by this point even Roland, Marcus' father sneaked into the kitchen when he smelled the food.
   1
   "This is impressive!" The older Goldman praised the Assistant of his son. The food was delicious!
   "Thank You. I went through countless simulations to be a good chief." Quinella puffed her chest while saying that.
   "..."
   "..."
   "She has access to my Artificial Intelligence's processing power. This allows her to simulate a bunch of things. She used that to boost her cooking skills." Marcus casually explained
   She pouted at him when he explained with such an indifferent and casual voice.
   "...Right. So... how on earth did you create a living being like that?" Roland asked with a sigh as this was getting weird. His son just pulls out all that.
   1
   "Calculations mostly, I built up a very powerful computer which did all of that. Once I studied DNA fully I drew Quinella's image and proceeded to tailor DNA to that look." The Alchemist explained in simple terms to his family.
   "So does this mean I won't need to pay my medical bills anymore?"
   2
   All his father and mother understood that their son was good at biology so they didn't need to pay for medical treatment anymore.
   "Precisely, so when you need anything just tell me."
   After saying that the group proceeded to continue with their breakfast but then the doorbell rang.
   ~~~
   Latia inspected herself before ringing the doorbell. It was finally time! She will reveal herself to her Master's family!
   She had presents and other things ready.
   So when doors opened up it was Quinella, which made Latia straighten her back.
   "Oh it's you, come in." Marcus' Assistant wasn't too excited to see this blonde devil.
   "Same to you, it appears you have finished your assignment."
   "Hnn, yes, now come in." The Silver-Platinum-haired beauty motioned to enter the house. The Devil Heiress did just that, once inside she looked around. This was the first time she was in her Master's family house.
   As she got in, after taking her shoes off and putting on slippers she walked to the kitchen with a pair of bags.
   7
   "Good Morning, let me formally introduce myself, I am Latia Astaroth." The blonde elegantly introduced herself.
   2
   "Good morning."
   "Morning."
   "Morning, take a seat." Marcus motioned for her to sit next to him.
   "I hope the whole shop thing went smoothly." The younger Goldman asked curiously.
   "With all the preparation done, there is very little which could have gone wrong." As she said that she pulled out one of the bags and placed it on the table.
   "Inside there are a set of phones. Since they all belong to Marcus, I thought you should give them to all of your family members."
   As Latia said, she pulled out the phone boxes and handed them over to his parents.
   'What a crafty woman...' Quinella internally pouted at this development. She should have done something similar!
   "Oh, they look nice! The whole front is a screen!? How impressive is that!"
   Roland was the first one to comment on how nice it looked, even before he pulled out from the box.
   "Yes, let me show you how it's done."
   The blonde devil proceeded to show everything. While Marcus looked curiously from the side the whole process.
   His gaze then went to the side. He noticed the time.
   "...Umm... Mom, I think you are going to be late."
   "!"
   Rose's gaze snapped to the side. There were only a few minutes left!
   "Oh...OH!" The Woman swiftly got on her feet and proceeded to rush.
   "I can help. My car and driver are still here. We can take you to your workplace."
   "Oh, that's fantastic, dear!"
   ...
   ...
   ...
   After Latia and Rose left, Marcus, Roland and Quinella were left behind in the house.
   "You didn't tell her that Latia was a devil."
   "Hmm? I kinda forgot about that. But is she? Well, I guess her looks are...supernatural." His father even forgot about the fact of devils. They have Goddesses, an Artificial intelligence with a biological body, hyper tech... in the middle of it, he forgot that the blonde was a devil.
   "Well, it doesn't matter anymore. I suppose we could mention it one day." Marcus casually shrugged it aside. By this point, it doesn't matter that much.
   "I guess. So what now? With all the reveals, what are you going to do? I don't think you even need some sort of guidance. As someone who got engaged to Athena of all people? Is it even people? She is a Goddess, so I guess a being? The rest of the people should look to you for guidance." Roland spoke with a pondering voice.
   2
   Should he even work, should Marcus even go to school? Is it even needed?
   The whole reveal was so big that it could easily change the dynamics of everything.
   "What am I going to do?" The younger Goldman looked at the clock.
   " I will go to school, I still have projects to do."
   "Huh?"
   "By project, he means he is using the students and the school as inspiration for future projects," Quinella said from the side as she was quiet the whole time, acting like a proper Assistant and only chipping when she needed to.
   "Oh, I see. Well, that's fine. However, will you be able to do it? Now that you have the store and everyone knows your face and what you did."
   "Your father is right, Master. It will be difficult for you to return to how it was before." Quinella agreed to his father's words.
   "Yes, I can see that. But I still have my projects, and I need my environment."
   The girl rolled her eyes when she heard that.
   "I could simulate the environment if you want. You created illusion-based technomancy just to play around with the fact that you wanted to simulate Darth Vader invading Earth."
   3
   "Excuse me?" Roland snapped exclaimed when he heard that.
   "That's right! Master created a particle! Based on how the biological body reacts to the outside world. Just so that he could experience an invasion from a fictional faction invading Earth!" The Assistant explained to her Master's father.
   "...Damn...I don't know if I should be impressed or shocked by your dedication."
   "Yeah...I don't know. If it's going to be annoying I will drop out. But first I need to see how it's going."
   Marcus ignored how Quinella was telling an 'embarrassing' tale about his early Realitus dives. Instead, he was wondering about his school life.
   Honestly, he is not a wimp to drop out because of attention. Though part of him, the weeb part is protesting about excess attention.
   "Hmm... Serafall is busy, so she can't attend, but I can take you." Marcus immediately got an idea! He can take his assistant! Of course! She will be his reinforcement!
   "...Huh?"
   "M-Master! You want me to attend school!? With you!?"
   With a smug look, Marcus pulled out his earpiece.
   "Aurora, enrol Quinella in my school."
   [As you wish.]
   "Oh and dad. I will be renovating this house. Since my hidden life is revealed there is no need to hold back."
   *Ring**Ring**Ring*
   Before Roland can comment on the upgrades his phone starts to ring.
   He checked it out.
   "It's Lilian, your sister is calling, I wonder if she saw the news." The older Goldman picked up the phone and started to talk with his daughter.
   1
   Marcus could hear the borderline screams and gushing tone of his sister.
   "I have to go."
   1
   The Alchemist quickly proceeded to get up from his seat. Quinella looked curious about this. She realised that her memories which were database before, hold barely anything on his sister!
   This is confusing!
   "Master... your sister...this Lilian... is there something wrong?"
   "Hmm? Not quite, It's...she is over top normie... It's hard for me to explain but I simply... leave her alone because she always wanted that...normal life. I don't know if it's hard for me to be involved with her.
   If I get involved I will impact her 'normal life' so keep away from her and watch from the shadows."
   2
   Even when he said that Quinella felt some...hidden anger?
   "If you say so." She decided to ignore it as well. Since he doesn't like it.
   "You should prepare for school, my dear Quinella."
   "...Huh? Oh...*sigh*"
   "Fine, since my Master wants me to do it."
   ~~~
   Latia returned just in time to take her Master to school, her gaze stayed on Quinella who was dressed in the female version of his school's uniform.
   She was somewhat jealous that she was ending up 'studying' in the same school and class.
   The devil Heiress is slightly romantic towards such a thing and would like to do the same thing. Sadly her 'public' persona is that of an adult and manager.
   So she has to live with it.
   "Master, you should give these phones to your classmates." The Blonde Devil offered the other bag to Marcus.
   "Hmm? You think?"
   "Yeah, it's a good PR trick," Latia smirked as she proceeded to explain.
   "The news will be following you for a while and once they start asking students about you they will tell good stories because of the phones they got...for free!"
   *Sigh*
   "Fine, I see your point, but this feels like a drag." Marcus agreed with a lazy tone.
   1
   A black 7th-class BMW rolled into the school's car park. The teen is pleased that his devil girlfriend is following his 'taste' even though the car she got is the one he likes.
   4
   That's one of the things he likes about Devil Girls. They adjust to what the guy likes.
   As they arrived the pair left the car and the black car turned around and left.
   "...Well. I can give a couple of points for the aesthetics." Quinella started to 'rank' the school. She looked at a grey concrete three-floor building. One could say it was built like Lego, but instead of plastic blocks, it's concrete blocks.
   "...Don't think too much. This was built with efficiency in mind. You can find these kinds of schools all over the nation. They are identical."
   "...Ah, yes...Communism. One thing we could learn from them is the efficiency "
   4
   Marcus snorted with amusement as he shook his head.
   "We are already doing that. Aurora bots are a perfect example of efficiency and fast factory creation."
   "Oh...right..." She looked ashamed for a bit! Is this a human thing!? Like she knows it but at the same time, she does not? Until someone points it out? She no longer has that computer-like answer for everything! Unless she is doing that on purpose!
   "No worries, you are as cute as always when you know it and when you act clueless." Marcus' hand swiftly coiled around her waist as he pulled her closer.
   "I-I see! Good to know!"
   Quinella was reminded that she was indeed one of her Master's ultimate creations. No matter what the circumstances he will always like her!
   This made her profoundly relieved.
   As they were walking towards the school everyone was looking at him. Only him! Sure the hot chick around his hand was gorgeous but at that moment his fame was outshining the girl's beauty.
   It's one of those moments, of course, moments later everyone is wondering who she is, and what about the blonde chick on TV? Wasn't that girl his girlfriend? So who is this girl? Her hair is unique, to say the least!
   As the pair entered the school they went to the principal's office.
   His reason was the transfer which was done by Aurora. It's a child's play for the A.I. to make a new person appear.
   ~~~
   The whole class was whispering about the news, Marcus Goldman, who knew he was a genius? Well, some of them realised that he would spend the whole day doing something with his notebook.
   Many of them thought that he was doodling, drawing cars and things like that!
   Who knew he was the real deal!?
   "Bro, do you think he will continue to attend? I bet he will transfer to one of the world's best universities or something." Paul, one of the classmates said with a curious tone. He remembers Marcus since year 1. They used to sit together, but over the years they drifted apart. The reasons were quite obvious at this point.
   For one, Marcus is a car and tech geek. That kind of stuff is not that interesting to early teens who just want to play and have fun.
   By that point, when they were in high school they were almost like strangers. This reveal on TV, only confirmed that Paul knows nothing about his classmate.
   "I guess? Why would he come to this school now? Regardless his scores were always top marks, he could score top marks in classes in which he was not even paying attention.
   Remember those couple of times when he interrupted our history teacher? The guy knew more than that old hag!" Justin, Paul's neighbourhood exclaimed with a laughing voice.
   2
   The pair continued to talk about Marcus and the random stuff the inventor used to pull over the years.
   However, they had to stop midway as a couple of classmates entered the class with flustered looks.
   "Yo! Victor, what's with that look!?"
   "Marcus is coming to class! I saw him arrive in a black BMW! He arrived here with an exotic-looking girl!"
   Justin and Paul blinked a couple of times. He is coming to class!?
   Around 5 minutes later the morning classes started and the homeroom teacher was late.
   But then, she arrived with Marcus Goldman and another girl.
   'Holy shit! What is this Goddess!? What's with her hair!? It's like her hair reflects colours from the surroundings!?'
   1
   The guys were thinking the same thing. This girl was NOT regular!
   "Well, let's start the classes. I would like to introduce the transfer student. She is moving in here because of the circumstances surrounding Marcus Goldman." The homeroom teacher said that while she looked at Marcus. The teacher didn't know how to feel about this.
   This teen should be working in some high-tech lab making revolutionary tech not attending classes which he doesn't even listen to! But it's not her place to discuss people as weird as this teen.
   "Hello everyone. My name is Quinella Aurora, I am Marcus' Assistant, or more precisely his secretary."
   11
   At that moment every single guy in the class imagined this girl in tight office clothes.
   Quinella who read everyone's mind with her psionic powers could only sadistically grin.
   "Sadly for you boys, I am dedicating my life, my soul and my body to this duty."
   5
   Her words shattered whatever ideas everyone had.
   Quinella was pleased with the mental despair she could feel from everyone.
   1
   That's how it should be.
   1
   "Well, do you have anything else to say, Miss Aurora?"
   "Nothing of importance." Quinella casually replied
   "Good, then take your seat."
   The Alchemist's Assistant nodded and proceeded to take her seat not far from Marcus' seat.
   The Silver-Platinum girl ended up sitting with another girl. The moment she took her seat she smiled at this girl. This smile only made the girl have goosebumps.
   For some reason, she was having instinctual fear!
   Like... only a single wrong move and it's over to her. The thing was why would she feel like that!? They are in school! Where everyone is learning! Why would there be any sort of threat to her life!?
   A couple of minutes later the homeroom teacher gave Quinella her book. The girl casually opened it and proceeded to see the material.
   "...I see... so this is the level." The Assistant started to swirl her hair with her finger as she was checking the contents of the book.
   By this point she is not studying it but more like checking if the book is accurate. That's because she doesn't need to study, she is living in artificial Intelligence with access to the internet and Aurora Network, and she can access excess knowledge at any time.
   "...So...umm..." The girl next to her gathered her courage to ask.
   "Hmm? What is it?"
   "...Is it true?"
   "What is true?" Quinella with an annoyed eye roll asked back. Can't this little girl just spill it out?
   "Marcus making those phones?"
   Such a question made the assistant have a deadpan look, her eyes looked quite cold and full of annoyance.
   "He is the greatest man of this century, one in millenia genius. What he is selling is a downgrade to what he has in his workshop. The reason for this is that humanity as a whole is not ready for his creations.
   Why do you think he has an assistant? And a bunch of girlfriends? Only the best have such things." The Silver-platinum-haired girl tried to 'hold back' with her viper-like comments. One thing which triggers her the most is ignorance towards her Master and Creator.
   "Umm...okay..."
   1
   'This girl is hardcore...' The student commented to herself when she saw the look that this exotic girl was giving her!
   After hearing that she decided not to talk anymore, and instead looked at Marcus who was holding his head with one of his hands the other hand was doodling something on the paper.
   Well, calling it doodling is wrong, he is most likely modelling something or solving some mathematical equation.
   1
   ~~~
   As the class was over Quinella swiftly left her desk and went over to sit on Marcus' lap. She realised that the whole school thing is not bad! She has exclusive time to sit on her beloved lap!
   She should have proposed something like this before!
   "That's right. Before I forget, hand out those phones. Latia wants that PR thingy."
   The assistant's shoulders sagged the moment she heard that! She was just about to cuddle with him!
   "Very well."
   Once again she stood up and picked up the bag with the Goldman Technologies logo. Many students already noticed the bag so they were wondering what it was for! Some had some hopes Marcus was going to advertise his stuff by giving it away!
   In a way they were right!
   Quinella proceeded to pull out the boxes with phones from it.
   "I have 10 phones here, I will give them for free. Who wants them?" She asked with an indifferent voice. The quicker she is done the quicker she can cuddle with Marcus!
   "!!!"
   While there were many greedy and shocked faces none of them approached because of his assistant. One could say she looks scary.
   "Don't worry, this is a PR stunt by my manager." Marcus stopped drawing and explained to the class.
   "PR? As in public relations?"
   "Correct. My company is telling everyone that my phones DO work, and we can even give them for free to show that they are legit." After the Inventor explained the hesitation was gone and everyone rushed to check them out.
   "I see! Then I'll take one!"
   "Yeah, me too!"
   It was like moths towards the fire, in the meantime, Quinella slipped off and swiftly ended up once again sitting on her Master's lap and started her cuddling.
   "I did what you wanted~ now I am free to cuddle~" She giggled into his ear as she proceeded to snuggle.
   "Yeah, Yeah just don't move too much, I don't want to re-draw." Marcus didn't mind the cuddle, the only issue is that she shouldn't move that much.
   "Okay~"
   Quinella looked at what he was drawing.
   Her eyes slightly widened, it was one of those Scale Mail Sacred Gears! Well, more like Neo Sacred Gears.
   She finally made a connection when she saw the title, it was...
   Golden Dragon Emperor Sacred Gear. He was making a pair, while the Silver Dragon Emperor was a girl with a Neo Sacred Gear, well two of those, he is making just a Gear for the Golden one.
   1
   'Well, well this one is going to be interesting, who will be using this Gear?' For a second Quinella pondered, to her knowledge there is no one he is planning to give a gear. So it's for himself?
   Regardless, she will be watching with interest.
   2
   ~~~~~~Later, Same Day~~~~~~
   After school was over, well it was quite a boring day. It was boring as Marcus effortlessly dodged the journalists, the annoying people ended up putting his classmates in the spotlight by filming them and asking questions.
   It appears the PR trick worked as everyone is gushing about their new phones.
   In the meantime, the younger Goldman slipped back into his workshop.
   He got the notification that many of the projects which were in the early stages have moved forward after analysing the resonance phenomenon. The power of the waves and frequencies is an extremely interesting subject.
   So, Marcus without a second to lose went to the Genetics wing of his base.
   And went to see the DNA of his two new creations.
   "...So these are the new girls." Quinella looked at the pair of girls floating in the medical pod.
   The pair had long silver hair, though they were not truly alive. They lacked souls.
   Not that the Assistant cares about this. What she was thinking is that in total her Master has created 3 girls and all of them have silver-platinum-like hair.
   This reveals a peculiar 'like' about him! Does he have a thing for silver hair?
   Well, Artemis can attest to that! Marcus paid extra attention to her! The whole thing even started when he provoked Artemis.
   "Correct. The one on the left is the Biological Combat Model: Enterprise, and the one on the right is Silver Dragon Empress, Gu Yuena."
   7
   "Peculiar name, why Chinese roots to it?" Quinella asked him. Now she wonders why her name is Quinella. There has to be some sort of explanation for it.
   "That's because their roots are stories. More like novels I used to read. Gu Yuena is a Silver Dragon which has power over space and elements. Where the Golden Dragon has power over time and power itself. Unparalleled physical strength.
   8
   While Enterprise's current looks are based on a game related to girls who are something like the incarnation of military ships."
   The girl frowned when she heard that.
   'The information I have doesn't compute! It makes no sense!'
   At that moment Quinella was wondering where her Master picked this info up! She never saw him read or play games!
   "Don't sweat about it. Maybe one day I will tell you the truth." Marcus mysteriously smiled as he looked at his Assistant.
   "I-I see... fine... I suppose there is something I don't know about you." The A.I.-turned girl pouted at him while saying that.
   Even she, the perfect creation of her Master, doesn't know everything!
   "Heh. Relax, I am entitled to have my mysteries. Now proceed with your objectives. We need to prepare their souls."
   "...As you wish." For now, she decided to forget about this thing and start doing what she was supposed to do as his assistant.
   ~~~~~~Meantime, Underworld~~~~~~
   In one of the bars in Devil Capital City Lilith, doors opened up as a man in a black suit walked in, he looked like a high-class individual.
   A peculiar striking feature he had was elf-like ears... and a murderous look he had.
   The moment his eyes saw his target he grinned, his grin was a feral one.
   With a casual motion of his hand, he created a spear of light and threw it at the devil!
   The drinking High-Class devil didn't even have a chance as the spear went right through him.
   1
   What happened next was screams and looks of horror as they realised that a Fallen Angel just killed a noble devil!
   "Let the war begin! Hahaha!!!"
   1
   ~~~
   For advanced chapters (+5 chapters, 25k words) my pat: pat reon.com/DragonsFics
   OR
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   ~~~
   P.S.: I do weekly voting on Patreon if you want more chapters for this fic (or other fics ) vote there.
  
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   Chapter 55: Echos of Approaching War
   (2 out of 3 chapters this week)
   Screams erupted from the bar as the corpses of High-Class Devils dropped on the floor.
   Kokabiel just killed two young devil nobles...just...like...that!
   He didn't target random people, nope, he used Grigori-gathered Intelligence for this. He is sacrificing his Faction's spies just to do this.
   And he doesn't mind. He is defecting anyway! Let the devils find out that Fallen have an extensive network of people serving them! They even have devils who have been feeding info to the Fallen for wealth!
   Nothing matters! Only war!
   "Hahaha! Run! Run Little bats! Bring me your leaders!" The war-hungry Fallen Angel laughed loudly while enjoying the sight of the terrified people.
   This was not the only place where Fallen had attacked, it was happening all over the Underworld. Kokabiel's allies were slaughtering devils who had some renown. The more damage they cause the bigger the chance of this war happening.
   And that is all he wants!
   With another casual motion, the Cadre Fallen Angel created a light spear and threw it at a random person killing it with ease.
   This was pure chaos and destruction. It should be more than enough to cause a big scene to attract one of the Satans!
   'Yes, that's it! Make a scene, cause chaos! Destroy!' 'Kokabiel's' inner voice ravished the destruction which fed the desire of the Fallen Angel.
   1
   "Hahaha! Where are your Satans!? How much do I need to destroy to make one of you appear!?"
   ~~~
   There was no need for a large scene for the Satans to pick the provocation.
   "...Sirzechs..." Serafall gave him a look as she sensed a Fallen Angel, a powerful Fallen Angel right in the midst of their Capital City no less!
   "Yeah... it was as we expected. Renegades from Fallen Angels have moved out. Azazel did warn us he has those."
   "Warning us does mean a thing! These are his people! Just denouncing them doesn't mean a thing when a bunch of them have killed Pure Blood Devils!" The Leviathan snapped angrily as she was getting up to deal with the renegade. She only hopes that Marcus doesn't just pull her out the moment he finds out that she is using her Neo Sacred Gear at maximum capacity!
   2
   "No, I will deal with the leader. You take Grayfia and deal with the stranglers around the area."
   "...Fine."
   The Crimson Satan moved out, it's time for the city to see that their true protector is still capable of fighting.
   ~~~
   With a burst of black and red, a spear of light ended up disintegrating before it could destroy a building.
   "Hahaha! So you finally appeared!" Kokabiel with crazy laughter looked at Sirzechs.
   'Something is odd about him...' The Crimson Lucifer looked at the Fallen Angel with narrowed eyes. He looked far too deranged. Something has happened to this Cadre.
   "...You think you alone are good enough to make us wage war on Fallen Angels? When we all want peace?"
   "...Peace? Who wants peace? Certainly not ME!" With a blast of sickly yellow Kokabiel summoned his spear and rushed towards Sirzechs.
   1
   "...You are not qualified enough to make me go serious..."
   With a burst of black and red, Power of Destruction orbs rushed towards the Fallen.
   But before they can hit Kokabiel they end up being disrupted! Like something is interfering with the structure of the power! They burst into pure energy and simply ceased to exist!
   "!?"
   Sirzechs swiftly dodged the attack to the side as he tried again to attack the Fallen Angel.
   But once again his Power of Destruction got negated without any sort of issue!
   'I used a different amount of power and density...it ended up the same!'
   This time around, the Sirzechs were shocked enough to let Kokabiel get close.
   At that moment the Fallen Angel's eyes started to burn like he was a completely different being.
   "I got you."
   The possessed Fallen grabbed the Crimson Lucifer. As black liquid started to sip out from the Cadre and proceeded to flow into the Satan.
   "What are you!? What is this!?'
   The most powerful devil to date tried to struggle but something was wrong with his powers!
   "Struggle all you want, but this liquid is made from Lilith's essence, the very same essence which gave birth to your kind. Can you resist the very power which created you?"
   "...You..." Sirzechs' eyes turned wide as horror started to settle in. He watched how this black liquid flowed into him and proceeded to merge with his body.
   1
   The moment the fusion was done Kokabiel released his hold and started to fall to the ground. He looked like a husk as his life essence and power were completely drained! It was used to fuel the very armour which has fused with Sirzechs!
   "...W-What is this!?" The Crimson Satan tried to struggle but he had no idea how to struggle! He could feel the darkness of some sort starting to cloud his vision, his thoughts starting to get dull and slow.
   Little by little his limbs started to not listen to him! Something is possessing him!
   "Damn...it..." Lucifer's magic circle appeared under him as his body summoned it, but it wasn't him who did it!
   The very next second he was gone, and by that point, Kokabiel's body had turned into dust. However... one wonders...what happened to his soul.
   ~~~
   "Welcome Crimson Satan." A smooth voice greeted Sirzechs, the current Lucifer looked around, only one of his eyes could see what was going on.
   "...Hades..."
   "Indeed. Welcome to Cocytus. We have prepared a special place just for you."
   As the Greek God said next to him a Phantom Being appeared as well, he had flaming eyes. The Crimson Lucifer wondered who this guy was! He can sense an extreme amount of evil and its power is off the charts.
   "Angra Mainyu has some uses for you. We will require your Power of Destruction to fight the greatest threat to the current Supernatural world."
   "...Angra...Mainyu?" Sirzechs' eyes bulged out; this was the incarnation of evil itself! The Greek God is working with this being!?
   "...You...what is the purpose of all of this? Who is this Threat you speak of?"
   "...Your Kind. Your Kind who made contact with THAT man, if it wasn't for your Kind constantly interfering with mortals Marcus Goldman would have never found out about Supernatural.
   6
   He would have lived his mundane life and died of old age. Yet, because of your kind he now is engaged to my niece, his existence mocks every supernatural faction!"
   3
   'Engaged to his Niece!? Artemis? No... she is his maid...Athena? There is no news about this...' Regardless, for now he needs to get out of here!
   He tried to summon his massive reserves of mana but all of this energy was diverted to the black armour he was wearing!
   "Resist all you want, but this armour was created precisely for you. Now Crimson Lucifer... it's time for you to give your Power of Destruction." Angra Mainyu lifted his hand and pointed at the armour.
   That moment excruciating pain surged through the whole body of the Crimson Satan.
   "AHHHHHH!!!"
   ~~~
   "...Something is wrong! Where is Sirzechs!?" Serafall returned after dealing with a bunch of average Fallen Angels. Her senses which cover large sways of land can't pick up the current Lucifer.
   "...I don't know. My connection with him is..." That moment Grayfia's Queen piece just popped out from her!
   "..."
   "..."
   "...What the..."
   The pair of devil girls looked very concerned. The thing is, Grayfia can't just go to Ajuka. Because of the Ars Goetia which her body has!
   "...Did something happen to Sirzechs?"
   "...Could be, and if he got weakened the Ars Goetia variant has removed the Evil Piece the moment it felt it could," Serafall speculated while picking up the Queen's Evil Piece.
   "...Yes, possibly..."
   "You should go and return to Marcus' side. I will tell everyone that you went to look for Sirzechs...and never returned."
   "...I understand. This is for the best."
   Grayfia took the piece and disappeared with her magic circle. She looked very eager to do that!
   While she was gone Serafall bit her lower lips. She was feeling jealous! And... worried of course! But mostly jealous of this development.
   "I guess, I need to start organising things."
   The current Leviathan went to look for Ajuka and Falbium.
   ~~~
   The aftermath of the renegade Fallen Angel attack was horrific. At least 10 high-class devils died, and Sirzechs and Grayfia went missing. The rest of Sirzechs' peerage proceeded to help Serafall who was now covering Lucifer's position for a while.
   She was now loaded with extra work so much that she was going crazy.
   While Ajuka proceeded to look for ways to find Crimson Satan.
   He quickly found out that he was teleported to the depths of the Underworld.
   Which is not good as that place holds many things. Especially many bad things.
   He concluded that one of the evil Gods who resides there is working on something major. For that, the armies are on high alert, no more excuses.
   They surrounded the entrances to the depths of the underworld all over their territories. The same was with the Fallen who rule the other side of the planet.
   The peace talks for now were delayed as they are working to solve the issues of the renegade elements of their factions.
   Devils quickly realised that the Old Satan faction was gone. In the most literal sense. None of their members are around, their castles are empty and they have remnant residues of Evil or more precisely Dark Gods.
   "...This is similar to the incident with Lucifer Castle. The energy residue at least half of it... is the same. The being is the same as the one who attacked Lucifer's residence but it's different from the one who attacked the City of Lilith.
   This means there are at least 3 gods who are working together." Ajuka gave his report to the council.
   "Any idea who they are?" One of the councilmen angrily asked. By this point, it's clear that it's not the Fallen but someone worse working behind the scenes.
   "Sadly we don't have records of Evil or Dark Gods magical signatures. Many of them were sealed or exiled before we even started gathering such information." The current Beelzebub said with a resigned sigh. Sadly they don't have 'allies' who could give them some tips.
   "What we CAN do is prepare for war. A defensive war. They are targeting us. They took Sirzechs from us in broad daylight!" Serafall said with an angry voice of her own.
   "Very well. Then prepare defences."
   "Already on it." Falbium with a lazy voice said from his throne.
   "I will see if we can get Marcus help as well!"
   "That won't be necessary. It's not his conflict and we don't need to involve him." Zekrom Bael said with a sharp tone. If they bring that guy into the Underworld then he won't leave. And that will spell doom for their race.
   5
   Serafall internally clicked her tongue. She wanted to have Marcus next to her just so that she could have the feeling of safety. At this moment she is feeling dreadful.
   Evil and Dark Gods are on the move? And they are working together? That's horrifying. Such a thing should have never happened! How do they work together for one common goal?
   As the Council session is in progress the word has spread. The Crimson Satan is missing. Something happened which forced him to leave or he was caught and moved. Either way, it has sent shockwaves of terror through the Devil Kind.
   The ones who are taking this the worst are the Gremory Family.
   Venelana walked away from the manor and looked around for a second. She made sure no one was around. A magic circle appeared underneath her feet as she teleported away.
   Appearing in a room she hasn't been for a while.
   This was Marcus Goldman's underground home.
   With the connection she had, she knew he was in this place. So she walked through the corridors and ended up taking the lift to the lower floors.
   Walking past his workshop she entered the Genetics wing.
   "...I should have known..." The brown-haired Bael sighed when she saw Grayfia standing some distance away and waiting for any sort of command from her Master.
   "...Venelana...I assume you are here to ask for help to find Sirzechs?" The Silver-haired maid asked with a knowing look.
   "...Yes. But it appears Master is busy." Lady Gremory said that with a resigned sigh as she saw him and his assistant working on something. They are arranging...something.
   It looks like pictures or something much more complex.
   After quite a bit of time, Marcus was done and turned around. He saw Grayfia and Venelana standing there.
   "Oh my oh my. What guests I have! I understand my maid. Who is busy being the 'Queen' of the most important Devil in the Underworld. But what can I do for the devil lady who doesn't like serving her Lord?" The Alchemist and Inventor teased his Bael pillar.
   1
   Venelana grimaced for a bit. She is in quite a difficult position.
   "...Master. I have returned to your side. This time permanently." Grayfia proceeded to speak as she saw that Venelana had nothing to say.
   His Headmaid showed him the Queen Piece.
   "...It has been removed?" He took it from her while asking with a curious tone. This was something he didn't expect!
   "Yes. On its own. I assume something has happened to Sirzechs." Grayfia proposed a possibility.
   "Yes. My senses are telling me that the piece doesn't have any power anymore." Marcus with a nod confirmed it.
   "But...even if Sirzechs is dead the pieces would still function!" Venelana exclaimed with worry from the side. Did something happen to her son which is worse than death!?
   1
   "...Then someone has drained him, taken all of his power...the pieces are connected after all." Marcus pondered as he proceeded to walk towards his workshop.
   "Quinella, I leave the clean-up duty to you." The Inventor looked at his assistant for a bit, giving her an order before walking out with the pair of devils.
   "Yes, Master."
   The trio walked to his main workshop. As always the room is here to bring awe to people. As this time around they were looking at the holographic image of the Milky Way galaxy spinning leisurely.
   "Aurora scan this for me." Marcus lifted his hand and showed the red chess piece.
   [Scanning]
   Blue beams of light from all directions scanned the Evil piece.
   [Scan complete]
   Seconds later a window appeared in front of the inventor.
   "Hmm, there are no signs of any sort of Demonic energy, it's as if someone drained everything from this piece."
   After reading through everything he commented with a fascinated look. This was an interesting mystery.
   "Then..."
   "Whoever took your son, has completely drained him of all his power. Now the question is if he is still alive from experiencing all that. And if he is alive will he ever regain all the power he has lost?" The Successor to Solomon pondered with a serious voice.
   "Now, what does the Devil Kind know about this? Grayfia?" Marcus asked the ex-Queen of the Crimson Lucifer.
   "The last bit of information I got before leaving Underworld was that it appears that at least Three Deities are working against the Devil Kind. Ajuka thinks it's Evil and Dark Gods, an alliance of some sort."
   The Silver-haired maid explained with a smooth voice. She wasn't holding anything back.
   "My Master, I request your assistance. I don't think Devil Kind will survive if The Evil Gods unite and attack!" Venelana asked him with a worried tone.
   "Lady Gremory, there has to be a reason for Our Master to act. You have the least leverage here to ask anything." Grayfia's voice was indifferent as she spoke with the mother of her previous King.
   "...I know...and I am willing to do anything."
   "Don't speak so casually, Venelana. You have no idea what I could do. Allowing my forces to enter the Underworld will cause even bigger chaos.
   Do you think your kin will just allow me to scan and search for your Son?"
   As Marcus was saying that he brushed his right index finger down and another window popped, he proceeded to go through menus as he selected the Space Centre and ordered the construction of an additional 3 Daedalus-Class ships. Raising his total to 4, at the same time he is ramping up production of S.P.B.A. And Aurora bots.
   Then he proceeded to allocate resources and start building the Spaceport.
   No more waiting.
   The reason for this was that he realised that Hades was on the move and was building a large faction of Deities and other creatures.
   While the Successor of Solomon is not afraid of that, what he is afraid of is losing valuable research materials in conflicts.
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   "Then..."
   "Then use your influence and convince them to allow me to enter the Underworld." He said with an eye roll.
   "...I will see what I can do. Do I have permission to leave?" Venelana asked with a respectful tone.
   "Go. Once you have something, tell me."
   "As you wish."
   She then proceeded to leave.
   Once gone the maid enquired with a curious voice.
   "Are you sure you are planning to assist Devil Kin?"
   "No. Not to assist them, that's not my goal, Grayfia. What I want is what lies in the depth of the Underworld. Having the possibility of scanning and researching deities from multiple pantheons is the greatest gold mine of them all.
   1
   And Hades...who is behind this is doing it nicely. He is creating a mine like no other."
   "...Hades...The Greek God of the Underworld is behind this!?" Grayfia exclaimed with a shocked voice she lost her composure for a second.
   "Precisely my dear Grayfia. The God is petty for my engagement to Athena. I can sense his desire for war. My senses penetrate the barriers between realms when I am using all my might. He can't hide his desire for conflict from me." Marcus said that as he returned to the control panel, he went to his space station and rearranged the construction priorities, finishing the main cannon is now priority number one.
   The assembly lines on the station are finished so changing the focus of construction is very easy.
   "...I see..." The silver-haired maid gulped down with some nervousness. Then why is Hades attacking Devils!?
   Her eyes widened as she realised something!
   Hades doesn't care at all! Devils for him are stepping stones for whatever he needs the excess grounds-staging grounds for his armies? Maybe that...
   "Then... you are going to wait?"
   "I am already increasing the production of my soldiers as well. We are entering yellow condition." As he said that he brushed his finger down on another window. This window has three colours. Green, yellow and red.
   Though no one was speaking in the barracks S.P.B.A started to scramble into position as cloning vats roared to life. The creation of soldiers started!
   3
   ~~~~~~Cocytus, Underworld~~~~~~
   A large black lake was bubbling with energy as souls from the Underworld were flowing into this lake.
   On one side they are flowing in from another pitch black armoured being with glowing eyes are walking out. Their armour is a mix of Norse, Greek, and Persian hieroglyphs.
   The dark aura they emit is similar to that of devils, Greeks, with some mix of pure evil.
   These are the new foot soldiers created at the hands of Angra Mainyu, Lilith, and with some help from Loki who was assisting with the magic of his Pantheon.
   "What a glorious sight! This is our answer to Marcus Goldman's artificial army! An army which cannot die!" Angra Mainyu with a crazed voice exclaimed with pure happiness.
   5
   Next to him were beings like Hades, Erebus, Nyx, Loki, Tartarus, Hypno, Lilith and Thanatos.
   They were standing at the edge of a cliff overlooking a valley, in this valley thousands if not hundreds of thousands of souls were being converted to whatever creatures these Deities were making.
   "Combined with Grim Reapers, Nyx and Erebus creations, and Loki's giants, we have a very flexible army." Hades said with a pleased mod.
   *Clap**Clap**Clap*
   "What a sight this is... how many years has it been when I saw something like this!?"
   The Gods and Primordials looked at the newest arrival.
   "...Indra...so you did accept my invitation." Hades said with a surprised tone.
   "Indra..." The other Gods looked surprised as well.
   "Don't mind me. I have my reasons."
   "Oh? Do tell. As you can see we have an alliance, and our resources are quite deep."
   "...I can see that. You have quite a bit of firepower, and I could add some of mine."
   Angra Mainyu looked quite shocked to hear that! Indra! The Heaven Emperor, the one who hates evil, is thinking of joining them!?
   "I have two requests. If you agree to them then I will throw myself into your group."
   "Speak."
   "I want Cao Cao's soul. And I will join you if you prove yourself. Defeat Devils and Fallen, and my forces join yours against Marcus Goldman." The aloha jacket wearing God with sunglasses said while showing two fingers. His two requests.
   "That is my final offer."
   "...You saying Devas will march to war with us?" Hades asked with disbelief, Indra joining and Indra's forces joining are two different things.
   "That is correct. That human needs to be put in his place for thinking that he stands next to the Divines. It's not his place to decide such things.
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   This brat made it personal when he killed one of my own. Now tell me if you agree." Indra's voice turned quite serious when he said that.
   5
   The pressure he emits makes even the strongest of the Gods in Hades' group sweat a little bit.
   2
   "Your terms are agreeable."
   The God of the Underworld summoned his staff and tapped the ground with it.
   Moments later a soul arrives in front of Hades. It formed into a man in his early twenties. This was Cao Cao.
   "Lord Hades?" The man looked around...his eyes looked around. He somewhat looked nervous seeing so many Gods. So many evil-looking Gods...especially Angra Mainyu which looks like a living Shadow...
   Oh, and there were flying eyes in the shadows as well...which emits a Divine Aura. Cao Cao tried to ignore this one... it feels far too diabolical.
   "Go, your God is waiting for you."
   "My God?" The man looked confused for a bit. So he turned around and saw Indra standing there.
   "...Lord Indra."
   "Come over." The Indian God motioned to walk over.
   The moment Cao Cao was next to Indra, the Heaven Emperor reminded the group about his promise.
   "Remember Hades. Destroy those two factions and my armies are yours."
   After saying that the pair were gone.
   *Tsk*
   "Such arrogance," Tartarus said in annoyance.
   "Are you sure he is trustworthy?" Nyx asked with some concern. Indra is known to throw childish temper tantrums and wants to wage war against Shiva.
   "It's fine. He can join or decline, what matters is that I know his true feelings towards this. As long as he hates Marcus Goldman he will always be sympathetic to our cause."
   "Fair enough. As long as he doesn't interfere, I don't care." The Primordial of Night shrugged and looked towards the ever-increasing army.
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   In the distance, she can see several large dragons snoozing. One of them is a massive blue giant with the lower half being serpentine.
   That was their Trumph card... the King of Monsters Typhon. The creature terrified even Zeus.
   At this moment this being is put to sleep and is waiting for the war.
   Getting him to join them was not hard, the promise of never-ending powerful enemies was a sure way to make him join.
   Not that they lied as Marcus Goldman can create beings for him to fight.
   ~~~~~~Kouh~~~~~~
   "For the time being don't come to the Underworld and stay in Kuoh under Marcus protective barrier," Serafall said to her sister.
   "..."
   "..."
   The pair of Peerages were stupefied hearing that Crimson Lucifer was missing. That Devil Kind is preparing for war!
   All of that is far too much! Especially, since the pair of Heiresses believed that their siblings were unbeatable.
   Rias was impacted the most since her brother and Grayfia are gone!
   "I have arranged this place to be protected." The current Leviathan said with a small smile.
   Marcus didn't mind arranging extra protection for this place.
   Which satisfied Serafall to some degree. Same time she is wondering why he agreed on this so easily...
   "...Sister, do you know what is going on?" Sona asked with an anxious look.
   "All we know is that evil gods from Hell are banding together and they are preparing for war. Since where we live we are most likely in their way."
   Truthfully, Serafall has no idea yet what is going on. She is telling the most likely hypothesis the Devil Council has come up with.
   "...And my brother? Where is Sirzechs? Is there any news on him!?" Rias asked with a worried look. Now she is angry at herself for being weak! If she had more power she could have been more helpful!
   4
   "...This... I am sad to say this...but Sirzechs has been pulled to the depths of Hell. All we know is that his teleportation circle destination was Cocytus."
   "...Cocytus!?" The Crimson-haired Heiress exclaimed with horror. Isn't Cocytus the 'Ice Prison'? Where are the most dangerous and wicked criminals kept!?
   "We do not doubt that he was forcefully moved to that location. I have already tried to contact Hades about this. But he is not responding."
   'Greek Gods... again? My gut feeling is telling me that Skull Head is planning something. Is it because of Athena's engagement and Artemis has been humiliated? Is Hades trying to get back at Marcus by attacking us?'
   Serafall's political mind is working overtime. The more she thinks the more she sees this happening.
   Attacking Marcus head-on is suicidal, he has the most defensive position in the supernatural world.
   So what is the next best option? Attacking anyone connected to him.
   Which means...
   'Me...or the Devil Kind...'
   The current Leviathan realised that it was maybe her who caused this to happen! A guilty feeling started to gnash at her from inside.
   "...But we have to do something! He is the current Lucifer! The strongest devil!" Rias argued from sheer despair.
   "Do you think I don't know!? But we CAN'T simply walk into Cocytus! It's not our territory! It's governed by Greek Gods and it's prison grounds! We, like any other race, are dumbing our most notorious criminals there!"
   "...But...still..."
   "Rias, the only thing you can do right now is train and practise your powers and grow stronger. You need to be prepared...just in case."
   The underlying tone of Satan made the girls in the room stiffly nod.
   But that moment golden light descended from the windows. Something large just appeared right above them!
   "...Can you sense it?"
   "...Yeah...mana...huge amount of mana!"
   "... It's like something dropped above us!?"
   Rias and Sona used their connection to the barriers...
   They are shocked to see an enormous airship! Or more like a spaceship floating above the school!
   The barriers didn't even react to this arrival!
   "...This is... Confiscator! Marcus has sent his ship!?" Serafall was shocked the most!
   This was his flagship, the thing which brought terror to the Pantheons. One could say this is his symbol of power.
   And now it is here! But why? Is he taking the security of Kuoh to this level!?
   Serafall didn't realise that this was only 25% of the mobility his faction could use. After all, another three ships are on the way.
   "...What in the world!? Is he mad!? Revealing this to the public!?" Sona, while severely impressed by the sheer presence of this ship, was horrified if regular people would see it.
   "No worries it should not be visible to normal people..." Serafall was around 75% certain. She needs to double-check in person...
   "... Right. The voice of your tone doesn't give me confidence." The younger Sitri said with a deadpan voice. She proceeded to walk towards the doors.
   The only one who was lagging was Rias, in turn, her peerage which was with her was lagging as well as they were looking at their 'King'.
   Still, they proceeded to walk out and look at the floating ship.
   It was enormous. Compared to the building around them. This thing is several hundred metres long!
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   The pair of long barrels under the belly increased the fear factor.
   As they were looking at the ship they looked around to see if anyone else was looking up.
   To their relief, no one was gazing at the sky with terrified looks.
   "Is this the same technology he used in that simulation run? Only now can he use it anywhere he wants?" Sona realised that after thinking about this.
   "Yes. In a way. He had hard light technology before, but he upgraded it after YOUR visited So-tan!"
   "...Me?"
   "Yes. Or more precisely when your Bishop mentioned Darth Vader."
   "...R-Really!?" Momo, who was the one who mentioned it offhandedly, could only have complex feelings about this. Sure the tech looks revolutionary. But, what about if it gets used by the wrong hands?
   1
   "Yes... anyway..." Serafall didn't finish talking as she saw gunships leaving one after another from the airship and landing at the back of the school.
   1
   "Let's go. I want to see what kind of orders these S.P.B.A have."
   The current Leviathan motioned for them to walk with her.
   "R-Right!"
   The group of devils walked around the school and saw gunships after gunships land and Mandalorian look-alikes left the gunships and started to assume formations.
   It looks like they are making camp... in the back of the school...
   "...Sister... I don't like armies camping in the back of my...I mean our school!" Sona quickly fixed herself as she was with Rias here!
   3
   "Hehehe...we can think of something!" Serafall giggled nervously.
  
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   Chapter 56: Enterprise Awakens
   2
   (3 out of 3 chapters this week)
   3
   "Did you hear that?" One of the devil soldiers asked his fellow soldier.
   "...Hear what?"
   "...I just heard a screech..."
   The soldiers shivered as they looked at him with annoyance.
   "Really!? Do you have to mess with us when we are guarding Doors to the literal hell itself!?"
   The whole battalion of soldiers was guarding one of the entrances to the depths of the Underworld.
   It was a massive cavern, so saying that something was screeching from it in the middle of the night made all of the men experience goosebumps.
   *SCREECH!!!*
   "...!!!"
   "!!!"
   "!!!"
   Before they can react, they sense a lot of movements! Something or some things moved like a blur.
   The soldiers tried to intercept, but their spears collided with-long nails!
   "...Damn!!!"
   These nails glowed with black and red power and sliced through the soldier's spear. The creature's claws cut the spear effortlessly!
   "Power of Destruction! N-No way!!!"
   The next second, the creature's other hand slammed through his gut, killing him.
   He was not the only one who lost his life. The entire battalion got killed with minimal effort.
   Once the coast was clear, more and more creatures poured through the cavern into the surface of the Underworld.
   After the black armoured creatures, it was hell hounds, Cerberuses, Giants and other nightmare things.
   All this was happening all over the Underworld, not just in devil territories. But in Fallen parts as well.
   Fallen Angel's lands are especially vulnerable as they don't have numbers like the Devil Kind has; a lot of their territories are empty.
   So these hell monstrosities quickly got their foothold.
   "Governor-General!"
   "...I know, I know! The current situation is bad, and there are far too many of these things. Not only that, they don't die!" Azazel stabbed one of the black armoured creatures.
   The thing collapsed but swiftly reformed and once again was rushing at him.
   "...Old man..."
   "...What?"
   "...The moment I get close, my demonic energy stops responding. And these things wield Power of Destruction and some other devil bloodline powers." Vali exclaimed as he was already fully armoured in his Balance Breaker.
   "That energy... I sense Angra Mainyu and some other things from it..." Albion said through his wings.
   "...Angra Mainyu? The incarnation of evil!?"
   1
   "Yes, that God of Evil."
   "...Damn it..."
   Azazel pondered for a bit. But he decided that the best way to stop this is to eliminate the source.
   "Vali, let's go! We are going for the source. Baraqiel! You take the command!" The Head Crow commanded his forces. If they have any chance, only Vali and he could do that. No one else has enough power to face someone like Zoroastrianism's Evil God.
   "Very well!"
   The pair proceeded to fly towards the cave entrance.
   They passed all the black soldiers who rushed from the caverns.
   "There is no end of these things!" Vali was shocked to see so many of these things coming from the depths of Hell.
   "That's because these are souls, all those who did not go to Heaven. There are many of them, far too many, hard to count such amount."
   "Hahaha. What do I see? The Head Crow and his pet little bat!" A female voice giggled through the area.
   Extremely dense and terrifying energy surged in front of them.
   The pair stopped in their tracks and looked at the enemy before them.
   It was a female with pitch-black hair and elvish ears. Her gothic clothes fit her dark aura.
   "...You are..."
   "Ah, yes. The ignorance of the newer race, my presence alone, would terrify any lesser God. Yet, here you are, standing in confusion. Well, no matter when I'm through with you, you will know how terrifying a Primordial can be."
   An absurd amount of power started to radiate from her. The entire Underworld started to shake.
   Vali started to grin from ear to ear as his power also surged, transforming into a bulkier form. He accessed his Juggernaut Drive with a thought.
   "Ha? Little bat wants to play? Fine. Let's play!"
   The White Dragon Emperor rushed forward and tried to punch, but the black-haired girl's casual smack shattered his armour and sent him sailing away into a mountain.
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   Azazel looked worried when he saw that! The crow pulled out something from his pocket and activated it.
   "Oh? Do you have a toy to add to the mix? Let's see what you can do!"
   [Balance Breaker]
   A dragon voice said from the short spear as the energy engulfed Azazel in golden armour.
   "How amusing, Head Crow can make armours. My oh my. Someone is trying to imitate his daddy?" The Primordial made fun of the Governor-General as she waited for him to attack.
   "Something like that. I picked up a few tricks from Marcus when I visited him."
   The moment Azazel mentioned Marcus, the girl in front of him lost her grin, and instead, she turned serious.
   "?"
   The armour-clad Fallen Angel noticed that. He was wondering what is her story. What does Marcus have to do anything with this Primordial!?
   "...I see...since Marcus Goldman himself helped you... then I don't need to worry about your survival. You can easily take my full power. You can handle it, right? I don't need to worry about you breaking down for me~" The more she spoke, the more sadism she radiated.
   1
   'Jealousy? Is she jealous?'
   Azazel wondered about that, but before he could do anything, Nyx was already in front of him.
   The Fallen Angel couldn't even follow her movements!
   *SLAP*
   A powerful slap destroyed the Governor-General's armour and sent him flying many miles away, shattering mountains in progress.
   "..."
   "..."
   "..."
   "Fake... you are fake... you said Marcus Goldman helped you. But none of his creations would shatter like this." She shook her head in denial. There were apparent sights of something going on in her.
   "Whatever... let finish your faction off... and then...focus on Devils~" The Primordial giggled as she rushed towards Grigori.
   ~~~
   Pained Groan escaped from Azazel's mouth as he looked at the sky. He was lying in a pile of rubble created from his landing.
   'You are not paying enough, Azazel! I didn't sign to fight Greek Primordials! That was Nyx you were fighting! Have you lost your mind!?
   That slap of hers took all of my energy to counter! If not for me, you would be a dust of blood!'
   4
   Fafnir started to rant in Azazel's head. That's right. The Head Crow asked Fafnir to become the core of his pseudo gear many years ago. But only a couple of days ago was he able to program and organise the Sacred Gear to be as closely related to an authentic Sacred Gear as possible.
   'I hear you... I think my spine broke- can't move my head...'
   'Lucky you... not many survive an encounter with pissed-off Nyx!'
   'Yeah...so...why she is pissed off?'
   'How should I know? She is a Greek! They are either loving or Mad! It turns out you lost your coin toss as today she is mad.'
   Azazel grimaced when he heard that. Turns out Fafnir is right. He was very unlucky.
   'Well, you are talkative this time around.'
   'I am tired and stressed. I am off to sleep; don't die on me. You are the only one who can let me out of your dodgy gear!'
   After saying that, the head Crow could hear the dragon snoozing.
   "...Shit... my body hurts..."
   The Fallen Angel dismissed the scale mail and collected the orb.
   He grimaced from just doing that. It appears his right hand is still functioning, but the lower body is dead, his left hand included.
   With such injuries, he will be in hospital for a long time.
   'Or...'
   He looked at the orb in his hand.
   'Yeah... sorry...Fafnir, but this is for the survival of Fallen Race...'
   Azazel summoned his circle and disappeared.
   Appearing in an empty room, he arrived with a pile of rocks, landing on the ground with a loud thud.
   "Oww..."
   [Governor-General, I request your explanation as to why you arrived here. With luggage like this?]
   Synthetic voice of a female brough the Fallen from his pain-induced hallucination.
   "...Righ...can I ask Marcus to heal me? And talk with me as well? I am willing to give him Dragon-King-Fafnir..." Midway, he passed out. It appears he used the last bit of his strength to explain.
   [Very well]
   ~~~
   Marcus walked through the doors of his genetic wing in shorts and a t-shirt. Aurora woke him up at 2 A.M.
   He forgot all about sleeping when he heard that Azazel crashed into his teleportation room with a broken spine. He offered Dragon King Fafnir for healing and the opportunity to talk.
   Something he is more than willing to speak. Who wouldn't want a Dragon King!?
   It was another piece of collection to his Vault!
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   "How is he?"
   [Multiple injuries to his head, spine has completely shattered in multiple locations, and only a tiny portion of it functions.]
   An image of Azazel's internal organs appeared in a window.
   As he looked at it, he picked a cup of hot chocolate from his kitten, who brought it for him.
   "Hmm, well, he got quite a beat down. *Sip*" The Inventor commented while taking a sip.
   1
   [Yes, he received an attack on his head, which shattered his body. It appears an outside force of some sort mitigated the damage.]
   "Scale mail. Yeah, it appears Azazel finally has semi-working gear. Though it's in alpha state." Marcus agreed with her, as Hypolita brough an orb, the very same which she took from the Crow when she brought the Fallen angel to the Genetics wing.
   "Scan the orb. This dragon is from the Norse Pantheon; they might want him back."
   [Understood.]
   "What are you going to do?" Atalanta asked him while looking at Azazel. The black-haired crow was floating in the medical tank. The healing process already started. Robotic hands were working on his spine at this very moment.
   "Hades has started his invasion, and the Fallen are the first victims. I will wait to see what he will propose to me."
   "And the devils? Serafall, Venelana and people who are related to them might be already fighting. What is your stance against that?" Hypolyta asked with a curious look. She is wondering if he will march for war.
   "If my devils get hurt, my ladies will be teleported here. Ars Goetia is versatile enough to notice when my devils are in danger."
   "I see... but you know it won't solve anything. Knowing you- you care what those girls think."
   Marcus rolled his eyes and flicked his finger on the redhead's forehead.
   "I do. But at the same time, I won't beg to join the war. Nope, devils want me. They must fix things with their race and invite me to their war." The inventor plainly explained to his maid.
   The redhead slowly nodded. She understands that well enough. But she is Ares' daughter. War is part of her existence, and it's in her soul! It's itching for some war!
   "For now. I shall analyse the new data I get from them. Not every day I get the strongest Fallen Angel and legitimate living Dragon King fall on my lap." He smiled at Hypolyta before walking back to his workshop.
   "Aurora, notify me when Azazel regains his consciousness."
   [Understood, Master.]
   As he left, the pair of ex-huntresses looked at each other.
   "I guess we should prepare for war." The Amazon Queen said with a small smile. She checked the amount of points she had.
   The War Goddess realised that she had accumulated enough to buy herself a Neo sword birth.
   "You thinking we will be able to enter the front lines?" Atalanta, with a lazy voice, walked over and leaned into Marcus' seat. She looked disinterested.
   "Knowing him. We will be standing behind him on the bridge in his airship. Besides, his new Biological models will awaken soon.
   With them around, I don't think we will be able to do anything." The huntress said lazily as her tail slightly moved up and down and then from side to other.
   The lion girl was very lazy at this moment.
   Since she got up at midnight, she slept with Marcus when Aurora woke them up. The lioness was there as well; she didn't care that much, but Quinella was livid from such an awakening.
   She didn't show her dissatisfaction to her creator, but the Assistant was very angry for getting interrupted from her sacred time with her Master.
   Quinella's anger is on the ones who are waging this war.
   More precisely, a Super Advanced AI anger... not some anger of the average person.
   Atalanta is not even bothered about this whole 'conflict'. There is no conflict when Marcus' A.I. is preparing for something akin to genocide; there is no such thing as war in the A.I. Vocabulary.
   3
   Whoever it is, the Lion girl is feeling pity for her enemies.
   "Hey! I know that look! You lazy bum! You recently became very lazy! If you don't do something, you will grow fat!"
   "...Fat? Do you think I can grow fat? I live with someone who can change my looks with a wave of a finger." Atalanta rolled her eyes and sighed in resignation.
   "Lucky you. Anyway, I have to enjoy every moment I can."
   ~~~
   "Half dead, Azazel dropped into Master's teleportation room a few minutes ago. From looks of it, the residue of aura he has around him is that of Nyx." Artemis said that to her sister over the phone.
   [Though so much, we can't access the underworld, as it's sealed off from our end; we assume Tartarus used his abyss powers. We can't access the Land of Dead or any other realm in Hades Domain.] Athena said with a resigned sigh.
   "It appears the war truly has started."
   [Not any war. Genocide of Fallen and Devil races. The forces they have are not just some random. They are pure evil, enchanted souls wielding powers of devils, Olympus magic and some undead spells. Those souls must endure torture just to exist, wielding those armours.]
   Athena explained with a pained voice.
   "...Do we even know the reason for this war? Why would Hades do such a thing?"
   [Many factors, mostly likely his dislike for being saddled with more work and our situation. I do not doubt that his 'conquests' will lead to him attacking Marcus Faction.]
   "...Good luck with that... I can't see Hades winning. Master's creations haven't revealed themselves to the wider world yet. No one knows what exists in the tunnels of his faction." Artemis was more than confident after being with him for a while.
   [I know what you mean. What concerns me is the collateral damage. And the possibility of a vacuum of power left in the Supernatural world.
   Suppose Biblical factions are to die. Marcus would take over all that space. Such an event would lead to more conflict.]
   "...Doubtful... knowing Master he doesn't like expanding his lands."
   [You must consider that you can't take everything with you.]
   Artemis' eyes widened. Athena was right; if Marcus finds something, he will build a base around it.
   "...Well, then, tough luck." The Goddess of Hunt said that with a strained smile.
   [Anyway, I have to go. Another meeting to attend]
   "Then I will see you later."
   The Goddess of Hunt lowered her phone; a tired sigh escaped from her lips as she dropped her phone into her bed.
   With Athena becoming his official Fiance, the Goddess of the Moon can now call her sister and speak in situations like these.
   "...What now? What will Marcus will do? Such large scale conflict brewing on horizon..."
   The silver-haired beauty mumbled to herself as she leaned into her seat.
   How many years has it been? Now that she thinks about it, previous wars pale in comparison. Nyx, Erebus, those names send goosebumps even through her back. But, she believes in Marcus' advancements. She can attest to that from her experience against him.
   There are very few beings who could potentially be more powerful than him.
   ~~~
   "This is fascinating. Dragons truly are the incarnation of power." Marcus said with an impressed voice as he looked at the data he had just gotten from scanning Fafnir.
   "Aurora, apply the new data we got from scanning Fafnir."
   [Already working on it.]
   The inventor checked through the screen as he was satisfied with what he saw.
   With these new readings, he can apply this formula and allow the dragons to manifest outside the Sacred Gears.
   1
   He could summon Ddraig and Albion as well as Vritra now!
   But this is not the end. The Inventor has those stashed cups, so why not bring back the evil dragons?
   1
   'But those things are dangerous... why not modify their urges? I could alter their memories and make them more controllable.'
   4
   After pondering this briefly, Marcus summoned his control window and went through the Sacred Gears he had sealed away.
   Selecting the Sephiroth Graal, he activated the power of the cups.
   The thing is, he has connected the cups to his A.I. So, in a sense, the Soul world is operating like Google. Only a little bit more dangerous.
   The dangerous part is that Marcus could lose sight of his original goal!
   That's right, he checks some random people and their souls. But he swiftly gets back as he realises that they are boring.
   Eventually, he 'downloaded' the souls of Evil dragons.
   The list is not bad; he 'downloaded' Apophis, Grendiel, Azi Dahaka, Ladon, and the Ni"h"ggr. For more, he didn't check as he needed to look for them individually; now, these dragons' souls' are locked in orbs created the same way Big G did with Heavenly Dragons' souls.
   Marcus will make gears out of them properly, but for now. Since he has some time, he must check Enterprise before it is locked away forever.
   1
   So he swiftly left the workshop and boarded his maglev.
   ...
   ...
   ...
   More than ten minutes later, the Inventor was looking at the massive ship stored in the drydocks.
   "...What a beauty."
   "Your actions are quite random," Atalanta commented on his random behaviour.
   "Ha. I guess it is. I remembered that I did not have much time. Enterprise will awake soon, and the carrier ship needs to be ready for action." The teen explained to his lioness as he touched the ship's hull.
   "I am certain that you are the one who decides everything. The girl will wake up when you think it's right." The Huntress said that with a confident voice.
   "I guess it is. Aren't you becoming a cheeky girl?" He teased her as he realised that Atalanta was becoming outspoken, just as when they first met, when she tried to break his neck and turn his body into a pincushion.
   Good times.
   "Am I? I don't know. I guess I am learning more about you the more I spend time with you." The lioness plainly explained to him.
   He chuckled upon hearing that. Even now, the Lioness knows she can say whatever things pop into his kitten's head. Not many things could happen to her.
   All Marcus could do to her was push her into bed and do things. It's not like she is disobedient; she only comments on a few things.
   "I guess you do."
   He pulled her closer to himself as the pair floated up and landed on the deck of the carrier ship.
   The deck is enormous, as big as Deadalus-Ship's runway. However, it's nothing compared to his Confiscator. The airship is 250 metres long. Thus, the Confiscator is around twice as big as the carrier ship.
   But that is fine. Marcus' Enterprise doesn't need an enormous carrier ship since it has a mech form. A hundred-metre giant mech is more than enough.
   As the pair explored the ship, they went to check the turrets, which will shoot hyper-compressed Power of Destruction, an experimental tech, followed by missile pods, which, again, is experimental tech.
   3
   The missile uses wave theory, which is, in simple terms, called Graviton or gravity missiles.
   1
   It's very destructive stuff, according to preliminary calculations.
   1
   "I thought you need to test the things before you use them. According to the protocol." Atalanta commented as she noticed new things he was using.
   "Wartime exemption. Wartime is the best time to test new tech without worries." He said with crossed arms as he gazed at the new design turrets. It Reminds him of Turbolasers used in Star Wars.
   2
   The barrel used on them is thinner, and it's packed full of compression and accelerator circles.
   All the barrels run on a single central system, which uses a singular rotation system to switch the ammo type.
   When they shoot- they are all compressed Power of Destruction beams.
   And that is just the defence of the ship. The primary offence of a carrier ship was always the fighter jets; this is no different.
   Enterprise has four prototype bombers and Twenty-four Starscream Jet fighters. All of them are custom-built to fit with Enterprise-specific colouring.
   Marcus went the extra mile for authenticity. They all have that 'Eagle' painted on them and have secondary colours of blue and white.
   3
   Such colouring makes these Starcreams unique as they don't have Decepticon colourings. No other group will have them.
   All of this makes Enterprise unique even among his faction.
   The Inventor already saw the reaction of his assistant. She wasn't happy about it.
   And that's just cute.
   Apart from the weaponry, the ship has a pair of Diamond Heart Cores-one for the ship's structure integrity and one for weapons and support.
   There is a large enough Assembly line which can rebuild destroyed fighters and bombers. Then, the place, which was crew quarters, is now fully equipped to run S.P.B.A.
   These foot soldiers are not regular either. In a sense, they are Marines. Marcus played with their colouring as well.
   3
   For support, the Enterprise carries four gunships which can deploy these Marines.
   "As always. You are going that extra mile." Atalanta commented on his over-the-top preparations for his newest member.
   "But of course. Enterprise is one of my favourite World War Two ships."
   "Right."
   The Lioness is not that easily convinced. As the observant one, she noticed the difference. She watched how he worked on the car and how he worked on the ship.
   Her Master has a particular attachment to the Biological Model of the Enterprise.
   The Huntress issue is from her lack of details; she had never heard from older members about this girl.
   This girl and the other silver-haired girl, the new Dragon Empress, are something they have never heard or seen him talking about before.
   From the looks of it, there should be a source material! Because all his created girls are very unique! It's far too special to be just a simple and random idea.
   Like the Silver Dragon Empress. Her name is Gu Yuena; why Chinese? Why does she have extreme control over the elements? Why space? And why not time?
   6
   All those require some sort of background information and a reason why.
   All these mysteries only make her more curious, as her Master has no reason to explain. Not that she is requesting him to do that.
   It's simple curiosity, a simple ever-growing curiosity.
   "You don't sound convinced."
   "That's because you have many favourite ships. I saw the list. Does this mean you will make them all special and unique?"
   The Huntress asked with a curious look.
   "But of course."
   The Lioness simply 'smiled' at him; this smile was a forced one. Part of her wonders how Quinella will feel. Marcus' first creation's 'special' status will whine down.
   After inspecting the ship, a portal has stored it away in Golden Armoury.
   With this, Enterprise is ready to awaken. However, his Dragoness soul is still in an incubation state, unlike Enterprise, who got her memories from resonance with the ship.
   Yes, the girl will 'remember' when she was just a vessel. On top of that, he added some subtle changes to ensure she was the Enterprise he knew.
   This work made him spend most of the day arranging memories, synthesising what base S.P.B.A know-mixing these memories up and building bridges between being a ship and a person.
   With the memory arrangement completed, what is left is to wait for the ship girl to wake up.
   'I did start making Enterprise first... lack of data made me focus on Gu Yuena. But thankfully, Vali helped me with that.'
   "Let's go back to bed, kitten."
   "Fine. But you must get a bigger bed if you want me to continue sleeping in your parents' house." The Lioness complained as the bed he was sleeping in at that moment was too small for three people!
   "Consider it done." Marcus accepted it without a second thought. His hands wrapped around her waist and pulled her closer. Snuggling with his lion girl is one of the best things. Sometimes, she even uses her tail to wrap around him.
   And those ears are just too cute! The best part in all of this is that only he can call her cute and cuddly. If someone else does that, she will turn that person into a pincushion.
   8
   ~~~
   Even with war ragging in the Underworld, none of that touched Marcus at this moment. He returned to sleep in his bed.
   With lioness in his hands, he quickly snoozes off.
   By the time the alarm clock rang, the teen inventor decided to skip school. He needs to prepare for war and wait for Azazel to wake up.
   So he sent out a clone of his with the help of Realitus particles. Everything was just perfect.
   "Master, I thought we would retrofit your parent's house?" Quinella said with a slight frown as she looked at Atalanta sitting on his lap.
   The silver-platinum-haired beauty was annoyed with his bed warmers slowly encroaching on Marcus' parents' house!
   It was supposed to be her haven for a bit longer!
   "Oh, right. You can do that. I am sorta busy today."
   The beauty clapped her hands when she heard that.
   "This is fantastic! Leave it to me!"
   "If you want. Oh, and don't forget to install a bigger bed." Marcus reminded her what Atalanta said last night.
   "Of course!"
   "Good, now let's eat."
   With a nod, his assistant proceeded to eat. She started to hum from happiness. The reason for her happiness is that she will be able to demonstrate to his parents how dependable she is!
   At such a crucial point as well! As she is getting TWO rivals! Real rivals! Not some bed warmers!
   Fellow Biological models!
   Such beings are making her nervous! So, she needs any sort of head start she could get!
   As Quinella ponders upgrades to his house, Marcus returns to his base.
   His destination is the genetics wings.
   "What is his status?"
   [I worked on his spine over the whole night. I was able to restore all of his spine. But it will take a considerable amount of time for him to recover. The Crow won't be fighting for several weeks.]
   "That much? Even with all my tech?"
   [We can't accelerate the recovery of the shock his body experienced. If I were to stop the painkillers, he could experience cardiac arrest.]
   3
   "...I see... this is a blindside on my part." Marcus fully agreed with what he had heard.
   He forgot about active nerves.
   "Hmm, I will solve it once I have time."
   4
   With a new idea typed down on his notebook window, the inventor continued his work on the soul of Gu Yuena.
   He has to synthesise her memories from scratch, unlike Quinella or Enterprise. So, this is the most time-consuming.
   Her body was ready a while ago; even the cute ahoge he used to see in her pictures didn't go unnoticed!
   2
   So, all left is synthesising the primary memories needed for full functionality. Marcus doesn't want his Dragoness to be too childish or too mature.
   ~~~
   Slowly, a pair of violet eyes opened. The silver-haired beauty looked around-a look of realisation manifested in the girl's eyes.
   She knew she was in a medical tank.
   The A.I. registered her awakening, and a subroutine started, draining all the liquid briefly.
   Once she could stand, she looked at the floor with some wonderment.
   'So this is how it feels to stand on solid ground.'
   [Biological Combat Model: Enterprise, how are you feeling?]
   2
   "... That's a mouthful; call me Enti."
   2
   [Aknowledged.]
   "Where is Admiral?"
   ['Admiral'?]
   The girl's eye rolled at the A.I. Confusion as she crossed her arms under her considerable burst.
   "Our creator. Don't be so stiff. Following orders is all fine. But I am the embodiment of a ship. Thus, your Master is my Admiral. Easy to follow?" The beauty explained her reasoning as she left the water tank and looked around.
   Her memories are peculiar to her. She has a complete background in everything. But having memories doesn't mean she has done those specific things.
   [Master is just a few rooms away, working on souls.]
   "I see... then I guess I dress up myself."
   Before she could do anything, the doors opened up, and grinning, Marcus walked in.
   "Enterprise! Finally!"
   5
   The inventor strolled in; his pace was quick. He was in a hurry.
   "...Admiral!"
   The beauty took a few steps and ended up hugging him tightly.
   4
   Marcus, for a second, looked shocked. He was sure he had fixed her mental trauma of 'dying.'
   However, one could not gloss over 'death' so quickly.
   "There, There. Welcome, I have been waiting for your awakening for a while." He patted her naked back, stroking her long hair.
   "Yes! I am ready to serve you at the best of my capacities." From that excitement, the embodiment of a carrier ship proceeded to tell him that she was ready for action!
   "I Don't doubt you. But for now, you need to dress up." He teased his ship girl with a smirk.
   His tease was super effective on her, as she started to blush.
   "...R-Right!"
   The silver-haired beauty stuttered as she looked around quickly, looking for her designed clothes.
   ~~~
   For advanced chapters (+5 chapters, 25k words) my pat: pat reon.com/DragonsFics
   OR
   Discord: discord.gg/denoffanfics
   ~~~
   P.S.: I do weekly voting on Patreon if you want more chapters for this fic (or other fics ) vote there.
  
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   Chapter 57: Goldman Family
   2
   (1 out of 3 chapters this week)
   1
   Enterprise placed her sailor's hat with an eagle symbol on it. Her eyes were on the mirror, inspecting herself in it.
   6
   Her clothes were classic sailor girl uniform: a short black skirt, black knee stockings, sharp, high heels, and a white shirt. On top of that, she had her captain's hat and a black military jacket.
   1
   "Admiral, Enterprise is ready for military operations." The silver-haired girl turned around and looked at him, expecting orders. She knows they are in condition Yellow, and war is happening.
   1
   While the conflict hasn't touched them- yet, she prefers a surprise assault.
   Marcus took a few steps and got close to his first ship girl and stroked her cheek.
   3
   "Now, Now. My Enti only awakened. We can fight later. For now, you need to reach your 100%."
   Blush crept to her cheeks as she looked away from his gaze.
   "I understand. My mana reserves are around 70%; it will take a few days to reach total capacity."
   "Good girl. For now, take it easy, your Admiral's orders."
   "Yes, as you wish." She nodded respectfully, trying to keep her eyes looking at his. It was challenging for the incarnation of a Carrier Ship who had never done anything like this before!
   Marcus smiled, seeing her behaving professionally and cutely at the same time.
   While he had a straight face with a small smile when talking with Enterprise, internally, he was gushing and barely controlling himself.
   His reason is that he finally has one of his 'wives'! He went through memory lane when he was designing Enterprise's Biological Model.
   3
   His memories were initially vague from the teenage period, but he quickly recovered them-courtesy of his Psionic powers and Athena's blessing.
   Now, he remembers that period quite well.
   Marcus remembers that Enterprise- the ship girl, not the ship, was one of an array of 'wives' he had in the phone game; it was a gacha game where one needs to collect ship girls to fight some alien monsters.
   1
   Cliche, yes, but it did its trick. Enterprise was the game's face, same with Kiana- Kaslana? For a second, he stopped in his tracks. His train of thought abruptly stopped.
   20
   'Wait a moment...'
   5
   The inventor, out of nowhere, brushed his finger down and, mentally, went through commands, opened the notebook APP, and started to type down.
   'imaginary space is a space where anything can happen; the Herrschers use crystals to access this space to wield their Law,'
   He typed it all down in a single breath before using his other hand to stroke his chin; he did a checklist mentally.
   'Well, Well, by my philandering ancestor! It appears I have everything needed to create Honkai and its powers...'
   17
   "...Admiral? Are you okay?"
   "Hmm?"
   He turned around and saw Enterprise looking at him with worry.
   Instead of saying anything, he dismissed the window, and his hand went to her cheek and stroked it gently. Making the girl's blush return with force.
   "Of course I am fine. I have my Enti here."
   Her blush turned atomic as she started to panic.
   3
   "W-W-What?"
   "It's okay. Why don't you join me for a cup of tea?" He offered her his hand.
   "Y-Yes! It would be my pleasure." The ship girl forgot her blush and swiftly accepted his hand without hesitation.
   As the pair left, they ignored the maids in the room; they were there the whole time!
   4
   Atalanta wasn't even bothered with such action from her Master since she knew that for a few days, he would be hyper-obsessed with his new creation.
   The Lioness is one of the exceptional girls as his other maids, like Artemis, started brooding.
   The Moon Goddess is, after all, Goddess, and she still has those echoes of pride. She saw the Ship girl as another rival. Unlike Atalanta, who understands the pyramid of hierarchy in this place, The silver-haired goddess does not. The pyramid still eludes her.
   1
   "...Do we know any details about this new woman?" Artemis asked with crossed arms; she had that 'infamous' frown on her pristine face.
   "Artemis, you do realise that we have access to logs? Everyone does. S.P.B.A already has a complete profile on her. We are part of a scientifically and magically hyper-advanced faction. Profiles do exist." Le Fay said while massaging her forehead. Why does she have to be part of this group of inept people?
   1
   "Oh? Show me!"
   The witch swore under her breath about annoying Greeks.
   With a finger stroke, she summoned her window. Panic appeared on her face as she quickly dismissed the pop-up window!
   It was a gallery with over 3,000 pictures of Marcus Goldman. Atalanta and Hippolyta, who saw this, grinned like a pair of cats. They can't wait to tease this 'cold' witch.
   7
   "A-As I was saying, just go to projects and press on to check the logs."
   Le Fay ignored the looks the pair were giving to her."
   "The list is here. As you can see, there is a whole list of things." The Pendragon girl pointed to the logs; her eyes noticed something interesting.
   "...Oh, wow... Master ordered three new airships, expanded the S.P.B.A by 300% and rearranged the Space station building cue." The blonde witch sounded intrigued by the new information.
   "...So he IS preparing for war." Hypolyta was pleased by this news.
   "The question is if we are going to fight." Jeanne chipped in from the side. The Reincarnation of the Saint wants to know if she can prove herself in this conflict. More spending points are always good in her books.
   "Depends on the enemies." Atalanta pondered as well. Depending on how big the war will be, if the frontlines are broad, they could be sent out. But, after seeing the pair of silver-haired beings made and almost entirely ready for war in just a week, there is a chance they won't have a chance to fight!
   Depending on how he produces them, Marcus could mass-produce super beings en-masse and overrun any battlefield.
   All of that depends on his whims.
   "That doesn't matter!" Artemis snapped the maids out of their thoughts.
   "Now, show me information about this girl!"
   "...Sheesh! Relax!" Le Fay grimaced, seeing the infamous Greek Goddess' outburst.
   With a finger motion, the witch pressed on the newest entry.
   All the maids gathered around her; they wanted to learn about the ship girl.
   They saw a picture of Enterprise's face on the left, while the right side had biometrics and statistics.
   [Full Name: Enterprise CV-6]
   [ID Number: MGOC: 02]
   [Classification: Biological Combat Model (Ship)]
   [Type of Energies: Touki, Magic, Psionic]
   [S.P.B.A Rank: Commander (Separate Brigade)]
   [Combat Strength: Pantheon-Tier]
   [Armaments: Neo Sacred Gear {Freedom Call} (Bow-type)
   6
   Enterprise CV-6 (Golden Armament)]
   [Linkage to Golden Armoury: Yes]
   [Linkage to Neo Heaven System: Yes]
   [Protocol Overwrite: No]
   [Flagship: Enterprise CV-6 (MGTS-Class) {Experimental/Wartime Exception}]
   [Additional Traits: build-in Aurora Network HUD {Experimental/Wartime Exception}]
   "..."
   "..."
   "..."
   "She is classified as Pantheon-Tier? Even Quinella isn't at that tier!" Le Fay got spooked by the details, her eyes with curiosity looked at the new additions to the list that were not there.
   2
   "I don't know how to feel about that! I mean, how does he know it has enough power to level a Pantheon?" Artemis questioned with a huff. Sure, he might have defeated her, but her Pantheon has some crazy beings!
   "That's because of the ship." Atalanta, who saw Enterprise in person, pointed it out.
   "She can summon an enormous ship with the firepower to level many things, including a Pantheon."
   "..."
   "Show me Quinella's page. I want to see what she is packing." Atalanta asked the witch; there was a curious glint in the lioness' eyes.
   "...Sure...one second..."
   Le Fay went through a few windows, entering the central database and selecting the assistant's profile page.
   [Full Name: Quinella Aurora]
   [ID Number: MGOC: 01]
   [Classification: Biological Assistant Model (A.I)]
   1
   [Type of Energies: Touki, Magic, Psionic]
   [S.P.B.A Rank: Second in Command]
   [Combat Strength: Super Class]
   [Armaments: None]
   [Linkage to Golden Armoury: Yes]
   [Linkage to Neo Heaven System: Yes]
   [Protocol Overwrite: Yes]
   [Flagship: None]
   "...Disappointing..."
   "...I thought she had several things stashed away. But she has nothing."
   "Quite barren..."
   The maids commented on the AI's lack of things. They are ignoring that Quinella is not supposed to be a combat model in the first place.
   "...Hey...can we check Master's profile page?" Hypolyta asked with a glint in her eyes.
   "...Sure, let me raise it." Le Fay casually agreed to the request
   With a few brushes of her finger, the witch revealed his profile page.
   [Full Name: Marcus Goldman]
   [ID Number: 0000]
   [Classification: None, (Creator)]
   [Type of Energies: Touki, Magic, Psionic]
   [S.P.B.A Rank: Supreme Commander]
   [Combat Strength: Planetary (Last measured 37 days ago)]
   5
   [Armaments: All Weapons]
   [Linkage to Golden Armoury: Yes]
   [Linkage to Neo Heaven System: Yes]
   [Protocol Overwrite: Yes]
   [Flagships: Confiscator (Daedalus-class)
   Scavenger (Atilla-class)]
   "... Satisfied?" Le Fay asked the Goddess who was reading the profile page.
   "...Yes, looks interesting, I will check my own later..." After satisfying their curiosity, the maids returned to their jobs. They look awkward just standing in the Medical tank room and looking at one holographic screen.
   'Sure, let's ignore that he has the potential to blow up a planet...' The blonde witch mentally commented on that one glaring detail on the page.
   6
   She returned to Enterprise's page and looked at the new experimental stuff he used in the new 'ship girl' creation.
   The longer this continues, the more evident it is that Marcus is making a pantheon whether he wants it. It's happening on its own.
   ~~~
   "Umm..."
   "What is it?"
   "...D-Do I have to meet your parents?" Enterprise asked with a nervous look.
   "Yes! You have to. I need to show one of my greatest creations."
   The ship girl slowly nodded her head. Her Admiral's enthusiasm makes her nervousness buffered down quite a bit.
   It doesn't change the fact that it's embarrassing! She had no time to gather herself. Seeing such important people means that she needs to prepare! Mentally, at least!
   She was ready for war because of the yellow condition, yet she must endure this!
   As the driveway lowered down, the pair walked out of the underground garage.
   The silver-haired girl looked around and took a deep breath.
   'So this is land... feels nice.'
   The ship girl slowly looked around. As a 'ship', her memories come from sailing the waters and fighting. Then, transitioning into a biological model excited her to experience the other side.
   "Peaceful, isn't it? One of the reasons why I like this place this much is the quiet."
   "...Reminds me of the Ocean..." Enterprise agreed before adding some more. "...I mean the journey itself; battles can be- loud."
   "Indeed. Now let's go; Dad should be at home by now."
   "...Yes."
   As the pair entered the house, Marcus could see three Aurora bots doing some manual labour. His assistant's get-up was that of a manager with glasses and a high ponytail.
   'Does she have a cosplay fetish? Her seriousness for specific tasks transcends work and touches her clothes as well.'
   For a moment, he wondered if it was his doing. Has his hidden anime geekiness touched his creations? The inventor looked at his ship girl and her 100% authentic clothes.
   3
   'Yes...I guess it is my influence.'
   "Master! You are back!" Quinella, like a butterfly, glided over to his side and hugged his arm as if not seeing him for several hours was a big deal.
   Eventually, she noticed the other girl standing on his right side since the assistant hugged his left hand.
   "...Enterprise?"
   "...Yes. Assistant Quinella. It is- a pleasure." The silver-haired girl greeted the fellow platinum-haired girl. There was a weird sort of tension between those two. But Enterprise is an incarnation of a ship, not a proper human. So, it annoys her more that her Admiral uses other ships instead of her.
   But there is still- a tension between these two, being his creations. One can't escape biology; they want to impress him.
   "Likewise." Quinella nodded and then looked at Marcus, who was watching them interact. The pair won't bicker in front of him; nope, that's a one-way ticket to seeing the disappointed face of their creator, and that is something they don't want.
   "Master, check out all the things I have upgraded~" She started to pull him deeper into the house. Enterprise followed the pair; the ship girl has a built-in HUD, which helps her to adjust to this 'new life.' Everything of interest is highlighted and explained to her.
   They went to the living room. The room felt enlarged as Aurora bots had removed the useless furniture and used that material to create a wall-sized TV.
   "...did you ask my dad if he wanted this?"
   Before Quinella can answer, his father walks into the room from the kitchen.
   "Mark! These robots! Can I keep one for myself? They make just the best sandwiches." Roland said whole, holding a half-eaten sandwich in his hand.
   The older Goldman then noticed a new girl standing just behind Marcus.
   "...New creation?" The inventor's father had a gut feeling. He noticed that his son's creations have this peculiar 'style' in dressing up.
   "What gave it away?" Marcus asked his father.
   Instead of answering, he raised his eyebrow as if asking, 'Really?'
   2
   "...Fine, yes, she is. She is a ship girl!" The inventor swiftly got behind Enterprise and placed his hands on her shoulders.
   "She is a living embodiment of a carrier ship Enterprise CV-6. I recovered from the Pacific Ocean! After doing all the fixing and retrofits, I decided to use the ship in some fashion. So, with the discovery of resonance, I created an embodiment of a vessel which can control the ship like her own limbs!"
   "...so...she is the soul of a warship? That's..."
   The man pondered for a bit before sighing in resignation.
   "I know your mother will kill me, but that's amazing!"
   "Don't worry, I have a solution. Why don't I bring the Titanic from the Atlantic Ocean and give it to her? She always cries when she sees that Movie." Marcus suggested that as he was still holding Enterprise's shoulders and slightly leaning into her.
   4
   Silverhead's face was straight the whole time, but internally, she barely held herself from blushing.
   "... it's a cruise liner... where would you keep it? And where is the carrier ship?" Roland massaged his forehead from the sheer absurdity of his son's suggestion.
   "Enti's ship is in a different space, and we could have Titanic in the docks. It's not like it's THAT big." Marcus rolled his eyes. He is confident in the dock space he has built.
   "...Ugh...fine... to keep her from freaking out, we need to distract her."
   "Admiral, I could recover Titanic if you wish. It would be an adequate testing mission." The beauty suggested to her creator.
   "...Admiral, huh. It appears you are flying through ranks, son." Roland joked as it was the only thing he could do after that whole strange theme of conversation.
   "... it's natural for me to call him like that. As regular humans say, it's a gut feeling."
   "Hmm, so how does it work?" After getting the weirdness digested, more like overwhelmed by curiosity, Marcus' father wanted to understand what this girl was, for real.
   "Umm? Works what?" Enterprise asked with confusion, but before they could progress, Marcus started to pull her to the couch.
   "Why don't we take a seat first."
   "...Okay..."
   Once they were seated, the conversation continued. At the same time, Quinella looked at this with inflated cheeks.
   1
   'It's only for a while, it's only for a while! She is a battle model! Not an assistant one, just a battle model!'
   2
   The assistant chanted to calm her annoyance and get her jealousy under a grip. It would be very embarrassing if she were to snap!
   'Fine, I will finish with retrofits first! Then I can steal the spotlight!'
   ~~~~~~Underworld, Fallen Territory~~~~~~
   "Retreat! I hold them off!" Baraqiel exclaimed with a commanding tone.
   "...Don't be ridiculous! They are going to kill you!" Shemhazai exclaimed with annoyed anger.
   "Then what do you suggest we do? If I don't hold them off, we will be overwhelmed, and Fallen Angels as a species will die off."
   "..."
   "..."
   The remaining Cadres stopped for a bit and looked around. Those dark creatures, Evil versions of Heavenly Dragons and Greek Primordials, have butchered off the majority of them, with a small amount of them remaining.
   1
   "...Fine. I will make sure we escape properly!" Shemhazai thoughtfully nodded as he had a hardened look.
   "...Good, if you see my daughter, tell her I am sorry." Baraqiel flew away after saying that; he called forth his Mana and made himself into a beacon to attract attention.
   Hordes of creatures and the pair of Primordials noticed him; roars of evil Dragons followed.
   "Let's go. We don't have much time." The Fallen Angel motioned for his comrades to move. The rest looked where Baraquel went for a second before rushing after Shemhazai.
   The Fallen Angels will not forget Baraquel's sacrifice! They will return with allies to beat these invaders!
   ~~~~~~With Devils~~~~~~
   Serafall, with the other two Satans, Ajuka and Falbium, looked at the map on the table.
   "So far, we figured out that they are Greek, Norse and Persian in origin. I have already contacted those pantheons and asked for clarification. Norse answered the first as they promised to send Thor and Baldur to deal with Loki and his Giants assisting these Primordials.
   Greeks told me that Hades has sealed his Realm of the Dead, and they can't enter it through their side."
   "...And? What else do they say?"
   "Well, Zeus didn't offer anything. He told us it's our fault for living so close to the -I quote- Dumping grounds of the Pantheons. Nyx and Erebus don't answer to Olympus. Hell, Zeus is afraid of Primordials. So it is not a surprise he won't offer anything."
   4
   "...Just great..."
   "Uh-huh, since we can't ask the Greeks for help to deal with them, why not send Marcus Goldman to widen his collection?" Serafall suggested to the pair.
   "...You think Marcus will come to our aid?"
   "...He will~ he is to be married to Athena, so by extension, Greeks are related to him."
   Ajuka's and Falbium's eyes bulged out when they heard that!
   A human marrying a Goddess? What in the world has happened?
   "If this is the case... then we can invite him! I will deal with the council myself!" Ajuka quickly caved in. At first, he was reluctant because he was unsure what the man would want.
   But if it's a family thing-
   "Don't get me wrong. Marcus wants research materials, and it just turns out there are many of these materials running around in the Underworld. Being engaged to Athena is just a good excuse."
   3
   "...I see, it's an excellent point to point out. I will remember this in future reference when I ask for Marcus' assistance." Ajuka nodded as his gaze returned to the map.
   "Apart from that, they are not attacking us yet."
   "That's because they are securing areas which we haven't taken control over. There are many mountains and other sites with little to no access.
   They will prove perfect for them to use as forward bases." Falbium explained with a serious voice.
   "It's only a matter of time; once they are all set, we will be in trouble. From scouts who witnessed the fall of Fallen Angels, they have Three Dragons, evil versions of Ddraig, Albion and Azi Dahaka itself.
   2
   They are monsters who only get stronger and more developed as we speak." The current Asmodeus responsible for military affairs explained about the dragons under the control of the Gods of Hell.
   "This is just great! We have to face Heavenly Dragons as well!?" Serafall sarcastically complained.
   "...Many of these combatants are above our fighting strength." Falbium reminded her.
   "...Yeah-Yeah... we need Marcus' tech to fight off those black armoured beings. We need canon fodder just like these Gods have."
   2
   ~~~~~~Meantime, with Hell Forces~~~~~~
   "Pity, the little crows escaped our wrath." Nyx, with sadistic glee, commented on the escape of Fallen Angels.
   "Doesn't matter, sister. We have their lands, and Angra Mainyu can proceed with his ritual. We have more than enough space."
   "...I guess... but it saddens me that they escaped even if they were much weaker."
   "They won't run away for long. Once we seal off the Underworld, they won't have a place to run, hide or retreat. We will take them out one by one if need be." Erebus smoothly explained how they would exterminate the remaining Fallen Angels.
   As the pair continued the conversation, the other Gods arrived. Tartarus, with Angra Mainyu, proceeded to begin the ritual to seal off the Underworld and turn it into their backyard, where they could play as much as they wanted.
   Nyx's and Erebus' creations, Hypnos and Oreinos, joined the ritual as they started to add magic related to Dreams and Sleep.
   Their powers are an excellent addition to this ritual, as the weaklings will fall asleep, and the Hell forces can take them down in their sleep and add them to their ranks as undead wraiths.
   A nice garden.
   As the four gods started to work on the ritual, Loki and Hel arrived to see the Primordials.
   "...Odin is sending Thor and Baldur. My daughter just notified me of their imminent departure." The God of Mischief and a Frost Giant said with a frown. Erebus and Nyx noticed the newest addition to their cause: Hel, the Goddess of the Norse Underworld.
   "Problematic but not unexpected, we have prepared for such a possibility." Erebus pulled something from his shadow and threw it at the Norse God, who caught it casually.
   "...This is?"
   "Something Angra Mainyu created in case others started poking their heads into our business."
   "...I am not a big fan of that Phantom's creations. What happened to that crow is proof." Loki complained about the way they acquired Sirzechs' power.
   "Kokabiel was expandable, and you are not. However, this amulet is dangerous. You will acquire Thor's power for a price; it's a technique based on an evil curse, and it will kill Thor. The power you will receive will be -darkened; it will permanently mark you."
   "...Father..." The Goddess Hel wasn't pleased to hear what would happen to her father.
   "It's okay. Very well, I will do it. Maybe this will wake that old geezer up. Once, two of his sons died."
   Erebus smirked upon hearing that.
   "Sure, just don't die there." The Primordial said with a knowing look. The God of Mischief nodded. After that, he walked away to his devices. He didn't hear the last words Erebus said.
   "You wouldn't want to know what will happen when you die after getting Thor's power."
   1
   Angra Mainyu is called Evil incarnate for a reason.
   ~~~~~~Back in Marcus Controlled Lands~~~~~~
   "...Are you sure it's fine?" A girl with Auburn hair asked the older girl with black hair and brown eyes.
   "Meeting the King like that? Without mentioning that we are arriving?" The girl continued with her nervous mumbling.
   "It's okay. It's not like we are doing anything strange. Besides, I am bringing you there. You wanted to meet the Next Solomon, the King of Magic, with your Sacred Gear. You will surely get his attention." The older girl softly encouraged her to calm down.
   "H-How can I be calm-"
   Sounds of futuristic engines stopped them in their tracks. Multiple gunships arrived in the airport area. The aircraft's doors opened as armoured soldiers jumped out from them.
   Either they were jumping out, using ropes or other means. Before long, the armoured men surrounded the pair of girls.
   "Magicians, identify yourself!"
   One of the armoured men announced through a loudspeaker.
   "...Oof... it appears my brother wasn't expecting me at all..."
   "...Umm...I don't think your brother knows that you are a witch..."
   "He should know... I told him a bunch of times." The older woman complained with a frown.
   2
   "...I am Lilian Goldman, Marcus Goldman's sister."
   2
   The armoured men instantly got confused as they looked at each other and started to mumble something about data, not computing.
   Three of the soldiers walked over and inspected her from a different angle.
   "Information we have on you doesn't match with what we see. According to the protocol, we need to see evidence." The leading soldier explained to the older girl.
   "...Sure, here is my passport."
   The witch gave the passport to the leading soldier.
   The Mandalorian look-alike took the ID and started to scan with his HUD.
   "This is confusing... I need to contact the High Command." The soldier just got even more confused because the passport does match, but he is sensing mana from the witch, which should not be the case!
   He turned away and proceeded to contact the High Command.
   "Ma'am... I have Lilian Goldman here, who says she is Creator's sister, but the-"
   "...I guessed! They have no idea you are a witch!" The girl with Auburn hair complained to the older witch.
   "...I guess they don't. I won't be surprised since I left my brother to pursue his goals. How could I know Solomon's book would choose him as his successor?"
   "...I guess..."
   "My apologies. You are all clear; we shall take you to your parents' home. They all are waiting."
   "...Great, then let go! Come on, Meredith!"
   "...C-Coming!"
   ~~~
   For a moment, Rose forgot about the robots improving their home, and instead, they went outside to see the arriving gunship.
   Marcus' mother is still processing the hyper-technology stuff she sees in front of her.
   The woman is still eyeing her son for creating another woman! You don't just make people like that!
   7
   As the gunship arrived, the side doors opened, and Rose finally saw the so-called 'Mandalorians'. They had futuristic rifles. In other words, they were legitimate soldiers who could kill.
   "My thanks for the lift." Lilian thanked the soldiers as she and another much younger girl exited the gunship.
   "The pleasure is ours; we apologise for the confusion." As the Mandalorian-look-alike apologised, they saluted Marcus before returning to the gunship and flying away.
   "Well, that was fun. Not every time I get a lift from a LAAT piloted by Mandalorians." Lilian said that while she looked at the disappearing gunship.
   "...I don't understand. You said you were in the capital. But, my S.P.B.A. picked you up from the national airport." Marcus said that while taking a step forward.
   "I WAS in the capital; I never said which nation's capital, though."
   "...I see... and the whole witch thing?" He motioned at her get-up. Lilian was dressed in blue robes accompanied by a witch hat. She was a bonafide witch.
   "You look surprised, little brother! How many times have I mentioned that I was a witch?"
   "...I thought it was a witch in a 'ha-ha', not the real deal." Marcus looked at her with an awkward look as he was still processing this!
   "Well, does this prove it?" She lifted a finger, and a blue and golden circle appeared around her finger.
   "..."
   Marcus' head leaned forward and then back; he massaged his forehead; he needed to recharge, so he leaned into his ship girl's shoulder.
   1
   "...I think my brain just farted... I need to reboot." The Inventor mumbled while leaning into his Ship girl. The incarnation of the warship patted his head while softly saying, 'There, there'.
   2
   "Mark, are you that shocked?" Rose couldn't understand her son at this moment. "You have turned an A.I. into a girl, then you turned a warship into a biological girl! And you are saying that you are shocked that Lilian is a witch!?" The older Goldman lady looked at her daughter. " By the way, we will talk about you hiding that too!"
   "Of course I am! It's monumental, Mom! It's not like it's hard to solve equations! You won't find it hard when someone gives you 10 euros, and you give 2 euros back in exchange. It's the fundamentals of math!"
   "...ugh...don't give me that nonsense. You know well enough that it's not that simple!"
   "...if you asked me that a couple of months ago, then I would have agreed with you."
   *Sigh*
   "Why can't my children be normal!"
   1
   In the end, Rose just gave up.
   3
   ~~~
   After an awkward reunion, the group returned to the house. For a couple of minutes, the pair of magicians inspected the house upgrades.
   The obvious gaze from Marcus towards the auburn-haired girl makes the older sister finally introduce the girl to him.
   "Let me introduce you to Meredeth Ordinton. She is a member of Golden Down just like I am."
   3
   "...I thought you were a hairdresser in the capital." The inventor commented with an eye roll.
   1
   "And I am. I do own a hair salon in London." Lilian cheekily smirked at her little brother.
   "And I thought you were just a teen who attends school and, in his free time, tinkers in his garage." The older Goldman sibling can play the same game.
   "Indeed, that is what I do."
   "..Uh-huh, lying through his teeth with a straight face. Mister King of Magic with armies powerful enough to terrify Greeks."
   1
   "All that from my garage, believe it or not." Marcus continued with his tune, which made his witch sister give up and instead focus on the auburn-haired girl beside her.
   2
   "As I was saying, this is Meredeth. She has a powerful Sacred Gear. I wanted to show her to you; well, she wanted to see her idol."
   "Lilian!"
   "What? It's the truth!"
   "Idol?" Marcus interrupted the pair.
   "Yes. You are the King of Magic if you haven't realised."
   "I know that; how do you know?"
   "Mom? Remember? You said to them, and they said to me."
   *Sigh*
   ~~~~~~Baltic Sea Coastline~~~~~~
   An old man with a group of armoured women appeared on the beach. They looked at the resort town in front of them.
   1
   "My Lord, is it alright for us to drop in like that?"
   "It's okay. HE will come here in a few short minutes." The one-eyed man said with a smirk. He can already sense a massive vessel moving towards their location.
   ~~~
   For advanced chapters (+5 chapters, 25k words) my pat: pat reon.com/DragonsFics
   OR
   Discord: discord.gg/denoffanfics
   ~~~
   P.S.: I do weekly voting on Patreon if you want more chapters for this fic (or other fics ) vote there.
  
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   Chapter 58: A Visit from Odin
   (2 out of 3 chapters this week)
   1
   Latia has freaked out with the whole war situation. First, the Fallen get invaded and crushed in moments, and then Marcus accelerates his projects with disregard for regular people!
   The blonde devil has acquired over 70% of the land for the spaceport. But the remaining 30% was a village, and her family was subtly removing people from it at this moment.
   And now, she needs to hurry as the construction work has already started!
   The issue is that the space centre is underground, and now they need to build a building above the centre! That building is not some average thing! It's several kilometres tall! And 14 kilometres in diameter! It's the biggest thing in human history!
   1
   People from the city not far from it can see it without binoculars! It's a massive object!
   Realitus would work briefly, but the particles don't work in rainy situations. The moment it starts raining, the building will be visible.
   However, for a moment, she needed to forget about this, as when she was at the site, someone activated the nationwide barrier alert system!
   'Great... what now?'
   The blonde focused on the barrier and saw-Odin! At the edge of the barrier system, he was waiting at the beach!
   'Latia, take Icarus; the airship just rolled out from the assembly line.'
   Marcus directly spoke to her mind.
   'Y-You want me at the helm!?'
   'It doesn't matter anymore. My sister is with Golden Dawn. They already know I am Solomon's Heir.'
   '...Right, let's just terrify my people more- not only do they have to worry about Evil and Dark Gods, but Solomon as well...'
   'It is what it is. I can't change the hand Devils have. However, I can assist them. For a price.'
   'As you wish, my Master.'
   In the end, all she can do is follow her Master. A gunship arrived and picked her up from the village she was working In.
   A few moments later, she saw Icarus, the second Daedalus-Class airship, rise from the Space Centre. It was an identical ship to Confiscator; only it had a name carved on the side of it with the serial number 02.
   'Icarus, the son of Daedalus, a pair of father and son who wanted to fly. The son flew too high, too close to the sun; the wax from the wings melted away, and the son perished by falling into the sea.
   I do hope the same fate doesn't follow this airship.'
   5
   The blonde girl was pondering on Greek myths; the gunship landed on the runway inside of the airship.
   The devil girls looked around inside the ship. She was awed to see that the vessel was fully equipped!
   It only was-what-a couple of days!?
   That's right! The space centre constructed this in a matter of a few short days! Including the Starscream Jet fighter squads and an entire battalion of S.P.B.A!
   Such production speed is unnatural! Even for Marcus! Did he beef up his Assembly Lines!?
   'That's stupid. Of course Master did...'
   It should be obvious! Energy for him is not an issue. The issue is how quickly he can assemble things and how fast he can grow his soldiers.
   Power is not an issue and never was. So, inventing faster and more streamlined methods is all he needs to produce massive vessels in just a few short days!
   A couple of beautiful females dressed in military uniform walked over to Latia.
   "Mistress Latia, the airship Icarus is ready for its maiden voyage. Shall we set course to the Baltic Sea coastline?"
   "Yes. Do so. We can't make Odin wait for long. Otherwise, we will look unprofessional."
   "Of course. Master sent word that he will catch up with us soon. According to him, he can't waste this opportunity to speak with a Chief God."
   2
   "I see. That's a relief."
   Latia was relieved at the same time; she realised that it was true; Marcus had never spoken with a head of a Pantheon before. The vampires don't count, as they are a lesser faction.
   1
   The blonde followed the officers towards the bridge. The devil girl had never been in one of these airships before. As silly as it sounds, she wanted to see the interior
   ~~~
   "M-My Lord..." One of the Valkyries squeaked, seeing a massive airship arrive to greet them; its turrets pointed at them as the front opened, and jet fighters proceeded to leave the vessel and circle the area.
   "Relax, they won't shoot us. The young man is very interested in us." Odin lifted his hand, motioning for his valkyries to calm down.
   "...Right..." The warrior girls gulped down seeing all the mech and gunships leaving the airship and dropping soldiers off, which, in the process, the soldiers started to surround them
   "...My, what a spectacle. So professional." The old Chief God slowly nodded to himself while seeing everything before him.
   *SWOOSH*
   The sound of energy-cutting air spread through the area as an armoured man descended from the sky.
   The armoured being slowly floated down, the helmet retracted, revealing a teenage male.
   "I wasn't expecting guests. It's already past midnight. May I ask what brings you to my little country?"
   "...Ah, Marcus Goldman, we come in peace. My name is Odin, and I am the Chief God of the Norse. You might have heard about me." The old man introduced himself while stroking his beard in a relaxed fashion. There was no sign of alertness from the ancient God. It was as if he was on a holiday trip.
   "...Odin, you say. Well, well, what a guest. Why don't we take this on my new airship? It just rolled out from the Assembly line."
   "Fine by me."
   A few moments later, a gunship landed in front of Odin. The Chief God walked inside of it with leisure in his steps. While his Valkyries were the opposite, they were all skittish.
   As the gunship went up, another ship floated over next to Icarus. It was a carrier ship.
   Enterprise, being the 'girl scout', went after her Admiral as she received no orders to stand down or mobilise, nothing! So, being a good girl, she went right after her creator.
   When she arrived next to Icarus, she floated to the airship and landed in the hangar bay side entrance.
   Her vessel shimmered into golden particles and ceased to exist. It has returned to the armoury.
   "Admiral!"
   "Enti?"
   Marcus looked at his ship girl, who walked over to his side. He was at the armoury; robotic hands were taking off his armour.
   4
   As the robotic hands stored the armour, he walked over to her side.
   "What are you doing here?"
   "You are about to meet a strong God. I thought I should be by your side at such an event." She seriously explained to him.
   His reply was a smile as he lifted his hand and stroked her chin.
   "My Enti is so cute when she is this thoughtful."
   Her cheeks turned red when she heard that!
   "Admiral, not now! We are having important guests!" She exclaimed with mock anger.
   "Right, right..."
   He stopped teasing her and, instead, turned around and took his lab coat from a soldier who brought it over for him.
   "Let's meet the Chief Norse God." Marcus put on his coat while motioning his ship girl to follow him.
   "Yes!"
   ~~~
   As the gunship landed, the side doors opened; Odin walked out and looked around.
   The hangar bay was full of soldiers and advanced technology.
   "...Just how...advanced is this Marcus Goldman..." Silver-haired Valkyrie looked terrified and awed. Her voice could barely hide the panic she was feeling.
   1
   "Advanced enough to assist us." The Chief God simply replied to her.
   "Right."
   "Now follow me; I want him to see what we can offer." The Ruler of Asgard said with a smile. His words have somewhat confused the Valkyries. What does he mean?
   4
   They didn't realise that Odin planned to sell his Valkyries to form an Alliance. And why not? He has too many of them as it is!
   10
   As the group from Asgard walked over, they saw Marcus Goldman dressed in flip-flops, casual slacks meant for running, a simple t-shirt and a Lab coat.
   His clothes were a tail tale of laziness, something he pulled out randomly from his wardrobe.
   "I apologise for my clothes. I was sleeping when you decided to drop in."
   "No worries. I would have chosen a better time, but as we speak, something big is happening in the Underworld which requires me to come to see you." Odin went straight to the point. He even ignored the massive source of Mana next to Marcus, unlike his Valkyries, who were staring with disbelief and growing horror. That girl was as strong as God!
   "...Oh? What do you have to do with the Underworld?"
   "Normally nothing. Norse has its own Nine Realms. We have no connection to that place. However, Loki has joined the side of the Gods of Hell and is pulling my pantheon's reputation through the dirt.
   I have already sent Thor and Baldur to assist the Devils; I would request you to join. And I am willing to pay you handsomely."
   "...Interesting. Come, let's get some tea. I don't get visits from Chief Gods that often." Marcus motioned for them to follow.
   They walked towards the main lift, which could take them to the bridge, but the bridge was not their destination.
   "Tell the bridge to set course towards Scandinavia. I drop my guests there once we finish with our discussion." Marcus said to his silver-haired companion.
   "As you wish."
   "Now, back to your request. I assume there is something big going on that you need my assistance. Thor and Baldur are not weaklings." The teen inventor returned to the conversation with the Chief God.
   "My sons are powerful, but they are at a disadvantage; Loki took his Ice Giants and Fenrir; if my sources are correct, then Hel has joined him as well."
   "...Fenrir... that's a Godslayer."
   "Precisely, I don't want my sons to die before my time. And worse of all, if Fenrir gets on the loose, he will destroy the Devil kind. I am not even mentioning what those Dark Gods have with them."
   "And here you are offering me to go there. I assume you have something good to offer for me to join that battle?" Marcus asked him as they arrived on their floor; the lift doors opened as they walked towards a meeting room.
   "I have some offers. Not that I need much to persuade. You have a relationship with the devil kind, being the next Solomon. One of the devils is in this airship as we speak." Odin smiled while saying that.
   Enterprise, who was behind Marcus for a second, stiffed. She knew it was supposed to be a secret that her creator was the successor!
   "Hmm, so the news came that far?" The teen ignored Enterprise's stiffness.
   "Nope, I did my investigation. Being a ruler for so long has become boring. I needed some entertainment, and watching you was just that." The Ancient God said with a sagely voice.
   "Ah, yes. People sometimes forget that Odin is the God of Wisdom as well. I am not surprised, and you are right. It doesn't take me much to interfere in this war.
   You could say I am procrastinating and waiting for Devils to beg."
   4
   *Amused Snort*
   "I see. Well, then, you don't need to worry, I will help you. You can enter that place with my permission; in a sense, you are doing a favour to the Norse Pantheon.
   You are my representative there to deal with Loki and his forces. You can collect any trophies you want from this war; anything Loki works with is fair game, including Fenrir and Hel."
   1
   "...Even those two? Isn't Hel your Underworld Goddess?"
   Odin waved his hand casually when he heard the question.
   "It is evident that she will be a hassle. I plan to seal Loki away, and Fenrir and Hel will try to release him. It's better if they stay with you." The Chief God shrugged his shoulders.
   "In other words, they are troublemakers, and you will leave those with me."
   "Precisely, you have a reputation in dealing with Goddesses." There was a grin on the old man's face.
   "You are not wrong there."
   "Indeed. As I said, you can collect everything you want from that war. Greeks have washed themselves from this. Devils have no power, and Fallen Angels have ceased to exist as a faction."
   1
   "That leaves only your faction."
   "Precisely, and I am inviting you to do your thing. To make it more interesting, I am even offering an alliance."
   Marcus blinked a couple of times.
   "You didn't misheard me. As you said, I am a God of Wisdom, and my eye sees more than others can see."
   "...This... are you sure? I am someone who does as I please. Being in cohorts with me is a first-class ticket to trouble."
   "I do know that you have a close relationship with Greeks; how close I don't know. But I am a betting man. I know you are becoming a superpower like no other. That is something I want to see."
   4
   "...I see you want a front-row seat."
   "Indeed."
   "...Honestly, you are the first leader of a Pantheon who approached me like this. Fine, I agree. What is this alliance you speak of?" Marcus is willing to agree just from the simple fact that Odin doesn't have a pole in his ass like other Pantheon leaders.
   "Nothing major, simple non-aggression pact. I am even willing to offer you a gift, or more like gifts."
   "...Gifts?"
   "Yep. I have brought the best Valkyries my Asgard has produced. Pick any two you like. They will be yours."
   14
   "!!!"
   All the armoured girls' eyes bulged out! This bribery was what their God was planning!? He is going to give them away!?
   3
   "...You came prepared..." Marcus was more amused than shocked. He should have known the old fox could pull something like that from his ass!
   "Of course! Youngster! You should know that I take pride in my preparations! I know you are a collector! You collect Sacred Gears; you collect females!" He then looked at Enterprise." You even turn warships into females. You are just like me, a man of Culture. Men, like us, should stick together."
   12
   "Pffff-Hahahaha! You are right! I NEVER expected to hear this from a Chief God! But this is refreshing." The teen inventor laughed out loud when he heard that!
   1
   While the Successor of Solomon was enjoying this conversation, unlike the Valkyries, the Warrior Maidens were blushing and looking away in shame.
   They can't believe their God would speak like this!
   "It's a good thing we are on the same page." Odin snapped his fingers, and a scroll appeared on the table.
   He then used magic to make the scroll reveal its content.
   "This is the non-aggression treaty; read through it." The one-eyed God motioned for the scroll to fly to Marcus' side.
   The inventor grabbed it and read through the content.
   He read through the whole thing in a few short moments.
   "Looks good enough. It has all the basics one would have for such a treaty." With hand motion, a pen appeared, and he started to write on it as Odin had already signed his part.
   Once Marcus finished signing, the one-eyed God motioned with his hand, and a copy of the scroll appeared and floated over to his side.
   "With this, the paperwork is done. Now, why don't you tell me which Valkyries you want to keep." The old God grinned while making the scroll disappear.
   "...Lord O-Odin, it's not appropriate!" One of the Valkyries finally spoke up.
   "Please. None of you have boyfriends. I am doing you a favour!" The Chief God waved his hand in dismissal before looking at Marcus.
   5
   "Young Man. I have issues with the current generation of Valkyries. They don't have boyfriends and are constantly nagging me as if it's my fault!"
   1
   "We don't nag you for that! Don't make it up!" The blue-haired Valkyrie huffed with some anger.
   "See? They are getting angry at me for their shortcomings! That's the reason why I am thinking of shrinking their ranks. Which one do you want? That blue-haired one is currently Brynhildr; the one with red eyes and blonde hair is Thrud; maybe you want that with silver hair? She is Rossweisse, exceptionally talented in overall magic."
   5
   Odin smoothly suggested, making the three girls blush even harder!
   "I thought Brynhildr is your daughter?"
   "Hmm, she was the original one, I mean, but that was a long time ago. I have made her name into a title. The Leader Valkyrie gets the title of Brynhildr."
   "I see... in that case, you can keep your Brynhildr since she is the leader. I can take the other two you offered."
   Marcus looked at the blonde Valkyrie. She looked just like Thrud from Fate Grand Order; the only difference was she didn't have those two tiny wings which operated like antennas on her head.
   9
   "...Fantastic!" The Chief God looked ecstatic before looking at the Valkyries.
   "You two will be serving Marcus. He will offer better working deals than your current job, that much I am certain."
   "Hmm? You have quite the confidence in my employment options." The inventor was somewhat shocked by what he heard from Odin.
   "Please, no need to sugarcoat it. You have means of infinite energy generation. Otherwise, you wouldn't have been stuck in such a small area. Your war machine is rapidly growing, but your territory is not.
   And no, your vampire conquest doesn't count towards your governed territory. You haven't touched those areas."
   Marcus slightly frowned from hearing that. Odin was like that old CEO who knew what the new CEO was doing like the back of his hand.
   It was impressive and a little bit concerning; these Gods of Wisdom can be a pain in the butt.
   "...Heh, you are right..." The teen simply agreed. There is no need to hide something that is obvious. He then used his link with Latia. He decided to leave the Valkyries for the blond devil. He knows his Astaroth Pillar will explain the perks of working for him.
   "Precisely, serving you will be far more interesting than this old man." The Chief God nodded before looking back at the duo of Valkyries.
   "Now, off you two go."
   "...B-But Lord Odin..." Rossweise complained as she didn't know what to say.
   1
   "Don't embarrass me further; I am trying to solidify the relationship between our two factions. Your job is to follow my orders. So do that, or should I dismiss you?"
   "U-Understood!"
   It's funny how Rossweisse was the only one who complained, as Thrud was already standing behind Marcus and waiting for orders.
   The girl was exactly how she was in Fate Grand Order. She follows EVERY command.
   A few moments later, a blonde girl with blue tips opened the meeting room doors and entered.
   "Excuse me, Master, you called me?" Latia respectfully bowed.
   "Is this the devil you turned into your Pillar, Marcus?" Odin asked curiously.
   "Latia Astaroth, My Astaroth pillar."
   "...what a surprise, You turned Ajuka Beelzebub's niece into your pillar."
   "... It's not that surprising, considering my other pillars."
   "Let me guess, you could cripple their whole race with a single move?" Odin grinned; he finds it amusing, as God of War, such crippling moves certainly make his day.
   "Something like that."
   The blonde Devil slightly frowned upon hearing that. But she didn't comment. It's not her place to do that.
   "Latia, these two have been gifted to me. Tell them the overall picture, and of course, this girl here, Rossweisse, cares a lot about her employment situation."
   The silver-haired Valkyrie looked somewhat ashamed for a bit. The tone of his voice tells her that he found it amusing.
   But it's not amusing to her! Her salary as Valkyrie and Odin's assistant is abysmal! She wants to know if she will get better!
   "Of course. Leave this to me." Latia understood his assignment; she then motioned for two of them to follow her.
   ~~~~~~At the Base~~~~~~
   "...Phew... finally done! Who would have thought there are that many things to learn about when it comes to maids!" Valerie Tepes sighed as she finished with her last simulation.
   She scored 100 out of 100 points in the maid's exam!
   However, the moment she is out of the Entertainment Dome, she is greeted by the head maid and the goddess of the Moon.
   The pair of Silver heads looked intimidating when they were together like this.
   "...Umm, how can I help?"
   "Valerie Tepes. Master has an assignment for you."
   "Oh?"
   "He wants you to be his representative in Kuoh, where Rias Gremory and Sona Sitri currently reside." Head Maid explained with a professional voice.
   It sounded far too great. Valerie nearly squealed from happiness, but she controlled herself.
   "But?"
   "Knowing him, he wants to test you out," Artemis said smoothly.
   "...I see, it makes sense."
   'Of course... he wants to see my allegiance...'
   Valerie had no doubt he was expecting her almost to give herself to the devil just to be close to her childhood friend.
   But the blonde Drampir didn't spend excessive time studying the art of being a maid just for nothing!
   1
   "Then, I shall do what he wishes of me."
   "Good, then follow me; I shall teleport you to Kuoh." Artemis motioned for her to follow. Leaving Grayfia alone, she looked at the Dhampir girl for a moment.
   The Head Maid wants to see how good this 'trophy' is.
   ~~~
   In the middle of the student council room, a silver circle manifested. Sona Sitri's eyes looked confused as she wondered who was teleporting here.
   The Barrier placed in the town of Kuoh blocks anyone with hostile intentions from passing in. The technique used to differentiate is something still alluding to the Heiress.
   Thankfully, this means the current person arriving here is not a hostile one.
   Once the glow settled down, a pair of maids stood before her.
   "Sona Sitri, I am Artemis; this is Valerie Tepes."
   'A-Artemis!'
   The Devil Heiress stood up and straightened her back. Her Peerage did the same.
   "It is an honour to meet the famous Goddess of the Hunt!" The rest of her Peerage followed after her and greeted her as well.
   The Goddess got used to being just a maid, so it is refreshing to see that people still remember her as an Olympian.
   "Yes, well, My Master has sent me here to tell you that from now on, Valerie is stationed here. From my understanding, she knows Rias Gremory's Bishop."
   "...The Dhampir... I have heard about him." Sona nodded in understanding.
   "Yes. In an emergency, Valerie will fully command forces deployed in Kuoh."
   As Artemis explained, the Dhampir girl was pondering what this all means. She barely worked for her Master. She barely did anything to get this much responsibility.
   'Is he interested in Gasper? His Sacred Gear is very dangerous.'
   She pondered on this some more. Eventually, she realises that Marcus has left this to her.
   'Fine... I will do that. I will pass this test!'
   "Any questions?"
   "...When can I meet Rias Gremory?"
   "...This... Well, Rias is not herself after what happened to her brother." Sona reluctantly replied to the Dhampir maid.
   "The war... how is it going?" Artemis asked curiously.
   "It's terrible. Very-terrible. It's nothing like we have ever seen. There are millions of those creatures; they all wield the bloodline powers of devilkind. In front of them, OUR Bloodlines cease to work. And these things are just the grunts. Several GREEK gods work with them, like Hypno."
   1
   The Sitri Heiress purposely mentioned 'GREEK' to Artemis, who understood well enough.
   "Nyx and Erebus are beyond the control of Olympus. There is a reason why she used to be left alone to her own devices in the Underworld.
   It's not Olympus' fault that you all decided to live on that world's surface." Artemis smoothly said in a single breath.
   "If you have complaints, you should speak with My father. I have no hand in current dealings of Olympus, as you can see-I am just a maid." The silver-haired Goddess almost smiled, saying that. There is a certain amount of satisfaction in dropping all the shit on her father's faction and washing her hands from this business.
   3
   "Well, I did my part; we shall watch your work with interest, Valerie." With a burst of Silver, the Goddess was gone.
   7
   Even if Artemis was not around, Sona didn't complain in the open. Nope, she knows the barrier system has ears. If she says something, the Goddess might return.
   And that's something she doesn't want.
   "Can I see, Rias Gremory?" Valerie asked once again.
   "Sure, I want to remind you that she is not herself. Her brother is missing."
   Sona comments as she remembers how her rival looked since her last visit to see her.
   ~~~~~~Atlantic Ocean, Norway's Coastline~~~~~~
   The massive Airship Icarus was floating above the cold waters of the Northern Atlantic. Right below them is the wreckage of the World War Two warship Tirpitz, a German battleship of the same class as Bismarck-one of the most dangerous vessels in World War 2.
   8
   After signing the non-aggression treaty with the Norse, Marcus dropped the Chief God and his remaining Valkyries in Scandinavia and floated towards the Atlantic Ocean.
   But then, he remembered the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force had sunk one of the most dangerous ships just off the coast of Norway. Well, it's more like washed ashore upside down.
   As far as he remembers, in his previous timeline, Tirpitz ended up being scrapped; this time, it was left alone like this.
   Well, whatever, he won't ask why. Better for him.
   The Inventor floated down from his airship and used his psionic powers to walk on the water.
   His ship girl followed after him. But this was where Marcus looked at her with curiosity.
   "...You can stand on water without using any power?" He asked with a curious gaze as he was looking at her feet.
   "...I don't know? It feels-normal. I suppose it's the resonance method used to create me." The aircraft carrier girl said with a knowing look; she was speculating.
   "... It's probably your soul and type of mana generated in your body."
   He pondered out loud.
   "Well, let's go and see Tirpitz..."
   Enterprise nodded as the pair walked on top of the water. The duo walked closer to the partially submerged massive warship.
   It was no understatement to say that the Bismarck class is an enormous vessel. Around 250 metres long, it was one of the greatest and biggest warships in the world. Only the Yamato class was a little bit bigger.
   Even then, they had their distinctive perks.
   Enterprise looked at the enormous ship. There was a particular look in her eyes.
   "...I feel...loneliness."
   "Hmm?"
   "It's strange, maybe because of the creation process. But I can sense certain things. Your Icarus has a certain arrogance, being one of your Airships.
   But this-Tirpitz- she is lonely..."
   The silver-haired ship girl said with a strange look. All of this was new to her.
   "Fascinating. It appears I have opened a Pandora's box of some sort." Instead of being freaked out, Marcus is very interested in this development. He wonders what other little tricks his ship girls have.
   9
   That's why having Tirpitz refurbished and a biological model built will increase the chances of discovering something fascinating.
   Marcus walked over and touched the cold steel of the ship. He then activated the storage ring and sucked the ship in.
   "Admiral, there is some remaining steel around this area."
   "Hmm, very well, let's collect them as well; after that, we will go to the Titanic."
   "As you wish."
   ~~~~~~Back to Kuoh~~~~~~
   Rias looked spacey as she sat in a dark room, looking at a wall on the other side. She has been like this for several hours now.
   "Rias, are you in? *Sigh* Why am I even asking? I can sense you." Sona exclaimed loudly.
   "...What is it, Sona? I am busy." The crimson-haired girl proclaimed with annoyance.
   "Does your 'busy' involve inspecting walls for hours?"
   "Don't be a smart ass." Rias snapped back.
   "Right. Well, I have someone who represents Marcus Goldman's faction."
   A maid walked into the occult research room.
   The Gremory Heiress looked at this blonde maid. There was a slightly expecting look. Rias was expecting something.
   "I am Valerie Tepes. You might know me from that time in Romania."
   "...You are the one who suggested to take Gasper as my Bishop!"
   "Yes, that. I am here on behalf of my Master, Marcus Goldman. I command his troops stationed here."
   Rias' eyes widened. Did she just say, 'Command his troops'!?
   "You command over two thousand troopers dispatched here!?"
   "Two thousand? Umm, I think you don't realise, but the bulk hasn't left the Confiscator; the total amount of S.P.B.A is 5,000 and 1,000 Rangers."
   "...Wow...that spaceship holds that much!?" Rias and Sona were both shocked by the number of soldiers.
   "The classification is 'Airship', but yes."
   "...say...can we borrow them?" Rias asked with a strange look.
   1
   "...Nope, I am here to make sure nothing spills out from Underworld to this devil-controlled area." Valerie smoothly declined.
   "Ugh..."
   "Rias, you do realise they are men from a different faction. We should already be lucky that Marcus is serious about his investments."
   'Investments? Don't be silly; he hopes that someone attacks this place. It's for the greater good of science.' The Dhampir girl who studied Protocol knows VERY well that everything is for Marcus' advancements in science, for HIS science.
   9
   He has sent the Confiscator to Confiscate anything of value dropping into this area.
   "Yeah, Yeah... but my brother is missing, and no one is doing anything!"
   "You do know that the Master would do something if there is anything for him, according to recent data. Icarus, the second Airship, is to move into the Underworld soon. My Master is considering providing support on behalf of the Norse."
   "Norse!? I thought they only sent Thor and Baldur!" Sona was very shocked by this development!
   "Correct, Master, a few short hours ago, signed a treaty with Odin." Valerie's words were like thunder clapping in broad daylight.
   If someone like Odin acknowledges Marcus and his self-made faction, it's an 'official' player. One would say they finally acknowledged the elephant in the room.
   The first thing Marcus does is enter the fray with his advanced weaponry!
   3
   ~~~
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   OR
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   ~~~
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   Chapter 59: Night and Darkness
   3
   (3 out of 3 chapters this week)
   Ajuka casually deflected an attack coming his way. It looked like reality itself had deflected it for him. He casually sent it back at incoming wraths.
   The current name Devil Kind has decided for these things, and the name is 'wraith', named after evil spirits.
   These things were evil spirits. Spirit inhabiting armours.
   The current Beelzebub already gathered quite a bit of data on these things.
   And his current assessment is grim for his kind.
   Sure, he will survive, and most Ultimate class devils will survive, but the rest? Those wraiths will eradicate all of them.
   This attack would spell doom for Devil Kind!
   "Hmm?"
   Satan looked at the sky and saw black clouds consume everything in its path! It's spreading in all directions.
   "A barrier? No, a space lock!? Those- they are locking us away from Earth!" The current Beelzebub felt urgency; he needed to destroy this thing; if they were locked away, it would spell a certain doom! Even for him!
   At that moment, his demonic energy surged as he used the Kankara formula and smashed hundreds of wraiths from his path. He made space itself crush their armours. That way, they could not return.
   After saving a city from the onslaught of wraiths, Satan Beelzebub rushed towards his next assignment.
   But midway, he stopped as the dark clouds turned into hundreds of eyes looking at him.
   "...You are a...God?"
   "Tartarus is my name, Satan Beelzebub."
   Some sweat appeared on Ajuka's forehead as he knew well enough who had such a name!
   "But I am not your foe this time around."
   "!?"
   Shadows gathered as a phantom being with burning eyes appeared in front of him.
   "You...you are one of the beings who created these Wraiths. Your energy signature is all over them!"
   "Hehehe, indeed! I am Angra Mainyu."
   2
   "Evil itself! You are behind all of this!" Ajuka finally realised who was pulling the strings in this conflict.
   "Sorry, but you are wrong. I am the one who is providing the numbers for the main forces."
   Satan Beelzebub's eyes widened; who was the one pulling the string!?
   Slowly, he connected the dots in his mind as to why no one could access the Greek side of the Underworld!
   "...Hades... he is the one who is doing this!"
   "Not bad. Not bad at all. You will do nicely for me."
   "!!!"
   Angra Mainyu pointed his phantom palm, and pure black and red energy gathered and released like a beam.
   Ajuka swiftly used his Kankara formula, but he swiftly realised that it didn't work!
   The green-haired devil swiftly dodged the beam.
   "Aren't you interested in why your power didn't work? Hmm?"
   "Tartarus is manipulating space. He made it impossible for me to alter the space."
   "No. That is incorrect. While the space operates on different frequencies, I fused my Power of Destruction with curses and soul attributes.
   Not only do you need to calculate regular power, but the curses and the soul behind it." Angra Mainyu bragged about the power he developed.
   "...How do you wield the Power of Destruction!?"
   *SCOFF*
   "You are foolish to believe such power is only accessible to your Devil Kind. My Greatest Rival can wield it, and so can I! Prepare yourself, Ajuka Beelzebub! This time, it's not just a battle for survival. It's much more!"
   Angra Mainyu rushed at Satan.
   Ajuka called forth his demonic power, but Angra Mainyu's eyes glowed, and the Devil's power ceased to work.
   'Tsk! Of course, he can do that!'
   He tried to fight back, but his Kankara didn't quite work; he tried to calculate, but it would take a while, and the Evil God in front of him relentlessly assaulted him!
   Eventually, Angra Mainyu's divine energy touched Ajuka.
   *ANGER, FURY, HATE, HATE, HATE, HATE*
   A surge of negative emotions forced Devil Beelzebub to stop for a second. But it was all the Evil God needed.
   The Phantom Being grabbed the devil by his head.
   "Your body is mine..." Angra Mainyu, for a moment, spoke with the voice of Ajuka Beelzebub, sending chills through Satan's body.
   At that moment, the most intelligent mind of the Devil Kind realised what happened. The Evil God doesn't have a 'form'; it's a shadow, a phantom being. The incarnation of Evil doesn't have a 'true form'.
   Thus, fusing with Ajuka wasn't hard at all!
   Angra Mainyu's curses and negative emotions overwhelmed Beelzebub's mind, and the Phantom God was able to merge with the 'shell'.
   A black miasmic glow consumed the pair once it fully settled; a single being stood.
   Dressed in black Satan armour with green highlights, this being looked like Ajuka; the keyword looked like him, but it was not him.
   The lush green hair turned black with only a few strands remaining green, and a thin miasmic aura surrounded his body as he was radiating demonic and divine auras mixed as one.
   "It appears your power rose considerably, Angra Mainyu."
   Tartarus spoke after waiting for a while.
   "Not only did his power become mine, but so did his memories and mind. His genius is now my genius. While Sirzechs is powerful, there is no discussion there. He isn't as helpful as Ajuka.
   Ajuka's Kankara Formula and inventions are now mine!"
   2
   'Ajuka' spoke. His voice was strange as it had an echo of Angra Mainyu. It sounded like Angra Mainyu was manipulating what the body was saying, creating a 'lag' between voices.
   "So then we are ready?"
   "Hehehehe, In a way, we are. Let's conquer the remaining devils. Push them to the brink. Let them 'escape', and then we will wait for my rival.
   If he doesn't come, we shall invade the Human World."
   1
   Angra Mainyu said with a grin. His red eyes were glowing menacingly. He can't barely contain his excitement.
   ~~~
   Serafall threw several ice spikes, which disintegrated before the collision.
   *Tsk*
   "In that case!"
   The current Leviathan summoned her pen, and upon activating it, she transformed into her Sailor Moon uniform.
   3
   The wraiths might cancel her demonic attacks. But the same can't be said about the pure mana she can use with her Balance Breaker!
   With a wave of her magic staff, she blasted the hordes of the Wraiths away.
   "Not bad!" A girl's voice commented from a distance.
   Serafall looked at the source of the voice; her eyes widened as she saw a girl with elf ears dressed in a black goth dress.
   "Your aura. You are the one who attacked Lucifer Manor." The twin tails, Satan said with a frown.
   "It was me and Erebus. That Super Devil who was living there was extremely weak. I want to see how strong you are!"
   2
   The Primordial rushed to face Serafall, who called forth her mana and blasted at the Primordial of Night.
   Seeing that the devil was throwing power around like that made Nyx pissed, so she answered back with her mana.
   Ice and Darkness collided.
   "Ha! You think you have more power than I have! Dream on, little girl!"
   The black-haired Primordial tried to overwhelm Serafall with sheer force, but the Leviathan didn't even look winded. Instead, she continued to flex her mana.
   "Is that it? Is this all Primordial like you can do?"
   With a roar, Serafall froze the entirety of Nyx's released mana.
   The Primordial of Night pulled back several steps. She just realised that Satan can fight against her using more than half of her power!
   "This is impossible! You are supposed to be the weakest of the bunch!"
   "Weakest? Excuse me!? I am the strongest Female Devil! Even stronger than the original Leviathan!"
   "Hah, that bar is so low that I don't even know how to measure." Nyx snorted, hearing Serafall compare herself to a stronger version of the original Leviathan.
   "I guess. Still, this is power I got from Marcus! So there is no way I will lose to you!"
   "..."
   The Primordial of Night's eyes gleamed with an unreadable look when she heard that.
   "I see... I see, it makes sense!"
   "Hahahahaha!*
   Nyx started to laugh as dark miasma started to roll from her. The earth beneath their feet began to shake, and the city in the distance started to shatter and crack. Nyx began to release all of her power.
   "Show me then! Show me how good his creation is! I want to see it myself!"
   2
   With a blast of insane speed, Nyx tried to claw Serafall. The Primordial Goddess' hand was full of Darkness; it deformed her hand, which looked like something from a nightmare.
   After all, Nyx is a primordial who can alter her looks if needed.
   And at this moment, the Primordial is entering a frenzy.
   Serafall tried to block the attack but ended up pushed back.
   "Let me show you what limitless power looks like!" The Leviathan answered back as her mana roared to life; the twin-tailed girls brushed the claw aside and released an excess amount of ice.
   Nyx frowned when she sensed that Serafall's reserves were not falling. It's like they are constantly getting refilled!
   The Primordial and Satan exchanged several blows, which led them to cause the world to tremble around them.
   "I see. So that's how it is. It appears Marcus Goldman is a true genius. The gear he gave you allows you to wield infinite energy; the downside is the output of this energy set at a specific level.
   All I have to do is attack you with more than you can produce!"
   "Heh, you sound like you can increase your power anytime," Serafall giggled while saying that. The laugh was more to calm herself than mock the Primordial she was fighting.
   "Then you have no idea who you are fighting. Look around you."
   The current Leviathan looked around. The sky was pitch black as some sort of dark clouds were everywhere.
   "Darkness and Night radiate with me. I am more like a living energy than an individual. Let me show you."
   Slowly, Nyx became a more demonic-looking being as her power radiated with the surroundings, raising her energy further.
   The twin-tail devil girl looked at the primordial with wide eyes. The incarnation of Night just casually eclipsed her power!
   'So this is the power which made even Zeus terrified!'
   "Now scream for me, little bat!"
   A massive demonic hand descended on Serafall. The crushing force behind it made her want to dodge it, but the pressure behind that motion made her incapable.
   'Damn!'
   Before she can feel the pain, someone slaps Nyx's hand away.
   "Do I need to repeat myself, Sera?" A very familiar voice spoke to her.
   Satan Leviathan opened her eyes and looked at who was before her.
   "M-Master!?" The girl squeaked silly.
   Then she just hugged his back for dear life.
   Meantime, Nyx looked at her hand for a bit and then at the newcomer.
   "Who are you? How did you appear here like this? We sealed the space of the Underworld away; only we can teleport in this place." The Primordial of Night spoke with a questioning tone.
   "Reverse summoning. It's not a hard thing to do, and for my name, it's Marcus Goldman. I don't think you have heard about me."
   *TREMBLE*
   "No... I have heard about you. Everyone knows you; I am waging this war to meet you!"
   "Oh my. A Goddess fangirl. Never met one before." He looked surprised.
   "YES! SHOW ME WHAT YOU CAN DO!"
   3
   With a furious look, the Primordial rushed towards the lab coat-wearing teen who looked like he arrived here from his living room, entirely unprepared for battle.
   With a casual flick of his wrist, he sends the Primordial flying away.
   1
   He then pulled Serafall away from himself. With a casual hand motion, he ripped space apart and threw the devil girl into it.
   "W-Wait! I can't leave!"
   1
   "Yeah, about that. We will talk about it later."
   Once he said his piece, he sealed the space away. Then he looked at Nyx's demonic visage.
   *Roar*
   The Primordial moulded pure darkness energy and released a massive blast of energy at Marcus, who gazed at the incoming attack with a lazy look.
   He lifted his hand and tanked the whole thing with his extended palm.
   3
   "Is this it? Is this the power a Goddess like you can produce?" He casually commented as he lowered his injury-free hand.
   Nyx dumbly stared at the outcome of this!
   "Impossible! How can you be this strong? It makes no sense!"
   4
   "Hmm? I am good at biology. If you study hard enough, you can be strong as well."
   "I see how it is! If you don't want to tell me, I will make you!"
   1
   He frowned when he heard that. Is this girl blind?
   Nyx rushed at him with even faster speed as she tried to stab him with clawed hands. Her attack rate was absurd, as she was getting faster and faster.
   But then Marcus grabbed her hand and stopped everything with a simple motion.
   2
   Then he showed his palm to her face, and purple energy gathered into a ball.
   "Have you ever experienced a psionic burst attack like this? It can turn your brain into a mush."
   *BOOM*
   Purple blast consumed her whole demonic form as he released her hand and made her fall to the ground.
   Slowly, her demonic visage shrunk, and her original looks returned.
   Marcus landed on the ground and looked at her.
   "...Are those... elf ears!?" He stuttered as he recalled the only picture of Nyx ever made in DxD.
   7
   "Well, Well, I guess I will be taking you with me."
   9
   His psionic aura surrounded Nyx and lifted her into the air.
   With a hand motion, he cut the space open and walked into it.
   1
   ~~~
   "This is strange; someone passed through my Abyss barrier-three times!" Tartarus exclaimed with annoyance.
   "You said no one could breach your barriers!" Loki complained to Tartarus while waiting for Thor and Baldur to come over. They are having a hard time considering Tartarus' barriers.
   "Up until now, no one could."
   "It's my rival. I could sense my rival's presence in the Underworld. He was where Nyx was supposed to fight Serafall Leviathan." Angra Mainyu spoke with a smooth voice. He wasn't moving or going for a fight. No, he knows Marcus Goldman will invade. That's the reason why they even send Nyx to fight Serafall.
   5
   Once Serafall is in danger, he will come, and he did. Now, he will want to fight them for hurting his devil girl.
   That would lead to a full-scale invasion. The group's plans are pretty flexible. It's either they invade, or Marcus Goldman will invade.
   It's better if he is to invade because this way, they could have defensive positions.
   3
   "!!!"
   At that moment, Erebus' gaze snapped to the side.
   "Nyx is gone! He took my sister!" With a blast of darkness energy, the Primordial of Darkness blasted towards when the fight should have been.
   1
   "It appears we suffered our first defeat." Angra Mainyu wasn't shocked by Nyx's defeat; in a way, he was happy that such a thing had happened.
   It means he needs to improve something to counter the loss of a Primordial Goddess.
   'Ah, yes, the Evil Pieces. Let's make something out of these.' The Evil incarnate pondered on the knowledge he had acquired. Ajuka was a brilliant being. His Evil Pieces are an ingenious invention with a massive amount of potential.
   4
   And now they have ended up in the hands of an original mad scientist.
   2
   ...
   ...
   ...
   While Angra Mainyu is thinking about improving the Wraith Forces, Erebus arrives at the site of the battle.
   His gaze was erratic as he was trying to sense the remains of energies in the air.
   "So this is the energy of Marcus Goldman! Good, good! Very Good! I will use this to find you! And then you shall die for what you did to Nyx!"
   The Primordial revealed a mad look as he teleported from the Underworld to the Human World.
   3
   'That fool!' Tartarus sensed the teleportation.
   "Let him go. He will be a fine bait for us to see how good my Rival is." Angra Mainyu sensed the disturbance in Tartarus and swiftly stopped him.
   "Are you sure? They are Primordials, and their fighting strength is essential for us."
   "It's okay. We are already at the point where Indra will join us. It doesn't matter if Nyx and Erebus are gone." The incarnation of Evil didn't bother much with these losses.
   ~~~
   As Marcus reappeared in the hangar of the airship Icarus, he quickly got hugged by Serafall.
   "Master! I am so happy that you saved me like this!" The current Leviathan hugged her as much as she could.
   "There, There." The inventor patted her head, making her start feeling embarrassed about this.
   She quickly pulled her head away. He swiftly noticed that there was a knocked-out Nyx floating next to him!
   "Master! You brought that troublemaker with you?" The twin-tail Devil looked at the Primordial with weariness. This enemy is a dangerous one!
   "Of course. Nyx is my biggest fangirl. So I will 'take care' of her."
   A shiver went down Serafall's spine when he heard Marcus' 'hyped voice'.
   1
   One thing for sure is that he doesn't need more hype!
   *RUMBLE*
   "Hmm? This energy! It's similar to Nyx!" The devil girl looked around. The airship didn't even react to the arrival of another Primordial, but the stiffness in the air was there.
   "Yeah, It appears Erebus is here."
   Marcus proceeded to walk towards the hangar's side entrance. He created a psionic clone to watch over the incapacitated Incarnation of Night.
   Once he was at the edge, he proceeded to float and meet the Primordial outside the airship.
   ...
   ...
   ...
   "Marcus Goldman!!! Return my sister to me!!!" Erebus roared with fury. His dark aura was rolling out like a massive tsunami.
   "No. I will be keeping your sister." The Inventor ignored the absurd energy radiating from Erebus.
   5
   The Primordial's power rose even more as black armour surrounded him.
   The Alchemist's eyes narrowed when he saw the armour. He could sense different types of energies radiating from this thing.
   'Albion? Ddraig? What kind of creation is this?'
   2
   The Primordial rushed at Marcus with reckless fury.
   Fist collided with the teen's palm, creating a massive shockwave above the Atlantic Ocean.
   1
   "Is this it?"
   1
   "!!!"
   "I thought you were one of the oldest and most powerful beings, but you are all talk." The inventor was disappointed with the output generated by the Incarnation of Darkness.
   "Let me show you what real power looks like."
   6
   With a pull, Marcus slammed his knee into Erebus' gut.
   1
   *CRACK*
   The armour, like cheap porcelain, shattered upon impact as the pieces of it started to fall into the ocean beneath them.
   "So fragile."
   *SWOSH*
   *CRACK*
   *SWOSH*
   *CRACK*
   The primordial couldn't even follow the movements of the inventor; even pain lagged. He only felt pain several moments later, which erupted through his body.
   With a powerful stroke, Marcus' fist collided with Erebus' chest. The incarnation of Darkness felt that his body would implode from inside as he staggered back.
   "Is this it? Are you done?"
   "Don't- get conceited! I haven't shown my true form!!!"
   3
   Darkness surged as Erebus proceeded to turn into Darkness itself.
   Well, he tried.
   But nothing happened.
   "W-What is going on? My mana is not responding!?"
   "You are naive. You thought I hadn't analysed your mana signature?"
   "Impossible! My power is Darkness itself!"
   "I don't care. Even if you are piss itself, you have a signature, and that is something I can analyse. You are naive to come and face me like this.
   9
   Do you think you are special? Challenge me when you haven't destroyed my armies and creations. I have no time for likes of you."
   1
   Marcus summoned his Ring of Destruction and condensed a ball of destruction before releasing it at dumbstruck Erebus.
   The Primordial of Darkness was still catching up with what he just witnessed.
   The beam of black and red was the last thing he saw as he got de-atomised.
   5
   Once the blast settled down, a piece of primordial hand was all that was left behind, which Marcus recovered.
   "Not bad; I might be able to do something with this."
   He encased the hand in psionic energy and returned to Icarus.
   When he landed in the hangar, Serafall and Enterprise walked over to his side.
   "Is he-gone?"
   "Yeah, for now, at least. Knowing how Primordials are living natural phenomena, Erebus could recover. Under my watchful eye, of course." He said while motioning the floating hand.
   "Riiiight..." Serafall didn't know what to say for his reckless actions of having Primordial God's body parts.
   "Don't worry, he won't be harassing your kin anymore. Hell, I just took out two of the enemy's main combatants; you should be happy."
   "I wish, devils are losing on all fronts. Their forces look as if they don't have an end. Primordials like Erebus are just an extra."
   As she explained, her eyes went to Enterprise, who listened patiently.
   "And who is this girl?" For some reason, Serafall was feeling more dread!
   "This is Enterprise; remember the ship I recovered from the Pacific? That's her."
   "HAH!?"
   The twin-tail devil mentally tried to put those together.
   "You already completed that project!?"
   "Yep." He nodded at Serafall and then looked at the beautiful shipgirl. "Enti, this is Serafall; she was the one who gave me the idea to make Biological Models for ships. You can say it was her idea."
   2
   The current Leviathan grimaced. It was not her idea! She simply- considered it? Out loud?
   "Oh!? Then you have my gratitude for proposing such a thing to Admiral. I already enjoy living as a biological being."
   "R-Right, you're welcome."
   'I have no idea what this even means, but whatever!'
   "Master, about the war. Will you consider joining us!?" Serafall swiftly forgot the strangeness of the ship girls and instead asked her Master about the elephant in the room.
   "About that. I am already preparing for it. Odin contacted me and asked me to join. We signed a non-aggression treaty and considered being friendly factions."
   Serafall somewhat dumbly nodded at what she just heard. Marcus is sort of allied with the Norse!? Even the Devils couldn't do that!
   1
   "Yeah. So, Aurora set course for the base; we can pick up Titanic later. I think we should enter the battlefield in the morning."
   [Understood, setting course for base]
   The current Leviathan sighed for relief; her eyes gleamed with sadism. Finally! She can pay back for all those freaks did to her home!
   ~~~
   Rossweisse was feeling weak in her knees. When Odin said she would like it, he wasn't lying!
   Her income depends on her performance! The concept of insurance doesn't exist! If she is sick, the faction will fix her; her living accommodations covered, and the possibility to rise in ranks!?
   The more she listened, the more she felt weak in her knees! What the Devil girl said all sounded like paradise and not work!
   However, she realised a simple and obvious detail.
   It made her blush; she would need to serve one man however he wanted.
   These circumstances made her curious. Is it something similar to an arranged marriage? Or something like that. Something done by her God, no less.
   Well, this is something her mind hungry for romance was thinking.
   Rossweisse looked at her fellow Valkyrie. The blonde warrior maiden didn't blink at anything the devil girl pointed out.
   The blonde girl was all duty, and if Odin told her to serve, she would serve without blinking.
   Sometimes, she is jealous of how Thrud could be such a warrior, with unshaken motivation, never questioning anything: a role model Valkyrie.
   "Do you have any more questions?" Latia asked the pair as she explained everything.
   "Will we be integrated into S.P.B.A?" Thrud asked with a soldier-like voice.
   "That depends on Master," Latia clarified with a nod.
   "As you are not maids or his pillars, the classification for your position is still unclear. He never considered getting Valkyries to serve him." The blonde devil pondered on this issue.
   2
   "I see. Then, I will ask Lord Marcus once I see him. I wish to serve him the best of my abilities." Thrud, with a soldier-like voice, reminded the Devil Girl that she was a Valkyrie.
   "Same!" Rossweisse, not to fall behind, swiftly nodded as well.
   "Very well."
   ~~~
   It didn't take long for Icarus to return to Base. The massive airship was floating above the construction site.
   The spaceport's construction site was enormous compared to the airship's size, which alone can tell Marcus how much difference there is between seeing an image and the real deal.
   The Inventor has not forgotten his trip to space and the sheer scale of things in the void of space.
   For now, he needs to process the tower and the amount of this it can produce.
   The spaceport tower can hold 9 Daedalus-class airships. While having a 'dock' is essential, the actual 'majesty' lies underground.
   2
   The radius of 14 kilometres underground will be a space centre which will operate like drydocks which can build ships, space stations, and even foundations for space colonies.
   1
   Once the construction of new items or ships is complete, they are moved to the surface by powerful magic circles.
   Marcus is quite excited about his future space journey, more so after seeing the spaceport construction.
   'But first, I must deal with the last generation to move to the future.'
   As he thought about the last generation, he arrived at the Space Centre construction site where robotic hands were building two Daedalus-Class airships.
   Well, 'building' is an understatement, as Aurora is constantly thinking of ways to improve the speed of the construction.
   Confiscator was the prototype, while Icarus was a test for new construction methods. By this point, these two ships will be 'streamlined' products.
   "Unbelievable, just how fast this place expanded!" Serafall looked around where they were standing at the edge of the construction site. She couldn't see the other side!
   Only after narrowing her eyes and using her demonic power could she see the wall in the distance.
   "Around fourteen square kilometres of Assembly lines for space development. Well, for now, we are using this to feed our war machine.
   Airship 03 and Airship 04 are the first ones. Depending on how the war goes, we will have full docks, which means nine airships."
   "...I don't think the Underworld is ready for your military... to that level." Serafall grimaced, imagining nine of these descending on her homeland.
   Those front cannons shot Power of Destruction, a more synthesised version, which is more dangerous and less controlled.
   "And if it's not enough?"
   "Well, these ships can be retrofitted for space. I could keep them there. Having a fleet of spaceships has been a men's romance since around 1980."
   1
   "Star Wars?"
   "Star Wars."
   7
   All Serafall could do is grimace some more. There is a reason why it was called 'Sci-fi' as it is supposed to be space fiction. But this guy before her is committed to making it a reality.
   It would be one thing for the betterment of humanity or something like that, but he is just making all of this for himself.
   1
   He still thinks that it's stuff he is working on in his 'garage'.
   3
   "Yes, well, let's talk about your magic girl gear." He changed the subject, turning around to face her.
   "I received the data your gear sent me while you fought Nyx. I think it's time we upgrade it."
   "!!!"
   At that moment, she forgot about the 'man's romance for space' and looked at him with a heated look.
   This moment reminded her how magic girls get upgraded uniforms mid-series or something like that! She can't wait!
   1
   "Yes, sir! Please!"
   "Ugh...don't call me sir, it makes me sound old." This time, Marcus grimaced as he looked at her and then at Enterprise.
   "Let's go. We will drop Tirpitz first and then return to my workshop."
   The pair nodded at him as they proceeded towards the Maglev station.
   By the schematics of the spaceport, it will have trains which will move armies, machinery and other things on these trains. At the same time, the airships have assembly lines inside of them. They are far too small to generate items needed for fast deployment.
   Those assembly lines' primary purpose is for 'infinite journey' or 'infinite battle' as they can produce fighters and S.P.B.A units. But something like retrofits and other upgrades can be done by the assembly lines on board; it will be slow.
   ~~~
   Quinella, with a sleepy face, arrived at the docks. These midnight wake-ups are starting to annoy her. At the peak of her beauty sleep, people wake them up!
   For such a crime, they should be killed or experimented on! Or something like that!
   It's annoying that her quality time with her Master is being interfered with.
   As she left the maglev station, she walked over and went to see him. Her eyes ended up on a massive blob of rust, which Assembly lines were working on.
   For now, she ignored it and walked over to his side.
   The beauty leaned on his shoulder; she ignored Serafall and the other girl.
   "...Master...permission to terminate everyone who gets in the way of our sleeping!" She exclaimed with a sleepy voice.
   5
   Marcus smiled upon hearing that. He moved to her side and pulled her into his hands.
   "Don't worry, we can deal with those perky Godlings, and then you can sleep as much as you want."
   2
   "Hnn, thanks. Oh, that reminds me!" For a moment, she forgot her sleepiness and looked at him with excitement.
   "There are two nameless Airships! Can I have one!?"
   Serafall's mouth opened as she realised the same! He has not named them or given them to anyone! Well, more precisely, he hasn't given the command of the airship to anyone!
   "Y-Yeah! I want the other one!" Serafall got his attention as well.
   Only Enterprise looked at them as if they were stupid. Imagine not having a personal warship. How awkward is that?
   6
   "Right, calm down, you two; we can discuss this properly." Marcus didn't expect them to ask for Airships!
   ~~~
   For advanced chapters (+5 chapters, 25k words) my pat: pat reon.com/DragonsFics
   OR
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   ~~~
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   Chapter 60: Entering Battlefield
   5
   (1 out of 3 chapters this week)
   "I suppose I could give you two a flagship each." Marcus wasn't against that. It might be even better this way.
   "Any ideas for the names of these ships?"
   The platinum-haired assistant of his pondered for a bit. She then had a look of realisation.
   "I know! I think I will name my one -Axiom!"
   ...
   ...
   ...
   "!!!"
   Marcus slowly moved his head to the side and looked at Quinella wide-eyed.
   At that moment, he had a flashback; he remembered how she mentioned that she would prefer to live in a white tower.
   1
   Well, she mentioned that leisurely after he named her and gave her a form.
   He then tried to recall anything he added to her programming, such as for the white tower. It's never there. He never enforced specific likes on her. Sure, there are shackles in her programming, but this was random!
   That time, he ignored her fancy for a white tower, but this time, it was the second time!
   "Say... Quinella, what kind of weapon would you take to a battle if you could?"
   "...Hmm? Any specific preferences?" As his Assistant, she aims to answer all his fancy and random questions.
   "No, what do you prefer? If you had a large arsenal of weapons?"
   "...I guess, a sword?"
   9
   Marcus' eyes for a second trembled as he proceeded to hug his assistant more fiercely than ever before.
   "I see-I see, this is very good, an exciting development!" The inventor said with a smirk on his lips.
   'Quantum physics? Some sort of soul entanglement? It could be possible to have some sort of echo. She is a very powerful psychic, after all.'
   The younger Goldman realised that his Quinella has a very uncanny resemblance to the OG Quinella. She developed likes to what the OG version used to prefer, like the White Tower; even a name for the flagship is the same name she used to name her church, Axiom!
   3
   He even asked her preferred weapon, and she answered with a sword.
   That makes three things! Three things they have in common: these things were not part of his programming!
   'How interesting!'
   3
   While Serafall was confused, Quinella didn't comment on the fierce hug! Nope! The more the merrier, in her opinion.
   "Well, with Tirpitz placed for refurbishment, we can return to my workshop; we must prepare for war." He said that while hugging his Assistant.
   "And me!?"
   "You?"
   "Yeah! You gave her an Airship! What about me?" Serafall pouted and puffed at him.
   "Right, forget about that."
   1
   "What do you mean you forgot? We only talked about this a few short minutes ago!"
   'One forgets about such minor things when he realises that his creation based on fiction turns into reality.' He mumbled that to himself as he looked at the heat source he was hugging.
   'How amazing is that.'
   It made him think if he would inva-- visit other realities.
   17
   It's a possibility.
   "Sure, you can take the 04." He casually handed over the Airship capable of levering a pantheon.
   "Yes!"
   "Oh, can I repaint my Axiom?" Quinella asked him.
   "Sure, I even insist. Oh, if you come up with some ideas, send them to me as well. Since you have your airship, I could classify it as an independent battalion; this means original colours and even original machinery if you want." He said with a gleam in his eyes. Now he was interested; he wanted to see how much had been 'carried over' from the original Quinella!
   "Oh, that's great! I can start playing~," As Quinella said, she was about to get out of his hug, but then her eyes trembled with conflict. She didn't want to leave; his Assistant had a conflicting look.
   "Don't worry, we can hug as much as you want later." He jokingly commented as he noticed the hesitation in the platinum-haired girl.
   "O-Okay!"
   As she swiftly left to 'have fun'. Marcus looked at Serafall next to him and Enterprise some distance away, gazing at the Battleship.
   "We should go as well."
   "Gah! Wait! I need to customise colours and name the airship!"
   "You can do that in the Space Centre if you haven't noticed; we are in the docks." He eye-rolled at her 'competitive' spirit. Not wanting to fall behind Quinella is fine, but she needs to be smooth as his Assistant.
   "Oh, right!"
   As the trio proceeded to walk back, Quinella was already on her way to the Space Centre to organise everything for her airship and the battalion she would have under her!
   "Admiral."
   "Hmm? What is it?"
   "What happened? You emit quite a bit of happiness?" Enterprise was curious. His happiness 'level' was at a similar level to when she first woke up.
   "You noticed?"
   "Of course. You made me psychic for a reason." The Ship Girl nodded at his response; she was even feeling slightly offended that he thought that she was not sensing anything!
   "True. Well, you see, it appears there is some sort of resonance with my Quinella and the source I have based her on."
   "..."
   "...Huh? What do you mean by 'resonance'!?" Serafall asked with confusion.
   As the trio arrived at the station, they waited for their ride.
   "Exactly what I am saying. Quinella mentioned three things unrelated to her experience as a living being and what I have programmed into her."
   "...Are you saying that something is happening to her!?" Satan Leviathan is starting to freak out.
   "No, relax, nothing like that. You can say that I am finding clues to different realities." He shrugged off her panic.
   "...Still, don't you think it's dangerous? She is an integral part of your Faction."
   "It's not like that. Nothing is happening to Quinella. Nothing COULD happen without us finding something. If you haven't realised, the fortifications here are considerable.
   What I think is happening to her is some sort of quantum soul echo or mirroring from a different reality."
   "..."
   "..."
   "...Wait! Hold it! Retract that for a moment! What do you mean she is like her other reality version? Explain!" Serafall's eyes started to spin. It was like she got a status ailment: confusion from a Pokemon game!
   3
   "Think this way: I am aware of other places and have based my creation on games, web novels and stuff like that. In a sense, they Could be so identical to their counterparts that they are reacting to each other."
   "But for this to happen, a large amount of power is needed, admiral. As far as I know, while I might be strong enough to collapse a dimension, I don't know if my ability could reach another reality with a different set of rules." His ship girl was quickly able to follow what he said; she never questioned any of it.
   "I know, but I am not talking about raw destructive power; I am talking about the weight of a soul."
   4
   "I see... so gravity? A different type of gravity?"
   3
   "...Gaahhhh, what are you two talking about!!!" Serafall was feeling like a baby between these two!
   1
   Marcus snickered, seeing her reaction; that moment, their train arrived, and the trio boarded it.
   As they got into their seats, the inventor summoned a window screen and, with hand, motioned to change into what he wanted.
   "Observe."
   1
   A pair of papers appeared between the devil girl and Marcus. They were white and placed one on another; a small gap existed between them.
   "When you have something heavy-" A large black ball appeared on the top of the paper and dressed down, starting to bend in." -It starts to cave in from the weight."
   2
   "Oh..."
   "That's how planets spin around the sun. Basic gravity, but the same applies to power, soul, and many other things. Think this way: why do you sense someone's forces? How can you tell that it's concentrated in one place? It's because your power reacts to that individual's power."
   1
   "...Oh, true, when someone is strong, it has a heaviness to it." Serafall nodded, remembering people like Sirzechs, Nyx and, of course, Marcus.
   "Indeed, but don't get me wrong, we haven't researched this enough; we have no idea how a heavy soul reacts to reality or if it's dense enough to touch another reality.
   All of this is speculation based on gravity. Another case is my Quinella is an almost perfect copy of Quinella on the other side, and they are resonating." He shrugged after explaining his theories.
   "Or both; her soul is dense enough to resonate with Quinella on the other side. Since they are nearly identical, the resonance is in effect. The question is, Admiral, is it affecting them both?" Enterprise question made Marcus think.
   While Serafall was pouting silly, it was annoying that he was creating beings which could keep up with him!
   "So smart~ as expected of my Enti!" Marcus praised her first, which made her use her hat to hide her face.
   2
   "So cute! But yes, what you are saying could be potentially valid. When I created her and you, I wanted it to be as authentic and perfect as possible to what I remember."
   "...I understand." The Ship girl looked at her hand, closed her eyes and tried to do something.
   "Relax. It's not like it's THAT important; it's more like my gaze is reaching an even bigger horizon."
   "Yes. However, I don't want to disappoint."
   The inventor smiled as he went over and sat beside her, pulling her in a one-hand hug.
   "No need to care about that. It's not like my Enti can disappoint me in ANY WAY."
   2
   The silver-haired beauty's blush returned with force as she looked away. She is not 'durable' enough to take such comments!
   ~~~
   As morning arrived, Lilian and Meredeth wanted to see Marcus, but his bed was empty. It looked like he left in a hurry.
   2
   "He is most likely busy with the war happening in the Underworld." The Witch of the Goldman family said with a sigh.
   "Yes. Our timing is not the best." The girl nodded with some sadness that her idol was busy and she couldn't talk with him.
   "Our? It's my brother's! He decided to become famous when Evil Gods were waging war on the Underworld!" The older Goldman sibling complained to her friend.
   "Yeah, that." Meredith had no idea how to argue with that. It's like he can decide when Evil Gods invade.
   While the pair of magic users were thinking about how to spend time, quite a bit of action was happening in Marcus' base.
   Over ten hours have passed since the inventor returned from the Atlantic Ocean.
   Marcus didn't waste time; 03 and 04 airships are operational, and the S.P.B.A forces are fully mobilised and ready for action. Ars Almadel Salomonis' main cannon is active, and the targeting system is online.
   6
   Initial forces are ready for action. That's right, 'initial'; another five airships are already underway, followed by more troops. Several mecha prototypes are already going through the testing phase.
   5
   The inventor rarely designs weapons, but this time, he spends the entire night creating more means to end life.
   10
   Once everything was ready, Marcus' group boarded their airships and flew west towards the Baltic Sea.
   They have people to pick up before entering the Underworld.
   As embarrassing as it is, Baldur and Thor couldn't breach the Abyss barriers cast by Tartarus.
   So, the Norse asked if they could join their group. Marcus quickly agreed with that. Though once again, Odin's actions spooked Solomon's Successor, the Allfather knew that Inventor was about to leave, so the One-eyed God messaged him.
   2
   As the three airships arrived around Gotland Island in the middle of the Baltic Sea, three beings flew over to them.
   Enterprise and another silver-haired beauty with lilac eyes followed Marcus to the hangar.
   3
   As the trio walked over, the two gods and a familiar white armoured being flew into the hangar.
   "Vali? I wasn't expecting you."
   The helmet retracted, revealing sombre-looking silver-haired Lucifer.
   "Nyx punched me from Underworld in a sense. A single punch knocked me out; my friends rescued me. By the way, can I summon them? They want to join me in the fight." Vali asked him; the fight against Nyx made him humble, as he wasn't like that in their first meeting several days ago.
   "Sure." Marcus agreed and then looked at the pair of Gods.
   "My apologies for not telling you about Vali. I am Baldur, and this is my brother Thor." The less bulky blonde Norse respectfully introduced himself.
   "It's fine. Vali, in a sense, is a welcome sight." Marcus smiled, seeing the White Dragon Emperor. The girl behind Marcus on his right moved her gaze towards the armoured-clad Devil.
   Her gaze was unreadable. She was scanning Vali.
   "Right, you just want more 'data'." Vali snorted at the inventor's response.
   "You know well enough already! That's great! Anyway, you guys can stay here or come with me on the bridge. It depends on you."
   Thor quickly declined the suggestion. He looked like he was in battle mode.
   "Me and my brothers will stay here. Loki's rampage ends today!"
   "Brothers? Vali, you got adopted?" Marcus asked with an amused look.
   "In a way. Anyway, Thor is right. The moment we are in the Underworld, we have things to do."
   "Fine. Then sit tight; we are leaving in a few minutes." The Inventor said his piece and proceeded to return to the bridge. The pair of girls followed right after him. The girl with lilac eyes looked at Vali before following Marcus.
   ~~~
   'That girl, she is a dragon, a legitimate dragon in human form.' Albion spoke directly to Vali.
   Lucifer's descendants looked at the silver-haired girl. This girl's clothes didn't fit with the current situation at all. She had a similar 'punk' style to him.
   3
   The Dragoness wears a black and purple hoodie, slim-fit shorts and white leather high heels.
   'Yeah, and her power is absurd. I could feel it was slowly growing.'
   'That's because it feels fresh, like very new; she is likely his latest creation. And that other girl, she is even more weird. She feels metal, like some sort of avatar of a machine.'
   4
   Albion pondered on what he felt.
   'No doubt something Marcus created for his faction.'
   'Yeah, we might be able to see them in action.'
   Vali slowly nodded, that is, if he doesn't get destroyed again. The enemies they are facing are dangerous Gods.
   For now, he should think about it and instead summon his friends.
   With a hand motion, his White Dragon Emperor magic circle appeared as he summoned a trio of people.
   The first one of notice was a black-haired cat girl dressed in a kimono with three tails.
   10
   The second one was a warrior dressed in ancient Chinese armour, with light brown hair, wielding a wooden pole and lastly, a blonde man dressed in a black suit; there was a sheathed sword on his hip; he looked like a swordsman.
   "So this is it? Not bad, not bad at all!" The first one to speak is the light brown-haired Chinese warrior guy. He looked around with some excitement.
   After all, there is something to look at! There are thousands of men lined up, followed by mechs behind them and a bunch of parked jets.
   It was a whole army inside the hangar of the airship.
   "They look robotic to me. Not that interesting~nya~" The cat girl shrugged with a bored look.
   2
   While the blonde man in the black suit looked on edge while looking around, he was looking for someone.
   'So this is it. I am finally inside; just wait, Le Fay! I will get you out of this place!'
   8
   "They might look robotic, but I saw first-hand how dangerous these can be," Vali replied to the cat girl's comment.
   He then looked at Baldur and Thor, who walked over to the edge of the hangar. They are going to go off the moment they cross to the Underworld.
   Sure enough, everyone felt a massive surge of mana flowing through the airship. Such an enormous amount made newcomers stand on the edge.
   Seconds later, the vessel moved. They are moving into another dimension!
   ~~~~~~Underworld~~~~~~
   Lands controlled by the Sitri family are full of lush vegetation and countless lakes; the family is renowned throughout the Underworld as leading experts in medicine and hospitals.
   However, this time around, these lands are swarmed with black-armoured ghost-like beings who simply won't die!
   One of the hospitals ended up being protected by an Ultimate Class Devil named Sairaorg Bael, the Heir of the Bael Family, the Great King Family.
   3
   Unlike other Devils, Sairaorg uses physical strength and Touki to utterly destroy any of the incoming wraiths, which Evil Gods made these Wraiths with the idea of nullifying Demonic and Bloodline powers.
   1
   "There is no end to these things!" Sairaorg's Knight complained as she saw an endless amount of enemies.
   "Try using your powers not directly on them but around them." The Queen of Sairaorg's Peerage commented, as her powers are working somewhat.
   Kuisha Abaddon, the Queen of Sairaorg's Peerage, wields the power of a spatial hole. In a sense, it's like miniature wormholes. Redirecting attacks is partially possible for her as long as it doesn't touch the creature.
   1
   So, throwing things at them is possible as well.
   Not that it does much damage. All the Queen can do is slow them down.
   "It's not like they feel pain! Something like making them fall will not hurt them!"
   As they continued to defend the hospital, which had Sairaorg's mother, the group didn't even think about leaving as their King didn't want to, not only because of his mother but other patients as well.
   But such resistance will eventually come biting them back.
   "Oh my, what do we have here?" Crushing Divine energy descended on the place as a woman dressed in black robes slowly landed on the ground. Her distinctive blue and red hair made her look unique.
   "You are..."
   "It doesn't matter who she is. We will defeat her. We have to." Sairaorg said that as he landed in front of the Goddess. He looked slightly winded as he had been crushing these wraiths for hours.
   "Such confidence, but I must give credit where it's due. You survived longer than other pillar families."
   "..."
   The devils in young Bael's Peerage paled upon hearing that.
   "What? You look shocked. All of the Satans are gone. After the Satans, we have the Ultimate class beings like Daihauser and other less-known beings. While they are strong for devils, they are no match for actual God.
   2
   Let me show you..."
   As she said that, she spread her hands and green and black energy surged. Creatures started to rise from the ground and merge with the wraiths, creating something even more horror-inducing.
   "You are the Norse Underworld Goddess!" Seeing that this Goddess can control the dead made the Devils quickly realise who she was.
   "Correct! Now die and join their ranks!"
   Improved Wraith beings rushed forward. They looked like ghostly horrors, wielding norse weapons like axes and shields, with a corrupting death aura. They were on a different level in the sense of formation battles; they acted like an actual army!
   "Regulus, let's do it!"
   With a burst of Gold, Sairaorg merged with a Longinus Sacred Gear and formed a golden warrior who rushed forward to fight Hel's forces.
   ...
   ...
   ...
   As the battle slowly became one-sided, a silver spear slammed into the ground and caused a massive shockwave, sending all wraiths and devils flying away.
   Only the Goddess Hel covered her face from the burst of energy as she could tank such a shockwave.
   "Who dares to interrupt my battle like this!?" The Norse Goddess snarled. She was having a great time! She was so close to getting a soul which could control a Nemean Lion!
   1
   "Are you the Norse Goddess of Underworld Hel?" A beautiful female voice asked from above them.
   Everyone looked up. The combatants saw a silver-haired girl with silver draconic wings slowly landing on the ground next to the spear.
   "Yes, and you are?"
   "My Emperor has struck a deal with Odin. The Allfather exiled you and Loki from your Pantheon. I am here to take you in." The girl plainly explained with a borderline bored voice.
   1
   "Ha! Do you think you can take me in? Haven't you noticed? My forces surrounded you!"
   "Surrounded? You call this 'surrounded'? An army of mosquitos. Let me show you what I do with mosquitos."
   2
   The Silver-haired girl's wings proceeded to glow.
   [Balance Breaker]
   A female draconic voice spoke from somewhere. Silver energy surrounded the dragon girl. Her height slightly increased as she ended up clad in lithe silver armour, and her spear got much more ornament and royal.
   3
   Most importantly, this transformation magnified her power many times.
   "Who-are you?"
   "What a stupid question to ask. Wasn't this war waged to attract my Emperor? You beings from the previous generation sure have gal to pull him out from his garage and then ask what am I?
   2
   I am his dragon, his Empress, the Silver Dragon Empress, Gu Yuena, and now I shall teach you why you should not provoke a sleeping dragon."
   9
   With a casual lift of her spear, all of the wraiths contrasted. It looked like space had shrunk around them. The move squeezed the very existence out of them.
   With a simple move, the Silver Dragoness crushed Hel's army into metal scraps.
   "Damn..."
   "She controls space! But the scale! How strong is this girl!?" Kuisha was awed by the sheer scale of space control this girl could wield!
   It's like she is a Goddess of Void of some sort!
   3
   Goddess Hel looked around as she saw the aftermath of the attack. All that was left was scrap metal!
   "Shall we? I still need to test my powers. You see, I am pretty grumpy after being awakened and shipped to the battlefield. Instead of getting a beautiful welcome, all I got was wartime regulations.
   2
   Now I need to release this pent-up desire to crush bugs."
   3
   The taunting and annoying voice from the armour-clad dragon girl is starting to bug the Underworld Goddess!
   "Fine! I will show you what happens when a little girl thinks she can fight a Goddess!"
   With a furious roar, the Norse Goddess lunged at Gu Yuena. However, the black-robed Goddess just- floated; her movement slowed, and it looked like she stopped moving!
   1
   "Well? I am waiting. Are you going to attack me?" The armour-clad dragoness moved her head to the side. She is pretending to be confused.
   "Oh, right! I am sorry; my power is so strong that I don't even know the limits of it. Let me reel it in so that you could attack me~"
   8
   The Goddess mid-air trembled from anger as she realised that her opponent was mocking her!
   With a roar, she released a blast of death and decaying energy towards the silver-haired girl.
   But once again, the blast didn't even float out from the Hel's area!
   "Careful, don't kill yourself; I still need to bring you back to my Emperor."
   With a single step, the dragon girl appeared behind the Norse Goddess. The red and blue-haired woman tried to turn around, but her speed of turning around was slower than a turtle.
   2
   Gu Yuena's spear ended up slapping Hel's face. The force of smack nailed the Underworld's Deity into the ground.
   1
   There was no competition. It was a one-sided beatdown. Still, the Goddess tried to stand up and try to attack.
   "This isn't over-*Oof*!"
   The Silver-Haired Empress' fist slammed into Hel's gut as she collapsed on her knees before assuming the fetal position.
   5
   She was twitching from all that pain.
   "How pathetic is this? I can't believe he sent me to do this." The Dragoness' helmet retracted as she looked at the collapsed form of the Norse Deity.
   She then looked at the onlookers.
   They all look shocked at the short, one-sided beatdown.
   "You all should return to the hospital and find somewhere safe. My Emperor's forces have arrived. Soon, this place will turn into a battlefield." The Silver Dragon Empress said to the devils.
   "Who are you? I never heard of Silver Dragon Emperor." Sairaorg replied to the armoured dragon girl.
   "Emperor? I am Empress; my Emperor is my Emperor; we are a Duo of new Dragon Emperors."
   "...New... is that even possible?"
   "Look at what is before you and come to your conclusion. I am not here to persuade anyone." Gu Yuena countered his words with an annoyed shrug, then used her spear to pick up the Goddess Hel. In a sense, it looked hilarious, as the Dragoness was treating the Goddess like a sack of potatoes.
   Once she got what she came here for, she flew away rapidly. Well, it's more like reality pushed her towards a direction at enormous speed.
   This girl's powers were not some draconic abilities like Boost or Divide; no, this was manipulation of space at an absurd level!
   "Damn, who is this Emperor? This guy created a hot girl." Rook of Sairaorg complimented after seeing the dragoness' looks.
   "Pretty sure it's Marcus Goldman. He is here most likely to find out what happened to Satan Leviathan. As far as I know from the rumour, she was his Girlfriend." Sairaorg said with crossed arms.
   He doesn't know how to feel about the whole idea that forces from all sorts of Pantheons are treating the Underworld like some sort of sandbox where they can play war.
   3
   "Damn, dude just created girls for himself, no wonder Satan Leviathan is so grumpy all the time." Sairaorg's Peerage members tried to lighten up the mood. Not that it was helping as those ghostly creatures destroyed everything, only the main building standing, which they were guarding.
   ~~~~~~Elsewhere, Underworld~~~~~~
   In the skies of the Underworld, Baldur and Thor have cornered Loki, who was wearily looking at the Norse Gods.
   "That's enough, Loki! It appears your 'friends' have abandoned you." Thor mocked the Trickster God, who was smiling the whole time.
   Behind Thor, some distance away, was Baldur, who was here as an extra just to make sure Loki didn't trick Thor into something absurd.
   In a sense, this was the Norse telling the Devils that they were treating this situation seriously, well, as serious as it gets with their Pantheon. They have no interest in Evil Gods and their war. But removing Loki and his goons is something they will help with.
   "Not quite Thor..."
   The Frost Giant rushed at hammer-wielding God, who scoffed at the idea of fighting Loki of all people. Their difference between powers is vast, like the ocean.
   Their fists collided midair, causing a large shockwave. Loki lost this collision as he was sent flying back, but there was a pained smirk on his face.
   "You think you can take both of us at the same time!? Don't make me laugh-Ughh!???" Thor looked at his hand, which started to darken!
   "What is this!?"
   "Aghhhn!!!!"
   The blonde God started to scream from the sheer pain he was feeling.
   "What did you do to Thor? Loki!" Baldur swiftly rushed over to inspect his brother, but the spreading of the darkness continued through Lightning God's body.
   "Hahaha, courtesy of Angra Mainyu! He gave me this pendant to deal with you!"
   "You fool! Why are you taking items from the incarnation of Evil!? Have you lost all reason!?" Baldur snapped at the Frost Giant for his foolishness, but at that moment, Thor's scream turned inhumane as he turned into a blob of black dirt!
   1
   "...Impossible, Thor is one of the most powerful gods in the world! How can this thing consume him so quickly?"
   As the oldest of Odin's sons looked at this with sheer disbelief, the black dirt rushed at Loki, whose grin had turned feral.
   The black dirt started to merge with Loki as his skin turned frost blue, and his height increased to around 3 to 4 metres; Loki's power immensely grew as he took Thor's power!
   "No more mocking, isn't it? Let me show you my power! Baldur!" Loki swung his fist, which was full of black lightning, rushing towards the Norse God.
   Baldur swiftly dodged and proceeded to summon his weapon, but Loki's other fist slammed into him, sending him flying into the mountains in the distance.
   The punch was devastating as the world was spinning for the oldest son of Odin.
   "Now, witness the power I have acquired!"
   The Frost Giant's body glowed with black haze, and torrents of black and green lightning descended where Baldur had crashed.
   'His power is unstable; some attacks are dangerous to me, but others just tickle.'
   The Norse God noticed that Loki's new form was unstable as well. His limbs inflate and then shrink.
   "You are all talk, Loki. You can barely handle Thor's power!"
   "Ha! You are jealous that I took it instead of you!"
   The Frost Giant scoffed as he charged forward and tried to smash the smaller God with his enlarged body.
   'It appears that power is corrupting his mind as well.'
   Baldur proceeded to annoy the God of Mischief even further as he realised that Frost Giant was becoming more unstable.
   "As if I need power. You are the only weakling around here, Loki!"
   "You dare to call me weak when I took Thor's power!?" With a roar, Loki's fist inflated as he smashed the Norse God into the ground.
   Baldur coughs some blood from the impact.
   "Not taught now, are you?"
   Loki proceeded to pin the oldest son of Odin to the ground and then started punching the daylight out of him!
   A rain of fists, full of black lightning, descended on the Norse God.
   Going faster and faster, the Frost Giant proceeded to laugh wildly with each delivered punch until he just stopped in his tracks.
   "W-What is happening!?"
   "Haven't you realised yet? You took Thor's powers through a curse, and the same curse started to affect you as well."
   Sure enough, Loki started to melt like a slab of ice left in the desert.
   Baldur swiftly removed himself and took some space; he watched with fascination and anger how Loki, who had Thor's power, simply melted away, and then the black slob of mud got on crimson fire and burned out.
   "Damn you, Angra Mainyu."
   This was all the Norse God could say before passing out from all the damage he sustained from the attacks.
   ~~~
   4
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   ~~~
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   Chapter 61: Counteroffensive
   (2 out of 3 chapters this week)
   Three Daedalus-Class Airships were floating above Lilith, the Capital of the Devil Kind.
   In the middle airship, the Icarus, Marcus was sitting on his throne; before him was the floor turned into a video screen thanks to the Realitus.
   "The city is crawling with those things. How could Hades allow such a thing?" Artemis exclaimed with some disbelief. Did her uncle go utterly senile?
   "Use your senses. There is nothing about your uncle in these things." Marcus said with a calculating look.
   "...You are right. I don't sense any Greek divinity from these things. There are some Norse Divinity. But it's mostly just pure evil."
   As he heard her explain, the Alchemist noticed one interesting thing. It's like Hades released all the crap he had in his basement and allowed it room.
   It's like, 'You wanted to keep this shit in my domain? Well, no more! You can have it!'
   "It appears your uncle decided to discard everything which was forced on him to be kept in his underworld, washing his hands away from the consequences." Marcus snorted with amusement as he said that. He can imagine all the godlings telling him to keep their villains in his basement.
   "I don't think it works like that," Artemis said with a twitchy smile.
   "It would work if he beats everything in his path." He shrugged casually. But Serafall's image, which Realitus created as she was aboard her airship, finally spoke.
   "Can we start the counterattack already?"
   "Hmm, right. Let's start, deploy the walkers." He motioned with his finger to get it to his crew.
   "Deploying Walkers."
   ~~~
   Underbelly hulls of Daedalus-Class opened, and metal objects similar to walnuts in shape started to fall into the city's ruins.
   1
   Upon landing, sounds of metallic transformation followed. The walnut opened up like a flower. It had eight legs, and it started to stand up. The sound of transformer change followed as twin barrels extended, followed by a pair of hands holding missile pods. It has six eyes, which allows it to have 360 views of its surroundings.
   3
   [Initiating Purge Protocols]
   7
   [Revolver System Online]
   [Motion to Printing Systems Online]
   [M.G.M.I. 'Walker' Online.]
   [Loading De-Atomization Missiles]
   Missile pods on the walker's hands, shoulders and back opened up as they were loaded and ready for launch.
   [Firing]
   Over twenty walkers shot their missiles at the aimlessly walking Wraiths. The missiles disintegrated them on the spot.
   "It appears they can't see them." Atalanta looked at this with a slight frown. There was no reaction from these Wraiths.
   "Maybe because they are not alive?" Enterprise commented as she saw this as well.
   "That's fine. We are going to use this until these things adjust." Marcus smirked as he motioned for the walkers to switch to their primary weapon, the twin barrels.
   "Start the purge."
   3
   The walkers on the ground closed the missile pods, and the small assembly lines built inside started reloading them.
   At the same time, the walkers started to walk and gather energy. Once they got enough motion to mana, they were ready to shoot.
   Since the barrels rotated upper, one shot from north to clockwise down. The lower barrel shot from south to north. The walker did a complete ring of destruction.
   *Metallic Horn*
   1
   "..."
   "War of The Worlds?"
   3
   Serafall asked as she heard the horn blaring through the city.
   "Indeed. I considered making the Tripods, but the Daedalus airship is too small to store. I guess once we switch to starships, we can have them." Marcus lazily commented as he watched the handy work of the walkers.
   1
   The destruction capacity was just like they calculated.
   But then the Wraiths started to react. It appears the enemy made adjustments to their foot soldiers.
   "Aurora. Did you find the frequency?"
   [Analysing magic used to control the wraiths.]
   The percentage started to go up. At the same time, the wraiths began to attack the walkers.
   From a distance, other enemies started to rush towards the walkers as well. Among them were Cerberuses, Frost Giants and other creatures from hell itself.
   Seeing this, Marcus switched to second phase two.
   "Deploy S.P.B.A."
   "Deploying troops."
   The main force proceeded to scramble as well. The gunships started to leave the airships.
   "I would like to join the assault as well," Enterprise said from behind Marcus Throne.
   "Very well."
   After hearing all clear, the silver-haired girl walked towards the lift.
   "Since this is the case, I would like to deploy my prototypes." Quinella, aboard her Axiom, said with a barely hidden competitive voice.
   She won't allow a ship girl to get one on her! She will impress her creator more than that girl!
   "Do it. I want to see what you cooked up in that limited time." Marcus easily allowed. He even looked giddy with such an opportunity.
   3
   ~~~
   "Deploy the Yaegers! Let's show what our mechs can do!" Quinella ordered her crew.
   9
   "Deploying Mechanised Infantry!"
   Much broader and bigger gunships have left the hangars of the Airship Axiom. These gunships don't carry soldiers but large sealed boxes attached via magnets.
   As the gunships got close to the ground, the gunship released the magnets, and the boxes dropped on the rubble ground.
   Transformer sound spread through the area as the boxes started to change. Raptor-like legs slowly stood up, revealing humanoid medieval armour, a knight helmet with horns and a pair of hands; the hands, however, below the elbow were thin blades which were glowing black and red. These- mechs were standing above two metres.
   [M.T.M Reactor Online]
   [Inniating Purge Protocols]
   [M.G.M.I 'Yeager' Online]
   2
   The mechs looked around, swiftly distinguishing enemies and jumping onto the battlefield.
   Because of the style of these machines, they are fast-running mechs working as front-line wave mechs. They are cheap, easy to make and have no higher purpose but killing as many as possible before they blow up.
   1
   That's why they lunged forward into Wraiths, Frost Giants, and Cerberuses to blow up, if not slicing through enemies.
   And Quinella has brought a lot of them. The gunships don't stop dropping the Yeager units.
   When S.P.B.A left their Gunships, the Yeagers had made a frontline alongside the Walker Spiders.
   "Go, go! Into positions!" Squads of Mandalorian-like soldiers rushed to take cover and opened fire on the screeching wraiths.
   2
   Back on Icarus, Serafall proposed the next course of action.
   "We should retake the centre first and then spread out to all the sides."
   As she said that, Realitus revealed a tactical map.
   "The government building?" Marcus pondered as he looked at the map.
   "We can discharge purifying lightning through the main cannons towards that direction, then send a squadron of Starcreams," Quinella suggested as she showed her plan via a simulation.
   "Or I can spearhead the attack," Enterprise said as her Realitus clone appeared beside the map.
   "I have my squadrons of fighters and bombers; they can clean a path, and then I can send my S.P.B.A to retake the government building." She said that while looking at Marcus, Enterprise completely ignored her 'competition'. In truth, she doesn't even see her as competition. She has her talents, and so does his A.I. Turned biological girl.
   "Do so, Enterprise. I want to see you fight." The Alchemist quickly agreed as he saw the plan.
   "I won't disappoint you."
   After saying that, the Biological Combat Model disappeared. The maids and Serafall could see Quinella's dark look; they sweatdropped.
   5
   Their actions don't look like a part of a war; it's more like a game about who will get the most 'points' from their creator.
   "Good, since Enterprise is getting the city centre, we must clean up the suburban areas.
   Did we finish the scans of Azazel? His light energy?" Marcus pondered after seeing the composition of the Wraiths on one of the screens. He already started to get info after his S.P.B.A. engaged those things in close range.
   "Yes, that power structure has been added to the Revolver system." One of the crew girls said to him.
   "Then tell new deployments to switch to this ammo and load it to the batteries facing the ground."
   "At once!"
   Second later, the cannons which target the ground started raining down light energy, and the newest deployed S.P.B.A switched from De-Atomization rounds to Light Rounds. They even gave new cartridges to already deployed soldiers.
   Slowly, the battlefield got a new colour, yellow; it looked like the angels themselves joined the fight.
   The wave of the Wraiths slowly started to burn away, leaving other creatures to fight at the front lines like the Frost Giants
   However, this is where walkers and the Yeagers come into play.
   Before long, the fighting turned into urban style, as suburban areas shifted into taller buildings like skyscrapers.
   The S.P.B.A. proceeded to check building after building, floor after floor.
   1
   ~~~
   "This is Epsilon squad D-9. The fifth floor is clear."
   [Roger, Epsilon D-9, proceed to the sixth floor.]
   After receiving the orders, the squad of five rushed upstairs. Their HUD quickly detected a lifeform.
   The leader raised his hand and motioned to stop; he then, with his fingers, gave orders.
   The heavy gunner's weapon transformed into a shotgun. Then, he got into his position.
   The sniper of the team went to the back. He got ready with his heavy barrel rifle.
   The leader counted down from three to zero; the next moment, the doors shattered from a heavy shotgun shot, and it broke whatever barrier was in place.
   "Go, Go, Go!"
   The squad rushed in. However, there was no resistance.
   What they found was a hurt woman. She had a pair of horns and cherry-coloured hair. The woman raised her hands when she saw the group of soldiers.
   The armoured men lowered their guns.
   "You are a civilian? Identify yourself." The squad leader ordered her.
   "Roygun Belphegor, from Extra Demon families, Head of Belphegor Family." She identified herself.
   5
   "Head of a Family? One moment, we shall confirm your identity." The Leader of the Squad turned to the side as he started communicating with someone; two remained to watch over her while the other two proceeded to explore the room.
   A few short moments later, the leader finished with his communication and looked at her.
   "With wartime exemptions, only visual confirmation is required. You may come with us; our Creator and Leader wishes to speak with you."
   "...Very well."
   One of the squad members did something to his gun before pointing it at her.
   "!?"
   Then he shot her. But instead of damage, what she received was accelerated healing!
   3
   "...Impressive." Roygun looked at her hands, feeling her energy returning and her wound rapidly recovering.
   "First aid, you can see medical staff aboard Icarus."
   "...Icarus?"
   ...
   ...
   ...
   As Roygun left the building, what she saw in the distance, several buildings away, was the frontline.
   A bunch of soldiers like the one with her were fighting the Cerberus, some hell monstrosities. But then a Frost giant walked over and was about to swing his massive club.
   But that moment from building a literal robot, it jumped down with both hands for blades on the Frost Giant, stabbing in its back.
   The Frost Giant roared from pain; before it could trash around, another robot rushed from the side and sliced the Giant's legs.
   The cut Made it drop to the ground. Then, the third one rushed from the front and stabbed right into its head. The robot killed Frost Giant in the process.
   "So this is Marcus Goldman's faction. Interesting-" As Roygun said that a gunship arrived for her.
   As the side doors opened, several of the same types of soldiers came out.
   "Come with us, Roygun Belphegor."
   1
   She didn't question and entered the gunship.
   As the gunship started to rise, a metallic horn sounded as a beam of energy rushed where the fighting was happening. The devil lady saw a spider-like tank with two barrels entering the fight.
   'Satan Leviathan has downplayed this Alchemist power- can he wage war like this? What does all of this mean?'
   As she pondered, she could see the state of the Capital from the gunship's small entrances on the sides. Eventually, her eyes ended up on three massive airships floating towards the city centre.
   'Those...airships?'
   Honestly, she didn't believe much that something like a super super-advanced faction existed. Like, what's the point? There is magic which can do all that. But after seeing how these robots don't struggle against Frost Giants and those soldiers with strange weapons. Maybe that's what Devil Kind needs to survive this war.
   As the gunship landed in the middle airship and opened up, she could see hundreds of men waiting for their turn to get some action.
   'That's a lot of soldiers...'
   The size of these 'reinforcements' is good to see, but-
   "Come with us; We will take you to our Creator and Leader."
   A pair of powerful-looking soldiers who had half capes and a bunch of ornaments with impressive-looking weapons greeted her.
   "Of course."
   She followed the pair to a wide-looking lift, which took her to the top.
   Several short moments later, the double doors opened, and she saw a vast room with a window in the distance. This place was the bridge of the airship.
   Computer consoles were around the bridge used by only female officers, with a throne in the middle; in front of the throne on the ground was a familiar city map.
   "Satan Leviathan, it's good to see that you are alive," Roygun said with a relieved voice.
   "Roygun Belphegor? Same to you. I am happy that there are some Ultimate Class devils still around." Serafall said with a relieved voice as well.
   "I am considered lucky. I noticed that these Wraiths only see sources of Demonic energy and Heat. I was dumb luck after experiencing an injury. I hid myself in a skyscraper. Those things are not the smartest. After destroying several stairs, they couldn't get to higher levels.
   However, your soldiers quickly passed such hurdles."
   As she explained, her gaze eventually went to the throne where a man sat.
   He looked pretty indifferent at everything which was happening.
   Though, she ignored that; instead, she marvelled at his power and looks.
   'This is Marcus Goldman. He is so young! Not going to lie, Lady Serafall has good taste!'
   4
   Marcus, in front of her, is hitting all those check marks without even trying!
   "We expected heat vision. Which Wraiths already adjusted. However, demonic energy was something we haven't addressed." Marcus finally spoke; his voice made the Devil Lady tremble. It was almost hypnotic!
   "Tell me, Miss Roygun, your story. Maybe we will pick something we have missed; after all, you are the first person we have found alive."
   *Gulp*
   Her eyes trembled when he said that! She is the only one!? But this is Lilith!!! The biggest city on this side of the world!
   If this is true, then devil-kind numbers are critically low!
   4
   "As you wish, I will tell you about the invasion from my side." The devil lady proceeded to tell them.
   1
   ~~~~~~Enterprise~~~~~~
   The Silver-haired shipgirl landed on the roof of a five-floor building and looked towards the government castle-like building.
   One thing for sure is that the devil-kind loves their castles. The carrier ship girl hasn't seen much to compare these, but one thing she is confident about is that such big castles are not around that much on Earth.
   'I should ask Admiral for one of those 'dates' to take me around his country. I do wish to compare buildings on the land.'
   As she pondered on that, her Neo Sacred Gear manifested in her hand. It was a bow made from blue crystalline metal; there was no bowstring. However, the moment she brought her hand closer, energy manifested around the bow.
   2
   With casual motion, she pulled the string and an energy arrow from pure purple-ish blue energy manifested. The ship girl casually released it, and the arrow rushed towards the Wraith
   It nailed one, second, third, fourth, and lastly, fifth armoured ghost being. The arrow expanded before blowing up with the five enemies.
   "...Hmm, the bow is strong, but it's meant for a single target, more or less. I suppose my Admiral prepared me for crowd control and one-on-one situations." As she whispered that to herself, the girl dismissed her bow as golden space behind her rippled.
   Several barrels of cannons came out.
   6
   "I might not be a battleship, but I know how to fight! fire!"
   Red and black beams started to rain from her position towards the Wraiths surrounding the castle-like building.
   Her actions attracted the enemies as all sorts of beings started to rush towards her, from hell hounds to minotaur-like creatures.
   "Oh? Do you guys think you have air superiority when you are this far from the Admiral's location? My, such arrogance..." The girl smirked as she slightly fixed her hand.
   Slowly behind her, a massive ship emerged from another space. One after another, jet fighters began to take off from the runway one after another. These jets started to intercept enormous bats and demonic-looking birds.
   Then, the carrier started to rain clusters of missiles at the enemies!
   A few minutes later, when Enterprise stood in the streets, most battles around this area had stopped.
   This power is the reason why her classification is a 'Pantheon-tier'.
   She has an army of her own.
   By the time she was in front of the government building, there were several hundred S.P.B.A soldiers around her. These were her Marines.
   2
   "Capture the building, flush the stranglers out. When my Admiral is here, I want him to know this place is under control."
   "Yes! Commander!" The marines rushed inside, and the fighting continued as enemies waited in all sorts of hiding spots in the building.
   'This is strange; I haven't noticed any sort of dead bodies yet.'
   Enterprise looked around. Her HUD was scanning everything, looking for clues!
   'Are they recycling them?'
   1
   Such realisation made her frown heavily. If this is true, then there is barely life left in the Underworld.
   As she thought about that, she walked inside the government building.
   ~~~
   In the destroyed Headquarters of the Fallen Angels, Angra Mainyu turned its head towards the direction of Devil-Kind civilisation.
   "It appears he is here, my rival! Finally! Finally, this war can start! Ddraig! Albion! Let's test him! Go, you two; I want to see if he can match Heavenly Dragons reborn!"
   5
   A pair of draconic roars spread through the area as red and white dragons took to the skies.
   Angra Mainyu is confident about his two dragons. After all, it buffed them to the point that they could use their signature moves and wield their deadly flames.
   1
   "Ah, and yes, my pets are dying too fast; it's time for an upgrade." The Evil incarnate lifted his hand and looked at King Piece of Evil Pieces.
   "Ajuka, you were too soft. So what if they are dangerous? Just make them blow up when they have no use. Fufufuhahahaha."
   ~~~
   Enterprise walked around the government building; she saw the four thrones, the council room and other ministries.
   Eventually, she secured all of the building and contacted her Admiral via her HUD.
   "Admiral, the building is secured; we can begin the counterattack from here." The ship girl said with crossed arms.
   "Good. Before we do that, there are two incoming enemies with high-energy signatures. According to the data, they are Ddraig and Albion."
   The silver-haired girl's eyes widened for a second. Those are Heavenly Dragons!
   "But they should be dead?"
   "We are dealing with Evil Gods; those beings have their means to resurrect beings. By all means, treat them as Evil Dragons instead of Heavenly Dragons."
   "Understood. I will deal with them." Enterprise said with a severe tone. She will prove herself by disposing of the old generation!
   "Fine, I will have Gu Yuena on standby."
   "No need. I will use my ship in its true form."
   "Very well."
   After finishing the call, she left the building, floated to her ship's command tower, and waited for the enemies.
   The beauty accessed her HUD and used the network to locate the incoming enemies.
   Once, she saw a pair of high-energy sources with familiar signatures.
   'There you are.'
   Her carrier ship proceeded to fly towards the pair of dragons.
   *Roar**Roar*
   "It appears a scrap metal wants to fight us!"
   "That's some arrogance."
   The pair of dragons looked identical to the originals. Enterprise compared these two with the images provided by the Aurora Network.
   "I needed to double-check. I don't want to kill the wrong dragons."
   As she said that, her mana roared to life as she floated up into the sky.
   Her carrier launched all of the bombers and jet fighters, and then it proceeded to change its position from horizontal to vertical.
   Then transformer sounds followed as the carrier started to change into humanoid form. A familiar head with a 'V' shaped visor, reminiscent of a Samurai helmet, the bombers and jet fighters fused to form the machine's wings and a massive buster sword.
   By the time the transformation was over, the machine was towering over the pair of Dragons.
   "This is my Enterprise's true form, Destiny Gundam!" The mech grabbed the sword with both hands. The blade glowed sinister red, and the pair of wings on its back ignited with purple-pink particles.
   9
   Before it moved, the mech's green eyes glowed and disappeared with an array of after images.
   1
   The wings are not 'real thrusters'. They emit psionic particles, which warp space, allowing the machine to ignore gravity.
   That's why it can move extremely fast, even with its size being over a hundred metres tall.
   The machine appeared in front of Albion, who used its serpentine body to evade and swiftly counter with its poisonous flames.
   But the mech spun out of its way and removed one of the hands from the blade; the hand's palm started to glow as it grabbed the dragon by the neck.
   [DIVIDE]
   [DIVIDE]
   [DIVIDE]
   However, the energy from the palm didn't shrink at all.
   Instead, it glowed even before exploding the head in gory fashion.
   "Impossible! Why did White One's power not work!"
   "Because it's a machine and not a living being. Your friend tried to Divide wrong thing." Enterprise explained with an indifferent voice.
   "You pair of dragons have been studied and figured out long ago." As she said that, the machine threw the body of Albion to the side, and a loud thud followed.
   1
   The S.P.B.A. will recover the body of the white dragon and will be studied further. Maybe Enterprise's Admiral will find something more interesting. But then again, he already has the 'Culmination of all of his Dragon studies' in the form of Gu Yuena and the Golden Dragon Neo-Sacred Gear.
   *Roar*
   [BOOST]
   [BOOST]
   [BOOST]
   [BOOST]
   [EXPLOSION]
   1
   The red dragon opened its mouth and released a torrent of scorching flames towards the machine.
   But the mech ignited its wings again and took some distance before releasing a slash of purple-pink energy from its blade, cutting the flames and then rushing towards the dragon.
   The dragon dodged the slash and then got close to the mech.
   If it can't beat in long range, it might as well disassemble piece by piece.
   The copy of Ddraig's mouth glowed as it used its other ability.
   [PIERCE]
   Before it can sink its teeth into the machine
   The stomach area of Destiny Gundam glowed as it released a beam of black and red energies.
   It was a built-in cannon in the stomach area.
   At point black range, it was deadly to the Red Dragon, who didn't expect such a thing.
   "Damn you..."
   The dragon had a hole in its body and dropped to the city below.
   "At least the Admiral will have your skull, which he can place on a wall."
   Enterprise was pleased that the head of Red Dragon survived. She is sad that she couldn't do the same with the White One.
   Once the fight had ended, her Gundam switched back to the Carrier ship. The Silver head landed on the command tower and contacted her Admiral.
   "The Dragons have been taken care of."
   "Wonderfully done. I am pleased with your performance, Enty."
   2
   When she heard that, her heart went, 'Doki, Doki'.
   "Y-Yes! It was my pleasure! I shall return to guarding the government building! I mean time, I will send someone to collect the corpses of the clones of the Heavenly Dragons."
   "Don't worry about those. I will send one of the airships to collect them."
   1
   "Understood!"
   The shipgirl swiftly returned to her watch.
   The fight between the Gundam and the dragons has been seen by whatever surviving Devils were over the city. It was hard to miss because of their sheer sizes.
   ~~~~~~Meantime~~~~~~
   Quinella clenched her fist as she watched how Enterprise scored her two kills and succeeded in conquering the government building!
   "How is the situation with my Integrity Knights?" She asked her second in command.
   The girl next to her trembled for a second. She could sense pure anger radiating from the M.A.I. turned human.
   "...Umm... only six are ready for combat."
   "Six!?" The Platinum-haired girl exclaimed as she closed her eyes and used her interface to access the airship.
   What she saw was precisely what her second-in-command had just said.
   She opened her eyes and clicked her tongue. Her elites are nowhere near ready to impact the battlefield significantly.
   Her 'Integrity Knights' are a mix of soldiers who have mechs. They can fight even when they lose the machines. These units are mixes of Marcus' current guard and the Starscream Jet fighters.
   They have both a plane mode and a mech mode; once the mech is damaged, the knight can continue to fight without its 'mount'. That's what makes one a 'Knight'.
   This idea came to her after watching Code Geass and their Round Tables.
   As she pondered, the Realitus system came online, and Marcus manifested before her. Next to him was Serafall.
   Seconds later, the map of the capital, Lilith, appeared.
   The Alchemist proceeded to explain their next move.
   "With Enterprise taking over the government building, we are spreading out to capture the whole city.
   By the time we have the entire city, more airships will join us. By then, we could create a proper frontline."
   "What about the Evil Gods? They haven't done anything. Apart from capturing Hel, we have no idea what happened to Loki, Baldur, and Thor." Quinella said with a frown. She needs to get her brownie points! Any of the gods are good for her!
   "That's what we are doing. We are fighting someone who is just like me. A creator, as a creator, makes his creations fight us.
   The only way we will make it appear is by crushing his toys. The rest of the Evil Gods will appear as we approach that godling's location."
   Marcus said that as he crossed his hands.
   "So, a game?" Serafall frowned heavily. She doesn't like this one bit.
   "Precisely, however, I don't know if this God knows, but giving us time is the stupidest thing he could do. So, I am giving him a chance."
   After saying that, the trio decided how they would spread their airships.
   Quinella and Serafall were both eager to 'spread' their wings and started to expand in opposite directions while Marcus decided to make himself 'home' in Lilith's centre.
   His Icarus was floating right above the government building.
   Slowly, he started to drop Aurora bots, who began to work on the fortifications.
   ~~~
   "You know. You can send me to hunt for more Gods for you." Gu Yuena said with crossed arms as she sat on the armrest of her creator's throne.
   She wasn't sitting on his lap; nope, the Dragoness was waiting for him to do that! For him to pull her into his lap!
   "No need. I am not rushing. Rushing would be the most stupid thing to do.
   Angra Mainyu is giving me time. The Evil God is waiting for this. He waits for me to build my base before we can play proper 'war'." Marcus said quite casually as he was using his hand to lean his head on. He looked like he was ignoring Gu Yuena's advances on the other side.
   Seeing this, the Dragoness pouted as she plopped on his lap either way.
   By that point, she proceeded to snuggle. Atalanta, who was behind the throne, looked at this with narrowed eyes.
   "So you intend to remain here? Master?" Artemis, who heard everything, spoke with a knowing voice.
   "Precisely. We are doing what Romans were known for. They were always the third party when they were expanding the most.
   Helping a friend in need is necessary."
   The Goddess giggled for a second.
   "You do know that I have another name?" The Goddess inquired.
   "Diana? The Roman Goddess?" Marcus clarified he was sure of this.
   "Indeed. I know Roman culture; what you are speaking of is the time between the Republic and the Empire. It was amusing, period. Because, at that time, Romans profited the most from helping their 'friends'." Artemis understood well what Marcus was saying.
   "Then you know I won't leave this place anytime soon."
   "Yes, I doubt anyone can raise their objection." The Goddess nonchalantly shrugged.
   "By the time they even consider my S.P.B.A. will be crawling in every single corner." He said that while looking at the Realitus projection, more and more Aurora Bots are being transported from the gunship, followed by Walkers dropping from the Airship.
   "Yes. Well, I don't think your devil friends will like that." Gu Yuena commented as she saw how the Leviathan and that horned Devil lady were emotionally attached to their kind.
   "Sacrifices will be made. They want them 'saved'. It will cost them land and exciting things to research." Marcus finally hugged the Dragoness, who wanted his attention.
   5
   ~~~
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   ~~~
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   Chapter 62: Agares Pillar
   1
   (3 out of 3 chapters this week)
   "Hmm? It appears they didn't last even ten minutes against his forces." Angra Mainyu looked towards the direction of the battlefield; its two clones of Heavenly Dragons had died effortlessly.
   "Well, it doesn't matter; I can make more of those things. It's not like it's difficult." The Evil Incarnate scoffed, thinking about that.
   "For now, I keep throwing them into that meat grinder while I collect things I need~."
   The Ancient Deity summoned its magic circle and disappeared from the destroyed Headquarters of Fallen Angels.
   1
   It appeared in a location where a battle had happened a few minutes ago.
   Walking around for a bit, the burning eyes of Angra Mainyu located what it was looking for; a grin appeared on the possessed body of Ajuka Beelzebub.
   "Ajuka...Beelzebub?"
   "Hmm?"
   The possessed devil looked to the side, spotting a significantly wounded Norse God.
   "...Yes, WE are Ajuka Beelzebub. I guess it was hard to ask Loki to take care of you two at once." Ajuka's voice said with a laugh. The secondary voice was much more sinister.
   "...You are one of those Evil Gods!" Baldur realised who it was!
   "Evil Gods? Are you mocking me, Mortal? I am EVIL ITSELF!" 'Ajuka' pointed his hand at Baldur; a black dirt-like substance rushed out from its hand.
   1
   "...You are-Angra Mainyu!" These were the last words the Norse God said before this dirt consumed him. He has no strength to resist whatever it is after fighting Empowered Loki.
   Once the God turned to dirt, it rushed back to Angra Mainyu, same with the other blob containing Loki and Thor's powers.
   As these pieces merged with the original owner, the Deity's power that moment skyrocketed to another level.
   Black miasma, followed by black lightning, crackled around the Evil Incarnate! The ground under its feet cracked and shattered into dust, space warped around the power of the being.
   "Hahahaha! Such power~."
   "Hmm?"
   A white blur grabbed Angra Mainyu's back.
   [DIVIDE]
   [DIVIDE]
   [DIVIDE]
   [DIVIDE]
   [DIVIDE]
   The Ancient being felt how its power rapidly got depleted.
   "Are you sure you know what you are doing? Vali Lucifer?"
   "Now!"
   At that moment, a pole went right for 'Ajuka's' head. The being didn't even bother to dodge as the attack collided with the Evil Incarnate.
   The strike shattered even more ground under its feet.
   At that moment, it could feel its legs sealed in mud. Someone locked its movement.
   Another person rushed at it from the back and tried to stab it.
   "Impressive teamwork, but when four mosquitos try to kill a dinosaur, it never ends well. Don't you think Vali Lucifer?" Angra Mainyu didn't move or try to do anything. It simply commented on their teamwork.
   3
   The sword didn't even scratch 'Ajuka'.
   "...You..." The blonde sword user exclaimed with disbelief; his attack did nothing!
   "You drained me of my divinity. Do you know what you are doing?" Evil Incarnate comment again.
   [Shit! Vali! Quickly discard this thing's energy!] Albion spoke through the Balance Breaker form's wings.
   Vali swiftly got away from the Deity. It swiftly started to remove the newly acquired energy.
   "As if..."
   "Agh!!!" The last remaining Lucifer screamed from pain as he dropped to the ground and started to trash.
   "My oh my, such a strong will! I suppose I found myself a new body." At that moment, Vali's Balance Breaker got disabled as Vali started to trash around, holding his head.
   "A-As if I become your toy! I would rather die here!!!"
   *SMASH*
   "..."
   Angra Mainyu's smile disappeared as it saw Vali strike himself in the heart!
   """Vali!!!"""
   The whole team of Vali looked shocked to see him just kill himself like that!
   *Tsk!*
   "As if I allow a Lucifer's body to die like this!" The Evil Incarnate looked pissed. It had just found another safety net, but he decided to end himself!
   As a being without a 'true' body, it can possess as many as it wants.
   Black, dirt-like miasma rushed at Vali's body, but a Yokai girl teleported it away. At the same time, Blonde Swordsman and Monkey Yokai got in the way of the Deity.
   "Hehehe... fine with me. Do you two realise this place is my backyard? You can run, but you can't escape~." The Possessed Devil 'moved'. Appearing in front of the blonde swordsman and grabbing him by the head before throwing him like a ragdoll into mountains in the distance.
   "Let's do some experiments~ how does a human look after throwing him at the speed of light?"
   "Arthur!!!" The monkey Yokai exclaimed with worry, seeing the sheer force of the Ancient Deity.
   "Don't worry. I haven't seen how monkey interacts with space currents yet."
   "!!!"
   The son of Wu Kong took a few steps back, but the Evil Incarnate was already in front of him.
   "You youngsters are stupid. You see an extremely powerful being in front of you, and what you do is try teamwork. When did that ever work?"
   6
   With casual motion, Bikou was flying through the air; he had no idea what the hell was happening!
   Then he stopped, and unknown forces started hammering him from all directions.
   "Agh!!!!"
   The Monkey King started to scream as pain began to bombard him.
   *BOOM*
   Angra Mainyu sighed in disappointment as the son of Wu Kong had just turned into a blood mist.
   2
   "I didn't know monkeys are this fragile." It sounded disappointed after seeing the results of the 'experiment'.
   "Oh well. There is that Cat Yokai. Hmm?" The Incarnate of Evil looked around, frowned, and frowned some more.
   1
   With a burst of speed, it disappeared from its location and appeared in a specific place.
   What it found was a puddle of black energy.
   "Senjutsu... my oh my, what a surprise. I should have kept that monkey. At least that body could have given me some ideas about the art.
   Nevermind. I can find them again. For now, I need to upgrade my armies." Angra Mainyu looked in a specific direction. There is one thing it can mass produce and add to its Wraiths to even out the odds.
   2
   ~~~
   "Ughh... my head." A black-haired girl slowly opened her eyes. Her eyes widened as she swiftly realised that her Divinity didn't work!
   "Where am I!?"
   "Are you finally up? It appears that man gave you quite a beating." A female voice said from the side.
   Her gaze snapped to the side. She saw a woman with red and blue hair.
   "You are...Hel? Where is this?" She asked confusedly; the walls were yellow, translucent, and looked like glass. It was like a box with her inside of it!
   "We are in a prison inside an airship."
   At that moment, the girl's eyes widened as she had a flashback; she remembered basking in purple light. She felt like her head turned into mush.
   "...Oh."
   Marcus has captured her! She is his prisoner now! For a moment, she thought that she had died!
   "Any idea where is this? The last thing I remember was fighting him... in Devil Capital."
   "Devil Capital? I was in the Sitri territories. I was taking care of stranglers before this Dragon girl appeared and beat me. She then brought me to this airship and threw me into jail." Goddess Hel explained with a grumpy tone. She realised that her future was bleak and uncertain. It was bizarre for her.
   "...So he's already counter-attacking."
   "He is just as Angra Mainyu predicted, Lady Nyx."
   "...Interesting." The Primordial quickly adjusted to the circumstances. How could she not? She has been in a 'prison' for thousands of years. But this time around, her prison isn't tasteless underground. She was in an Airship built by a unique human.
   A mighty human. Instead of being angry or humiliated by her defeat, she was-glad. This Marcus was all she ever wanted and some more.
   But unlike Nyx, Goddess Hel was the opposite. She was feeling humiliated and annoyed by this!
   "It appears my guest is finally awake."
   With a burst of purple, Marcus was standing on the opposite side of the translucent yellow wall.
   "...Marcus Goldman, what will you do to me?" Nyx asked him curiously. She was very intrigued with what he would pick. Such a thing was a novel experience for her, like exploring something new and exciting.
   "Oh, you don't look angry or sad. Unlike that Goddess." He pointed at the Goddess of the Norse Underworld.
   "My father will get me free! Once he does, you will be sorry, you human brat!" Goddess Hel sounded like an entitled little miss.
   3
   Nyx looked at her as if she was stupid.
   "Ignore her. Instead, tell me what you will do." Her blatant indifference only made the Norse Goddess more pissed.
   "My plan? I don't know. I don't answer to anybody. You two are my spoils of war. I can do whatever I want." He said that without care.
   The Primordial of Night grinned, hearing that. She looked like a Primordial Devil instead of a Goddess.
   "I see, I SEE, this is what I like! Such a response is what I wanted to hear! How about this: I will join you as long as you don't put me in a dark cage or some underground hole; I will answer all of your commands~" Nyx said with a purring voice.
   "That's a very enticing proposition. But you were my enemy less than 24 hours ago."
   "I was, and you beat me, fair and square. I worship strength, and you are the strongest and most interesting human I have ever met. It's the most obvious choice for me." She said with an ever-growing grin.
   "Even if I killed Erebus?"
   Her smirk disappeared, turning into a slight frown.
   "Such things can't be helped. I should have known that my brother would come after me, but then again. My obsession has led me to you."
   "Your obsession?"
   "Yes~ that is you~ imagine my surprise when Hades contacts me and asks me to join him AGAINST human. Imagine my surprise~"
   2
   Marcus looked at her for a bit before snorting in amusement.
   "I guess you were bored."
   "Bored? You have no idea~ Olympus sent me there because my presence affects the world itself-something about influencing the world axis." She shrugged at him. This shrug made Marcus laugh for a bit.
   "Fine, as a collector, I simply can't say no to such a piece."
   Her grin returned to her face.
   "Believe me. I haven't been this excited for a long time. I won't betray or disappoint you unless a more powerful and interesting human appears before me and that is impossible."
   Instead of saying anything, he snapped his finger and the yellow box she was inside disappeared. Nyx swiftly walked over to his side. She inspected him from all angles.
   "A projection of energy. Fascinating art."
   "Come with me. I will take you to the bridge."
   "Of course, I will follow you to the hell itself~"
   "Not a hard thing to do." He pointed out.
   "Indeed." She nodded back.
   ~~~
   Nyx walked through the doors; Marcus' projection disappeared as they were on the bridge. The Primordial swiftly walked over.
   "Gah!!! Nyx!"
   Serafall's reaction to Nyx over the Realitus projection was that of shock.
   "Little bat. My deepest gratitude for bringing Marcus to this conflict. I should have targeted you from the very beginning~"
   "Master! What is one of THEM doing here!?"
   The only remaining Satan pointed her finger at Nyx.
   "I am his Primordial~ he bested me in combat. So it's natural that I join him~." The Gothic-dressed Ancient existence shrugged without care.
   "You destroyed the Underworld!"
   "I destroyed many things over the years; what's your point?"
   9
   "Ugh..."
   "Relax, Serafall, Nyx is obedient primordial, isn't she not?"
   Nyx's body trembled when she finally heard his voice; her cheeks turned rosy as she turned towards the throne. But then she deadpanned as she saw an unfamiliar girl sitting on his lap.
   1
   This girl was reeking like a dragon.
   "Yes. I will do anything you want."
   "Then tell us who is on Hades' side," Marcus asked the critical question, which made both Serafall and Quinella look at the Primordial.
   "Hades' side? Knowing that Erebus and I were defeated, he would wash his hands away. Such development means our creations have pulled back as well. Thanatos, Hypnos and Oneiroi are out.
   Only Tartarus does whatever he wants. He is pretty chill with Angra Mainyu."
   She explained this to him, looking in his direction. It is evident that she only saw him.
   "Your remaining enemies are Angra Mainyu, Tartarus, and Lilith and their creations."
   "Lilith!?"
   3
   Serafall was shocked to hear that the Progenitor of Devil Kind was around!
   "Indeed, Erebus and I recovered her. She was just a blob of flesh; Angra Mainyu and Hades recovered her strength. Angra Mainyu even gifted her more powers~ she is now utterly lethal to any devil. That's how your 'Crimson Satan' was effortlessly defeated." Nyx, with a certain glint, explained that to Serafall. She was pretty sadistic but still controlling herself in front of Marcus.
   "So that's how these things negate our powers."
   "Precisely, Lilith's power flows through every single wraith in this war. The more devils die, the more abilities Lilith gains. All of the fancy bloodlines you have are now with Lilith."
   2
   "Then, when the second wave starts, these things will have more powers."
   "Yes~ but I have confidence in you, Marcus~ I want to see you triumph against the original evil~"
   Serafall, Quinella and the maids noticed that healthy blush on the Primordial Goddess' face.
   'Did he beat her so badly that she has fallen in love with him? Is that even possible? These Primordials are one strange bunch.' The current Leviathan internally grimaced at what she saw.
   5
   "I see. I am not planning to disappoint. This war, while - dreadful for the devils, is quite exciting for me." The Alchemist tried to sound like he cared about the mundane Devil-Kind, which was hard for him. He barely cares about his neighbours; it is harder to care about a stranger, especially a devil.
   2
   "Good, then. I can't wait to see how you deal with Angra Mainyu. That thing, after all, treats you like his equal and a rival.
   Mind you, when someone of that calibre does that, you should be concerned. That thing is as old if not older than us Primordials.
   1
   Its powers are strange, and he doesn't like being on the front lines. Such a thing for him is for minions and barbarians. We call him the original 'Mad Scientist'.
   He sees you like I do. A curiosity worthy of returning to an active lifestyle. Your existence made Angra Mainyu excited about life once again."
   Nyx's explanation made Artemis and Serafall feel chill going down their spine. Long ago, Angra Mainyu waged war against light.
   They had never seen it, but they had heard stories about that time. It was a horrible time for humans, that's for sure, even the Gods' distance from their fight.
   Angra Mainyu is a being known for several things, such as the creation of evil horrors and the sheer corruption this thing can do.
   This thing is a Primordial like Nyx and Erebus; while these are Primordials of Night and Darkness, Angra Mainyu is Primordial of Evil. It's most lethal against living things as it affects the emotional state.
   This Primordial can overwhelm someone with sheer negativity and can take over, taking over powers, memories, and identity.
   Worst of all, it is not a singular thing; it is a phantom-like being. It can be one or many bodies.
   In a sense, the longer this conflict continues, the more likely Angra Mainyu can grow in power.
   In other words, Marcus and Angra Mainyu want this conflict to continue.
   ~~~
   With Nyx joining Marcus and the meeting done, Serafall on board her airship, she pondered what to do.
   Unlike her Master, she wants this war to end soon. Thankfully, she was left to her own devices while being in charge of an airship, which is a floating Pantheon in Might. That's a lot of power she is planning to use wisely.
   1
   All the troops and mechs are under her control when deployed from this airship. The only instruction she got was to open a frontline and start regaining land.
   "Lady Leviathan, what will we do now?" Roygun, the devil lady who was transferred to Serafall's care, has asked the last remaining Satan.
   "We are going to abuse this ship." She said that with a straight face.
   2
   The girl brushed her right finger down, and a window screen appeared.
   She went through several options. A small smile appeared as she saw that she could download Yaeger's schematics and start making those things.
   The new mechs are great against bigger foes and much faster than the walkers.
   "Are you sure it's a wise thing to do?" The devil lady asked with a questioning look. She doesn't want Serafall to lose such a power like this airship!
   "Of course. Master wants 'data'; he wants 'new data'; we can only get such a thing IF we wage war. We should use this airship to the maximum."
   'Wait, if I build more Diamond Core Reactors, I can make more Assembly lines, more assembly lines, more soldiers and machines. The whole thing is turning into a game!'
   5
   For a second, she was excited, but then she felt like shit. Her world is turning into a strategy game map!
   7
   "I see. In that case, you should push this vessel to the maximum." Roygun wholeheartedly agreed with the Leviathan.
   Once the twin tails ex-Sitri got the schematics of the Yaeger, she swiftly downloaded the schematics for bigger carrier gunships.
   "I would like to join the fight as well."
   "You rather not. Those things are immune to demonic energy and devil bloodlines. You should instead be here and support me in decision-making." Serafall doesn't want to lose any more devils. This situation is getting wild just from thinking about it.
   Her species is almost gone. She can't wrap her head around this.
   "...I understand."
   "You can lead teams in search and recover operations. I can create several squads for you." Serafall swiftly said that as she had the look of realisation.
   "... 'Create'?"
   "Yes! S.P.B.A. It is an army of biological models; they are like humans but not proper humans. I will give you two gunships and three squads to do a search and recover."
   The Leviathan said that as she just went through several more windows.
   "Look! We have something already! Master's Dragon pet recorded that she saw a high-class devil defending a hospital in Sitri territory! That's probably Sairaorg!"
   "I-I see! Then leave this to me!"
   ~~~
   As Serafall does her thing, Marcus rapidly builds his power base in Lilith.
   A Diamond Core reactor already went online under the government building; the new barrier has locked the space in the entire Lilith city.
   Filtering of any stranglers has started as S.P.B.A. Killed any remaining wraiths. Capturing them is extremely difficult as the moment the armour is critically damaged, the soul would leave it.
   For this, Aurora and Marcus already started to look for solutions to capture these things.
   Apart from finding more enemies, the Soldiers of Marcus found more devils.
   "Identify yourself." Five soldiers pointed their guns at a small group of devils who looked no older than eighteen.
   "I am Seekvaria Agares. Heiress of Agares Family." The greenish-blond girl said with a professional voice.
   5
   "I see. You meet the description of what we know about you." One of the Soldiers said with a nod.
   "It appears luck is on our side."
   "?"
   The group of soldiers nodded at each other. They act like this because they know their Supreme Leader is considering summoning an Agares as one of his pillars. Now, they found one in their new territory.
   Such a find is simply great luck.
   1
   "Come with us. Our Supreme Leader wishes to see you."
   1
   "...Very well."
   The girl with few remains of her peerage left their hiding spot. They witness the glorious battle between a massive mech and a pair of dragons.
   The greenish-blonde devil didn't resist this 'capture' as, internally, she was all giddy about this.
   As a massive Gundam nerd, she is nearly daydreaming about what she saw! Even in this bleak situation! Maybe because it was bleak that her daydreams were incredibly vivid.
   A few minutes later, they were on the gunship, flying back to the government building.
   The Heiress' eyes widened when she saw how quickly the place changed. It looked unrecognisable. It looks like a futuristic military base with mechs and space soldiers, Mandalorians?
   Is this guy bringing fantasies to life? She can get behind that!
   7
   Once they landed on a landing pad, the soldiers took the Heiress and her small peerage inside the government building or, more precisely, a Military HQ.
   "Oh? More bats~."
   When they entered the main hall where the Satan Thrones used to be, a group of females greeted them: several maids, a silver-haired girl with a hoodie and a gothic-dressed 'being'.
   There was only one throne left where a single guy was sitting surrounded by these females.
   "You are..." The Heiress of the Agares family slightly shivered when she sensed the power from the Gothic-haired girl.
   "Nyx, behave." The man softly commanded, and the Primordial swiftly 'switched'.
   "I do apologise about my newest addition to the group. Nyx is picky, and her social skills are lacking."
   The Goddess of Night pouted at him as she huffed with crossed arms.
   "...I understand. No harm done. I am Seekvaira Agares-my thanks for rescuing us. We barricaded ourselves when we realised that it was pointless to fight these things." She said that while fixing her glasses.
   "They are relentless, but I have noticed they don't see as we do; they follow body heat and demonic energy. It's pretty easy to send them on a wild goose chase for a while, that is."
   "Indeed. they couldn't see my walkers before we killed thousands of them. However, now they follow the source of the heat even if it's cold." Marcus said with a smile.
   "Regardless, let me formally introduce myself. I am Marcus Goldman, representing my independent faction; I was sent here on behalf of Odin to assist the devils and capture the perpetrators or kill depending on luck."
   The greenish-blonde devil Heiress slowly nodded.
   "Yes. I have heard about you. It's an honour; I would like to offer my assistance against these invaders. In any way I can. They are invading my homeland after all." She offered herself; part of her wants him to accept her offer! The devil girl noticed his machines and mechs! She saw a legit Gundam!
   1
   "Oh? Sure, I can deploy you with some of my squads. But the question is, do you want to be on frontlines or be assigned somewhere else?" He asked with a smirk, a knowing smirk! He knows! Seekvaira noticed that!
   "...I am pretty good at engineering if you don't mind; I can work with machinery." She said that with rosy cheeks, her hand was on her face, pretending to push the glasses up.
   "That's a pickle. My tech is classified Technomancy. If you want, you can join my faction and work officially for me."
   "..."
   "..."
   "..."
   "You do know that devils as a civilisation will cease to be. Well, they already don't exist as a civilisation. With your group, that makes less than twenty devils we have found so far in the Underworld."
   "..."
   "...I am certain you could restore Devils as a species." The greenish-blonde devil Heiress said with a particular look.
   "Such confidence." Marcus smiled at her words; the rest of his girls looked at her curiously.
   "You are producing clones or something similar to them. You have technology or magiktech or whatever you call it to do that. I am sure you have what it takes to make it happen." Seekvaira pointed out without beating around the bush. Since he wants her to join him, she wants to see his opinion on this subject.
   "Ha! Correct! I can make a whole civilisation of Devil Gods with Heavenly Dragons' sacred gears!" Marcus exclaimed happily. He was pleased with how quickly she saw through his S.P.B.A, but that's most likely because she is a Gundam fangirl; clones and altered people are common tropes there.
   "!!!"
   "But why for?" He asked with a raised eyebrow. Can this girl persuade him to restore her race? Not likely since he already decided to keep the lands for himself. Nonetheless, he wants to see what she has to say.
   1
   While he said all that, Artemis shivered in the background; she knew the 'God' part was thanks to her. It's like a constant reminder of what her hair can do!
   Regardless, Seekvaira continues to talk about the subject of possibly bringing her species back.
   "Having a civilisation has its benefits, no?"
   "If you are a ruler of one, yes. But you want your species back with Four Satans and its council, an independent civilisation. Anything else would not be your species anymore." He clarified while leaning his head into his hand.
   "And there is no way to persuade you? My people will be eternally grateful."
   *Snort*
   "That's quite amusing since I am the successor to Solomon."
   3
   "!!!"
   Seekvaira's glasses nearly dropped on the ground. She turned mechanical for several moments.
   Her head leaned back, and a loud gulp escaped from her mouth.
   "... I see...Wow..."
   The Heiress' speech got less coherent.
   Marcus gave her a few moments to get herself together while Nyx looked curiously at her source of fascination. Now, it made some sense to her why he was this strong.
   He inherited Solomon's techniques and most likely improved on them considerably.
   "The only reason I see you telling me the truth about yourself is that you want me as your Agares Pillar? Then Satan Leviathan, your Sitri Pillar as well?" Seekvaira realised just how messed up their situation is.
   1
   They were on their last legs as a species. The one who comes to help them is the next Solomon. Just how bad is Devil-kind's luck?
   1
   "Indeed. I waited for Serafall to make a few moves and invite me to the war. I didn't need that. Odin himself asked me."
   "And since you are here, you won't leave."
   "Why would I leave? Do you think saving the remaining devils is some sort of charity work?" He asked with a frown.
   "...No, you are right." The greenish-blonde devil sighed; she then had a resolute look.
   "I will agree to become your pillar when my Agares clan is back from the dead."
   1
   "Your whole clan? Not just your family?" He was somewhat baffled. That's quite the price!
   "Precisely, I won't resist; you can do whatever you want with me, or more correctly, my whole clan. Isn't that what Solomon desired, to wield all seventy-two pillars?"
   "Hmm, I could just forcefully summon you and bind you with Ars Goetia; I did that when I was a mere boy playing occult in the attic. Now it's ten times easier."
   "Then do it."
   'That's quite the balls this little bat has.' Nyx smiled with amusement. The only thing she needed in this situation was popcorn.
   3
   'She is playing his pride. How amusing, this devil is competent, especially in the presence of their biggest bogeyman.'
   1
   Atalanta looked curious about how this would play out. Same with Artemis, while the Silver Dragon wonders if this devil has a death wish.
   1
   Marcus pondered for a bit before starting to laugh.
   2
   "Fine. This whole thing is amusing. You gave me an idea of how to fill up my Pillar spots."
   "You mean..." Seekvaira paled as she realised he would bring devils back for the price of joining him as their pillar.
   1
   "Precisely. Well then, Devil Agares~" Marcus motioned with his hand, and a white gold circle with ten rings appeared underneath Seekvaira's feet.
   Her peerage members were about to resist, but Nyx grinned like a demon. Her pressure descended for a fraction of a second.
   "Bad bats, don't interrupt history in the making. Solomon collecting his pets is something I always wanted to see~."
   "By the covenant drawn between God and the Human King!
   For punishment against humankind! The power of Ars Goetia shall punish 72 Pillars of Lucifer!
   Come forth, Pillar of Archduke Agares! You are bound to the King of Man by the will of Ars Goetia!"
   2
   Once the chant finished, Seekvaira felt that her body had been 'remoulded' by whatever magic this was.
   'This is... Solomon's Ars Goetia!' She inspected her hand. Part of her was still shaking from the sheer realisation of what had just happened to her.
   There was a Profound connection between her and her new -Master.
   But this was not all; she could tell he had more devils under his wing. Serafall was not the only one.
   "...Since you made me your Pillar, this means you will resurrect my clan?"
   She enquired about the deal. Even though she knew her new Master could completely ignore her request, she still wanted to know. There is nothing for her to lose by this point.
   "Indeed. I can use your people, same how Astaroth are working under me."
   "...Astaroth... Latia?"
   "Precisely, she is one of my favourites. She has an amazing head on her shoulders." Marcus, for a second, praised his Girlfriend. Making his maids, dragon girl, and now the Primordial frown. They want that praise, too!
   3
   "I see, I see...good to know." For a second, she pondered her next move.
   "What do you want me to do? And how will this resurrection work?"
   "First, we need to learn the casualties, the list; I will locate their souls and insert them into new bodies. Since it's your clan, you do the list. In the meantime, I will assign you to engineering and modelling.
   Once this war concludes, you will help me with time magic as well."
   Seekvaira smirked for a second. It appears she does have value. Well, well, as a devil, she can use that.
   "Understood, I won't disappoint you, not when I have such competition and my name to live up to."
   ~~~
   For advanced chapters (+5 chapters, 25k words) my pat: pat reon.com/DragonsFics
   OR
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   ~~~
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   Chapter 63: Standard Protocol
   2
   "Master, allow me to show her around." Le Fay took a step forward as she smiled 'sweetly'.
   "I know some things about Technomancy and how you run things in your Faction." The witch proposed.
   Marcus hummed for a second. He pondered on her suggestion. He has no opinion on this, so why not?
   "Sure, do explain to her our contribution system. Agares wields time; there is quite a bit of potential in that." Marcus mentioned that as he returned to his work, three holographic screens appeared around him.
   "As you wish." The blonde witch slightly bowed before walking over to Seekvaira, who looked at the maid with a calculating look.
   "Allow me formally to introduce myself; I am Le Fay Pendragon-one of Master's earliest maids." The witch mentioned the last part with smug pride.
   In a sense, she was one of the very first! She was living in his 'garage' when he was still starting! Sure, she wasn't there when he was creating the basics of his technomancy, but it was still early!
   Le Fay even pondered on the stupidity of Venelana; that devil woman didn't use such an opportunity to become his close associate.
   4
   Hell, even now, Marcus is ignoring her in a sense, such a brutal invasion, and she is nowhere to be seen.
   1
   "Pendragon? Are you perhaps related to King Arthur in some way?" Seekvaira asked curiously.
   There is a chilly look in the girl's eyes for just a few short seconds before returning to normal.
   "Indeed. I am a descendant of Morgan herself; I inherited the 'magic' of Britain."
   "I see, such a unique set of people you have, my- Master." The Greenish-blond devil girl commented; she realised she had called him 'Master' even if she had not intended to do that.
   It appears the power he used on her is already affecting her psyche.
   "Indeed, my Maids are very unique: Le Fay, Jeanne d'Arc, Atalanta, Hyppolita, and of course Artemis. Though a couple are missing, my Head Maid is at home, and the last one, a Dhampir girl, is in Kuoh."
   'That quite a line-up: if he were a devil, it would be a top-class peerage.' Seekvaira, for a second, compared them and imagined them as peerage with traits of the chess pieces.
   "It's a pleasure meeting you all. I have no doubt we will be working together for a while." She said 'while' with a deeper meaning.
   She has no doubts they will be around for a long time.
   The maids nodded in their unique way. Only the Silver-haired Dragoness looked at her with annoyance, making Seekvaira slightly uncomfortable.
   "Come with me. I will take you to the Icarus, the Airship over there, where I can do some showing around."
   "Alright."
   Once Le Fay took the devil girl and remnants of her peerage away. Gu Yuena looked at Marcus.
   "For a slave, she surely has an attitude."
   "Oh? And you are obeying a human." Nyx huffed at Gu Yuena
   "Says the Primordial who got beaten so badly she is in love with the very same human." The Dragoness huffed back.
   "...True..."
   1
   The casual admission made Gu Yuena lose the momentum she was building! The Silver head undid her crossed arms and tried to come up with something, but in the end, she was out of words.
   6
   ~~~
   As Le Fay is helping to show Seekvaira around, Marcus is building up his network and infrastructure.
   Wartime is the best time to develop things he never considered or cared about before.
   For example, stationery defences like turrets. Since the alchemist is dealing with hordes, why not invent a particular type of fortification wall?
   2
   Then, add machine guns. Marcus already introduced Heavy Gunner, so why not expand on that?
   1
   Mandalorian Bounty Hunters, the gear includes Jet Packs, flame throwers, and an array of gadgets.
   1
   Midway through that, the Alchemist decided to reform S.P.B.A.
   Something similar to what Romans went through when the Romans introduced the legions before the rise of the Empire.
   Since Quinella decided to go with 'Knights', he can borrow from that.
   The main force will be known as Forward Knights, the front liners which are the bulk of the force; the Rangers will end up retrofitted to be Assault Knights; they won't just have sniper rifles; this is where Marcus is inserting the Bounty Hunter trope.
   Turning them into jet-pack soldiers who snipe, work behind the back lines and cause chaos.
   Then, his Personal guard, or as Quinella calls them, the Royal Guards. Marcus is thinking of rip-off the Red Guards from Star Wars-similar style, dressed in ceremonial armour with weapons which use de-atomization.
   5
   'Sounds cool; I will play around with their gear once I establish a connection with Ars Almadel Salomonis.'
   Tartarus' Abyss manipulation is starting to piss the Alchemist off.
   Casual connection is impossible, so he must reinforce the space corridors.
   But this is good. Marcus needed an excuse to start working on the Honkai thing he was thinking. So, he decided to make relay satellites,
   3
   In simple terms, he needed an 'extra layer' of existence to make Honkai; to do that, he decided to position extra satellites around the globe to create a special net. Inside this net, he will create 'Honkai'.
   1
   To test this out, he needs connections between the Underworld and Earth.
   Working between boundaries is the best way to develop this new tech.
   As he was designing satellites, Aurora interrupted him.
   [Sir, another three Airships are entering the Underworld.]
   "About time." Marcus looked at the clock. Around 13 hours have passed.
   [Apart from that, S.P.B.A. I Have noticed that the Wraiths' movements are changing.]
   "Hmm? In what way?"
   [The front lines ones are still recklessly attacking, and we have lost approximately 247 men, but the ones behind them started to retreat.]
   "Angra Mainyu is preparing his upgrades." Marcus acknowledged that; he then looked at Gu Yuena.
   "Go, observe the frontlines, and notify me what kind of upgrades that thing will introduce."
   "Very well, I am getting tired of waiting anyway."
   The dragoness proceeded to walk towards the double doors and the outside.
   "And what about us?" Hyppolita asked with a hopeful voice. This time around is the perfect opportunity to go to the front lines!
   "You can all go; only Atalanta remains."
   Jeanne and Artemis slowly nodded as they walked towards the doors alongside Hippolyta.
   Only Nyx and Atalanta remained with him.
   "You know I could do some serious damage to Angra Mainyu forces~" Nyx used this opportunity to get close to him.
   "That would ruin my plans."
   "He is giving me time to develop stronger and more powerful techomancies. You wreaking havoc in his ranks will diminish his armies. As it is, I already have six airships in the Underworld; that's enough power to power 6 Pantheons." He said with a sigh.
   1
   Seeing how Nyx wanted to sit on his lap made Marcus roll his eyes, so he grabbed her, and place her on his lap.
   The Primordial Goddess, for a second, didn't know what to do, but she ended up leaning into him quite comfortably.
   While this was happening, Atalanta looked with a big frown; this sadistic blob of energy was taking her spot!
   13
   "I see. Angra Mainyu mentioned something similar. I suppose he was right, calling you his greatest rival." Nyx acknowledged the similarities between them.
   1
   Well, she doesn't care about the details; she only cares about this moment when she can enjoy such attention!
   "Indeed. Now, let's see where I was-" Marcus returned to his engineering on the support satellites and the support dish.
   He will build one in his new territory, pointing it at the sky. There will be a direct connection between Underworld, Ars Almadel Salomonis and his Base on Earth.
   This way, he can have real-time updates everywhere.
   ~~~~~~Venelana~~~~~~
   2
   Lady Gremory looked down from the window towards the monsters roaming their lands.
   It has been several days since these things started to wreak havoc in their lands.
   The brown-haired devil pondered on what to do. She can sense her Master in the Underworld, and even now, she can feel his forces increasing; his presence in her homeland is growing by the minute.
   This war was no longer just Devil conflict against Evil Gods but something more.
   'He hasn't contacted me at all. I guess I dug my hole with that neglect over the years.' Venelana grimaced when she realised how bad this had become.
   8
   A few minutes later, her husband returned; he looked perplexed.
   1
   "Any news?" She asked with a hopeful voice.
   "A massive barrier appeared over the capital; Four giant airships are floating in the city centre. From the description we have, it's Marcus Goldman's vessels." Zeoticus Gremory said with a thoughtful gaze.
   "...Four...By Satans..."
   "My thoughts exactly. His army just keeps on growing." The Crimson-haired Devil said with a similarly shocked voice.
   "Any news on how they are planning to move?"
   "None from what I saw; they are turning Lilith into a Military base."
   'If he is doing that, he is not planning to leave.' Venelana thought to herself.
   "From what Leviathan mentioned to me, he is a possessive person. If he is doing that, he is not planning to leave the Underworld."
   "Underworld settled by a human. What is the world coming to?"
   'It's more than that. Master is doing something that Solomon intended to do if he lived longer. Turn the Underworld into his permanent playground.'
   4
   "Regardless, we can't stay here for long. I suggest we move towards Lilith." The Brown Haired devil lady suggested.
   As she suggested, a golden light started to replace the sunlight.
   "Hmm?"
   "An Airship?"
   Venelana focused on the connection she had.
   'That's Serafall. She has a ship of her own!?'
   Part of her got jealous. Serafall is his second pillar. Yet, he gave her a warship?
   6
   Even if the Brown-haired devil lady knew she messed up and wasn't close to her Master, she was still jealous! That's a warship! She could have saved a bunch of devils with this vessel!
   Moments later, the turrets opened fire and proceeded to destroy the Wraiths on the ground. After the initial bombardment, gunships descended, dropping soldiers, spider walkers and other machines.
   A few minutes later, another gunship descended, revealing Serafall and- was that Roygun? Venelana was surprised to see the second-ranker of Rating games to be with Leviathan!
   But that's most likely because the Satan Leviathan is collecting stranglers.
   The pair of Gremorys went to meet them up as they were clear to leave the castle finally. Before this, they could only fly around. It was the safest way to move around.
   "Thank by the Satans, you two are fine!" Serafall swiftly went over and hugged the pair. A few moments later, she pulled back and asked the burning question.
   "How many survived from your household?" She asked with a worried tone; she couldn't sense much of mana from the castle.
   "...Our servants sacrificed themselves to let us hide in the castle's top tower. After barricading several doors, the ghost-like beings didn't bother to check after the initial few."
   "I see... that's their way of fighting. They care for weaklings, while the strongest are for the Evil Gods' entertainment.
   The magic in the air forces anyone with low power to fall asleep. This way, there is even less chance for devils to survive."
   "This..."
   "That, of course, if they survive the initial onslaught."
   "Ma'am, we have orders to return to the frontline; the Wraiths are regrouping." One of the soldiers interrupted the conversation.
   "...regrouping?"
   "Yes, according to the preliminary calculations done by Aurora, Angra Mainyu, that God is upgrading its grunts. The chance of that happening is 90.5%."
   "I see. Let's go then. Tell your men to collect their toys!" Serafall had no chance. If she ignores what her Master tells her, she could lose command of her ship.
   "Understood."
   "Come, you two. You are coming with me, or do you want to stay in the castle?" After giving the orders, the older Ex-Sitri looked at the pair of Gremory.
   "We are coming with you."
   "Good, I don't want to return with empty hands." The current Leviathan said while looking at Venelana.
   The brown-haired devil lady, for a second, wondered if Marcus had sent Serafall to pick her up.
   1
   As the trio boarded the gunship, the soldiers proceeded to pick up the mechs from the ground. A few short minutes later, the airship flew towards the frontline.
   The Leviathan is working towards recovering her family's land.
   "Welcome to Daedalus Class Airship, the fourth of this type to be built; I named it Salvation." Serafall started to explain as they were walking towards the bridge.
   "I know it sounds cringe, especially when it comes from me, but cringe is fine when it's the only thing which can help devils survive this mess."
   "I agree. But what is the situation? How many survived? How is the council? The pillars? Other cities?"
   "..."
   To Zeoticus' words, Serafall cringed.
   "The initial attack destroyed almost everything. People like you two, Sairaorg's peerage, Roygun and Seekvaira's with her few pieces, have survived. I am still looking for more." The last remaining Satan said with a heavy voice.
   "!!!"
   "!!!"
   "...N-No way..."
   "You never wondered why there are so many of those things? It's our population. Even if you destroy them, they go to a pool and resummon to the frontlines soon after."
   "..."
   "But what about Satan Beelzebub? Satan Asmodeus?"
   "Both are dead; Ajuka became something grotesque, and Falbium got eaten by Fenrir.
   2
   However, there is still some hope. Diehauser should be alive; he was nowhere near big cities. Maybe some other high-rankers should be around."
   4
   Serafall's voice had some hope; she was hopeful that this would end hopefully for her species. In a worst-case scenario, they could use Marcus technomancy to bring them back.
   But such a thing has consequences.
   "...This... is far worse than I expected."
   The Leviathan nodded at their reaction.
   "Yes. This is what we were afraid of if the news that Biblical God is dead would surface and other pantheons learn of it." The last remaining Satan said with a severe look.
   1
   "As you can see, they did figure it out and made such a move."
   What Serafall said is true; now they have gods from different pantheons moving around in the Underworld and doing whatever they want.
   What is making the Ex-Sitri annoyed is that Heaven is not doing anything! It feels like they are just waiting and watching what is going on.
   6
   "Satan Leviathan, I have something to mention to you." Zeoticus proceeded to speak.
   "What is it?"
   The group arrived at the bridge of the Airship.
   "The original Gremory is still with us. She is sleeping right now soundly in a specific location. I don't want her to end up killed when she is in such a vulnerable situation."
   8
   Serafall blinked a couple of times, hearing that Original Gremory was not dead.
   "T-Then we should recover her!" The twin-tails Satan exclaimed with a happy voice.
   "Then let me show you where she is." Zeoticus walked over. A map appeared in front of him! For a second, he blinked a couple of times. He didn't expect that!
   "Before we go there, can we do this alteration to our journey?" The Ex-Sitri asked the airship's second in command.
   "Possible, three more airships entered the service; one is moving towards your front line."
   The news made Serafall surprised; she then looked at the time; it had been 13 hours since they arrived in the Underworld.
   "Good, then we can make this side journey!"
   "...Right, let me show you where it is; it's in Gremory territory, a resort of sorts if you would; it shouldn't take long."
   ~~~~~~Quinella~~~~~~
   Marcus' second in command was sitting on her throne located in the airship's bridge; holographic displays surrounded the artificial intelligence-turned-human. Even though she was leading her forces, she was still doing another job, and that was double-checking her Creator's work.
   From improvements in weaponry to the reformation made in S.P.B.A., all of that went through her vetting before being applied.
   "Mistress, an airship is joining us on the frontlines."
   The Platinum-haired girl turned her head towards a screen in the distance. She could see an identical ship joining her; the only difference was the number on the side of the hull.
   It was six.
   "It appears another three joined us. This development means the remaining two will join us in less than 5 hours." Quinella said with a calculating tone.
   "Send schematics to the ship and order them the construction of Yeagers and eventually my Integrity Knights."
   "By your command." The second in command nodded as she proceeded to instruct the new ship.
   In the meantime, Quinella watched how the new ship started to launch the troops the airship already had on board.
   By this point, they have close to 38 thousand troops deployed, but such a number pales in comparison with how many troops Angra Mainyu has. The only reason Marcus troops are winning is sheer technological advantage, which could potentially disappear soon.
   That thing has sent most of his troops back, leaving behind the unruly ones to be purged by Marcus Forces.
   A cruel tactic befitting an Evil existence like Angra Mainyu; however, the issue is how well those forces will improve.
   The Frost Giants and Greek monsters like hell hounds, Cerberus, serpentine creatures and the Minotaurs have been dying left and right.
   Now that the wraiths are not in the picture.
   They are gaining land at a rapid pace.
   "Hmm, what is this?" Quinella saw the new data she had just received from her Master.
   "...When did you cook this up?" The girl blinked a couple of times as she started to read what he was planning to do with satellites.
   2
   The next step in Realitus technomancy, or as it's called 'Imaginary Space'.
   2
   An extra layer over existence, in this space, anything can be made and then sent out into the real world. This Imaginary Space will work with the glass-like particles created by Realitus.
   But, the issue with this for Quinella is that she never heard her Master working or mentioning this before.
   It came out of nowhere, especially the next thing she saw. The three beings Marcus plans to create will wield the Imaginary space as a weapon.
   1
   The 'Herrschers' or in other words 'Lawmakers'.
   14
   'As always... they are girls...'
   9
   The platinum-haired assistant pouted, reading over the rough fundamentals.
   The powers look impressive, but these beings will have glaring weaknesses. The main thing is that their powers will only work within set boundaries.
   For example, where the satellites are in place.
   'Well, whatever...'
   The girl sighed as she started crunching numbers; she could already see specific improvements possible right now, like a large Realitus crystal instead of particle dispersal.
   That needs some research!
   ~~~~~~Couple Hours Later~~~~~~
   Marcus was outside, overlooking how Aurora bots placed a large satellite dish on a prepared structure with the help of gunships from the Icarus. A few minutes ago, he sensed someone entering the perimeter. He could feel Kuroka entering Lilith.
   Several short minutes later, his soldiers approached him.
   "Supreme Commander, a pair of people entered the perimeter. A Cat yokai and a silver-haired teen. The teen is dead."
   4
   "You said dead? Let's see if we can undo that. Prepare the medical chambers."
   "By your command."
   The Alchemist followed after his soldiers. Soon enough, he saw banged-up Kuroka holding the corpse of Vali.
   "His soul hasn't left his body. Albion is using his power to do that."
   Hearing that Marcus used his senses, he could feel a thin energy layer around the body of the last Lucifer.
   "Interesting-"
   With hand motion, he used his psionic energy to pick the body up.
   "Follow me; my S.P.B.A. can spare a medical chamber for him."
   The black-haired cat Yokai followed him with a nod. She didn't stay quiet as she started to tell him what had happened.
   "After we left your ship, we went to look for Azazel and any other Fallen; sadly, we didn't find anything. Upon returning to join Thor and Baldur, we found a person who looked like Ajuka Beelzebub, but it was not him; an evil God possessed him. This God consumed Baldur, Thor and Loki! This thing turned those Gods into nutrition!"
   "Wait. You all went to look for Azazel? He is in my Base recovering from broken bones and a fractured spine."
   "..."
   The cat Yokai facepalmed.
   "I thought you all knew where he went to." For a second, Marcus felt weird miscommunication happened here.
   "That muscle head!" Kuroka looked pissed for a second, but she recovered as they entered the chambers.
   Her eyes widened slightly as she saw a massive facility with many glass containers and bodies floating in them.
   "You are making life en masse! Holy!"
   "Pseudo life."
   He explained as he made Vali's body float into a medical chamber; the moment his body was inside, Marcus turned the machine on with his psionic interface.
   The liquid started to flood the interior. The chamber scanned Vali's body, thoroughly diagnosing what was wrong with it.
   "He blew up his heart like a balloon."
   "Can he recover?" Kuroka asked, as she already knew what Vali did.
   "That's a stupid question." He looked at her with a deadpan look.
   "Right. Sorry, I am new to this whole magic science thingy." The cat girl shrugged at him.
   "Yes, well, the liquid will rebuild him according to his DNA. He will be 'brand new' from top to bottom, including his cells."
   "In English?"
   "Imagine billions of tiny pieces shedding his body and then rebuilding it from scratch; whatever was missing will be added back."
   "...I see."
   "Yep."
   "I will skip my medical check-up."
   "I wasn't offering one for you. I am helping Vali because he helped me quite a bit." Marcus shrugged at her.
   "...First time hearing that."
   "How you see 'helping' is different for you and me."
   "...Ah yes, you science types are weird for me, nyaa..." The cat girl shrugged. She was giving up on understanding Marcus Goldman.
   "I know. You can rest in one of the rooms if you want."
   She looked around; the place gave her creeps, so she nodded at him.
   2
   "Yeah, I will take on that offer."
   "Good, Atalanta will show you to your room."
   As they left the chambers, the lion girl joined them; Kuroka finally saw this 'Atalanta'.
   The cat meets the lion.
   "...Nyaa... what are you?" The cat Yokai internally freaked out at how strange was this lion girl! She can't sense any 'Nature' energies from this girl.
   "A maid." The Lioness replied with a flat voice.
   "...nyaa, I can see that! What is your species!?"
   "...not your business, cat. Now follow me. I will take you to a spare room." Atalanta completely ignored the question and motioned for Kuroka to follow her.
   Marcus snorted, seeing the interaction between those two.
   After dealing with Vali, he returned to managing the construction efforts.
   He can't wait to connect the Underworld to Earth!
   ~~~~~~Serafall~~~~~~
   The last remaining Satan looked curiously at the teen-looking crimson-haired devil in front of her.
   This devil was Runeas Gremory, the original Gremory! This devil had some similarities with Rias, but Rias is more similar to Venelana than Runeas.
   9
   The Original Gremory is with them, and they are back on the airship, flying towards the frontline as quickly as possible.
   However, the recently awakened Gremory looked cautiously at Venelana and Serafall!
   "You two... you two are HIS pets?"
   Serafall and Venelana looked shocked! Runeas saw through them!
   "What do you mean by that?" Zeoticus asked with confusion.
   1
   "Ars Goetia is flowing through them."
   "...Ars...Goetia?"
   "Solomon's magic. I can sense that because I still have mine; while not active, I can feel familiar vibes. I can't believe there is someone who has that magic!"
   4
   Zeoticus gasped when he heard THAT name! Solomon! That name sends shivers through his body!
   "But I thought it was just a myth! Something original Satans used to keep devils in check and be frightful of humanity! To antagonise us against humans!"
   Runeas looked dumbly at her descendant.
   "Just how much history is lost thanks to the Civil War?" The original Gremory asked, more like she asked herself.
   "Venelana! What is the meaning of this? What happened to you?" Regardless, Zeoticus asked her.
   "Don't bother; I doubt she can explain." Runeas interrupted since she knew few things about Ars Goetia.
   Before the brown-haired devil could explain herself, Serafall was the first to answer.
   "We can. There is no meaning to hide. Evil Gods have wiped out nearly all of the devils. There is no government to speak off."
   "Ah, yes. Just like the Original Solomon. Using opportunities to spread his influence." Runeas exclaimed, but her annoyance was growing.
   With annoyance, her demonic energy started to get agitated and with that.
   Bridge main doors opened, and around twenty S.P.B.A. soldiers rushed in and pointed their guns at Runeas.
   "Chaotic elements aboard the bridge are strictly forbidden."
   "H-Hold it!" Serafall started to panic! What the hell is going on?
   "You think few high-class soldiers can stop me!?"
   "Cease your provocations, devil! Or you will be thrown into jail. The Supreme Leader shall decide your fate." The leading soldier told with a commanding voice.
   *Snort*
   "I won't return to obeying the whims of a megalomaniac human!"
   Runeas increased her power output, and Serafall looked petrified for a bit. The situation was terrible! If fighting breaks out, it will be on her head!
   Serafall rushed forward and grabbed Runeas hand before using her demonic power to suppress the Original Gremory.
   But this was not good enough for the military as S.P.B.A. opened fire. And it proceeded to shoot arcs of lightning.
   "H-Hold it! Why are you shooting me!?"
   "Standard protocol."
   Runeas clicked her tongue as she sensed complete suppression of her Demonic powers. It appears Solomon's magic is far more advanced than she remembers. It seems this successor has spread it far and wide with his faction!
   Seconds later, the pair were out of commission.
   And the next moment, Quinella appeared from Realitus particles.
   "Can someone explain why I am getting reports that devils want to take over the 04 airship?"
   The assistant questioned with a confused look.
   She looked around.
   The platinum-haired woman saw Serafall on the ground with a crimson-haired devil.
   "I have no time for this nonsense. Take this bunch to the cells and command the ship back to Master. He can solve this at his leisure."
   The girl casually waved her hand before finishing her call.
   "W-Wait a second!"
   Venelana nearly panicked! What did she do!? She was one of his pillars!
   However, the twenty soldiers on the bridge pointed their guns and proceeded to shoot.
   "...stupid...protocol..." The Brown-haired devil lady is well aware of the brutal methods of Marcus Goldman's protocol.
   As one man once said to his nephew before his death: With great power comes great responsibility. In this case, power is easily acquired; it can be quickly taken away.
   Serafall got her airship without checking out the protocols to operate it. Since it is a military vessel, it has even more strict control.
   "Umm... I give up?" Roygun, who was at the side, raised her hands.
   "Standard Protocol."
   11
   They opened fire regardless, knocking her out with electricity.
   ~~~
   *Sigh*
   Marcus massaged his forehead when he saw reports rolling in from his 04 airship.
   Serafall brought in a bunch of devils; one of them was an original devil who noticed Ars Goetia. Showing hostility on the bridge is a first-class ticket to the cell.
   Since Serafall interfered, she got knocked out as well. This result meant a captainless airship.
   With her gone, Quinella took over and placed all devils into cells.
   So, instead of flying to the front line, the airship returned to his new base in Lilith, and now he has to waste time dealing with the unruly Devil.
   "So what's the deal? I am a busy individual."
   "Ugh... why did your soldiers attack me? I could have dealt with the situation!" The Ex-Sitri complained while holding her head. Next to her was Runeas, who was doing the same thing.
   "Did you even read the protocol? I gave you a warship. A pantheon killer, and you can't even do basics?"
   5
   "I-I-I forgot?" She kind of forgot? The genocide of her species made her forget these small things!
   2
   "Right, and that's why you are here."
   "So you are this generation's Solomon." Runeas finally spoke as she looked at the interaction between these two. She wanted to see what this new Solomon was about.
   2
   "He is my distant relative; his book appeared before me; I learned his arts and created what you see around you."
   "Hmmm..."
   She wasn't impressed or dissatisfied; for her, Solomon wasn't that long ago.
   Her dissatisfaction is making her don't see anything positive.
   "Regardless, Sera. You didn't follow the basic rules. You allowed a hostile person on the bridge."
   "H-How could I know she can see Ars Goetia! And would react like that!?"
   "There is a thing called 'caution'." He said with an eye roll. For someone who used to run foreign affairs, she is acting way too stupid. But then again, the situation is terrible, and she is trying to save all the devils she can.
   "I know, I know, damn it! Can we slide this one under the rug? I promise to be more careful with your airship!"
   *Sigh*
   "Fine, this once I can pull this under the rug. There won't be next time. If you do something similar again, I will strip the command of the airship, and as punishment, you will be installing water pipes in my new bases all over the Underworld."
   7
   Serafall paled after hearing that. There is no way she is doing that! No way! That's it! She is going to read everything there is on the protocol! To hell with this! It's like some sort of secret club! Everyone knows the protocol except her!
   "I-I understand!"
   "Good, now go; I will speak with this unruly devil in the meantime," Marcus motioned for her to leave as his gaze dropped to the crimson-haired devil, staring defiantly back at him.
   16
   ~~~
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   ~~~
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   Chapter 64: 'He is the One Who Masters it All'
   "So what are you going to do to me?" Runeas asked with a flat voice.
   What is happening to her is something akin to a deja vu.
   Something like this has happened to her before with the original Solomon.
   "I am pondering."
   "Just do what you want." She nonchalantly shrugged her shoulders. By this point, she doesn't care what will happen to her.
   "I could have you as Gremory Pillar, but then again, there is Rias. She is trainable."
   "...You..." Runeas narrowed her eyes. This guy knows where to aim to make her angry.
   "What? You think I don't know? You are trying to play this off and make me annoyed. But as you said, I can do whatever I want.
   Honestly, the cards will play out themselves. Zeoticus' son is in the pits of hell; Venelana and Rias will do anything to bring him back.
   Including begging me."
   "..."
   "That's why I don't need to do anything."
   "..."
   The original Gremory looked at him with a highly annoyed look.
   The guy knows he has all the cards and he doesn't need to do anything.
   "...I understand. I will follow all of your commands. Is this what you want to hear?"
   "No. I don't need anything from you. If you think that you are unique, then you are wrong.
   I already have the DNA of Gremory, Bael, and several other Devil families. I can already remake them. By this point, even if you disappear, I don't care.
   I can simply create another 'Runeas Gremory'."
   Her whole body trembled. This guy was far, far more dangerous than Original Solomon! That one, at least, could be reasoned with.
   A woman is something that could interest him, but this one?
   "What? Are you shocked? How amusing. So where is that defiant look?" He almost mocked her, appearing in front of her. His pinky finger ended up on her forehead.
   Her Lavender eyes widened, changing into horror. She couldn't move.
   "See, you can't even move my pinky. So, where has this defiance gone? Aren't you planning to beat me in some way?"
   Once he removed the pinky, the original Gremory collapsed on the ground, breathing heavily. Sweat was rolling down her forehead. She looked at her hands, which were shaking from fear and disbelief.
   'He is absurdly powerful! Far more powerful than the original Satans! Maybe even the Biblical God!?'
   She didn't abandon that idea. But how!?
   "... It's a misunderstanding..." It was time to switch to diplomacy.
   "...Oh? Such a swift change in tone. So devil-like." He joked, hearing that shift in tone.
   "Y-Yes. We Devils respect strength, and you are powerful; It's suicidal for me to be hostile towards you." She smiled at him. Her smile was quite a sweet one.
   "Ah, yes."
   "...What a cute bat. I thought you were going to turn her into a mist of blood." Nyx walked over and grinned at the kneeling devil.
   For a second, her aura rose and slammed into Runeas.
   The crimson-haired devil turned pale.
   "The sheer arrogance you had in front of my Marcus~" Nyx eyes glowed black like a bottomless abyss, terrifying the Original Gremory.
   "Did you just say 'my'?" Marcus flicked his Primordial's forehead.
   "Ow!"
   "The only one who owns anyone is me."
   "...As you wish." The black-haired beauty didn't argue back.
   "See? If my Primordial understands when to obey. Sure will you. Little bat."
   Runeas twitched for a second. Is this girl a Primordial!?
   '...Nyx? I see, it makes sense...'
   From what she can recall, Nyx, Erebus, and Tartarus are the only Greek Primordials locked up in the Underworld.
   "...I understand my- distaste towards your Ancestor has blinded my judgement."
   It only took around two minutes for the defiant Runeas to become a meek little bat.
   "Cute."
   Marcus patted the original Gremory's head as if she were a cute little pet.
   His actions made her blush from the sheer mortification she was feeling at this moment.
   "...Since I will obey all of your commands. Why don't you make me your Gremory Pillar?" She asked with a hopeful voice.
   "Hmm, are you telling me what to do?" He asked with a slightly raised eyebrow.
   "...N-No..."
   "Then why do you think I should do what you said?" Marcus enquired curiously.
   "Why is Runeas Gremory a better choice than Rias Gremory?" He asked her, looking like he was a customer in a pet shop.
   "...Well..."
   "Rias has Power of Destruction, a great potential, and she likes me enough. How do you stack up to that?"
   The original Gremory frowned when he worded it like that. It's like they are discussing traits of the selection of animals or choosing pets in a pet store.
   "...I am one of the original devils from the original 72 pillars. That is worth quite a bit, is it not?" She reasoned with him.
   "A-And I could be a better lover! I have more experience in that regard!"
   "Hmm, fair point; I might have believed you if not for that glare five minutes ago; if that glare could kill, I would be several metres underground now. "
   Runeas grimaced after hearing that; she bit her lower lip. Did she mess up that bad!?
   "Anyway, you should return to what you do best- and that is nothing."
   He patted her head and walked towards the outside; he needed to finish with that satellite dish. Messing with devils while fun, he still has his tech to develop.
   ~~~
   "Master! Wait!"
   A familiar voice made Marcus turn around; he saw Venelana walking to his side.
   "I wish to speak with you."
   "If it's regarding your son, I don't have time for that."
   "N-Not that! I am asking if I can be of any use in this conflict." The brown-haired devil-lady clarified.
   "Oh? So now you want to help." She grimaced at his 'stabby' words.
   "...The circumstances are different. We are discussing my kind's survival." She pointed that out.
   "Right. Since it's like that, I can send you to the logistics. Not that there is much for you to do. If you were part of my faction properly, you would have already learned that everything is automated."
   "...then...if this is the case, I could be part of the survival-looking group."
   "...Fine. You can do that." He casually shrugged.
   "Oh, and I hope you know how to summon and command my troops. After all, you were knocked out in just a few minutes for not grasping the fundamentals."
   After saying that, he left Venelana alone.
   Lady Gremory frowned and frowned some more. She tried to brush her right index finger down. A window appeared.
   "...I see..."
   She remembered this movement when she was in the Base several times. She saw maids use this motion to summon the window.
   But that was in the underground base. Venenala's current place was an open area in the middle of a destroyed city. Well, it was damaged, now the city centre is rebuilt by Marcus faction in his own fashion.
   "...Well, whatever..."
   A few minutes later, her confused husband walked over; he had been looking for her for a few minutes now.
   "...There you are. What is going on?"
   "No time for that. Master gave me some soldiers to look for more survivors."
   "...Given?"
   "Yes."
   "Just like that?" He was suspicious, rightfully so.
   "Yes, I am his Bael Pillar. I was summoned by him years ago when he was just a child. I was the one who instructed him in basic magic."
   "..."
   "I couldn't speak about it. Ars Goetia was blocking all of my tries. Same with Satan Leviathan."
   "How did this even start?"
   "I was summoned in a 'disguised' regular summoning for an active devil. The only difference was the circle. It had ten rings."
   "The mythical ten rings of Solomon." Zeoticus slightly paled as he remembered the ten rings wielded by Solomon.
   "... not 'mythical' since the Master has been remaking them. More dangerous than the original." Venelana recalled the rings Marcus had.
   "By Satans..."
   At that moment, a voice from behind got their attention.
   "I am coming with you two."
   The pair turned around and saw Runeas walking over.
   "How was the meeting?" The head of the Gremory family asked.
   "Enlightening."
   "..."
   "..."
   The tone of her voice was telling a different tale.
   "My attitude made him quite annoyed."
   Venelana grimaced. No wonder he was snappy with her; she should have waited for a better time.
   "Apart from that, he might summon your daughter as his Gremory Pillar."
   "!!!"
   "!!!"
   Venelana's eyes trembled, and Zeoticus' hand twitched; both didn't like the news.
   "That could happen but it's unlikely." The brown-haired devil lady sighed and tried to calm down her rapidly beating heart.
   "He summons devils with purpose. I was summoned because I am a Bael, Great King house; in other words, status.
   Serafall was summoned for her Mastery over water, and Latia was summoned because of her relation to Ajuka.
   As things stand, Rias doesn't have a reason to be summoned. Unless he wants to-"
   For a second, Venelana got pale white.
   "He wants what?"
   "-To teach a lesson?" The Lady Gremory pointed out.
   That is a possibility; by this point, Venelana has neglected her 'job'. While not her true job, she was made to work, but she used Marcus to protect her daughter. In her eyes, it was a payback.
   In a sense, they returned to 'status cue'. But how overbearing Marcus' faction is becoming, and with the dissolution of Devil society, he can do whatever he wants.
   *LASER BURST*
   A powerful strike of a laser sound blasted into the sky; a beam struck into the very heavens.
   It started to warp the space itself, creating a wormhole. Slowly, it began to dig space and expand, creating a portal. Seconds later, the other side revealed itself, showing the curvature of the Earth on the left side, while the right side revealed a massive floating gun.
   This gun started to move, and the barrel pointed towards the portal.
   "... That's..."
   "Master's space station. It looks operational!?" Velenala was slightly surprised. From what she remembered, it was supposed to come online in November; now, it's late October.
   Regardless, the barrel started shooting something towards them, well, more precisely towards the Underworld itself, as the moment it passed the wormhole, the seed-like object opened up and turned into a satellite.
   The Gremories could only see this thanks to using Demonic energy to enhance their vision; the object was very high in orbit.
   ~~~
   "This is getting annoying. It appears this human thinks I am a joke."
   Tartarus complained as it sensed the wormhole punching through its Abyss deadlock.
   The Underworld is supposed to be locked away. Yet, this human is constantly breaking through!
   "!?"
   "Again!?"
   "That's it!!!"
   The shadow with many eyes growled with anger as it hurried towards the location where this was happening.
   No more games; it's going to shred whatever is doing this!
   The shade-like being rushed from his base in Fallen Angel territory towards the lands controlled by the devils a time ago.
   ~~~
   The silver-haired dragoness looked at the wormhole spewing satellites into the Underworld.
   Her gaze went to the side for a bit, where another wormhole opened, and two more airships entered the Underworld.
   "It appears we are approaching the supposed capacity. But I doubt this is the case."
   Gu Yuena said that to herself. Nine airships will return to the Spaceport at the base once the fighting ends.
   But there was nothing mentioned about airships in the Underworld.
   That's right, he can have as many as he wants here. Knowing him, he can do whatever he wants with the Underworld.
   It's an empty land by this point.
   "Hmm?"
   The beauty kicked off, and a pair of silver wings manifested on her back. She proceeded to fly towards the outskirts of the city ruins.
   Moments later, she intercepted a shade-like being with many eyes.
   "A god, I assume?"
   "Tartarus is my name, dragon girl."
   "Fantastic, I was getting bored from the wait, so let's fight."
   With a burst of silver, armour encased Gu Yuena, and a spear appeared in her fight hand.
   "I see, so you are one of his creations. No wonder Angra Mainyu calls him his rival. Both of them have things in common." Tartarus' voice spread through the area as its shadow started to grow.
   "Oh? What could be similar between my creator and some crazy evil existence who tortured souls?"
   "They love making things. And it's good for me; I have a target to vent my frustration!"
   Divine energy started to gather in the eyes. And beams of abyss energy blasted forward.
   Gu Yuena proceeded to use space, but something strange happened as her space expansion didn't quite work.
   "Oh? You wield space; how interesting!"
   The Primordial's abyss manipulation roared to life as it tried to pin down the Silver Dragon Empress.
   The silver-haired Dragoness looked around and saw a box of energy forming around her.
   "Do you honestly believe something like this will keep me pinned down!?"
   Her purple eyes glowed as a draconic voice spoke from her armour.
   [SPACE REND]
   A Sharp shockwave blasted from her in all directions, cutting everything in its path.
   "..."
   "...I see a Sacred Gear, a Dragon with a Dragon Sacred Gear. Your human owner is one insane man." Tartarus was concerned with what it saw. Its senses are telling it that this dragon girl is a new creation. But she can already match it in strength.
   If this continues, no one will be able to resist Marcus Goldman.
   "For a relic of a long-forgotten age, you are quite a chatterbox." Gu Yuena jabbed at the Primordial.
   "I am Primordial! An eternal existence! The concept you speak of means nothing to me!"
   Tartarus' power surged as it shrunk into a single point, forming into a Greek armour-wearing humanoid being.
   'This thing condenses his enormous power into a single point by transforming into a singular being.'
   The Dragoness got serious as she proceeded to take a spear stance.
   Tartarus turned into a three-metre tall-looking Greek warrior. The only difference was that there was no human part in it. It looked like a shade who was wielding armour.
   The Primordial's eyes moulded into just a pair of red ghostly eyes.
   "Let us begin. First, I will drag you into the abyss and then your whole faction." A spear and a shield appeared in Tartarus' hands.
   "As always, you relics of old age are clueless about what is happening around you."
   Gu Yuena snorted as her built-in Aurora HUD showed a complete connection to the central Hub and that Orbital support was available.
   Such notification means there is a proper linkage between Earth and the Underworld.
   "...Die!"
   The Primordial moved at insane speed and tried to stab the Dragon Girl.
   The silver-haired Dragoness tried to use space on Tartarus, but that thing was like a rock smashing through her attempts.
   In that case, she used it on herself to dodge.
   "Not bad for such a recent creation; you fight well."
   The dragoness is trying to ignore the 'stabs' which are coming her way. For someone like her, a dragon, she wants to 'stab' back, but if she does that, she will end up caught off guard.
   Instead, she swirled her spear, and a bunch of elements surrounded her when she pointed the tip at Tartarus and sent them flying at it.
   "Full elemental manipulation! Impressive, you are full of surprises."
   The Primordial made his shadow rise and swallowed the attacks. Then, Primordial sent them flying back at Gu Yuena, who ignored them completely.
   "..."
   "I see; you are closer to a God than a Dragon; elements don't work on you. Your owner is quite capable." Tartarus observed the aftermath. The Abyss wielder was impressed, but this impression is leaning more and more towards 'threat'.
   "Enough chit-chat, I have to end you."
   The Dragoness starts to get pissed off. She blasted forward and tried to stab one of the eyes. Her spear hummed with compressed 'space rend'.
   But the Primordial was no pushover, more like it was pushing her back as this being used a similar style to hers.
   Tartarus made the spear compressed from Abyss itself; it is pitch black, and by this point, they are throwing around an enormous amount of 'mass'.
   However, Gu Yuena doesn't have the raw power to counter what the Primordial is throwing around.
   With a powerful impact, like a ragdoll, she flew away, and the Silver Dragoness' armour shattered as she passed through several buildings.
   "Ugh..."
   The beauty groaned as she slowly stood up, pushing the debris away.
   The Primordial tried to pass through the boundary guarding the city but could not.
   "Such strength. This boundary is- interesting."
   As the being commented, Marcus called Gu Yuena; her creator's face occupied a portion of her vision.
   "Tag him for orbital bombardment and return to me."
   The Dragoness' lower lip trembled when she heard that.
   "I can take care of him; just give me a few minutes!" She complained loudly.
   "ENOUGH; tag him and get back here; you can fight another Primordial once you develop your strength."
   Her back straightened up the moment she heard him raising his voice.
   "...Understood."
   The call ended, and the Silver Dragon Empress pointed her right hand at the curious-looking Primordial.
   "Are you planning to continue to hide behind this barrier? How long do you think it will take for me to destroy it?"
   The being pressed its hands on the boundary field, trying to crack it.
   "Long enough."
   She made a shooting motion with her right hand before turning around and proceeding to walk away.
   "Where do you think-"
   A pillar of pressure slammed into Tartarus. Crushing gravity descended upon the being.
   "...W-What is this? From above?"
   The Primordial tried to look up. But all it saw was clear skies.
   Seconds later, the skies darkened as if something heavy was descending.
   Sound and lights died out as a beam of black and red slammed into Tartarus' location.
   Gu Yuena, for a second, turned around and looked at an enormous pillar disintegrating the Primordial God.
   "...That is a single Diamond Core in action?" She was- surprised. Because of her location being so close to the base Ars Almadel Salomonis was only able to shoot with one core.
   "...Truly... 'He is the one who Masters it all'..." The Dragoness jokingly scoffed at the presumptuous name of the Battle Station. In honour of her creator's Ancestor, a human, yet he could oppose the supernatural.
   Regardless, after the light show died out, there was an enormous crater on the outskirts of Lilith. The silver-haired girl saw enough and proceeded to fly back to the base.
   ~~~
   Enterprise looked at the massive pillar of energy; from her angle, she could see the whole spectacle without anyone or anything obscuring her view.
   "Admiral didn't waste time. The Apsos-class Orbital Station 'Ars Almadel Salomonis' is already bombarding enemies with just a single operational Diamond core."
   The ship girl used her HUD to check out the weapon's progress. The schematics popped on the side of her view. She could see completed and still under-construction parts.
   The automated Assembly lines are fully functioning, which allows rapid construction of other sections of the battle station. They will soon be able to live there if they want.
   The hangars and the living areas are still under construction.
   Once other reactors come online, her Admiral will become the undisputed ruler of the Underworld and Earth.
   "Hmm. With this thing online, we can use precise bombardment to clear the rabble."
   The Silver-haired beauty smiled when she saw a list of upgrades already being reviewed.
   Like the new barrel type, light energy rounds, and the possibility of implementing Realitus crystals.
   By Marcus standards, the station is already considered 'outdated' and needs refurbishment.
   ~~~~~~Few Moments Before~~~~~~
   After Marcus told Gu Yuena to return to him, he pulled out his phone and went through a short contact list.
   Selecting his fiance's number, he pressed 'call'.
   A short moment later, Athena picked it up.
   "Since you can call me, this means you gained control over the space?"
   He deadpanned at her for a second. He changed the call into a video one.
   Now he can see her face. So can she.
   "Hi, I am doing fine, thanks for asking."
   Athena blushed on the other side of the screen; she looked away while fixing her glasses.
   "I apologise; I have been on edge since the whole thing started. Being in darkness like this is something I can't stand."
   "Understandable, this time I forgive you..." He said with a slight smile.
   "Did something happen? You look slightly annoyed." Athena noticed his slight change of expression. The Goddess has a certain amount of understanding of his character.
   "A specific obnoxious little bat, Serafall, unable to follow military protocol, and lastly, my long 'lost' pillar remembered that she has a Master.
   All of those minor inconsistencies pile up. HOWEVER, all that doesn't matter anymore; I am calling you to show you something."
   He moved the camera from himself and showed what was in the distance.
   The sky darkened as a pillar of black and red energy descended and slammed into a certain someone.
   Marcus had a perfect view as he stood on the edge of Icarus' hull.
   Nothing was in his way to see such a view.
   "... That's..."
   "Ars Almadel Salomonis, the main cannon 'Bringing Order' to uneducated masses. The first target of this was Tartarus. That's why I am calling you." He moved the phone back and looked at his Fiance.
   "I am here to tell you that Nyx, Erebus, and now Tartarus are neutralised.
   With this death, we only have some stranglers and the big fish, Angra Mainyu."
   "...I-I-I see...I will tell my father about your exploits."
   Athena was slightly frightened. The reason is that even one Primordial used to cause massive war and destabilisation.
   Like the Gigantomachy. In that war, Tarturus united with Gaia to cause a massive war, which forced Olympus into defence for a while.
   This time, there were many more Primordials, but Marcus dealt with them himself.
   Well, more like his faction, which he created, has dealt with it.
   "Oh, and another thing. I am taking the whole Underworld. This includes the Greek Underworld, which is part of it."
   "...This well..."
   The Goddess of Wisdom doesn't know what to say about that!
   "Of course, your father can come here and do something about it." Marcus smiled at her.
   "...You are annoyed that you have to deal with annoying Bats. We should discuss this once you are well-rested and in a more pleasant mood." Athena sweetly smiled at him.
   "I would if my fiance was with me and keeping me company. But alas. I have to deal with this with my own two hands. (in his view, his faction represents his two hands).
   "We can arrange something."
   "Indeed. Don't take too long. By the time your Olympus decides something, I might be building my skiing resort in Cocytus."
   "Don't worry. We can decide something fast when there is urgency." Even though she said it with a straight face, she wasn't that certain.
   "Good, then. I will be waiting for your answer."
   ~~~
   Runeas, Venelana and Zeoticus looked at the pillar with disbelief and horror. This thing was a super weapon! This Beam's whole energy was highly compressed into a singular point. So, not even Primordial could tank!
   In other words, this was a precise slaying of a Primordial existence.
   "W-What was that! It felt like the Power of Destruction!"
   The original Gremory freaked out. That thing came out of nowhere, right next to the devil's capital!
   "Ars Almadel Salomonis. I can't believe its main canon is operational already!"
   "You know about it?" Zeoticus asked. He is internally starting to freak out about how many secrets his wife has!
   "Not as much as I would like to..." Venelana said with a grimace.
   "How much do you know about it?" Runeas asked with concern. If Marcus has such a weapon with power like that, combined with his already existing strength, he will be unstoppable.
   "It's a weapon in orbit around the Earth. From the looks of it, this thing can already target dimensions connected to Earth."
   "...How often can it shoot?"
   "With perpetual energy, it's running on as many times and as much as he wants."
   "...By Satans..."
   "...Perpetual energy?" Runeas' eyes trembled when she heard that.
   "Precisely, a loop of mana is constantly swirling inside a Diamond. At specific heat, it generates enough heat to recreate a never-ending loop; this heat uses alchemy to make more mana; the excess mana flows outside the diamond and powers his Technomancy." Venelana recalled what Marcus had said to her once.
   "...I see..."
   "I went through the same phase once. So I know the feeling of helplessness." The brown-haired devil said with a self-mocking smile. She didn't tell these two that she was in a shaky relationship with her Master.
   "This is my second time." Runeas reminded her about that.
   "Yes. But back then, Solomon was pretty much alone. This time, he has an endless army, power, and resources. It's much worse."
   As Venelana said that, she finally found what she was looking for.
   She found an army window! She can finally call the resources allocated for her!
   "Finally found it!"
   ~~~~~~Olympus~~~~~~
   Athena used her authority as one of the twelve Olympians to summon the council meeting.
   With a burst of different coloured lights, all the Greek Gods gathered in the room and took their seats.
   "What is it? What do you want to say, Athena?" A grumpy Zeus asked.
   "I just talked with my future husband. He showed me how he took down Tartarus."
   ***Cough***Cough***Cough***
   The King of Gods choked on his saliva when he heard that.
   "Ha! I expected no less from my brother!" While Ares laughed his ass off.
   "This is no laughing matter! Tartarus was our cleaner!" Hera exclaimed with an annoyed tone.
   "Without him, we have nowhere to put criminals!"
   "Meh, we haven't used his services in a while." Ares brushed it aside.
   "We used to dump everything in Hades' backyard. But now, since both are useless, what will we do?" The God of War asked with a thoughtful look.
   "Hades will turn around eventually; he has no choice as God of the Underworld. The cycle has to continue." Poseidon pointed out the balance between the living and dead cycle.
   "About that." Athena got everyone's attention.
   "Marcus is not stopping with just the surface of the Underworld."
   "!?"
   "?"
   "..."
   The remaining ten Gods looked at her. They still hadn't replaced Artemis' spot.
   "What do you mean by that?" Zeus asked with a frown.
   "As he is fighting Angra Mainyu forces, he already took down Erebus and Nyx, and now he took out Tartarus. Those forces will eventually lead to Hades' domain. He will take over that place as well.
   He will govern it however he sees fit."
   "!!!"
   The Olympians' mouths opened wide. What an absurd situation!
   They never had such a situation before! Another force is about to take over their domain!? Their Underworld!? That's simply absurd!
   "That's out of the question!" Zeus smacked his hand on the armrest; lightning crackled outside the Olympus.
   "Then what are you going to do, Father?"
   To Athena's sharp question, the King of Gods deflated.
   "...He is your future husband. You should negotiate with him." The God of Lightning suggested.
   "Last time, it didn't go so well." Apollo pointed out.
   "Last time, he said 'no', and Athena simply agreed. My sister is still missing!"
   "Your point?" Athena rolled her eyes at him.
   "There is a nearly half-a-kilometre-long gun in Earth's orbit which can be shot anywhere on Earth or Underworld. That's what killed Tartarus.
   If Marcus thinks we are annoying, we will cease to exist.
   Do you want to test that, Apollo?" The Goddess of Wisdom dropped the bombshell.
   "..."
   "..."
   "..."
   "...So cool..." Ares destroyed the shocked atmosphere.
   "...I saw the space station launch. That thing is enormous, even when it was just a heart. Now it's an operation, and it can shoot anywhere from healing to deploying troops to anywhere on Earth or the Underworld."
   "Even so, our Pantheon can't function without the Underworld," Hera sighed. Zeus was out of words. His small ego can't take it anymore. So, his wife took over.
   "I know. So, I will ask Marcus in person how he is planning to use it. Once I know, I will tell you all." Athena said that with a knowing nod.
   "That's for the best, then." Poseidon sighed as well. Never before have they felt so useless.
   While this happened, Aprodithe was gnashing her teeth at the missed opportunity. She should have proposed herself to marry that conquering hunk! Well, in her mind, it sounded like a great plan!
   "As long as Persephone is fine," Demeter said with a slight frown. She doesn't quite care about the Underworld. She never liked Hades that much-especially his recent obsession with looking like a living skeleton.
   "I will see what I can do." Athena nodded as she got up from her seat, and her brother quickly joined her.
   "Hell yeah! Let's go, sis!"
   "Where do you think you are going!?" The Goddess of Wisdom, with a snappy voice, asked him.
   "To see my bro and join the frontlines! Do you think I will skip such a chance!?"
   Hearing him, Zeus and the rest of the Gods just motioned to get on with it. They don't have the patience to listen to him.
   "...Fine..."
   ~~~~~~Underworld~~~~~~
   "Tartarus is dead?" Angra Mainyu looked towards the direction of the battle.
   "Well, he did his purpose." The Ancient Evil sighed as he looked at his latest creation-a new Ritual site.
   "Pity I couldn't leach that thing off; that thing's abyss manipulation looked useful. Oh well." Primordial Evil placed its hand on the massive-looking King's piece.
   The Primordial's power started to pour into it. Sending shock waves of energy, sounds of screeching and dying souls followed.
   The millions of wraiths around the being started to mutate in all sorts of strange ways. Few got bulker, others got more agile looking, third ones hands warped, and they developed guns for limbs.
   "Typhon... It's your turn. Have some fun."
   A monstrous roar followed as a massive giant and snake mix creature rose from its slumber.
   ~~~
   For advanced chapters (+5 chapters, 25k words) my pat: pat reon.com/DragonsFics
   OR
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   ~~~
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   Chapter 65: Phase Two of the War
   "Amazing! This is a legitimate mech!" Seekvaira gushed over as she saw parked Starscreams, Spider Walkers, and the Yeagers placed like cubes.
   "Well, the newest ones are the Spider Walkers and the Yeagers. We still have suits ready for the second phase of the war." Le Fay commented as she saw the data.
   "Suits?"
   "Yep, Master is well aware that Angra Mainyu is holding back with his troops, so he has an equivalent ready."
   "Oh, I see. That makes sense; that's a simple battle tactic; it's never good to reveal all your trump cards." The greenish-blond nodded in agreement.
   "Yes. Regardless, Master wants you to catch up with the technomancy and assist in designs, testing and utilisation.
   At this moment, only Master and his Assistant go through the checkups. The more people inspect those, the better."
   "...S-Sure." For a moment, she was nervous.
   "Oh, and think of ways to incorporate your time magic; I suggest adding time magic in S.P.B.A chambers and assembly lines. That way, you will get enough contribution points."
   "Contributions points?"
   "Currency of our faction. The more wealth you have in this faction, the more things you can make. You could acquire Sacred Gears for your Peerage, or you could have a mech for yourself."
   "...Wait, I can design and make a mech of my own!?"
   "Of course. Yeagers over there are Quinella's creations. If you are good enough, you could potentially have an army of your own."
   For a second, the devil heiress drooled by the next second and controlled herself. Regardless, Le Fay saw what she wanted to see.
   "I understand! Leave it to me!"
   "Good, now to use interface-"
   ...
   ...
   ...
   'This is so awesome! The OS is so flexible!'
   Seekvaira quickly made a Gundam in just the first 5 minutes! The OS reads her intentions. And just like that, adequate tech is allocated.
   Thrusters use Nova Thruster technomancy. For reactor M.T.M or a mobile version of the Diamond Core reactor, the metal is the Sacred Gear alloy.
   The technomancy in this is simply absurd. Give Seekvaira several days, and she will have a mech army big enough to conquer the Earth!
   "..."
   Realising the grim truth, the Devil Heiress checked something.
   Going through several menus, she stumbled on something she wanted to check.
   "Let's see future projects."
   She started to read through some utterly crazy stuff.
   'Technomancy that allows another layer of reality? Beings with the name 'Herrscher' can manipulate this reality. What in Satan's great name is this guy making? I thought he only makes mechs!'
   The more she read, the more she was out of depth! This guy made a legit Sacred Gear system! And on top of that, he has built a reincarnation cycle!
   Like-that is absurd!
   This means his faction has true immortality! So even if somehow, in some way, he could lose a battle, the soldiers who died in a fight would return, and they would know the tactics used by the enemies.
   And honestly, this was not the over-the-top thing she saw in project windows.
   Because this system is already in use, and the 'Imaginary Space' is already being deployed in both the Underworld and Earth.
   Her gaze went lower to the projects in the pipeline.
   For example, 'Bifrost Drive' is a technomancy which employs Gravity tunnels for faster-than-light speed travel. In other words, if this is fully developed, it will be possible to leave Earth and travel away from Earth and all the dimensions connected to it.
   A multi-planetary faction. Then, on top of that- yes, this is not a single project. The secondary phase is the 'Saturn Domain'.
   The colonisation of Saturn and its moons! The list of ideas is absurd.
   Honestly, she even wondered if this was the delusion of a kid or something along those lines.
   But seeing actual data to back up everything makes her legs shake.
   'Proposed extra projects after 'Saturn's Domain' is finished.
   Proposed by Quinella, 'Project Eden's Fall'.
   'To preserve natural habitat and continuous survival of the human race, complete subjugation of human species is suggested. Destruction of nations and politics is paramount for this project.'
   '...She suggests world domination!?'
   But then Seekvaira noticed something more concerning.
   'With the Acquisition of Underworld, Project Eden's Fall can be moved forward, bypassing the requirements of 'Saturn's Domain'.'
   'With the acquisition of extra lands in the Underworld, multiple space centres can be built, accelerating the creation of space-based technomancy.'
   "That assistant of his is crazy; will he do it?" The Agares Heiress slightly panicked, but thankfully, the approval for this proposal is not yet guaranteed.
   That means the Earth's conquest is up for debate.
   'I shouldn't worry about Earth when my species are on the brink of extinction.'
   Seekvaira calmed down after realising that. For now, her job is straightforward. Do her thing, impress the Next Solomon, and then she can get her clan back from the dead.
   Whatever happens to Earth will happen, or maybe she can persuade him to change his mind when her opinion matters.
   Time will tell.
   "Hmm?"
   The Devil Heiress noticed some soldiers pointing at something from the Hangar's main entrance. Something is happening outside.
   "...My lady, a massive explosion happened outside the city." Her Queen told her.
   "..."
   She walked over and noticed a massive pillar of black and red energy.
   "...An orbital strike."
   As a Gundam nerd, she had seen this kind of stuff before.
   Gundam is well known for over-the-top space station super weapons. This was just like that.
   "...By Satans-" She had a weird, twitchy smile. Her personality is experiencing a polarising opinion! On one side, she is gushing that this is a legitimate space thing! While devils can travel into space with enough demonic energy, it's nothing like a major battle station. It can cause a cataclysm one or two- or a total collapse of ecology.
   On the other hand, she is terrified of what she sees. In the wrong hands, this thing-
   "Let's get back to work."
   "...Yes."
   There is no point in thinking about what-ifs!
   ~~~
   Gu Yuena landed next to her Emperor. She looked a little bit ashamed.
   Still, Marcus simply pulled her into a tight hug and whispered into her ear.
   "Naughty girls only get short hugs." After saying that, he let her go.
   His actions caused her to look at him as if he had slapped her with a wet towel!
   For a second, she bit her lower lip.
   "That won't happen again!"
   "A promise?"
   "...Yes!"
   "Good, then you get another short hug; we will switch to long hugs and snuggles AFTER I see improvements."
   *Tsk*
   "Fine." Gu Yuena clicked her tongue. Still, she caved in quickly.
   After all, she can't say no to hugs!
   ~~~~~~Quinella~~~~~~
   Aboard Axiom, at one of the frontlines, Marcus' assistant was watching the video where Ars Almadel Salomonis revealed its true power.
   This station was something he came up with way before she got her self-awareness. It's simply beautiful-the sheer scale of destruction.
   It makes her tremble with anticipation. The sheer control Marcus can have with this. Sure, having power is essential, but exerting that power is something else.
   For example, this station can release a blast anywhere on Earth or the Underworld now. The only thing he needs to do is think!
   With the psionic interface, he can order an orbital bombardment with just his mind.
   Or he can order a package of mechs, Aurora bots, or a Neo Sacred Gear; the uses of this are simply astounding.
   "Mistress, we are detecting- something."
   "Hmm? A new signature?"
   "It's similar but different at the same time."
   A window appeared in front of the platinum-haired assistant. Her eyes narrowed briefly when she saw the signs she was expecting.
   "So it has started."
   "Notify the central command that phase two has started."
   "Understood."
   "And launch XC-M1 suits! We have permission." Quinella ordered.
   "Launching eXtreme Combat Mark I suits!"
   Axiom's hangars opened as three-metre suits similar to Yeager's walked over and proceeded to skydrop.
   These mechs were different. While they had raptor-like legs, their feet were tripods spread out. Such leg distribution allows the mechs to lean back and forth.
   Armoured with flamethrowers, revolver guns, jetpacks, and most importantly, built-in Sacred gears, Marcus created these machines for extreme combat situations.
   Inspired by XV8 Crisis Suits from Warhammer 40k, these suits know how to take life.
   As the mechs approached the ground, jet packs ignited, and the XC-M1 landed on the ground and proceeded to move towards incoming enemies.
   A few seconds later, a battle began. Already deployed spider walkers opened fire towards rushing enemies.
   What they encountered were armoured hounds which looked like regular wraiths. But more beastly. They are fast, very fast. With long nails glowing black and red.
   Behind these hounds were humanoid creatures with barrels for hands, which shot Power of destruction. These things can one-shot regular S.P.B.A.
   Apart from those, there were heavy-armoured mini giants.
   Regardless, the XC-M1 used their revolver guns to shoot hard light projectors, which shredded the enemies. Just as fast as Power of Destruction deals with regular S.P.B.A. Soldiers.
   "Mistress, look at this!"
   One of the S.P.B.A. sent an image of holding a black chess piece.
   "...Evil pieces! Of course, that thing uses those!" Quinella bit her nail for a second.
   "Prepare main canons! Discharge light energy at a distance!"
   "Understood! Preparing main cannons!"
   Axiom and 05 airships prepared main cannons and started targeting at a distance. One could see the amount of monsters moving towards them. It simply darkens the ground when one looks from the sky.
   "Fire!"
   With the command given, four cannons released a massive burst of light energy in the distance.
   A single blast from four cannons erased a considerable portion of the enemies.
   Regardless of the dust cloud, the XC-M1 proceeded to move forward with its right hand. They would release a storm of hard light balls which burned away the wraiths. If one would get close, the revolver gun would switch to shotgun mode and spray hard light in a more lethal fashion.
   For crowd control, they wield flamethrowers, which possess light attributes.
   [Engaging targets]
   A squad of three XC-M1 suits moved forward as several ghostly armoured hounds charged at them.
   The suits calmly reacted as they positioned their right hand forward and blasted with balls of hard light. The balls, like hot knives, went through their armours.
   But the issue was that there were too many of them. But they were prepared for this as flamethrowers from left hands turned on, and they proceeded to burn these ghost-like beings to death.
   Even then. There were simply too many of these things!
   "...Mistress, we just lost a squad of XC-M1."
   "...Sigh... I guess I was too hopeful that we wouldn't need to use this so soon. Let them use Sacred Gear support." Quinella sighed as she gave the command.
   "Activating Sacred Gear support!" With a few presses of the touchscreen button, the limiters for the mechs were released!
   On the ground, the XC-M1 proceeded to move differently.
   [BOOST]
   The mech spoke in a robotic tone as the next few shots from the revolver gun were twice as strong.
   Another mech, which was about to be mauled, spoke as well.
   [DIVIDE]
   The hound's jumping force became much weaker. Making the mech slam the hound away with its hand.
   [Rerouting Power]
   The absorbed power was rerouted.
   [BOOST]
   Then, the energy was boosted before the mech used shotgun mode to incinerate the would-be attacker.
   Quinella was pleased with how the phase two suits were doing; the data they acquired from here will be reused.
   "Is the orbital bombardment ready?"
   "Yes. Ars Almadel Salomonis is ready."
   "Then give the command. Mark the far side, and use Light energy as ammunition.
   And ask the high command for more Airships."
   'We might have an extra day to make more soldiers and machinery. But where does that thing get this many souls and power to maintain such force?
   Are they draining the undead world to this degree?'
   Quinella ponders heavily on this. Unlike the Marcus faction, which has the technomancy to cover their backs, Angra Mainyu is more primitive and old-fashioned.
   "Do me a favour and monitor the mana in the air."
   The Assistant's request got the crew slightly confused.
   "...As you wish."
   The girls on the bridge started to monitor the mana levels. While the platinum-haired girl stroked her chin, thinking of ways to figure out this phenomenon.
   "Hmm, make the XC-M1 send the data from the mana they absorbed. We will use that data to activate Solomon's system.
   This move will put Angra Mainyu on a 'check'."
   That's right, while the evil incarnate is hiding with many different mana's it can use the moment they hack the primary source, it's a checkmate.
   "Downloading data."
   ~~~
   "Huh? You are telling me I can use another type of soldier now!?" Serafall blinked a couple of times as she saw the screen before her.
   Another type of mech just slides in!
   "Then deploy them! The more, the better." The twin tails ex-Satan ordered swiftly.
   "Deploying the eXtreme Combat M1 suits!"
   As the mechs were getting deployed, Serafall was checking the specs.
   "...Damn... they can use Boost and Divide!"
   "... That's...you mean all of them can use it?" Roygun, who by this point was made second in command aboard the ship, asked with wide eyes.
   "... Every single one of them!"
   Sure enough, Serafall's troops had to engage the second wave of evolved Wraiths.
   The Ex-Sitri summoned screens to observe the new enemies and the use of troops.
   ...
   ...
   ...
   "Why are they not using the Boost and Divide?"
   "As commander, you need to release the limiters. Boost and Divide can only be used after the commander allows it. Same with the main canons of the airships." The Captain of the ship explained with an eye roll. The crew girls on board the vessel are wondering why they have to suffer with such an inexperienced person who is still struggling with protocol.
   "O-Oh, right! This thing has main cannons!"
   "Yes. We can shoot them anytime."
   "We can do that later! First, let them use Boost and Divide!"
   "Roger, releasing limiters."
   Serafall sighed as she cleaned off sweat from her forehead. She then returned to watch the fights and study protocol. She named Roygun her second in command because a civilian can't be on the bridge.
   To dodge another bad development, Extra Devil had to join Marcus' faction and be part of S.P.B.A command. Thankfully, Serafall automatically has a high rank because of her pillar status.
   "That's impressive. These new machines are slaughtering these new enemies."
   The Devil Lady commented as she saw the new enemies; they had a massive boost from the first wave.
   "Incoming transmission from ground forces."
   A picture popped up as a soldier showed them a black chess piece.
   "...Evil pieces! They are using them!?"
   "I feared as much... Angra Mainyu possessed Ajuka's body. The possibility of that thing learning the secrets of the Evil Piece inventor was not low."
   "...This is bad. If that thing knows Satan Beelzebub's secrets, then that thing knows about King Piece!" Roygun commented with a weary look.
   "Precisely, that thing can empower itself even more so!"
   A few minutes later, Marcus appeared before Serafall. On his lap was his favourite catmaid.
   "Just received satellite photos; a massive hybrid between a giant and a snake is moving towards Lilith from the Enterprise frontline."
   'Satellite photos!? We already have those in the Underworld!?' It's only been just over a day! How fast is he taking over the place!?
   Seconds later, Quinella appeared as well, sitting on her throne; next to her appeared Enterprise; unlike the platinum-haired one, she was leading her soldiers and was not sitting in her commander's seat.
   "That is Typhon, the King of Monsters." Nyx hologram appeared next to Marcus; Serafall's eyes trembled when she saw the Primordial trying to get close to her boyfriend!
   "He is a mighty being from my pantheon. He is well known for manipulating the weather."
   Marcus patiently listened to her.
   "Weather manipulation, huh? Now that's convenient, and he appeared just at the right time."
   "You mean..." Quinella had the look of realisation.
   "He is the key to terraforming. Well, well, this will slash our time in development in weather manipulation technomancy. Very well, I shall capture this- King of Monsters and place him in a gear."
   Nyx, next to him, gulped down; she looked nervous. Did she realise that he could potentially place even her in a gear if she could piss him off? Becoming a battery is worse than being jailed!
   "I will take four of my Airship and intercept that thing; once we deal with this Monster, 07 will remain with you, Enti."
   The rest of them nodded; Quinella then told him what was on her mind recently.
   "Master, I will send you the data I have recently gathered. I believe Angra Mainyu has been draining the Underworld of its Mana to face us."
   "What!? He is draining the Underworld!?"
   Serafall squeaked.
   "Yes. Think about it. It is releasing millions of creatures which can face High-class beings. You need the energy to do such a thing. If Angra Mainyu is to use its reserves, that thing would be dead by this point."
   The ex-Sitri's whole body trembled when she connected the dots.
   "I see. It makes sense. I suppose we can't waste too much time then. I don't want to manage a dead world." Marcus sighed as he scratched the back of his head.
   "I assume you gathered data for Solomon's system?"
   He asked his Assistant, knowing she was already working towards their triumph card.
   "Already sending your way."
   "Thanks, we will cuddle some once this thing is over." He was proud of his hard-working Assistant!
   "Yes~"
   ~~~
   While the airships are continuing to fight and contest at the frontlines, behind them, the Gremories are looking for any sort of survivors.
   The best and the only lead they have right now is in Sitri lands.
   The nephew of Venelana Gremory, Sairaorg Bael, should still be alive.
   The three gunships are flying towards his last known location.
   Soon enough, they saw the hospital's yard full of scraps of wraiths armours, and craters. These are signs of battles.
   Thankfully, the area had no signs of creatures of Evil Gods.
   "Any sign of living? Or undead?" Zeoticus asked the pilot.
   "Nothing on enemies, but we are picking up lifeforms."
   "Great! That means they survived!" Venelana was pleased that at least some of her family was alive!
   "Not for long. If you wish to rescue them, now is the time. We just learned from the command that phase two of the assault has started."
   "Angra Mainyu forces finished their regrouping?"
   "Yes, and now they are back on offence."
   "That's so quick!"
   "They are souls; they don't need logistics or anything like that." The soldiers pointed out how absurd the things they were fighting were.
   As the three gunships landed, the side doors opened, and fifteen S.P.B.A. Forward Knights rushed out. The revolutionised regulars had upgraded armour; now, it's bulkier with pauldrons. The armour has some aspects of medieval aesthetics. However, the touch of 'Sci-fi' is still there; the armours have LED-like lights. These lights are wave emitters.
   These waves are gravity waves; each armour operates like a small centre of gravity. With such armour, the concept of stray bullets or casual punches won't reach them.
   It works as a primary protection, while secondary is the armour itself.
   Marcus' new Graviton armour was created to collect data on gravity and waves for future development.
   A battlefield is the best sort of place for such a thing.
   "Secure the building; locate any survivors!" The commander ordered the troops to rush in.
   Not that they needed it as soon enough, Sairaorg, with his whole peerage, walked out.
   "Aunt Venelana?" The Heir to Bael's family looked surprised to see his aunt!
   Instead of saying anything, the brown-haired devil lady pulled her nephew into a crushing hug.
   "So this is the next Lord Bael. Impressive power!" Runeas nodded with an approving look.
   "What is going on?" Sairaorg ignored the hug and asked for an explanation.
   "Evacuating. We arrived here to pick you up and whatever people are left."
   "... That's going to be difficult." The Lion King replied.
   "The entire building is full of people. Those three ships you arrived in won't fit all of them."
   "In that case, we are going to ask for more gunships! Commander, if you would!" Venelana finally let her nephew go and looked at the leader of the squads. One of the fanciers dressed S.P.B.A. Soldiers.
   "One moment. Let me contact the command." The soldier acknowledged the request and proceeded to contact the base.
   Sairaorg looked curious at this. How does his aunt have such a pull on this military?
   "Command is sending another six empty gunships. None of the airships are in the area. The Supreme Commander has moved out to face Typhon."
   "...Typhon? Evil Gods have that thing under their control!?" Devils were baffled to hear such a creature running amok in the Underworld!
   "You can see the changes in weather patterns even from here; the thing is 5 thousand miles away." The commander pointed at the sky in the distance. Dark clouds gathered there.
   "I see; we will use this moment to evacuate to Lilith."
   "Precisely, the Supreme Commander is taking care of that thing while we evacuate people from here." The commander of the troops is more than happy to help; after all, they are following protocol-people in a hospital need healing.
   That means they will be placed in medical chambers to diagnose and scan. Such development means their Supreme Commander will get more bloodlines or unique data.
   All according to plan-protocol!
   ~~~
   The four airships are moving to engage Typhon a few thousand miles from Lilith.
   Typhon, being a self-centred being, doesn't work with his allies at all. By this point, the frontline has been split in two, trying to surround Lilith from two sides. At first, it was from three, but with Typhon on the loose, the third line no longer exists.
   Well, the third frontline is more like a Typhoon than a wave of monsters.
   "The winds are growing in strength, reaching category five now." Icarus' captain said to Marcus.
   "That's Typhon for you. He will flex his weather randomly." Nyx said with a sigh.
   "Are the airships even built to enter storms like that?" Atalanta asked him as she looked at what was in front of them. The view from the bridge is 'amazing' in the wrong way.
   "No, I haven't added such a feature. While the airships can't sustain damage by regular means like collision and crash landings. But they are not heavy enough to tank winds like these," Marcus said while stroking his chin. He is considering improving his flight technomancy, replacing energy wings with Gravity technomancy.
   "...So what are we going to do?"
   "Aurora, use me as a tag for Ars Almadel Salomonis and prepare the gravity press."
   [Preparing 'Gravity Press' on your command]
   "...What is 'gravity press'?" The Primordial asked him.
   "It's a move used to pin down enemies from orbit. It presses the enemy into the ground, unable to move, the enemy can't dodge the main cannon's blast."
   "...That's..." Nyx finally knew why Tartarus didn't dodge such a blatant attack coming from orbit.
   "It was a last-minute addition; I should thank Vali for the incredible insight he gave me."
   "...I doubt he even knew what he was doing." Atalanta, who was lazing on his throne, commented.
   "Doesn't matter now, does it? He showed me that all it matters."
   "I guess..."
   As the airships arrived at the closest point they could, Marcus walked towards the Hangar.
   "You are not going?" Gu Yuena asked Atalanta.
   "Nope, the view here is the best. Besides, it won't be long."
   "it's no matter how strong Typhon is; he is just one ignorant being." The Lion girl has seen Marcus in action. With the support he has, the Huntress has already written the Titan off.
   "I will keep his seat warm."
   "...Fine."
   The Dragoness scoffed as she proceeded to catch up to their main group.
   Atalanta smiled to herself, seeing all those new girls trying to get his attention. It amuses her how little they understand.
   ...
   ...
   ...
   "What is happening?" Seekvaira grabbed the spider walker's leg to hold herself. The whole hangar is shaking!
   "We are in a category five, nearly six class storm cast by Typhon," Marcus answered her question; his sudden presence had almost spooked the girl!
   "...W-What? Typhon!?"
   "Yes, and I am going to catch it." The inventor jokes.
   "...Please don't treat this like Pokemon!"
   "No promises; I already have a master ball, a paralysis move on standby." He continued to joke; the Alchemist floated to the corner where the armoury was.
   "Don't worry, he knows what he is doing. Typhon is very valuable to him. He won't mess this up." Le Fay chipped in as she was part of the group.
   "...I see..."
   'These people are crazy; this Titan used to wage casual wars on Olympus, yet this guy wants him captured!?' Seekvaira could finally stand on the floor properly, so she went after Marcus.
   Curious Nyx and eager Gu Yuena followed.
   "Oh wow..."
   Seekvaira couldn't control herself as she saw how armour was placed on Marcus' body.
   "...You turned Gundam into an Iron Man suit! T-That's- I want one myself!"
   The Agares Heiress loudly commented after seeing this; she can't keep her serious face when she sees this!
   "We can think of something."
   Marcus said that as the helmet was placed on his face.
   "...Gah! T-That's Freedom!"
   Once the wings spread, the alchemist blasted out from Icarus' hangar towards the heavy rain.
   ~~~
   "Kekekeke!!! Finally! The main guest has arrived!" Typhon's serpentine lower half swept back and forth; the Titan Monster was giddy when he saw Marcus float into the eye of the storm.
   "You've been waiting for me?"
   "Of course! Everyone hyped you up! I need to test your might myself!" With hand motion, the King of Monsters sends a torrent of lightning at the armour-wearing Alchemist.
   Marcus casually motioned as his twin rifles appeared in his hands. He pointed Deimos forward and pressed the trigger.
   A massive black and red beam blasted through the lightning and rushed at Typhon.
   "Huh?"
   Typhon needed to dodge that immediately.
   "Why did you dodge that?"
   Marcus pointed Phobos at Typhon and pressed the trigger; volleys of destruction descended towards the dodging King of Monsters.
   With a roar, the Titan called forth a massive torrent of dense wind and lightning from all directions towards Marcus; the volley was intercepted and destroyed before more lightning rushed towards the casually floating Armoured Inventor.
   Typhon grinned when he saw that there was contact, which caused an explosion.
   But then his grin disappeared.
   "Is this it? Well, your weather manipulation is impressive. However, your power is somewhat- lacking. Let me show you something no one has ever seen before." Marcus brought his rifles closer to each other.
   "Balance Breaker."
   The weapons glowed as they merged into a single long-barrel cannon.
   "This is Star of God of War. It is one of the earliest ever Pseudo-Sacred Gears I have made. The power of this is crude.
   It has ten times the power to kill a God."
   As the inventor explained that, he pointed the barrel at the Titan.
   Some sweat rolled down from Typhon's forehead.
   "Even if it has that power as if you can hit and kill me with it!"
   "...Who said anything about killing you?"
   At that moment, a crushing force slammed into Typhon.
   The storm which was around the area ceased to exist.
   "...Ugh...what is this! I can't move!"
   While the King of Monsters tried to move, the revolver system inside the cannon moved, selecting paralysis.
   Once ready, Marcus pressed the trigger, and a massive beam was released from the cannon. It was so strong that recoil pushed him back even with the kinetic system installed in armour hands! Not to get blasted away, he used his personal energy!
   ...
   ...
   ...
   The inventor landed on the ground and looked at the twitchy Typhon.
   'The balance breaker is far stronger than I had expected.'
   He thought about that as he inspected his suit's arms. There are literal cracks in the suit's superstructure.
   A suit which is powered by a Diamond core is cracking. Such development means the load exceeds the numbers generated by the infinity reactor.
   'Well, an upgrade was in the books for a while now.'
   The inventor walked over to the thirty-metre-long being, who was twitchy and spasming on the ground.
   As the Titan was incapacitated, Marcus proceeded to turn this thing into a core for a Neo Sacred Gear.
   ~~~
   "What was that light!?"
   "...That is his Pseudo Gear." Gu Yuena said with crossed arms.
   She only knew the info, but now she finally saw it with her own eyes.
   "The Star of God of War. The Balance Breaker form of the Deimos and Phobos. These twin rifles are named after the children of the God of War, Ares. Once they merge, it becomes a Pantheon-killing cannon.
   'Thus, each time such a weapon shoots, it creates a light bright enough that people can mistake it for a falling star.'
   That is the description I was given." The Dragoness explained the Primordial.
   ~~~~~~New Tech~~~~~~
   S.P.B.A's XC-M1:
   A special battalion of S.P.B.A. was created to fight in extreme conditions (special enemies included).
   The suits were created with the idea that enemies of the S.P.B.A. are beyond what the current front liners can face.
   Classification:
   A three-metre-tall mobile suit meant for a single soldier to pilot.
   Composition:
   Sacred gear alloy, Diamonds, glass, electronics,
   Technomancy:
   Latest M.T.M system: Each step taken by the XC-M1 powers the next shot and augments fighting performance.
   Aurora Support OS v3.0: XC-M1 has the latest linkage to the main Supercomputer and the AI Aurora, allowing unprecedented assistance for the pilot.
   From HUD guidance to targeting systems to navigation on the battlefield, it has all of it.
   Prototype Sacred Gear Reactor Core (Twin Dragons variant): A prototype Diamond reactor which was built with the powers of Red and White Dragon Emperors. Not only does this reactor give the capabilities of two dragons, but it allows for the suit to perform until it breaks down from overuse or is destroyed.
   Revolver Gun: A weapon based on the Revolver system built directly into the suit's right hand. It has three modes: a rifle (rapid shooting, mid-range), a Sniper (Slow but powerful shots, long-range) and a Shotgun (Spray damage, close range).
   Apart from the modes, it has various ammo cartridges with a similar revolver system.
   Flamethrower: a classic flame thrower built into the left hand of XC-M1, it uses limitless power provided by the reactor, and the flame itself can be altered depending on the ammo cartridge used.
   Extra:
   Jetpack: Equipped with a jetpack powered by 4 Nova Thrusters for fast travel and soften landing from Sky drops.
   ~~~
   For advanced chapters (+5 chapters, 25k words) my pat: pat reon.com/DragonsFics
   OR
   Discord: discord.gg/denoffanfics
   ~~~
   P.S.: I do weekly voting on Patreon if you want more chapters for this fic (or other fics ) vote there.
  
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   Chapter 66: Gods Coming Over
   Marcus looked at the sky-blue gem in his hand. This jewel-looking thing has Typhon sealed inside of it.
   The jewel-looking gem holds the King of Monster in the form of energy.
   Well, not quite. This was just a simple seal; Marcus plans to add additional functions for proper utilisation.
   5
   Marcus could start mass producing these to build weather towers on Mars and Venus, Colonising those planets.
   2
   What a view that would be! Such a thing is worth it just to watch people react to those two planets becoming habitable.
   'I could do that as a prank...'
   For a second, he stroked his chin. It could be a good test to see terraforming in real life.
   Regardless, the storm completely subsided, and the Inventor flew back to Icarus.
   He went to the armoury, where robotic hands started to take off his armour.
   3
   The alchemist summoned his interface and inspected the damage done by that recoil.
   4
   The cracks are from the shoulders, spreading out through the entire structure of the armour.
   When Marcus designed this, it was with the Diamond core reactor in mind. It can take the full brunt of his infinity reactor output.
   Such output is around the Pantheon level. Though 'Pantheon-level' is a broad subject. His measurements come from Serafall and Artemis' perception of what can slay a pantheon.
   "I-Is that..."
   Seekvaira was the first one to get close to Marcus, as she was itching to know more about the suit he was wearing. But then she saw the marble he was holding in his hand.
   He was treating it like a toy.
   "Typhon. Check it out."
   The Alchemist casually gave it to her.
   The moment the sky-blue marble was in her hands, she started to tremble.
   "...I-I-Is it fine!?" The girl was freaking out here!
   "It's okay. You can even treat it like a toy." The Inventor casually took it from her and started to throw it up and then catch it.
   Seekvaira's eyes bulged out seeing him doing that. She nearly had a panic attack there!
   "Relax, this won't break as easily as you think."
   He joked after seeing her reaction. The devil heiress was super cute for him to look at.
   1
   "...Not amusing..."
   She realised that he was messing with her. Instead of saying anything, he patted her head.
   His actions caused her to blush from the sheer embarrassment she was feeling. No one ever did anything like this to her. At least in recent history! Her father doesn't count!
   "Relax." He pocketed the marble in his lab coat pocket, which is hilarious if one thinks about it. That's a literal child of Gaia in his pocket, King of Monsters!
   "...I will, just don't treat me like a child!"
   "Not a child but a beauty." He clarified with an honest voice, which made her even more embarrassed.
   "C-Can we just move on!?"
   "Sure." He wrapped his hand around her waist and pulled her closer.
   7
   "...N-Not in that way!"
   "I have no idea what you are thinking~" He teased her as his hand moved around and instead took her hand.
   He proceeded to lead her by holding her hand. The rest of his ladies looked at this with complex looks. All of them want that pampering.
   Regardless, they followed after them.
   "Aurora, we will be returning to my base for a bit; I need to place Typhon for further scanning and studying, and Athena and Ares are coming over. They just passed the country border." Marcus, while holding the greenish-blonde devil heiress' hand, notified his AI.
   [Setting course for Earth]
   "07 airship stays with Enterprise, 08 and 09 return to Lilith."
   [Relaying orders]
   "You have Greek gods coming over!?"
   "Yeah, Athena is my fiancee, and Ares is a brother." He explained to Seekvaira.
   4
   "..."
   She slightly paled after hearing that! The Heiress wanted to pull her hand away. She doesn't want to end up pissed off the Greek Goddess side!
   "Relax. Athena knows well enough that I have a harem. Yet, she still agreed to be my wifey."
   The Agares heiress' lips twitched when he heard the word 'wifey'. It would be amusing if it were not for the fact that he was talking about a woman who turned another woman into a spider!
   6
   Athena is a Greek Goddess. And they are known to flip and be unreasonable. She doesn't want to do anything with one of those!
   Regardless, she had no choice. Now, she was a pillar to the next Salomon, who has an advanced faction and holds all the cards towards her race.
   By all means and purposes, she was at his complete and total mercy.
   As they arrived at the bridge, the airship proceeded to open a wormhole to Earth and appeared above the Baltic Sea.
   "Release Realitus particles."
   The captain ordered the crew. Before long, Icarus was no longer visible to regular people.
   'Not that we will hide for long.' Marcus pondered on the grand and total reveal of his faction.
   As they say, the bag was getting too heavy to be held. It will rip itself open.
   Realitus, while revolutionary tech, has its weaknesses. The moment a heavy storm and rain comes in, it will reveal what it's hiding.
   Not that they are not prepared; from what he read from Latia's reports, they are getting ready to take over the government.
   The legislation is getting passed for him to own a 'hyper-advanced tech company which is loaded with guns and mechs'.
   While he doesn't care about the paperwork, it's simply hilarious to the point that he is interested.
   He wants to see how people will react and 'demand' things for the greater good of humanity and all that shit. By this point, he sees it like a father watching children play in the sandbox.
   "...W-What is all of that!?" Seekvaira's inner weeb was screaming at her as in front of them appeared a massive construction site with an enormous tower under construction in the middle of it.
   "That the Space Centre with the Space Port," Marcus said to her while holding the Heiress close. The devil girl, for now, even forgot that she was being held close
   "...I know...I realised that much! b-b-but how! The tech, the labour, common people, it's just- out of the world!"
   1
   "You will find yourself soon enough." He did clarify.
   "Aurora, where is Latia?"
   [Miss Latia is in the house. She is waiting for you]
   For a second, Marcus blinked, but then he smiled. Knowing his Astaroth pillar, Latia has done everything needed and now is just waiting for him to take her back to the Underworld so that she can join his forces.
   "Good, then let's go."
   Once Icarus floated above the construction site, the group moved towards the hangar.
   While the Alchemist didn't pay much attention to Nyx, the Primordial was like a little girl looking at the place with curious eyes.
   She has never seen that many metal things making more metal.
   As they arrived at the hangar, some of the S.P.B.A approached the Supreme Commander.
   "Sir, what about the Goddess Hel? She is still in jail."
   "Oh, right. That girl is still around." The soldier reminded Marcus that he had a prisoner in his airship.
   "..."
   "..."
   "..."
   His maids and the devil girl looked at him with a deadpan look.
   "What? It's not like she is that important. Bring her over, and my dragoness, you will babysit her for now."
   His Silver-haired beauty huffed for a second, but she nodded. If she does a decent job, she might get praised!
   The soldiers nodded, and a few minutes later, the handcuffed Goddess was in front of them.
   "...Finally, did my father demand my release?"
   "...Hmm? No, I am bringing you in for future studies. My machinery will rip your limbs one by one, and we will test out your organs and other things.
   It's not like you are that special. I already have Nyx." Marcus quite affectionately hugged the Primordial.
   4
   "...Y-You wouldn't dare! I am the Goddess of the Norse Pantheon."
   "...Hmm, you are? But Odin exiled you. You don't even have a home now. So a beggar Goddess.
   8
   It's not like someone is going to miss you. Besides, I have been waging war for close to two days, and I still haven't seen Loki.
   But we already killed Tartarus, Erebus, Two Fake Heavenly Dragons, and Typhon. So, who knows where he is? He might even abandon you." Marcus casually continued to destroy Hel's pride and mental health.
   "...N-N-No, that can't be."
   "Sooo, take her to the lab." The inventor motioned for his soldiers to take her away, but the Goddess was utterly terrified! She resisted.
   1
   "...NOOO! I-I-I give up! I-I-I surrender!" She started to beg.
   "?"
   "What are you talking about? You are my prisoner, and I have permission to do whatever I want with you." He commented with a confused look.
   "N-No! Please! I do anything; just don't experiment on me!" Tears started to roll down her cheeks as her knees gave in.
   Everyone looked at Hel with an array of different emotions.
   "Heh? Will you behave?" Marcus lost his nonchalant, lazy look and had a grin on his face.
   "Y-Yes! Anything! I will be a maid! A slave! Anything you want!"
   "Fine, then come with me." He motioned for his soldiers to let her go.
   3
   The men nodded and removed the handcuffs.
   The Goddess of the Norse Underworld calmed down, seeing that her begging worked.
   Seekvaira whispered to Marcus.
   "Were you trying to experiment on a Goddess?" She asked with disbelief.
   "Nope, but I have no time to make her join my faction smoothly. So, I took the rough route and terrified her into joining it." He whispered back with a slightly amused look. He can see Nyx loved how he has terrified the Goddess Hel.
   She even looks hot and bothered after seeing that.
   4
   "Like that won't bite back?" The greenish-blond beauty commented.
   "...It will be fascinating if it does."
   1
   "..."
   The Heiress didn't comment more. There are levels to this madness that she doesn't want to explore.
   Seconds later, the group got into the gunship, taking them to the construction site.
   Marcus proceeded to explain about the construction as Seekvaira forgot about the episode with Hel and, instead, focused on his explanation.
   "See those pipes lined with things going up? Those are railway tubes which will bring cargo into the ships."
   He pointed at the rising tower, more specifically at the eight tubes which are going up vertically.
   "After Vali Lucifer's first visit, I am retconning everything with gravity or Graviton tech, as I call it. It sounds cooler."
   Marcus told her that he has been installing gravity-based things pretty much everywhere. The trains now move extra fast, and the new gunships, which look precisely like LAAT from Star Wars, are being introduced while the older ones are scrapped.
   2
   Guns also use graviton tech; the energy projectiles accelerate at absurd speeds and are enveloped in a gravity 'layer.' They punch through concrete with steel reinforcement like its tissue, and that is a simple mana projector. If he adds de-atomisation, even a simple gun could destroy buildings.
   1
   Honestly, Marcus should have researched Gravity from the very beginning; it has so many uses!
   "...I see. It is impressive. I assume you want to access time as well?" Seekvaira enquired.
   "Of course. I am studying it to some degree; I only need to iron out a few things. Once we pass that hurdle, we can visit dinosaurs."
   Atalanta's ears perked up. The moment he mentioned the prehistoric animals.
   "...let me guess...because it's cool?"
   "Exactly. It appears we are on the same wavelength! And that's just great!"
   The Inventor hugged the beauty one more time.
   This time, Seekvaira wasn't that embarrassed. She was getting used to this.
   As the gunship landed, the group exited the vehicle. The sounds of working assaulted their ears. There was no talking; the ones doing all the work were robots.
   So, for the devil heiress, it was a strange atmosphere; she had seen a construction site before, a regular human one and a devil one.
   There should be at least some sort of communication going around. But there was none, and it was just weird!
   "Just how many of these things do you have? Is this how you prepared for war with us?" Nyx asked. She was the only one who didn't grasp how the whole thing worked.
   "Have you ever thrown a snowball from a snowy mountain before?"
   "No? I have not."
   "Try it out one day. You will understand the very basics of my faction's growth."
   2
   "...Ugh...okay..."
   "Master means that he builds one of these, and then that one builds two more, and then those two make another four, and so on.
   It's an avalanche which only grows with time." Seekvaira explained as simply as she could.
   "Oh, I see..."
   "And the war which you have caused only increased the intensity. In other words, you made me get more serious."
   Marcus smirked while saying that he never planned to build nine airships so soon. Hell, another nine are already halfway done. These extra nine will be kept in the Underworld.
   The thing is, Quinella already filed a request to create a successor for Daedalus-class airships because they are too small.
   With the introduction of spider walkers, XC-M1, Yeagers, and her integrity knights, they don't have space anymore. The hangar bay, which should only hold Starscream fighters, is now packed.
   Simply put, the war is making his tech progress explode.
   "...Well then... It's great, is it not?" Nyx couldn't see issues with this. In her opinion, she loves seeing him 'serious' like against Typhon or him threatening to dissect Hel.
   Even now, the Underworld Goddess of Norse is staring at the Space Centre and Space Port with terror-filled eyes. This place was a fantasy for the Goddess.
   Ancient mythology shouldn't meet the distant future, yet it did, and now she feels- outdated?
   1
   "Ask that people of this world." Seekvaira pointed out who is going to suffer.
   "And why would I care what humans think? The only one who can do or say anything to me is Marcus." Nyx ended up hugging Marcus free hand. She wants to be 'praised'.
   Marcus sensed that, so he patted the Primordial.
   While the inventor does that, Seekvaira notices that no one cares what will happen to humans. Neither Atalanta nor Le Fay, especially not Gu Yuena, she was not created to care about something like humans.
   3
   Of course, she is not even looking at Hel, that Goddess never cared about humans; to her, they are numbers.
   "Let's go. Latia is waiting, and then later on, we will meet the pair of Greek Gods."
   "...Sure, I haven't seen the youngest generation of Olympians yet." Nyx casually agreed.
   ~~~
   As Marcus and his group walked into the main living room in his underground home, his Astaroth pillar got up from the couch and went over to see him.
   "Master, you have returned." The beautiful Latia elegantly walked to his side. The blonde Astaroth wanted to talk to him for over a day now.
   She spent the entire last day ensuring everything was ready and that she could take time off and join the war effort for her homeland.
   Even if the time was not that good, the new company she created was in its infancy. But even so, she needed to join this war effort.
   "Indeed." He gently stroked her cheek. His eyes looked at hers.
   "I have everything set. I can join you in this war anytime you want. Your Valkyries want to assist you as well." She motioned towards a pair of Silver and Golden Valkyries.
   These two are such a unique combo.
   "Yes. My Lord, please allow us to fight. As a Valkyrie, I perform best in combat situations." The blonde Thrud said with a professional tone.
   "No worries, you girls, will have your turns. We are at a critical point now. My AI already has discerned Angra Mainyu energy patterns, and another nine Airships will join the front lines soon.
   We are about to shatter the front line and rush at that thing."
   "...Then, I thought you wanted to prolong this conflict." Latia was confused; this was not what she expected from her Master, who wanted to use this war to improve his tech.
   "Normally, yes, but Angra Mainyu can't keep up. That thing is draining the underworld to keep the fight going. I don't want to manage a dead world."
   "...D-Draining!?"
   "Yes. Either the world itself, or worse, maybe even using dead souls to feed its war machine."
   "...Or both." Nyx chipped in.
   Her words got both of their attention.
   "Before the conflict started, Hades opened his underworld and gave millions of souls to be converted into those things. That was before the war began. By now, those things have been transformed; the extra energy most likely comes from dead devils and the land."
   "...I see, and who you might be?" Latia asked respectfully; she could discern this girl's power even in this heavily muffled place!
   "Nyx, little bat."
   "!!!"
   "I-I see, it's an honour to meet a Primordial such as you." The blonde Astaroth swiftly got respectful; this was, after all, legitimate Primordial, even if Nyx was one of the enemies before this.
   "Don't mind me; I am in the same boat as you."
   "Not quite." Marcus interrupted her.
   "You are just a pet. My Latia is a pillar." The Inventor wrapped his hand around the blonde's waist and led her to the couch before sitting down and placing her on his lap.
   3
   "...Yes-Yes. I understand." The Primordial Goddess agreed without any sort of heat. She closely watched what he was doing to that little bat.
   "Regardless, as you can see, the situation requires swift action from our side." He hugged the blonde as he continued to explain.
   "You have to take a few airships and reclaim your lands. Maybe some of the Astaroth are still alive."
   "...My immediate relatives live in the human world; however, I can't say the same about devils living in Astaroth lands in the Underworld."
   "Yes, you may use the airships to figure out something." He explained with a nod.
   "Many thanks for such an opportunity." The beauty smiled at his help.
   He smiled slightly at her honesty.
   "I don't mind helping a clan who was part of my faction. In a way, this makes this a personal conflict by this point."
   "Master, don't forget the deal we have." Seekvaira got his attention. This time, Latia noticed her cousin!
   1
   "...Seekvaira...you are here as well." Latia wanted to see Marcus so much that she ignored her relative!
   "...Yeah. I was here all the time." The greenish-blonde said with an eye roll.
   "...Sorry."
   "Forget about it. It's a strange time we live in." The Agares Heiress brushed it aside as she looked back at the Alchemist.
   "I hope the deal is not forgotten?"
   "Of course not. I do need people to inhabit the Underworld."
   Marcus nodded at her reminder.
   "Aurora, I am confident we have acquired enough data to enable the Neo Heaven system in the Underworld."
   1
   A window with statistics appeared in front of the next Solomon; the girl on his lap also looked closely at this.
   [ I have found a configuration which allows the souls which leave the armour to be captured and added to the circulation.
   However, the souls which we would acquire are tainted and tormented; such souls could corrupt the system in the long run.]
   "A filtration system is needed, huh."
   [Here are the designs for the filtration system I have come up with]
   Several runic systems appeared in front of Marcus, surrounding him from the sides and the front.
   "Fascinating, we must address the devil's natural darkness attribute."
   [Already incorporated, it's a multilayer system; regular darkness will remain, but corrupting evil shall be removed]
   A new schematic popped up, highlighting the filtering system.
   Marcus inspected it and some of the runes his AI was using.
   "That will do. You may apply this and use it as soon as it's ready. We have no idea what happens to devils the longer they are in those wraiths form."
   [Applying upgrades]
   "This reminds me, Latia, do you wish me to bring your relatives back? I am already planning with Seekvaira's family."
   "Yes, of course. Is there anything I need to do?"
   "Nope, just continue being my cuddly devil~"
   The beauty smiled at him; she slightly changed her sitting position and kissed his lips gently.
   The onlookers frowned, seeing this-especially the newcomers who don't understand the hierarchy.
   After the kiss ended, Marcus contacted his headmaid.
   "Grayfia, come over; I have a newcomer joining the maids."
   A few moments later, Seekvaira had wide eyes as she saw Lucifuge dressed in maid uniform elegantly walking over.
   "Grayfia, instruct Hel. She is the newest maid to join us." The inventor motioned towards the blue and red-haired Goddess.
   The Goddess in question looked like she swallowed a lemon.
   The sheer realisation that she will be a servant girl angers her. However, none of that anger ever appeared on her face. Nope, she promised herself that she would rise from his defeat!
   "...As you wish, come with me." Grayfia didn't even register that this woman was a Goddess. This was not her first rodeo.
   As Grayfia and Hel left, the rest waited for Marcus and asked if he had any sort of assignments for them.
   ~~~
   Ares overlooked a small town stretching in front of him. The highway which runs next to the town is on elevated land, while the town in front of him was built in an eroded river bed.
   Well, long ago, this place was a river. Now, that river is much smaller, and it can run through the middle of the town.
   "If not for that enormous pillar of energy rising from the ground, I wouldn't expect this place to be my little brother's hideout." The God of War said with a snort.
   "It is what it is, and his base runs throughout the country," Athena explained while looking down at the exact location as Ares.
   1
   "I gathered as much. Do you think he will send us a welcoming party?"
   "I don't think so."
   "...Why not?"
   "Because I am his Fiance. If I need a welcoming party, that means I won't be competent enough to be his wife."
   Ares nodded before grinning at her.
   "I suppose he is testing how good is his future wife~" The God of War teased her.
   "Pretty much. Now, let's go; I can sense many movements towards the location of the Space Port." Athena ignored the tease as she sensed a lot of mana in THAT direction.
   "Yeah, I can sense it too. Though vaguely- it's hard to miss." If mana interference starts to fall, then it's a large source of mana!
   What they are sensing is 9 Daedalus Class Airships starting to get online.
   The pair got into their rented car and descended from the highway towards the town.
   While driving through the roads, they noticed multiple police cars on the corners, news vans, and other dodgy-looking people.
   Something is going on.
   Athena was quite curious, and since Marcus added her to the surveillance system, her actions would not raise alarms.
   So here she was, out of concern for her Fiance's hometown and growing curiosity, she decided to use her magic on these dodgy-looking people.
   Some casual mind-reading later-
   'CIA, FBI... those are human secret agencies.'
   After some more digging, the Goddess finds out that world nation superpowers have found out that Marcus has a super-advanced faction.
   What they got are pictures of the super construction site, glimpses of Ars Almadel Salomonis and the airships above the Baltic Sea.
   They have some photos of airships moving in and out of dimensions.
   Apparently, they cross-examined their colour similarities, and the advanced shop opening has brought the World's superpowers to the doorsteps of Marcus' home.
   "...Well? What did you find out?" Ares asked as he stopped the car and allowed Athena to probe.
   "You can read minds too?"
   "...Nah, I am not as gentle as you are."
   "...Fine, they have figured out some things. From memories, I saw it as quite vague and blurred-out camera shots."
   "...Oh, that screams Ancient Aliens; I will be tuned in to watch the new season on the History Channel."
   6
   "...Ugh...for love of the Primordials, can you take at least something seriously!?" The Goddess of Wisdom grimaced.
   "...I do. And if my bro starts World War 3, I will be at the front line with my boys!" The God of War showed a bloodthirsty grin.
   8
   "Can you just drive? We are close to his 'humble' home." Athena said 'humble' with a little bit of sarcasm.
   "Sure."
   ...
   ...
   ...
   The pair of Greek Gods walked over to Marcus' home. Ares looked somewhat amused. This was a legit two-floor suburban home in the middle of nowhere. The closest city of some value is around 75 kilometres away. Even then, it's just a town with 700 thousand people.
   1
   There is nothing special around this place at all. It's a no 'Pantheon zone' for a few hundred kilometres in all directions.
   Of course, the Biblical faction 'took over', but their presence is just that- a presence without any presence. They took it over to govern, but with their big bad God dead, they can't govern at all.
   "Behave, Mark's father is home, don't embarrass me!" Athena almost hissed like a snake, her eyes gleaming with seriousness.
   "Hey, he is my bro's dad; I can behave!"
   "...Right..."
   The Goddess of Wisdom's trust level towards her half-brother is less than 50%.
   2
   Regardless, she is here to see Marcus and discuss the underworld!
   *Ding*Dong*
   After pressing the doorbell, the Goddess ensured she was presentable while Ares internally snorted with crossed arms. He was witnessing her sister 'growing up'.
   "Coming."
   The doors unlocked, and a middle-aged version of Marcus greeted the pair of Greek Gods.
   "Oh, Athena! Come in! I thought you had permission to pop in and out from Marcus?" The older Goldman motioned to enter.
   "Yes, I can, normally, but this time I am with my brother. This is Ares; he is here to see Marcus as well." The Brown-haired Goddess motioned to the black-haired, red-eyed God.
   "Yo! I am a big fan of Mark's work! Engineering and programming!" Ares offered a handshake.
   "Oh, wow! Nice to you, too! I heard my son did some work on your mansion?" Roland shook God of War's hand with some genuine happiness.
   "Yep! He installed a simulation room in my basement and a complete 360' audio system throughout the mansion! It was a pleasant surprise."
   "Nice to hear." Roland had no idea how to answer that.
   "Yes. Anyway, where is he?"
   Before Marcus' father can answer, the AI interrupts him.
   [He will be here in two minutes]
   "Hoh? Nice, he has a female AI!" Ares nodded after hearing a familiar thing. He likes his virtual butler as well.
   "He got an AI for you as well?" Roland asked.
   "Yep. He goes by the name Strategos. I use him to make metal and rock playlists for me. The Best DJ, in my opinion! I don't even need to hire one." Athena's half-brother started to brag. He still recalls his 'victory' parties after winning in simulations.
   He might be taking them too seriously.
   'Is he truly a God of War?' The older Goldman started to question the 'majesty' of Gods by this point.
   "Dad, who are the guests?" Sleepy Lilian walked downstairs to see who was doing the commotion.
   "Oh, Lily! I forgot to mention! Meet your future sister-in-law!" Roland, with a cheerful voice, motioned towards the brown-haired goddess.
   "..."
   "..."
   "..."
   "...Excuse me?"
   "This is Athena. I think you have heard of her; She is the Goddess of Wisdom and Warfare."
   "...Handcrafting as well, but it's less used Divinity of mine." Athena nodded at her future father-in-law's words.
   1
   "...Are you saying that Mark is engaged to a Greek Goddess? Why am I hearing it now!?" Lilian started to pout silly. Imagine the clout she would have in her Organisation! Well, she already has enormous influence with her brother Solomon's successor identity, but still!
   "Kinda forgot?" Roland looked sheepishly.
   "It's understandable; It took me days to process after visiting Mark's workshop." Athena nodded at the forgetfulness.
   "...Oh, YEAH! I need to see his shop!" Ares loudly exclaimed! He had a shit-eating grin; he wanted to see the crazy military stuff his bro has!
   1
   Lilian looked at the guy; he looked like God! She never expected Marcus to get this close to their pantheon. She thought they retreated after losing Artemis.
   "...And you are?"
   "...Oh, I am Ares, sis; we will be family after all." The God of war smiled, which made the older sibling of Marcus feel chills going down her back.
   2
   "...Ummm..."
   'Me? Related to the Greek Pantheon?' Lilian doesn't know how to feel about that.
   "If you need exotic animals or a band of spartan Mercenaries, I am your sibling!"
   At that moment, Athena smacked him on his head.
   "Don't you just casually mention rare animals, you idiot! You will get in trouble with Hera!" The Goddess of Wisdom growled before apologising.
   "Ignore him; he is the incarnation of reckless warfare."
   "...Right. I will keep that in mind."
   Before more awkward stuff could happen, Marcus, with a band of females, strolled into his house.
   Athena's eyes bulged out as she saw Nyx.
   One could say that soul nearly left her body.
   1
   The first thing Marcus did was fist-bump Ares. The God of War grinned when he saw Nyx; unlike his half-sister, the incarnation of war knows what happened. Marcus reminds him of people who worshipped him back in the day.
   3
   Kill the guys, collect the chicks and the loot-the most primal style of war.
   9
   This is what his bro just did. Only with a primordial, and from the look of it, Nyx agrees with that entirely.
   "...Mark, did you bring your full harem?" Lilian deadpanned, seeing the amount of females who came with him.
   "No? I don't count them. I left some of them in the Underworld." The Inventor shrugged and ignored the stare from his sister.
   2
   Instead, he looked at his Fiance and smiled at her.
   ~~~
   For advanced chapters (+5 chapters, 25k words) my pat: pat reon.com/DragonsFics
   OR
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   ~~~
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   Chapter 67: Traumatising a Sister
   5
   Athena! My Goddess!" Marcus swiftly embraced his beautiful future wife with a tight hug.
   The Goddess of Wisdom tried not to blush. Still, she enjoyed the hug.
   After the hug, Marcus looked at his father and sister.
   "Apologies for not being at home for a couple of days. I have been busy with war." The Alchemist casually talked about the war.
   "...War?" Marcus' father, with a baffled tone, repeated.
   "Evil Gods are invading the Underworld since I am close to them, and Odin asked for assistance. I have deployed troops there."
   "...Oh..." Roland was out of words. How randomly serious and absurd is that?
   "Don't worry, I am close to breaking the deadlock." Marcus tried to ease his father.
   "Good to hear. I do wish to talk about your other plans." Athena swiftly chipped in.
   "Sure. Latia, be a good girl and introduce the newcomers to my father and sister while I speak with my fiance." Marcus' sudden request caught her by surprise, but she swiftly adjusted.
   "A-As you wish."
   "Hey! I want to hear what you have to discuss!" Lilian swiftly grabbed Marcus by his hand.
   "...Don't be an annoyance, sis." The successor to Solomon sighed with annoyance.
   "Not every day I have such an opportunity!"
   "Have you ever heard about curiosity killing the cat?" Marcus commented he mentioned cats specifically.
   Atalanta, in the background, twitched for a second. She is confident he is talking about her and her Goddess' group.
   7
   'That reminds me...how is Goddess doing?' The Lion girl pondered on that. She hasn't seen her Goddess for over a day.
   Well, she is confident that Artemis is not dead. After all, this goddess is Marcus' prize, and he won't allow his prize to die.
   "Yeah? But I am your sis! Not some random passerby!"
   "Ugh..." The Alchemist groaned from annoyance before replying to her.
   "You are right. I should place you on a rocket and send you to space." He commented with a joking tone.
   "As if you can do that."
   However, that joking smile switched to a smirk when he heard her reply.
   "Are you sure about that? I can make Saturn 5 look like a matchstick."
   1
   "...Saturn 5?" She looked confused for a second.
   "It's the biggest rocket in the world used for the Apollo programs between 1967 and 1973, standing around 41 metres tall. Honestly, I am still pissed that they named it after Apollo; it's not that they were sending rockets to the sun." Athena explained with a jealous tone.
   1
   Marcus smiled, hearing how his fiance knew all that.
   "AND that is why Athena is my future wife!" The Alchemist went over and took his fiance's hand and proceeded to pull her towards a specific direction.
   Marcus' happy voice made the Goddess of Wisdom try to control her smile. While Ares snorted internally, how hard Athena tried to keep her poker face. He is confident that Aphrodite would pay him a fortune to see pictures of Athena like that.
   "H-Hey! H-H-He was serious?" While Lilian freaked out, realising that her baby brother was quite serious about sending her to space.
   As the Goldman duo walked away with a pair of Greek Gods, the remaining girls were left with very confused Oldest Goldman.
   "...So- I need a list to know who was with Marcus before and who just joined." Roland joked while massaging his forehead.
   'I think we need a bigger house.'
   [Making a list]
   "Ugh..."
   As this was happening, a girl was poking her head from the stairway. This girl was Meredith. Honestly, she was too terrified to show her face, especially when she sensed absurd dark power radiating from that black-haired, goth-like girl.
   4
   ~~~
   "Bro! I need to see your workshop!" Ares couldn't pass this!
   "Hmm? Sure, let me show you my garage." Marcus changed his direction; they went towards the doors. By this point, Athena adjusted to his pull and held his hand instead.
   4
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   They got outside of the alchemist's house and walked towards the garage.
   'Secret entrance inside the garage or outside?' The God of War pondered on that.
   "Aurora, lower the driveway."
   The moment they were next to the driveway, a portion of it lowered, revealing the workshop.
   "Sweat! I knew it!" Ares was happy enough to guess it right, while Marcus' sister just looked at this with a small, deadpan look.
   Internally, she realised that this was SOO Marcus. Back when he was a kid, he used to play 'Dexter's Laboratory'. Now he has one.
   As they walked into the workshop, the driveway elevated itself up, closing the entrance.
   *Whistle*
   "Look at this." The Greek God whistled as he felt he was in a different world. His senses told him that even if he used all of his power, he wouldn't be able to leave this place simply because the walls were that sturdy!
   "As expected, you stored your car here."
   "Yeah, about that. Do you want to see a new function I added to it since my last visit?" Marcus asked with a slight smirk.
   "Shoot!"
   "Since you asked-" The Alchemist looked at his car." BMW break dance for me."
   When he said that the car's front lights turned on, the car used its suspensions to jump before transforming mid-air into its robot form. It then started to dance according to hip-hop music it started to play on its radio.
   "...Cool...where do I sign up for one? Do you take orders for products?" Ares was surprised; for a second, he didn't cross the idea that he could have a car for a transformer. He never connected those dots as he hadn't heard that Marcus had cars transform into robots since he only heard about Jet Fighters!
   But now-
   "Just message me after the war ends. I can change your cars into Transformers if you want." Marcus leisurely mentioned that as he motioned for his transformer to return to his car form.
   With a nod, the BMW break danced into his car form.
   "Sweat! I will visit the US in the meantime! Get that Truck and Camaro!"
   "Heh, I wonder if Hasbro will try to sue you for having legit Optimus Prime and Bumblebee." Marcus knew which cars the God of War was talking about.
   "HAH! They can try." Ares snorted before; at the corner of his vision, he saw something familiar.
   "Hold it! Is that a-" The Black-haired God strolled to the side as he inspected familiar-looking suits stored behind a glass wall in one of the corners.
   "Those are Gundam in the shape of Iron Man suits!"
   "...Gundams?" Lilian parroted.
   "Massive killer robots. With big guns and weird abilities." Athena explained to her.
   "Knowing Marcus, they most likely have his perpetual energy reactor." The Goddess of Wisdom added some more bits to that.
   "...Boys... and their toys." The older sibling sighed, hearing all that. This thing looks like something Marcus would do.
   "...Boys indeed."
   "...Hey...Do you have a legit Gundam?" Ares asked with a glint in his eyes.
   "Not yet. I don't have ships for them. But, my assistant requested an upgrade to my current Airship since they are outdated."
   "...Outdated? Marcus, they are not even a year old." Athena was baffled to hear that he called those things outdated! The paint job hadn't even dried yet!
   "Well, war happened, and my airships reached the limit of their capacity. The runway inside the airship is getting too short. So either I redesign Starscream fighters, which I won't. They are far too iconic, or I upgrade the airships into legitimate spaceships."
   "..."
   Ares sagely nodded while the girls didn't know how to answer that.
   Athena would comment on efficiency, but that's a minefield she doesn't want to enter.
   She is smart enough not to touch men's toys.
   The group walked past the BMW and the stored suits. The God of War noticed three floating crystals the size of an adult hand.
   A blue, orange and red crystal was floating above a projector.
   "What are those?"
   "Hmm? Oh, those. Those are Lawmaker crystals. My next pet project."
   "...Sounds-interesting."
   "Yep, you will see them in action in the not-so-distant future." Marcus smiled while saying that.
   "By not so distant, you mean in a couple of days?" Athena rolled her eyes while saying that.
   "...Indeed."
   ~~~~~~Outside~~~~~~
   A regular-looking Volkswagen stationed some distance from Marcus' home had two people inside it. These were agents from the CIA.
   The Bureau of Intelligence from the USA has sent several undercover agents to figure out what was going on.
   They have been at this for a while. One thing they are certain of is that something strange is going on in this country.
   The news agencies simply can't locate the house of this teen. They simply can't. People reported that the address they are going to takes them to empty fields outside the town.
   Others simply return to the capital city.
   After some testing, they figured out that it was the van.
   So the reporters tried to arrive in regular cars. After a single partial success, they couldn't locate the house anymore.
   One thing for sure is that some sort of higher level of technology is being used, something they are unaware of.
   They tried to approach his parents, but that was a dead route. It is even worse than trying to locate the house.
   Regardless of what it is, they finally found a method to observe the house.
   Like disguising as a delivery man, a mail carrier, police, or some other service person, a salesperson can't approach it; in a way, it's understandable why.
   No one likes a salesperson who goes from door to door.
   The logical conclusion is that there is some sort of intelligent system which messes with people.
   But this system isn't THAT smart.
   As long as they arrive with regular cars and don't leave their vehicles, the system won't do anything.
   *Knock*Knock*
   "Hmm?"
   One of the agents lowered the window as he saw a beautiful girl with black hair and blue eyes looking at him.
   "Yes, how can I help you?" The agent asked the girl.
   "I would like to ask, What are you doing here?" Her voice was hypnotic. They couldn't stop themselves and started to talk.
   "We-ugh-here to figure out who Marcus Goldman is and if any strange technology he has-ughh..."
   "I see... Why don't you just forget about this meeting and drive away to your safehouse?" She sweetly asked them.
   "...Uhh...sure..."
   As the agent started the car engine, the girl placed something on the car before walking away.
   The girl placed her hand on her earpiece.
   "This is Field Agent 12; I have discovered bugs. The tag is set; you can proceed with the cleaning."
   [Roger agent 12, sending team Alpha and Beta to clean the house.]
   The commanding agent replied.
   ~~~~~~Meantime, In Marcus home~~~~~~
   "Hmm?"
   Latia pulled out her phone and checked the notification.
   'Another one. This makes a fourth attempt at such proximity. These humans are figuring out loopholes in Realitus and Aurora's systems.' The blonde devil heiress frowned at this revelation.
   There is no way she will tell any of this to Marcus; her boyfriend has too many things to deal with as it is.
   Something as mundane as human special agencies is way below his radar.
   The blonde proceeded to message the operatives to tighten their control over the town.
   While security is absurdly powerful against the supernatural, the same can't be said about regular people.
   Marcus has not developed technomancy to deal with the regular masses.
   It never crossed his mind that he would need any of it.
   As Latia pondered the lack of security towards the regulars, she received a message.
   [Quinella: I checked the latest missions regarding the girls. As a Pillar, you have access to develop technomancy.]
   'I do?'
   For a second, the blonde looked surprised before summoning her console with an index finger stroke.
   A familiar window appeared in front of her.
   'Wow, I can use these even outside the base?' She was surprised about this.
   'I should check the logs more often.'
   For a second, she was embarrassed as she checked the console; her eyes eventually ended on something she had seen many times.
   A command with 'Create' written on it. She never checked what it does.
   This time, she pressed it.
   Another window popped, and there were more options.
   [Welcome to the Technomancy creation toolbar; select what you want to create:]
   [Technomancy]
   [Organic]
   [Software]
   [Gadgets]
   [Vehicles]
   [Robotics]
   [S.P.B.A]
   [M.G.M.I.]
   [Infrastructure]
   [Space Stations]
   "..."
   For a second, her finger hovered over the options.
   'I can make space stations?'
   She questioned that herself.
   Without thinking, she pressed on it.
   [Select which type of Space Station you wish to create:]
   [Low Altitude]
   [High Altitude]
   [Colony]
   [Satelite]
   '...Hmm- let's see...'
   Latia pondered on this for a bit.
   'I want to see the difference.'
   The blonde devil beauty pressed on low altitude; she wanted to see what it meant. She has a general idea, but how will it affect the whole creation process?
   [Low Altitude selected, allocating requested Technomancy]
   A much larger window appeared in front of her. She saw an array of choices. It was a window with 3D structures. She could see Diamond Core Heart and various types of Cores, followed by automated assembly lines, rooms, habitat areas, defences, doors, windows, and all sorts of times of constructs.
   This window was more like a development game than anything else!
   "Latia? You can create things later!" Seekvaira hissed as she saw what her cousin was doing.
   "We are with the Master's father!" The Agares Heiress whispered with a sharp tone.
   "I know. I just realised that I can create a whole civilisation if I want to..." The blonde mumbled with disbelief. She then looked at her cousin. Her finger was slightly trembling.
   "That sounds like a newbie gamer mistake. You should never miss a tutorial." Seekvaira teased her.
   Latia looked at her with a slight, angry pout.
   "Well, excuse me for not being THAT tech savvy!"
   "...Right...anyway, it appears Master's father didn't see you not paying attention." The greenish-blond red-eyed Agares Heiress pointed out that Marcus' father was paying attention to Nyx, who was telling a story of some sort.
   The devil duo are confident that the Primordial has a few good stories to tell. It's more like they are surprised that the Incarnation of Night is so well-behaved.
   "I wonder how he would react to the fact that less than a day ago, Nyx was our mortal enemy?" Seekvaira, with a strained look, commented on that.
   "That's probably why she behaves like that," Latia said with a pondering tone.
   "Regardless, we have our objectives. The more his parents like us, the better it is for us." The Agares Heiress seriously reminded her of their goals.
   "You don't need to tell me how to act like a devil."
   As the Heiresses talked to each other in whispering voices, the silver-haired Dragoness in the background snorted. Gu Yuena found this quite amusing.
   Why do this in a roundabout way if you can just go to the source?
   'Well, most likely, they don't have confidence in their looks. Or that's a thing for beings whom Marcus didn't create. Do they have this thing that they approve of someone else?
   How weird is that?'
   ~~~~~~Back to Garage~~~~~~
   "So you want to discuss the Underworld?" Marcus sat down on the couch and pulled his fiance to sit next to him.
   They were in the original living room just outside the first Workshop of Marcus, the very first room created by Venelana all those years ago. The very same room where the pair of blondes signed their life away. The same room where Serafall used to watch Marcus just tinker away those hours out.
   Now, this room has a pair of Gods sitting and patiently waiting for the Alchemist to decide what he will do with the Underworld.
   "Yes. What you said to me over that phone has freaked my family out." Athena, with a strained smile, nodded at him.
   "What did he say?" Marcus' sister was curious. How she shouldn't be!? It's Olympus they are discussing! Something enough to freak out Gods themselves!?
   "He is taking the entirety of the Underworld; I mean the entirety of it-all the layers. And I say just do it. As God of War, the spoils of war go to the victor." Ares casually nodded; he agreed with it.
   And that is not his biassed view. His divinity approves of it.
   "...Ugh..." Athena grimaced upon hearing that.
   "...Did I just hear it right? You are planning to privatise the afterlife!?" Lilian exclaimed with shock.
   "Precisely. Hades started all of it, and Olympus pulled it out when Nyx, Erebus and Tartarus joined the conflict. As it is, they have no right to it anymore." Marcus explained to her plainly. The names of those deities are old and have been worshipped for many generations. Lilian didn't even realise that Nyx was in her house right now.
   "...I have nothing to say." She said that with a gulp.
   "That's why I told you to stay with Dad and befriend my girls. Hell, you might learn something from those Valkyries and Nyx."
   "...Nyx..."
   The Older Goldman sibling leaned into the couch and spaced out.
   Good, she was out, and now Marcus doesn't need to explain every second.
   "I know it's my uncle, but we are discussing the balance of the afterlife." Athena ignored his sister and continued to talk.
   "And I have my Neo-Heaven system. I will recycle those souls." He revealed something they didn't know.
   "...Neo-Heaven? Then you are planning to take all of the Biblical factions?" Athena's eyes widened. She didn't foresee that!
   It made sense in a way. By the things she knows from her sister, who is in the Underworld at this moment, Fallen and Devilkind, by all means, are gone.
   If they follow this trend, it leads to the angels, but if Marcus has a system of his own. It doesn't matter now. He can run the balance however he sees fit.
   And that is just- unexpectedly-terrifying.
   "Not my original intentions. The development of it came naturally. I needed this specific software for a few things, primarily for my soldiers and Biological Models. It just turns out it is good for Neo Gears and the flow of souls."
   "...Right..." The Goddess of Wisdom mumbled to herself.
   Only her fiance develops something which by 'accident' is good enough to control the balance of living and dead.
   "That's fantastic, bro. Say- can you help me with my spartan brothers?" Ares slightly leaned forward and asked with a smirk.
   "Of course. Can say no to that." Marcus grinned back.
   "Though first, I need to conquer the surface of the underworld until I descend into the layers."
   "That's fine. I can help you with that." Ares' eyes gleamed with a desire to wage war.
   "Great, we can do that. Give me a few days; I need to arrange a few things, and then we can dive back in." Marcus agreed with a nod.
   "I am coming with you." Athena chipped in as well. This is getting way out of hand, and she needs to be part of this. From the looks of it, she is the only 'reasonable' person in this group.
   "Oh, is my Goddess can't leave me any more?" The Alchemist hugged the Goddess who was sitting next to him.
   "Yes. I think it was a mistake for me to leave you." Her answer made him, for a second, be out of words. Athena's words had a bunch of meanings, but Marcus took it romantically.
   "This is fantastic." He hugged her more tightly.
   "Indeed, Ares, I want you to return to Olympus and make your preparations and tell Father what happened here. From now on, I will be with Marcus. Losing me because he failed to deal with my uncle is a fair exchange."
   "Well, well, it appears my sister is quite a naughty girl. Running away from your home?" The God of War teased her.
   "Precisely."
   Her agreeing like this and not falling for the tease made Ares frown in disappointment.
   "Fine. I will do it." He nodded at him before looking at Marcus.
   "I will leave AFTER I see your army."
   "Of course, I wouldn't want it in any other way."
   ~~~
   The group of four walked towards the stairs, which were at the side of the living room.
   "I assume these lead to other entrance?" Lilian, who finally recovered from the shock, asked her brother.
   "The original entrance behind the garage. While the stairs down lead to Automated Assembly Lines, Diamond Heart Core, and the maglev train station."
   "...Maglev? You have a railway network?"
   "... Throughout the country, yes." He nodded at his sister.
   "...I don't even want to ask for details."
   "Then don't."
   They went downstairs and arrived at the station. Athena noticed the change at this place. The most obvious change is that there is a glass tube. The rails are different as well. The rails are in corners to the sides instead of running on the ground.
   "...You improved the trains."
   "Yeah, instead of two tracks, there are four now. They are all in the corners now. Basically, it's a squire in a circle."
   "I can assume it's like this because you discovered something?"
   "Yep. While I call it a maglev, it's no longer the case. While the train moves with electromagnetism, it emits gravity waves. Making the whole thing ignore the very reality it is part of. Not only is there no air resistance inside the tube, the very gravity is ignored." Marcus said with a happy voice. He finally did it.
   He copied the trains he saw in Final Fantasy XIII's opening cinematics!
   Not only that, but these tubes are way, way easier and faster to build than original tracks. They are in segments and can be laid under the water, in space, and even on hostile planets like Venus, where metals can melt just from being in the atmosphere.
   The trick is that reinforcement mana flows through these tubes. Mana makes the tube absurdly sturdy, ignoring things like heat and even pressure to a certain degree. Well, for pressure, the Diamond Core Heart needs to be adjusted, as the amount of mana flowing has to negate the pleasure placed on the tube.
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   "...And is this thing top speed?" Ares asked with wide eyes. He ain't smart, but he likes his cars. He knows what air resistance is.
   "It doesn't have top speed. It has acceleration speed; our baseline test is around 650 to 800 miles per hour. Within the tracks I have built, it can reach about 1400 miles per hour before it needs to drop its speed. All of that is just some rough tests. Once I have more space, like in Underworld, I can properly test it."
   "...*Whistle* That's a lot of speed."
   "...By rough tests, you mean you had your AI run millions of tests before allowing it to be used?" Athena's eyes rolled at him.
   "Something like that."
   As he said that, the new maglev slid into the station. It was soundless.
   With a loud hiss, a portion of the tube opened, and the train's doors opened.
   "Let's go."
   Everyone entered the train. The interior looked slightly different from what Athena could recall. This time around, there are no windows because everything is see-through!
   It looks like there are no walls or ground!
   "...This- you are utilising your Realitus technomancy for the train?" Athena knew what this was. She is trying to keep up.
   "Indeed. However, it's not the particles; it's crystallisation. The train is coated with Realitus crystals, allowing it to simulate anything. Windows are no longer needed, and in a sense, they are structural weaknesses."
   "...I see. This is impressive. It's the same technomancy-" Athena tried to walk over and inspect the walls, but- she was feeling like she was walking in circles.
   "...Wait, bro... this is the same stuff you build in my basement?"
   "Yes. Now we can do this-" With a snap of fingers, the surroundings changed, and now they were in space, underwater, on a different planet; the changes were rapid and seamless.
   "...Cool-"
   While the Gods liked it quite a bit, his sister was having goosebumps and was questioning the reality.
   A sign of a noob who never had previous experience with simulation tech.
   ...
   ...
   ...
   [Next stop is the Space Centre. Mind the gap between the train and the platform, and thank you for using Garage Rapid Transit]
   "..."
   "..."
   "Pfff, hahaha..." Ares laughed upon hearing the announcement.
   "Do you honestly have to call it Garage Rapid Transit?" Lilian said that while holding her head. She is still feeling sick from that trip. Never did she think that she would feel sick from using a train!
   "Yeah. I mean, it's not like we left the garage."
   "...But-"
   Athena grabbed Lilian's hand.
   "Don't argue with his common sense. It's pointless since you won't win."
   "..."
   "Worst case, you will end up in space on a rocket bigger than Saturn five."
   "...Fair point..."
   Ares snickered hearing that; Marcus didn't even listen to that as he was several metres ahead and was looking forward.
   The remaining three swiftly caught up. The sounds of footsteps made Ares' grin grow! What he heard was steps of marching!
   The moment the group left the wide platform and colossal entryway, they saw a massive expanse full of soldiers and multiple parked airships.
   On the horizon, there was a pillar which was stretching into the sky. It was under construction.
   "...This is-" Lilian was out of words. While Athena paled, she remembered this place was much, much smaller, now it's enormous! It wasn't that long ago!
   'His robots are working faster than ants. Is this what it looks like when a faction mixes magic with mathematics?'
   "Bro! Where do I sign up?" Ares asked with a trembling voice. He was excited, elated! Hyped up! Ready for slaughter, prepared to end lives!
   "Give me a couple of days. I still have to retrieve the Confiscator, my capital airship and leave one of these in my capital ship's place." He explained to him.
   "I will send you a message; prepare your boys and armour."
   "Sure thing!"
   While the Gods didn't have that big of a reaction to this, Lilian was different. She realised her little brother was taking the whole 'Dexter's Laboratory' to the extreme! He is planning the world's domination!
   ~~~
   With Ares returning to Olympus from the teleportation point in his underground house, the remaining trio returned to his home on the surface.
   "I need to rest." Lilian swiftly retreated; she needed to digest what she saw.
   "I think you invented a new disease," Athena commented as she saw it.
   "Hmm? You think?"
   "Post-Marcus traumatic exposure." The Goddess of Wisdom tried to arrange the words to make sense.
   "...Very funny."
   "It's the truth. It takes time to adjust to madness, which is your life."
   "Then it's a good thing that my wife-to-be is a Goddess who can adjust to this life." He pointed out.
   "Even we, Gods, have limits." Athena, with a twitchy smile, replied.
   "I am sure your limits are far greater than regular people~" As he said, they entered the living room.
   "Mark! This is amazing! I didn't, though. I will meet a Primordial today!"
   Roland exclaimed with a happy tone. It appears Nyx does know how to behave when she needs to.
   "That's great, Dad."
   "Yep, so it's like-"
   The older Goldman started to tell the stuff he learned from Nyx. Marcus' father had this uncanny interest in the world and its creation, so hearing from Primordial answered a few questions.
   "Great, I will stay here for a couple of hours before going to Japan and then back to Underworld."
   "Oh, I see. So you're going to be away for several days?"
   "Maybe, it depends on the circumstances."
   As he stayed in his house for several hours, he overheard Nyx talking about certain primordials, specifically the Sea primordial Pontus.
   'Oceans huh...wait, didn't I use Scavenger yet!'
   Marcus summoned his console window and turned on the global map.
   He started to plot a course.
   'There is Belfast's sunk location, then Bismarck's location. Then, we process into the Indian Ocean, where there is a massive amount of shipwrecks.
   Musashi, close in the Philippines, then Taihou-
   *Sigh*
   There are so many of them!
   Hmm, since I can't collect them all, it would take too long. I should collect all Yamato's first.'
   Marcus was looking over all the data available to him from the internet.
   'What's this? Shinano was never found? The third ship?'
   He frowned at this realisation.
   'In that case.'
   He went back from the map and went to Ars Almadel Salomonis' settings.
   At this moment, the Apsos-class station was idle, so why not use it?
   The alchemist entered the coordinates of Eastern Asia, close to the Philippines, Japan, and China.
   The settings were for a metal pulse scan.
   ~~~
   A massive space station close to 300 metres started to move; its enormous barrel moved and targeted the western Pacific Ocean.
   The revolver system inside of it adjusted itself for a new objective.
   [Calibrating targeting systems]
   [Adjusting output]
   [Space crossing sequences-Online]
   [Loading scanning protocols]
   [Targeting: Sunken ships]
   As the barrel targeted the blue marble, the light started to flow through the construct, and the magic circles in the barrel began to spin.
   The station gathered vast quantities of energy in the barrel.
   Seconds later, a pillar of light blasted out from the barrel and rushed towards the planet at a strange angle, curving alongside the earth's curvature.
   ~~~~~~New Tech~~~~~~
   Electromagnetic-Graviton Train
   A successor to the original Electromagnetic train, it was designed to embrace the gravity waves; it was created with the idea for mass use in space colonies and the Underworld to cross large distances at rapid speed.
   Classification:
   A transport for cargo, armies, and regular passengers, it comes with several variations.
   Composition:
   Sacred gear alloy, Realitus crystals, electronics, soft materials for cushioning,
   Technomancy:
   Graviton Wave Emitters: The train emits gravity waves to negate gravity. It's used to accelerate and stop; the train does not have brakes; instead, it uses gravity waves in reverse to stop nearly instantaneously.
   The same technomancy is employed for passenger comfort.
   Four-Rails Electromagnetic Accelerator: The trains have four engines per carriage for rapid acceleration; it employs magnetism since there is no resistance, and with no resistance, the train can travel at insane speeds. Its speed is limited by how long the track is.
   Realitus Crystal Coating: The train's interior has a coating of Realitus crystals; the new technomancy allows unprecedented emulation of reality. The passenger can easily forget that he was on a train in the first place.
   ~~~~~~
   A.P.S.O.S- Class station 01 Ars Almadel Salomonis
   270-metre-long space station (more than half of it is the barrel)
   A.P.S.O.S stands for All-Purpose-Space-Observation-Station. By 'All Purposes', this station can cause mass extinction events to assist in building canals in any location on Earth or dimensions linked to Earth.
   Or heal armies at the military front, send aid, or new gear.
   Classification:
   Low Orbit Multi Purpose Space Station
   Composition:
   Sacred Gear Alloy, Electronics, Diamonds, Glass,
   Technomancy:
   Multipurpose Hexagon Diamond Rail Barrel (Outdated, waiting for upgrades): A barrel with six diamond rails, by all means, it's an enlarged version of the Deimos and Phobos barrel style. It has several differences as it allows to shoot not just beams but physical objects like cargo or even people. It was inspired by Bifrost from MCU.
   When used for sheer destruction, the energy goes through over 140 mass accelerator magic circles, creating a force powerful enough to copy the meteorite's power, which wiped dinosaurs out.
   Multipurpose Revolver System: Because of its enormous size, the revolver system can hold thousands of cartridges with millions of variations of distinctive energy.
   Automated-Autonomous Space Assembly Lines: Superior version of regular Assembly lines. Since it is in space, there is no gravity, allowing it to build massive constructs.
   Prototype Habitat Zones: Marcus prototype living modules for space life.
   Prototype Hangar Modules: Ars Almadel Salomonis has an array of prototype modules which will keep future spacecraft.
   Observation Deck: A flat room with Realitus projectors installed and created to experience space or observe Earth from thousands of kilometres away.
   Aurora Network Tower: Ars Almadel Salomonis acts like a hub for Aurora 2.0 to reach any position on Earth, excluding Dimensions connected to Earth, to reach those dimensions, satellite dishes need to be built in those dimensions.
   ~~~~~~To be built ~~~~~~
   S.P.B.A Space Marines Corp: Barracks and Creation Chambers for S.P.B.A Space Marines
   M.G.M.I Corp: Designing quarters and testing grounds for Mechanical Infantry
   ~~~
   For advanced chapters (+5 chapters, 25k words) my pat: pat reon.com/DragonsFics
   OR
   Discord: discord.gg/denoffanfics
   ~~~
   P.S.: I do weekly voting on Patreon if you want more chapters for this fic (or other fics ) vote there.
  
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   Chapter 68: Almost Nuking a City
   2
   After setting up a course on what he would do for the next couple of days, Marcus took his girls to the docks where the Scavenger was.
   "Why are we going to the Docks and not the airships?" Athena said with a frown.
   She noticed that his devil girls and the Valkyries were not with him. Only Nyx, Atalanta and Dragoness were with them.
   "That's because I will take a long way around to get to Japan."
   His explanation took her a few seconds to realise what he meant.
   "You will take the submarine?"
   "Yep. I will be collecting a few things while allowing a few things to saturate."
   "...But the war?"
   "This is precisely what I mean by saturating. I have sent Latia and Seekvaira to do their thing. I gave her Icarus with another airship to join her in the Underworld.
   In the meantime, the Serafall, Quinella and Enterprise are regaining lands; it's not like I am needed."
   "...*Sigh* it's not like I can tell you what to do."
   "I am not needed now that we are winning. The Neo-Heaven system is operational. Angra Mainyu won't realise for a while that his souls are not returning for recycling.
   From what I have seen, it has no idea what Satellites are alongside most other modern technology innovations."
   3
   "That is to be expected. Angra Mainyu was in the depths of the Underworld for thousands of years." Athena, with a small snort, confirmed that.
   2
   "Then we are going to exploit that. Well, I am already using that. We are waiting to see if the Incarnation of Evil will notice that his armies are leaking souls." Marcus said that as they left the maglev. The smell of seawater started to assault their noses.
   "Hmm, since you mentioned Angra Mainyu is an artificer and predominantly uses magic and enchanting," Nyx commented while listening to their conversation.
   "But I don't think he understands machinery of the level you have shown. Maybe if he were to spend time in the current world, he could pick up." The Primordial continues to tell what she was thinking; she was the only one who talked with that Primordial.
   3
   "Doesn't the Underworld have technology equivalent to modern-day Earth?" Atalanta commented.
   "It does. But we must remember that it's not simple to divert to a different path." Marcus said with a knowing look.
   One glaring thing for him is that he needed to witness Vali fight to remember Gravity exists. By that point, he was already learning about time and space.
   1
   "He might have seen computers and other inventions, but it could take him a while to realise that there is use for maths and automated tasks." Marcus sighed at them.
   1
   "Think this way. A Swordsman who has been using his sword for centuries won't be switching to something else just because he saw someone else using a different weapon.
   2
   Similarities apply to inventors and researchers like us. I make tech, but could have quickly gone the pure artificer route, like my Ancestor who only made the ten rings."
   "So preference." Nyx understood what he was pointing at.
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   "And character, you are a creator yourself, Nyx, yet you went to fight me in person. That was your choice."
   As he said that, they saw Tirpitz getting reassembled. Unlike his Daedalus-Class Airships, his recovered ships take much longer to fix and improve.
   After all, it's a custom job.
   "That's because creation is more like a hobby and a show of dominance to me." She said that while looking at a new ship getting assembled.
   "It appears a vessel will enter the Oceans. Do you even have a use for them in the Underworld?" The Primordial asked with a frown. She knows that that place does not have enough water bodies to use such a large vessel effectively.
   "I do; I have a carrier ship in Underworld; she is manning one of the frontlines."
   "..."
   "And I don't need water to make a ship move."
   "...But- won't an airship be more efficient?" The Primordial is getting confused.
   "For troops and general use. But this is classified as a single unit.
   A single girl will control his ship with her thoughts.
   We just discussed character and preferences. I love relics, and I collect them when I can. What you see in front of you is like that. This was a battleship which was active over 70 years ago. It was defeated in battle and sunk in Norway.
   I am close to returning it, and this is her Biological Combat Model." With a hand motion, he creates a hologram of Tirpitz's model.
   It was a silver-haired girl in a white military uniform. There was quite a distant and cold look she had.
   "Another girl?" Athena commented.
   "You don't expect me to make a guy? That's just gay." Marcus grimaced while saying that.
   "I am...not...ugh..." The Goddess facepalmed. She was not saying making boys or girls! She is saying, why make them in the first place?
   "So these will be your 'True' creations? Something similar to people with Sacred Gears?" Nyx hummed, and then she looked at Gu Yuena.
   "You are like this girl, right?" The Primordial asked the Dragoness.
   "I am classified as a Dragonoid. A human and dragon hybrid, I have talents of both species and no drawbacks. To top it all, I have Silver Dragon Empress Neo Gear."
   "...I see, so it's similar, only built towards a different direction." The Primordial had a look of understanding. She made different types of monsters, too, like hell hounds, flaming steeds, and all sorts of other horrors. But this was when she was bored and was experimenting with her powers.
   The Dragoness didn't say anything towards that. Instead, she stopped paying attention to her and looked at her creator, waiting for his word.
   "Let go; we can talk more casually onboard the submarine."
   The group approached the docks; they finally noticed the only vessel in the water.
   It was huge; the submarines were not supposed to be this big!
   "The Attila-Class 01 Scavenger. Powered by three Diamond Heart Cores, it has two massive storage areas on its sides." Marcus proceeded to explain as he looked at the black submarine. Its shape is strange as it seems like a massive zeppelin with two half-zeppelins attached to the sides.
   "Those two half zeppelins to the sides are the storage areas. This means that the centre zeppelin is the ship's interior, and if you have guessed, it has a lot more space than Daedalus airships."
   "...But this thing is enormous..." Athena realised how much stuff and crew this thing could have.
   "Over two hundred fifty metres. It's almost as big as Ars Almadel Salomonis."
   "...And you seriously designed this while eating sandwiches under a tree in school?" Atalanta recalled what Serafall told her.
   "Pretty much."
   ~~~~~~Greek Underworld~~~~~~
   'What is this madness? This situation makes no sense; where are these things coming from!?'
   Hades' flaming eyes flickered with slowly growing fear. Primordials defeated, Typhon defeated, Two Heavenly Dragons defeated!
   Indra retreated before he could even join. The Heavenly Emperor, as if knowing he would lose, simply fled. As if it means he never fought and lost to humans because he never joined the fight.
   'Even if Angra Mainyu became part of the top 3 strongest beings, it means nothing. Nothing! The sheer production of this human is absurd!'
   The God of the Underworld used his shadow powers to observe the situation in the Underworld.
   'That fool doesn't even realise that he is getting cornered!'
   The Evil Incarnate still thinks he can continue this game, where he can continue to improve the wraiths.
   But Hades already noticed that the souls were not returning to the poll.
   If this continues, the Primordial Evil will simply run out of grunts.
   'Well, he still had Azi Dahaka, Lilith and Fenrir. But that's just it.' One of the Trinity Rulers of the Greek Pantheon sighed. How could this lead to such a mess?
   He was plotting to overthrow that spineless brother of his and many other Pantheons after he dealt with that brat. Riding that wave of success, as one would say, and, of course, keeping those Primordials entertained.
   But then his gut feeling grew, and he eventually retreated to his domain, allowing Angra Mainyu to take over and finally take all the blame.
   Yet, his scheme did something more- something horrifying.
   He could see these nine monstrosities floating around the Underworld.
   Then, this beam of raw power struck from somewhere, killing Tartarus.
   'Well, this is just bad; with Tartarus dead, who will keep all those things in the abyss?'
   The God of the Underworld felt a chill going down his skeletal back.
   'I just hope it's not enough for Cronos to return.'
   After all that, Titan has been sealed in Tartarus for a long time; maybe he was finally digested by that Primordial.
   Or maybe he is just getting paranoid.
   "You haven't left your throne for days now. What IS going on? I can't even order things from Underworld?" Hades' clueless wife commented. Persephone had dull, darkening yellow hair. As Goddess of Seasons, her hair changes according to the seasons; apart from that, she has a goddess body and beautiful face, dressed in a pitch black ball dress she was dressed to impress.
   "We might be getting into a war."
   "...Huh?" The Goddess was caught by surprise.
   "War? With who? For what?"
   "Not your concern. Get back to your-things." Hades motioned her to get lost.
   "You became so boring after becoming this-thing!" Persephone complained loud enough before walking away. It has been over two thousand years since she had to deal with her husband deciding to become a skeleton for the sake of terrifying souls and 'efficiency' running the Underworld.
   Regardless, now she is concerned about what this war he is talking about!
   'And the whole place is sealed; I can't teleport out! Damn you, Hades!'
   The Goddess of Seasons started to feel like a prisoner again!
   ~~~~~~Underworld~~~~~~
   Silver arrows slammed into unholy-looking creatures, exploding upon impact. The souls left the armoured bodies, flowing towards the City of Lilith.
   'It appears we are starting to turn things in our favour.' Artemis saw how the souls were floating towards their base.
   She has been snipping enemies for a while now.
   While dressed in S.P.B.A armour, she was not wearing a helmet.
   Instead, she got a visor and an earpiece. The Goddess is pleased that Marcus even thought about the small details like not wanting a helmet.
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   [Detecting Bishop class Wraiths approaching from 10 a clock.]
   'The wraiths with Bishop evil piece. According to things we know, these things have the Power of Destruction and Water manipulation capacities.
   They release high-density water beams mixed with Bael clan trait.'
   The Goddess had to dodge to the side as several beams of high-density water nearly hit her.
   "Not bad range."
   The Goddess of Hunt pulled the bowstring and released several silver arrows at the attackers.
   However, the arrows were intercepted by massive Wraiths.
   'Those are Rook class Wraiths.'
   Her visor picked several fast-moving ones as well!
   "Heh, so after dealing with paws, I can finally see stronger ones! Last time I checked, I can get more points for bigger fishes~." Some glee appeared in her eyes. She wonders if Marcus will praise her for dealing with stronger enemies!
   Seconds later, several raptors-like creatures lunged at her with swords for hands.
   The Goddess intercepted them with her bow.
   "Now that's just copying. I am pretty sure our side introduced this style of fighters first!" Artemis complained as she saw how closely similar these looked to their Yeagers!
   The Goddess overpowered them before using daggers to kill them.
   "Oh, nice, you bunch might look ugly, but you give me three points each~" Greed appeared in her eyes as she started to slaughter the monsters with higher motivation levels.
   A few blocks away, in one of the devil cities, the other two maids were also killing the monsters on a skyscraper.
   "We can't fall behind, Jeanne!" Hyppolita exclaimed as she pierced the pawn class Wraith with her spear.
   "I am well aware. It appears Artemis is taking all the bigger fish!"
   "That's because she is an Archer! She can snipe more from a distance!"
   "Aren't you an Archer too!? You were part of her hunt!?" Jeanne questioned the fellow maid.
   "I am five times better with a spear!" The redhead huffed while stabbing another one.
   "Does it matter? It isn't like you are fighting a skilled opponent?" Jeanne shot another wraith full of holes.
   "....Well- hmm?"
   Hippolyta looked at the sky as she saw an airship flying over.
   "... that's Icarus. Is Master back?" Jeanne saw the number on the hull.
   "No, I can't sense him in there." Hippolyta shook her head.
   "...Sense? How strong are your senses if you can sense through that much mana?" Jeanne asked with disbelief.
   "It's not that. I have a strong sense when it comes to our Master." The Goddess of War said with a proud tone.
   "...Right..."
   Jeanne commented with an eye roll as she looked towards the airship. At that moment, another airship passed through.
   "08 is going with Icarus?"
   "No doubt about it; Master gave it away to someone." Hyppolita frowned slightly. She is somewhat jealous; having a warship is like an engagement ring.
   Without wasting more time, she checked with the command.
   After seeing the data, she pouted even more!
   "That blonde Devil!" Hyppolita stomped her feet; the skyscraper she stood on shook briefly.
   "Hmm? What is it?" Jeanne, who needed to balance herself, asked with confusion.
   "It's that blonde Astaroth! She got Icarus! Can you believe that!?"
   "...I can? Latia is good." The Saintess said 'Good' as it had several meanings.
   "...Ugh... that's 02 ship! And it's named by him! Do know this vessel's value!?" The redhead started to pout.
   "...Ummm, I am not that deep into the whole military hardware stuff." Jeanne shrugged at her.
   "Whatever, let's go and kill! I need to impress Master now more than ever!" Hyppolita jumped down more than 50 floors.
   "Wait! Damn it! We need to advance! That Latia went deep beyond Enterprise lines! If she does that, only small stranglers will be in between!" Jeanne shouted as she followed after.
   "I know!"
   As the pair advanced, Latia did what Jeanne had just said. The blonde deployed her forces in Astaroth lands. She created a 'bubble' in enemy-controlled lands.
   Such a bubble assisted the ship girl's frontline to advance.
   "What's this?" Enterprise looked at her HUD as she saw 02 and 08 fly by her frontline, move around 50 miles, and start dropping forces.
   "I would appreciate it if these devils don't just act arbitrarily and wage their wars. According to their desires." The silver head was slightly annoyed by this random advance from her faction's troops.
   "What is the situation with the new batch of XC-M1?" The girl asked her second in command; she was aboard her 07, so by that hierarchy, her second in command is the ship's captain.
   "Nine new ones are ready to deploy."
   "Hmm, I did want to push through towards that massive lake. However, now this one just popped up. Well, we can use that and push here." She pointed at the map which appeared in front of them.
   "Using the lake and that devil's forces. We can squeeze in between them. This way, we will get a good chunk of land in a single move."
   "I see; we should allocate a few Starscream wings for air bombardment."
   "Yes. That's precisely the point. That evil god did not upgrade the air forces. I don't think there is a piece in chess which manages air superiority."
   From her understanding, pawns are just slightly upgraded regular wraiths; knights are just Yeager rip-offs; bishops are the ranged ones; rooks are the mini giants-the one which tanks the damage.
   This leaves the Queen piece.
   They still have no idea who the queen is. There should be only one Queen.
   'Did Angra Mainyu use Queen piece on Lilith? That Devil Progenitor hasn't been seen on the frontlines yet.'
   "The air units still use the same swarm tactics."
   "I don't think they are any different from regular bats. The only difference is the size. We have explosive drones for them."
   'Is it just me, or does that Primordial Evil have no grasp of air battles?'
   Ship girl pondered on that. That thing should have adjusted to the Starscreams by this point.
   'Or in its mind, we are still in the bronze age where the skies belong to Gods?' The silver head snorted as she swiftly filled a form with her observations.
   The command should adjust to this info and test out the theory.
   ~~~~~~Back With Marcus~~~~~~
   The bridge of Scavenger is different compared to the Daedalus class. It's circular and not squire, like the airships.
   Marcus was sitting in the middle of the circle. Below them and the surroundings are a full display of water around them. Realitus is streaming the direct image where they are. This feature disregards the depths, as there are sensors which allow them to see even if the sunlight doesn't reach that part of the dept
   This function allows them to see even thousands of metres in the water.
   "We are leaving the Baltic Sea and entering the North Sea." The ship's captain said to the alchemist.
   "Set course for the British Channel; we will pick up Belfast first."
   "As you command."
   As the ship was moving towards the channel, Athena looked at this with crossed arms.
   While the submarine looks impressive, her issue is that they are moving towards the British Channel.
   "With the size of your submarine, the European forces will notice the vessel; the channel is shallow, far too shallow for your vessel."
   "Well, too bad for them. I am not in a hiding mood at this moment." He said with a shrug.
   "Acquiring the light cruiser is my priority. If NATO launches their forces, I will crush them."
   "Regular forces are no match for Attila-Class submarine; we are equipped with state-of-the-art graviton technomancy. Not even Daedalus airships are a match for us." The captain girl puffed her chest while bragging about it.
   "I am not doubting the capacities of this submarine; what I am concerned about is the backlash. This will go viral the moment a clash happens." Athena sighed while saying that.
   "Depends. Regular governments know how to conceal information. They work hand in hand with supernatural forces to hide things." Atalanta replied.
   "That is precisely why! Marcus has no such deals with any government." The Goddess of Wisdom clarified.
   "You two are far too worried. My technomancy is so advanced that they won't even realise their forces are gone.
   To regular masses, gravity is nothing more than theory."
   Marcus smiled; his smile was almost a wicked one. Does he want an encounter?
   "...How does that even work?"
   "Frequencies, graviton cannons send frequencies; the more robust the frequencies, the stronger gravity it emits.
   The cannon itself emits these waves in the form of a beam.
   Otherwise, there wouldn't be such a thing as damage; the waves would just make things heavier.
   That is why a graviton cannon releases waves in a line like a beam; on top of that, it pushes things away.
   Imagine half of your body weight 200 times your regular weight. Your muscles would shatter, bones would break, and your body would explode as your blood veins would erupt."
   "..."
   "Can I see that?" Nyx asked him nicely.
   "We need a target for that."
   "Well, I'm just going to wait for that moment."
   "You do realise that 200 times gravity is not that much-" Before Athena could explain more, she dropped to her knees.
   "!!!"
   "Try to negate that." Marcus casually said to her.
   "Y-You can use gravity as magic!?"
   "That's not magic. Its Psionic energy, psionic at its very foundations, is a wave power. The issue with regular mana or your divinity is that to cancel the increase in gravity; you must understand how to implement mana in such a way.
   Have you never wondered why devils can't fly with their sheer demonic power? They use their wings to fly, the same with angels and crows.
   Mana does things depending on how the wielder perceives things. It's magic, but to do miracles with magic, you need to understand how miracles happen.
   In other words, you need to have a higher understanding of the very laws governing our universe."
   Marcus' throne turned to the side as he looked at Athena, who was trying to stand up.
   "As you can see, you CAN empower your muscles with your divinity and move to some degree, but now you have to deal with 20 times your regular weight and possibly fight with such drawbacks.
   However, these twenty times are just a simple tap from my Graviton cannons.
   This ship has 54 of these, and they are chargeable; at the lowest, it delivers 200 times gravity push. At peak charge, it can disperse over twenty thousand times the gravity. There is no force in this world which could ignore that much crushing wave energy."
   "...Wait- then why don't your airships have these weapons?" Nyx asked him; her cheeks were already red as she imagined all those losers blowing up into mists of blood and sheer carnage!
   "Retrofits. The original nine airships don't have it, but the new nine have."
   "...Oh...so that's why they don't have those oversized wings..." Atalanta noticed immediately.
   "Precisely, the improved Daedalus airships were finished much faster because it takes time for energy wings to be installed. Now, it doesn't matter because they can fly by negating gravity. They have their gravity wells, thanks to the Graviton Diamond Core Heart reactor."
   'All this from that single observation on that day.' Atalanta had a slight chill going down her spine.
   Vali only synchronised TALKED with his dragon!
   AND BAM! Wingless airships, super trains, super weapons which shoot invisible beams! No one can see gravity! The only issue that still needs to be overcome is the size of the graviton projectors.
   But that's just a matter of time.
   Atalanta is confident that the next upgrade for the S.P.B.A. will have those soldiers wielding graviton weapons, which could disregard everything except other gravity wells.
   "Approaching the British Channel."
   "We are detecting cruise ships, windmills, and an array of ferries." The controller said to the Alchemist.
   "Get as deep as you can and try to manoeuvre around those things."
   "As you wish."
   "...C-C-Can you turn off this gravity thing! Already!" Athena exclaimed angrily.
   "...Sure, this was only twenty times gravity; we can practise more on this when you start using psionic energy instead of your Divinity."
   Like that, Athena sighed in relief as she looked at her sweaty hands.
   Her divinity relieved some of the weight she felt, but her energy was not used to fight her own weight!
   "You are quite annoying sometimes." Athena is not used when someone does things like that to her! She is a Goddess, after all! Not even her father is this annoying!
   "What do you mean annoying? You asked for that, and I delivered it. You said 200 times is nothing for a supernatural being, so I did twenty for a test." He rolled his eyes.
   "People don't realise just how dangerous and terrifying gravity can be. You tried to lessen the weight of your muscles, but you ignored everything else: your organs, your blood, even the weight of your brain and eyeballs; everything is heavier."
   "..."
   For a second, the Goddess of Wisdom was speechless. At first, she immediately thought about her muscles. But that's not the case! It's everything.
   'But how to empower everything? I never needed such a thing before.'
   In fights, typically, she just coats herself with aura. But this stuff bypasses everything.
   "So you realised."
   "...Yes."
   "Good girl. To negate gravity, you need to make your divinity act at specific frequencies. But that's dodgy because you can impact everything, from your sight to interfering with radio waves."
   As Marcus has conversations with his girls, something has happened outside.
   Scavenger is an enormous submarine. Not only is it huge, but it's wide.
   On top of that, Marcus 'style' uses LED-like lights throughout the hull to attract attention.
   People on cruise ships and ferries noticed massive shadows with lights moving under them.
   So, authorities have been notified.
   "...Supreme Commander. Authorities of these waters noticed us."
   "Hmm?"
   Marcus moved his throne and looked at the captain.
   "Radio?"
   "Yes."
   "Then let's talk."
   "Patching through." The comms officer started to patch through.
   "Wait, do we even have radio receivers? That stuff is so 20th-century." He asked with a confused look.
   [It uses wave frequencies I can easily intercept]
   "I see."
   "Unidentified submarine. You are in the Sovereign waters of Great Britain. Identify yourself!"
   "This is-" Marcus pondered for a bit; he wondered what name to use. He needs to name his faction, after all. He can't call it 'Marcus Garage' all the time. He might work in his garage, but now he is outside." Technocracy's Attila-Class 01 Scavenger."
   "..."
   For a few moments, it was complete silence. But mentally, Marcus had already moved Ars Almadel Salomonis into position.
   His Station was following him, just in case he would need to show and flex his power.
   "We don't know who you are, but you are in the Sovereign waters of Great Britain. Remove yourself, or we will have to remove you."
   "...By the Primordials," Athena mumbled as she placed her hand on her forehead.
   "No need to say that; I am here, Athena." Nyx teased the Goddess of Wisdom. Nyx's tease made the brown-haired Goddess grimace.
   "Is that a threat?" Marcus almost grinned.
   "It's a threat and warning."
   "You have balls for such a small fry. Very well, in that case, I am doing the same thing. Buzz off, or I shall erase your capital from the face of the earth."
   That moment Ars Almadel Salomonis appeared above Kent and pointed its barrel at the capital city of London, close to a hundred miles away.
   A red beam-like targeting sign targeted the very centre, also known as a city inside a city of London.
   "Well, how is it going to be?"
   "..."
   At that moment, all of hell got loose.
   "They just had to threaten him?" Athena mumbled that to herself. Such an incident is what she worried about when she met him for the first time.
   Suppose her father did anything like this! It would lead to something similar.
   And oh boy, did Marcus' threat work. The whole country went freaking crazy.
   A massive gun-shaped space station appeared above the nation, the intelligence agencies knew about Ars Almadel Salomonis, but that's the thing. Everything happens far too fast, and no one knew that Marcus had submarines! They saw the airship! Not underwater vessels. It will take a few minutes to consider; it's not like he tells anything to anyone!
   "Technocracy's Atilla-class 01 Scavenger, your threat is understood. You might proceed with your destination."
   "My thanks. I am a collector, so I will be collecting HMS Belfast. After that, I will be leaving your 'sovereign waters'." He sarcastically said, 'Sovereign waters'.
   Marcus motioned to cut the radio.
   "...Oh boy." The Goddess of Wisdom took a deep breath. Thankfully, no one even considers this as supernatural, more like hyper tech- she hopes.
   ~~~
   The Alchemist's 'casual' radio chat has set the world on fire. Governments in Europe and the USA tried Hard to keep the lid on what was happening in Europe.
   The agencies tried to get close to Marcus and figured out something, but reaching him was hard; the only thing they figured out was that he had some sort of hyper-advanced faction of his own.
   They have blurry pictures of some of his creations. However, recently, they were finally getting some better pictures. Like the massive construction site, thousands of soldiers, and large airships.
   All that started a chain reaction, AND NOW, an encounter like no other.
   The Prime Minister was breathing heavily; sweat was rolling down his forehead.
   He ALMOST got nuked!
   "The space gun stopped targeting London, sir." One of the Generals said with a heavy tone.
   "Thank God. Who would have thought he would appear like this and point out that thing at us?" He said after taking a deep breath.
   He looked at the pictures on the table; one was an early picture before the reflectors were turned on.
   Even back then, the core of this thing was nearly half the size of the International Space Station.
   And now that thing is bigger than most carrier ships.
   "We can't keep this under wraps anymore. Millions saw the red targeting beam." The Chancellor, with a heavy voice, said that.
   "I did not intend that. We shall reveal him and the rest of the Western world to help us."
   "And what about the supernatural?"
   "This- well..."
   "What?"
   "Devil kind are not responding to our calls, same with angels. When we mention Marcus Goldman, the priests end the calls abruptly."
   "...I see...well, it appears we are between a rock and a hard place." The Prime Minister closed his eyes; he realised that this guy was very dangerous if a Supernatural faction didn't want to do anything with him.
   "That we are."
   "In that case, we shall reveal his identity, confirm the rumours, and, if possible, demand a proper explanation." The Prime Minister said with a heavy voice. He was almost grimacing; what else can he do? Say nothing? There are riots in the streets already!
   "I don't think Marcus Goldman cares beyond the borders of his homeland."
   "I know, but we need to channel that chaos somewhere or towards something."
   ~~~
   "The massive red beam which targeted London, at approximately 15:31 minutes main Greenwich time, was from a massive satellite weapon built by a faction known as 'Technocracy'.
   This faction is secretive and from Eastern Europe-"
   "Oh my. They revealed me on live International television." Marcus commented while holding a shrunk version of Belfast in his hand.
   "What are you going to do now?" Athena asked with a curious tone.
   Marcus, for a second, pondered what to say.
   "You should know by now." He said with a wicked smile.
   "I wish for entertainment. So I shall bring Chaos; once Chaos settles down, it will change into Order. There is nothing else to it."
   "...So you will take over the World?"
   *Scoff*
   "Don't be ridiculous. I won't do that. The world will shatter upon itself. Haven't you seen what happened when a simple red light shone down on the city?
   It went ballistic. I don't need to do anything. They will destroy themselves. Governments wanted to tell everyone that they could protect their citizens. We shall let them try.
   Reveal their greed upon them. And let it get eaten from inside out."
   ...
   ...
   ...
   A small gulp went down Athena's throat while Nyx grinned ferally. While Atalanta sighed in resignation. Only Gu Yuena had no expression at all.
   Unlike them, she knows enough about what he can do. She simply knew.
   ~~~
   For advanced chapters (+5 chapters, 25k words) my pat: pat reon.com/DragonsFics
   OR
   Discord: discord.gg/denoffanfics
   ~~~
   P.S.: I do weekly voting on Patreon if you want more chapters for this fic (or other fics ) vote there.
  
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   Chapter 69: Escalation
   8
   As the world is reeling in on Marcus' faction, his faction reveal caused the media machine to do what it does best, which is discussing its existence.
   This development means all sorts of professionals come to discuss Marcus, who he is, what he does, and so on.
   The one issue none of these people understands is what Marcus is capable of and how petty he can sometimes be.
   After all, they talk about him on live international television. At this moment, he is the most talked about person on the planet.
   Even if he is to say, 'I don't care', he will watch it, and if some blabbering baboon starts talking some bullshit, he might as well flip it over and invade the channel.
   5
   If not, then the simple solution is to nuke the city. So he would rather keep that card away for a while.
   ~~~
   "Today, to join us at this early hour is Professor John Smartoff from California University. How are you today?" A blonde TV Host started the early broadcast from California.
   1
   It's around seven in the morning in California, while it's way past midday in the Atlantic and Britain, where the action has happened.
   Ever since then, the world has been on literal fire, with riots and strikes spreading through the nations. Especially in Europe, where the space gun is closest too.
   Like the Sword of Damocles, the weapon is just floating there and is ready to bring arbitrary judgement to whoever is opposing its creator.
   "Thank you for having me." The professor looked like he was in his late forties with a smile; the man was trying to pass as a 'smart' individual.
   "Quite an early hour, but even so, do you have anything for us? You have been following the latest development."
   "Yes, well, it's quite a surprise. I never expected a genius such as Marcus Goldman even to exist. This situation looks more like the plot of a comic book."
   4
   "And yet it's real. Do we know more about him?" The Host asked with a curious tone.
   That was what was happening on every single channel. They are fighting for the views. Each and everyone is inviting guests like military officers, generals, politicians, and psychologists.
   Trying to 'understand' who is this Marcus Goldman, well, not 'truly' understand. More like, who could tell a more viral story about this inventor? Not realising that they are walking on eggshells as the very same person was watching them on the very same television!
   "Sadly, not much. However, I can tell that he has some sort of predetermined notion that people won't go to raise against his bullying.
   Hoarding his technology instead of sharing it with the world. He could easily make a multibillion-dollar company and help society with issues of diseases and disabilities, maybe even create a new source of energy that could help phase out fossil fuels."
   1
   "That is true-" The blonde Host easily agreed with the professor after seeing a space station, the advanced airships, and now the submarine. They are confident that Marcus Goldman could quickly solve many of humanity's issues.
   "I disagree."
   4
   The TV on the side changed display; now it was Marcus Goldman! In the flesh!
   The host and the professor nearly had a heart attack as the TV was hacked!
   "And you are?"
   "You are talking about me, yet you don't know how I look? Then why are you even here?" Marcus, with a disgusted frown, replied.
   The people looked dumbfounded; the producer of the show's mouth opened wide as he started to see ratings going up crazy! The word is rapidly spreading, and everyone is turning to their channel!
   10 million, 20 million, 50 million and more, it just keeps on going! Their TV channel is getting millions of viewers just from this!
   He got the host's attention and told her to keep on asking questions! Make Marcus speak!
   "...Mr.Goldman-"
   "Call me Marcus; using my surname makes me feel old."
   "...Right! Marcus then." The Host adjusted and proceeded to ask some basics. The thing was, she had no idea what to ask; she didn't have a script for this!
   "May we ask what you mean by your disagreement?"
   "Yes, I would like to ask the same thing." The Professor added this as well.
   "Basic human nature. We don't share our Food and Wealth with just everyone."
   "That's absurd. It's not food or wealth. It's technology, extremely advanced technology." The Professor swiftly replied to what he heard.
   "Your perception differs from mine. It's my wealth, and I don't share my wealth."
   6
   "Even if it's different, as you say, it makes you rich beyond anything this world has seen. Doesn't it mean you should donate some of it? It's not like you will be feeling some sort of loss."
   "Indeed, that is correct. That is why I have a public company. You can think of this as charity. I am selling some slightly advanced phones. Soon more of the shops will open as well as private hospitals which deal with every known disease in the world."
   "Fascinating. Will it be available worldwide?" The host asked him.
   "Of course not. I only do charity in my local place." Marcus scoffed while saying that.
   "You should make it worldwide. It would help millions of people."
   "Your fake concern doesn't mean anything to me. As someone who has 4.5 million dollars in the bank account, you are the last one who needs to tell me that."
   The professor's mouth opened wide.
   "By the way. I find it cringe that you are buying Pornhub services." The screen split in half; on the left side, it was Marcus' face, and on the right side, the professor's bank account statements.
   10
   "T-That's private information! You are committing a crime on live television."
   "Oh my. It was? I am sorry. It's just that my Quantum AI can access anything with minimum difficulty. Do be careful what you speak. I can leak more than just that."
   1
   Just like that, the guest just rushed off his chair as the statements of the expenditures were just rolling on the screen.
   The host was feeling conflicted about what to do.
   But then the producer rushed over and gave her a piece of paper.
   "M-Marcus, may I ask some questions?" The woman was feeling quite self-conscious now. He most likely already knows things about her. There is no confidence in her voice to ask serious questions.
   "Of course, this is why I am here."
   "I-I just want to remind you that these are not my personal questions."
   "I know."
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   "O-Okay. Then, the US government wonders about your intentions with such advanced weaponry and the armies you are building."
   "Simple, as a man of science, I continue improving my creations. The goal is to move to outer space and colonise worlds like Venus, Mars and Saturn's moons."
   "..."
   "And the weapons?"
   "To keep greedy people away from my stuff, my planets and so on." He casually motioned with his hand.
   People watching the broadcast could see him standing up from his seat and walking somewhere. Some of the background they could see:
   A bunch of girls worked with consoles; apart from that, there was water. Marcus was, after all, underwater, and he was doing a livestream!
   "And, are you willing to have some sort of diplomatic solution with your space gun?" The Host asked as she saw this question was highlighted on the paper.
   "Possible, it's not that I'm not reasonable. My APSOS-class station Ars Almadel Salomonis is meant to deal with the nuisance in my life.
   Apart from that, it's a multi-purpose station; I will be using it for terraforming and assisting in colonial constructions."
   "By nuisance, what does it stand for? We need some sort of clarification," she asked him as the producer brought another sheet of paper.
   "Hmm? I am pretty clear with what I said. My mind is mentally linked with the station. Like that Professor, he was talking stupidity; if he spoke more delusions, I would have taken more drastic actions."
   The TV host paled when she heard that. The other did the same. Was this guy thinking of nuking them!?
   "A-Are you saying you would have shot it at us?"
   "Indeed."
   "B-But we would retaliate!"
   "With what?"
   "The Nukes!"
   "You don't even grasp what I am saying. Let me explain so that you can understand."
   He lifted his finger and proceeded to explain.
   "One, Ars Almadel Salomonis has several thousand combinations for ammunition. From Devolution beam to EMP strike.
   Since he was talking like a monkey, I could have turned everyone in California into a monkey since you allow such a moron to speak on television in the first place."
   "!!!"
   "Two, all of the electronics on this planet are hacked, and I have backdoors to all of them. That includes the nukes you are so proud of."
   *Gulp*
   "And three, I have an Army; you have an- a primitive- bunch of people with sticks?" Marcus himself didn't know how to call them.
   Regardless, his words have terrified the shit of everyone. The producer was told to cut the feed to end the morning program, as shit has hit the fans! It will be chaos like no other!
   Sure enough, everyone watching this has been greeted by a blue screen with a text saying 'Technical Break.'
   But people knew what was going on. The broadcast was being cancelled!
   While other channels are still showing something, it is nothing like before! People are spooked, and they are going to the streets!
   ~~~
   "Was it necessary to terrify people like this?" Athena asked Marcus. The Inventor was looking at Bismarck lying on the ocean bed.
   "Where do you get this idea that I was terrifying them? Since when does speaking the truth mean I want to scare people?"
   "Not everyone is like you. People will want securities. Just because you exist, they will want some sort of security blanket." She reasoned with him.
   "And that is their fault. One shouldn't promise things they can't keep. Living in Dreamlands means that one day, you will need to wake up.
   And I did just that. If they survive, good for them. If they don't, then it's just 'sad'. If they challenge me, then I hope they have the technology to back it up."
   As the crew were working to recover the sunken Battleship, the communication officer got Marcus' attention.
   "Umm, sir, Aurora just diverted an email from- UN; they sent it via your public company's email address."
   "Oh?"
   "Yes, they 'kindly ask you to speak with them'." The comms officer quoted what was in the email.
   "Did they now? At least they know the etiquette."
   "Well, having a weapon which can kill Primordials helps." Nyx chipped in with amusement. It's cute watching all of these people squirm from fear.
   "It does. Do they have a set time when I should talk?" Marcus agreed with his pet Primordial.
   "Yes. It's in 30 minutes."
   "Good enough by then, we should have secured Bismarck."
   The Inventor said with a small smile as he looked at the crumbling ship. He was already imagining the blonde who would be controlling this monstrosity.
   'Ah yes, I should make those metal sea dragons they control. I can't just make every ship into a Gundam.'
   He stroked his chin while thinking about the diversity in weaponry.
   'Well, I suppose I can transform them into massive guns for artillery strikes while those metal dragons for regular close-range fights.'
   As he pondered on that, he returned to his throne and proceeded to create some things. He still needs to design his light cruiser maid and the blonde battleship.
   Without even realising, those thirty minutes have passed.
   "Supreme Commander. Should we connect you to the UN?"
   "Hmm? Oh, right. Sure, I guess."
   Realitus projectors turned on as Aurora hacked the main screen in UN Headquarters, where the session was about to begin.
   The opening speech was already in session.
   People stopped talking and looked at the screen. They saw Marcus sitting on a throne surrounded by several holograms.
   "Well, I am here." He said that while leaning his head on his fist.
   "Marcus Goldman, our thanks for wasting your time to hear us out."
   "Hmm, very well; since you have manners, I will hear what you have to say." He motioned to speak.
   "My thanks. Then I would like to ask if there is a way to establish proper means to communicate so that people rest at ease knowing that you won't destroy them?" The leading woman asked with a serious voice-this conversation is broadcast live. People who are not rioting and striking are watching this with bated breath.
   "Strange thing to ask. If I wanted to do something terrible, I would have already done it. I prefer to stay in my garage and tinker my days away. But the moment I leave, I get pestered with weirdos." He said with a sigh.
   "I do apologise, but not everyone is like you. We need clear guidelines; otherwise, something bad can happen, and I don't mean to you."
   "Hmm, since you insist." He looked away for a bit.
   "Compile guidelines for the people, Aurora."
   [Certainly, sir.]
   "My AI will send it to all of you; anything else?" He looked at the gathered people, looking at him silently; the only thing one could hear was breathing.
   They are politicians, not 'warriors' who have the guts to say something to a guy who doesn't recognise national borders and the sovereignty of nations.
   "Any possible future cooperations? Your technologies could change the world as we know it."
   "Hmm, it depends on my mood. I could potentially arrange something through my regular company with friendly nations. Until then, no." Marcus said after pondering.
   Hearing that it depends on his mood is absurd! Are they genuinely ending up oppressed by someone who acts depending on his mood!? That's-
   "At least it's not a flat-out 'no'. It's good to know you are considering others."
   "Hmm, true, that professor annoyed me, but I just recovered Bismarck, so I am fine."
   "..."
   Seeing that he was in the ocean and by the name, it's a ship?
   Where kids are collecting ship models, this guy is collecting legit ships with his hyper-advanced tech. Their world is becoming crazy, that is for sure.
   "...Might I ask if it's the sunken Battleship Bismarck?" One of the men asked; it was a representative from Germany.
   "Indeed-" Marcus nodded and then looked away and spoke with someone.
   "Set course for Titanic's location. I promised Mother she would get it." the Inventor said.
   "Understood, setting course for North Atlantic." a Girl's voice replied.
   "Warships are considered property of their nations. That is international law." The representative said with a serious tone. The teen is breaking the law and committing crimes on live television!
   "Hmm, is it? Well, good for you, I didn't sign these laws you speak of.
   Since we are making up laws like this, should I make my own? Something like: 'Anyone who has Operational Battle Station owns the space? Or the orbit?' I don't know; maybe I should make it more pompous, too. It Gives that 'oof'." For a moment, the Inventor considered that.
   "...Forget that I mentioned it."
   Some people turned off their microphones and proceeded to speak among themselves. They discuss how this is turning into one big shit show. This kid doesn't respect any of their authority and is doing whatever he wants. Destroying the order they have been working hard to create.
   "Fine. If you have nothing else to say, I have ships to collect and plan their reconstruction."
   "Yes. That would be all; thank you for giving a moment of your time."
   "Alright."
   After saying that, the TV turned off, and the whole UN erupted into an all-out debate.
   Especially when they got 'guidelines', which are not so much guidelines; it's more like a 'depending on Marcus' mood' thing.
   "So if he is unhappy, he can end life on the planet!? Are we seriously discussing this!?"
   "What do you suggest we do?"
   "Pressure his country!"
   Everyone looked at the representative from Marcus County.
   "According to the constitution, he has not broken any county laws. The only thing one could do is arrest him under international laws for stealing sunken ships."
   "...Right. And risk getting nuked? Or turn into a monkey?" One of the representatives scoffed after seeing how nonchalant this teen was! To build what he builds, a certain amount of madness is necessary. Ove the history. Many intelligent people were slightly 'out of touch' with reality.
   However, none of them were at this level. This kid is on a plateau of his own.
   Regardless, not everyone saw Marcus' interactions, or even if they saw, not many truly believed what he was capable of. It's one thing to point a gun and another to shoot it.
   ~~~
   "Supreme Commander, we just received a message from Astaroth clan people working for your shop. Some rowdy people want to force themselves into the store. According to them, there are quite a few of these people.
   They are requesting orders from you."
   Marcus, who was cuddling with Atalanta, stopped and looked at the communications officer.
   "Anything from Latia?"
   "She sends a word saying that this altercation is beyond her current capacities. The whole town is on the rise."
   *Sigh*
   "So soon, huh, fine. Since they want to spit in Latia's charity, deploy the garrison." Marcus commanded before returning to pampering his lioness.
   ~~~
   The thing was, Marcus' birth town became the centrepiece of everything. The thing was that this town was full of reporters as it is.
   So they swiftly started reporting about the strikes around Marcus' shop.
   "We are reporting live from Goldman Industries flagship shop. This store is where advanced hardware is being sold. As of this moment, the shop is closed temporarily."
   The reporter said as the camera showed over a hundred people gathered. Many of them are people with too much time on their hands.
   "Sir! A moment of your time!" The reporter got the attention of one of the people who was striking.
   "Yes?"
   "What is the reason for the strike?"
   "The reason? The boy should surrender all of his creation to adults who could use his inventions to-"
   *Whistle*
   *Gunship Engine*
   *Whish*
   *BOOM!*
   Something heavy has landed not far from them; the sounds of mechanic joints slowly moving made the thing reveal itself. It was a towering robot, slowly standing up.
   It was at least three meters tall with raptor-like legs and a rifle for a hand.
   [Remove yourselves from the store premises] The robot said via loudspeaker.
   Seconds later, armoured men with T-shaped helmets dropped from the gunships and pointed their guns at the crowd.
   "This territory belongs to Marcus Goldman! Remove immediately, or we shall use force to defend ourselves against an unruly mob."
   "Unruly!? How dare you! We are peacefully protesting!"
   "Against what? Advanced Technology is being sold at absurdly low prices? This place is a charity shop. You are spitting in the face of kindness our leader graciously provides."
   "..."
   "Doesn't matter what he sells! One should have weapons like these! There are no enemies to face in the first place!"
   "Yeah!"
   Others agreed with what the guy said.
   "No Enemies? You are the ones who want to take other people's property. Now, it's my last warning."
   *Tsk*
   Seeing weapons like these, people took several steps back.
   "If you want to enjoy Leader's creations, then at least make him the Mayor or something of similar station. This way, he would have a real reason to share his creations and technology."
   The suggestion made the protestors mumble to each other.
   All of the exchange was caught on live television as well.
   "As you can all see, Marcus Goldman has some incredibly advanced soldiers we have never seen before.
   He even has robots which look like they are piloted by people as well!
   Truly, what a shocking discovery! Just how much there is more hidden from the public!"
   The woman spoke to the camera while the cameraman took shots of the six armoured men and one robot protecting the shop's perimeter.
   ~~~
   "Mayor, huh, honestly, that is interesting. It would not be a bad idea to fix the roads, create a metro system and build an Olympic stadium." Marcus was legitimately considering that.
   "You can do all that without being elected Mayor," Athena sighed.
   "People just want to milk you out of technomancy."
   "Oh, I do know that, and honestly, I don't care about their intentions. But this gives me vibes similar to Simcity and the other city management games.
   Hmm, Aurora, how does the election work?"
   [Checking...]
   [In town and city governing positions, one is elected every seven years; there are no limits to how many times you can be elected.]
   "..Hmm, that's quite lax."
   [It is; there is no age requirement either; the only requirement is a certain amount of signatures and a majority.]
   "...Wait! Is that for real? Even an 18-year-old can be a mayor!?"
   [Technically, as long as you are recognised as an adult, it's fine.]
   "Ah, yes, that."
   "You can't be seriously considering running for Mayor." Athena deadpanned.
   "It is interesting. It depends on the people. If they elect me, it's okay. I want to see the faces of the people when I rebuild this town into my image." Marcus smiled slightly. This whole ordeal can be a fantastic experiment. He does have his ongoing experiment with vampires.
   But that's the thing. There are barely any people in those villages. By this point, Carmilla got a freebie from him. 'Ruling' for him and getting all of the support of his faction.
   This time, it would be different; he would 'rule' for everyone to see and satisfy his sadism simultaneously.
   *Sigh*
   Seeing his fiance just sighting like this made him smile.
   "Come now, it will be an interesting side gig. Most of my faction, by this point, is fully automated. I barely need to do anything."
   "Now you sound like my father. In his early years, he thought about his job as a side gig while he was philandering his way through Greece." Athena said with crossed arms.
   "Oh, is my Goddess complaining? Should I take it more seriously?"
   For a second, she shivered.
   "N-No, I am just drawing a similar line. Nothing as serious as you are thinking!"
   "True. Our commitments are reversed. My priorities are still research and development that will never change." As he said that, he walked over to her and flicked her forehead.
   The Goddess didn't complain. Instead, she just rubbed her forehead.
   "Besides, this would end before we even knew it. Or it's what you want? Steamrolling the entire world. Hmm, maybe that's how it is. I didn't realise my Fiance was so ambitious! Is Athena dreaming of becoming the Empress of the World!?" He asked curiously.
   "...No, I am just triggered by your casual actions of wanting to be the Mayor. It reminded me of my family. You could say it's PTSD." Athena replied with a strained smile.
   "Oh, you poor thing." Marcus swiftly picked her up and proceeded to take her to his throne.
   These actions made the Goddess slightly uncomfortable doing all this on the bridge.
   "Umm, why don't we retreat to your suite on this vessel? We haven't explored it yet properly. Besides, it will take close to 8 hours to reach where the Titanic has sunk." The Goddess of Wisdom suggested.
   "You're right; let's explore."
   As the pair left, it only left the lioness maid, the dragoness and the Primordial.
   "Hmm, she is right. I should go around and look for the food printer." Gu Yuena said with a shrug. It's not like she will be needed here. They are underwater, and she prefers fighting on land and in the air.
   "Food printer? Isn't that thing which makes anything I want?" Nyx's curiosity was piqued.
   "Yes, any food you want. It's a regular thing in the army." The Silver Dragoness clarified.
   "Yes! Let's go!"
   As the pair left to get some snacks, the only one left was the lioness, who stared at the depths of the water for a second.
   "Hmm, I suppose apple pie would do."
   ~~~
   While everyone is taking it easy on the Scavenger, the world above the water is not so calm.
   Slowly, two camps are forming-the ones who are planning to do something and the ones who don't.
   The ones who are not planning to do anything to Marcus are the countries that have some connection to Supernatural. While Pantheons left humans to manage themselves, they did ask for some help against Marcus. The sheer and blunt 'NO' made them reel in back and reconsider trying anything.
   If their Gods are not doing anything, what can they do?
   But what about countries that don't have a pantheon? Well, they are preparing for war.
   Or precisely, people voted for actions, and since it's a democracy, if the majority wins, they will do something.
   As Marcus observed a shrunken form of Titanic, two pieces of the broken ship, a hologram notification popped up next to him.
   "Hmm, are they serious? A strike carrier force?" The Inventor is baffled to see that Americans are sending a Strike force.
   "Shouldn't be a surprise. The world's police are thinking of policing us." He mumbled to himself.
   "Aurora, what is the strike group's current location?"
   [Tracking. They just left the port from the East Coast and headed towards the Baltic Sea.]
   'My backyard. Hmm, in that case, let's show overwhelming force. I still need to collect my ships.' Marcus pondered what to do. He can't stick around the Atlantic.
   "I haven't sent the 10 to 18 Airships to the Underworld; send those to intercept; let's show the little people just a little bit of our power."
   "Wait, Wait! Are you planning to send all 9 of the newly built airships!? Even one is enough to terrify a Pantheon!" Athena exclaimed with worry. This is an overkill!
   If regular people see those things, they will piss from fright!
   "That's the point. People need to realise that I am not just a guy with a space gun. I have an army, and unlike other people's armies, mine is private and very obedient, ready to follow all of my whims."
   "But even so, they are not genuinely attacking your homeland. It's a show of force."
   "I am doing the same thing. And unlike them. My force is not constricted by water or borders." He explained to his Fiance, who tried everything to keep Marcus from escalating the situation.
   'Ugh, shouldn't I bring his assistant from the underworld? Maybe she could speak some reason into him? They shouldn't take these regular humans this seriously.'
   "Aurora, send 10 to 18 to intercept this strike force."
   [Sending commands.]
   ~~~
   Alarms blared through the Space Centre, where nine starships proceeded to rise. There was no thrust, yet these ships simply rose from the ground.
   If one could pay attention, one could see projectors are all over the ship's hull. It gives a unique futuristic look to the airship, like those UFOs with lights spreading through the hull. These ships were similar to that.
   Since Marcus revealed himself, there was no need to use Realitus to hide.
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   And so the nine ships just flew away through the lands and cities.
   The sheer presence of massive ships just flying over made people panic!
   All hell got loose once more as the airships just flew over cities, roads, and other buildings. They were flying towards the Atlantic.
   With such speed, they swiftly crossed to Poland, Germany, and Belgium. Once the airships crossed the land, the airships entered the North Sea.
   Funny enough that their airships ignored all the hails from control towers, the nations deployed military, but none of them attacked in truth; it was just to play along.
   No one has the gall to attack someone who has a main cannon longer than their longest ships!
   Nope!
   Less than three hours later, nine airships lined up at the interception point just south of Iceland.
   The massive vessels were already waiting for the Carrier Strike Force, which was supposed to arrive here in some time.
   "Ma'am, I don't think it was wise to rush; now we will need to wait." Second in command said to the captain of the airship 11.
   "It doesn't matter; this is our first mission! We can't disappoint our Supreme Commander!" The captain was ready to impress her creator. As someone who is soon to be stationed in the Underworld in the future, she doesn't have hope for many assignments like these!
   "Very well. Then, I will ensure the Strike Force arrives here instead of at a different location."
   "Do so. Instruct Aurora to assist in information control."
   "It will be done."
   ~~~
   "What-the-hell!!!" The captain of the Carrier Strike Force looked at the massive ships floating above the waters.
   What terrified them was not just the airships but Jet fighters flying around. There are hundreds of them!
   "Those are..."
   "The rumoured airships the agencies talked about. But these are wingless. Improved design?" With a sweaty forehead, the captain mumbled to himself.
   "Sir. An incoming communication from one of the airships!"
   "Put it through."
   "Carrier group. This is Daedalus-class airship number 10. The leader of this mission. Return from where you came from, or we shall act with extreme prejudice." A woman's voice spoke on the other side of the microphone.
   "...Sir..."
   "...Extreme prejudice...huh, well, this is not good. Contact the Pentagon; we need a new directive."
   "On it."
   'This is a demonstration of force. Not only does he have a massive space gun, but he also has an actual army of floating ships with hundreds of advanced fighter jets.'
   Such demonstration of force is beyond what they have thought about.
   The agencies only recorded one giant construction site. Does he have more? Or it's the techniques he uses to build so rapidly?
   "...sir, we have orders to record the airships and then retreat."
   "...Thank God."
   ~~~
   For advanced chapters (+5 chapters, 25k words) my pat: pat reon.com/DragonsFics
   OR
   Discord: discord.gg/denoffanfics
   ~~~
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   Chapter 70: Retaliation
   "So they withdrew." Marcus looked at the live stream from CNN and other news outlets.
   "But they are not showing much." Nyx pouted for not seeing terrified faces.
   "Indeed, Aurora, why don't we give a statement?" Seeing his Primordial Pet's disappointment, Marcus decides to clarify to the whole world.
   No one is going to mess with the backyard of his house.
   [What are your specifications?]
   "Let's make it graphic; let's show Realitus at work. It will make a good advertisement, too."
   "I don't think people will continue to buy your products." Athena chipped in from the side.
   "I don't need others to buy my stuff. My neighbours buying it is enough."
   "Even if you don't care about your neighbours?" Atalanta remembered what he said not long ago.
   "Of course, I care about when someone uses my stuff, and I get the feedback.
   I am goading for Americans to attack me; I want them to sink at least one Daedalus airship. I need to know my vessel's weaknesses. I might have some idea where are the weak spots, but I want actual combat experience."
   "In that case, why did you create them so powerful?" Athena eye-rolled.
   "They are not strong. The models already are outdated, my dear Goddess." Marcus' eyes rolled back at her.
   "Outdated to you. No one even destroyed one before!"
   "True. That's why I am goading people to attack these." Marcus replied with a shrug.
   Then his gaze went to the holographic windows as he started to check the video Aurora was cooking for him.
   1
   "Very good."
   ~~~
   [To people of the world. My name is Marcus Goldman. I am speaking to you all to let you know that you should stay away from my backyard. This message is my first and last warning.]
   Marcus appeared on every single screen on every single TV in the world.
   He doesn't care if they don't speak his language or understand; there will be the ones who understand and remind them.
   [I do not need a space station which can nuke any city or place in the world to remind you of that. I have an army who can do it as well]
   Images of thousands of armoured men boarding the airships appeared. This clip looked more like a video from a Star Wars movie than reality. But this was actual footage from when his S.P.B.A. was boarding the airships.
   2
   [This is a warning to the so-called 'police of the world' as well. If you are going to send a carrier group to show me something, let me do the very same thing.
   But unlike you, I have the resources to wage war your little minds can't comprehend. So, if you have the guts to try, then do it. I am imploring you; I want that battle data.]
   "He is mad or very confident."
   "Mad? You have seen the footage we got from Carrier Group 3. Those things are authentic and huge."
   "...What a mess this is."
   Commanders in the Pentagon are struggling to come up with solutions to the demands they are getting from their people.
   On top of that, some people want to use Marcus and his might as well.
   This video proves that the Inventor doesn't have a high opinion of the West.
   8
   Not that they realised that he doesn't have any sort of opinion at all.
   If anyone stands in his way, he will simply erase it.
   And he has the means to do it. The thing about humans is that they have set values and beliefs. How could they think that this guy has a different set of values?
   Though some people think that he has, after all, one needs to be crazy to build what he builds.
   But then again, some self-centred beings will never even consider that.
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   ~~~~~~Heaven~~~~~~
   "It would appear that it's finally spilling out of control," Michael said to his siblings.
   "With his development speed, it was only a matter of time," Rafael said with a knowing tone.
   "However, we have another issue. With how this is going, he will dominate the entirety of the world, including every single Pantheon." Uriel explained the growing discord on the planet as a whole.
   "Not entirely true." Michael chipped in.
   "What do you mean, Brother?" Gabriel asked curiously.
   "He is not expanding; he is destroying society from within. Regular people want to be protected. They seek security, a guarantee.
   Marcus Goldman's country and surrounding countries will most likely align with him for his protection. What is the best way not to get destroyed by a space gun? Well, to become buddies with the one who wields the weapon.
   However, there is another way."
   "Pantheons will need to return from their seclusion?" Uriel understood immediately.
   "But- I am ashamed to say this, but there is very little we can do what Marcus can. He single handedly dominated the war in the Underworld."
   The Angels have their ways of watching the action in the Underworld. They saw first-hand Marcus' personal power and the power of his faction.
   This human is in leagues of Dragon Gods.
   "True, but regular people don't know it. They don't grasp the difference between us and Marcus' power.
   I think it's time we start answering some of the calls for 'help'."
   "But, Michael. If people are going to ask to destroy Marcus, we can't just do it!" Rafael said with a sweaty forehead.
   "Just speak the words of father. Violence is not the way."
   1
   *Sigh*
   "Fine. We will descend then."
   ~~~~~~Takamagahara~~~~~~
   "This is getting out of hand! This human is provoking everyone! His passive aggressiveness is getting out of hand!
   Even one of his toys is on our land! Sister, we must strike him down!" Susanoo was slowly getting irritated by this. Little by little, his patience is growing thin.
   "Then go. If you think you can destroy that monstrosity, then so be it. But once you leave, you won't be coming back." Amaterasu said with a heavy voice as she gazed at what was happening on the ground.
   "Ugh..."
   "Instead, you should answer your prayers. This situation is not our business; we won't interfere."
   "How is it not our business? That thing is floating above our city!"
   "A rented city. You were the one who told me to rent it out in the first place." Amaterasu snapped back at him.
   "Fine. Whatever, but I will be the one to say, "I told you so." Susanoo huffed like a child before walking away to brood somewhere else.
   Amaterasu rolled her eyes before pondering on this. She is not naive enough to ignore this. All she could do was focus on followers.
   It's time to answer their call; that should help them to calm down to some degree.
   The only one who didn't speak was Tsukiyomi, the God of the moon.
   He was pondering on this development. Maybe he should visit this human in his dreams to understand him more.
   Maybe he could glimpse some of his actual plans.
   Regardless, he will answer the prayers of people who believe in him. This way, they could calm down their people.
   ~~~~~~Kuoh~~~~~~
   Rias, who was in her club room, watched television with bated breath. She has been camping in her club room for days. She was not leaving this place at all. By this point, she was what is called Hikikomori.
   Just watching anime or, in this case, news. Rias' Queen told him that Marcus was on television, so she watched him.
   Seeing so many warships under his command, she starts feeling bitter.
   Why can't he give her one so she could look for her brother!?
   Yes, she knew that he had no reason to do it. But still, if he can make them at such a mass production scale. The news already told her that he has a massive construction site. Satellite images confirm it.
   'Sona did get her Sacred Gears from him. Is that because Serafall is close to him? Does this mean I could do something similar? Get a warship if I am close to him?'
   By this point, her mind is getting polluted by despair; she is willing to do anything.
   At that moment, a crimson Gremory circle glowed in the middle of the room. Rias ended up standing up and looking with expectations.
   When the light settled down, it was her mother!
   "Mom!" The Heiress rushed over and hugged her.
   "Rias, it's good to see you alive and well."
   "What's with the drama!?" The girl jokingly replied, but then she noticed that her mother looked tired-more than she had ever seen.
   "Mom, tell me we have won, and it's finally over?" Rias hoped for the best. But her mother didn't look her in the eyes.
   "Go and find Sona; we need to discuss the situation."
   "...Right."
   ~~~
   Sona's and Rias' peerages have gathered in the occult room. They are anxiously waiting for Venelana to start talking.
   "Let me start with the basics. The situation is bleak. Very bleak."
   Everyone trembled when Lady Gremory started like this.
   "There are less than a hundred devils left."
   "!!!"
   Everyone looked stupefied.
   "The only reason we are still alive is because Marcus Goldman is waging war for us.
   But, you shouldn't be naive to believe that he will leave after he wins the whole thing."
   The gathered devils slowly nodded their heads.
   "I assume we will become his vassals?" Sona pondered.
   "That is a legitimate possibility. I guess he will bring some devils back to fill up his pillars."
   "...Pillars?"
   "Oh, right. Marcus Goldman is the direct successor to Solomon. He is the second Solomon."
   "!!!"
   Rias and Sona gulped down after hearing that.
   "...Mom, are you saying that our greatest ally is the one who will most likely enslave us?" Rias sarcastically joked this was such dark humour that her skin was crawling; how bad it is.
   "Exactly what I am saying. *Sigh* It shames me to say this, but I am his Bael Pillar, Serafall is his Sitri Pillar, Latia Astaroth is his Astaroth Pillar, and Seekvaira Agares is his Agares Pillar.
   You could say we are alive because we belong to him." Venalana explained with a self-mocking smile.
   "Then his Gremory pillar is still empty, is it not? I can take that place!" Rias swiftly got over and suggested this.
   "Rias. Calm down."
   "Mom! We can't just stand here and do nothing!" The Heiress has shown her despair, and she complained out loud. How can she just stay here while her kin is gone!?
   "...And what will you do?"
   "...I..."
   "Can you make Marcus turn you into his Pillar?"
   "..."
   "Or make him do something for you? You know he won't do it just out of sheer spite that someone is trying to force him.
   Just look at the news! He nearly blew up London just because someone tried to make him leave!"
   Venelana motioned at the news running on the TV. Even they are watching this in the middle of the battlefield in the Underworld.
   Particularly, his Assistant wants to end the war so that she can redirect her efforts towards Earth. Quinella has an ambition to conquer the realm she was born in.
   Not that the Devils know about this. All they know is that the AI-turned-human wants to be next to her creator at such an interesting time.
   "...I understand..."
   "Rias, listen, IF you want him to take you as a pillar or do anything for you, you need to show results. Especially now! We are a dying race! There are more Yokai than us now! But unlike Yokai, we don't have a Pantheon looking out for us!"
   Sona sharply said with a serious look.
   "I intend to live, so I will do whatever I can to please Marcus Goldman." The Sitri Heiress said to her rival.
   "You don't need to push yourself this much, Sona. Your sister is already working to ensure everything is fine with your clan and lands." Venelana said with a small smile.
   "That is wonderful news, but I can't rely on my sister to do everything."
   Just like that, Rias has a goal to work towards. If only the ancient devils could hear her.
   "Then it's settled! I shall train! I will become so strong that Marcus Goldman will make me his Gremory Pillar!" Gremory Heiress stood up and clenched her hand. A red aura surrounded her as her eyes glowed in crimson colour.
   If only the Ancient Devils had seen Rias Gremory, they would be rolling in their graves. A devil wants to become a slave to a human.
   They would know that the world is ending! Well, it kind of is ending, but not in a conventional means.
   While Venelana could only grimace at this, she was feeling like shit now. If she had been more proactive, this situation would have been better for her family.
   Supposedly, if she was more of a devil instead of a doting mother, well, she can't complain about spilt milk now.
   "Then you can start by training. This area is heavily surveillance by Marcus Goldman; just train and improve your Power of Destruction. He will notice you and start giving you more assignments.
   Like Latia Astaroth. She is his girlfriend and already has an Airship of her own."
   "...What!!?"
   The most surprising of them all was Sona! She knows Latia! The girl is her age and from a branch family of the Astaroth clan!
   The Sitri Heiress thought she was at the front regarding this race! She thought she was at the front regarding devils her age chasing Marcus.
   She can accept that her sister is with him as she is one of the strongest devils! But Latia!? She is like her! A High-class Devil! She doesn't even know if Latia even knows the Kankara formula or even has a proper Peerage!
   'So sneaky! How could this happen? I have underestimated or, more likely, didn't pay attention!'
   For a second, she got snappy and bit her nail.
   "That's right. She runs mundane things for Marcus alongside her Clan. Of all of the devils, she was the luckiest; the majority of her clan survived the whole ordeal as they were in the human world following Marcus."
   "So what is the reason for this attack, Lady Gremory?" Akeno asked.
   "Reason? Well, Factions realised that the Biblical faction was weak. The big man up there is dead."
   "!!!"
   "Evil Gods surged from the depths of the Underworld and swept everything away." The Brown-haired devil lady explained in a distant voice.
   "...I see..."
   "Yes. I suggest all of you start training. Since there is nothing else to do, you should focus on gathering strength."
   "Yes!"
   "Rias, a moment of your time."
   The Crimson-haired girl followed her mother as they went to a separate room.
   "Listen, Marcus summoned me when he was just a child. I was the one who taught him basic magic. You could say I was the one who helped him start where he is now."
   "...Does that-"
   Venelana stopped her before she could speak more.
   "But this was it. If you haven't noticed, I was always there for you. But simultaneously, I neglected my duties as a pillar to him."
   At this moment, Rias forgot how to breathe.
   "This was where Serafall took over, as she knew the long-term consequences. One could say her job even suffered because of this.
   You could say this is the reason why she has an airship and is working her way to regaining her lands from the evil souls controlled by the Incarnation of evil."
   "...So you saying is that-"
   "I messed up as his Bael Pillar. He could have some sort of prejudice towards Gremory because of it."
   Rias started to deadpan at her mother! She wanted to be angry, but she could not.
   "So you're telling me that I will experience an uphill battle."
   "Most likely. However-" Venelana leaned forward and whispered to her ear.
   "We could double team. That is if you are willing."
   Rias' blue eyes widened as she stepped back and looked at her mother. The brown-haired devil had a devil smile on her lips.
   "...You do want the Gremory clan to return, don't you? Do you think there is a better chance?"
   The suggestion was wild, but it was very devil-like. The Gremory Heiress slowly nodded her head, but then she remembered something.
   "...Haven't you forgotten that I have arrangements with Phenex?" Rias pointed out. She was still pissed about this arranged marriage!
   "Oh sweet, my sweet little girl. For one, Phenex must be alive; for the second, the moment you are Marcus Pillar, you are his."
   "Wait, mom...did you-"
   "Not yet. As I said, I was focusing on raising you."
   "Raising me!? Don't be ridiculous. You have been lazing around most of the time! And I was attending classes!"
   Knowing Rias was right, Venelana placed her finger on her daughter's lips.
   "No need for the details."
   "Ugh! Where I had to get 'over it' with my marriage, you were ditching your duties to Next Solomon!" Now that Rias realised this, she was more pissed!
   "...Yes! Fine, I understand. It was my fault. I didn't want to be his slave."
   "So did I! But you two pushed this on me!"
   "I get it. That is why I am giving you a solution." Venelana pointed out the solution.
   "I understand. I agree. I will be part of this scheme." Rias seriously nodded.
   'From one arrangement to another, but this is fine!'
   "Good, then he will visit Japan in a few days. Be ready."
   The Crimson-haired devil Heiress nodded as she proceeded to think of ways to make this work!
   ~~~~~~South Atlantic, Aboard Scavenger~~~~~~
   "This is starting to become annoying. I suppose I can understand how World Conquerors have to feel." Marcus commented with a frown. DNA strands surrounded him as he worked on Bismarck and Belfast's early designs.
   He was distracted from his work as he could see news feeds from America and other countries.
   "France, Canada, the United States, to some extent England. All of them are still striking against me."
   "Then don't watch the news. It's not like it's necessary." Athena casually commented as she had her seat. She was reading a book which appeared from somewhere! The Goddess can summon books on the fly!
   "But it is!" Nyx commented with a grin. She wants to see him nuke those bugs!
   "In what way?"
   "Haven't you understood yet? Our beloved Master told them to zip it. But they didn't listen. These stupid people are still demanding their government to do something about him." Nyx, like a devil, whispered what Marcus was thinking.
   "This requires an action, doesn't it, Master?" The Primordial sneaked over to him and gently cuddled into his side.
   "You are not wrong. I haven't made an example yet." He pondered on this. He then mentally summoned a hologram and checked several things.
   "It appears that the West believes that they can just talk shit about me and think nothing is going to happen." Marcus frowned as he saw several posters and flags with his face crossed out.
   "I do believe it's called 'Freedom of Speech' and 'Freedom to Express Themselves'," Athena commented from the side as she saw the same images. Her lips have turned thin.
   "I heard of it. However, I am pretty sure when you do, you are taking responsibility for your own actions." As Marcus said that, another window popped.
   This window is Ars Almadel Salomonis' targeting system.
   "Switch to EMP; we are not killing them. No, that is too generous. I am going to make an example."
   [Switching Ammunition]
   "Show me the map with the most strikes related to me."
   The world's map appeared as a sphere. It was rotating and stopping at Washington DC.
   "Not a surprise." Athena already expected that. Americans always make the biggest noise.
   "Of course not. It's the capital. The biggest strike is at the White House and the Congress." Marcus, with his finger, just jabbed in the middle of the capital.
   "Show me the extent of the damage once I shoot the Ars Almadel Salomonis."
   [Calculating Damage]
   The East Coast started to light up. The window showed the difference in damages depending on how many reactors are being used,
   'Four reactors would place the entire East Coast into the stone age!' Athena gulped down at the sheer scale of this space station's ability. But this was it. This attack would be just an overload of electrical systems.
   Not the true destructive power of Ars Almadel Salomonis.
   "Hmm, that's too big. Let's switch to 2. Placing Washington and surrounding areas is enough.
   "You may fire Aurora."
   [Targeting.]
   ~~~
   The massive Space Gun, following Marcus' trip, stopped doing that and instead started to move and target North America.
   Some of the people, by this point, were tracking this thing. It was the most obvious thing to do.
   When they saw it move and target North America, warning bells started to get triggered!
   Before this, it was pointing down, but now it started to move. The barrel began to lift itself and point at North America.
   Light started to gather in the barrel.
   "Shit! It's going to shoot!"
   "That kid is seriously shooting it!?"
   "No shit! I think he is making an example!"
   The people at the observation telescope exclaimed as they started to contact their superiors and military.
   But a blue electrical beam just left the barrel and rushed towards its destination, bending to the planet's curvature.
   The flying time was extremely short, as it slammed into its destination in less than a minute.
   ~~~
   "Arrest Marcus Goldman! Arrest Marcus Goldman!"
   "Confiscate his Technology!"
   As thousands of people gathered in Washington DC, many of them believed that Marcus Goldman should be arrested for threatening a capital, collecting sunken ships, including the Titanic! And, of course, now, because of the latest video.
   None of these people thought much about striking. They always strike about something. Nothing new in America. It's the same in France and the UK.
   "Hmm? What is that?"
   The sky turned bright as something was coming, something big.
   Then it slammed into the centre of the city.
   At that moment, all of the electronics died! The loudspeakers, the cars, phones, and the electrical grid; everything was dead.
   Except for the people who looked confused.
   A few seconds later, they finally realised what just happened!
   "My phone is not working!"
   "Yeah! Mine too!"
   Everyone started to check their stuff.
   "...T-That light has fried all of the technology!"
   Sure enough, the chaos started. This time, people realised that Marcus was dead serious.
   ~~~
   "The damage was greater than we had anticipated. It appears we have not addressed several key things in our calculation." Marcus looked at the map of the East Coast.
   Washington DC, Baltimore and it nearly reached Philadelphia.
   Not only that, but it spread out through the cables way outside the intended target.
   [Recalibrating according to the new data]
   "This happens when we don't have legit testing data." Marcus almost scoffed at this.
   "Sir, it appears they are retaliating." One of the officers said as they were observing things from the satellites.
   "Oh, is that right? First, they slender me, and now they are biting back for that smack." The inventor frowned while saying this.
   Nyx, watching this with fascination, could only contain her excitement! Finally, some abuse!
   "Four ballistic missiles were launched from a carrier strike force. They are rushing towards Ars Almadel Salomonis."
   "Hmm, what kind of inventory does my station have?" Marcus requested an update.
   [Currently, only the M.G.M.I. portion is online. S.P.B.A. Is still under construction]
   "Mechanised infantry only, huh? Well, this is fine. Sending my knights would be an overkill; send out the Yaegers, sink that carrier group."
   [Understood]
   "And the ballistic missiles?" The navigation officer asked him about the incoming missiles.
   "What about them? It's not like missiles can do anything." Marcus rolled his eyes.
   Hearing how the Yeagers would see an action made the Primordial giddy while Athena sighed in defeat. This situation is getting out of hand. Why can't these regular people get over the idea that their military is no match?
   "Well, at least they will get down from their high horse." The one who mumbled was Atalanta, as she remembered how many forests ceased to exist because of the rapid expansion of the human race.
   With how Marcus' faction is structured, he will restore many of the lost forests. That is one of the reasons why she accepted to be his household cat.
   "I don't know much, but this just looks stupid." Gu Yuena commented from the side.
   "They are attacking a vastly superior force, with vastly superior technology. This response just looks dumb. If it were me, I would be waiting for the right opportunity." The Dragoness commented as she saw the rockets finally hitting the target, but nothing had happened.
   Instead, the section of the station rotated, and something else was being launched right back at them. It was cube-like projectiles. These were the Yeagers.
   ~~~
   "The missiles were a direct hit!" The officer exclaimed loudly as the missiles slammed into the station. Thankfully, it was not that high in the atmosphere, almost like it was like that just to tease.
   "Good! Is that monstrosity down?" The Captain nodded; there was a slight smile on his lips.
   "...Umm...no."
   "...I see. There is a reason why it's so low in orbit then."
   The rest nodded at the realisation. If it can tank ballistic missiles like that, there are not many things they can throw at it.
   "Sir! Incoming projectiles!"
   "Projectiles!?"
   "Yes! At least nine!" The officer exclaimed as he looked at the radar.
   "But, why projectiles? Doesn't that thing shoot energy-based attacks?"
   Sure enough, the sky turned red as small meteorite-like objects became visible.
   "Brace for impact!"
   What followed next was a chain reaction of objects slamming into the ships. With absurd precision, all of them slammed into the warships. Not a single missed its mark!
   The sailors rushed to intercept whatever it was, with rifles in their hands; they were ready to defend their ships.
   The cubes which landed on the ships proceeded to move-slowly transforming into towering machines. Raptor-like legs, it had swords for hands, and the chest armour resembled knights' plate armour. Lastly, it had horns on the helmet.
   [M.T.M Reactor Online]
   [Initiating Purge Protocols]
   [M.G.M.I. 'Yeager' Online]
   The robotic sound spoke as the machine proceeded to move.
   "Fire! Fire!"
   The marines with assault rifles proceeded to open fire, but the bullets simply bounced off.
   Instead, the mechs swung their hands and cut everything in their paths.
   "Holy shit!"
   "Fuck! That thing is immune to bullets!
   "Someone board a jet and use rockets!"
   The men swiftly adjusted as the aircraft carrier had loads of jet fighters stored on the top.
   Well, the ones who didn't fall off after the Yeagers landed.
   Some pilots rushed at the closest jet fighter and climbed up into the cockpits.
   However, the carrier had two Yeagers, not one. The second one was operational as well and started to cut apart everything.
   Including jet fighters and people. The black and red blades cut everything, regardless of metal, flesh, clothes, or even ammo.
   Since they were not hot, the ammos didn't even ignite!
   As the Yeager was slicing through the opposition, a jet fighter turned to the side and started to launch rockets at the mechanised infantry.
   The first rocket slammed and exploded upon impact. The explosion forced the mech to take several steps back.
   "What the fuck! It's not even scratched!"
   "Shoot more! Shoot!"
   The second rocket blasted at the mech. The machine took more steps back; this time, the metal was scorching hot and was deforming.
   The third one was released, but this time, Yeager moved, leaning forward and proceeding to jump with a spin, cutting the missile in half!
   The more it moved, the more it repaired itself!
   "Holy shit! Is it some sort of nanotechnology!? It is repairing itself!" One of the sailors exclaimed as he took several steps back.
   Regardless, what followed next was the Gatling gun spitting bullets at the Yeager.
   This time, the Gatling gun bullets were pushing the machine back more and more until it finally dropped from the carrier.
   "Hell yeah!"
   The marines and sailors looked ecstatic to see that the monstrosity went over the board and into the ocean.
   But that moment, the carrier trembled! It started to turn to one side!
   "One shit! That thing started to cut the hull!"
   "But that's impossible!"
   "Tell that to those sword hands!"
   The Yeager, which was supposed to take a dive, was stabbing its way through the hull and cutting it apart until it was inside the ship, and now it continued to slice and dice.
   The other ships were not as lucky as the carriers, as the frigates and other support vessels started to sink.
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   ~~~~~~Back at Scavenger~~~~~~
   "It appears they are doing well against conventional armies. I should send more of my troops to be tested against fellow humans.
   They sometimes pull out some ingenious ideas to take down stronger enemies."
   Marcus commented as he looked at nine screens; his gaze then went to the notification pop-up.
   His eyes lightened up.
   Finally! THAT experiments can be underway!
   He checked the notifications. A grin appeared on his lips. This message was it! The ERROR he wanted to see.
   'So it is the mirror theory.' He stroked his chin, completely forgetting about the Yeagers slaughtering the US Navy. Instead, he started to check the data he got.
   'It appears leaving an empty shell was the key. I didn't insert any memories until the mirroring can happen
   The key is to have a perfect replica of the body. However, the one thing that depends is the person itself if it wants to cross over.'
   "I have things to do. You girls can enjoy watching the show. I have to attend something important."
   As Marcus said that, he got up from his throne and walked towards the S.P.B.A. Wing, where the bio chambers are.
   It took him several minutes, but once he was there, he walked to the corner where one of the chambers was on.
   Inside it was a girl with long white hair. She had an ahoge sticking out.
   "Kiana Kaslana, or is it Sirin? I do wonder which one crossed over." The Inventor pondered as he checked the biometrics of the body and the soul.
   ~~~
   For advanced chapters (+5 chapters, 25k words) my pat: pat reon.com/DragonsFics
   OR
   Discord: discord.gg/denoffanfics
   ~~~
   P.S.: I do weekly voting on Patreon if you want more chapters for this fic (or other fics ) vote there.
  
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   Chapter 71: Descend The Void Queen
   12
   ~~~~~~???~~~~~~
   "I do not need your pity, Kiana Kaslana. You have won this fair and square. I will leave you alone." A white-haired girl with orange glowing eyes said that with her head held high.
   "...You are leaving?"
   "Our ideals don't mix. There can be only one of us. You have won this fight. Just like we have agreed, I will pass on."
   "...I see." The girl opposite the orange-eyed girl was identical, only had different clothes and eye colour. She looked somewhat sad.
   "Are you feeling sad that I am dying?" The orange-eyed version almost mocked but more like it was amusement.
   "Not quite; you are dying; that is sad alone."
   "Ah, yes. But who knows, I am maybe passing on to a more exciting adventure than you will ever have." After saying that, she turned into particles and ceased to exist.
   2
   ...
   ...
   ...
   The so-called evil side of Sirin, the Herrscher of the Void, closed her eyes, thinking that her consciousness would cease to exist. But there was something there.
   As she opened her eyes, she could see a glass in front of her. It was like a mirror. On the other side of the mirror was- her?
   1
   This girl looked like her! Floating in some sort of capsule of some sort, it was strange. She moved her hand, and it ended up touching the glass.
   4
   'What is this? Some sort of mirror wall?'
   She pushed harder, and her hand started to sink into the mirror.
   'Is that body meant for me?'
   1
   Regardless, it's not like she has anything else to go or do. She is supposed to be dead anyway.
   As she fully submerged in the mirror, the 'feeling' changed like she was in a completely different place.
   The soul of the Herrscher floated. She eventually ended up being pulled by the body floating in a liquid container.
   2
   The moment she merged with the body, the console reacted to the change, and an error appeared on the monitor.
   Minutes later, Marcus walked over and inspected the console.
   He proceeded to run the diagnosis and check the biometrics, including the memories.
   'Oh, my, isn't this just an S-tier catch?' He swiftly skimmed through all of this. He saw the last piece of memories before the soul went to sleep.
   2
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   'So it is a mirror theory I was pondering on. This test was the next step! The result? I have Sirin's evil side! Memories are not even edited.'
   Marcus is not even thinking of changing anything. He wants the genuine deal. But waking her up like this will make her hostile.
   'Or not? I will turn off Honkai.'
   The inventor pondered as he summoned his control panel. And he turned off the satellites which emit 'Honkai' particles.
   It will take a few minutes for the bonding of the particles to stop working.
   Once that was done, he pressed a button on the chamber control panel.
   The reaction was instantaneous; the girl opened her eyes. They were orange, and the pupil of her eyes was unique. It was a rhombus instead of a round.
   She immediately moved her hands to cover herself.
   Marcus smiled at her and proceeded to speak directly in her mind.
   "You do realise that I created your body? From top to bottom, all of the proportions are my creation."
   "...You are speaking in my mind directly!?"
   "Indeed, I wield psionic powers. My brain sends waves, which yours pick up. We can talk like this without even using our mouths."
   "...So that's how it is... in that case, who are you? Why did you create this body?"
   "My name is Marcus Goldman. I am the second coming of Solomon and the creator of what is known as Technomancy. Magiktech, magical technology based on science."
   "...Magic?" She sounded confused for a second.
   "When you passed through that mirror, you crossed over to my reality."
   "...Reality? Ah, that feeling. It was strange."
   "Correct, should I call you Kiana? Or Sirin?"
   "...Hmm, I assume you know what I am? What is my existence? Why did you revive someone who is meant to destroy humanity?"
   She asked him with narrowed eyes. The white-haired girl was still covering herself, and Marcus had not started to remove the liquid yet.
   "It is strange to explain to one of my creations like this."
   Marcus sighed as he mentally commanded the liquid to be removed from the tank rapidly.
   Slowly, the white-haired girl ended up standing on her own two feet.
   She took several steps. Her legs need to adjust as she walks for the first time in this body.
   As she took her steps, the tank opened, and she walked out and stood in front of him.
   "How does it feel to have a body of your own?"
   For a second, she tried to speak, but her words were a mess.
   "Hmm, let me help you with that."
   He pressed his finger on her forehead. The beauty's orange eyes widened as she saw images, experiences? He just transferred the entire language to her. Well, it's more like several languages.
   "Now, you should understand me properly."
   "...Yes. I do. You didn't answer my questions. And I request clothes, pervert." She said the last part with narrowed eyes. There was a thin blush on her cheeks, too.
   "Hmm, you didn't answer mine either. Kiana or Sirin? Or something new altogether?"
   "...Fine, just because you created this body, I shall humour you. You may call me Sirin."
   "Cute. A tsundere. I suppose you do have a tsunderes memories." Marcus patted her head.
   This action made her snappy at him, and she tried to brush his hand away.
   "You do realise that you are in my reality, not yours. Your powers don't exist here at all." His words made her inspect herself.
   "...But I can sense a Herrscher core!"
   "Cute, so you can sense that, good it means it works. As your creator, I indeed recreated your powers and Honkai itself. At this moment, I have it off. I don't want you to get crazy and start destroying my submarine."
   "...You-Recreated-Honkai?" She blinked at him a couple of times. What he speaks is gibberish.
   "Indeed. Look at this."
   He motioned her to look at the side. Two crystals are floating in separate tanks.
   "Core of Reason and Core of Thunder."
   Marcus explained to her.
   "...What is this- you make no sense. Honkai isn't something you can just- Make!" She started to question the reality itself.
   "You are pretty cute when you don't hide behind your powers." He patted her again before walking away and pulling out already-prepared clothes.
   They were identical to her Herrscher clothes. His actions somewhat spooked her. If what he said is true. Then how does he know all about her? Her powers, her looks, her name!? And now even her clothes!
   "Come dress up; I will give you a haircut afterwards."
   "...You still haven't answered."
   "What does my Queen wish to know?" He jokingly humoured her.
   "...How do you know?"
   "That should be obvious because I know your reality. I decided to make what I saw in my reality. Does it make clear?"
   "...If you know what Honkai is and what Herrscher is, you still made me?"
   She nearly shouted at him. By this point, she is pulling straws. This guy is either mad or utterly unafraid of the force of Honkai! The very same force which is supposed to wipe out humanity!
   "You are so naive." He patted her head one more time and then whispered into her ear.
   "As I said before, I am the second coming of Solomon, the-the very same man known as the King of Magic-the one who enslaved devils.
   He did all that with sticks and stones. But I have the technology and his notes.
   I improved on his work; I improved so much that I could resurrect YOU in a different reality." Once he was done, he pulled back and then smiled a bit.
   "Now, why don't you dress up, and I can finally induct you into my Technocracy."
   "...Induct? Technocracy?" For a second, she was confused.
   "As my creation, you have very high authority in my faction. Limitless resources, limitless armies, mechs. You can wield all of that."
   Now, she looked confused even more.
   "You think I, Herrscher of the Void, will be part of your faction?"
   Instead of saying anything, he pressed his finger on her forehead, and a vision of his power washed over her.
   She saw his sheer destructive power and armies and armies and armies, ships and machines. On top of that, Gods and Primordials bow to his might. Same with devils who are his slaves.
   This man was so powerful that he decided to make Honkai in his image, and she was his first creation.
   "Sirin, I truly like you, I do, but-" Again, he leaned forward and whispered into her ear.
   "-Don't push your luck."
   *Gulp*
   "Now dress up, and let's leave this place."
   "...Yes."
   Sirin nodded as her hands were shaking. She had never met anyone THIS powerful! This guy is a monster! And that's a gross overstatement!
   ~~~
   As she was done dressing, she followed him out of the strange room. From her understanding, this room was meant to breed armies for him.
   "You are not going to ask anything?"
   "...After what you have shown me, I am inclined to stay quiet."
   "In that case, follow me. I shall cut your hair. It's quite long." His gaze was on her hair. While he remembers her having long hair, even this is beyond that.
   "...Can't you just use your mind to cut it however you want?" She said that with an eye roll.
   "I could. But this is a ritual to me. You do realise that you, Sirin, standing here is an achievement likely no one else in this world could do?
   Finding a specific person through a very vast multiverse and making it transfer over to this world without imploding because rules and physics are very different?"
   "...W-Wait, what!? Imploding!?"
   "You do realise that you are in a Different Reality?"
   She looked frightened, still not fully grasping what he said.
   "From how differently charged atoms are to how different the very foundations of existence are. You are in a different place. At the same time, we are on Earth, which has the same continent and oceans. Yet, it's not the same.
   So, me, making you cross over is almost as impressive as discovering a wheel or making fire for the first time."
   "...*Snort*."
   "Figures, another experiment."
   "Hey. I am not going to experiment with you. Don't be ridiculous." He swiftly stroked her hair.
   "I even went out of my way to make the power which makes you, you, a reality. My goal is to make you thrive in this reality. It brings a certain amount of satisfaction that my Queen is with me."
   "...Ugh... you are so annoying. Part of me wants to kill you, and another one wants to believe the sweet words of someone who keeps devils as pets." She said in a conflicting voice.
   This situation was strange. She wants to believe because he brought her back to life; he doesn't want her power. After all, he made her power in this reality, and on top of that, he is vastly stronger than her!
   So, why would he lie to her? That only means he is telling the truth.
   However, she is a Herrscher; she is the incarnation of cynicism. But, with all the proof in front of her. She just wants to kill him! The reason? Because he is making her think!
   "Just relax and take it easy." Once again, he stroked her hair. Making her lips twitch. No one, no one in her life before this, ever touched her hair several times like this.
   'Wait, I died, so it means previous life?' For a second, she questioned life and death and such. In a way, it's strange; she doesn't have a burning desire to end human life; she starts asking certain things.
   Sirin's eyes wandered on armoured men passing by; while they walked past them, they still gave a salute. The salute didn't interrupt the way they walked. They walked in perfect sync.
   "The S.P.B.A. Marines. The branch of the military under construction. This trip is our first sortie; we test out technomancy related to underwater.
   Our eventual goal is to dive and explore worlds of water, like Europa, one of Jupiter's moons. Create perfect machines of water."
   Sirin slowly nodded, one question in her mind: why?
   "Why?"
   "Why, what?"
   "Why all of this? What is the end goal of a being who can crack this world as it is." She asked with a curious tone. Sure, him doing that will make her die. But she died once already, she can do it again.
   "Weird question."
   "Why weird? I think it's a normal question."
   "Hmm, the answer is curiosity."
   "... Curiosity?"
   "You think it's strange? You are a Lawmaker of Void-the being who could manipulate Imaginary Space. Why did you decide to wipe out humans?"
   His question made her frown and then get angry, but this time, her anger wasn't as tense as it used to be. She found that curious.
   "...Because of what they did."
   "So it's revenge, hate, and stuff like that."
   "Same to me. Curiosity, wonderment, the unknown, mysteries of the cosmos."
   "I see... Now it makes somewhat sense. You are like that man."
   "Otto? I don't know about that. The one thing we have is similar to the drive, I suppose." But then he looked at Sirin. He realised something.
   "Or maybe more than I realised." He ended up poking her cheek.
   "Ugh... can you stop making fun out of me?" Her eyes were trembling from fury.
   "I am not making fun of you." Now, he frowned.
   "It's called teasing." Marcus sighed with an eye roll.
   "Don't worry, you will understand this soon enough."
   "...I will pass on that."
   As the pair walked further, they finally arrived at the kitchen area. It was quite a big one. Not the main mess hall he has for more developed Marines, but the one for the officers, which is smaller in scale.
   Sirin's eyes ended up on a massive window-like frame; she could see the ocean's darkness.
   "We truly are in the depths of the Ocean?" she asked him as she walked over to the 'window' and tried to touch the cold surface. All she got was her hand going through it and feeling the hull.
   "...Hmm, it's not glass."
   "Realitus. A glass particle which works like a hologram. This window is nothing more than a hologram to see where we are. After all, we are underwater, very deep underwater. Something like glass is a structural weakness." He explained to her.
   "I see. So an illusion."
   "This is how your power is based. The way I built Honkai is to turn an illusion into reality. The whole of Honkai is Realitus 2.0. You can use it when you promise to behave and be a good Sirin."
   She frowned with annoyance.
   "I am not a cat."
   "Already have one, and she is a lion girl; on top of that, I have a Pet Primordial God, a Goddess of Hunt as a maid, and an Amazon Queen maid too! As well as a reincarnation of a Saint and a witch, followed by a Devil Maid and some other followers.
   So, as you can see, I have those covered." He counted on his fingers from the top of his head.
   "... That's quite a list. The only thing you need is a fiance." She joked this time around, but Marcus just smiled.
   "...You are serious?"
   "I have one, too."
   "...And who is she?"
   "Goddess of Wisdom, Athena." He casually replied as he walked over and took a chair. The inventor placed it where enough space was.
   As he was doing that, she looked dumbly at him. By this point, she has no sarcastic comments, or sleazy ones, or even cynical ones. This guy's situation is so crazy that even as being who is supposed to end all life in her world, she has nothing to say.
   "Come sit. I am going to make some tools."
   Sirin dumbly nodded and walked over, and sat down on the chair.
   "...By making tools, what do you even mean?"
   "Matter converter or, as others say, the printer." He walked to the central area of the kitchen and proceeded to press something on a touch screen.
   The Herrscher curiously looked at what he was doing. Sure enough, he was pulling out things from a microwave!?
   It looked like a microwave, but he pulled out several types of scissors and a cover used by hairdressers.
   'Does that microwave can make anything!?'
   As he walked over, he placed the tools on the table not far from them.
   "Aurora, make the window facing forward of us into a mirror."
   [Certainly, sir]
   The window, showing the depths of water, turned into a mirror.
   "That thing. Can it make anything?" Sirin asked curiously.
   "It's a matter converter. It converts the infinite energy the submarine produces into anything I want."
   "Infinite?"
   "Precisely, the amount of energy I needed to bring you over would have caused the Earth's Grid to fry. You realise that people don't just come over from other realities." As Marcus said that, he proceeded to place the cover around her and then brush with the hair brush.
   "I see. I suppose it does make sense. You are powerful."
   "Hah, you think I built up all this because I am powerful? That's not the case-my darling Queen."
   Once again, her eyebrows twitched when he called her like this. But this time around, there was some blush on her cheeks.
   "I was just a simple mortal less than a year ago."
   "...Hard to believe."
   "Oh, I can understand your disbelief." He cut the overflowing hair simply before making it similar to her original style as he proceeded to adjust the way he wanted to see it.
   "...I know this is late to ask, but do you even have hairdressing experience?" Sirin asked with worry as she was starting to feel dread for her hair!
   "My sister owns a salon in London."
   "...Gah! That's not an excuse!" She started to panic.
   "Are you seriously panicking? I did make your body? Brough your soul over? And you still fear for your hair?" He deadpans at her panic.
   'Women, even if her desire to end humanity has lessened, she still has those female arbitrary feelings.'
   "T-That's different! Hairdressing is an art! And your stuff is another one not related to this art!"
   Marcus smiled, hearing how similar she sounded to Kiana. Well, those two are two and the same, after all.
   "Oh, really? Then check this."
   He grabbed her shoulders and turned her to the side.
   Sirin looked at herself in the hologram.
   The Herrscher of Void stopped panicking and inspected herself in the hologram.
   "...Not bad."
   "My genes are altered. I adapt fast; if I want to learn, it will take me a few tries to become good. That is how I made myself."
   "...You should have said so. I panicked for no reason!" The Herrscher started to embarrass herself.
   "You didn't even wait and started to panic."
   "..."
   ~~~
   The girls started to wander where Marcus disappeared. According to the AI, he went to S.P.B.A chambers, and now he is in the officers' kitchen.
   So Gu Yuena, Nyx, Atalanta and Athena went to the kitchen.
   What they heard was an unfamiliar female voice complaining about something.
   "You should have said it! Now I have embarrassed myself!"
   "Relax, sheesh, it's fine. Look, now you look how you are supposed to look."
   As they walked to the source of the voice, they saw Marcus cutting the hair of a girl they had never seen before.
   "Finally found me." The inventor noticed them long ago, but he ignored them.
   "This is Sirin-the Lawmaker of Void, or Herrscher of Void. She is my next successful creation."
   "...Oh, but I don't sense anything from her." Nyx sounded confused. She can't sense any power from her.
   "That's because you are not aware of the power of Honkai," Marcus said with a smile.
   "...Oh, crafty."
   "But the biggest catch is that she is not from around here. Is it right, Sirin?" Marcus smiled at the sitting girl.
   "...do I have to?" The Void Queen almost huffed like a little girl.
   "Up to you."
   "...Fine."
   Sirin sighed before telling the 'big secret'.
   "I am not originally from this reality."
   "...Huh? She passed through the dimension gap?" Athena looked shocked, and so did Nyx and Atalanta.
   "No, even beyond that." Marcus shook his head while saying that.
   "...Beyond that!?"
   "That's right. I used a technique I developed myself. Well, it's more like a checklist to fulfil to cause a spirit away phenomena."
   "I used a fully charged Diamond Core reactor to make the realities touch each other."
   Atalanta had the look of realisation. Wasn't this what he spoke with Enterprise before?
   Serafall complained about something not grasping about realities.
   "So- *Gulp*" Athena fixed her glasses and looked at Sirin. She noticed her eyes, which had rhombus for the pupil.
   "Sirin, this is my Fiance. Goddess Athena, the girl with black hair and black dress is Nyx, a Primordial; the girl with silver hair and lilac eyes is Gu Yuena, a human and dragon hybrid, and the girl with lion ears is my Lioness."
   "...Your harem?" The Herrscher instantly pointed out the sheer fact that girls surrounded one guy.
   "Part of it, yes."
   "...And you, a Goddess, are fine with it?" Sirin then asked the Goddess in the room.
   "I..."
   "Of course, she is fine." Nyx intercepted; her smile was quite a sadist one.
   "As Primordial, I follow him. Weaker people don't have the right to opinions, don't you think? Even though your body is fresh, your soul is not. I might not sense your power. I do, however, sense what you are."
   "..."
   "That's right. Master, you didn't tell me you are resurrecting harbinger of death." Nyx smiled as she looked at Marcus. She could sense what this girl was.
   "...Harbingers of Death?" Athena looked at Sirin with wide eyes.
   "In my world, I was, or I guess I still am, the Second Herrscher. We descend when Honkai erupts. A person given an excess amount of Honkai develops a Herrscher crystal, a concentration of Honkai particles."
   "Descend for what?"
   "Wipe out humanity," Sirin said plainly.
   "The will behind Honkai selects a person who suffered and has hatred towards humanity. Like me, and then is given, as you say, 'law' to become a lawmaker." Sirin said that while looking at Marcus. She still wonders how he knows about her reality. Is his genius so great that he can pick up things about her world?
   "Marcus? Are you serious? I can understand that you are pissed at regular humans, but to bring a literal angel of death?"
   "Hmm, oh, you talking about what just happened? No, not really. Sirin appearing instead of someone else is a delightful surprise."
   The inventor returned to hairdressing. He is nearly done with the tips. He then started to dry her hair. It was still wet from the liquid of the chamber.
   "...You wanted Kiana Kaslana?" Marcus could sense spiciness in her tone.
   "I like both of you. So, I don't have a particular taste in that regard."
   *Tsk*
   "Now you're just annoying. I suppose it's expected from someone who keeps Primordial Night as a pet." Sirin said that as she looked at Nyx. Even though she couldn't honestly say anything about this being's power, however, she could feel a chill going down her back.
   "Heh, if you want to provoke me, this won't work. I am proud to be his pet. He defeated me in combat fair and square. I follow the more powerful being. That's all there is."
   "Wasn't my intention. It was more like an indicator of what kind of a person is the man who brought me back to life." The Herrscher wasn't trying to provoke a literal incarnation of night.
   It was more like she wasn't used to having proper conversations with another individual.
   "I suppose you are right."
   As the pair were exchanging words, Marcus finished with her hair. The last piece was a hairpin he designed himself. It was identical to the Herrscher's from her world.
   "There. You are all ready."
   After saying that, he removed the cover, and Sirin stood up. She walked over to the mirror and inspected herself.
   She was 100% how she was before. At least from what she can see and remember.
   "You are one crazy man. But then again, maybe it's normal to you." After inspecting herself, she looked at him.
   For a second, she was baffled as Marcus already cleaned the whole place!
   She deadpans at him. If he could do this, then why on Earth did he go through all of that? He could just use his powers!
   "So what now? You want me to erase some people?" The Herrscher asked him with crossed arms.
   "I have armies for that."
   "...Then?"
   "You will help me develop Honkai, and as one of my creations, you can join the frontlines in fights."
   "...And if I don't want to?" The Herrscher asked with a raised eyebrow.
   "I can get you all the manga you want to read." He suggested with a smirk.
   Sirin's eyes widened as a blush appeared on her cheeks.
   "That was a low blow."
   "Well, you were targeting low as well." He shrugged at her.
   *Hmph!*
   "Well, I suppose we are even, oh, great leader." With a joking tone, she said 'Great Leader'.
   "I go by Supreme Commander, like from that Strategy game." Marcus, with a smirk, countered her joke.
   "...Ugh."
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   ~~~
   Athena gazed at the newest addition to Marcus' faction-a legitimate being from a different reality. Honestly, her curiosity is at an all-time high. She wants to record everything she can about this new place.
   But this was not possible yet. Her fiance is all over this Herrscher. Part of her is jealous, and part of her wants to do the same thing. She wants to learn about this strange place where this Honkai is like their magic.
   "We will run some basic tests. I want you to use your void on some enemies."
   "Fine. Any specific requests?"
   "No, the thing is, you are my first creation who uses this power. So the more you wield your energy, the more data I have, the more data I have, the more things I can add to my Honkai and adjust it." Marcus explained to Void Queen as they arrived at a large hangar-like area.
   "You have no idea how crazy you sound to me. But I will do what you want." She said with a casual shrug. If he wants her to destroy, she will gladly help him with that. There is one thing she is good at, and that is blowing things up.
   "Glad to hear that. Aurora, give me four Yeagers and allow Honkai particle bonding."
   [Understood]
   At that moment, Sirin felt something. She felt her power! She looked at her hand. She brushed her fingers through the air. There was a trail of orange energy.
   Her eyes widened to see this. This guy was serious! He indeed created something very similar! It was just like Honkai but at the same time different! It's like pizza but with different cheese on top of it.
   The dish was the same, but the topping was different.
   This situation was wild!
   As she inspected her powers, a sizable mechanical hand dropped four boxes in the distance. The boxes started to change; they became mechs.
   "You want me to fight those?" As she said that, she started to float. An orange energy wing appeared on her left shoulder, followed by three floating lances on her right.
   By this point, her eyes started to glow as her energy reserves were rapidly refilling.
   "Yes. However, I want you to show me as many different ways you fight as you can. I require that data. This fight is for you as well. The more you show me, the more we can improve your powers."
   "With pleasure." Her voice started to get distant, almost like she was talking through a metallic microphone.
   "Good, then attack her."
   The four Yeagers' eyes glowed as they started to dash towards her.
   *Hmph!*
   Before they could stab her, an orange bubble of energy enveloped all of the Yeagers while Sirin was gone. She appeared behind them.
   With her right hand, she snapped her fingers, and the void gathered above the mechs and dropped like a bomb.
   Two of the Yeagers broke apart while another two were able to leave the bubble and continue to dash at her.
   Sirin's eyes slightly widened as she saw them repaired on the move.
   Her shock lasted for a second as she motioned for her lances to rush at the Yeager's legs. The mech could dodge, but this was expected by the Herrscher, who threw several purple cubes at the mechs. The machines were not able to dodge these as they were in the path where they were supposed to avoid.
   As the cubes slammed into the mechs, the cubes expanded and sliced the machines into a thousand pieces.
   "What do you think?" The Void Queen floated down next to Marcus. There was a smile on her lips. She feels much better with her power back with her.
   "Very good. You showed some of the examples of the Void. This will be good for Aurora to analyse and improve Honkai."
   As he was happy with the results, he looked at the other observers.
   "Athena, what do you think? The way this power works?" His question brought the Goddess from her thoughts.
   "Very versatile. I assume you used Realitus in some way?"
   "Indeed! As expected from my Fiance! This power is Realitus 2.0! As we speak, the glass particles are in the air even now. It's similar to Nanomachines and the particles. Aurora has a Platform running from the base which helps to manipulate these via conduits."
   He explained with a slight smirk, as the Goddess understood who was the conduit for this.
   "So the conduit is the Herrscher."
   "But could anyone rebuild what you did and make their Herrschers?" The Goddess pointed this out.
   "Not without actual reference to what this is and where to even start."
   ~~~
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   OR
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   ~~~
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   Chapter 72: Collecting Those Shipwrecks
   6
   'To think that something like this would be possible.' Sirin looked at how the Honkai of this world works. She can see the schematics.
   'Controlled by the AI from the information centre next to the main base a conduit or in this case ', Herrscher' can manipulate Honkai through the crystal in their bodies.'
   As she was going through the data, she realised a few crucial things which made her experience a cold chill.
   The Herrscher are absolutely extremely powerful as their limit is the amount of particles generated by Diamond Heart Cores. That means they have an unlimited amount of energy, and their mental state determines how long they can fight.
   However, they have two insane drawbacks. They can only operate inside Marcus' infrastructure and are limited by Marcus' will.
   In other words, if he says she can't fight, then she won't be able to resist that. He has the ultimate switch for her powers.
   Worst case, he can command Honkai, and she will implode like a balloon.
   This time, she was worse than an experiment subject. She was a slave to this guy. She was not just a slave, but he even enslaved her power.
   Honestly, she had no idea how even to process this. The guy was on a completely different level from anything she had ever faced.
   'If Kiana Kaslana were here, she would try to fight this guy. Heh, maybe this is why I was here instead of her.'
   Sirin internally had a self-mocking smile. Is this her version of hell?
   "If it were Kiana Kaslana, she would already start to fight you." The Void Queen spoke after making the holographic window she was looking at disappear.
   "Oh? How did you come to this conclusion?"
   "Please. Don't mock my intelligence. I understand well enough how this system works." The Herrscher said with a hand brushing her hair.
   "If I am to rebel in any sort of form, I will lose my powers; worst case, your Honkai would kill me on the spot. I do not have a choice in this." She pointed out the details between the lines.
   "Hmm, now that you mentioned. You are right. However, I never considered my power rebelling against me."
   "...Your-power?"
   "Indeed. You are amusing to say this. I built all of it. Why would I allow rebellious elements to keep what is mine?" He explained while leaning in his soft seat. They were in his quarters discussing Honkai elements before Sirin saw the overview.
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   Now she is complaining.
   "...I suppose when you put it like that."
   "Still-"
   "What? I wasn't the one who crossed over. I opened the doors; you are the one who entered into my reality. I can't make you cross over. That was all you."
   *Sigh*
   "Yes, yes. I understand. Now, I sound like Kiana Kaslana. It makes me sick." Sirin reeled in as she realised how she started to sound like her counterpart.
   "You both are identical. Only that Honkai influenced your part. The core is still the same; you both are Sirin."
   "...I don't need you to tell me what I already know." She huffed at him.
   "Well, apart from that, you inherited the Queen attitude, which Kiana lacks."
   "Ugh, can we stop talking about a person who doesn't even exist?" Sirin sighed in annoyance; she shouldn't even start talking! She did say that before getting that haircut.
   "Sure. What do you want to talk about then?" He asked while leaning into his chair.
   "I want to learn everything about my perks, the world I am, and what is expected of me. Since you have me chained, this is at least what I should get."
   "Chained, huh? Do you realise you are my responsibility? The sheer idea that you can just leave and do something absurd as it gets. You are different from the rest.
   As someone who made your genes from scratch, if people were to get their hands on your blood or body, you could cause a world war." He said with a sigh.
   "As I said, you have the basis of the Perfect Human augmentation. Faster recovery, faster processing power, faster adaptation, unlimited power ceiling, if you want, you can learn magic, psionic, touki, and senjutsu.
   That is just BASIC; I gave you 'Kaslana' powers; you have super strength and unnatural antibodies, which means you can't get sick.
   And the cream of the crop, you have an affinity to fight the Supernatural. The way I programmed your DNA is that you have a gut feeling about how to face them.
   That means your awareness is higher when you face a supernatural enemy."
   Her eyes were wide when she heard all the perks of her body. She looked at her hand. There was a higher appreciation now.
   "It's a masterpiece, just like everything else I do. The only place you can possibly be and belong is in my Technocracy."
   "..." Sirin didn't say anything when she heard all that.
   "Atalanta, be a good girl and show her everything. Typically, you would already have memories, but I have not added anything to you. I wanted the genuine thing." Marcus asked his lion maid, who was standing behind him.
   "Understood."
   *Snort*
   "Is the almighty Supreme Commander romantic at heart? Doesn't want any lies? I thought you already had a fiance. That feels like courting to me." Sirin decided to tease him for a bit.
   "Maybe it is. Pampering you feels right. So yes, I want my darling Queen to be all satisfied."
   "...Sure, but-"
   "Ah yes, chained up. But since you think in a romantic way, if you leave me, I will take everything that is mine. You know those divorce things the lawyers do?
   That means the body, the powers, and everything else I gave you." He smirked while saying that. His words made the Herrscher pale. She slowly nodded her head.
   "Yes, I understand. You don't need to worry about me or doing that." With a nod, she then looked at the waiting lion girl.
   "Can you show me the perks?"
   "Sure, follow me."
   As the two left the rooms, the only ones in the room with Marcus were Gu Yuena and Nyx. The Goddess was in her room doing something. Most likely, she contacted her pantheon and is reporting on the situation.
   "Your new creation is rebellious, Master. Is it fine for her to have one of your creations and access to Honkai? Someone who does not respect what you did does not deserve all that." The Dragoness was annoyed that Sirin was like that. As a fellow creation with pride in what she is, this includes her beauty; she feels this new girl is abusing those gifts.
   "Don't worry about it. She is a tsundere. She feels one thing while saying another. Trust your psionic powers more Na'er." He smiled at her, making the Dragoness huff and look away. His comment revealed her tsundere tendencies, too.
   "...Ahhh, this is soo good!"
   The pair looked at the source of the moan.
   It was Nyx sitting on the couch enjoying dark chocolate cake.
   "This triple chocolate cake with natural strawberries is so good!"
   "Now that you mentioned I should get something to eat. Using psionic energy as a substitute for energy is getting dull; nothing beats real food."
   "I will join you!" Gu Yuena swiftly jumped on the 'train'.
   "Sure, let's go."
   As the pair left, the Primordial continued moaning as she ate her cake.
   However, a few minutes later, she realised no one was in the room!
   "Hmm? Where did everyone go!?"
   ~~~
   "So, what is your story? Did he create you as well?" Sirin asked the maid.
   "No, however, I did go through biological alterations," Atalanta nodded back and explained some of it.
   "Then how did you end up as a maid?"
   The lioness looked at her. She finds this situation strange. This girl is in such a high position in the hierarchy, but she is as clueless as it gets, as she is a new arrival. Such a thing never happened before.
   "I was part of Goddess Artemis hunt. Have you heard of it?"
   "...Goddess Artemis? The Moon Goddess? In Greek Mythology?"
   "Yes, that's the one. I met Marcus when he was just starting and building his Technological Empire. We tried to establish our superiority. We ended up being humiliated. Artemis didn't like the humiliation, so we went to look for his hideout.
   We ended up captured and forced to join him. In the end, Artemis, Hippolyta and I became his maids while the other girls became his agents in the mundane side of the world."
   "...I see... so you are his spoils of war?"
   "...Precisely."
   "No plans for revenge or desire to escape?"
   Sirin's question got Atalanta smiling.
   "That's an amusing question. Escape? To where? To what? How? For what? None of that is possible.
   Even now, we are at war with Primordials. Nyx was one of them. Yet, do you see any sort of worry in our Master? No, because the incarnation of Evil we fight is not even considered a threat.
   This thing was allowed to fight us for a while because it was useful.
   By this point, Marcus Goldman is considered a Force of Nature, which even Primordials are afraid of, and Primordials are considered the purest form of nature."
   "..."
   "You will understand. It is how it is. We should be grateful that he wishes to create cute girls with strange powers instead of causing mindless chaos.
   Not that the world gets the idea."
   "...The world?"
   "Yes. This trip started with the world finding out about our Master. We already had a skirmish and an orbital bombardment in the past- a few hours?"
   "...Orbital Bombardment-" Sirin recalled that she had dropped a few meteorites before.
   "How big are we talking about?"
   "Follow me; I will show you."
   ~~~
   Marcus and Gu Yuena went to the kitchen. The Dragoness was just coming along to be with her Master one-on-one! She will accept any situation just so that she can be with him!
   "Let's see. I will take a steak, some mashed potatoes, an array of salads, and some sauce. Hmm, I should mix several just for the sake of unique taste." The Inventor mumbled as he selected the dish and how he wanted the dish arranged.
   "What do you want, Na'er?"
   His words distracted the silver-haired dragoness plotting.
   "Hmm? I will take what you took." Without thinking, she said.
   "Sure."
   Marcus ordered another steak with mashed potatoes.
   Once he got the plates, he sat with her at a table.
   The Silver Dragon Empress swiftly took her seat next to him. Her shoulders were touching his.
   Seeing what the beauty was thinking, he smiled and pulled her on his lap.
   "!!!"
   "Since you want to cuddle so much, we take this eating experience to the next level." He said that while hugging her.
   "...What do you want me to do?" Gu Yuena asked quite seriously.
   "Hmm, like this." He proceeded to slice a tiny bit of the steak and brought it to her mouth.
   "Now open up. Your Master is feeding his Dragoness." He said that with an amused tone.
   "...Oh, okay..." The Silver-Haired dragoness was slightly embarrassed as she realised he treated her almost like a child.
   Once she took her bite and swallowed, she wanted to know what would happen next.
   "Now it's your turn."
   Her eyes lit up the moment she heard this. Now, it made some sense. This act was something similar to what lovers are supposed to be doing. She did some research on this!
   "Okay!"
   She swiftly cut a similar piece and brought it over for him to eat.
   The pair continued to eat it like that until they were done. To finish this, Gu Yuena used a tissue to clean up Marcus.
   "We should get some desserts."
   "Of course~" The Dragoness doesn't mind. The more of this, the better. She is getting quite proficient in this art.
   "Then let's get some sweets."
   ~~~
   After dinner and snacks, the Inventor returned to his work.
   Marcus looked through the data he received from Sirin as a soul entering the body he prepared.
   Souls have signatures just like everything else.
   'Hmm, I need to prepare a specific device to locate the location of origin.'
   The Inventor pondered on this as he compared Sirin's soul with his soul.
   He located several differences, something like different tastes.
   [Sir, the President of the United States is giving a speech.]
   "Oh? Right, he finally left the dead zone?"
   [Yes. The capital is temporarily moved to Philadelphia. He is mentioning your attack, and they are planning retaliation, not through military means, that is, if you don't accept his invitation to solve this through diplomacy]
   *Snort*
   He snorted, hearing this.
   This situation was getting hilarious-democracy in a nutshell. To keep the ratings high and people satisfied, the man digs his grave by trying to solve this chaos done by Marcus.
   "This is amusing. But this is not enough."
   [What do you wish me to do?]
   "We will reply to them. He wants to meet me, but there should be a reason for meeting, no? He must offer me something if he wants me to waste time."
   [Understood, and the form of the message?]
   "Let's make a video. Generate some; let's see your artist's side.
   [As you wish, generating videos]
   A few short moments later, Marcus saw several videos he could choose from.
   "Let's see."
   ~~~~~~Philadelphia~~~~~~
   "Sir! Marcus Goldman once again hacked every single channel!" a military officer rushed into the temporary office of the president.
   With the capital 'dead', the government needed to be relocated.
   "Hmm? Is he already responding to us?"
   "It appears so." one of the security men turned on the TV, and the gathered people could see Marcus sitting in front of a table, making a statement.
   [This is my response to the government who wants to meet me.
   As I mentioned before, and I will say again. I am busy, man. If you want to see me, offer something interesting.
   I won't come to see you just because you ask me. That's not how it works.
   And regarding the EMP blast in the Washington DC area. You can continue to protest if you want, but actions have consequences.
   Talking shit about me will be paid in full. That is my last warning.
   Talk trash, and I will turn you to dust.]
   After saying that, the TV returned to what it was showing before.
   "Well, that went well."
   "This is just getting worse and worse." The President massaged his forehead.
   Senators and other people will not simply accept. They need to do something. People expect them to do something. Dumb people still think they can demand action against Marcus Goldman.
   Especially the way he looks down on them.
   "We need a response."
   "But what? Sanctions? On what? Task Force? We tried that for a while, but nothing worked. If we aim at his country, he will respond with extreme prejudice." The Vice President said while massaging his forehead.
   This job is getting less and less lucrative!
   "Sir, I suggest addressing the public; we must stamp out any protest for their good. We can't take the damage that the space station delivers.
   If another blast like that strikes, it could cripple our economy." The Secretary of the Defence reminded them.
   "Well aware. Fine, prepare new legislation; no more strikes for now."
   Just like that, Marcus' plan to implode the world's current system began.
   More protection means more oppression and less freedom. Now, Marcus only needs to tease them to the world's end.
   Well, he already has an idea. People want him to be the mayor of his home town. So why not?
   He can reveal some of the cutting-edge techs he has.
   ~~~
   Around a day later, the Scavenger was approaching a key location in his search for the wrecks.
   And that is the Philippines.
   "Taiho, Shokaku, Zuikaku, Musashi. I want those; we can collect the others later." Marcus said from his throne to the officers.
   "Understood, sir! Relaying orders!"
   Soon enough, four smaller vessels left the Scavenger.
   "You still didn't explain why you are collecting wrecks," Sirin asked him. She was starting to feel dull being underwater the whole time.
   "I collect ships like models."
   "He turns those ships into assets of his Faction. Each ship gets a girl to control them like you control your Honkai." Atalanta explained with a plain voice.
   "...Oh, that's cruel of you- Master. It is bringing back renowned ships to fight for you against others."
   "Heh, I am still waiting for you to use those ships against their previous owners." Nyx chipped in.
   "Now that is just pure sadism." Marcus deadpanned at the Primordial, who just shrugged at him.
   "Doesn't change the fact that you are doing that~" Honestly, Sirin was surprised, in a good way, how Marcus was torturing the humans of this world. The maid brought her up to speed about what was happening.
   Now, she was excited to see some action. Maybe do what Herrscher is supposed to do, only in a different world.
   "I see it as a waste so-"
   "Sir, we have been noticed." Marcus ended up being interrupted by one of the officers.
   "Hmm? Sea Guards?"
   "Yes, the Philippines' coastal guards. They know who we are."
   "Well, they are asking nicely to leave. Our ship is too big."
   Marcus did agree that his submarine was big.
   "Hmm, I suppose it's not that we need to be here." He then added.
   He then looked at the map of the Philippines. Shokaku is quite a distance away from here.
   "Hmm, we can start going towards the Battle of Midway location." Marcus pondered on that.
   "Enterprise will be pleased to have her older sister." He said that to himself.
   "Fine, set a slow course towards the location of the battle of Midway. That place has three carriers I need. Kaga, Akagi, and Yorktown."
   "What about Yamato? After Midway, we should be going towards Japan, no?" The captain asked him.
   "Hmm, if I collect all of them now, I won't have anything else to do later? I mean, I could start collecting dinosaurs, but that can wait." Marcus said with a pondering voice.
   "No, for now, Musashi is enough regarding Battleships from Japan." The inventor waved his hand. He has no idea what to do with Yamato. That ship is like the apex of the apex regarding battleships. Maybe he should retrofit it into a fancy battleship for himself.
   "And Shinano?"
   "...Hmm, wasn't it the most faulty ship in the Japanese navy at its time?" Marcus said after recalling the ship.
   "Fine, collect her as well, just to fix the faultiness."
   "Roger, building up the route."
   ~~~~~~Later~~~~~~
   Marcus was walking through the storage areas aboard the Scavenger. It has been an exciting couple of days. He needed to tell Ares to relax as he was busy; the trip to the Underworld was delayed for a bit.
   And the God of War understood him. After all, the Greek God was having fun watching TV and enjoying the chaos the inventor had caused.
   "Some of these are in terrible shape. These ships are missing parts." Athena commented as she saw only sections of the ship were still around.
   "Kaga and Akagi, only parts of them are still around. It's pretty bad." Marcus agreed with her.
   "The depth where they sank is 5 to 6 kilometres deep."
   "Regardless, I got what I wanted. We can proceed towards Japan. Did you girls locate Shinano?"
   "Possibly. There are some wrecks around the supposed location of the ship's sinking place." The officers replied to the question.
   "Good, then let's move towards there and then towards Kouh."
   "Understood."
   As the officers left, Marcus looked around the shrunken ships. He has quite a selection!
   His eyes went to Bismarck and Musashi. The ultra battleships!
   Once they are functional, he will allow these two to rip through oceans.
   'I hope there will be some opposition before they are operational.'
   After looking at his new pieces of the collection, he walked back to the bridge. He now needs to recreate the missing parts.
   ~~~
   After recovering Shinano, Marcus finally arrived in Japan. His Submarine surfaced for the first time since the journey started. A portion of it opened as a plane similar to a private jet left and proceeded to fly towards Kuoh Town.
   The journey was short; the new version of casual transport airship has graviton technomancy built in it. These airships can fly as fast as the pilot wants.
   As the small airship circles the Kuoh, Marcus notices his airship floating high above the clouds. The Realitus camouflage engaged. But as the owner, the system allows him to see.
   His Confiscator, Marcus, has not seen it for over a week. He kind of misses it. Not that he sees it often. But this is like the feeling of his car not being in his garage.
   Oh, and he still needs to retrofit his flagship. The energy wings are outdated tech by this point.
   "So that's it-your Flagship, it's kinda big. But what is with those absurd wings?" Sirin asked with a frown. She has seen airships before. But this one takes the cake just from the weird design!
   "The golden energy wings work as a target for enemies to shoot; instead of targeting the hull or where the hangar entrance is, enemies would target the wings." He explained to her.
   "So this means those wings are sturdy?"
   "In a way. The Reactor's output determines the strength of the ship. The alloy which this airship builds takes the flow of the reactors to strengthen itself."
   "...Then the whole frame is as powerful as the reactor? But the reactor-" The white-haired girl realised the sheer absurdity of the airship!
   "The Airships have two reactors. One for the hull and the other one for the other things." Marcus explained to her, but then he smirked and decided to mention something else.
   "...by the way, the Scavenger has three. With this many, the submarine can reach the deepest parts of the oceans without issues."
   "Yet, it's so big it doesn't even work as a submarine. Everyone notices your vessel." The Herrscher teased him with that intel. The moment the submarine gets close to a country, they notice that thing. It's so big and wide that it's like a blob on the map.
   "Yeah, I know. I forgot that water sometimes doesn't even reach a kilometre in more shallow areas." Marcus shrugged without care. He sort of forgot about that. Vertically, his submarine is nearly over fifty metres. And horizontally, it is close to 220 metres. It is significant for a submarine. But he likes his space. That is one of the reasons why he doesn't mind using it.
   It was a test run for future space travels as well, and it went pretty well.
   As the transport ship landed in the middle of Kuoh's outdoor track field, the devils were waiting for him. They made sure no regular humans were in the area. That is why it was only Sona with her Queen and Rias with hers.
   The rest were making sure no one was approaching this area.
   "So-Umm..." Rias started; she didn't know how to start. Her mother is his slave; she is planning the same thing. On top of that, he is to be the sole ruler of the Underworld.
   "How should I call you?" The crimson-haired Gremory Heiress started.
   "Call me? I have a name, so why don't you start by using it." He started with a raised eyebrow.
   "Yes! Of course! Thank you for lending us your help to protect the school." Rias swiftly started.
   "And welcome to Kouh."
   "Indeed, as Rias said, thank you for lending help to secure this place." Sona thanked them as well as she looked at him. There are a few questions she has in her mind. But she doesn't dare to ask just yet.
   "I don't mind; sadly, no one attacked you, so it's disappointing. I hoped for some sort of development and a recovery of some type of enemy. But, oh well, it doesn't matter now." He nodded at their greeting before saying something shocking.
   The pair had heard something similar from Valerie but didn't think it was to this level. He wanted someone to attack!?
   "This- well."
   "Don't mind it. There will be soldiers stationed here all the time. The base under the school is expanding. Soon, it will be a fortress."
   Rias and Sona's mouths got dry when they heard that. This guy took their territories without even trying.
   Not that they have ways to oppose or try. They are just shocked at how smoothly this transitioned from them owning this place to Marcus taking over.
   "...Is it necessary?"
   "Of course it is. You asked for protection, and I wanted a base in Japan, so it's a win-win situation."
   "... won't just stationing an Airship be enough?" Sona reasoned with him.
   "Confiscator will be coming with me. I was thinking of the airship on standby, but the new nine airships will be sent to Underworld and based in Lilith.
   The nine original ones will be based on my base. We could build a proper spaceport here with another nine vessels." Out of nowhere, he considered another spaceport here.
   "...I don't think we need a spaceport." Rias, with a nervous laugh, gently declined him.
   "...Hmm." Marcus slowly nodded while looking around.
   He then looked away and pondered on something.
   "Oh, yes, the Pacific. I think I know the place for my new base." He declared that before looking at the two.
   "Anyway, we will be leaving for the Underworld soon. I suppose a single night here will suffice. I still need to show Japan to my new girls." Marcus said that as he looked at Sirin and Gu Yuena.
   The White haired girl looked around for a bit. She has memories of Kiana attending regular school with Mei and then the Valkyrie school. This school- it was a mix of those, it's strange. The blend of Europeans in the Far East makes it weird.
   The pair of devils' eyes lit up! This short stay was an excellent opportunity for them.
   "Sure thing! You can stay in my estate! Just like last time!" Sona swiftly got the upper hand. Rias pouted, seeing that. Sadly, she is living in the clubhouse and not a house. By this point, she should have gotten a proper place!
   "Sure thing."
   He motioned for them to walk.
   The devils proceeded to lead them towards the school.
   "So these are devils. They don't look so different from humans." Sirin commented.
   "Apart from mana signature and retractable wings, they look the same." Gu Yuena said with a shrug.
   "I am more surprised that they ignored me; it's so rare." Athena was feeling refreshed that no one was bowing to her or paying some sort of respects.
   "...It's the Master's presence. You will get used to it." Atalanta chipped in; she had already gotten used to it.
   "A nice perk." The Goddess of Wisdom nodded with satisfaction. Having a future husband with more clout than her is a nice bonus, in a way.
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+
   ~~~
   Rias looked at the white and silver-haired girls. These two are as unique as they get! That white-haired one with orange eyes gives her the chills, and the silver-haired one reminds her of Issei's gear. Some sort of dragon? She did hear that Marcus has some kind of creations.
   "May I ask how my sister is doing?" Sona asked Marcus as they were walking towards her estate.
   "Hmm? Sera? She has been waging war on her front as well as saving whatever devils there are left." Marcus casually replied as he looked around. It has been a while since he was here.
   "Mother said that the amount of devils left is not much. Is it true?" Rias asked with a sad tone.
   "That is true. I suppose the luckiest ones were Latia's Astaroth clan as they moved to Earth to work for me." The Inventor recalled what his blonde devil girlfriend told him.
   "Right, her." The crimson-haired Gremory slightly frowned when she heard that name.
   "Hmm, I can sense competition. Is she your rival?"
   "You can say that. I know her from school days in the Underworld." The Heiress explained vaguely. Not that she can say to him that she sees Latia as a new rival she wants to surpass because of him.
   "Interesting. She never mentioned anything like that."
   "That's because Rias and I were usually together." Sona chipped in with a sweaty forehead.
   "Yep! And then we moved to Earth. So it was a while ago." Rias smiled nervously.
   By this point, Athena and Atalanta noticed something weird about them. But they didn't care. Same with Gu Yuena and Sirin; they just didn't care.
   They were more concerned about Nyx drowning in chocolate.
   'I hope we did the right thing by leaving that Primordial in Scavenger.' Atalanta sweats nervously. That submarine is very important, holding all those shipwrecks. Marcus would flip if something were to happen to it.
   "So what do you want to do?" Rias changed the theme of conversation."
   "Hmm, I suppose we can start with a restaurant. I prefer a local one. Not like some restaurants with a bunch of branches."
   "Okay, I think I know one."
   As the group were walking towards a restaurant, the pair of Heiresses were thinking about how to approach what they wanted to ask.
   Maybe when they are at the restaurant!?
   As they had those thoughtful looks, the lioness maid and the Goddess looked with growing amusement. They have seen such expressions before. If Nyx was here and not drowning in chocolate, she would be grinning from sadism.
   That was because Marcus noticed but didn't say anything. He is waiting for them!
   ~~~~~~Aboard Scavenger~~~~~~
   *Groan*
   "...Hmm?"
   ...
   ...
   ...
   "Hmm!? Again!? Why was I left alone again!? Damn, this sugar overload! I am Primordial! Not some human who passed out from sugar!" Nyx started to throw a hissy fit.
   [To your information, you consumed enough sugar to kill an elephant]
   "Hmm? No one asked you! It's still embarrassing!" With a huff, the Primordial decided to get some water; her mouth felt dry, like a desert.
   ~~~
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   ~~~
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   Chapter 73: Golden Tyrant
   5
   ~~~~~~Underworld, Aboard Axiom~~~~~~
   "We currently own around 67% per cent of all land in the Underworld. Wraiths' numbers are dropping considerably while our forces have reached above 4 million.
   1
   We are close to completely crushing them." Quinella explained to the gathered captains of the airships.
   "Any news on where is Master?" Serafall asked with some concern. Him not being here is making her a little bit afraid. She has no doubt that Enterprise is powerful, but who else could fight Angra Mainyu?
   "You can track him all the time." The Assistant deadpanned. She was checking the new absurd data Aurora has been gathering.
   'Other realities? Is he serious? If this is true, then our conquest is only beginning!' The beauty instinctively licked her lips. More Earths and Cosmos to conquer and civilisation to put under their feet!
   She is getting all hot and bothered by the sheer idea of how much they can learn from their conquests in different worlds!
   4
   "Oh, right!" Serafall sheepishly scratched the back of her head while saying that.
   "By what I saw last time, he was in Japan collecting his Airship. We will get another nine new airships with Graviton technomancy. These airships are the final nail in the coffin for this outdated relic." Quinella said that while stroking her hair. She was already itching to return and start plotting the downfall of those arrogant mundanes.
   "They are that good?" Enterprise asked with a curious gaze.
   "There is no competition. The 2.0 uses fundamental forces of the universe. In broadside exchange, the 2.0 would utterly shred our current airships."
   "Impressive, it appears Admiral has outdone himself."
   Enterprise sounded impressed; of course she would! Any vessel upgrades are a good thing. As an incarnation of a ship, she likes these things the most.
   "But such a difference. Don't these ships have infinite energy!?"
   Quinella's eyes rolled at Serafall.
   "Infinite doesn't mean the output can keep up with dished-out damage." With a sigh, Quinella proceeded to explain.
   "The diamond cores will spin and generate energy until the sun booms. But the reactors have a certain amount they generate. A single Diamond Heart on a ship generates a High God-level amount of juice.
   However, this energy needs to be spread through the airship. Not to lose any of the power, we use hyper-conductive metal designed by Biblical God, the Sacred Gear Metal.
   This metal allows 100% of the energy to be spread through all the ship's parts. As you can see, someone like Artemis, if she were to concentrate her power on her bow and release a powerful arrow, that blast could damage the hull.
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   But for damage control, we can reroute power to the parts of the ship."
   "...Huh, now that you explained, these ships don't look that impressive." For Serafall, Quinella has destroyed the image of the indestructibility of her airship!
   However, Quinella looked at her as if she was an annoying little brat.
   "You do realise that Master created these airships with the idea of raiding small Pantheons and taking their stuff?"
   She huffed at the devil.
   "They are not intended to be proper war vessels."
   "...They were not?"
   "Of course! This war came out of nowhere. So we needed to rush. At very best, this airship would be retrofitted to carry stuff, that's it. Only when we are in space do we develop REAL warships." The Assistant explained while messaging her forehead.
   "Regardless, the 2.0 are combat models, no?" Latia finally spoke, as she was just listening before this.
   "Think of them as trade ships equipped with guns and new plating. But yes, Master installed some experimental technomancy to see how they would perform.
   Think of this as when Americans switched from battleships to carriers. This change is that moment."
   "I see. Is there a schedule for when we will retrofit the old ones to the 2.0?"
   "No. However, I assume when we finish the war and return to base." Quinella doesn't quite care for the upgrades. Her priority is to end this conflict.
   "I see. In that case, I will keep the vessel at the back."
   "Do what you want. But there is barely anyone who can damage this thing anyway." Quinella snorted, seeing that she had spooked these poor devils. Maybe she should say that these things are paper tigers? This way, they would have stayed at the front lines properly instead of charging blindly behind the enemy lines.
   ~~~~~~Later~~~~~~
   "Mistress, we are approaching Lucifaad." The navigation officer said to Quinella.
   "Hmm, this is the original capital. Keep your guard; this place could have surprises."
   The assistant said with crossed arms. She is standing at the edge of the bridge close to the window and looking at the city in the distance.
   'This city is the original capital of the devils. The original Satans might have had some things hidden here-'
   Her train of thought stopped as she saw black mist in the distance.
   "Stop the advance. Set a perimeter, surround the city." She instantly commanded when she saw something she didn't understand.
   "R-Right! Sending commands!"
   The Mechanised Infantry and the S.P.B.A. stopped the moment they got the commands from the bridge.
   "Scan the mist and find out what this is," Quinella asked with narrowed eyes as she looked at the mist in the city.
   "Scanning!"
   The officers swiftly started to use their consoles and scan with the ship's sensors and utilise the satellites in orbit.
   "...Mistress. It's some sort of- soup? An organic soup of some sort."
   "We are picking up DNA of all sorts of Devils! Gremory, Agares, Sitri, Bael-all their signatures come from this."
   The Assistant's eyebrows went up when she heard this.
   "This doesn't make sense. I am going to investigate this in person. Maybe my Psionic powers will pick up something."
   "...But...Mistress! If anything happens to you, we will pay with our lives!" The girls started to panic when their commander decided to enter the fray like this!
   "Hmm? How cute. Did you forget that my power is equivalent to Ultimate Class being, and I don't mean Ultimate Class Devil?"
   "...But still!"
   "Now relax and let me do my thing. I need to finish this before Marcus returns. I do want to be praised for ending the war after all!"
   As she said, the disappearing in purple burst.
   With impressive speed, she appeared outside the airship and used her senses to determine what this was.
   "...A being? I sense one person's brain waves, but it's all over the place?" She said with a confused look. The only conclusion she comes up with is that this being is not humanoid in a literal sense.
   Quinella raised her hand and condensed a purple ball of energy before shooting at this mist.
   The mist instantly reacted and surged to condense into a single spot in the city.
   ***SCREECH!!!***
   With a loud screech, the earth shook as humanoid wraiths with bat wings rushed out from the buildings and other hiding spots.
   "To arms! Destroy these Devil Wraiths!" The assistant commanded her troops, which opened fire on the incoming devil creatures.
   'I guess we know where dead devils disappeared too.'
   While there were many of them, Quinella's troops were ready for 'evil' creatures. And these souls were mutated devil souls. They are extra vulnerable to light energy.
   However, the mist itself finally revealed its form. It was a woman with pale skin, elf-like ears, long, lush black hair and dressed in a black dress. She was emitting a dark aura thicker than any devil Quinella had seen.
   "...Lilith..." A realisation struck the AI-turned-human.
   With a smirk, the assistant rushed to face this, and a purple-white sword appeared in her hand.
   "...You are... strange," Lilith spoke with a plain voice as she floated to the same level as Quinella. Her black aura allowed her to fly without any need for wings.
   "Same to you. Your form is not solid." The assistant replied with a frown.
   "...Solid? My form is what I want. I am Progenitor of the Devils, the sea which gave birth to them." As she said that, her power surged, and a massive amount of black water rose from Lucifaad and washed towards devil wraiths and the Technocracy's army.
   "...you bitch! Do you know what you did!? How am I supposed to explain this to Master!?"
   Quinella momentarily panicked as she saw S.P.B.A Forward Knights melting alongside XC-M1, Yeagers and the Spider walkers. This black water was like de-atomisation!
   It's almost like separating bonds between atoms and absorbing them!
   "Now it's your turn." Lilith motioned with her hand as the water rose and rushed towards the sword-wielding assistant.
   Before that could happen, Quinella was surrounded by purple energy; her psionic powers roared to life and blasted the water aside.
   Lilith looked impressed by this.
   "You can deny my water?" She sounded shocked. Regardless, her black hair came to life as her aura also surged. This time around, she started to utilise an array of abilities from Devil Clans.
   Water manipulation, Power of Destruction, bees, and even turning water into animals like lions and horses.
   All of these rushed towards Quinella. The assistant realised that she was getting cornered. With her troops down, the wraiths were gaining the upper hand! Those things could fly with their bat wings while most of her force was on the ground!
   Still, Axiom and 05 rushed to respond by sorting Starscream units. The ground was not good for the ground troops with that water.
   While the Technocracy is responding, Quinella is using her psionic powers to fight back.
   With several powerful sword swings, she nearly reached the Progenitor of Devil kind. But at that moment, something happened.
   As Quinella was about to attack, she felt her world slowed while the black water attacks accelerated!
   'Time manipulation? Agares trait! Shit!'
   A powerful blast slammed into her as she flew away and rammed into a building.
   "...Impressive, even in direct contact, I couldn't kill you just like that." Lilith was surprised at how sturdy this weird human is.
   Quinella blasted large slabs of stone away from her as she looked at Lilith with fury.
   That moment she lifted her hand, she touched something around her mouth.
   "...B-Blood? You cut-me?" The platinum-haired girl trembled. Her purple aura went out of control for a moment.
   "You dare to cut me!? A relic of the ancient past! I will turn you into dust!" Her hair started to glow as she looked at her Axiom.
   That moment, she used her Psionic interface; she used the information flow to travel to Lilith and then access the wormhole to Earth's orbit.
   She then accessed Ars Almadel Salomonis and checked the Inventory it had.
   'There it is!'
   The beauty grinned with a feral look.
   [Quinella, you do not have permission to use Golden Dragon Emperor Neo Gear.] Aurora said to her.
   'Overwrite code 27108.' The assistant said without even blinking.
   [Permission granted. I do hope you know what you are doing.]
   'I will slaughter that bitch!'
   With a blink, Quinella returned to her body and looked at Devil Lilith, who was aimlessly staring at the platinum-haired girl.
   "It doesn't matter what you say about me. I will defeat you, defeat Marcus Goldman, then I will rebuild the Underworld in my image-and then I will destroy Heaven for what they did."
   "...Right. With your ancient arts, you will cease to exist soon." As Quinella said that, a pillar of light slammed into her.
   Golden red wings spread out of the pillar as a booming, deep, draconic voice spoke.
   [BALANCE BREAKER!]
   [GOLDEN TYRANT DRAGON SCALE MAIL!]
   With a burst of gold, the pillar of light was shattered, revealing a golden armoured person with broad golden red wings and sharp horns coming from elbows. The helmet had a couple of horns coming from the sides, too. It was a more tyrannical version of a Silver Dragon Empress.
   Lilith frowned when she sensed a massive spike in energy from this armoured girl.
   With a hand motion, a red and golden dragon spear appeared in Quinella's hand.
   "This is the power of Technocracy. Now die for me, you relic!"
   [TIME REND]
   With a spear stab, the armour-clad girl was before the Progenitor of devils.
   Lilith's eyes widened as black water swiftly intercepted the stab, but the stab overpowered the water, running right into the devil.
   "Ugh..."
   The stab was clear, but this only caused Lilith to lose her physical form, retreat, and reform. This time, she turned into a massive snake.
   'Leviathan's form?'
   Quinella pondered for a second before taking her stance.
   "It doesn't matter what form you take; you are powerless before this Gear's might!"
   The serpent roared before rushing at the Assistant, who thrust her spear at the incoming Leviathan.
   [TIME COLLAPSE]
   A golden shockwave slammed into the Leviathan, which caused it to shatter into a thousand pieces and drop to the ground like a waterfall.
   Once again, Lilith reformed and looked at Quinella floating in the air.
   "Your time powers are brutal and inelegant."
   "Say the woman who turns her descendants into acid." The armour-clad replied with a spear twirl.
   "I am doing what needs to be done."
   "Right. Then let's end this. I still haven't shown this Gear true power."
   The golden red wings stretched out as a golden circle appeared behind her. The circle glowed, and Quinella's power skyrocketed.
   Lilith's eyes bulged out. What the hell is this dragon's ability!? It magnified her power just like that!?
   'It's not Boost either!? No, it's like its sheer existence just grew greater!'
   "Hahaha! That look on your face! This power is the Golden Tyrant's Sovereignty over Power itself! Just like Silver Dragon Empress has Sovereignty over Elements, this gear has Sovereignty over power itself!"
   Quinella dismissed the spear as she brought her hands closer together. The chest piece opened up, revealing a red crystal.
   Newly created energy started to gather in the chest area as a ball of raw power started to form.
   Lilith frowned and answered in an identical fashion; black and red water started to gather in her outstretched palm.
   Once the charges reached a critical point, a golden beam erupted from Quinella, rushing towards Lilith, who released a red and black beam to counter.
   However, the golden beam overwhelmed the red and black beam with no difficulty and slammed into Lilith, who was stupefied by the outcome.
   'Any 'power' falls under this sovereignty!? Impossible! What nonsense power is this!?'
   The Progenitor was able to dodge a portion of the blast. The blast destroyed half of her body.
   Once the beam settled down, the helmet retracted and revealed pale and heavily breathing Quinella.
   "...Why-you-just-don't DIE!"
   Lilith reformed and looked at her opponent.
   "It appears, for all that might, your gear has serious drawbacks."
   Quinella chuckled nervously after hearing that.
   "...You have no idea. It appears our fun time is over." The Assistant said that as she looked at what was happening behind Lilith.
   Space ripped itself apart as three people walked out of the space hole.
   "...Quinella, can you explain to me why overwrite code was used on Ars Almadel Salomonis, of all things?"
   "...Tehehe... Oww, can't move..." The platinum-haired girl tried to move. But the gear is starting to feel heavy to her.
   "Aurora, send a beam to recover my gear."
   Seconds later, a pillar of light slammed into the assistant and the golden armour was recovered.
   Once it was gone, the assistant nervously chuckled one more time before passing out.
   "Who are you?" Lilith asked him as she was feeling nervous in this guy's presence.
   "Sleep." He looked at the Primordial devil's eyes. His eyes glowed purple as a mental hammer slammed into her consciousness. This attack forced her to sleep.
   "Sirin, crowd control, please. Kill all these devils wraiths."
   "...Sure, since you're asking."
   The Herrscher snapped her fingers as a massive orange translucent bubble appeared above the whole of Lucifaad. Subspace lances appeared through portals and impaled every single wraith.
   The next second, the space lock was gone, and all the devils dropped to the ground.
   Marcus nodded at his Void Queen and looked at Axiom floating outside the ancient city.
   His copy appeared there.
   He ordered a retreat to Lilith and regroup and rebuild their numbers. At the same time, they are retrofitting the Airships. Portions of the space centre are already operational in Lilith, so it has enough assembly lines to retrofit the vessels.
   Once he was done with orders, he contacted his AI and told her to send the new airships to replace the collapsed front line.
   ~~~
   *Groan*
   With a groan, the platinum-haired assistant opened her eyes and noticed an unfamiliar aristocratic ceiling.
   "...Where is this?"
   "Japan, Kuoh Town, in Sitri Estate," Marcus said while holding a tablet, checking something fascinating.
   "...I am back to Earth?"
   "Of course you are. You think I will leave you in the Underworld where you can act all recklessly?" He snapped at her.
   His action made her blush from shame and embarrassment; at the same time, she was feeling all fluffy.
   "...I thought I had it all in my bag! By my calculations, I could use Golden Dragon Gear for three moves!"
   "You were breaking protocol you created yourself." He replied with a frown.
   "And you were testing a faulty gear. The consumption ratio and generation of power ratio is 3 to 1. That thing would suck you dry in less than 5 minutes." He said with an even bigger frown.
   "As I said, Master three moves! But that bitch- she survived Tyrant's cannon!" She puffed angrily.
   "Yeah, as I said, faulty and unfinished gear. So now, we will discuss your insubordination AND how long you will be grounded."
   *Gulp*
   "... I-surrender? I am raising a white flag of surrender?"
   The beautiful nervously fiddled with her hair. She was wondering how much 'damage' she had caused with this!
   "Well, at least you know you are guilty. Well, I suppose I could relegate you to sorting data without support."
   "...Huh!? Are you serious!? B-B-But- that's like cleaning messy houses! We have robots for this gibberish!"
   "Exactly my point."
   "B-But I have a frontline to take care of!"
   "I am engaged to a Goddess of Warfare. She knows a thing or two about tactics." He replied to that very casually.
   "...Guh...Fine..." Quinella gave up as she realised that she wouldn't win and only get worse if she complained.
   "It's for the best. You are so reckless when angry." He said with a sigh.
   *Hmph!*
   "I was programmed this way!" She huffed with crossed arms. Of course, she was angry! That bitch cut her! She was bleeding! As a perfect creation, that was a sin she couldn't allow to pass.
   "Yeah-Yeah, now rest and recover your energy."
   "...Okay..."
   She nodded her head, but then she had a scheming look.
   "I could recover faster if I was hugging my Master!"
   He rolled his eyes at her before getting into the bed and pulling her for a hug.
   "...Much better~."
   ~~~
   Sirin looked through the doors towards where the recovered girl was resting.
   'So this is his second in command.' The Herrscher looked at the sleeping girl, her eyes narrowed, and with a mental command, her HUD appeared, taking over half of her vision.
   To think that she will have a built-in HUD interface is quite scary. Does this make her a cyborg? Well, it doesn't matter for now. She checked all the stuff she could on this girl.
   'With the amount of permission she has, this girl could command everything. Technically, even me, considering she is second in command.'
   That made her frown. Considering she has no other place to be or go, the only place she can go is up in this hierarchy.
   "Interested in the new girl?" A voice spoke to her.
   She looked to the side and saw a silver-haired dragoness standing there.
   Before Sirin can speak, Gu Yuena places her finger on her lips.
   "Focus on your mind, and you can speak back. This is the basis of Psionic powers."
   It took her a few tries, but she got it down.
   "Not bad. This power is not like your Herrscher's abilities, which you can just use. Psionic powers take practice, similar to muscle training."
   "I see..."
   "Regarding Quinella-" Gu Yuena walked over to Sirin.
   "You are here because of her. It's the same for me. Our Emperor decided to make us because he wanted to give his AI a form." Gu Yuena explained. But the title she used was what caught Sirin's attention.
   "Emperor?"
   "Indeed. I am the Empress; he is the Emperor."
   "...Excuse me?" Now she wants a fancy title! Obviously, she should start calling herself the Void Queen!
   "In this world, there is a tradition to give people fancy titles if they have fancy gears or abilities, like White Dragon Emperor, Red Dragon Emperor, Crimson Satan and so on. Since I am Silver Dragon Empress with a gear with the same name, I have the title.
   Of course, if I am Empress, my Creator and Master is the Emperor." She explained her reasoning.
   "...If he made you, then he is more than Emperor." Sirin pointed that out.
   "I suppose it is, but Gods are overrated. He is just a guy tinkering in his garage." Gu Yuena shrugged casually.
   "...right." Sirin sarcastically replied before walking away.
   'This world is crazy, and I thought me being Herrscher wanting to erase humanity was terrible. This place is just crazier.' The Void Queen just walked away gingerly. She needs to sit down and think for a while.
   While Gu Yuena just shrugged her shoulders. That is why a proper creation like her is superior in her eyes. She doesn't see anything her creator does wrong or out of place. On top of that, she knows what Marcus expects from her and what her purpose is in life. Someone like Sirin still needs to figure out herself.
   In the meantime, Rias and Sona, with their Queens, are discussing the course of action.
   Their trip to restaurants has been interrupted by events in the Underworld.
   "He won't be staying here long. We need to do something!" Rias impatiently complained.
   "Yes. Well, the alternative is still here. We only need to train." Sona commented.
   "Isn't war going on as we speak? While I understand that he does not need soldiers, what about commanders with the ability for tactics?" Sona's Queen suggested.
   Her reasoning is that he is engaged to Athena, who is in the building as they speak, which is crazy to a certain degree. The Goddess' domain is Warfare. He may be attracted to the art of beautiful warfare.
   Sona's eyes lit up when she heard that! What Tsubaki said made sense!
   Even Rias had a certain glint in her eyes.
   "It's good to see you girls trying so hard." A beauty with brown hair and blue eyes entered the room. She had sharp glasses, just like Sona Sitri. However, her sharpness was much more serious. This beauty was Athena in the flesh!
   "G-Goddess Athena!" The group instantly stood up and got respect.
   "Relax, I am not here to finger-point. In truth, I don't even have an Olympian title anymore." The Goddess casually sat on the opposite couch a few seconds after Atalanta walked over and placed a cup of tea for her.
   "...You- don't?"
   Did Greeks lose another God!?
   "But of course. I am a full-time Fiance now." Athena quite smugly said that. That is the best job for her! Like a housewife! Well, a housewife to a guy who can end life on the planet by accident. But still! A housewife!
   No more pointless meetings, no more enduring ego clashes between her siblings and uncles and aunts!
   Peace and Quiet!
   "...Oh, wow..." Rias and the other devils were somewhat dumbstruck. They can't recall something like that ever happening in history.
   The only thing which meets criteria similar to this is Susanoo, who made a mortal girl into a goddess and married her.
   "Yes, well, my father couldn't say no since, well, he didn't do anything about the Underworld, and now Marcus is taking all of it. I turned out to be collateral damage."
   'Goddess as collateral damage?' The Heiress glanced at each other; it would seem this war was touching more than Biblical factions.
   "Regardless, towards your goals. If you two want to be officers for S.P.B.A. That would be possible, but Marcus would test your abilities first. I suggest training first." Athena explained to them.
   "...I have been studying warfare since I got my Peerage." Sona, with a nod, replied; Rias nodded to those words, too! She did similar; she studied Riser's tactics and rating games for a while.
   "Oh?" The Greek Goddess narrowed her eyes and focused her Divinity on them.
   "I can sense some echoes in you two," Athena said with an interested look. It appears she found some fascinating devils.
   "Atalanta, do you know if there is a Realitus system in the base under the school?" The Goddess asked the Lion maid.
   "...Realitus system? Do you mean Entertainment Dome?" The Huntress asked back with a confused look.
   "Yes, the one where we can simulate battles."
   "I do know there is one aboard, Scavenger," Atalanta said with a knowing look.
   "We should check the base then. I do wish to test these two." Athena said with a pondering tone as she looked at Rias and Sona.
   She wants to see if these have enough to be standing next to Marcus. As his future wife, she should manage his harem.
   "No need to look." Gu Yuena entered the room and dropped into the seat next to the Goddess.
   "It's standard training practice for S.P.B.A to sharpen their fighting prowess constantly. The bigger the garrison, the bigger the simulation is needed. Most basic Forward Knights must pass World War 1 and 2 to be combat-ready."
   "...What you're saying is that every soldier has at least experienced two massive wars!?" Sona asked with disbelief.
   "What I said is 'at least'. The newly born have those two experiences. The older they are, the more wars they experience."
   Athena looked at the Dragoness.
   'No wonder Ares respects Marcus this much. Marcus has a group of lunatics similar to Ares! As they say, birds of similar feathers flock to each other.'
   1
   "...This is..."
   "Realitus, why do you think it's called like that? It's a reality inside reality, mixed with memory synthesis. A massive army can be prepared in a matter of hours."
   "..."
   "..."
   "..."
   "..."
   "Yes, well, by this point, it's obvious. Since Technocracy is winning the war." Athena moved the conversation forward.
   "Since this is the case, the base here has a sufficient Entertainment Dome?"
   "Yes, for a 10 thousand soldiers barracks, it has a sufficient simulation system."
   The devil's eyes bulged when they heard the number!
   "T-Ten thousand!?"
   "Yes. It's an average size barracks." Gu Yuena looked confused at the shock from the devils.
   "Y-You saying there are 10 thousand men under the school!?" Sona was horrified when she learned that.
   "Yeah. At least 500 spider walkers and several thousand Yeagers. It's not that big." The Dragoness, with a clueless look, continued to tell what kind of force was under the school!
   As someone who saw millions of men in packed, neat formations, these few thousand mean nothing to Gu Yuena.
   "I-I see..."
   "Then it's settled! Let's go! I will test you two!" Athena stood up, and the devil girls automatically followed her. Gu Yuena shrugged and followed them. Well, she will find some entertainment in this.
   Seeing no choice, the devils steeled themselves. First, they will impress the Goddess, and then her future husband!
   "Here we go again." Atalanta sighed and followed as well.
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   ~~~
   "Hmm? Where is everybody?" Marcus walked into the main living room. There was no one here!
   "...Your Fiance said something about simulation warfare? Those devils were discussing becoming officers in your military." Sirin said comments as she was holding a small plate of sliced cake.
   "And how did you know that?"
   Herrscher's eyes rolled at him.
   "You gave me these powers, yet you don't know what I can do?" She explained with a huff.
   "I see, so you were ear-dropping."
   1
   "You do realise that we are in the house of a devil. My natural prejudice is to be alert against species like that." The white-haired girl explained with a serious voice.
   Sirin is a naturally cynical being. She will not easily accept hospitality like that.
   "True. But then again, you do realise that they want me. Either as a man or my power, influence, or my faction's might. They wouldn't dare to do anything questionable."
   She smirked a little bit after hearing that.
   "At least you are not clueless."
   "I am not." As he said that, he motioned to come with him.
   The Herrscher slowly nodded and followed after him. They ended up sitting on the couch.
   "Tell me, how was the transition from Earth to the Underworld?" He asked her as his console appeared before him, and then several more windows appeared to his sides.
   He might take a short nap with his darling assistant, but he is too excited to sleep for more. He has Lilith, and her DNA, or more like a DNA soup, is a treasure trove!
   "...Transition?" She asked after swallowing some cake.
   "When we crossed dimensions, did your honkai powers fluctuate?"
   "Hmm, Now that you mentioned there was a short moment where I had no power, it swiftly returned when we entered the Underworld.
   But I have to say, this Underworld is nothing like I expected." Sirin was disappointed. She expected sinned people to be cooked in large pots in a volcanic realm.
   But it was just like Earth but with a purple sky.
   "What you saw was just the first layer of the underworld; there are other layers where dead souls reside or are prisons for evil people."
   "...Hmm, I guess it makes sense."The Herrscher nodded. Her disappointment slowly receded to some extent. Still, she finds it lacking unless she sees something impressive; it will be a mild first impression.
   "Yes~ now let's talk some more~" As he said that, his hands sneaked to her waist, picked her up, and placed her on his lap.
   Sirin's eyes continued to grow from what she was experiencing! This guy is bold!
   ~~~
   For advanced chapters (+5 chapters, 25k words) my pat: pat reon.com/DragonsFics
   OR
   Discord: discord.gg/denoffanfics
   ~~~
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   Chapter 74: Playing Total War
   Marcus' hands wrapped around Sirin as he pulled her into a hug.
   "W-What do you think you are doing!?" The white-haired beauty started to panic in his hands.
   "Cuddling with my Void Queen?"
   "I-I can see that! I want to ask why!?" This close contact was so alien to her that she was freaking out!
   "What a stupid question. Do you realise that the greatest reason why I brought you to live and worked my ass off to create all of this is that I like it?
   To make your body how I remember every single piece, I had to combine millions of pieces just right. With AI, it's easier, but I still have to oversee everything." He whispered into her ear.
   "Y-You are a crazy man!"
   "Brilliance and Madness come hand in hand, Sirin. If I didn't like you, we wouldn't have met."
   "...Hmph! You wanted Kiana Kaslana, not me!" The void Queen would not accept this so quickly! The last excuse she has is Kiana Kaslana, not her.
   "Hahaha, what a silly excuse. You are part of her, so what do you mean?" His finger poked her cheek.
   "The goody two shoes who constantly speaks about 'beauty of the world' and all that nonsense!"
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   "Yes, well, you are part of the same coin, so I get what I wanted either way. So we will cuddle like there is no tomorrow!"
   "W-Wait! That tickles! S-S-Stop kissing my neck!" Sirin started to struggle as she felt his lips on her neck.
   The beauty tried to run away! This situation was embarrassing! Like hell! She is a Harbinger of Death! A Herrscher who brings the judgement day to humanity, not some little girl who is afraid of tickles!
   ~~~
   "...By Satans!"
   "... Unbelievable!"
   The pair of Sona and Rias looked at the massive expanse under the ground! They could see thousands of men practising combat, a bunch of parked jets, mobile-like suits parked at the side, and other machinery they had no idea about!
   "To think that there is a runway under our school." Sona had no idea how to react to that!
   They have turned her school into a military base.
   Without her even knowing!
   "You think Runway is impressive?" Gu Yuena scoffed.
   "Troops here are enough to challenge the pantheon here. But knowing how reclusive they are, they would ignore goading, making us lose in offensive combat. But if they are to leave their heaven, we have enough manpower to get a good fight." The dragoness proudly explained that.
   "We don't need to know that." Sona's response to that was that she doesn't care about things which are beyond her capacities.
   "Just saying. You should, at least, know the bar."
   Gu Yuena shrugged at Sona's reply.
   The group of girls went into the barracks. The amount of knight-like soldiers only got denser the closer they were to the centre of this base.
   Eventually, with Aurora's guidance, they arrived at a plain room with nothing on the walls, ceiling or the ground.
   It looked like a grey, featureless room carved from stone.
   "Is this the place? The last time I did simulations, it was in a room made from pure diamond tiles." Sona commented as she looked around.
   [This was in the test room. This place is the S.P.B.A. training room. Not meant to simulate Deity-level fights] Aurora explained before asking Athena.
   [Goddess Athena, do you wish to run a Total War simulation?]
   "It's the same one where I fought against Marcus?"
   [Yes]
   "Then I want that one. I wish to request the same rules when we played then." The Goddess asked with barely hidden giddiness.
   [Simulating according to your preferences]
   Like shivering fog, the surroundings shifted to grasslands. All three opponents got three windows.
   [Participating commanders have 4000 points; select your faction, and according to the faction, you will get specific troops to choose from]
   "Girls, I suggest you two work together. Because I won't be holding back, my divinity is Warfare that much, you know. You two will have a higher chance to win and impress me."
   As Athena said that, she picked up her faction and her city. Selecting an owl on a blue background. Her city colours.
   ~~~
   "Sona, she is right. We will work better as a team." Rias commented as she saw Athena disappear.
   The grasslands changed to a different terrain.
   [Location selected: Greek Coastal Area.]
   The pair looked around. The pair can see a few small hills and a steep coastal area. Such terrain choice is perfect for a tactical battle in a smaller area.
   "Fine, what troops will we select?"
   The pair of girls can see a bunch of banners. All of them are factions from ancient times.
   "Well, I suggest the dominant faction from that era. Rome?"
   Sona nodded at Rias' suggestion. She went with the Golden Eagle on a red background, with the letter S.P.Q.R under the eagle.
   As the Sitri Heiress selected the Roman faction, a bigger window greeted her. It was a complete list of ENTIRE Roman military structures! Like the Praetorian guard, a cohort, Velites, Triarii, and even Gladiators! She can make an entire Roman legion!
   But she can't! She has this currency, limiting her to a specific number.
   "This- will take a while."
   [To make this as fair as possible, you have a time limit of five minutes] As Aurora said, a clock appeared in the air.
   [Once troops are selected, you can choose how to deploy your forces]
   "Sona, time is ticking. I suggest a classic approach. Legions with Velites support. Maybe some cavalry for the sides.
   Since we know our opponent, Athena will choose Athens. I can't see a patron Goddess of Athena not picking her city."
   Rias' reasoning made sense to Sona. Her opponent is a Greek Goddess; she will play as her faction. That means classic cohorts are necessary.
   Classic Greeks fight as hoplites, the traditional heavy spearmen; the legions are natural counters for those.
   Apart from that, the girls took the ranged units, the Velites, which meant lightly armoured skirmishes.
   "We could take some mercenaries."
   "No, even if they are cheap, points-wise, their morale is low too. I would rather invest in another heavy infantry unit." Sona used the last remaining points to get another Praetorian Guard unit.
   [Time is up!]
   The pair looked around, seeing the surroundings had changed one more time. They were moved to one side of the map.
   ~~~
   Athena looked at what was in front of her. While she has no idea what kind of troops the girls selected, she does know what kind of faction they picked.
   She can see a massive illusionary banner on the other side of the map. That is the same for the girls. They can see her Athens banner, too.
   "So predictable. I already knew what they would pick. Romans do have impressive military units.
   But sadly for them, I have studied their tactics since the creation of their nation. Being one of their Goddesses does help." The Goddess of Warfare smirked for a second.
   They should have picked a non-Greek-influenced military if they wanted to have greater success in victory.
   Maybe Celts or Parthians?
   'No, I shouldn't give them ideas; it's a huge pain to deal with Parthians.'
   The Goddess grimaced as she started arranging her soldiers.
   'Since they are using Romans, I should utilise some tactics used by their boogeyman.'
   Athena proceeded to deploy her hoplites in the shape of a triangle.
   Her elite-picked hoplites are to be placed on the sides with citizen cavalry. She has some mercenary Cretan archers.
   They are cheap and easy to use, plus very fast on their feet. It's faster than Roman Velites. Since those two use Roman troops, she can guess their selected soldiers, and Velites are a standard staple of the Roman military.
   Once she had placed her units in the shape she wanted, she selected battle to start.
   With her ready, the other side got a timer of two minutes to choose formation before the battle started.
   But there was no need to wait for that long as, like ghosts, thousands upon thousands of soldiers began to manifest around them.
   'Impressive, the amount of soldiers we have went up.' The Goddess immediately noticed the scale of the conflict.
   Seeing this many soldiers made her nerdy side get excited.
   With her overview screen, she counted that she had around forty thousand soldiers.
   ~~~
   "...Whoa. Sona, this is so cool. Do you think we could have some sort of anime battles in this kind of simulation?" Rias started to get all weeb seeing this many soldiers manifest around them.
   "Focus on battle! Look at that formation! Why did she place her main force in a triangle?" The Sitri Heiress gets a bad feeling about this when she sees Greek soldiers move down from a small hill in the distance. The amount of blue and white made her legs a little bit shaky.
   "Well, triangle is the best shape?"
   "Normally, yes, but we have three lines of legionaries."
   The pair spoke. But then the girls wondered how they were going to- fight!?
   "What are your orders, Praetor?"
   For a second, the pair freaked out after seeing the Romans standing next to them speaking to them!
   "R-Right! The Velites to advance and harass, while the legion to slowly advance." Sona quickly got over and issued orders.
   "Orders understood!"
   Moments later, horn blows started, and the men began to advance.
   "...this might be difficult," Sona mumbled to herself. She might have studied military tactics. But her studies are related to rating games, not leading forty thousand men.
   Battles like these were Athena's field of expertise.
   "Look, the triangle is breaking apart and spreading out!" Rias noticed the Greek formation breaking down and spreading to create a vast and relatively thin line.
   "Proceed to focus on destroying the centre line. We should concentrate on smashing it with our legionaries!" Rias, being the brute force lover, suggested.
   "Your reasoning makes sense." Sona did agree, but she wondered why the triangle-like front still existed. Why is the Goddess sacrificing those units?
   "Advance, we will smash the front line and then spread the second and third line to the sides!"
   'Since we have superior forces to hoplites, we should be able to have raw power to destroy their spear walls. Romans created Legions to fight spearmen.'
   "Order understood!"
   The Romans proceeded to advance, and soon enough, the skirmishes started.
   Athena revealed her mercenary archers, who proceeded to harass the Roman Velites. However, the javelin users didn't go down that easily. They have shields to defend against archers.
   But, this is meaningless if they can't get close to using their weapons.
   "We should send cavalry to deal with them before the front lines collide."
   Sona nodded at Rias' suggestion and ordered the cavalry to attack the archers harassing their Velites.
   Not that this move worked as Athena's mercenary archers proceeded to retreat behind the hoplites.
   The pair of devils swiftly realised that.
   "Not good. We are falling for a trap! Tell the cavalry to return!"
   The Sitri Heiress anxiously commanded.
   'Can believe I have fallen for such a basic tactic!'
   With little space left, her idea to harass the troops had failed, and she needed to pull her skirmishers back.
   Since she uses three legionary lines, her Velites range wouldn't work from the back. So, she decided to place ranged troops to the sides.
   With the loss of cavalry, her manoeuvrability has dropped significantly.
   But she swiftly started to see a grim picture.
   They have limited size to manoeuvre, and now her range units are open to Athena's cavalry.
   "This is bad; we will lose our ranged units!" Sona exclaimed while biting her nails from frustration.
   Her inexperience to command actual troops shows her teeth.
   "Then we have no choice but to smash the front line!" Rias, next to her, responded with the only ideal solution she could think of. They still have superiority in the weapons.
   "Fine. I don't see any other way either." the Sitri Heiress scowled as she felt frustrated by the situation.
   "First line charge, double time. Second line, move to the right and the third line to the left."
   After giving the command, the heavy Roman infantry started to advance rapidly.
   But this was where something strange happened: the 'triangle tip' began to pull back.
   It is inverting itself, and then the troops on the sides start to surround the girls' forces
   "...What the-! The centre is retreating!"
   "...Damn! Of course! The classic encirclement! These are Hannibal's tactics!" Sona finally recalled where she saw the triangle-like shape in a small area.
   However, those archers, the formation changes midway made her ponder the actual plan for this.
   "...Hmm, Hannibal? You mean the serial killer?" Rias was confused for a second.
   Her rival deadpanned at her.
   "The Carthaginian general who nearly destroyed Rome!"
   "...Oh..."
   The crimson-haired heiress smiled sheepishly.
   Not that it mattered; Athena's move fully encircled The pair's army, and it was game over.
   The soldiers' morale shattered, and the simulation stopped.
   "..."
   "..."
   "..."
   The Brown-haired Goddess walked over. She had her hands crossed.
   "Did you two learn something from this?" Athena asked the pair. She wondered if the test did anything.
   "Yes. Leading thousands of troops and a small peerage are two different things."
   "And? Anything more?*
   "...weapon advantages don't matter that much," Sona added some more. The pair believed that just by playing for the Romans, they would win in a fight regarding ancient warfare.
   "Precisely. Anything more?"
   "I wish to try again," Sona asked seriously.
   "Fine. We can play this one one-on-one now. After this, I will test you, Rias Gremory." Athena nodded with a smirk. She can't say no to a tactical fight like this.
   "My thanks."
   ~~~~~~Later~~~~~~
   Marcus looked at the data he got from Lilith. He had never seen anything like this before.
   It appears Hades and Angra Mainyu did something to her. Some sort of alteration. They might have tried to control her. But the side effects of their tinkering are absurd.
   Her DNA now is like clay; it can shatter, reform, and turn into liquid or solid material; the devil is like Ditto from Pokemon.
   This woman revolutionised how he builds DNA just from a single scan.
   'To think that something like this could even exist.'
   It has been a while since he was impressed like this. He needed to allocate more than half of his AI's capacity, which is absurd considering how powerful his Aurora is by this point.
   But this was to calculate and experiment with the new DNA sequences.
   'I suppose it's time for me to get a new ring. But first, Aurora needs to crack the code.'
   Marcus proceeded to see the calculations of how to crack the infinite possibilities of this DNA.
   Well, he can slash that 'infinity' with variables. Something like exposure to specific environments, powers, and waves. So on and so forth.
   And his AI, which already has considerable data with this, started to solve the code.
   'With this, I will be able to control evolution itself. What a pleasant surprise. Who would have guessed that Angra Mainyu would give such a gift to me?'
   Marcus chuckled to himself as he saw the possibilities of this.
   "Did you find something amusing?" The white-haired girl looked at him as if he was the biggest offender on Earth.
   Sirin wasn't happy with all that teasing he did to her.
   It was embarrassing, to say the least!
   "Indeed I did. But it's not laughter from amusement, but from gratefulness towards the incarnation of evil we are fighting at this moment."
   "Now, you are not making sense. How can you be grateful to someone like that?" The Herrscher was confused, to say the least.
   "To all the spoils of war he offered to me. With the last trip, when we saved Quinella, I recovered Lilith, the progenitor of devil kind.
   After scanning her, we are at the principles of Manipulating evolution itself.
   While I can create life without difficulty, evolution itself was still something I was crude at."
   He explained to her as he once again got closer to her.
   This time, Sirin scuffed away the moment she saw him getting closer.
   But the next second, she was on his lap either way! He was abusing his power!
   "...You know- this is called power abuse."
   "Says the beauty who can wipe out humanity with the same power abuse."
   *Hmph!*
   "That doesn't count."
   "Why not?" He asked while stroking that long hair.
   "Because-" She pondered for a second before answering." That was a fighting situation! This is different! You are abusing your power to tease me!"
   He rolled his eyes at the semantics she was saying to him.
   "Hmm, did you stop taking over Kiana's body when she asked you in a non-combat situation?"
   To his question, she huffed at him.
   "Different circumstances! That body was built for me!"
   "Depends, but that doesn't matter now. You have a body for yourself." Once again, he hugged her more tightly.
   By this point, the Herrscher decided to stop complaining as he didn't care about her complaining.
   "...So when are we going to battle?" She asked him. If they are going to war, then at least he won't cuddle her like this!
   Oh, how little did the poor Herrscher understand!
   "Soon. I want to see what my Fiance is cooking with those devils."
   "Cooking?"
   "Not in a literal sense. It can mean scheming."
   'I do want to see if they are useful, not as just mere test subjects.' Marcus said that to himself. He has enough bed warmers and maids. It's different if he has actual commanders.
   The commanders he creates with the S.P.B.A. methods lack certain qualities. While he has variations to the synthetic memory, it's not the same as actually powerful and talented tacticians.
   He even tested tactical battles with Athena's help. The Goddess wiped the floor 9 out of 10 times with the commanders he prepared.
   And those odd times his side wins are when his fiance underestimates the 'inhuman' factor of his troops.
   This means he needs someone outside his Ecosystem.
   For a second, he stroked the hair of the girl on his lap.
   "I see. But why are you treating me like a cat of some sort?" She asked suddenly; the Herrscher had this feeling that he was treating her like some sort of pet.
   "Oh? Maybe I am; I am used to cuddling with my lioness all the time."
   "...Why are you not 'cuddling' with her?" She said, cuddling with a chilly tone.
   "Oh, now you sound like a jealous cat. But don't worry. I don't need my Atalanta at this moment. I have this gorgeous Queen on my lap."
   Sirin narrowed her eyes. This guy is smooth; for a second, she almost lowered her guard.
   "Don't worry, we won't be staying in Japan for long. We will go home, and I will show you to my parents."
   "!??"
   The Herrscher snapped her gaze to the side and looked at him. Panic started to bubble in her stomach.
   "W-W-What are you talking about!? S-S-Show me to your parents!? I didn't consent to that!!!" The white-haired girl started to panic. She began imagining scenarios in her head.
   Part of her is still a naive little girl regarding specific scenarios like romance, weddings, and all those things!
   "Hmm? What a reaction. I wasn't expecting you to react like that." He teased while saying that.
   "What do you mean to react like that!?" She turned fully around, and her hands grabbed his cheeks. The Void Queen started to pull them. The beauty was feeling like a volcano which was ready to erupt.
   "You told me that you will introduce me to your parents! Do you think I am ready for such a thing!?" She tried to pull his cheeks even more, but they didn't stretch beyond a certain point.
   "As I was saying, you are overthinking. But this is to be expected of girls."
   For a second, she stopped and narrowed her eyes.
   "Explain."
   "Since they discovered my hobbies of building stuff in the garage, I started to show them my creations." He explained plainly to him.
   "...Garage? you seriously still call that?" The Herrscher was more concerned that he called her something of a creation in a garage.
   "I do. What of it?" He almost challenged her.
   "Nothing."
   As the embarrassment subsided, Sirin realised the awkward position she was in!
   The Herrscher was sitting on his lap, fully facing him. This position was incredibly intimate! Something only lovers should do!
   She wanted to retreat the next second, but Marcus grabbed her incredible rear and kept her in place!
   "L-Let me go!"
   The embarrassed reaction from her only made him want to keep her in place.
   "Nope. We will stay like this until I am tired."
   "... That's not funny!"
   "Do I look like I am joking?" He said that with a serious face.
   "..."
   "My Herrscher requests to be pampered. There is no way I can say no to that." The Inventor said with a straight only, making her cheeks get rosier by the second.
   "You are one-"
   "Dashing, very terrifying, extremely intelligent individual, I know." He finished for her, which made her stop in her tracks.
   "...*Sigh*..."
   "I give up."
   If she had met someone like this guy in her original world, she might have killed herself on the spot with a subspace lance.
   Or something more drastic! Maybe she should have tried to kill him by detonating her core.
   Honestly, this man, as he said himself, was very terrifying.
   "Hmm? Already? But we only started to flirt."
   "...F-Flirt!? You call that flirt!? I am at- what do humans call it? Umm-"
   "Your 'wits end'?"
   "Yes! That! Honestly, I want to choke you to death!"
   "Hmm, we could try that. Kissing until I am dead. That could work." He said with a smirk. He knows damn enough that he can't 'choke' that's what mortals do. He can't do that because his body will adjust, and instead of air, he will use mana to sustain himself.
   That's the thing; he doesn't need to eat by this point.
   Sirin narrowed her eyes when she heard that. This was a trap! Regardless, his hands went up through her back and made her lean towards him.
   "This is a trap."
   "Maybe~ what of it?"
   "I am not falling for it."
   "Hmm, I thought you wanted to choke me to death. I am giving you a solution."
   "I didn't mean in the literal sense." Now, she has started to 'adjust'. She was pretty serious, but with the proposed solution, she decided it was a joke.
   "Oh? Is my Void Queen joking? I never expected such a serious and regal queen to joke."
   ~~~
   Quinella's eyebrows were twitching as she saw the new creation of her Master flirting with him. This girl, from the data she got, has no synthetic memories and, by all means, was an outsider to their ecosystem.
   She is not questioning her Master's ability to seduce women. She is annoyed that the girl is 'hostile' to Marcus.
   It makes the assistant want to shake this girl until she understands who she is trying to provoke! The sheer gal to speak like this and threaten it makes her blood boil!
   Regardless, for now, she will stay quiet. Quinella was in a mess, as it is. If she is to make some sort of fuss, she can mess something up again.
   For now, she will do her tasks and take her time.
   With that in mind, she walked back to the room given to her and proceeded to check the work she had to do.
   "...You have to be kidding me..." The assistant's mouth slowly opened as she saw how much stuff she had to double-check!
   "A-Aurora! W-Why do I have to do your routines!?"
   Instead of someone speaking, she got a message on her screen.
   "I know it's a punishment, but this is sadism!"
   Another message popped on the screen, which said, Creator's orders.
   "..."
   "Brutal, *Sniff* now he is punishing me for the qualities he gave me!" Regardless of her complaining, the girl's fingers danced through the keyboard.
   She swiftly sorted mundane tasks, stuff like sorting files and erasing rubbish data.
   Something maintenance Aurora bots should be doing in the information centre!
   ~~~~~~Later, Next Day~~~~~~
   "Well, this was fun! I haven't had this much excitement since the invention of Chess!" Athena stretched herself out as they finished with the games.
   "...C-Can we finally go home?" Rias asked with a tired look; she had bags under her eyes.
   The devil heiress has no idea how much has passed, as according to Artificial intelligence, time dilation does exist within the system.
   Something about Realitus particles interfering with how the human brain interacts with surroundings; the Crimson-Haired Heiress doesn't know the exact details.
   If Rias didn't know any better, then she would think that this system was created to torture people.
   "Fine. I suppose today is enough. You girls still need to learn that this is not a Rating game. The weakness and strength of weapons don't matter that much.
   What truly matters is intelligence, the geography of the surroundings--"
   Both Rias and Sona nearly passed out again from the constant lectures.
   'How in Great Satan's name Marcus can bear with this woman?'
   Athena was way too nerdy!
   "...And on top of it all, Morale is essential too!"
   "...Yes, we understand."
   "Good. Now, let's return to the surface."
   As the girls walked, they met the lion maid and Dragoness, who were leaving a room which looked like a kitchen.
   "Huh, you three are done?"
   "Yes. I have a clear idea of how good these two are." Athena sharply explained, as if she were a professor who just finished testing her students.
   "...You don't say." Gu Yuena looked at the state of those two.
   'They look like they went through an entire war campaign.' The Silver-Haired Dragoness didn't know if she should pity these two, just laugh from amusement.
   "Yes, well- I got carried away for a bit."
   "..."
   "..."
   Sona's and Rias' red and tired eyes looked at the Goddess. They had no answer to that claim; they had no strength to complain.
   "I can see that. Master is preparing to leave. Around 18 hours have passed since you three entered the simulation." Atalanta wasn't that amused with the suffering she saw.
   This kind of behaviour is usual for a Greek God; they all are addicts, and Goddess Artemis is no different. They used to hunt for weeks at a time with minimal breaks simply.
   "I see. In that case, we should return to the surface as quickly as possible."
   "Yes."
   While it was sad that Marcus was leaving, Rias and Sona were too tired to care. After saying goodbye, they went to sleep.
   The Inventor smiled, seeing them go through a grinder.
   "You tortured those two poor girls."
   "...Did I? I don't know. After the third day of simulation, they started to learn. Besides, they were learning from a Deity of Warfare. It's an honour not many can brag about." Athena explained with crossed arms.
   She found it interesting to teach devils. They are more durable than humans. That alone makes it more fascinating for her.
   "True, I suppose. And what is my Goddess consensus?" Marcus asked with a curious look;
   "They have ways to go. But they do possess the talent to lead." Athena gave honest feedback.
   "I see. Then we can arrange something once we are done with the war."
   "Yes, that would be for the best."
   After the pair finished speaking, Marcus decided to check on Valerie.
   The naughty Dhampir didn't even come to see him!
   He didn't need to look far for her as she was in Gremory's occult building.
   "Gah!!! you!" A loud voice attracted Marcus' attention.
   The inventor looked at the source.
   "And you are?" For a second, he was confused about who was calling him.
   What he saw was a plain brown-haired teen. Not that he remembers him.
   "Y-You messed with my gear! And you don't know it!?"
   "...I messed with many gears, I made many as well. You should be specific." Marcus shrugged his shoulders without care.
   "My Boosted Gear!"
   "Oh, he is the Red Dragon Emperor?" Gu Yuena instantly got curious, and she walked to the front.
   "But I can't sense a thing from you." The Silver-haired Dragoness looked confused.
   Now that she thinks about it, she was here for over a day, and the Red Dragon Emperor was here the whole time!
   With a burst of Red, a red gauntlet appeared on the brown-haired teen's left hand.
   [You are a dragon. Yet, you are human.] a draconic voice spoke from the hand.
   Instead of saying anything, Gu Yuena grabbed the gauntlet and inspected it.
   "H-Hey!"
   She easily manhandled him.
   "Your power is remarkably restrained. Pity; I thought I could challenge the heavenly dragon gear users."
   [The gear was tampered with by that man. If you want a fight, the gear needs to be altered] The dragon sounded pissed off.
   "I know, and I wanted to see what my creator did to your gear." The Dragoness' words shocked the brown-haired teen the most.
   He looked with jealousy.
   "H-He made you?"
   "From the data he collected from this gear-" She stopped yanking him around and just released. "And White Dragon Emperor."
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   "You can say I am the next generation."
   Not that Marcus listened; he was not even in the room anymore.
   "H-Hey! he just left! And here I was pointing fingers at the last generation!" The dragoness pouted and proceeded to catch up to her Emperor and creator.
   "...What is with these people!? They do whatever they want!"
   The teen frowned in annoyance. He was very pissed, and at the same time, he was enlightened!
   To think that there exists someone who could simply create a harem for himself!
   He saw it! He saw a group of women just following this guy!
   "So that's a Harem King!"
   [I am pretty sure he is more than that. But yes, I see your point]
   "Yes! Since I saw him in person now, I know what my goal is!"
   [...Good luck, wake me up when you find something interesting] The dragon didn't care at all about the monologues.
   ~~~
   For advanced chapters (+5 chapters, 25k words) my pat: pat reon.com/DragonsFics
   OR
   Discord: discord.gg/denoffanfics
   ~~~
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   Chapter 75: Making an Example
   "You haven't even come to see me. I feel that you are avoiding your Master." Marcus pretended to be hurt as he walked over to Valerie's room.
   The dhampir trembled as she swiftly bowed to him. The girl was talking with someone who looked like a girl as well.
   "I-I was not, Master! I wasn't instructed to see you. In fact, Aurora directed me to continue with my tasks!" The blonde girl said with a professional voice.
   "True. However, it's strange; most of the time, people still come to see me even when they don't need to do that." The inventor said that as he walked into her room and inspected it.
   Marcus was a little bit impressed by the girl's professionalism. Some of his other maids come to see him either way if they need or don't.
   It shows their ambitious nature, unlike Valerie, who impresses him through sheer professionalism.
   In other words, she is impressing just through performance, something others should pick up.
   "So this is where you have been staying?"
   "Yes, I have been keeping contact with devils working for you." She said that while looking at the-girl? Or is it a Boy? Smaller than her. It was a short guy or girl-a shota trap, as they say.
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   "Oh? Is this rumoured Rias' Bishop?" Marcus looked at the other dhampir. The trap instantly started to shiver, seeing the inventor.
   "Y-You are the guy who has an s-space station?"
   "Oh? You already know?"
   "W-Who doesn't? You are all over the internet."
   'Internet? When was the last time I checked things on the net myself?'
   At that moment, the inventor had a flashback of the time he was pirating Gundam songs when he was building Freedom suits in his garage.
   At that moment, he had a nostalgic smile; both dhampirs, for a second, were weirded out. Is this guy planning something evil?
   "What does the internet think?"
   "...Umm... I don't think you should check the internet." The trap nervously replied.
   "Oh? That's bad?"
   "...There are a bunch of conflicting opinions."
   "Yes, that's the common thing." Marcus shrugged and then looked at Valerie.
   "Your mission is over. We are returning to base. The outpost has been built, and most enemies in the Underworld are defeated."
   The girl's eyes widened for a second.
   "A-Already!?"
   "Yes. Now let's go, or do you want to stay?"
   Valerie instantly noticed his test. She acted accordingly.
   "I understand. Gasper, see you later. I am sure my Master will send me here again if something is up."
   "Indeed. Now let's go." Marcus agreed before motioning to come with him.
   As they were leaving, some of Rias' peerage intercepted them.
   "Lord Marcus, have you seen our King? She has been missing for a day."
   Akeno asked him.
   "Don't worry about her. I am pretty sure she is with Sona. Athena has put them through a grinder in simulations."
   The Yokai, the blondie and the Queen looked shocked for a second.
   "Goddess Athena trained them!?"
   "In tactics, yes."
   "Oh, I see. Many thanks for telling us."
   "Don't mention it."
   After that, Marcus, with his small group, left the occult research building.
   But once again, they were intercepted by a brown-haired teen.
   "I challenge you to a fight!" He pointed his finger at Marcus.
   "Is this boy insane?" Atalanta commented with disbelief.
   "I'm pretty sure 99.99% of his brain mass is concentrated towards women's breasts." The moment he said that, all of the girls from his group instinctually covered their assets.
   "And he is that Gremory's peerage member?" Gu Yuena frowned even more. She is about to summon her spear.
   "Relax. I have this covered."
   Marcus took a couple of steps forward. The Red Dragon Emperor heard all of that. He was gnashing his teeth from annoyance.
   "To your information, 100% of my brain is occupied to become Harem King!"
   "Oh? Is that right? Well, then, Mister Future Harem King, why don't you show me your 'power'?"
   "With pleasure!"
   His red gauntlet appeared on his left hand. The green gem glowed.
   [BOOST]
   The brown-haired teen rushed forward and tried to punch the Inventor.
   The inventor did nothing, no defending, no raised guard, nothing!
   For a second, the gauntlet-using teen grinned when he saw that he had a direct hit.
   But his smile turned into horror when he saw that his fist did nothing.
   The inventor didn't even move.
   "So? Are you going to attack?" Marcus asked him. He wasn't impressed.
   "W-W-What?"
   "What do you mean by 'W-W-What'? I am asking to attack."
   The brown-haired teen jumped back, and his gauntlet activated one more time. The boost Increased his attack one more time.
   "Are you seriously trying the same thing again? I mean, zero plus zero is still zero."
   "Haaah!" The Red Dragon Emperor tried to punch again, but Marcus moved.
   For some reason, the world slowed down as Rias' pawn saw Marcus' pinky finger move. The finger got closer and closer.
   And yet he couldn't do anything! The finger got closer, and he tried to move away. But the finger just kept on getting closer!!!
   Eventually, the finger flicked on his forehead.
   "Ahhhhh!!!!"
   The moment there was a connection, The Red Dragon Emperor felt that his soul was yanked from his body. He simply collapsed on his knees, then face-first into the ground.
   He passed out.
   "Well, that was underwhelming." Gu Yuena commented on the fight.
   All she saw was Marcus walking forward and poking the guy's forehead with his finger.
   "Let go. He might recover in a couple of hours."
   "Might?"
   "Yes, it depends on his will."
   "Hmmm, I see."
   As everyone walked past the passed-out guy, Valerie slightly bowed to the knocked-out guy. After all, she was a guest in their occult research house.
   ~~~
   Marcus returned to his Confiscator and walked to the bridge.
   """Supreme Commander!!!"""
   All the girls operating the ship almost gasped like little girls.
   'This vessel is run by girls as well!?' Sirin frowned, seeing all the pretty girls.
   The thing was that she didn't see duplicates. All of them are different, with different hair lengths, and all have excellent proportions.
   This realisation made her feel a slightly oppressive feeling. Just how good are his life-creating abilities?
   "It has only been a few days. There is no need to react like this." With an amused sigh, he walked over and sat on his throne.
   "Still, Confiscator is your flagship; our place is next to you." The Captain girl of the ship said with a straight face.
   "Smooth, very smooth. But now, we set course to our base."
   "Setting course."
   "...and what about Scavenger?" Athena asked him as she walked into the room. Next to her was Nyx, who looked like a frightened child.
   "M-Master, you left me alone in that place! How could you! I am your Primordial!" She swiftly walked over to his side.
   "Left you? You left yourself there. I asked you to come with me; you said 'Hnnn~'. Whatever it means." Marcus repeated what Nyx said to him and then replied to Athena.
   "Scavenger is returning to docks. We are taking Confiscator straight to Base. My new ship girl is ready for awakening; I can't make her wait any longer."
   "... I see..." Athena nodded while Nyx pulled her lower lip like a cute pet.
   "N-Not ignore my plight! Do you know how scary it is to be left alone like this!" Nyx grabbed Marcus' sleeve like a hurt puppy.
   "You are a primordial tough it up." The Inventor didn't know if he should laugh or be concerned.
   "It's not related to my power!" She huffed at him.
   "Fine. I won't leave you next time. Next time, I slap you so hard that you will wake up from your sugar-induced coma."
   "O-On second thought, don't." Nyx decided that no, that's not worth it.
   "Then decide."
   "I-I am fine."
   'Is this the Primordial of Night? What am I seeing?' Sirin had a sweaty forehead. She remembers books with illustrations of how terrifying Nyx is supposed to be.
   Well, it was not her who saw it, but she saw it through Kiana's eyes, so she knows indirectly.
   "Don't look surprised. Gods, one way or another, are just people with too much power." Atalanta clarified as she saw how Sirin was looking.
   "This is good and bad. Sometimes, you don't want to give people with peculiar tastes too much power. Especially if they never worked for that power."
   The Herrscher looked at the lion girl with a slight frown. Is this huntress picking a fight with her?
   "Don't look at me like that. I have no idea about you, but I spent my entire life following a Goddess, which is over four thousand years."
   The white-haired girl nearly choked on her saliva, hearing how old this lion girl is!
   "You are old."
   "You don't say." Atalanta rolled her eyes.
   Sirin expected more reaction from her, but it was nothing like she wanted.
   "You girl should do something; it will take a couple of hours until we arrive at the base."
   Marcus got everyone's attention.
   "Sure. I am going to read something. I need to prepare mentally for Ares." Athena said with a sigh as she walked out of the bridge.
   As the Goddess said that, Gu Yuena and Atalanta followed her. While Nyx huffed and walked over, and sat down in an empty cushioned seat.
   Valerie nodded as well. She decided to see if she needed anything to clean in this place.
   "So what am I supposed to do?" Sirin crossed her arms.
   "Like always, you can always sit on my lap." His throne turned to the side, and Marcus could see her.
   "You...are kidding?"
   "Nope."
   "There is no way-" She proceeded to leave, but the next second, she was sitting on his lap either way.
   "You wouldn't sit on my lap, right?" Marcus 'finished' the sentence for her.
   "...This is just outright bullying."
   "Hmm, I haven't expected a Herrscher to complain and mention bullying that is just cute in its way." The inventor's finger poked her cheek.
   "...Whatever."
   Sirin has accepted that this is her version of hell. Her power and her abilities are connected to man's whims. That is just cruelty on its own. Plus, he is nonstop teasing and trying to get an expression from her. The Void Queen forgot how often she imagined stabbing him with her powers.
   But that feeling has dulled to the point that she no longer cares. It was more like a different feeling slowly manifested in her gut, which made her feel weird and all tingly; she couldn't put a finger on it.
   Seeing that Sirin was no longer responding and just sitting promptly on his lap, Marcus didn't bother anymore and instead summoned his screens and proceeded to design ship girls and make DNA for them.
   The Void Queen saw everything from her position.
   Her eyes slowly widened as she saw a very familiar person!
   'R-Raiden Mei!!! This girl is the perfect replica! Even her gaze, clothes, Herrscher form!'
   For a second, her breathing hitched. She didn't even realise that she was holding it. What she was seeing was- terrifying! What else can she say? She has watched this guy since she was reborn in this place.
   There is nothing of Honkai in this place. The countries are different; there are no relics from the previous civilisation, no ancient technologies to discover, and no Honkai Beasts.
   Nothing, yet; this guy is creating a Herrscher-a lawmaker from her world.
   Casually.
   From what she can see, he, casually and even with lazy hand motions, is 'building' Raiden Mei.
   "Your input would be appreciated. Does she look 'proper' to you?" Marcus asked leisurely. His left hand was stroking her waist while his right hand was holding his head. At this moment, he was using his mind to go through windows with different tools to build DNA and looks.
   "By 'She', you mean Raiden Mei?"
   "The one and only."
   "*Hmph!*"
   "Last time I saw her, she beat me down and left; I promised to myself that I would kill her next time."
   "Oh, such animosity."
   "...Of course! But that Kiana Kaslana has a soft spot towards this girl who beat her to the point she was barely alive." For a second, Sirin's eyes glowed.
   "Well, that's how-"
   At that moment, the airship slightly trembled.
   "...what was that?" He didn't like being interrupted like this.
   "A missile just hit us."
   "And why didn't we pick that up?" Marcus asked with a confused tone.
   "Sir, our detection systems are built to detect weapons with energy, not regular weaponry."
   "Well, that is something we didn't foresee. Fine, Aurora, note this down for the future."
   [Already did.]
   "Good, now who attacked us?" Marcus asked with an annoyed tone. The Herrscher sitting on his lap was like a small cuddly pet. The girl can sense the sheer limitless power barely under control from her perspective.
   "Calculating trajectory."
   "More missiles incoming!" The ship trembled some more. The crew barely noticed the impact.
   "Their missiles aren't doing any damage." One of the officers reported.
   "That much is obvious." Marcus' eyes rolled. He was waiting to hear who it was.
   "Sir, the missiles came from North Korea's west coast."
   "..."
   "..."
   "..."
   The Inventor raised his eyebrows.
   "This..."
   "More missiles are coming our way."
   "You know what." He got up alongside the Herrscher; the girl waited for him to speak.
   "I am tired of this nonsense. I was trying to be friendly, telling on television that I was minding my business. But no more.
   If this punk wants war, he will get it." He said with narrowed eyes.
   The officers gulped down from excitement.
   "Code Red! Battle stations! I want all of the Starscreams to be launched!" He ordered with a chilly voice.
   "R-Right!"
   ~~~
   Alarms started to blare through the whole Confiscator.
   [Code Red, All men to battle stations!]
   [I repeat Code Red, all men to battle stations]
   [Red, Blue and Yellow Wings to launch immediately!]
   On the runway, the starscream engines roared to life as, one after another, the jets started to launch.
   The forward knights proceeded to line up and wait for their turn. The Spider Walkers, followed by Yeagers, are prepared for their turn. Same with XC-M1 mobile suits.
   While the girls who left the bridge ten minutes later could not believe what was happening, It was fine just moments ago!
   "Marcus! What is going on!?" Athena rushed into the bridge. She looked all confused. Did some gods attack them!?
   "We got hit by missiles repeatedly."
   "...Huh? So that's what it was?"
   "From the looks of it, those missiles were high yield."
   "To shake Daedalus class, one needs a ballistic missile at least."
   "...so what are you going to do?"
   "Make an example." He said with a severe tone.
   "It appears a warning shot from Ars Almadel Salomonis is not enough.
   In that case, I will level the whole country." As he said that, a blinding light followed a pillar of light smashed somewhere.
   "...that is..."
   "Ars Almadel Salomonis. Their time has come." Marcus quoted an altered phrase from a certain Noble Phantasm
   ~~~
   People from hundreds of kilometres away saw a massive pillar of light slam into the horizon. The pillar curved at a weird angle as if someone controlled it.
   This light slammed at a specific location; for a second, all sound ceased, followed by a high explosion. This explosion was so loud that for a few seconds, people from hundreds of kilometres away turned deaf.
   Not that Technocracy forces care about this bombardment; instead, the Starscreams and troops continued to get deployed.
   The forces started by attacking military posts, ammo deposits, and barracks of any kind.
   With a loud whistling sound, a Spider Walker was dropped, followed by gunships, which dropped Forward Knights.
   The next second, like meteorites XC-M1, one after another landed and walked towards their first target.
   A few seconds later, another pillar of light slammed into another location, erasing something.
   A massive explosion followed; the force was so powerful that the sheer force even erased sound.
   ~~~
   "...By God...do you see what I am seeing?" The border patrol in South Korea looked at the light show which was happening many kilometres away.
   This was not war; it was extermination. The Space station was using precision orbital bombardment.
   Since this weapon is so deadly, countries try to monitor this thing.
   But now, this weapon is climbing into a higher vantage point and starting to rain bursts of energy every few moments.
   "...Yeah."
   As they were talking, a jet blasted past the border and released rows of missiles, destroying every single military-related building on the opposite side.
   The shots were precise, and they erased anything that held any military importance.
   In less than a few hours, the country's military was gone.
   All that was left were stranglers.
   The guards and their officers looked at each other with wide eyes.
   "...what the hell just happened? How did they provoke that Marcus Goldman?"
   "Remember!? The airship flew over us! This means it went past the North!"
   "...You mean they attacked him!?" He replied with a loud gulp.
   "And this was his response!?" He pointed at rising smoke in the distance. There are large clouds of smoke in the distance.
   At that moment, a three-metre humanoid machine removed the barbed fence.
   "Everything beyond this fence is for you people to take. Do whatever you want. My Supreme Commander doesn't care what you do with it."
   After saying that, the machine looked to the sky, and the jet packs ignited and flew away.
   "...Right. So-who is going to inform the commander?"
   ~~~
   An emergency meeting was held in the restored Pentagon less than a few hours after the initial attack from Ars Almadel Salomonis. By this point, the weapon has been shot at least six times.
   "W-What did you just say?"
   "North Korea doesn't exist anymore." The general repeated what he said a few moments ago.
   "The Space gun blasted that place to bits and pieces. From what the Allies told us, his winged airship was flying from Japan and passing the Korean peninsula, and the North side shot missiles at the airship.
   The next thing was a barrage of shots from the station and an actual military invasion.
   In a few hours, the entire country was overrun."
   The listening people couldn't even speak as the voice was stuck in their throat.
   "Didn't we shoot ballistic missiles at the station?" The Secretary of Defence said with a fearful voice.
   "...yes, and his response was machines, which caused billions of dollars of losses. We lost a carrier strike force." The older man said with a plain voice.
   "Does this mean that next time something similar happens, he will respond like this?"
   "I think so. He did say that it depends on his mood. It appears that this time, he was not in a good mood."
   "...Yes, and a country ceased to exist. No matter how bad it was in that place, it doesn't deserve what Marcus Goldman has done."
   For a few seconds, the people didn't say anything.
   "...We still need to prepare a statement."
   "Yes. A message of caution."
   ~~~
   Other countries reflected on what has happened in a small hermit country in the Korean Peninsula. Marcus Goldman has revealed his anger.
   And what he can do when he is angry. It was not war but literal extermination.
   Only a few small towns are all that is left.
   Not a single large city is left. The ones that are reflecting the most are the more authoritarian countries. Strict, non-provoking laws have been passed overnight. Just mentioning 'Marcus Goldman' in a single sentence is forbidden by law.
   Nations which considered waging war silently pulled back whatever they were planning.
   Other more liberal democratic countries released statements that they are 'strongly recommending' not to provoke Marcus Goldman. After all, everyone has their 'breaking point'.
   They are basically saying that he is one man's country. If they provoke him in any way, a whole ass country will attack you.
   It took a while for people to realise, but no one would do anything to stop this man.
   No government will do that.
   ~~~~~~Later~~~~~~
   A trip which should have taken 2 hours took over 8 hours. Marcus was extremely annoyed, so he made several precise orbital bombardments.
   He tried to be the nice guy. But no one gives a damn.
   "Aurora, I want the Confiscator retrofitted. By tomorrow morning."
   [Understood, I won't disappoint you]
   "I know." With a nod, he stood up from his throne and proceeded to leave the bridge.
   His maids, Fiance, and pets followed him. None of them spoke since they could sense Marcus' annoyance.
   At that moment, Atalanta decided to 'save the day'.
   "Are we going home?"
   "... That's the plan."
   "I thought we were going to awaken Tirpitz." The Lioness reminded him.
   "...oh, right." A small smile appeared on his lips.
   "You are right, let's go."
   The atmosphere immediately lessened.
   Athena, Gu Yuena, Nyx, and even Sirin slightly nodded at Huntress.
   His brooding was suffocating. He is subconsciously releasing his enormous power.
   Now, it has lessened to the point that it was bearable.
   As the Confiscator landed, the rams lowered, and the aurora bots proceeded to start their work. Metallic hands rose from automated assembly lines. Specialised magnets moved to hold the airship in place as the removal of energy wings began.
   "This place is not bad. I guess it's a space elevator?" Sirin asked as she looked around.
   "Nope, this is Spaceport."
   "Spaceport? Are you skipping the entire stage? No, it's because of your technology that you can ignore the atmosphere." The Herrscher reasoned out loud.
   "Indeed, I don't need an elevator to work in space. My Ars Almadel Salomonis can work as if it's a shipyard and construction site for space industries." Marcus explained to her.
   "I see. Then It makes sense to build a port. I was slightly concerned that you are building a port for ships which doesn't exist."
   "Concerned? Is my Herrscher concerned? How cute."
   The white-haired started to defend herself all over again.
   As the group left the Confiscator, Quinella looked around for a second; she made sure she was away from her creator.
   'Hehe, I finished all the tasks at hand. Now, I only need to lay low. Once he forgets that he grounded me, I can slip in and cuddle like nothing has happened!'
   The platinum-haired beauty grinned for a second as she walked down the ramp and looked at the progress at the space centre.
   Her eyes were on the tower.
   The Aurora bots are nearly finished with this. The only thing left is the top floor for ships to dock and the communication floor above.
   That means that six Daedalus class airships can dock by this point.
   "Beautiful, we are almost there-the very space to take as ours." Part of her was excited about this. She had this strange feeling that Earth was too small. As if she had already done this before, and there was no excitement to conquer something she had done before.
   Not that she can explain such a thing. It's not like she was alive before, right?
   As she left the construction site and walked to the platform, her eyes gleamed, seeing the tube. Her hand went to the glass-like tube and touched it.
   One of her earliest memories is of her talking about this to Marcus! About trains in space. And now they are here!
   Stuff like that made her heart race from excitement.
   As the anti-gravity train arrived, with a hiss, the doors opened, and the assistant entered and took her seat.
   "Take me to base."
   [Not going to Master's house?]
   "Nope. Not today, we can allow that new girl to have all the fun."
   [Master is at base, too. You might meet him.]
   Quinella, for a second, had a panicky look; she swiftly started to think.
   "I-I see."
   [On top of that, you have things to review. The Technocracy Act]
   "...Technocracy-act?"
   The beauty was confused for a second and checked what the hell was that!
   'This is- it's like the dissolution of the Roman Republic and the creation of the Roman Empire.'
   'Or more like standardisation of everything and faction creation.'
   For a second, Quinella wanted something more pompous, but it's just the faction 's official creation.
   In a way, it's about time. They are so big now that they do need a name.
   "Let's check the details."
   ~~~
   Marcus, with his girls, arrived at the base.
   "To think you have a house next to a train platform," Sirin commented. How strange it was! They just left the platform, took a corridor, and the place looked like a house! Corridors with holographic paintings. Mech statues at corners.
   "All that you saw is my workshop. The train network connects all of it. In simple terms, the entire nation is my garage as the trains run from the Baltic Sea to my house two hundred kilometres away." He explained as plainly as he could.
   "The mission to Japan is over; you all can relax and do whatever you want. I have things to do."
   As Marcus tried to dismiss them, not everyone decided to do their thing.
   Athena wanted to see the ship girl, and Sirin joined. Nyx decided to explore. She doesn't care about this pet project of his.
   While Atalanta and Gu Yuena know better than to get in the way of his special moment, this is a special time for him.
   At the same time, Valerie retreated to find the head maid; she needed to report to work.
   Seeing that he has two girls following him, he could only eye roll.
   After taking the lift to the workshop level, Marcus walked past his workshop and went to the genetics wing.
   "Well, isn't this just creepy? I am getting flashbacks." Sirin sarcastically commented how the surroundings changed. Now, they are in a white, almost plastic-like room. This place was the genetic wing based on Kamino from Star Wars.
   "Flashbacks?" Athena asked curiously. Has this new girl been in this kind of area before? Didn't Marcus say that he didn't alter her at all?
   "You could say that. I have been a lab creation all my life. I have been experimented on to become a Herrscher, then when I escaped and waged war, I was killed and then resurrected in the lab again.
   Eventually, I died, and yet again, I awakened in a lab."
   "Not a lab. It's a healing and creation chamber. I ensured you return to life in a different place, not my genetic wing.
   That is why you awakened in Scavenger, not my base." Marcus clarified to her.
   "Think of that place like a hospital. Not a research place."
   His explanation only made Sirin huff and look away.
   "You and your explanations, which make sense! And I can't simply stomach them!" The Herrscher is slowly getting stuffed by those 'positive' energies.
   As a cynical existence, she can't stomach any of it but is forced to eat these as she is powerless! Usually, she would blow away anyone trying to get close to her. But in this place, she is as powerless as one could get.
   "Heh, just get used to it."
   "As if!"
   The girl looked away, and instead, her eyes gazed upon this place. The whole DNA theme is overloading this plate.
   She can see it's being used on walls as decoration. Some of them emit light.
   Eventually, they ended up in a similar place where she awakened in person.
   A room full of tanks, only one was in use. Inside this tank was a girl with snow-like hair. Her hair was very long, just like how it was with Sirin at first.
   "This is Tirpitz? What is her character? I mean, you made her from a ship." Athena asked curiously. She is interested in this resonance process.
   "The Lonely Queen of the North. That is her 'title' given by the Royal Navy and the Allies in the Second World War. She was used as a symbol to deter from attacking Norway, which Nazi Germany conquered.
   In a way, that's all she did in that conflict; all that resonated to create what you see in front of you."
   Marcus said with a small smile while he looked at the new beauty.
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   "How does that even work? I mean, you created memories based on that?" Athena was as confused as ever.
   "Not quite the metal of Tirpitz tells the tale. It works like sonar. You send a pulse which bounces from the metal. It's like that.
   All you need is to send waves at specific frequencies. It's like people noticing resources-sending a signal and getting a particular frequency back.
   It's like that, only on a more complex frequency. It's based on brainwaves as well. After all, the brain sends waves through the nervous system."
   The Inventor explained with a small smile.
   "...You telling me you can create people from that!?" Sirin was dumbfounded. She then motioned to her hand.
   "So if I were to bring a rock to you, would you make it into a person!?" She pointed at her hand as if implying that if she was to bring a small rock, he could turn that into a person!
   "Theoretically, yes, but there is a whole energy remnant thing required-something like a haunted place. If you haven't realised yet, strong emotions leave specific residue behind.
   Most of the time, it sticks behind in certain things. Like, for example, a warship."
   "...Oh, so it's like that. There are certain things you need to pass to create a person." Sirin sounded relieved. She was getting spooky a few moments ago. This guy was in the realm of literal gods. Well, he is, but not as crazy as she imagined at first, but still crazy.
   "Precisely. Now then, let's awaken the sleeping beauty." As Marcus said that, he looked at Tirpitz. That moment, her eyes snapped open; her eyes were icy blue, like a clear sky in the arctic.
   The liquid started to drain out of the tank; the girl stood on her two feet. She slowly removed her breathing mask. The whole time, she looked at Marcus and no one else.
   Just like Enterprise, Tirpitz is very, very grateful for a second chance in life. And like that Aircraft Carrier, she will give 120% for all the tasks he will ask her to do.
   ~~~
   For advanced chapters (+5 chapters, 25k words) my pat: pat reon.com/DragonsFics
   OR
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   ~~~
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   Chapter 76: Tirpitz, and Another Maiden Goddess Bites the Dust (R-18)
   14
   Why?
   Why her? Why does this being who can create powerful beings care about her? When she was a ship, she was a glorified sentry. Let alone for the majority of her life.
   Yet, here she was in human form, given power beyond normal humans.
   The only thing she can understand is that this man appreciates her power, thus giving her a second chance in life.
   Something she will never forget.
   With a few shaky steps, she was standing in front of him. Tirpitz, next second, dropped on one knee and proceeded to swear her allegiance.
   "Bismarck-class Battleship Tirpitz, awaiting your orders, Admiral."
   6
   "No need for ceremonies with me, Tirpitz, stand up." Marcus took a step forward, kneeling and helped the beauty to stand up.
   "But, Admiral, you brought me back; my service record is not the best." The ship girl was frustrated from the looks of it.
   "Don't worry about that. This is your second chance, and I assure you that you are powerful." He patted her head, making the girl already blush a storm.
   3
   When Sirin saw this, her eyes twitched from jealousy. His actions make her experience a strange set of emotions.
   "For now, dress up, and I will get a haircut for you~"
   "...As you wish."
   While the beauty is dressing up in a white military uniform, Athena's divinity is working at full power, scanning the new creation.
   The Goddess can sense a massive presence behind this girl. Something akin to a bodyguard, behind this bodyguard, is an even greater bodyguard.
   All of them are metallic monstrosities.
   The Goddess of Wisdom knows the base principle that this Shipgirl has a ship attached to her. But what is the other presence?
   Once she was fully dressed, Marcus placed a hat on her.
   5
   "Not bad, not bad at all."
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   "You created this form. I am sure that I am beautiful." Tirpitz said as she inspected her hand, clenching for a second, her power roared to life.
   "...And powerful."
   "...How powerful? -Master, I wish to spar with the new ship girl." Sirin asked as she couldn't stand this anymore! Her jealousy is at an all-time high.
   "What do you say, Tirpitz?" Marcus asked the silver-haired beauty standing next to him.
   "I follow your command. My power is your power."
   The more she spoke like this, the more annoyed Sirin was. She has not met his carrier Enterprise, as she would be double jealous.
   The Herrscher hasn't realised how grateful and loyal every ship girl will be. The resonance method gives them a 'human' outlook on certain things.
   All of them are 'warriors', and he gives them a second chance for a warrior to do their battle. The long time underwater translates to abandonment.
   And Marcus' resurrection means giving a second chance to a 'not worthy' sunken warrior. After all, they have failed in a fight.
   "Then let's show Herrscher what a battleship can do."
   "As you command, Admiral."
   ~~~
   After giving a haircut to his latest shipgirl, Marcus took them to a testing room.
   The massive white room, made from diamond tiles, greeted the pair.
   Sirin noticed that Tirpitz didn't even look curious about the location she was in.
   'Does she have memories of this place? I assume she has some sort of standard memories given to her.'
   The white-haired girl narrowed her eyes briefly as she entered her Herrscher state. An energy wing appeared on her back, followed by several subspace lances.
   "I wish to apologise beforehand," Tirpitz spoke softly. However, her cold voice sounded very detached.
   "...Apologise?"
   "I am a battleship. I am not created to fight one on one battles."
   *METALLIC ROAR*
   A machine-like roar of metal spread through the room as a wide and tall portal behind Tirpitz appeared. A black and red metal dragon started to emerge from this portal.
   It had three heads. This thing was more of a hydra than a dragon.
   This thing slowly moved out as it roared towards Sirin.
   'What is this thing? Her weapon? Doesn't she have standard means to attack?'
   As she questioned internally, massive barrels appeared from the same portal. These barrels are enormous.
   'Wait...when he said 'Ship girl', did he mean literally?'. The Herrscher noticed a silhouette of an enormous battleship.
   Those barrels are canons of the battleship.
   "Sorry."
   Next second, rows and rows of energy projectiles started to fly towards the Void Queen.
   The Herrscher snapped her fingers, and an orange energy bubble manifested around her. It was significantly dropping the speed of the projectiles flying towards her.
   With enough time to dodge, Sirin disappeared and appeared to the side the next second; she launched her lances towards the ship girl.
   The response from Tirpitz was absurd. She answered with a barrage of missiles!
   'What absurd firepower! She is utilising space in a similar way I do?'
   The Herrscher wanted to question how, but it was a stupid thing to do. All of their powers were hand-designed by Marcus.
   Of course, this girl can similarly utilise space.
   Several missiles intercepted the lances while others flew towards Sirin, who disappeared and appeared in the air. Rows of portals appeared behind her as energy projectiles started to fly towards Tirpitz.
   "...Using my attacks against me? Then I simply need to use more power."
   As the ship girl said that, her eyes started to glow gold.
   This time, the barrels altered and became wider. The next second, beams of black and red erupted from them.
   It is shredding everything in its path.
   The beams destroyed the reflected energy projectiles in seconds. Seeing this, the Herrscher swiftly dodged the attack with her void.
   She tried to appear next to Tirpitz, but the monstrosity of metal used its tail to slap her aside.
   "Ugh..."
   Next second, a barrel appeared in front of Sirin, who was about to recover from the slap.
   Tirpirz was pointing one of her cannons right at Herrscher's head.
   "It appears my faith in my admiral is greater than yours."
   "...Faith? You possess power greater than mine!" Sirin snapped back.
   "...Power? What is power? From what I understand, you use the power given to you by your creator. But unlike me, you do not possess synthetic memories related to your powers.
   My question is, have you ever tried to see the limits of your powers?"
   The Herrscher's eyes widened for a second.
   "You have your original memories. You use those memories as a basis to wield your powers. Without trusting and having faith in our creator, you never wanted to use your powers beyond what you understand what you are capable of."
   "This is why I won. My faith is greater than yours. Even if your power is greater than mine, according to my data, your crowd control is better than mine.
   As someone who uses artillery, your abilities could have easily diverted my attacks and overwhelmed me with a broader array of area-of-effect attacks." After saying that, she dismissed her weapons and metal hydra.
   Sirin looked dumbfounded by what she heard from this ship girl.
   There is one thing she recalled: it was the time she wiped thousands of Wraiths in the Underworld. At that time, she didn't question how she could wield such range.
   But now it does make sense. She believed that her power was just like how it was when she was in the Honkai world. But it's different. She never enquired about the differences.
   The Herrscher did her research, never asking Marcus who was the one who developed her power.
   "Not fair. This is not fair. You have synthetic memories and know the limits of your power." The Void Queen had a sour look on her face.
   Tirpitz stopped walking and turned around, looking at her.
   "No one is telling you not to get those memories."
   The reply only made her pout from frustration.
   "You are just a girl scout, aren't you?" The Herrscher crossed her arms and proceeded to follow after the Shipgirl.
   "Girl scout? The term is wrong. I am a warship given form. My core existence is to be the best ship possible for my Admiral. Your existence is to serve as the Void which exists for our Creator.
   Every single use of your void gives data to research and improve our understanding of space.
   All our creator's creations have a purpose in this faction." Tirpitz explained simply. Not that she was able to do it. Her explanation had a tint of coldness in it.
   ~~~
   "Impressive firepower. To think that she can use that ship like that." Athena commented with an impressed tone.
   "I had to do something. Those warships are massive, so I needed to find a way to allow them to use their ships in small spaces and minor battles. That is where space manipulation came into play.
   It's where I created the Neo-Heaven system and added the Golden Armoury."
   "Why Golden?"
   "A call back to my Ancestor. Solomon's symbol was gold, you know."
   "I see. Well, either way, she is a powerful addition to Technocracy."
   'Those cannons will shred opposition to smithereens. And it's only one battleship; we recovered more.' Athena pondered on the final lineup of these girls.
   All she can say is that not many Pantheons could potentially have this kind of firepower.
   "Of course she is. There were only two Bismarck-class battleships in the world. And I have both."
   Seconds later, the pair exited the testing room. Tirpitz looked at her Admiral, waiting for commands. In contrast, Sirin had a perplexed look. She has things on her mind.
   "Wonderfully done, now let's go. I need to see my parents, and Ares is waiting."
   "Understood."
   "..."
   The group returned to the lift, which took them to the residential area. Then, they took the anti-gravity train to Marcus' garage.
   Once there, they walked through the platform to the corridor, took a couple of stairs, and exited into a small area between a wall and a wooden fence!?
   "...What is this place!?" Sirin asked with confusion. She is feeling slightly claustrophobic!
   After taking a few steps, they walked into a yard which looked like a very mundane residential area.
   '...This...' She looked around, taking a few steps towards the street. The girl looked around, seeing ordinary and mundane houses in all directions.
   She then looked at the garage, a very classic and mundane garage.
   Some sweat dropped from her forehead. This is so- strange!
   "So strange."
   "Yes, well, it doesn't need to be different." With an eye roll, he walked towards the house's doors.
   The Herrscher slowly nodded as she followed him. But then her step stopped for a second. She realised that she was about to talk to his parents!
   Her breathing got erratic for a second! How will she deal with this situation!?
   Still, though, it would look awkward just to stand outside, so she followed and entered his house.
   The first thing she heard was laughter.
   A boastful laughter.
   "Sorry, I am late. Got to deal with some stuff." Marcus said with a sigh as he put on his slippers and entered the living room.
   In the living room, Ares and Marcus' father, Roland, were drinking beer and watching some basketball on the television.
   "Mark! You are finally back! The news outlet is going wild! They said you nuked North Korea! Is it true?"
   "...sorta? I mean, technically, it's orbital bombardment, not nuking."
   "..."
   "...Nice, do you sell Orbital stations?" Ares asked him with a curious look.
   "Not at the moment. I still need to build up infrastructure."
   "...I see; since you are here, we start preparing for the trip to the Underworld?"
   "Yep. Tomorrow morning, I need to retrofit my flagship."
   "Cool. That means we can chill this evening!"
   The God of War smirked for a second. He already had everything ready for a while. He collected his gear and gathered his boys. All that was left was to enter the battlefield.
   "Mark and the bombardment?"
   The inventor slightly shrugged at him.
   "What do you expect me to accept harassment? I warned a couple of times. If a warning falls flat on their ears, it's not my fault."
   "True." Ares nodded.
   "There is a reason why I blessed you, brother."
   Roland could only sigh; it's not like he can stop or ground him.
   "...So, let me guess? Your new creations?" He looked at the new girls standing behind him.
   "Yep! This girl is Bismarck-class Battleship Tirpitz, and the other is Sirin, a powerful void user. I am testing with space manipulation, so create someone who can use it." Marcus quite proudly motioned towards his two new girls.
   Tirpitz slightly nodded at her Admiral's father while Sirin looked like a scared cat. Her scariness comes from her self-consciousness about her 'deeds' in the other world. Normally, Honkai would muffle any sort of feeling towards that, but this was not the Honkai world. No one was suppressing anything.
   "Tirpitz? Isn't that a German battleship?"
   "Yes. I was stationed in Norway for most of the war." The ship girl explained.
   "...Oh, right, I was watching a documentary about that." Roland nodded as he recalled that.
   "Anyway, Mark, be ready for your mother's wrath; I had to listen to her complaining for several hours last time. But now it has piled up since your latest escapade."
   "I see." The inventor grimaced as he decided to take a seat as well.
   For now, he will watch some basketball and forget about the nagging he will get later.
   Seeing him doing this made his fiance walk over and take her seat. Athena decided to make sure Ares didn't do something stupid while drunk.
   She doesn't want him to embarrass her in front of her future in-laws.
   Seeing that two of his creations were just standing there, Marcus motioned to come over.
   Tirpitz did just that while Sirin was struggling. However, eventually, the inventor gave her a 'look', which made her sigh and come over.
   "So how did this happen?"
   "...what? You mean people finding me out?" Marcus replied.
   "Yes. Though I saw it coming, I never thought it would escalate like this." Roland sighed while taking a sip of the beer.
   "My Scavenger was too big; people spotted the submarine in the British Channel." The inventor replied with a small sigh. He pulled his new ship girl for a hug. That made the icy Queen start slowly blushing. This action from Marcus affected Sirin, who moved closer to him.
   "Figures. Submarines shouldn't be too big. I thought you watched enough documentaries to know that." Roland pointed out the obvious.
   "Hey! I did my research! I checked the average depth of the world. It's around 3 kilometres! I based my vessel according to that."
   "That statistic is primarily thanks to the Pacific. And the Pacific is big."
   "True. Well, I should stop making final designs in school." Marcus sighed in defeat. Well, he might make it too big.
   "At least you learned from that."
   "Of course I do! The successor should be better. Or turn it into a massive mothership submarine with many smaller ones able to dock and visit places with less depth." The younger Goldman swiftly changed his tune as he started contemplating.
   "That sounds cool, like moving underwater city." Ares agreed; he was listening in lazily.
   "I know. Stuff like that will be necessary when I will be exploring space. Specifically, Europa, I want to see what is in the water over there."
   Marcus explained some of his goals.
   "Hmm, you can ask Uncle Poseidon. He can give you some tips regarding water and travel through water."
   "I guess he can give some tips about building an underwater city, too." The inventor recalled that Poseidon was supposed to be the ruler of Atlantis.
   "Yep. He has Atlantis with all those strange water creatures. Honestly, I don't go there much. It's too wet and smells like fish." The God of War casually brushed aside Atlantis.
   The pair's conversation was quite strange for Roland, but then again. The father of the Inventor realised that his son's only male friend was the literal God of War.
   He has no comment on that.
   ~~~~~~Later, Same Evening~~~~~~
   "Mister! You have a lot of explaining to do!" Marcus' mother, Rose, pointed her finger sharply at her son.
   "You have mother issues too?" Ares whispered to his brother.
   "I guess I do." The Inventor wasn't sure.
   "Don't worry, I am in the same boat as you." The God of War patted Marcus' shoulder.
   "Don't encourage him!" The woman started a rant, which made Solomon's successor have a twitchy smile.
   Honestly, the one who is the most amused is Sirin, who is just watching this with a lot of amusement!
   "You caused over 350 billion dollars of damages to the US! And then, on top of that, you blew up North Korea! What do you have to say to yourself?"
   "...Dollars are overrated." Marcus shrugged.
   "And blowing up a WHOLE country?"
   "They were picking a fight?" He replied with a 'sort of' answer.
   His answer made her narrow her eyes at him. She then looked at her husband. Who instantly straightened himself out.
   'Damn, these two are literally like my mother and my dad.' Ares was honestly slightly terrified by how similar these two were!
   And he is not commenting on their younger days but the last 2 thousand years. This situation is just like that!
   "You have to help me here! We should ground Marcus!"
   "...Ground!? But we are going to war tomorrow!" The one who complained was Ares, of all people!
   "Yes. Marcus still has to free the Underworld from Evil Gods." Roland chipped in.
   "Fine. Save the Underworld; then you will be grounded."
   "...Can she even do that?" Sirin asked herself. She wants to see that! The great and mighty King of Magic successor, slayer of Primordials, one of greatest creators in Earth History, the new boogeyman of Supernatural World is to be grounded by his mundane mother.
   "Fine. I accept. Out of sheer principle and respect towards my mother."
   "...Damn. Honestly, I should do that too from time to time." Ares nodded to himself a couple of times with crossed arms.
   "...You? The incarnation of reckless warfare, would accept being grounded by Hera?" Athena casually commented from the side while drinking tea and reading a book a few minutes ago.
   "Hey! I can do that!"
   "Right. It's like asking Spartans to use something else apart from a spear as the main weapon."
   Ares looked at her with an annoyed look.
   "Ahem!" Rose coughed into her hand to return to things at hand.
   "And no tinkering in the garage for a month."
   "!!!"
   "...No problem." Marcus agreed casually. He is beyond his garage at this point. He doesn't need to get into his garage to do stuff.
   "...Honey, you do know that this won't work in any sort of way. This whole nation is his garage." Roland sighed while saying that.
   "Yes. I know, but at least he will do things at home instead of underground like some mole."
   "...A Mole? Now that's a first." Now, that's the first time he was compared to a mole.
   "Yes! Now we will have a proper dinner, no more excuses!"
   'Well, I guess this is as far as we can go to actually punish Marcus for killing millions of people in the span of a few days.' Roland didn't know how to feel about this. Not that they can have the power to do anything to him. Even the whole 'grounding' is just him accepting out of his sheer respect for his mother.
   Not that Marcus minds this. He has a bunch of things to do. And it doesn't matter where he does it. Underground or in his room, his Holograms work everywhere in his country.
   One could say he was making preparations to get grounded.
   After the initial conversation, which surprised Sirin, she never expected Marcus to cave in so easily! One could say that she is- Impressed! Such a tyrant is listening to someone else.
   It makes her look at him with a strange look. It's like she is meeting him for the first time!
   Regardless, the attention swiftly went from Marcus to the two new girls.
   "Son-"
   "The girl with silvery white hair is Tirpitz-"
   "A ship girl? Like Enterprise?" Rose instantly understood who it was. The name was strange, after all.
   "Where is she?" She asked curiously.
   "Front lines? A warship is at her element in a war zone."
   "Hmm. You know I find it morally wrong to make ship girls."
   "...Right. It's morally wrong to eat other animals, too. I know, but we are not here to discuss that." His eyes rolled at the whole 'moral' stuff.
   "Right, and the other is very fiddly and cute looking?" Rose smiled at Sirin, who was fiddling with her clothes.
   "Sirin, at this moment, she is one of my most ambitious projects."
   "... Ambitious?"
   His parents looked very interested in this one. When Marcus says 'ambitious', they don't know how to scale that! It sounds huge!
   "In most simple terms, she is an- alien from an alternative reality."
   "!!!"
   Roland's reaction was priceless; as someone born in the '60s, he was early on exposed to UFO hype!
   "...Really? Alien?" Sirin huffed at him!
   "Well, tell me another term to sum it all up?" He asked her.
   For a second, she pondered before shrugging in defeat.
   "I suppose you are right."
   "Wait, wait! Are you serious!? She is from a different-reality!?"
   "Yes. On my Earth, humanity is fighting against energy called Honkai; there are no Supernatural forces but this Honkai in its place."
   "...Fighting, why?"
   "To survive. I don't know much about it myself. But the more advanced the civilization, the more powerful Honkai is."
   "I see... then how did you end up here?" Marcus' parents got quite curious about this. The God of War became interested as well. He is wondering about this Honkai, too. Could he wage some sort of war on this energy, too?
   However, a few minutes later, Marcus' mother was already hugging Sirin like she was her baby girl.
   That only made the Herrscher experience embarrassment as well.
   Now, the Void Queen doesn't want to explain what she is, and seeing how Marcus is not bragging about her true purpose only makes Sirin confident that he is not planning to tell what Herrscher is.
   It helps that Athena is not explaining, either.
   "You poor, poor thing! Don't worry. Marcus will make sure nothing happens to you again like this!" Rose was hugging the white-haired girl while looking at her son. Making sure he heard her.
   "Yes, Mom, I know." The Inventor nodded and then looked at his father.
   "By the way, where is Lilian? Haven't seen her yet."
   "Oh? She is visiting your Aunt and cousin in the Capital. You do realise your extended family is petrified to learn that you are the leader of the super advanced faction?" His father reminded him of that.
   "...Yeah, I guess. With how many things I have going on, I forget about the details."
   "...See! You should spend less time underground!" Rose pointed out while still hugging the Herrscher.
   "That's because I was In Underworld."
   "Doesn't change the fundamentals!"
   *Sigh*
   "Whatever, let's get the food on the way and then retire for the day."
   "Alright."
   ~~~
   "Does your place even have enough beds for the amount of guests you have?" Athena asked him as she was exploring his room.
   It was so plain and empty that she didn't even know what to say. She might not be the Goddess of Luxury, but her future husband's place should have at least something.
   "Expanded some of it. There is more space now, and the entire upper floor was recently furnished; building things is kind of a speciality of my faction." He commented on that. With how big his harem is, he kind of needs more space.
   "Yes, I noticed that." She sarcastically commented on his faction's ability to build.
   "And the whole grounded ordeal. Are you going to accept it?" She asked with a curious tone.
   She did notice his response to America and North Korea and how he spoke to the UN. And then how he responded to his mother.
   Those were two different things. Maybe there is a chance to reason with him on some things after all!
   "I do. Why not?"
   "From what I saw, how you acted around the UN and Americans, I thought you wouldn't accept different opinions."
   Her reasoning made him raise an eyebrow.
   "I did accept their opinions. However, it's a different thing to take them seriously. None of them have worth like my family." He shrugged at her.
   "All of them are strangers to me and honestly don't care if they live. But since my mother thinks they have some value, I will respect that and accept this punishment."
   "I see."
   'So there is a chance. This is fine with me.'
   "What a curious look you have, my beautiful Goddess."
   With a hand motion, his psionic powers surrounded her and pulled her into his lap.
   Athena looked at her current circumstances before answering.
   "I am pondering that I will have some chances to have my opinions acknowledged in future." She replied as she got comfortable on his lap.
   "You sound like I don't care about my darling future wife's opinions." For a second, he pretended that he was pouting at her.
   "I do think you do to some extent. But what I saw with your mother is that you value hers even more. Considering that she has no supernatural power to speak off."
   "...You think I care about power ratings? If I did initially, I wouldn't have challenged Artemis' hunt. One of the first things I learned from Solomon's book is that raw power is the least of the worries. It's like a formula which needs to be solved.
   That's how his magic negation works at the base." As he said that, his hands started to move.
   Athena noticed that swiftly, the atmosphere was getting too beaten for her tastes!
   "...I-I see- so what does your future wife need to do to get that respect?" The Goddess tried to ignore his hands, which ended up on her breasts.
   "Well, first, you must have your future husband's best intentions in mind. I accept my 'punishment' because I know my mother has the best intentions in mind for me." As he said that, his hands went down and sneaked under the shirt and went directly for skin contact.
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   Athena slightly looked down; she saw what his hands were doing.
   Her breathing slowly started to get heated. She knows there are not many ways to escape from this.
   "...I-See, it makes sense. I think." As she said that, her glasses slowly flew away and landed on the table. The Goddess watched, but she didn't do anything about it.
   Instead, she helped him to remove her top and then her bra.
   "...I do hope that your room's walls are noise cancelling. I don't want everyone to hear what we will do~" Athena pointed out as she slowly turned around and faced him.
   "Don't worry, this house was retrofitted. It can survive an atomic blast, at least. My Assistant is very perfectionist when it comes to those small details~"
   "Good to hear, but for now, you must focus on me~," Athena said with slowly growing lust. Her hands started to wander through his body. Her divinity brushed through his clothes, which dissolved into nothing. Before long, her fingers brushed through his naked chest.
   After enjoying a short play, she leaned forward and started to kiss him on the lips.
   That's where things rapidly started to escalate. A simple kiss turned into a make-out session where the remaining clothes were removed or, more like, disintegrated by the energies both produce.
   A few minutes later, the Goddess pulled back and looked at him with glassy eyes. She could feel something hard and scalding hot rubbing around her special place.
   "Someone is eager, well, suppose we should progress to the next stage of the 'battle'." The beauty whispered at him with a hot tone.
   "Precisely, the opening skirmishes are over." As he said that, his hands sneaked to her firm ass cheeks, squeezing them and then, for a few seconds, he smacked her down on his pole.
   "Aghhnn~"
   The Maiden Goddess grimaced for a second as she felt her maidenhood had been taken. The beauty moved her hips forward and back for a bit as her legs coiled around his waist, pushing herself more into him.
   "Hehehe, now you can't escape from me~" She teased him with a lustful voice.
   "I wonder who is trying to escape from who?" As he said that, he squeezed her rear again before moving her on his lap.
   The Goddess tried to show a strong front, but slowly, her expression started to warp.
   The pain slowly started to subside, and pleasure began to replace it.
   Before long, pained grunts disappeared, and the beauty moaned. Athena moaned according to the thrusts from her future husband.
   "Hhmnnn~~~"
   "Mhnnn~~"
   "Nhnnn~~"
   As the coupling started to pick up speed, the goddess wrapped her arms around Marcus' neck, and she pushed her breasts into his chest.
   With one more powerful stroke, the first load of the evening rushed into the womb of the Goddess of Warfare.
   "Haahh-Haahh-Hnnhh~~ it appears the opening battle was a draw," Athena commented with a slightly tired voice.
   "It's a good thing it's only the beginning of the war~" As he said, he stood up and turned around and laid the Goddess on the bed.
   "Yes, well, we can adjust for the second exchange~" The beauty commented as she looked hungrily at him as he got closer; her legs once again tried to coil, but Marcus smiled and grabbed them and placed those exquisite legs on his shoulders.
   The beauty realised that something fishy would happen!
   "Don't worry~ this time, it won't be a draw~" As replied, his rock-hard rod slipped right back into that wet snack.
   With a hard poke, he started to hammer into her inside.
   "Hhaaann~~~!?"
   Athena didn't expect the force behind that!
   ~~~
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   ~~~
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   Chapter 77: 'Who Decided This'?
   2
   As Sirin is lying in the bed in Marcus' home, there are a bunch of emotions going through her face. If someone would see her face, it would be confused as she was almost crying, almost raging, smiling and all sorts of emotions swinging to extremes.
   1
   These emotions come from memories she inherited from the original Sirin.
   She is not Sirin, more like a being who inherited part of the original Sirin. The original is erased in the most literal sense.
   That means that she might have inherited Sirin's memories, but she doesn't have her experiences, so she doesn't feel the same things as Sirin does.
   Otherwise, she wouldn't have accepted the new body created through experiments.
   However, what she has is Kiana's experiences. That is why she is feeling weak in her legs. Being in such a relatively mundane house is making her heartstrings get pulled.
   'Who would have thought that man who erased a country in the most brutal way possible is such a softy?'
   Sirin tried to 'mock', but all she got was her breathing getting erratic.
   'Damn you, Kiana Kaslana! Who would have thought that the moment I have no Honkai support, I would become a crybaby!'
   Regardless, her eyes went to the ceiling. She could see that the ceiling was an actual hologram showing the starry sky. None of the light pollution is blocking the view, so that she can see the natural beauty of the sky.
   2
   'Hmm... maybe I was wrong about this situation.'
   Slowly, she allowed herself to- let it go, allowing her to fall asleep in just a few short moments.
   As morning arrived, the Herrscher's eyes slowly trembled as they opened.
   "Hmm?"
   For a second, she was confused; the sleep was so good that she forgot where she was.
   'When was the last time I rested like this?' She has no answer to that. Before this, she never had a body of her own.
   When she took over Kiana's body, she was rampaging; her thoughts were to burn and destroy-no time to rest. Now, however, it was different.
   There was a certain amount of annoyance as she realised some ugly things. She was manipulated all the time by this force who told her to get revenge.
   This force stripped all things from her until she was just a machine.
   'Disturbing.'
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   As she was disgusted, a stray thought popped into the corner of her mind.
   She recalled images of armies, mechs and airships.
   And Marcus' words rang in her consciousness.
   As his creation, she has authority, a massive amount of authority in Technocracy.
   That means she can wield all the technology, or more like technomancy, the magiktech.
   'If he develops enough, we could invade THAT place, seal it, or destroy it. I don't care! No one will brainwash me!'
   Anger started to rise. To think that this force suppressed so much of her emotions! That is unforgivable!
   With a course set, Sirin slowly got up from the bed and stretched herself.
   "...This is amazing~."
   After stretching out, the white-haired girl walked over to what looked like a wardrobe.
   It says 'Press on the screen'.
   For a second, she looked curious, so she pressed, and a light scanned her.
   "Hmm..."
   Once the light subsided, the screen changed, and she saw herself on the screen. Now she can pick clothes!
   "...Oh, now this is convenient!"
   The girl used her finger to select the tops, bottoms and even socks and shoes! This thing is so convenient! No more need to visit shops!
   'But then again, there is a certain amount of satisfaction in checking shops.' Sirin remembered all those times Kiana was in the shops.
   For a second, she wondered if Marcus would take her to a shop.
   But the moment she thought about it, she instantly brushed this aside!
   'What am I even thinking!?'
   As she was going through options, her eyes ended up on recommendations.
   Her eyes narrowed when she saw a white and orange hoodie with cat ears!
   "I expect nothing less from oh great Supreme Commander." The Void Queen sarcastically snorted.
   Since he is recommending then, she might as well put it on.
   With a few presses on the touch screen, Sirin saw a quick progress bar.
   "... It's already done?"
   With a confused look, she opened the wardrobe, and inside, she saw the hoody!
   "...Impressive."
   The Herrscher pulled out the hoodie and inspected it.
   "Soft, I like it!" After admiring it, the girl started to make other clothes.
   ~~~
   Without even realising it, the white-haired girl has spent quite a while making and testing out the clothes.
   When she realised she had wasted a lot of time, it was already past midday!
   So she swiftly left the room and went downstairs.
   What she found was people making breakfast!
   'Umm, what is going on? I am pretty sure people eat breakfast before 12...'
   Sirin didn't want to sound silly, so she pretended everything was fine and casually walked to the kitchen.
   "Oh, morning, Sirin." Marcus greeted her as he was sipping tea and reading-newspaper?
   "...Morning."
   The Herrscher walked over and sat down. Tirpitz swiftly got her a cup and poured some tea for her.
   "...Thanks..."
   The White haired girl looked around. She noticed that Athena was making food and Ares was watching television. But she could not see his parents!
   "...where are your parents?" she was confused!
   "Working."
   "...Working?"
   "Yes."
   "...But, can't you support them?" It sounds strange for her to say this, but she asked because she doesn't understand the dynamics of this place!
   "I can. But they don't want to. My father's 'second wife' is his auto shop, and my mother must socialise; she would go crazy if she didn't speak with an array of people.
   Besides, they save up much more now as they don't need to pay utility bills." He explained with a shrug.
   "And I fully understand. So I let them do their thing."
   "...I see... but- don't people know who you are and what you did? That stigma would go on them?" Sirin asked that since she knew that well enough. She saw how people reacted to Herrscher.
   What he did is very similar. He flattered a country and killed millions.
   "Indeed. Some people know, others don't. I have Realitus, and my Artificial Intelligence makes sure nothing happens." He explained plainly as he finally looked at her.
   "Nice hoody. Suits you well." He commented on the cat hoodie she had.
   "But there will be some people who will comment from sheer fear."
   "Not necessary," Tirpitz commented from the side as she was dressed more relaxed, too.
   "If you can't beat them, join them. This route is the most common route used by humanity. Some people won't like it, but many will also want to exploit this."
   The Battleship explained how she sees the circumstances.
   "As Tirpitz said. There are already signs of it." Marcus showed the local newspaper to Sirin.
   "Western companies are buying lands in my town."
   He pointed at the front-page story. It says, 'General Motors buys land around A6 highway for 3.6 million Euros'.
   "Funny how this is one of the biggest car companies in the world. Under their umbrella, there are a bunch of car brands." Marcus explained with an amused smile.
   "They are targeting my hobbies."
   "I thought your hobbies are making girls from sunken ships?" Sirin sarcastically commented.
   "Part of it, yes. But I started with cars, and from what my surveillance has uncovered is that people are researching every single scrap of me." Marcus didn't deny it. He explained more to her as well.
   "Of course they do. You understand that you became the most dangerous person on the planet?"
   "I do, but I don't care. That is why I am simply curious how far this will go." He returned to look at the newspaper. He noticed that the majority of the content of the newspaper is business stuff now.
   'Google, Samsung, and other tech companies have bought buildings or land. They are planning to try to butter me up in some way.'
   Marcus pondered on this. Some of the companies have not lifted off yet as well. The Inventor can't see Apple-
   'Where is Apple?'
   He then looked at the date.
   'Oh... right... We are still in 2008. As far as I know, Apple would reveal their first iPhone in 2007. But I made my own.
   What was the name of the phone again?'
   For a second, the inventor forgot how he called his phones.
   'Oh right, the G-Phone. The Goldman phone. How 'cute'.' He sarcastically thought about such a basic name he gave it.
   Marcus stroked his chin before summoning his console and checking the logs. However, his finger kept on going through files and files of stuff.
   Eventually, he found the model.
   'Ugh...what with these specs. Was I trying to create or more like reinvent a stone pickaxe?'
   He scoffed at 64 terabytes of hard drive based on neuron tech. He is sure that people in 2008 had something similar or even better.
   Still, after checking the phone's tech, he returned to ponder on other things.
   However, his eyes went to Freedom Mark IV.
   'Right, I still need to upgrade you.'
   As Marcus was in his world, Sirin deadpanned at him.
   "Is he always like this? We were talking, and he just went to his little world?"
   "That's the thing. The closer you are to the top level. The more resources he has. The more resources he has, the more things he can access.
   By following this logic, he can check everything happening in his town, nation if he wants, even the whole continent.
   Marcus' resources are only getting bigger and bigger."
   Athena explained to Sirin. The Herrscher slowly nodded her head.
   Regardless, she stopped thinking about this as Athena gave her warm food!
   Even Marcus dismissed his holographic windows when he smelled food.
   "The retrofits are done. We can move out after we finish breakfast."
   "Hell Yeah! I smell Food and War!" God of War sneaked back into the kitchen.
   "Behave!" Athena waved the frying pan at her half-brother.
   "Of course! You know me!"
   "...Right..."
   ~~~~~~Later, Space Centre~~~~~~
   The group arrived at the Space Centre; in front of them was the massive tower. But their eyes were on something parked.
   "Whoa... these are the retrofits!? Holy!" Ares looked at Confiscator.
   "Let me formally introduce you to Technocracy's Daedalus Class Assault Carrier 'Confiscator'."
   As Marcus said, people could see the hull was slightly different. The paint job on the side had the letters T.D.C.A.C. With the word Confiscator and number 1.
   "The first Technocracy act is to militarise my garage."
   "...What do you mean militarise? You already had military." Athena deadpanned at him.
   "I had bits and pieces all over the place. This act standardised everything.
   I already had S.P.B.A. In a semi-professional role. With Forward Knights, Assault Knights, and the Royal Guard, followed by M.G.M.I.
   Well M.G.M.I. Which stands for Marcus Goldman Mechanised Infantry, will be replaced by T.A.M.I Which standards for Technocracy's Autonomous Mechanised Infantry.
   The new units are already rolling out for this military division."
   "...W-Wait, does that mean S.P.B.A is getting upgraded!?" Gu Yuena asked with a giddy look.
   "Not quite. S.P.B.A. is just a regular army. What we are doing is creating an overall governing Military."
   "...And that means?"
   "What it means is a structured military, uniform, proper chain of command."
   "...Oh... Does that mean I will have to wear a military uniform now!?" The Dragoness complained.
   "Check this out." Marcus motioned with his hand and sent something over to her HUD.
   Gu Yuena checked the uniform design he sent to her.
   "Oh... nice, I like it!"
   What she saw were white and golden uniforms. The dominant colour for her was white, and the secondary was gold. On the shoulder patch, she had ten rings.
   These ten rings could only mean Solomon's ten rings. In other words, Marcus takes that as his official banner or signet.
   But this was not all she could see: stripes, meaning military ranks.
   "I can see quite a wide array of military uniforms. I suppose this is to help ship girls?" Gu Yuena noticed an assortment of uniforms. There is a third colour, which is an alternative. The third colour could be anything: purple, black, or even red or green.
   As long as white and gold are part of it, and rank is displayed, the person will pass.
   'But to think that Master will take such a stance...'
   For a second, Gu Yuena wondered why.
   But then it all went down to his pride. Marcus takes pride in his creations, and S.P.B.A. is his creation.
   "It is. My ship girls will come from at least three distinctive cultures to add to all of them; some flexibility is necessary."
   As the pair were talking, Sirin was using her HUD to check as well.
   It took her a few moments, but she saw it as well.
   'To think I will wear the military uniform.'
   Sirin already saw her uniform. Instead of her 'royal' garbs, she has a strict white uniform and miniskirt, with shoulder pauldrons with her rank displayed on her right shoulder.
   'G.A.T. stands for Grand Army of Technocracy-three letters inside the Ten Rings.
   Apparently, if you are from lower branches like S.P.B.A or T.A.M.I., the letters are under the rings.'
   "When did you create this? I was with you most of the time recently." Sirin asked with a slight frown. She didn't complain about her military uniform, which makes her still regal, but she wants to know when this happened!
   "When my faction got exposed. I realised my stuff was all over the place. So, I created the Technocracy Act. Aurora filled up details, like colouring, ranks, branches and things like that.
   While Quinella double-checked."
   "...so you just let A.I. and your assistant do whatever they want?"
   "You sound like they are foreigners." His eyes rolled at her.
   "Those two are extensions of my will. Now let's go."
   Ares' fist bumped hearing that. All that talking is making him sleepy.
   Regardless, girls who know this place noticed some differences. All of the Aurora Bots have been upgraded. They have markings on their shoulders. Actual I.D numbers and Ten Rings Symbol with G.A.T letters!
   And lastly, when they arrived at the ramp, rows of bulky armoured men in dominant gold and white waited for them. They had white capes with Ten Rings embodied on them.
   They had spears with black-red tips and tower shields.
   "...The Royal Guards."
   "According to G.A.T. Protocol, the Supreme Commander has to have his guards," Marcus commented casually.
   "...I am more concerned about how Serafall will react. Knowing her lousy track record with Protocol." Atalanta shrugged at this.
   She doesn't care. She is a maid. Her uniform didn't evolve.
   "...True...oh well." Marcus nodded at her.
   "Sir. Your new ring."
   One of the Royal Guards pulled out a white box, and with a hiss, it opened. Inside was a golden ring.
   "Oh, this is quick." The inventor slowly picked it up and inspected it.
   He could see lines with energy flowing through the entire ring.
   "What is that!?" Athena's eyes bulged as she could sense some sort of energy radiating from this ring!
   This energy is strange; it was like life itself, yet it was as loose as wind! How could something like this even exist?
   "Ring of Evolution." As Marcus said that, his other rings manifested.
   He had a pair of rings on both hands. On both hands, his index and middle fingers are occupied. This new one went on his right-hand ring finger.
   Once in place, his purple aura surged.
   The inventor looked at his hands after the aura settled.
   "To think that this is all there is to evolution." He said with a slightly disappointing tone.
   "Oh, well, it doesn't matter now. Let's go. We need to finish this thing called 'war'."
   As he walked the ramp up, Sirin spoke to Athena.
   "Did he just become even more powerful?" The Herrscher didn't see this coming at all!
   "Ring of Evolution; I assume this ring was created after you and Marcus took down Lilith."
   "...Yeah..."
   To think something like this could happen because of a simple fight.
   "Meh, you guys are thinking too much; now let's go! The airship is powering up." Ares, who was carrying his stuff, motioned to get to it!
   "...So- will I have to wear a uniform too?" Nyx, who was quiet the whole time, spoke finally.
   "You could wear a revealing maid uniform if you want," Atalanta smirked.
   *Hmph!*
   "White and gold are not my colours!"
   ~~~
   The retrofitted Confiscator's graviton projectors ignited at full power, and the airship rose above the Space Centre's hole's walls; once at an appropriate height, the vessel's nova thrusters propelled the warship forward.
   The navigation officer set the coordinates to the Baltic Sea, where they will cross to the Underworld.
   "How is the Twin Graviton Reactor?" Marcus asked the captain.
   "The power output increased by 100%. The resonance effect is truly fascinating." The captain said with a smile.
   "The power improvement is just a fundamental perk. The gravity waves flowing through the whole ship's structure make the vessel literal gravity well.
   Not only will this make people able to stand when this vessel is in space, but it will also protect the structure from incoming attacks."
   'And twin reactors resonating with each other are just beginning. Theoretically, there is no limit to how many reactors could resonate with each other.
   The next test is the four reactors aboard Ars Almadel Salomonis.'
   "Sir, we are leaving the space lock area of influence." The captain notified her creator.
   "Calculate the coordinates and charge the cannons."
   "Calculating coordinates."
   "Charging cannons with a space element."
   A few short seconds later, the twin cannons of Confiscator blasted, creating a portal to the Underworld.
   The airship flew into the portal, which closed behind a few seconds later.
   What greeted them on the other side was a purple sky and another spaceport and space centre under construction.
   This one is behind the one in Marcus' base. But still, people in the airship can recognise the tower structure.
   "Show me the map."
   A spherical map appeared in front of him. It was showing white and black factions.
   White faction is dominating the battlefield; more than 70% of the whole planet is under their control.
   "It appears that Angra Mainyu has chosen Fallen Angels territory as its base," Marcus commented with a pondering look.
   'This could only mean that this thing uses Azzazel's research to make something for himself.'
   "We shall fly towards where Grigori used to be. Rely this to all Airships."
   "Orders understood, notifying the fleet."
   "Athena, you can take Axiom for now, Quinella's airship," Marcus said to his Fiance.
   "...Hmm? I can have one?"
   "Yes, till the war ends. After that, I will arrange a permanent one for you."
   "...Fine. That would be interesting." Athena didn't need to think much. She could start learning to use Technocracy's forces. As the future wife of the leader, it would be embarrassing if she didn't know how to.
   As she replied, she saw another airship rising from the Space Centre below them.
   This ship is retrofitted Axiom. The difference is the colour of this vessel; instead of gold, it has pink graviton projectors.
   "Good. I know this airship is in good hands."
   With a nod, the Goddess left the bridge.
   "Once Athena left, the ship set course for the frontlines."
   "Understood."
   ~~~~~~Angra Mainyu~~~~~~
   'It appears I have been played. I have underestimated humanity's progress.'
   The Evil Incarnate was going through files on the computer used by Azazel.
   'To think that humans can automate this much.'
   The Primordial Deity read through all the notes left by Azazel on Marcus Goldman.
   What he read is very concerning and very real. He has lost his stranglehold on the Underworld, and the barrier set by Tartarus is still under Angra Mainyu's control. This barrier is keeping other forces out.
   But not that this matters; Marcus' forces are rapidly growing, and the massive vessels surround him from all sides.
   This situation is terrible, but he still has one card to play, well, two.
   He has Azi Dahaka and Fenrir.
   Both of which he turned into cores for his personal gear.
   "They are here."
   After saying that, the Primordial Being left Azzazel's lab and proceeded to fly.
   The possessed body looked around. Angra Mainyu could see airships in all directions.
   "Such an interesting way to use magic with human ingenuity."
   "I am almost jealous. But, not my way of doing things."
   After commenting, the being pulled out half a spear like an object of pure darkness.
   [DIABOLOS SCALE MAIL!!!]
   A pitch-black draconic armour surrounded the Incarnation of evil. Then, the next second, he pulled out a grey and black spear.
   Angra Mainyu turned the Godslaying wolf into a spear.
   "So this is your plan. Overwhelm everything with sheer brute strength concentrated in one place."
   Marcus appeared as he commented on what he saw before him.
   "Precisely! I have seen what you did! What things you created! And here I thought you were my rival! I thought we would have a war which would last for thousands of years!" The Primordial Evil said with a draconic undertone.
   "Is it? We had no deal to speak of, which concerns this war. You attacked that all there is to it."
   "There is no need for anything! Now die and give me your body!!!"
   With a roar, the being rushed forward and stabbed Marcus with his spear.
   "Ha! Now you are mine!" The Primordial smirked victoriously as it successfully stabbed the opponent.
   "What are you doing?"
   Marcus' voice said from behind.
   Angra Mainyu swiftly turned around and looked at the source.
   The incarnation of Evil saw Marcus just standing there.
   "Impossible!"
   It then looked where he had supposedly stabbed the Inventor.
   But there is nothing there.
   "Impossible? You allowed me to build up my forces in this world.
   You had superiority one to several million when I first arrived. But you allowed me to build up in this dimension. That is your biggest mistake, which costs you everything."
   "Be silent! You are heretic!"
   "...Oh? Heretic?"
   Once again, this time, Angra Mainyu threw the spear, which impaled Marcus.
   But Marcus just pulled it out from his 'body' and examined it.
   "Your gear-making techniques are amateur compared to your life creation ones or the curses.
   Pity, what you did to Fenrir." After saying that, he dropped the spear.
   With a roar, the Primordial rushed down and tried to punch Marcus. He did it, and Marcus flew away.
   "Not so smart ass, are you!?"
   "I am smarter than you." He spoke from behind.
   The moment it heard his voice, the Incarnation of Evil tried to backslap, but there was nothing there.
   "You're still clueless, aren't you?"
   "W-What is happening!? Where are you? I can sense you everywhere!"
   "This planet is under my complete control. The satellite system disperses the particles throughout the whole planet's surface.
   There is nowhere for you to go." Marcus said that as he appeared several metres away from it.
   "Then I will destroy all of this! I have more than enough power!"
   As Angra Mainyu said that, its voice started to sound panicky.
   The Primordial evil brough its hands closer and started to gather red and black energies. It was a much more empowered Power of Destruction. It was on a different level.
   "You're still clueless, aren't you?"
   The charge of energy dissolved midway! Angra Mainyu looked at his hands; they were shaking from disbelief, and it couldn't sense any of its power anymore!
   "Impossible! Solomon's power only turns off one source of energy! I have six!" The Primordial Evil, on purpose, gathered all those energy sources! Took over Ajuka's body! Did all of that hassle as Angra Mainyu knew its actual opponent was Solomon's successor!
   "You are basing this on what? If you think that I am the one who is blocking you, then you are wrong."
   "I-Imposible!"
   "Now, then, before you cease to exist, I have to thank you. Your existence forced me to develop certain things faster than I had initially thought.
   For that, you will have instantaneous death; you won't feel a thing. This is the least I can do." After saying that, Marcus just disappeared.
   "Get back here, Marcus Goldman! Face me in a battle!!!"
   The being roared with pure anger as it realised that Marcus was never here in the first place.
   ~~~~~~Aboard Confiscator~~~~~~
   "Does he think everyone plays by his rules? That thing thinks that he can decide anything? Such arrogance. He doesn't have anything to offer to me to leave my throne. Even the last two toys he prepared don't use anything of interest.
   Outdated tech, and Fenrir with Azi Dahaka? I can bring those back to peak condition." Marcus commented as he looked at the screen where Angra Mainyu was throwing a fit and trying to regain some sort of control over its powers.
   "Ars Almadel Salomonis is in position," Captain said to Marcus.
   "Activate Gravity Press."
   "Activating Gravity Press."
   Right before their eyes, Angra Mainyu slammed into the ground like a bug by an invisible force.
   "Oh, Oh! Can I give the honours!?" Nyx rushed over to Marcus' side.
   "Sure."
   "Great! Then fire! Incinerate that creep!" The Primordial pointed her finger.
   The gunner nodded and pressed a button.
   "Firing."
   A pillar of light slammed into the location of Angra Mainyu.
   ~~~~~~Aboard Salvation~~~~~~
   "Just like that, it was over," Serafall said with a relieved sigh. Her gaze was on the massive pillar of light energy disintegrating Angra Mainyu.
   "Yes. Now what?" Venelana said with a severe tone. She knows well enough this is where Marcus will start slicing cake however he wants.
   "We follow what he wants."
   Sure enough, Marcus appeared in front of them. He was sitting on his throne. One leg on another while his hand was holding his face.
   "Ships from 2 to 9 to secure the remaining lands. Ships from 10 to 18 to continue the advance to the depths of the Underworld.
   Every single inch of the Underworld is to be taken over."
   After saying that, he disappeared.
   "...Is he serious? Even the Greek Underworld!?" Serafall looked down. Her eyes were trembling. This is-
   Literal world domination!
   "It appears he is planning to take all of it."
   "We got our directions." The ship's captain notified the ex-Sitri.
   "...Then proceed with the directions." The last remaining Satan nodded with a tired sigh. She already realised that these girls wouldn't truly listen to her.
   The moment something is against Marcus' directive, even a tiny bit, they all rebel.
   'Thankfully, I was able to save more Pillar houses. It's impressive how the majority of the Phenex clan survived the conflict.'
   "...Ma'am, we are detecting a new force just left Confiscator!"
   "...Hmm? What about it?"
   "...It's...Greek God-Ares?" For a second, the comms officers were confused about what they saw on their radars. Aurora swiftly notified them that Ares was on their side.
   "...Just great. The Underworld is almost clean, and only now do we get literal War God to help!?" Serafall huffed. The other devils on the bridge were in a similar, annoyed state.
   "Still, it's better than nothing. We have actual gods assisting us." Venelana tried to look at their positive things.
   "Lady Gremory is right. At least some help." Roygun agreed with the brown-haired devil.
   "He is only here because of Marcus' connections with the Greek Pantheon." Serafall pointed out the apparent reason why the God of War was here.
   Regardless, it didn't matter now. With Angra Mainyu dead. The Wraiths lost the majority of abilities to perform. The creatures are going feral.
   As the devil-commanded airship was turning, they saw a massive vessel floating in air with long canons opening fire, raining continuous fire on the location on the ground.
   "..."
   It was a behemoth of metal with long barrels. It was a human ship bombarding multiple locations throughout the area.
   "...that's not Marcus airship."
   "A new ship girl." Serafall pouted while saying that.
   "Well, at least this one is cleaning up everything in its path." Roygun jokes, seeing the amount of destruction this thing can dish out.
   ~~~
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   "Hahahaha! It has been ages when I could get loose like this!" Ares, with bare hands, ripped a wraith in half. He laughed even more when he saw the wraith's armour shatter like glass.
   "Sir, my men have arrived!" The Greek Armoured man said with a respectful tone.
   "Yes. Finally! You have my thanks for answering my call, Leonidas!" Ares placed his helmet on his head before summoning a spear and shield.
   "It's an honour to fight alongside my God!" The ancient Spartan King said with an excited tone.
   "The honour is mine; it has been ages since I was in front lines, now let's go! We can't allow that girl with a big toy to finish these things and leave nothing for us!"
   The God of War said with a bloodthirsty grin as he saw the massive vessel in the distance raining death on Angra Mainyu's remaining creatures.
   "Yes!" Leonidas turned around and looked at 300 Spartans.
   "Sons of Sparta! Advance, let's show the Underworld how the men of Ares fight!"
   Battle cries followed as the infamous three hundred charged at feral-looking wraiths.
   The beasts of all sizes screeched and roared and started to dash at incoming Spartans.
   Since Angra Mainyu is dead, no one can maintain their 'perfect' forms. So, they all started to mutate.
   With Ares leading the charge, even if Spartans are 'normal' with their god next to them, they can perform at supernatural levels.
   On top of that, the more reckless they were, the better they would perform.
   Just like that, a cycle of frenzied slaughter started.
   ~~~
   Just like that, the final battles of the Underworld slowly came to an end.
   However, there are more battles on the way. The ten airships started to dive deeper into the underworld and claim all that land for Marcus Goldman and his Technocracy.
   ~~~
   For advanced chapters (+5 chapters, 25k words) my pat: pat reon.com/DragonsFics
   OR
   Discord: discord.gg/denoffanfics
   ~~~
   P.S.: I do weekly voting on Patreon if you want more chapters for this fic (or other fics ) vote there.
  
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   Chapter 78: Beginning of Integration
   3
   The devils were sighing in relief as news spread out that Marcus Goldman's faction defeated Evil Gods.
   In the Capital city of Lilith, a bunch of city blocks were given for devils to live temporarily.
   The rest of them will be demolished and allowed for nature to reclaim it. Some of the buildings will remain; however, how Technocracy works, city expansion won't be allowed easily.
   The government building will become a citadel, close to where the spaceport and space centre are. These two are connected by anti-gravity trains, which go from one to another
   Apart from that, there are barely any other buildings needed for Technocracy.
   Everything is very compact and efficient.
   Seeing how rapidly the city is shrinking terrified the devils for their lives.
   When they heard that Marcus Goldman won the war against Evil Gods, they decided to meet to discuss a possible route the devil kind could take.
   The remaining High-Class devils and Lords of Pillar met up in one of the buildings with a vast hall.
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   "The war is over; we must decide what to do." Zeoticus Gremory opened the conversation. His ancestor, Runeas, was with him. She had a serious look as well. One of the original Devils was devastated internally by how little of her species remained.
   "I don't see any sort of route apart from becoming Marcus Goldman subjects with how little there is of us. None of the Pantheons will bother with us, and our Homeland is under Marcus Goldman's control as well." Lord Phenex spoke his mind.
   "I agree with Lord Phenex. Even if he is Next Solomon, his faction saved my life, and his medical expertise awakened my mother from her sleeping disease." Sairaorg Bael said from the side with crossed arms.
   "But what will happen to us? What will Marcus Goldman do?"
   There was evident fear in other devils' voices. All of them are concerned about their well-being.
   "You will have options." A female voice said as the double doors opened, and a girl dressed in a white and gold military uniform strolled in. A pair of golden white armoured men accompanied her.
   That was not all, as behind them, there were two black-grey
   night-like men with dragon-winged helmets. They were less bulky than the guards, and they only had swords on their hips.
   "I am Quinella Aurora. I am from Technocracy. I hold the General Commander rank in the Grand Army of Technocracy."
   The platinum-haired girl introduced herself. There was a slight smile on her face. She will deal with all those tiny thingies, earning herself all those brownie points!
   "Well, then, General, what do you have to say?"
   With hand motion, she brushed her long hair, and several holograms appeared next to her. She started to explain.
   "Simple, you either join us, or we will deport you to the Human world." She flatly told them two options.
   "...but the Underworld is our homeland!" One of the devils said to her.
   "It was, yes, but then you lost it to some evil gods. Sad, I know, but then we invaded and removed those evil gods and rescued whatever Devils and Fallen Angels there were left." Quinella explained with a nearly bored tone. The key word is almost. She is still professional enough as she was doing her work.
   "There are still Fallen Angels around!?"
   "Yes, around 80 to 100 of them; they were hiding in the mountains like some cavemen."
   "My point is that this is an opportunity. Being part of a Technocracy means an impartial system recognises your merits.
   Research, development, innovation all of it will mean more credits, the same credits which you can use to buy land, foods, clothes and other things." Quinella started her salesman speech.
   "Any sort of utility bill won't exist. Water and electricity will be free, and the only thing one will pay is land taxes. These taxes will go to the government, and they will be allocated to things for which elected representatives will decide where to use those credits.
   But, if you think that there are politicians, then you are sadly mistaken. Laws, diplomacy, and other governmental things will be decided by the Supreme Commander's elected individuals."
   The group looked at holograms. They saw one crucial thing. They have no say in anything except in some self-governance. They can improve the infrastructure of their community, nothing more.
   Military, police, laws, policies- nothing! They can't decide any of that!
   But at the same time, there are no taxes. The minimal taxes will go to the community management to improve their lives. People will be elected to say their part. It will not be paid. That means they are there to tell about their interests and select those funds to improve their things.
   "...T-This is like we are part of an experiment!" one of the devils said as he realised what kind of system this is. It's a bubble! Those two hierarchies will never touch each other!
   "Because you are," Quinella said with an eye roll. It's in their name!
   "We are Technocracy. It means we are a faction which focuses on the development of science and magiktech.
   The results of these experiments will be applied when we colonise the solar system and beyond." She explained with a casual tone.
   "What does it mean for civilisation as a whole?" Zeoticus asked the girl.
   "Technocracy's Quantum AI has calculated that societies under the Supreme Commander will develop Capitalism leaning towards Research and Development.
   In a sense, everything is pretty much the same, but with less corruption, nepotism, and more concentrated development for you people." Quinella didn't mention those things for Technocracy as a whole, as Marcus does things arbitrarily and depending on his whims.
   Oh, and he assigns tasks depending on his whims, too. So yeah, these things only apply to the test subjects' society they are building.
   "I see and the pillars? As Solomon Successor, he has a pillar: how are they treated and related to this test?" As Lord Gremory asked, everyone waited for Quinella to explain.
   "Agares, Astaroth, and Sitri get special treatment for they are helpful to the Supreme Commander. Everyone who assists him gets preferred treatment."
   "...and Bael?" Zeoticus asked with a curious look.
   "What about Bael? Marcus may have made her his Bael clan, but her usefulness expired years ago. She never cared to improve her position. There is no need to discuss more."
   "...I see..."
   Zeoticus and Runeas, who was next to him, didn't say more after.
   "What do they get?" Lord Phenex asked.
   "What does a devil get for becoming a Pillar?"
   "For one elevation from this 'experiment'." She motioned around her.
   "Second, high ranking in the Grand Army structure. Soldiers, resources, and since we have Underworld original lands they ruled, and lastly, the Supreme Commander will bring deceased clan members back to life."
   "...He can do that?" Someone asked with sheer disbelief.
   "He created me from scratch. Something like inserting a soul into a slab of meat he can do with closed eyes and half asleep."
   "Then-"
   "If you want your relatives brought back to life, get noticed first. There are 'roads' and 'highways' which you can take; be useful, and you might get noticed." Quinella scoffed, seeing that happy look.
   "If you want to join Technocracy, we prepared several buildings close to the government building." After saying that, the Assistant turned around and left.
   Once she was gone with her men, the devils erupted into discussion; many of them pondered for a few moments before going to sign up.
   While devil survivors from the original pillars started to ponder how to get one of them as a pillar, It was just like how it was before. Becoming Marcus' pillar means one is part of the ruling class.
   The most obvious choice is to offer their daughters. It was an automatic conclusion. They didn't even feel a thing coming to it.
   Only one person didn't care, and that was Sairaorg. Who slightly scoffed and walked away. However, he will sign up to be a resident of Technocracy.
   The reason? So that his mother and peerage member could be safe.
   But then again. If it's about meritocracy and effort? Well, he has those in spades. If Marcus cares about efforts, Bael is confident that his work ethic will be noticed.
   ~~~
   As Confiscator was flying towards the entrance to the depths of the Underworld, Enterprise was reassigned back to her Admiral.
   The moment she walked onto the bridge. Her creator was in front of her.
   "Enti, so good to see you~" Marcus hugged his favourite aircraft carrier. His hand wrapped around her waist as he rubbed his cheek into hers.
   "A-Admiral. N-Not in front of everyone!~" Even if she complained, there was a smile on her face as she accepted the cuddling.
   "Don't worry. Everyone here knows that I love my girls~" His casual admission made all of them blush.
   Once he let her go, the girl swiftly tried to adjust.
   "R-Right." The girl looked down as she fixed her captain's hat. She then noticed someone looking at her. The gaze was quite intense.
   "...You are... Tirpitz." Enterprise realised who it was with a slight surprise.
   "...Yes. It's a pleasure to meet the infamous Grey Ghost." The Battleship slightly nodded with respect at the silver-haired girl.
   "...Likewise. I was there when the Admiral recovered you. Honestly, I am surprised how quickly everything happened." The silver-haired beauty commented with a slight surprise. The time gap between the recovery and now is just around two weeks.
   "I see." Tirpitz has nothing to add to that comment.
   "Good. Since you are all getting along, a new uniform is ready for you." Marcus got their attention, and the ship girls turned to face him.
   "...Yes, Admiral, I have noticed the reformation of the command structure."
   "Good. Then you know that as my creations, you all start at Lieutenant-Commander. That means that if I am to send you on a mission, you automatically assume command of the vessel or the outpost or base.
   But this is not all. Since you are a Lieutenant-Commander, there are higher ranks above those. With high performance, you will be promoted."
   Flames appeared in both girls' eyes. Sirin and Gu Yuena, standing at the site, could only look at each other for a bit.
   It might be a military hierarchy, but their women's instincts tell a different tale.
   Because of Marcus' tastes, the only people in this hierarchy are women. The higher their rank, the more 'love' they will get.
   The Inventor doesn't need to tell that. Hell, he probably didn't even realise what he had created. But honestly, he doesn't care. He wants a functioning military structure.
   If females treat it like a race, then let them do it.
   "Yes, Admiral! We understand! Our thanks for allowing us to serve you!" Enterprise thanked him. Tirpitz nodded alongside her.
   "Is it just me, or these ship girls are eating from his hand?" Sirin used her psionic power to speak directly into Gu Yuena's head.
   "You are not wrong. You have to remember that they are warships. They serve their admiral. Suppose he gives more chances for them to serve. The happier they are.
   Don't forget, they might look like humans, but they are not humans."
   The Herrscher slowly nodded her head. It did make sense to her after all; they are created by some wave method from all those ships' wrecks.
   "Good. Now, Enterprise, we will be arriving at the cavern's entrance. I want you to change your uniform by then."
   "Yes! Admiral!"
   The beauty nodded and then looked at Tirpitz. The battleship already had her uniform altered to the new 'standard'. She had that ten-ring shoulder patch. And some golden embroidery.
   Since Tirpitz's colour was always white, gold was a natural addition to her.
   After checking her, she left the bridge for a bit.
   "So how are we going to do it?" Nyx, who was watching them leisurely, asked.
   "Your airships are too big to enter those caverns." Primordial Night pointed out the obvious.
   "By foot." He replied without beating around the bush.
   "The airships will function as supply lines. Depending on circumstances and how much Hades will be resisting, unlike him, time for me is irrelevant.
   The longer he resists, the more soldiers I have. If he thinks he can hide behind space locks, then he is naive. And I don't think he is naive to that level."
   "No, he is not naive. Hades knows his butt is on fire. But he has his pride. He won't go down easily." Nyx, with a smirk, explained to him.
   "Too bad for him. My forces don't discriminate. I am the one who does it for them." As Marcus said that, he crossed his arms, walked over to the edge of the bridge, and looked at the mountains in the distance. A vast cavern was carved in one of the mountainsides.
   This cavern is not vast enough for Daedalus-class Airships.
   Eventually, the airship stopped next to the cavern.
   "Sir, we are detecting energy sources in the caverns."
   "Oh?"
   "Yes, the energy reading says- minotaurs, cerberuses, and the bat creatures."
   "Oh my, he is using his original forces to guard the depths of hell!" Nyx grinned while saying that.
   "You look excited; Nyx do you want fight for me?"
   Her eyes gleamed as she stood up. She showed her shoulder patch; her rank was- private!
   "I do. Since you want me to prove myself, I shall drown them in pitch darkness!"
   "Good, then you will be in the vanguard; we will follow you after."
   "...do so! There won't be anyone for you to fight; I will kill all of them!" After saying that, she waited for him to let her leave.
   "Go, show me why I should keep a primordial next to me."
   "Hehehe~" The Primordial walked not from the bridge with a grin.
   "Admiral, is it wise to allow her to fight all the enemies?" Tirpitz asked him with some concern.
   "Why not? Tirpitz, I have you, Enterprise, Gu Yuena and Sirin, and thousands upon thousands of Knights. If someone passes through Nyx, the rest of you will slaughter them.
   "I understand. Sorry for doubting. I do not doubt your power; I doubt other being's strength." The Battleship clarified herself.
   "It's okay, Tirpitz." Marcus smiled at his ship girl. All he got from the North Queen was a shy smile back.
   'He didn't mention me!' Atalanta huffed with crossed arms. He, indeed, has relegated her to the status of a cat, forgetting that she has battle experience! A lot of it!
   While Sirin slowly realises that she will be walking to the pits of hell! Real hell!
   'I wonder what Kiana Kaslana would think? Knowing that dense girl, she slowly grinding herself to dust in that world for the sake of its 'Beauty'.
   Just thinking about her reason for fighting makes me sick. Well- I can't brag about my reasons for fighting. I am fighting for a crazy man wanting to dominate the very cosmos.
   Why does he even want all that? Curiosity? I don't believe it.'
   Sirin tried to grasp this as her eyes followed him walking towards the doors; she slowly started to follow him just like his Dragon girl and the Ship girl, and of course, the maid. Will the maid will be even fighting?
   ~~~~~~The Base~~~~~~
   A pair of eyes slowly opened. For a second, there was confusion in his eyes.
   But then it changed into understanding.
   'Right, Nyx broke me in half. Damn, I never expected Primordials to enter into the fray.'
   Azazel finally woke up.
   [Governor-General, you are finally awake. Your body is stable. Broken spine has fully recovered]
   After saying that, the water began to drain out from the medical chamber he was inside.
   The Cadre stood up on his feet and looked at his hands. He was inspecting them.
   'This isn't regular surgery. One can't do it in a tank full of liquid. At least to my knowledge, no, the healing process was done differently.
   Not only do I feel recovered, I feel better than before. What did he do?'
   "How is the war going on? How long I was out?" Azazel asked the AI.
   [Currently, the Supreme Commander rules 100% of the Underworld's surface. Leaders of Hell Alliance are either dead or captured or joined Technocracy.]
   'Technocracy...huh... to think that Gods of Hell will accelerate Marcus' faction growth to the point that he reformed into a proper faction. Now we really are fucked.'
   "Do we know the perpetrators of this conflict?"
   [Hades was the original founder of that faction. Our calculation predicts his reasons that he looked for excuses to act. That excuse was the Supreme Commander's engagement to Athena.]
   '...damn, for a human from another faction to marry an Olympian. Marcus truly terrified Olympus.' Azazel is not even commenting on Marcus' spoil of war being Artemis.
   "So surface dwellers of the Underworld were just stepping stones for a higher conflict." The Governor General said with a twitchy smile. The moment they realised that their old man was gone. Other Pantheons branded them a third-rate faction.
   [Correct, according to Nyx, the Alliance of Hell planned to use the Underworld as mustering grounds for Earth invasion.]
   "And now? What is the situation?"
   [The Conquest of Underworld layers has begun.]
   'So Hades dug his own bony grave.'
   "And what of my people? And the devils? Did angels do anything?"
   [We have discovered 88 fallen angels in a cavern in the Underworld. The current amount of living devils is 147. Angels didn't do anything. However, the Norse responded and sent Baldur and Thor. Their fates are unknown. But according to our recovered data, they could have been absorbed by Angra Mainyu.]
   Azazel pondered for a bit. He tried to look nonchalant, but part of him cried at the loss.
   "...What are the plans for recovery?"
   [The Supreme Commander is planning to recover the devil-kind population. As well as adjust their fertility for faster recovery.
   His priorities are Astaroth, Agares and Sitri clans.]
   'So his pillars will get premium treatment. I expect nothing less from Solomon's Successor.
   But this is fine. My Fallen Angels are sinful just as much as Devils.'
   "I see. My thanks."
   [I was told to brief you once you recover.]
   "Regardless, my thanks."
   [A set of clothes is provided for you. A shuttle will take you to the Underworld. The Underworld is still sealed. Technocracy will adjust the seal for their purposes.]
   'Of course he will.'
   [Lastly, some information which you will find helpful.]
   "Oh?"
   [From my observation, I noticed that you are close to Vali Lucifer. Currently, he is in medical chambers in Lilith. Recovering from an erupted heart.]
   "E-Erupted heart!?" Even if devils are considered supernatural, they can't survive without a heart!
   [Yes. His teammate reported that they engaged Angra Mainyu in combat, and the Primordial Evil nearly took his body over.]
   Azazel's eyes widened for a second. They engaged Angra Mainyu!?
   [To stop it, he blew his own heart. Thankfully, his Yokai teammate maintained his body until he was brought into a healing chamber.]
   "I see...I will take that offer to take a shuttle to Underworld."
   [Maids will show you the way.]
   After saying that, the AI went silent on him.
   Seeing that the conversation was over, the Fallen Angel proceeded to dress up.
   Once that was out of the way, the moment he left the room, he was greeted by a surprise!
   "...Grayfia Lucifuge..."
   The Cadre was surprised for a few seconds before he recovered.
   "...I assume you are serving Solomon because Crimson Satan is dead?"
   The silver-haired maid didn't respond for a while.
   "...In a way. Now, follow me; I will show you where you can take your shuttle."
   Her response told him a different tale.
   'Now that is curious. Did Marcus infiltrate Devils far more than I initially thought!? Did he have Lucifer's Queen as his pillar!? But she is not a pillar but an extra devil!'
   Azazel ignored the other maid, who was with Grayfia. The Goddess of the Norse Underworld could only swallow the bitter pill that people don't care about her Goddess status.
   Even though Hel is pretty powerful compared to Azazel!
   Regardless, the governor-general followed the pair of maids through the main corridor and then took a lift to the living floor and walked to the train platform.
   The fallen Angel noticed the changes.
   He immediately wondered how long he was out!? That AI never answered his question!
   "...How long was I out?"
   "8 days."
   "...I see..."
   'Yet, the technology in this place leapt forward. Holy! I don't even understand what I am seeing.'
   He stroked his chin, seeing that the train arrived. A loud hiss followed as the doors opened.
   'So there is no air resistance, that much I understand. But why is the train shaped like that? Those look like some sort of projectors.'
   As they got into the train, the doors closed, and the train started moving.
   "What are devil kin plans going forward?"
   "You should worry about your species, Governor General," Grayfia replied indifferently.
   "I am; this is why I am asking."
   *Snort*
   "Following Technocracy's policies, Devils and Fallen Angels will be offered test subject status. That means all of the population will be offered to participate in our ongoing social experiments for future colonisation of the Solar system and beyond."
   "...That doesn't sound nice, now does it?" Azazel frowned when he heard the words 'experiment' and 'subjects'.
   "It is what it is. This faction is a Technocracy. I follow someone who is constantly inventing and researching to satisfy his curiosity.
   Even if it sounds 'bad', people won't need to bother with things like utility, health, and job security. However, on the other hand, we demand more as we offer more. The basic principle didn't change its give-and-take relationship."
   "And if the remaining people of my species don't want to accept this?"
   "Then I hope your kin have a place to go because we have conquered the Underworld from the evil gods, not Devils or Fallen who used to control it."
   Azazel's smile twitched for a second.
   'Right. Of course, Marcus finished what his predecessor started.'
   "I will discuss with the remaining Fallen about the arrangements."
   [Arriving at Technocracy's Space Port, Mind the gap between the train and the platform. Thank you for travelling with Garage Rapid Transit]
   "..."
   "..."
   1
   "..."
   The trio left the train, which was parked- vertically! Once they left the train, they didn't realise that they had been standing vertically before!
   Azazel needed to double-take at this!
   "Wait! But!" The Governor General massaged his forehead. The centre of gravity didn't change. His senses were locked on the train the whole time. He tried to figure out what is the perk of this machine.
   Turns out it's gravity! Waves! The whole resonance thing Marcus was gushing about when he first arrived here.
   'To think that Vali would affect him to this degree. Bloody hell.'
   The Cadre Fallen could only grimace. This development was his fault, but oh well, curiosity made him fall from grace; it was his sin. Something he can't change about himself.
   As he walked forward, he soon realised where he was. He was on an enormous tower overlooking a green expanse. On the horizon, he can see a city or a town.
   The place he was was a hangar with parked shuttles, mechs, and armoured men. These men were most likely the Spaceport security.
   "Governor General, your shuttle is ready." One of the knight-like people walked over. He was dressed in grey armour and had a shoulder pat; behind him were more men with beam energy pikes.
   The ever-curious Governor inspected the shoulder pad. He could see the emblem of a tower surrounded by ten rings. The symbol was in the form of a medieval shield. Below this shield were carved words 'SECURITY'.
   'Yep, thought so.'
   "Thank you."
   Before Azazel could even say anything, the maids had already retreated!
   'Damn, ladies here are so cruel!'
   The governor got into the shuttle, which started to fly when he entered it.
   He quickly realised that they were going to space! But then his eyes narrowed as he saw them pass through some sort of barrier, and on the other side of the barrier was a portal!
   This portal took him to the Underworld!
   "I see... so that's how it is-monopolising the Underworld and the only entrance into it.
   How human of him."
   He didn't know if he should be sad or angry about this. The Biblical faction, ever since the Great War, tried to copy humans as much as they could.
   After all, their old man praised humans and all that. But now, the human is holding them in his palm.
   Sure enough, he saw another tower being built at the side of Lilith.
   Azazel never expected the Devil Capital to be turned into this.
   The shuttle dropped him at the entrance of the massive castle-like building. This building was the Government Palace. People were waiting for him just outside of it.
   "Governor-General. You have awakened at just at the right time I needed you." A girl with long hair and a smile more like a smirk greeted him.
   "I feel that I woke up when you wanted me to wake up." The Fallen Angel felt that the AI could manipulate when he woke up.
   "You must be dreaming~. I am Quinella Aurora, Marcus' assistant and General-Commander of the Grand Army." She introduced herself.
   "...A big shot. What can I do for you?" The Cadre asked smoothly.
   "We will see what you can do. I am here to take you to your Fallen comrades, and then you will decide what you will do next. Either induce them into the Technocracy, or I will help them leave the Underworld."
   'So that's how it is.'
   "...Is it necessary? The Underworld is a big place. There is enough space for everyone." The Fallen Angel tried to 'negotiate' with a smile.
   "It's sad to say it's not how this works. Over 80% of the underworld is already allocated for future tests and experiments.
   From social experiments to terraforming, we plan to introduce natural circulation, which your father destroyed, by the way." Quinella needed to remind him about that.
   "This place will be fixed and return to how it was before. With more than half of the surface being water once more."
   Azazel grimaced upon hearing that. These people are hardcore.
   "To think that you people have the infrastructure to terraform planets."
   "We are almost there, Governor-General. Whatever ambition my Master has, we are created to make it a reality. Just like how you Angels, Fallen Angels, were created to make your creator's desires into reality, so I am created for that purpose."
   "...are you saying that you have no free will?"
   "That's where you and I differ. I don't have defects like that. When I was first programmed as an AI and then given a body, I knew what was expected of me."
   "And you never consider not following those directions?" He enquired curiously. It has been a while since Azazel spoke to a creation like this.
   However, his question made her slightly angry.
   "As I mentioned, don't lump me with your Biblical kin. Your creator recklessly created beings who don't have similar or identical perspectives as the creator.
   I am proud of who I am. I know my goals, my Master goals, all of them are interwoven into one faction, which we call Technocracy."
   Azazel, who had his arms crossed, could only nod a couple of times. He was- impressed AND jealous. Why did he never consider creating hot girls himself?
   "Say, does Marcus take apprentices?"
   His response made her aura get out of control for a second. Her hand twitched. She nearly turned this guy into a vegetable.
   "First, you must be part of Technocracy to consider such an arrangement! Now come! We need to recover your kin." She motioned for him to follow her.
   With a nod, the Fallen Angel followed her.
   The Cadre is already plotting his future lab life. What Quinella said to him inspired him to work even harder!
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   ~~~~~~Around Same Time, Aboard Confiscator~~~~~~
   The main lift took the group from the bridge to the hangar bay.
   As they were walking, Marcus was pondering on the integration of all of the Underworld into his Technocracy's ecosystem.
   The whole thing is like an ant nest. Tunnels all over the place, stretching through several layers of existence.
   To properly take it over, he needs space locks throughout the whole thing. To do that, they must explore it and strategically place those space locks.
   As Marcus thought about that, his eyes went to the side and locked on how Aurora retrofitted the bay.
   The Yeagers were stored next to the walls; the Spider walkers got similar treatment, while XC-M1 got specially prepared bays for storage.
   "So those are the Dragoons!" His eyes went to the humanoid mobile suits locked to the hangar's inner walls.
   "The mounts of Integrity Knights." The Inventor hummed while seeing these.
   "I will be piloting one. I do believe the tunnels of the Underworld will be an optimal challenge for test runs." As he said that, he got an even greater idea.
   "That's a great idea. We can use these tunnels between layers as testing grounds for future mech models."
   "Of course, space models will be tested in the asteroid belt."
   "...Sounds interesting. Can I pilot one?" Gu Yuena asked him. She got the idea to try it out. As if this is not the first time she piloted a suit of some sort.
   "Of course. We can take time to see who collects laps first." Marcus suggested with a smile.
   "That sounds interesting!"
   "Yes, but first, we have to map the area out. After that, we can do a race or two." The inventor proceeded to walk towards the closest Dragoon.
   "Yes! Let's go!"
   The Dragoness rushed after him.
   "...Why do they act like a bunch of kids?" Sirin asked with a sigh.
   "Because Marcus matured in a strange way while Gu Yuena is trying to get his attention.
   It's a war for his attention." Atalanta explained with crossed arms.
   ~~~
   For advanced chapters (+5 chapters, 25k words) my pat: pat reon.com/DragonsFics
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   ~~~
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   Chapter 79: Invading Hell
   Marcus inspected the stationed Dragoon. His hands brushed past it, walking back and forth. Seeing a legitimate mobile suit makes part of him sing in happiness.
   1
   Something akin to an awakening of an inner nerd. This machine was entirely created by Quinella, a division just for her.
   The Inventor took a few of them and stationed them in his Confiscator as he wanted to test them out.
   It would be a crime not to do that.
   After checking the exterior, he took the stairs up and went to the front of the machine from the back.
   The stomach area of the machine slides out, revealing a seat. With a small smile, Marcus walked over and sat down. The moment he did, the seat slid back into the machine.
   2
   Once inside, the crystalline screens turned on. They surround him from all sides-a sphere cockpit where one could see from all angles.
   With the screen online, he could see the OS boot up. The seat adjusted to him, and the control sticks came from the sides of the cockpit.
   1
   'Not bad, not bad at all. To think that my darling is already capable of such machine designs. All these small touches.'
   Marcus was proud of what his Quinella had created. He saw a subtle psionic interface from the schematics he had just loaded. These machines have a Triangle version of Twin Dragon Diamond Core, as well as an M.T.M reactor, quite an overkill, but he can see what she was cooking.
   The diamond reactor is to power the frame purely, the 18 nova thrusters and Graviton support. The M.T.M kinetic reactor is to power weaponry, nothing else. Quinella designs this machine to wage war, not battle. The machine will operate until someone creates something that can outperform Twin Dragon Diamond Core and could damage this thing.
   'The girl is serious with the 'Elites' tag she placed on these machines.' Marcus thought to himself as his eyes continued to inspect the frame's schematics.
   After checking them, he dismissed the window mentally and then pressed a button on the control sticks.
   The button triggered the release of the magnetic hold, and the walk bridge lifted, allowing the Dragoon to walk towards the runway.
   "Well, this runway is quite a mobile suit unfriendly. Aurora, place a note about the magnetic railing runway. We should be ashamed to use primitive jet fighter runways."
   2
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   As he was 'burning' himself, he pulled the right control stick to the middle. The Dragoon transformed or, more like, dropped into a jet fighter mode.
   This control arrangement was a subtle nod to Tristan Knightmare from Code Geass. It's a slick nod from Quinella to one of the best mecha shows.
   [Leaving a note]
   The AI replied to Marcus as he brought the Dragoon to the runway. Instead of wheels, the plane mode has several graviton projectors, which is a good choice in the long term as the integrity knights could launch these mobile suits in different ways depending on how the combat situation requires.
   The inventor's left hand went to the side, just next to the control stick and put the hand on the lever. That is thruster control.
   He pushed it all up. There is a subtle notification there. The more he pushed it up, the redder it was. At the lowest, it was very light green. At the max, it was dark red.
   This detail indicated that all 18 thrusters will be operating at max.
   Marcus saw how the machine reacted to that. The speedometer went from Kilometres to Match the speed of sound.
   "Very nice, Quinella, very nice. I like those small details."
   Once the runway was empty, Marcus pressed the throttle, and the Dragoon blasted out from the Confiscator and right into the caverns.
   The Inventor swiftly needed to turn as the mobile suit approached a wall.
   The speed of this thing was very impressive. Because of such close proximity to walls, Solomon's successor needed to pay attention to how quickly he was moving and needed to turn.
   "Impressive, the subtle use of graviton projectors around the cockpit negates the G-force, the air resistance creates kinetic energy which ends up absorbed by the frame and feeds the M.T.M reactor," Marcus commented about the machine he was piloting.
   His whole attention was on the screen as he focused on piloting in such claustrophobic conditions.
   "Aurora, are you mapping the route I am flying?"
   [Yes, sir]
   "Good."
   As he sharply nodded, the very next second, he used the psionic interface to see if the Silver-Haired Dragoness was following him.
   A slight smirk appeared on his lips as he saw she was trying to keep up.
   "Do try to keep up, Na'er." Marcus teased her over the comms.
   "I will!"
   ~~~~~~Meanwhile, Greek Underworld~~~~~~
   Even if one could not discern what kind of expression Hades had because of his Skeletal appearance, the aura he emitted was more than enough.
   The Underworld God's aura was as solemn as it could get. One of the Trinity Gods of the Greek Pantheon pondered how he could escape from this with his 'hide' intact.
   Millions of soldiers breach all of the Underworld entrances. They are slowly marching towards his realm. It was like a ticking time bomb, and he, like a prisoner, chained to a chair, forced to watch it tick.
   'This is very bad. With the amount of soldiers they have, he has me put in a corner. My soul reserves are dwindling thanks to the war.
   This move is a checkmate for me.'
   With a hand motion, he appeared on his throne and sat down. He then contacted Olympus.
   "Hades, you are too late. I do not have the means to stop what is happening." Zeus went straight to the point.
   The current accident is not the first time. Over the past 5+ thousand years, Hades had rebelled, sealed himself, or caused a scene of some sort.
   So, the King of Gods knew why his brother contacted him. Hades wants to be saved in some sort of form and keep some of that pride intact. Sadly for him, such a thing is not possible.
   "Zeus, do you even comprehend what you are saying? Our Pantheon is getting under attack! If I lose, Greeks won't have an Underworld!" The Skeletal God exclaimed with anger. His hand was clenching his staff hard, and his teeth were gnashing from the sheer anger he was feeling at this moment. Not even his skeletal form can clench the anger.
   "I already dealt with that. Athena and Ares are with Marcus Goldman. Continued use of the Underworld has been granted to us. In truth, Marcus will even build a special prison for us where any sort of enemy can be sealed away for good." Zeus explained with smooth and barely hidden smugness.
   The King of Gods didn't tell his brother that Marcus only accepted this as he would be allowed to experiment on prisoners.
   Not that Zeus cares what will happen to those cast aside to the Underworld.
   As The God of Sky was basking in 'his' achievements, Hades trembled as he realised what was going on! Olympus has abandoned him!
   "You passive curl! Do you even realise what this means!? I tried to bring glory back to our Pantheon!!! Destroy those upstarts! Put humans in their place! All you did was bow your head to a mere human!
   Fine! If this is the case, then so be it!"
   With a smack of his staff, Hades dismissed his communication with Olympus, then stood up from his throne and walked away.
   It was time for him to prepare for his last stand.
   ~~~
   The second layer of the Underworld is Hades Realm, which is quite bad for Hades himself. Marcus' soldiers swiftly surrounded all the entrance points to Hades Realm.
   At this moment, Hades has sealed the doors to his realm. Massive obsidian doors donned with gold ornaments are between Marcus' troops and the Greek Underworld.
   As the G.A.T. Knights are surrounding the entrances, Aurora Bots are preparing the siege. Since the cavern is not that big, they can't bring massive siege equipment. Not that Technocracy cares or is in any rush.
   Instead, the Aurora Bots equipped with M.T.M reactors started to build massive cannons to blow off the gates from all the entrances, not that Marcus needs one where he is. He has a Battleship!
   While the army prepares for a siege, the gunships continue dropping off the Knights.
   One of these gunships is carrying Sirin and Atalanta; the pair are looking through small gaps on the side of the gunship.
   The amount of G.A.T knights is enough to form a snake-like formation. It was neat and very orderly.
   "Aren't we flying for over ten minutes? I still can't see the end of them." The Herrscher last time saw this many- people? Are they people? Well, human-like beings in Arc City. But that was because it was a city. She had never seen this many combat-ready personnel before!
   "At this moment, Technocracy has close to 4 million Forward Knights and close to a million Assault Knights. Depending on Master's mood, he adds 30 to 13 thousand of them per day."
   "...This is closer to god-like behaviour than human." Sirin casually mentioned what she was thinking, her eyes still on the formation on the ground, slowly moving through the labyrinth-like tunnels. Thankfully, this place has cave-like crystals sticking out all over the place, giving them some natural light.
   "And who decides what is what, Sirin? As a literal pet to Marcus, I started questioning certain things. Who decides these definitions? Why do Gods call themselves Gods? Who decided that?
   Does the power they wield tell them to call themselves Gods? Or is it because they were the first ones to be spawned by the world?
   Ultimately, I believe they took those titles by themselves and decided to do that. Because, at this moment, nothing matters. Just look where we are." Atalanta pointed at what was outside. They were about to invade THE Hell!
   "We are leading an army to invade actual hell!"
   "...I see your point. I am slightly ashamed to say that I did call myself a God once." The Void Queen slightly blushed from embarrassment as she said that.
   Compared to what she saw, people in this place have more power than her. And are much more durable than her.
   Well, her example is Marcus; the rest do not truly matter.
   "...I see. Then it's power, is it not? If you are powerful, you can call yourself one." Atalanta was getting all philosophical. One does as when one lives at such extremes.
   "...You want my answer?" Sirin asked curiously.
   "I do; your roots are from a completely different reality." The Lion Maid asked her as she moved her head away from looking outside and looked at Herrscher instead.
   *Sigh*
   The Herrscher sighed with her eyes open wide; what could she say? Being a little girl manipulated by some alien will that controls the particles?
   "My opinion doesn't mean much, but since you asked. I would say that the man who brought me to this place is the closest thing to a God.
   But my opinion is very biassed. Since I am part of his faction." She showed her the shoulder patch she had-the Ten Rings.
   "The other Gods I saw are maids or a Fiance, which used her connections to get to him. They are more humans than gods."
   "Precisely my point." Atalanta nodded at her words before her eyes returned to the army on the ground.
   They have been flying for a while.
   ~~~
   As the gunships landed, the side doors slid away and allowed people to leave.
   Sirin and Atalanta left and proceeded to walk to the temporary forward base.
   They can see it was like a mini fortress hastily erected. Where Atalanta is used to seeing wooden versions of these, this time around, it looked like it was metal of some sort.
   As they were slowly walking there, another gunship landed. As the doors slid to the side, they revealed a familiar group. It was Artemis, Hypolyta and Jeanne.
   The Lioness' eyes perked up seeing those. She proceeded to walk towards them instead of the forward base.
   Sirin, for a second, looked confused, but then she saw where the maid was going. She looked curious at these three.
   "That silver-haired woman with blue eyes is Goddess Artemis." As if knowing the huntress-turned-house cat explained to Herrscher.
   "Oh."
   'Marcus' greatest spoil of war before Nyx. Very interesting.'
   Sirin has heard bits and pieces from Atalanta about Artemis. The Goddess of the Moon was considered an ambitious woman.
   It does make sense to her. This woman was worshipped as a Goddess for 99.99% of her life, and now she was reduced to a maid.
   So, she is trying to regain some of that prestige. The best way to do that is to become the wife of Marcus Goldman.
   'But. I don't see that happening. I am very confident that with his intelligence, he can see what she is planning. I do think it's his sadism at work enjoying watching this Goddess struggle towards something she has very little chance of achieving.'
   Sirin, being a fellow sadist, can see between those lines what is going on.
   "Atalanta, what is going on? What is with these new armours?" Artemis was confused seeing three types of Forward Knight types of soldiers!
   She hates being out of the loop!
   "Goddess, you didn't follow the updates? Thanks to this war, the armies went through several 'revolutions'." Atalanta said straight to the point. The Lioness wasn't surprised that Artemis wasn't following anything. The Goddess is not tech-savvy, after all.
   "...But it was only around a week! How much did it change!?" Artemis' blue eyes went to the side and looked at the knights. She could see a new armour type, the second and the old type. They were all mixed up in the formations.
   Just how fast all of this happened!?
   "Week is more than enough. You have seen how our Master advances." Jeanne wasn't surprised. Hypolyta nodded at the blonde's words. She was in the same boat.
   Instead, they looked at the girl with orange eyes and strange pupils.
   "...you must be Master's new creation?" Hyppolita asked with a knowing tone.
   "In a way, I am."
   "In a way?"
   "Yes. Regardless, we should go and see what-Marcus is doing. No doubt he is waiting for us." The Herrscher motioned for them to walk towards the temporary base they had built at the side of the cavern's wall.
   "She is right, let's go." Artemis nodded at the white-haired girl's words. She looked at her for a bit. Her Divinity analysed this girl.
   What she sensed from her made her somewhat apprehensive. She hasn't felt something like this for a while.
   This girl is a killer; someone who could bathe millions in blood without batting an eye. That's what she is sensing from this girl's soul.
   'What did Master create this time?' Artemis pondered this as they were walking towards the forward base.
   Less than a minute later, they were at the heart of the base.
   A holographic map was in front of Marcus. This map shows entrance points to Hades Realm.
   "This is the final battle of this war. With the fall of Hades' Underworld, the rest of the layers will free-fall." As Marcus explained to Gu Yuena and his ship girls, he noticed new arrivals.
   "Oh, what do we have here? My maids are back." The Inventor smiled slightly as he noticed them, so he turned towards the five girls walking over.
   All three of them slightly bowed to him. Sirin was somewhat intrigued to see a goddess bow!
   To think that he had 'tamed' the Goddess of the Moon to this extent!
   "Yes. We have returned. The fighting has officially ended on the surface of the Underworld." Artemis explained to him as she looked at the new Ship girl.
   'It was just over a week, and he has two new creations. The whole war was a mistake, uncle, and now you will pay for it.'
   That's right. If not for the war, Artemis could have had a better chance in her 'grand plan,' but it's getting increasingly out of hand.
   Her stay as a maid is looking more and more like a possibility.
   "Good, I assume only a few stranglers are left, nothing for us to worry about. For now, we should focus on things at hand."
   The trio nodded at Marcus' words and walked over to the map. Artemis' eyes scanned the content of the map.
   'To think that someone could surround Uncle's underworld. S.P.B.A surrounds every single exit and entrance. The only possible exit that could be used is to the human world directly, but then Uncle would need to remove the space lock.'
   The Goddess of the Hunt realised that her uncle had boxed himself in. Not that he ever considered that someone would have enough resources to surround literal hell.
   "The main bulk of the forces is with me. I plan to break through these gates and make Hades focus on me while he does that; G.A.T. will breach the other entrances along the way.
   Before he realises, we will pin him from all sides."
   "Good plan, but you should be wary of the grim reapers. Uncle hasn't used them yet." Artemis recalled Pluto and Thanatos.
   "Goddess is right. Hades' Grim Reapers are strong and have weird powers." Hyppolita warned the group.
   "Then I hope they have enough of them to cause a threat to us." Marcus acknowledged the enemies for whatever they were worth.
   Lastly, he looked at Tirpitz, his battleship.
   "Tirpitz, you will destroy the gates for me with your battleship." The Inventor said that with a small smile. It was time for his North Queen to show the power of the battleship in cannon mode.
   "Understood, I won't disappoint you."
   'So she is a battleship.'
   The maids were storing the new information away. Le Fay would snort at them for being stupid and not just checking the information on logs. But they are far too old-fashioned.
   'Now that I think about it. Where is Le Fay? She never did join us in a fight.' Jeanne looked around, but she couldn't see Le Fay.
   Saint Reborn didn't realise that the Witch was working her way to the top. The witch is a witch, which means she can adjust to her surroundings. She is an ambitious and intelligent person who adapts to her circumstances.
   The witch is working directly for the Head Maid and assistant. Since Le Fay can't replace the house cat position, she can become valuable to the Head Maid and Assistant.
   If she is to show that she is obsessed with Marcus to those two, they will be much more lenient and willing to share some of the plans and schemes.
   That's why Le Fay is not with Marcus at this moment. She wouldn't be helpful to him at this moment.
   "Good. What about you three? Did you rest enough? Can we start the assault?" His question got them by surprise. They swiftly nodded their heads.
   'So that's how it is.' Sirin observed the interaction between him and the maids. She noticed peculiar behaviour.
   Marcus, from time to time, would ask things which would make them be kept on their toes.
   Like now, he is 'postponing' the attack because of them. But Sirin knows better. This question is just an act, as he knows they will say they are rested.
   'I still don't know if it's his sadism or if he just likes to mess with them.'
   "We are fine. You can start the assault." Artemis swiftly nodded.
   "Good. Then, Tirpitz, you may start and Enterprise, notify the troops."
   "Understood, Admiral."
   "Yes, leave it to me." The pair started to walk towards the exit.
   As they walked away, Marcus looked at the maids he had not seen for over a week. He smiled slightly at them. That smile made the maids start blushing.
   "M-Master, we have slain many enemies in your name," Jeanne said proudly.
   "Good, we can discuss rewards and things like that after Hell falls." The inventor nodded at her. He was interested in the results.
   He wants to see which of them is more dedicated to him.
   "Yes!"
   The trio got excited about the whole reward thing. Well, only Hyppolita and Jeanne, as Artemis didn't show on her face. Well, her eyes trembled from possible rewards!
   ~~~
   Tirpitz walked in from the sealed gates, and a massive golden ripple appeared behind her, tens of metres above the ground.
   This ripple grew in size until it became tens of metres wide.
   Slowly, a metallic construct similar to a ship floated out from the ripple.
   The battleship started to transform, the hull split in half vertically, becoming a massive cannon, unlike Enterprise, which has a 'crew', Starscream fighter squadrons. Bismarck's class is all about firepower. Tirpitz IS one man's army.
   As the transformation was complete, the energy gathered in the barrel. The dual Diamond reactors rerouted all the power to charge a beam for destruction.
   Less than a minute later, the beam was released from the cannon, slamming into the gates the next second.
   There was no explosion, and there was no explosive substance. Instead, the gates started to melt away like ice exposed to heat rays.
   Slowly, the other side started to be revealed. Marcus looked at this with a small smile. Part of him still doesn't believe that he is waging war to conquer the very hell itself.
   But it is what it is. He needs to conquer this place; he needs to put Hades in his place. If he leaves this God alone, he will wage something in the future.
   Marcus knows that he is not all-knowing. Someone like Hades could potentially discover some weakness the inventor didn't perceive before.
   That's a potential he doesn't want to deal with in future. These Underworld Gods are a tricky bunch mingling so close to Death.
   He would rather deal with Gods of Wisdom or War.
   'But that's until I understand everything there is to understand about life and death; once that is out of the way- well...'
   'There won't be any need to fear anything.'
   As the doors melted away, things started to pour from the other side.
   "To think that he will go on offence instead of defence!" Jeanne and Hyppolyta were surprised by Hades' move.
   Massive bats, cerberuses, hell hounds, lamias, and other things started to pour towards G.A.T Knights.
   "Fire. Destroy all of them."
   When Marcus said that, everyone opened fire, and light mana started raining on the creatures.
   The Spider walkers' metallic horns roared as they moved forward, and the Yeagers started to dash forward. This battle was the last of this war.
   "We should join," Artemis commented as she summoned her bow.
   "Are you sure? You will be fighting against your uncle." Marcus asked her.
   Artemis looked at him with a slight deadpan look.
   "To think my Master will question my loyalty this late in the game. I am slightly hurt."
   "..." Marcus doesn't know how to reply to that.
   "He might be my uncle, but I am part of your faction, not whatever renegade thing he has created," Artemis explained as she looked at the battlefield.
   "Fine. You three can join." The inventor motioned for them to get to it.
   "Great!"
   "Let's go!"
   Jeanne and Hyppolyta rushed into the battlefield while Artemis dashed towards one of the spider walkers, jumped on top of it, and started to shoot her arrows from the walker.
   "Well, and you two?"
   Marcus turned to Gu Yuena and Sirin.
   "I will have to wait for a bit. The particles here are too sparse for me." The Herrscher casually shrugged. She was in no rush to fight forces from hell.
   "And my place is next to you." At the same time, the Dragoness acted like his bodyguard.
   "I see..."
   With a nod, he pulled out his tablet and checked something.
   [Ars Almadel Salomonis Support: Positioning]
   'Well, this was expected. However, this data.' Instead of Satellite weapon support, Marcus looked at the data.
   "Damn, to think that Hades could do this." The Inventor frowned as he saw the enemy numbers were not falling.
   The pair looked at him with a confused look. Their Master is swearing!?
   "What?"
   "He is respawning his fighters. The moment they die." Marcus said that with a thin line on his lips.
   "Such a thing is destabilising the plane of existence and the very fabric of reality. For this to work, he needs to drain the power from somewhere. For my troops, I have Neo- Heaven system and Diamond cores to sustain the process.
   Such a system doesn't exist here."
   With a frown, Marcus started to float and disappeared from the location.
   "D-Did he just-" Sirin looked with shock. Did he just go to the frontline!?
   A massive purple explosion happened inside the Hades Realm the very next second.
   "Yes. I am going after him."
   [BALANCE BREAKER!!!]
   The Dragoness got clad in her armour as she flew right after her Master.
   There is no way she will miss rampaging!
   ~~~
   Marcus, like a beacon of light, was shining high in the Realm of Undead.
   Below him, a massive battle was raging. On one side were machines, armour-clad men, accompanied by a battleship and an aircraft carrier.
   There was enough space to summon them since they were inside Hades Realm.
   The other side had monsters like the undead, zombies, skeletons, grim reapers and other hellish creatures, not that Marcus cared about that. He just pointed his hand at the enemies below.
   His rings manifest on his fingers.
   "Watch closely, Underworld. This is what evolution looks like."
   Space gathered in his palm as he released several balls of rippled space.
   These space ripples rushed forward, morphing, growing in size, taking the shape of humanoid giants. Purple eyes manifesting on their heads.
   Slowly, they became spectral beings who started to fight against Hades' troops.
   These creations appeared thanks to the power of three rings, Ring of Focus, allowing to skip in the magic calculation. Then, the Ring of Space allows manipulation of space and lastly, the Ring of Evolution.
   Marcus created a path of 'evolution' for space itself. Such a thing is only possible when several rings work together.
   Slowly, the spectral giants started to rip to shreds the opposite.
   This creation was not the end, as Marcus created more elementals.
   Fire, water, thunder, earth, all of the elements started to push back the enemy deeper into the Realm of Hades.
   As this was happening, the Inventor flew at rapid speed to the castle of gold and obsidian.
   With a casual hand motion, he blasted through the castle gates and walked into the depths of the Greek God's Fortress.
   He quickly found himself in the throne room where Skeletal God was sitting on his throne.
   "You are one annoying human. You know that, don't you?" Hades said with a dull voice.
   *Snort*
   "Says the skeleton who declared war on me. To think that a Greek God would gather fellow Evil and Dark Gods to attack me. A mere human, I am humbled." Marcus pretended to be a simple 'human'.
   His behaviour only infuriated Hades further.
   "Don't mock me! Marcus Goldman! You are a freak, a monster! A paradox! You should not exist!" Hades snapped at Marcus as his hand slammed into his throne.
   "Not exist? I could say the same thing. In the world of logic and reason, you should not be around at first. Yet, I don't throw a hissy fit as you do."
   "ENOUGH!!!"
   The Greek God of the Underworld pointed his palm as black energy rushed towards Marcus, who ignored the attack. He was like a wall as the black energies splashed into him and diverged to the sides as the energy got nowhere to go.
   "Is that it? You used 'Death' to kill me? That's so basic; your divinity focuses on ageing cells in one's body. But as someone who is 'perfect', I do not have ageing cells." Marcus flickered his hand and destroyed the black energy.
   Hades slowly lowered his skeletal hand, and his eyes, which were blue flames, were flicking rapidly.
   "...This is absurd!"
   "That's what you said. Not me." Marcus took a step and appeared in front of Hades. His finger 'moved' towards the Skeletal Being's forehead.
   One of the Greek Trinity Gods responded to this as he used his impressive energy to blast the Inventor away.
   "You use Space and time. Impressive. You are not human, that is for sure. No human can do what you did. This is the realm of Gods." The Godling said with an impressed tone; there was also some underlying fear.
   Marcus dusted himself off as he was moved back a little bit.
   "Human this, human that. Do you really want me to start discriminating against you as well? So far, I have been very civic with you." Solomon's Successor said with slightly narrowed eyes.
   "Hmmm. I was praising you, human. Not every-"
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   ***BOOM***
   Marcus punched Hades-Hard.
   The god blasted through walls and outside, flying, spinning hundreds of times and eventually slamming into walls of the Underworld.
   Before he can release a sound, a hand grabs him by the head and starts to drag it through the wall like it is a farming tool.
   Marcus didn't hold back as he dragged Hades through the underworld before yanking him away and throwing him into the depths of the underworld, creating a massive crater.
   Once again, he appeared in the crater before slowly walking over to the Underworld God, pulling him up, and looking directly into his blue flames for eyes.
   "I am going to punch the very 'God' out of you. And believe me, there is no God or Primordial in this Reality who will save you from it." The Inventor 'reminded' and 'explained' what will happen.
   After explaining the course of action, Marcus released his hold, and the Godling started to fall, but before he could fall, a punch went to his face.
   With a loud sonic boom, Hades flew to the other side of the Underworld.
   The Inventor followed after him. It was time to teach that skeleton some etiquette.
   ~~~
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   ~~~
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   Chapter 80: Taking the Realm, the Castle and the Queen (R-18)
   ***BANG***
   A skull head slammed into a stone wall. Marcus commented on that.
   "Stop hitting yourself."
   ***BANG***
   "Stop hitting yourself."
   ***BANG***
   "Stop hitting yourself."
   Hades' eyes flickered as he roared angrily and tried to get back at him. He turned around and tried to punch Marcus.
   But the Inventor pushed the fist aside and slapped the God of the Underworld away. Once again, the Greek God flew several metres away and started to roll through the ground several more metres until he stopped in the middle of the rubble.
   "Sheesh. Just how much he needs to hit himself?" Marcus shook his head in disappointment.
   The inventor slowly started to walk towards the laying Greek God. Both hands were in his pockets as he thought about what he would build first in his new territory.
   'A water theme park, perhaps? Or a museum dedicated to the Underworld.
   Now that I think about it, I should recover all the ancient buildings and store them safely in my vault.'
   "Hey, Hades. What do you think? A water park or a museum? I mean, I could do both." Marcus asked the Underworld God as he grabbed the skeletal being by his collar and lifted him.
   Seeing that Hades was not responsive, he started to shake him.
   "Sheesh. At least last for a couple of hours. Why do you even call yourself God if you can't survive a beating from a human."
   "Come on!"
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   Marcus' eyes glowed purple as he slammed his hand into the Greek God's back.
   He awakened him forcefully.
   Still, Marcus let him go upon the impact, which made Hades fly several metres again.
   But this was where the Inventor noticed how Hades shifted. His form turned that of a middle-aged-looking, Latin-looking man.
   When Solomon's successor saw this, he slightly raised his chin and looked down on Hades.
   "Appears I have beaten out your skeleton fetish, Hades," Marcus said with a provoking tone. He spread his hands, motioning to attack him.
   "Now come, let me finish the job. So that I could start terraforming this place into something modern."
   The Greek God was on one knee, and his clothes changed into that of a Greek soldier, just more luxurious.
   Instead of answering the provocations, the god looked around.
   His gaze ended on a shadow which was close to his location, very close.
   One of the reasons that his Underworld is so muddy is that he needs shadows to travel.
   "Ha. I admit that you are strong. Very strong, most likely the most powerful non-dragon being. But- you lack something."
   "...What?" Marcus asked with narrow eyes.
   "Identity."
   As Hades said, that shadow swallowed him, and he was about to disappear.
   The Inventor's eyes widened as he, with reality-warping speed, appeared in front and tried to grab Hades.
   All he got was a piece of cloth!
   "You think you can escape from ME!?"
   Marcus' psionic powers bombarded Hades' Realm and expanded to other connected layers.
   He couldn't find him!
   *Tsk!!!*
   With a step, the ground shattered as he blasted out from Hades' Realm, flew rapidly through the tunnels and appeared aboard his Confiscator.
   Once there, he swiftly walked over to the closest console. He placed his right index finger on his temple, pulled out a memory of how Hades looked in Greek form and uploaded it to the Aurora Network.
   "Find him! Use all available means! Kill on sight! Orbital Bombardment is allowed!"
   Aurora accepted Marcus' orders. But the AI was confused as to why her creation was THAT mad! She even scanned him several times to make sure he was not an imposter.
   Regardless, the inventor's identity was accepted as the real deal, and the commands were sent throughout the network. The individual is to be found and exterminated with extreme prejudice.
   "The identity is Hades, that 'God' ran away from me in a fight. Use all known data we have and cross-reference it. We should have his divinity signature."
   After explaining more, Marcus pressed a few more things on the Hologram console. It was the calling option. He decided to speak with Athena, who is related to Hades.
   "Marcus? What is-" Seeing his super serious, nearly angry look, she straightened her back.
   "What happened?"
   "Hades escaped. He used some sort of shadow power. I assume it's related to his underworld governing abilities."
   "That is correct. This power comes from the Greek Trinity of Sky, Sea and Underworld. My father has a domain over the sky, Poseidon has the Sea, and Hades can travel through shadows."
   "Though as much. I want everyone to be on guard. My satellite network is already looking for him. The moment he slips, Ars Almadel Salomonis has permission to shoot."
   "M-Marcus-you can't just shoot that thing at a random location. It would be better to use more subtle methods first and capture him." Athena swiftly tried to persuade him to be less destructive.
   He looked at her, and she looked at him.
   "If you know something, you better tell me. If not, my station won't discriminate like Hades does."
   *Sigh*
   "It's the Greek Underworld, Marcus. Where else could he surface? If you shoot that, you could potentially destroy Olympus."
   "Fine. This time, I will take your approach. Next time, don't tell me I am not considering your opinion." After saying that, he dismissed the call and started to organise an airship deployment to Greece.
   Airships from 15 to 18 will fly to Greece and form a perimeter. At the same time, Marcus returned to Hades' Realm.
   As he returned there, he noticed that his troops had won and the space lock the place had was disabled.
   This situation means that Hades indeed slipped into the human world.
   'Where could you possibly run? I thought you were a God. Yet, you act less worthy than my previous opponents.'
   With a snort, Marcus landed in front of Hades' castle and walked inside.
   He wanted to explore, not that he went far. He was greeted by a beautiful woman dressed in a black dress. It was a ball dress.
   Her hair was very dark yellow, almost black; her body lines were exquisite. This woman was a Goddess, that much is certain, and the Inventor had some idea who this woman was.
   The first thing she did the moment she saw him was to drop on one knee.
   Such action made him raise his eyebrow. A kneeling God is something one wouldn't see that often.
   "Oh, Great Conqueror, please, I wasn't part of Hades' plans. I ask you to spare me."
   "You are Persephone, aren't you?"
   "Y-Yes." She replied without wasting time.
   "Do you know where he had run off to?" He asked her. His question made her slightly tremble; the tone of his voice made her realise that he was pissed.
   "...Ummm, the only way he can escape is r-river Styx, the only entrance to the human world as other entrance from Underworld you have sealed off."
   "Styx? The river which is used to take dead souls to Hades' Realm? This river doesn't exist in the human realm."
   "Y-Yes, but it has an entry point where souls appear before Charon takes them here." She swiftly explained to him.
   "Hmm, that makes sense. Fine, you may leave, Persephone. The space lock is down." He said that as his senses did pick up, the space lock was no longer in place.
   "I-I can't!"
   "What do you mean you can't?" He sounded confused.
   "I am the Goddess of Seasons. With Hades gone, I am the one who holds the balance now-that oaf invoked direct control to fight you. As you noticed, this place is unique, created to control the flow of souls. He turned off the automatic flow, and now the souls don't start the process of recycling. Instead, they wake up in their original bodies and continue to fight."
   "I see. So it works like that. You pair were the anchors." Marcus immediately understood how this works.
   "Yes. Those tales of me being taken here and made his wife are true. Back then, Hades was- better. I was made a proper Goddess of Cycles. My Divinity of Seasons is linked to human mortality as well. The four seasons are related to the human lifespan as well.
   If I leave, this place will crumble apart." The more she explained, the more Marcus saw that it was a bitter duty she was annoyed with.
   "Then stay. I will arrange a system to replace it. With that in place, you may leave and return to Olympus." He said with a plain voice. He didn't see this as an issue. It is more like a temporary bump in the road.
   "...Y-You will?" At that moment, a bunch of emotions went through her eyes.
   "A-Are you going to take over this place?" She asked him.
   "Of course. This place is my reward for waging and winning the war."
   "T-Then let me stay. I will teach you everything about this place. I was Queen of Hades Realm for more than 4 thousand years." There was no way she would return to being just another goddess in Olympus! She was a Queen for the majority of her life.
   "Hmm, if you insist, then swear allegiance to me. I will make you overseer of this place alongside Cocytus and other layers below this one."
   The beauty smiled at him. She swiftly placed her left hand on her heart.
   "Then I, Persephone, declare that my body, soul, and mind belong to my dashing and almighty conqueror." She said that with a straight and sultry tone.
   '...W-What!? How d-did!?'
   For a second, he was confused. Did she just place herself-!?
   "Is there something wrong, my Lord?" Persephone slowly stood up and got close to him. She inspected his expression from several angles, wondering if she said something wrong.
   "I-I am fine." By this point, he had accepted that this stuff happens. The higher his power, his power and his faction's power, the easier it is for him to acquire things, Goddess included.
   "If you say so, my Lord. What do you wish for me to do?"
   "Restored the cycle."
   "Understood. I can do that, but my power is nowhere near Hades. I need more energy than I have to restart the cycle."
   "Then I will give you that power. I assume this will impact Hades."
   The moment he mentioned that the moment Persephone grinned, almost sadistically.
   "You know your systems well, my Lord. With your help, I can take away this Realm from him. This move will drastically weaken him." She explained with an eager tone. That's right! She can finally strike back at him! It has been thousands of years, and that wound has been festering. Nothing is more scary than the wrath of a neglected and bitter wife.
   "Fantastic. Then let's do it."
   The beauty smiled at him. She will throw him into a volcano if it means getting the attention of her new Lord.
   "Then follow me."
   She gently took his arm and led him towards the throne room.
   "This Realm has been built and developed around Hades and me. Hades is the anchor, and I am the cycle which allows souls to be recycled.
   He is the world, and I am the flow in this world. One can't exist without the other."
   "Hmm, I see. Does that mean you must get Hades divinity to take full control?"
   "In a most perfect situation, yes. His divinity is linked directly to this realm. If you had his power, you could make yourself God of the Underworld or give that power to me. That would make him into nothing more than a minor God with power over shades."
   'This sounds enticing, but Ars Goetia would cease to work If I become God of the Underworld.'
   "Then it's a good thing I have this."
   Marcus lifted his hand, and black energy surged. This glow- it was Hades divinity!
   Persephone stopped in her tracks and looked at him. Her eyes were wide as she was looking at his hand.
   "...Y-You..."
   "I was peeling him like an onion before he decided to run away. Such unfinished work has a bitter feeling in my mouth."
   The inventor wanted to strip Hades of all his power. But that fool ran away. Undoubtedly, he noticed that his power was being peeled off like layers of an onion.
   "...W-What is your plan!?" Now Persephone was excited. Such a plot! What a fantastic chance to slap that God in the face. The beauty was very enthusiastic about this!
   "I have no interest in becoming a God. My rituals and powers are tailored to what I am. Taking this power would make some of them lose potency."
   "T-Then-"
   "I could give it to you~" Marcus teased her by getting closer. Since she is hungry for him, he can tease her back.
   "You would!?" The Goddess exclaimed with disbelief. She was only vaguely suggesting to give it to her! Persephone never expected he potentially could!
   "Yes. I would. You are the best choice for this power AND know your way around this place."
   She slowly nodded before getting her face closer to his. Her impressive breasts were deforming in his arm, and she was leaning into him.
   "What do you want me to do~?" The beauty asked with a hot voice. That was an opportunity like no other! When God is born, their divinity is already decided. There is barely any sort of change in power.
   Yet, now she can become as strong as Hades! No stronger! Since she has divinity of her own. She could have the potential to surpass the current Olympus!
   "Depends on what you could offer?" He asked with a teasing tone. However, he did not expect that for the answer!
   "Anything~ my darling Conqueror wants~ I could give you a small army of demigods~ As I said, my body, soul and mind are yours~ Just tell me when, and we can start 'working'~."
   Persephone is what is considered a 'Traditional' Goddess. Since she already gave everything to him, the only other thing she could offer was children, as many as he wanted!
   However, Marcus paled when he heard that. He had a 'vision' of seeing pure chaos. This chaos is baby demigods all over his base with a bunch of crazy divinities, like death, ageing, certain seasons and stuff like that.
   As someone who hates uncontrolled things, A.K.A pure chaos, he would pass and maybe die from horror.
   "W-We can skip that for a while, Persephone."
   "Of course, what my beloved says~" The Goddess agreed. Part of her was already eager to 'work' on that. But she can wait. For now, they need to strip Hades of his power!
   "Come, his power and control is concentrated in the Throne~" She guided him to the throne room.
   As they walked to it, she motioned for him to sit on it.
   Marcus followed her directions. As he sat down, she followed after him and placed that exquisite bum on his lap. Then she got comfortable and turned to the side.
   Placing her legs on one of the handholds, then wrapped her right hand around his neck.
   "I will start channelling my divinity into the throne; you need to give me Hades' divinity and then direct your power through me~."
   Marcus could hear how excited the Goddess was. He had never seen someone SO dissatisfied with their marriage.
   "Fine. Then, let's start."
   "Yes~"
   ~~~~~~Few Minutes Ago, South of Olympus~~~~~~
   With a splash, a man surfaces from a river inside a cave. This place looked like a source of some sort of river-a river which submerges into a cavern.
   *Deep Breath*
   "T-To think I would need to run away from my home!" Hades whispered to himself as he swam to the shore and got out of the water.
   'Whatever that human used has shaved my power with each strike. I am far weaker than ever before.'
   As Hades sat down on the shore, he inspected his hand. He could feel his flesh and blood and other things he forgot that he used to have.
   Such a thing was so strange and unnecessary!
   "He will pay. He will pay for making me an outcast! No matter what! As long as I have some power, I can come up with something!" The God of the Underworld said with a frown and growing anger in his eyes.
   As he slowly stood up and was ready to walk, something 'struck' him! It started to affect his power!
   "!!?"
   "T-This is!? N-No!!! That bitch!? H-How could she!?" Hades started to struggle as his power began to get drained. His black aura began to surface from his body and flow into the river and back to Hades' Realm
   "H-How can she have this much power!? To influence me!?" Sweat started to roll from his forehead as he collapsed on his knees and looked at the ground. He was holding himself not to face plant into the ground.
   "Gaaahhh!" The Deity painfully groaned, feeling that Persephone drained his very life and took his domain away from him!
   "Damnnnn youuu!!!"
   Eventually, it stopped. Hades felt that around 95% of all his power was taken!
   With how much he has left, he has less power than nymphs and other minor godlings!
   "..."
   For a second, he stayed on his knees as he tried to gather his breath before trying to stand up.
   His legs shook for a few moments before he was on his feet.
   'To think that I will be so weak! Damn you, Marcus Goldman! That bitch Persephone! And, of course, Olympus!'
   Hades started to create his hit list mentally! As long as he is alive, he will get his revenge!
   ~~~~~~Back in Hades' Realm~~~~~~
   "Fufufufu~ I took all of his Divinity related to this place! All of it! I have full control of this realm now~" Persephone said with a giddy tone. Her eyes were shining with an excited look.
   "Good. Then you know what to do."
   "Yes! Leave this to me, my beloved~" The beauty purred as she closed her eyes and reset the cycle.
   At that moment, Underworld forces who got shot down or struck down no longer stood up.
   Because of this, G.A.T forces started to one sidedly slaughter everyone who resisted them.
   As the battle is turning in Marcus' Technocracy's favour, Persephone has some ideas about what to do next.
   She slowly opened her eyes and looked at her Conqueror.
   "All done."
   "Fantastic work, Persephone."
   "I didn't do much; you did all the heavy lifting. I think I should properly join your side now~" As she said that, her right-hand fingers started to play with his hair. Her left hand went to his cheek and stroked it gently. The Beauty has some ideas.
   "Oh, does my new Underworld Queen have something in mind?"
   "Yes~ there is something we have to do to make it official~," She said as her face got closer to his, and she started to whisper.
   "You need to mark my body as yours~." Persephone, with a husky voice, whispered.
   "You took the realm, and now take the wife of the 'mighty' Hades."
   "You do make a lot of sense~" Marcus replied with a small nod.
   He leaned forward and claimed her lips. As the beauty saw no hesitation, it made her gush with excitement.
   This guy was not a pushover. He might make her feel like a woman again!
   Slowly, the kissing got heated, and their tongues started to wrestle for a few minutes. The Goddess could only marvel at how long he could do this.
   Still, they needed to stop as the next phase had to begin.
   Marcus grabbed her leg and lifted it; he moved Persephone to face him.
   With how close they were, she leaned forward and purred lustfully into his ear.
   "Continue~"
   "With pleasure~" The inventor's hands went on her rear, squeezing those firm ass cheeks.
   The Goddess hummed with satisfaction as she felt his hands start working on her ass. Not to be left behind, her hands went down and started working on his pants.
   Just thinking what he would do to her made her work faster. Once his cock was out in the open, Persephone licked her lips.
   The beauty lifted her dress just enough to bring her special place close to his tool.
   Marcus quickly realised that the beauty in his lap had no undergarments to speak of!
   Sure enough, his cock stroked around her pussy, and the Goddess started to tease herself.
   "Let's do it~ I can't wait anymore~" Persephone, with a greedy tone, moved her hips back and forth.
   Instead of saying anything, Marcus slammed her down on his pole.
   "Aghhh~~ that's it!!!"
   With a single stroke, his cock was fully inside her special place.
   For a few moments, she trembled from that pleasure. Her hips moved up and down, enjoying that fullness for a few moments.
   "This is fantastic~ you have no idea how long I waited for my Saviour~" The Goddess whispered to him as she started to shake her hips.
   Her exquisite ass started to move up and down as loud moans began to spread through the throne room. Persephone, on purpose, was not hiding her pleasure. Not that she could, as she was lusting for this for a long time.
   'This Goddess is such a 'depressed housewife' Well, I am here to make sure she is no longer depressed.'
   Marcus' hands squeezed her ass cheeks as he started to assist in hammering. A loud, wet smack erupted from their coupling.
   "Hnnnn~~ That's the spot!~"
   The beauty trembled as she just experienced a small climax. Not that the Inventor cared as she started to hammer her down on his cock.
   "Ohhhh~~~ w-wait~~ l-let meeee-" The beauty couldn't finish as she came hard. Her pussy erupted with love juices as they coated his rod, helping him slip in and out even faster.
   Persephone ended up hugging him as his hammering speed picked up.
   A howl-like moan escaped from her mouth as floodgates opened, and Marcus released his first load in her depths, painting her womb in his colours.
   The beauty's mouth opened as the drool started to roll down from the corners of her lips. Her body twitched several times before a silly smile formed on her lips.
   "...T-This is amazing~~ my beloved is a beast in this act too. It appears I was blessed after all~" She whispered to him as her face got closer.
   "To think that Goddess would bother about blessings~" As he said that, he pulled her for another kiss.
   This time, the kissing lasted for a while before the Goddess pulled back and looked lustfully at him.
   "Are you ready for another round?"
   Instead of saying anything, he started to move her. The newly crowned Goddess of the Underworld ended up being turned around. Marcus' hands went to her breasts this time around. He started to rub those perfectly shaped globes.
   Without waiting any longer, his rod slipped right back into her tender cave as he started to fuck the beauty on his lap.
   The new angle made Persephone heartily moan as she tried to move alongside his thrust.
   The sounds of coupling continued to spread through the Throne room.
   ~~~~~~Greece, Above Athens~~~~~~
   Space rippled itself, opening up and becoming a massive portal big enough for airships to pass.
   These were the four airships ordered by Marcus to start looking for Hades in the human world.
   The four airships of Daedalus class 2.0 proceeded to split up and start their search. They have satellite support, and Ars Almadel Salomonis is moving into position for continuous and rapid-fire in case it will be needed.
   "Release Starscream squadrons. Begin flyby!" The captain of Airship 15 ordered. The four airships started to release their fighter jets.
   The jets, one after another, were launched from the carriers. They started to do their routines.
   The supernatural faction completely ignored the people who got all panicky. These airships just appeared randomly and started their military movements!
   All of this caused chaos.
   However, the military of Greece didn't do anything. Nope, the Olympians told them not to interfere. It was suicide to get involved with Marcus' faction.
   Instead, the Greek Gods tried to establish contact with the Technocracy.
   "Athena! What is going on!? There are four of those monstrosities in our territory!!!" Zeus tried to sound angry, but that was just to cover his anxiety.
   Those things look an even better version of what he saw before!
   And that is not good!
   "Be thankful that I saved Olympus. Marcus was thinking of precision orbital bombardment to kill Hades, who escaped his clutches.
   That thing is floating above Greece as we speak."
   Athena said with a heavy voice.
   "W-What!? Hades escaped!? If this is the case, he should be on land-" Zeus eyes bulged as he realised that the entrance was close to Olympus!
   "We need to capture him! Quick!" The King of Gods swiftly stood up and summoned his Master bolt.
   If he captures Hades, he could hand it over to Marcus and get some bonuses. Maybe some upgrades for his Pantheon!
   Others followed after him. Only Apollo snickered as he was the last one to stand up. To think that his father became a lackey to a human, the world is genuinely turning crazy.
   "Are you sure we should get involved in this?" Apollo asked with an uncertain tone.
   "We already are involved. Ares is in the Underworld, and Athena is involved in this."
   "Athena is not part of Olympus, just like Artemis." The God of the Sun pointed out. He did that on purpose. The tone of his son made Zeus frown.
   "If you are so eager to oppose Marcus, I can exile you. With no connection to Olympus, you can wage all the wars you want." The God of Sky said with a plain voice.
   Apollo's eyes widened for a second; he grimaced several times before taking a deep breath.
   "Forget about it. Let's focus on finding Hades."
   "Good to see that you can get over it," Zeus said with a slight nod. As someone who is proud, the God of Sky knows what it means to swallow that pride from time to time- well, recently, all the time.
   "Good! Now scatter and look for Hades; he should be not far from here."
   The Greek Gods scattered to look for the supposed God of the Underworld. None of them noticed how the throne of Hades in their main hall changed. It was a different symbol.
   Hades no longer possessed divinity strong enough and couldn't be considered Olympian; his power was drained and added to another god, well, Goddess.
   ~~~
   "That sound! Zeus!" Hades grimaced as he heard a thunderclap above Olympus. Did he get noticed?
   With how low his divinity was, he doubted they could find him easily. With his Helmet, he can sneak around.
   "Uhh!?"
   A shadow passed; it was a massive vessel just above him! A white, nearly silver airship made from metal of some sort, golden lights dotted its hull.
   'Damn it, Marcus Goldman!!!'
   Hades hid behind a rock as he watched the vessel fly over. As he was hiding, several more flying objects flew by. They looked like those fighting machines!
   'They are everywhere! How will I escape this!?'
   After the vessel's flyby, the Greek God started to walk towards the sea. By his calculation, it will take a while, but he should be able to escape to the sea.
   Not that Hades considered that Olympus fully joined in the search, too.
   As the ex-Olympian was walking, a beam of red slammed into him.
   "!?"
   "Uhg!? W-Why I can't move!?"
   The Godling's knees slammed into the ground. He couldn't get up anymore!!!
   The airship which flew by not long ago started to turn around. The accompanying jet fighters turned around much faster and swiftly started to approach Hades.
   'Damn it all!? How did I get noticed!?'
   One after another, jet fighters transformed and landed on the ground, pointing their weapons at the Greek God.
   Then, from the airship, gunships left one after another.
   Mid-flight, the gunship's doors opened, and men with jet packs rushed towards Hades.
   In less than a minute, he was surrounded by over a hundred enemies.
   Then, the jet pack units opened fire from their rifles. It was nets, not bullets. The G.A.T Assault Knights captured the exiled Greek God like a wild animal.
   "Target is secured. Returning to Airship 16." One of the knights said over the comms.
   "Release me this instant, your dolls! Do you know who I am!?" Hades tried to struggle in the net. But one of the Assault Knights pressed a button on his gauntlet, and the net erupted with static electricity.
   "Y-Y-You!!!"
   The Godling started to tremble and spasm inside the net. Whatever unique lightning it was, it bypassed his divinity!
   "You are coming with us. The Supreme Commander is furious with your unsightly escape."
   As the knights pull the Greek God into one of the gunships, other Greek Gods notice this and watch from a distance.
   "It appears we were too late," Poseidon said resignedly.
   "Pity we missed such a chance," Zeus said with crossed arms.
   He watched how quickly Marcus' troops retreated into the airship. Not long after, the vessel moved towards the Sea. It was leaving Greece as fast as it appeared in the first place.
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   Before long, the cannons shoot into the distance, creating a wormhole and then entering; a second later, the wormhole closes.
   Just like that, the Technocracy forces were gone.
   "..."
   "..."
   "We do need some sort of contract. The way they move- is chilling." Poseidon pointed out how quickly they can deploy their forces and how quickly things can get out of hand.
   If not for Athena, that thing in space could have started bombing them.
   "And what do you suggest we do? Athena and my sister are with him. Even then, we get this!" Apollo pointed out. Their faction has nothing to offer.
   "Athena needs to marry him. This way, there should be more communication between them." Hera said with a matter-of-fact voice.
   To her comment, Apollo and Poseidon looked at her with a 'Are you serious?' look! As if that helped you!
   ~~~
   For advanced chapters (+5 chapters, 25k words) my pat: pat reon.com/DragonsFics
   OR
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   ~~~
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   Chapter 81: Meeting with Remaining Devils
   "The war is over. We are victorious." Marcus said that while sitting on Hades' Throne. On his lap was Persephone. The newly crowned Queen was in a messy state.
   Her lush hair was all over the place, her forehead was sweaty, and her hair was sticking to it. Not that the Goddess was paying attention. Instead, she was leaning into her Conqueror, enjoying that one-hand hug.
   "Does this 'war' include the woman sitting on your lap? I thought you went to beat up Hades." Sirin said with crossed arms.
   She was standing in the group of females. The ship girls, Maids and her, were in front of Marcus.
   Artemis looked at her half-sibling with a jealous look. She can sense a massive spike in the energy radiating from Persephone! The Goddess of Seasons was rivalling Zeus and Poseidon!
   "Persephone is the new Overseer of this realm; she belongs to me."
   "That right, my Lord~ you can visit me anytime, and if you want those Demigods, just tell me~" The Goddess seductively said to him.
   "Y-You! What are you talking about!?" Artemis couldn't take this anymore!
   "Oh, that voice." Persephone moved her head and looked at the front. She saw Artemis walking to the front of the group.
   "Artemis. I haven't seen you in a while-that armour. Oh, right, you become a maid to my Lord!" the Queen of Underworld spoke surprisedly. She swiftly started to smile in amusement.
   "That's right! As his maid, it's my duty to take care of his needs!"
   "I suppose, but it depends on our Lord~" Once again, she looked at him like a woman obsessed with her man.
   "Relax, Artemis. Persephone is just doing her job."
   The silver-haired maid grimaced as she took a step back. She swiftly hides her expression.
   "So what now?" Jeanne asked. She proceeded to change the theme of the conversation. The Saint's Reincarnation noticed that the atmosphere was getting too spicy. She never expected that Hades' wife would act like that. She wonders which myth of Persephone was real.
   "We will rebuild this place in my image. My G.A.T. will descend into lower layers to secure them. Once that is done, a prison will be built where we can keep the most dangerous elements.
   Of course, I can research whatever Zeus decided to throw in." Marcus smiled when he said the last part. He will throw whatever he doesn't like there; on top of that, he has an Olympus faction that does it, too.
   'I should contact other factions and ask if they want to throw their 'rubbish' into my new prison.' A stray thought for later.
   "I see, and this place?" Artemis asked curiously.
   "As mentioned before, I am leaving this to Persephone. I gave her Hades Divinity, and with my faction's technomancy, I will modernise this place to make it easier for you to run."
   Marcus said that while stroking Persephone's cheek.
   'Ugh... damn it, her!!!'
   The favouritism towards the Underworld Queen was so blatant!
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   "Many thanks~"
   As Persephone gracefully accepted, her eyes went to Artemis, who was nearly shaking from jealousy.
   'She is so amusing. I had never seen her this jealous. To think that she likes a man! What has the world turned to?' The Underworld Goddess internally laughed as she saw the sight of jealous Artemis.
   "Good. You girls can return to your duties. I still need to plan out a few things."
   The ship girls nodded at his orders without questions. At the same time, the maids looked at each other for a second.
   "Should we return to Confiscator?" Atalanta asked with a curious tone.
   "Hmm, yes. You can join the development efforts if you want."
   The Lion girl pondered on that. Should she do that?
   While Artemis clenched her hand and decided to find a way to get her Master's attention back, this wasn't over! She was the first Goddess whom he got into his faction!
   He will return to do things to Persephone!
   "Hmm, I suppose I can help as well." Sirin sighed as she proceeded to walk alongside his other creations. The faster they integrate this place into his faction, the more contribution points they will get.
   ...
   ...
   ...
   One of the last remaining sealed doors blasted open as Nyx, with a grin, strolled in!
   "Ha! I am here! We can start with-" The Primordial's shoulders sagged as she saw Forward Knights with Aurora bots already working on something! There are Starscream jets in the air as well!
   "A-Again!? W-W-Why no one told me, I was lateee!"
   Once again, in her eagerness, Nyx overlooked the apparent shortcomings. Like for one, none of the Knights followed after her.
   ~~~~~~Later~~~~~~
   With the support of the airships around the tunnel entrances, the integration of Hades' Realm and the lower layers was faster than the growth in the actual surface.
   The constant flow of Aurora Bots with machinery rapidly improved the development of the infrastructure of the Realm of the Dead.
   Marcus wanted the authenticity of the place to be kept so most things remained 'Greek-like'. The marble-like buildings with arches and columns remained. However, many of the technocracy's things were added.
   The core is the Neo-Heaven system flow of dead souls. When a Greek or follower of the biblical faction dies, he goes to this place.
   The inventor noticed a cheeky thing the Biblical faction did. Their 'true' believers go to Heaven, while the ones who don't come here.
   It's something like a refuse bin. Not anymore. Marcus Neo-system runs on the same fundamentals. He quickly overpowered the outdated and cranky system in place.
   No more half-baked nonsense.
   Just like that, the Inventor made Heaven obsolete. On top of that, he improved the circulation of the original Sacred Gears. Marcus installed a workshop where the gear gets maintained. It's a custom Assembly Line.
   Of course, with all these upgrades, Marcus improved the castle as it grew. It became a citadel with Diamond Cores for power, defences like graviton cannons, and gravity wells. For manpower, he added full-fledged G.A.T barracks and comms towers.
   On top of all of this, Marcus installed synchronised satellite towers. These satellite towers temporarily negate space locks and allow for Ars Almadel Salomonis space-cutting beams to arrive.
   That means even in the afterlife. No one is safe from the might of orbital bombardment.
   To put the cherry on top, as the owner of 'Afterlife', Marcus customised the entire G.A.T force which will be stationed there. Their armours will be the same, only black; for the helmets, he went with a more skeletal look, similar to Iron Man's helmet, only more 'angry'.
   Since he defeated Hades, his divinity was analysed. The conclusion of that analysis was another deadly type of bullet added to the arsenal thanks to this war, and that is 'Death'.
   Now, G.A.T Knights can send people to HIS afterlife. Indeed, no one can escape from him this time around.
   These G.A.T knights will be called 'Gravekeepers'. Of course, the leader of this group is Persephone. The Goddess is quite happy with the retrofits to her original house. As someone who wanted entertainment, the satellite TV was a good addition. Not that this was all. He added everything as if it was his house.
   It was because the Goddess belonged to him, so her house was his house.
   So he wasn't holding back.
   It helped that with each and every single addition, the Queen of Underworld would pamper her new Lord.
   This pampering was noticed by maids, who stayed over. At first, they thought that Persephone was obnoxious and annoying, but unlike Artemis and other maids, they were never married before.
   They have no idea about the 'proper' pampering and how to give the 'proper' attention by a wife to her husband. That's where Persephone dominated, and with that domination, Marcus paid a lot of attention to the newest addition to his Harem.
   However, Athena, being a proper scholar, started to study this 'phenomena'.
   While Artemis and other maids started questioning their approaches, a different approach was required.
   Others, like Sirin, simply: 'Duh, that's how couples should be doing'. Even she, a Harbinger of Death, knows a thing or two. After all, she reads manga.
   Regardless, the time in Hades' Realm was getting close to ending, as surface dwellers needed Marcus-devils, particularly as arrangements required to be made.
   "Before you go. What will we do with Hades?" Persephone asked him.
   "...Right, I completely forgot about him." Marcus blinked a couple of times. He was having so much fun playing 'Sim City.' with Hades Realm that he forgot about Hades.
   It didn't help that he would have a gorgeous beauty on his lap most of the time, rewarding him for all that hard work he did in retrofitting the castle.
   "It's okay~ if you want, I can send him to Cocytus for a while until the prison gets completed," Persephone said with a delighted tone. Oh, this is a dream coming true! She wanted to do this for decades, sending Hades to Cocytus!
   Seeing how excited she was with this prospect, Marcus simply nodded at her.
   "Sure. Do that. Send him there."
   "Yes!" The beauty jumped into his hand and then started another steamy make-out session.
   The pair ignored the rest. Artemis bites her nails seeing this. She can't believe how easily Marcus gets persuaded by Persephone! This Queen knows a way to make him agree with her decisions.
   That's because Artemis knows the Inventor was considering torturing the fallen God. But now he was easily persuaded to forget that and lock that God in eternal freeze.
   "Don't forget, my base is linked to this place; you can visit anytime. With the system in place, you can now leave this place anytime you want."
   Persephone's eyes gleamed with happiness. Oh, she will abuse this invitation! By the time she is done, she will be Conqueror's wife!
   "Of course. It gets dreary in this place~" She rubbed her cheek into his cheek. Goddess kept her hands wrapped around his neck.
   The beauty was getting exceptionally touchy with him.
   ~~~
   'Finally! We can leave!' Artemis sighed in relief. For a second, she thought that Marcus would stay there! However, this was not over by a long shot. The Base now has a direct linkage to Realm of Undead! It's a single teleportation away.
   It was as if the Queen of the Underworld was living in a room next door.
   That means Artemis and even Athena have to work harder!
   "What is on your mind?" The silver-haired goddess asked Athena, who was aboard Confiscator alongside her.
   Athena's time as airship commander for a moment is over. There was no reason to command an airship by this point. There are no enemies to engage.
   "I think this was an ambush." The Warfare Goddess used military terms to reply.
   "...I agree on that."
   "Persephone is more suited to seduce my future husband. She is eager, like a hungry predator who wants that pure thing. That is why Marcus is so quick to end up in her lap."
   "...Pure thing?"
   "Indeed. After becoming Goddess of the Underworld, what did she do all the time?" Athena answered with a question.
   "...Umm, got railed by your future husband?" Artemis' 'replied'.
   "...Classy. But no. While she wanted to retain her status. She showed him what it means to have a 'Queen' who can assist in ruling.
   She would suggest but never question his authority and reward in a way that women always do.
   It's very simple- basic even."
   'Not that I understood this before I saw it.' Athena realised that she lacked that experience-the experience of being Queen to a husband.
   Their compatibility was what carried her all this way until now.
   "...Hmm, I suppose I never considered that." Artemis agreed after thinking about it. Having a visual confirmation that it works helped. It helped too much. She needs to change her approach!
   Thankfully, Persephone shouldn't be around the base all the time, right?
   As those two were discussing in the background, the Herrscher observed them with interest.
   It was as if she was watching a TV documentary about Greek Gods and their drama. Only in the flesh with real deities.
   "Not going to assist or join the conversation?"
   Gu Yuena spoke directly into her mind.
   "What for?"
   "Aren't you regulars always insecure?" The Dragoness curiously asked as she walked over to her side.
   "Regulars? What does it even mean?" Sirin turned towards her and asked with confusion
   "I mean beings who don't have memories. I noticed that most of the time, beings who are not the Emperor's true creations are always insecure and need to do something. Like those two."
   The explanation made her white-haired girl somewhat offended.
   "For your knowledge, I am one of his creations."
   "Partially, yes. But I do feel jealousy and insecurity from you." Gu Yuena pointed out with a small smile.
   "We do wield psionic powers; something called emphatic senses do exist. And if I can pick it up, the Emperor sure can."
   For a second, there was a surprised look on her face before she hid it and looked at her with narrow eyes.
   "So he knows and doesn't do anything?"
   "What for? He is not a babysitter or a nurse. If you want something, do it yourself." Gu Yuena shrugged her response.
   "..."
   For a while, Sirin didn't say anything; instead, she looked away and got deep into her thoughts.
   'So it's memories and souls which cause them to be like this. Thankfully, I don't have these kinds of drawbacks.'
   It was the assurances and the memories which were given to her by Marcus which are keeping Dragoness content with her current situation. She finds it amusing and quite fascinating how Persephone got her Emperor that interested.
   Eventually, the Confiscator arrived at Lilith. The airship docked on the first floor of the Space Port. There was no need to take a gunship or shuttle anymore.
   The Inventor proceeded to walk out of the vessel and into the tower, then he got into an anti-gravity train, which took him down to the citadel.
   It lasted less than ten minutes. The trains ran directly into the citadel, with platforms big enough for armies to stand.
   By all means, the citadel was a megastructure.
   It helps that devils and Greek gods decided to have their bases in castle-like structures. It was easy for Aurora bots to build around them and expand.
   After a short walking trip, Marcus arrived in the throne room.
   People were already waiting for him. The first thing Solomon's successor noticed was:
   "Azazel, you are already awake. Vali, too. It appears you guys missed the whole party."
   "Yes. Well, certain someone punched me out of the war." The Fallen Angel said to Marcus as his gaze was on Nyx standing behind the Inventor. The Primordial's clothes were that of Technocracy.
   To think that a Primordial capable of placing Earth in eternal darkness became such a submissive puppy.
   "Not my problem that you are that fragile, little crow." The Primordial Night said with a careless shrug.
   "True. I am nowhere near your capacities." As the Leader of Crows said that, he saw Marcus walking over and sitting down on his newly created throne.
   "Not bad. I like the new design." Marcus said that as his gaze went to the side where Quinella was standing. The moment their eyes met the moment the Assistant started to fiddle with her clothes.
   Her behaviour made him chuckle. It appears she still thinks that he cares about that little incident.
   Regardless, his gaze went back to the leading crow. Behind this crow, there were a bunch of other crows. These were the survivors of the war.
   Next to them, there were devils and their survivors. How cute. The 'mortal' enemies were in the same room.
   "Tell me, what can I do for you?"
   "..."
   "..."
   "We were briefed about the current circumstances." Azazel started.
   "Oh? Which are?"
   "Fallen Angels would like to join your cause." The Head crow directly went for the kill. He was trying to address this issue with the head of Technocracy. Azazel is well aware of what is waiting for his people. They will be part of an experiment. Instead, he aims to be the one who does experiments for him.
   After all, his people are of Gregori-the same angels who originally were researchers of the heavens.
   "My cause? You wish to be part of Technocracy?" Marcus pondered on that.
   "Yes. We are of Gregori, the original researchers created by the old man. We became fallen because we were curious about nature." Azazel pointed out the origins of his race.
   "True. That's an excellent point."
   A small smile appeared on the Governor General's face.
   "But."
   The small smile disappeared from his face. When Marcus said 'but'.
   "Your bunch can be very unruly. If I am to accept your kin into the actual ranks of Technocracy, It could damage MY image. And that is unforgivable." The Inventor pointed that out. He then explained more.
   "We could deal with that with some draconian rules. That is if you agree."
   "I am sure we can deal with fallen who have unsavoury traits."
   "Yes. We can always get more test subjects. Once we get into space, an airlock is a good alternative. But then again, we will have research stations. We can use them there." Marcus pondered out loud.
   People who listened could only grimace.
   "That could work, too."
   "Good. Then, we will have a test run. Impress me, Azazel, and we might have something here."
   Regardless, Marcus agreed the inventor's first impression of the Fallen was good. He can overlook some of the stories he heard about the Fallen Angels.
   If they plan something, he can quickly turn them into research materials for medical science. There is never enough of those.
   "What do you want me to do?"
   "Mundane tech. I want you to dominate the regular world. I have a company. You shall take over as head of research and development."
   "...Master, are you sure? We already have Goldman Industries." Latia, who was listening, spoke.
   "Indeed, we have a monopoly on phones; you planned to monopolise the health sector, no? I will use Azazel's technical expertise to see if he is serious.
   I want to see how much dominance you can establish in my country."
   Azazel slowly nodded. He read perfectly between the lines.
   Marcus will watch how Azazel does it. Will it be surgical precision or brute force? Depending on that, the inventor will decide.
   'No doubt he will give me ALL the tools of his faction. If I abuse all of that, he will decline my achievements. In other words, I can only use the bare minimum. And then dominate a country with a small economy.
   Does he want me to do surgery on a mouse?' The Fallen angel grimaced internally.
   "I assume that I can use my faction?"
   "Of course. They are your people; you can do whatever you want."
   "Very well, I accept your challenge."
   "Good."
   Marcus then looked at Latia, who wanted to speak with him-that look she was giving.
   "Your position didn't change. The only difference is that you have a Research and development division. You can use however you want the things they develop for sale."
   "...But... how will we know what is what?" The blonde devil asked with confusion.
   "Well, that's the beauty of this challenge. Isn't it right, Azazel?"
   Marcus' question made the Leader of Fallen grimace.
   "You are just looking for me to slip. I have an infinite money glitch, but I can't abuse it." Azazel started to use gamer slang.
   "Indeed, but you are starting the game with five-star products and fully developed medic building. I am confident you can build things in between." Marcus answered with his game slang.
   "At least something." Even though the Head Crow said that, he could still feel the gaze of the blonde devil. It appears he is encroaching on her territory.
   "Good, then you may go. Jeanne, take them to Earth and show them around."
   "...Understood I am to use our properties in your town?"
   "Yes, we should have a couple of apartment buildings available," Marcus nodded.
   "I would like to come with Jeanne; I can explain better." Latia offered herself to assist.
   "You can do that later. We still have devil business. Once that is done, then you can return to your duties on Earth." The inventor knew well enough that Latia was feeling threatened. But Marcus doesn't see any sort of issue. Mundane assets are meaningless to him.
   And it's not that Azazel will destroy something.
   "...I understand." Latia relented after hearing that.
   "Good girl, now then, devils~"
   As the Crows are leaving with Jeanne, Marcus gazes at the group of devils. There are fewer of them. Only the elite have gathered. Ordinary devils already returned to their 'normal' lives.
   Well, they went to their flats and are waiting for the results of this meeting.
   "I will start this." Seekvaira took a step forward.
   "As per your request, I have created a list of people. That is not the full list, as I need my relatives to be alive to make a proper one."
   "I see. However, this can go on for eternity. As one person leads to another, I would resurrect all the devil kin.
   The only ones I am resurrecting are devils with Agares surname and devils who served Agares. That goes to you, Latia, as well."
   "I understand."
   "Good, then here." He motioned with his hand as if he was throwing something.
   "Check your personal console. I have added the Realm of Dead interface.
   You can check souls which are in the realm of the Dead. Use names and pictures to find your deceased relatives. Once you locate them, you can download them."
   "...Download? Souls?" Seekvaira looked dumbfounded when she heard that.
   "Yes. You didn't know it yet? I have an automated afterlife."
   "...Satans."
   "Oh, and a small detail."
   "Yes?"
   "Devils and Fallen don't have an afterlife. Those dead souls would end up in the abyss of nothingness. Angra Mainyu abused that little fact with Tartarus.
   They knew Devils and Fallen were truly alone. There is no God behind them. That is why they attacked without fear. The only thing you people had was Ajuka and Sirzechs, which were taken care of from the beginning." Marcus explained with a plain voice before getting a little bit more interested as he was about to tell something interesting for the devils, that is.
   "But this is where you all can relax. As long as you are part of Technocracy, the afterlife for Devilkind and Fallen is guaranteed."
   "You mean you will allow devils to rest in the afterlife?" Seekvaira asked with a curious tone. That was a big bonus for some people. Just knowing that you will go somewhere after death gives some sense of ease.
   "Precisely, Seekvaira. Since you are part of my faction, I will care for you even after death."
   "You mean that we will be your subjects and experimented even after death." Runeas intercepted.
   "Your choice, Gremory. It's not that I will be drugging you throughout your life. Most of the social experiments will be recorded and analysed from a distance.
   Most of the regular people have no use for me either way. It is more interesting to see how they behave in different environments." He waved with a hand.
   "Have you ever had a pet in a cage? Like a hamster? You give them food and then let them do their thing in that small area you gave them as home." Marcus started to explain in detail.
   "The only difference is that it will be the entirety of the Underworld. So you people won't be able to see those imaginary cage walls."
   "...You...are a monster!"
   "That rich coming from a devil. All I did was increase the perception of size. You already were a pet to something. Only this time around, you precisely know to whom you are a pet.
   Does that make me a monster? Sometimes, you must swallow those hard facts and get over it." He explained to her in simple terms.
   "..."
   "For a devil, you sure behave like a human." Marcus chuckled while saying that.
   "I would even say naive."
   Runeas narrowed her eyes for a bit.
   "Just because I spend a lot of time sleeping doesn't mean I haven't seen things. I was there when devils waged war on Heaven."
   "Oh, did you? Does a couple of years of fighting make you experienced? If this is the case, Original Gremory, tell me what you can offer me. If it is useful even a little bit, I will make you my Gremory Pillar. This privilege will allow your clan to use my faction's resources to rebuild or build whatever you want."
   His abrupt offer surprised Runeas. She needed a couple of seconds to gather her thoughts.
   "...I can tell you the history and origins of devilkind and how it used to be at the very beginning when Heaven split into three factions," Gremory said with an assured tone.
   "Not a bad suggestion. If you offered that initially, it could have worked. But, I now control the afterlife and every single soul deceased. If I want to know this, I can summon Lucifer himself, and he will tell me everything." Marcus said with a bright smile.
   "Maybe a suggestion on how to sleep properly?" The Inventor joked on her passion for sleeping.
   Runeas frowned in annoyance when she heard that! Why is he constantly targeting that!?
   "I don't understand. Is it wrong to hibernate? I raised my son to take my place all those years ago. There was no need for me afterwards." The original Gremory complained to him.
   The rest of the devils, maids, ship girls and the rest looked at this like a bunch of observers. They are becoming an 'audience' to some sort of debate show.
   Though the ship girls, his assistant and Gu Yuena knew the answer.
   "Depends how you raised your descendant. From what I saw, your family did achieve quite a bit. Marrying a Bael in your society is impressive."
   Runeas puffed her chest for a second.
   "But, I would say you could achieve more if you actively controlled your family and had long-term generational plans."
   "...I am not you. I don't have those kinds of ambitions."
   "And that is why I am sitting here, and you are standing there." He pointed at himself and then at her.
   "...I see your point." Runeas begrudgingly agreed while looking away.
   Seeing that the pair stopped their debate, Venelana stepped forward.
   "Master. Since your conquest is over, what happened to Sirzechs and Ajuka?" The brown-haired devil asked him respectfully.
   Marcus looked at her for a bit before starting to explain.
   "Ajuka doesn't exist anymore; by all accounts, he has been consumed at a spiritual level by Angra Mainyu. While Sirzechs still has a soul. They drained his soul to the point that he could only exist as a low-class devil. Even less than that."
   Devils whispered among themselves when they heard the grim truth. To think Evil Gods could beat their Crimson Lucifer like that!
   "Can his soul be recovered?" Lady Gremory asked him.
   "Theoretically, it is possible." Marcus pondered on that, stroking his chin. The Inventor does have all the tools to do just that. But why would he do that?
   Honestly, he is still bitter about Venelana's absence. That is why he tolerates Serafall's blunders and her desire to save her people. Unlike Venelana, his Leviathan was with him all the time she could.
   "Then?"
   "Then what?" He looked at her with sharp eyes. He was almost begging her to reveal her intentions.
   "...Nothing."
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   "Thought so. Now then, to the main point of this conversation." Marcus snapped his fingers, and Underworld in the shape of a globe appeared in the middle of the room.
   It was a massive hologram, spinning and eventually stopping in the area around Lilith.
   "This is a preliminary forecast of how the Underworld will look once terraforming is complete."
   "That small continent will be given to devils to live there in any way they see fit within set rules. Materials, food, water, all the things will be given to you by my Technocracy."
   The devils blinked a couple of times. It was, in truth, a lot of land!
   Even Runeas looked surprised. Now she is wondering how he can call it a 'cage'; it could take weeks of walking to reach the other side.
   "Didn't I tell you 'perception'?" Marcus commented as he saw Runeas' expression.
   "My Assistant already told your kin how you can get things from Technocracy?" He asked the rest, ignoring Runeas' frown.
   "Yes."
   " Anything else?" The Inventor enquired; all he got was head shakes.
   "Lord Marcus. May I ask what is the process for devils to become your pillars?" The blonde man asked Marcus as he slowly walked to the front.
   "Hmm, your energy reading- you a Phenex?" Marcus asked as he looked interested.
   "...Correct, the Phenex clan is one of the pillars; our abilities are unique. I have no idea if you have studied, but we have regenerative abilities and Phenex tears, which work like healing potions."
   "Hmm, what you are saying is indeed impressive abilities."
   "And my daughter is talented in management." Lord Phenex chipped in this small detail.
   "Very well. I am going to test that." Marcus nodded before looking at Quinella.
   "Darling. I require your services."
   The platinum-haired beauty walked over to the front and slightly bowed to him. She looked very subdued. It's very amusing for him to watch that.
   "Test Lord Phenex's daughter; I want to see those managing abilities."
   "As you wish."
   As Quinella received her orders, Marcus' gaze returned to the crowd.
   "Anything else?"
   ~~~~~~A While Ago, in Heaven~~~~~~
   Out of nowhere, the heaven system started to flicker. The orb of light began to blink. The glow lessened and lessened until it ceased to exist.
   The light flickered out of existence.
   Michael looked at the system and could not believe what he saw!
   "I-It's gone! Heaven's system is down!"
   This can't be happening!!!
   ~~~
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   Chapter 82: Dragons of Underworld
   "What is going on!? The entire place is shutting down!!!" The angels are going crazy. The Heaven system, which is at the core of Heaven, is shutting down.
   That means how will heaven operate!? They can't! The flow of souls, heaven itself, and the layers will cease to work! Everything will shut down.
   1
   Worst case, the planes and the layers of heaven will collapse!
   "I don't know! One moment, it was fine! The next second, it just stopped working! The souls of the dead stopped entering heaven! As if someone is diverting them!" Michael said with a worried look. Cold sweat was rolling down his forehead. He couldn't believe what he was seeing!
   "This is bad. If this continues, we will start losing the integrity of heaven itself!"
   Heaven's system decides how the layers work and how they are secured.
   At this moment, they are like a spaceship that has lost its fuel, and systems are starting to fall apart!
   The angels were panicking. They don't have proper guidance regarding this! What should they do!?
   "I-I-I have no choice! I will need to contact him!"
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   Michael swallowed whatever reluctance he had and decided to contact the only person he knows has some sort of understanding about the heaven system.
   Marcus Goldman can interact with Sacred Gears and, by this point, has built an enormous techno faction.
   On top of it, he is waging war in the Underworld. That is proof enough that he is capable.
   However, the leader of Heaven is fearing what the man could ask him.
   He witnessed his destructive power; the man is fickle and can easily take offence. If he desires Heaven, how can they resist him?
   "Are you sure?" Uriel asked with a frown.
   "I have no choice! If heaven falls apart, our faction is finished!" Michael exclaimed with a worried tone. They have two choices: either do nothing and let heaven dissolve or speak with Marcus, who could potentially demand things from them!
   "Brother, I am coming with you," Gabriel said seriously.
   "...fine."
   Seconds later, the pair of Archangels disappeared.
   'It appears we were not left unscathed. Fallen, Devils, and now us. The entire Biblical faction barely continues to exist.' Uriel thought to himself as he looked at the grey orb. The light which shone for thousands of years is now gone.
   ~~~~~~Meanwhile~~~~~~
   Ars Almadel Salomonis rotated its barrel and proceeded to shoot cubes into the Underworld via the wormhole.
   The cubes were Diamond Core Hearts. They will be land in specific areas designated for the development of the Underworld.
   With so much land, his Technocracy is rapidly expanding. First, it was the devil continent, which Marcus dubbed the small continent in the east hemisphere.
   Three cubes landed there as they started to open up and revealed Aurora bots, which began to boot up and start working on creating the infrastructure for a town.
   Other cubes landed in places like Gusion wilderness, a massive forest where magical beasts are rooming for hundreds of years without anyone interfering.
   The rest of them landed in distinctive lands like a desert, icy wasteland, not far from a volcano.
   On top of that, Marcus started to impose his will. One of the things he went to see was a pair of Dragon Kings living in his Underworld.
   The first one was in Familiar Forest.
   As the Confiscator flew over the forest, the ship's sensors noticed that the Evil Gods did not touch these lands.
   "Peculiar, don't you think?" Marcus asked his wife-to-be as they were looking over the forest below.
   "Familiar Forest is an intricate and well-connected place to the broader world.
   Devils make beasts of this forest into their familiars, as did every single mage in the world. Not even Evil Gods know what could happen if they attacked this place."
   "Now that is amusing."
   "They were not ready to provoke everyone. Or, Angra Mainyu had plans for this place."
   "I am more inclined that my 'rival' wanted to do something to this place. Maybe like a garden, you know how humans have a vegetable garden, he would have had this. From what I saw, he could add abilities and powers to himself."
   "I suppose you are right. That makes more sense to me." Athena nodded at his theory.
   "Regardless, we are here to acquire Tiamat." As Marcus said that, he walked towards the lift, which would take him to the hangar deck.
   ...
   ...
   ...
   Gunships carrying Marcus' group landed not far from a cave. It was a large one, and from the source, he knew Tiamat was a giant blue western dragon.
   ***ROAR***
   With a roar, a pair of yellow eyes with slits opened and looked at Marcus, who was leading the group.
   "Human, what do you want?"
   "I am Marcus Goldman-the successor of Solomon and the ruler of the Underworld and Hell.
   "So the war is over. To think that humans would win a war waged by Hell Gods, Fallen and Devils."
   As the dragon said that, with a burst of blue glow, the dragon transformed into a blue-haired female with a heroic aura. She walked over to them.
   "What does the 'Overlord' want from me?" She asked him while crossing her arms under considerable burst.
   "Establish communications, Tiamat."
   "Oh?"
   "From the aura, I sense from you. Your type doesn't care about pre-established rules." As she said that, her eyes went to a pair of gods following him. One of them even had a maid uniform.
   That tells Tiamat enough that this human is dangerous if he has Gods in that kind of get-up.
   "Correct. I don't know who placed you as a guard of this place, but I am putting a garrison here. Familiars will be counted and organised. Of course, I will uphold the sanctity of familiar contracts." Marcus said with a serious tone. He won't be stripping contracts already established. As a gamer at heart, Pokemon collections are a sacred thing.
   "I see. How about this, then, we fight. You win. I am your familiar, and if I win, you leave." She said with a challenging tone.
   "Tiamat, are you sure?" Athena got her attention.
   "Goddess Athena, I am sure. I am a Dragon King; if I go out, I will go out with a bang." As she said that, her form once again shifted, and she became a large blue western dragon.
   "You are one wild woman.- I don't like that." Marcus replied with an annoyed tone. This dragon didn't wait for an answer.
   "And I don't care!"
   As she said that, her mouth opened, and Tiamat released a torrent of flames.
   Marcus simply raised his hand, and the flames stopped mid flight.
   "Let me teach you about 'care'." He softly told her.
   The soft tone of his voice made her feel a certain dread, which is why she tried to slice him with her front limbs.
   But once again, an invisible force stopped the attack midway.
   "You still need much to learn. A pebble can't move a mountain."
   With a flick of his finger, he sent her flying, the flames midday ceased to exist, and the dragon rolled out from the vicinity.
   "My Master, I thank you for dulling my dragon pride." Gu Yuena decided to thank her creator for 'fixing' her pride because she CAN sense the familiarity and sympathise with Tiamat. But unlike Tiamat, she knows when to pull out.
   "Don't mention that. Now, if you excuse me, I need to 'break in' my familiar. It appears she doesn't have a shred of decency."
   With that said, he disappeared, and a second later, a loud slap spread through the area.
   "Did he just slap a dragon?" Sirin commented when she heard that.
   "...I guess he did."
   "..."
   'I should start a blog or something about the strangeness of my life.' The Herrscher recalled the video website in her previous world. She wonders if this place has something similar.
   ~~~
   Marcus looked at the blue dragon, slowly standing up. The beast had a red cheek. The cheek was slightly inflated.
   "That was just the beginning. I hope your scales are durable." The inventor slowly walked over to her side as one of his hands was in his pocket, and the other one was smoking as it was the one he used to slap.
   Instead of replying to the dragon, she tried to swing at him with sharp claws.
   But he just caught the claws with two fingers.
   "Not bad; your claws are as sharp as your temper. But this is not enough." He squeezed the claw before using it to pick the whole dragon up into the air.
   Tiamat's eyes widened as she realised this guy was on a completely different plane of existence!
   Before she can struggle, he starts to slam her into the ground, then picks it up and slams into the other side. Rinse and repeat.
   *SLAM**SLAM**SLAM*
   After throwing her around, he released the claw and looked at his handiwork.
   The Dragoness was twitching on the ground. As Marcus looked around, he saw that he created a dust cloud. To fix this, he just snapped his finger, and all of the dust was gone.
   To confirm her situation, he walked over to her head and looked at her.
   "Do you want to continue? I haven't tested out what maximum velocity a Dragon King can take."
   To his comment, the dragoness slowly lifted her head and looked at him.
   "If you think that-"
   Before she can finish, he delivers a powerful punch which sends her flying right into mountains in the distance.
   One second, she was here. The next second, a massive mountain in the distance exploded into bits and pieces.
   "So it's around 20000 to 30000 thousand kilometres per second roughly." The inventor commented with a thoughtful voice as he gazed at the mountain
   "Doing this without AI assistance is always so taxing. Thankfully, I don't have a concept of tiredness anymore." As he commented on that, he appeared next second, where Tiamat had landed.
   With a hand motion, his purple aura surged as the stone blocks were sent flying away, revealing a bloody form of Tiamat.
   "Do you want to continue?"
   The dragon trembled; her mouth slowly opened as she showed her teeth. There was a defiant look.
   "I see. So you think that overwhelming power means nothing to you. That is fine. Believe me. Raw strength is my weakest trait. I am considered weak when it comes to that.
   My other abilities are far, far more substantial, for example-" With hand motion, he forcefully made her change her back into human form.
   "...Y-You-" Tiamat was struggling to understand what was happening!
   Before she can complain some more, she is chained up and brought over in front of him.
   "I am going to spank that disobedience out of you." As he said that, there was a sadistic smile on his lip. A leather belt appeared in his hands.
   "W-What are you t-talking about!?" Tiamat struggled, but her body didn't move; her mana didn't respond.
   "Don't pretend to be naive, Tiamat, since you behave like a disobedient girl. It's up to me, your Master, to fix that." as he said that, she ended up being brought down and placed next to him, ready for spanking.
   "-Y-You are not my M-Mast-*Oww!!!*" The blue-haired beauty couldn't contain her voice from that pain. Whatever that belt was, it was more than just a simple leather belt.
   Not even previous injuries matter by this point!
   "I didn't ask what you think." He once again smacked her rear with the belt.
   "S-Stop! B-Be serious!!!"
   *Smack*
   "...S-Stop embarrassing me!"
   *Smack*
   "S-Stop! Damn it!"
   *Smack*
   "I-I am a Dragon King!!"
   *Smack*
   The more Tiamat tried to show a taught front, the more she received psionic-imbued belt smacks.
   Those smacks were not just imbued to deal pain to the butt but attacked nerve receptors too. So, she is receiving pain directly to her brain.
   Otherwise, a Dragon King like her would barely feel any sort of pain.
   As Marcus was 'training' a dragon, the rest of the girls finally caught up to him. What they saw briefly confused them before they understood what he was doing.
   The moment they understood the moment they started to blush from embarrassment.
   "...W-What!?" Sirin's brain tried to process what she saw!
   "...Figures." Artemis sighed as she massaged her forehead. Only Marcus can turn an over-the-top situation into a joke.
   "...Yeah. I guess I should have seen this one coming." Athena pushed her glasses up as she was trying to think how it had come to this.
   "I suppose he is used to me so much that he forgot that dragons are very proud." Gu Yuena said with crossed arms.
   "Are you saying you are not proud?" Atalanta casually commented.
   "...Your 'pokes' won't make me annoyed. You know well enough how I was designed." The Dragoness brushed her fingers through her long hair.
   "I guess I do." The maid quickly dropped the idea of riling her up.
   While the only one who looked highly interested was Nyx, the black-haired Primordial was itching to assist in delivering that punishment.
   "...I wonder if I can assist him." The Primordial of Night commented with an excited tone.
   "Maybe. You should ask him."
   ~~~
   "I-I give! I Give! Please stop!" Tiamat couldn't take this. After several hours of pure torture, she felt her brain was getting numb from pain!
   "Oh?"
   Marcus stopped with smacks and released the hold.
   The moment he did that, the Dragoness' legs gave in, and she collapsed to the ground.
   "Are you saying that you were wrong and that you were begging for forgiveness?"
   To his question, her lips trembled as she slowly nodded.
   "I need to hear that verbal answer, or should I return to train my pet dragon?"
   Her eyes widened in horror, and she swiftly got herself together.
   "Y-Yes! I was wrong! I shouldn't have challenged you!"
   "That much was obvious, but what else did you do that I need to punish you?" To his question, she looked confused and tried to think, but her brain was sluggish from all those smacks!
   "...Ummm..."
   "...Ummm..."
   "Well?"
   "..."
   "..."
   "..."
   "I don't know?" She finally replied to his question, and her voice had some fear barely hidden.
   "I see. I was far too efficient."
   He walked over, crouched down and grabbed her chin, making her look at him. Her blue eyes tried to look away from his heated gaze.
   "There is something called 'etiquette'. As my dragon pet, you will remember this next time, yes? Or should I treat you like a small child who needs 'training'?" His soft and nice tone only increased the horror factor for Tiamat, who started to pale.
   She recalled that she tried to burn his entire group. It only made that horror magnify tenfold.
   "I-I-I promise, I won't do this ever again!"
   "Wonderful. It's so nice that we have an understanding. If you do a great job, I might tell you who is currently Ddraig's host." Marcus casually mentioned a tiny detail about Ddraig-the dragon that took a treasure from her and never returned.
   Her eyes widened as she lost her haggard look and swiftly recovered. Standing up on her feet, Marcus followed. He was impressed by the durability of a dragon.
   "Y-You know the current host of Ddraig!?"
   "Of course. I even tinkered with the Sacred Gear."
   His reply made her lips tremble. She was about to shake him, but her hands didn't move. It was awkward not being able to be overbearing.
   "If you behave, my faction will provide you with as many treasures as you want."
   "Fine. It's not that I have a choice."
   "You had. But then you decided to discard it. It's not my fault you decided to fight."
   For a second, she pouted at him. She tried to remark, but no words left her mouth. At the very last second, she controlled herself.
   Phantom images of that belt made her control herself.
   "I apologise."
   "Good start. We might make a good maid out of you yet."
   "!!!"
   "M-M-Maid!?"
   ~~~~~~Later~~~~~~
   After acquiring Tiamat, it was much easier with the other Dragon King. Tannin is much tamer.
   "I wasn't expecting you to come to see me this quickly. I can guess that the war is over."
   A purple dragon landed in front of Marcus. It was standing on its hind legs. The form of this dragon reminded the inventor of Dragonoids, instead of regular dragons, which are on four limbs or serpentine.
   "You were expecting me?"
   "Of course. I was following everyone's magical signatures the moment I sensed yours. I knew it was over for the other party." The Dragon King explained to Marcus.
   "Any idea why Angra Mainyu didn't come here?"
   "I can only guess. From what I recall, that creature had peculiar tastes. Maybe a collector or gardener? Keeping certain things as pets or harvest."
   As the dragon said that, he looked at Marcus.
   "That leaves me to ask you. What do you require, now that devils no longer rule this land? What do you need so that my kin could live here?"
   "Cooperation. I am a collector and gardener, as you said." He motioned at his Silver-Haired dragoness, who came with him. She was interested in dragons around here.
   "I have created her, as well as collected dragons like Albion, Ddraig, Tiamat, Fafnir, Vritra, Grendel, Apophis, Azi Dahaka, Ladon and Ni"h"ggr."
   The purple dragon's eyes widened for a second. That was quite a collection!
   "However, you can serve a far greater purpose. Your dragon preserve is far more valuable. I would want to invest in it."
   "Invest? Like capital?"
   "In simple terms, yes," Marcus said with a small smile; he snapped his fingers, and his knights brough over a table and a couple of chairs.
   When the knights placed the chairs, he sat down and motioned for the dragon to do the same.
   "I know well enough you have a human form. You kings are a step above the mundane dragons."
   With a slightly confused frown, the Dragon King did just that. A purple glow surrounded him, and he turned into a middle-aged man with purple eyes and hair.
   Once Tannin sat in his chair, the maids walked over, placed cups and prepared some tea.
   The Dragon only now noticed that one of the maids is a literal Goddess. For a second, his heart skipped a beat from disbelief. A cold chill washed him. He looked at this human in front of him with a different kind of light.
   "As you might have noticed, there are not many devils and fallen left in this world. I will be bringing some of them back, but the majority are dead.
   So, as a big fan of dragonkin, I plan to expand your lands. Introduce more biomes." After saying that, Marcus took a sip of tea as he allowed the Dragon King to process what he just said.
   What he said sounded good and nice, but there is a catch.
   "But?"
   "But, there will be observation posts. I am the leader of a Technocracy. A faction focused on development, research, and improvements.
   I require basic statistics, nothing more, nothing less. We will improve dragon fruits, which your species requires.
   Making it less taxing for growth."
   "...Basic statistics, what does that entail?"
   "Scanning of energy readings, documenting how fast dragons grow, and how their natures and types develop. Nothing intrusive. You can say we will be your hospital.
   In future, I am planning to give your kin an entire planet."
   The last words made Tannin nearly choke on his tea!
   "...E-Entire planet!?"
   "Yes. That is the end goal. We will watch how Technocracy clicks with your dragons. My goal is Dragon Knights." As he said that, he pulled out a tablet and showed him his early designs.
   It was an armoured human riding an armoured dragon, and the other picture was a human with dragon armour similar to balance breakers.
   "It will be another military branch in my Grand Army." After saying that, he placed the tablet aside.
   "What you see is the end game here. Once your species recovers and has good enough numbers, of course, I will only take the ones who want to fight and bond with a human rider."
   "Hmm..."
   The Dragon King leaned into his chair and pondered.
   "This is a good bargain. Fine, I have nothing to lose."
   "Good." He snapped his fingers, and Atalanta walked over.
   "Send a word; the observatories can be launched and the land allocated."
   "Understood." She pulled out her tablet and pressed a few times on it.
   Second later, a loud whistling sound followed as something like meteorites started to descend around the area.
   There were at least five visible ones.
   "...You work fast." Tannin realised that Marcus was ready for this.
   "I have infrastructure prepared beforehand. If you ever wish to speak with me, Tannin, you can always contact me via the observatories.
   Oh, and here, take this." The inventor handed over a piece of glass of some sort.
   "This is?"
   "A contract. You can see what we will do as observers. You can see the route of development." Marcus explained to him.
   "I see." The moment he took a text appeared on the glass. The Dragon King started to read through the text.
   After reading all of this, Tannin realised this was what the human had said to him. They will be a hospital to them.
   "...But why?"
   "I want to see if another Dragon Emperor can be produced, like how a large population of humans will eventually produce a genius."
   "So that it could be added to your collection?"
   "Of course. Once my observatory reads your energy signature, you will be part of it."
   *Snort*
   "You don't mince words, do you?" Tannin snorted at what he heard.
   "I don't. I don't need to."
   "Very well. It will happen as you say. I am amused that you decided to play this game."
   "Game? Do you mean me coming to speak with you directly?"
   "Indeed. I can see that you have beaten up Tiamat." Tannin motioned with his chin at Tiamat, who was dressed as a maid and standing in the line with other maids.
   Tiamat didn't say anything, even when Tannin singled her out.
   "She challenged my rule. I guess having a Primordial as a pet is not enough."
   Marcus commented. His comment finally broke Tiamat's silence.
   "I didn't know about that! Okay!? Lady Nyx wasn't emitting anything at that time!"
   "Tehehe, I knew something fun would happen, so I didn't release my power~" Nyx, who was standing in the line, giggled. She remembered what Marcus did to the Dragoness.
   "...You..." Tiamat's eyebrows twitched.
   "What? Not my fault you challenged one of the strongest existence in our world." Nyx laughed while saying that.
   "Ugh..."
   As the Primordial was messing with Tiamat, who is another Dragon King, Marcus looked back at Tannin.
   "I see. I wasn't expecting to see Lady Nyx, Goddess Athena and Goddess Artemis."
   "Don't mind us, King Tannin. We are just followers of Marcus." Athena motioned for him to forget about them.
   "...Right." With a slightly sweaty forehead, Tannin looked at Marcus, who was leisurely drinking his tea.
   "As you can see, I am here because I am interested in Dragons. With my technomancy, I could have millions of dragons by this point. But I am going by nature to understand how dragons develop naturally.
   You can say-they are windows to ancient beings like dinosaurs." Marcus spoke with some excitement here. There was a slight grin on his lips.
   Tannin slowly nodded. So, it was his preference. Well, it's good for dragons.
   After finishing his tea, the inventor stood up, and the dragon king followed after him.
   "Well. It is good to meet the only Dragon King who cares for his race." Marcus offered his hand for a handshake.
   Tannin followed his lead and took the hand for a handshake.
   "This deal will help my kin to recover and prosper, so I have to thank you."
   "Don't mention it. This arrangement is nothing more than part of my hobby."
   "Hahaha, from what I understood, everything you do is part of your hobby."
   Marcus, for a second, was reminded that this dragon is old and has experienced a lot to see through his character so quickly.
   "You are quick to grasp."
   "When you live long enough, you pick up a few things. Especially around old devils." Tannin said that with a knowing look.
   "Oh, right. You were once the Queen of Mephistopheles. One of the first reincarnated devils, if my information is right."
   "Indeed. So, I learned quickly to read between the lines."
   "Is he still alive? I do know that there are a bunch of devils in the Human world, and many have tried to return to the Underworld. But the barrier Tartarus made is still in place. Honestly, it's one of the best gifts those primordials left." Marcus mentioned one of the best creations done by a Primordial. It's quite a nice piece of ritual he has seen for a while.
   "Knowing him, he won't die that easily."
   "Good. Regardless, if you need anything or have suggestions, visit one of the observations. Those outposts can alter and become invisible if need be. As I have written in the contract, this project can be adjusted when needed."
   "My thanks."
   ~~~~~~Meanwhile on Earth~~~~~~
   The Fallen angels are exploring the new place they will be staying. It was a floor apartment building. It was a refurbished soviet style apartment block.
   It is made from concrete blocks. By this point, the only way people can recognise is how square-ish it was, nothing else. The insides range from single-room to three-room flats.
   "Well, we have more space than I originally thought," Azazel commented as he saw the newest market available tech in the building.
   "Honestly, I expected a more difficult challenge," Penemue said with a slight smirk as she looked around.
   "Don't be fooled, Pene." Azazel swiftly made her smile disappear.
   "We are set to lose."
   "...Huh? Why did you say that?" She asked with surprise.
   "For one, he set this up that one of his girlfriend's positions is threatened. That blonde girl is Latia Astaroth. She was not the head of the Astaroth clan before. It was Deodora Astaroth in the early hours of the war.
   He mysteriously disappeared. The Hell forces were nowhere near that place.
   The only thing reported was men in shining armour raiding Astaroth Castle.
   Reports of guns which use the Power of Destruction, does that sound familiar to you?" Azazel asked with a strained smile.
   "...Are you saying she killed her cousin?" Shemhazai, who was listening, looked surprised for a second.
   "I don't know. But the only reason we are here is because Marcus Goldman decided to humour us. The blonde was looking annoyed. We have unlimited resources and a wide variety of which we could develop.
   There are no set boundaries. We could make electronic weapons if we wanted-or biological weapons.
   Nothing is specified for us; Marcus Goldman, from what I have seen so far, develops things according to his whims. Nothing is decided without his set parameters."
   "...then you are saying that Latia Astaroth killed her cousin with his permission!?"
   "I am confident he knows. However, I am not 100% certain. He is a control freak, and what we have here is opposite to a control freak."
   "...You are right..." Shemhazai said with wide eyes he finally understood the angle.
   "Then..."
   "We have to surprise him and that cautious devil. It's the only hope we have. Otherwise, we will be caged like the devil race." Azazel concluded.
   ~~~
   "Oh my. They have already seen through the Master's move." Jeanne said with a surprised tone as she was listening in.
   The fallen might use magic to hide their voices. But this was the heart of their territory. Bubbles of magic are something the AI can see through.
   "It appears so. Azazel was always the smartest of their race." Grayfia said with a frown. She stood next to Jeanne as they watched the building from a distance.
   "So what next?"
   "Aurora already notified Master that Azazel has seen through this. It was one of the challenges set by him. He knew that Azazel could potentially ask this.
   Out of all the supernatural, our Master met only Azazel, who saw through the layers." The silver-haired head maid said with a frown.
   "Odin was similar, but he reads the whole picture; only a fellow researcher sees through the technology and the potential."
   "...You think he predicted Project Eden?" Jeanne asked with a surprised look.
   "...even if he did, what of it? The Hell forces crushed whatever chance they could have to oppose." Grayfia said with a scoff.
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   Jeanne slowly nodded. Project Eden is the next step. It was akin to something from a sci-fi movie like Independence Day or War of Worlds.
   Marcus' goal is space. But for that he needs to move from the house. When you move to another home, you always clean the old one.
   That is what Project Eden is. They will clean the house on a planetary scale!
   Earth will be restored to its pristine state. It will become the promised Eden. By the project standards, only 1% of Earth can be used.
   That 1% will be outposts and observatories. The rest-well...
   The maids know the project. Le Fay was the first one to notice this project. It's genocide.
   However, with Athena in the picture, they could ask for alternatives, like a planetary ring.
   That would be a challenge, something Marcus would love to build. The issue is that it would be a massive hassle to move billions of people.
   "...and mundane forces. Do you think they can oppose us now? Even if all pantheons join. It would be only a matter of time before we would be victorious." The Headmaid said with a slightly proud tone. She was feeling her Lucifuge blood gushing with excitement to be the maid of someone who would dominate the whole planet in the upcoming years!
   "...True..."
   After seeing Ars Almadel Salomonis in action, there is very little anyone could do to stop that thing.
   ~~~
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   ~~~
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   Chapter 83: Returning to the Roots, Getting Grounded
   Thousands of kilometres above Earth, space rippled and expanded, creating a rippling circle before forming into a wormhole.
   Slowly, an airship passed through, entering into the planet's orbit.
   Marcus' group walked to the edge of the bridge and looked at the blue planet below them.
   "Amazing. Look how blue it is." Atalanta tried to sound nonchalant, but she could barely control. This view is something else.
   "It is-one of the reasons why I want to move to space," Marcus said with crossed arms. There was a thin smile on his lips. He loved this view, and he knew that others were feeling the same way.
   Even the Gods who were travelling with him were not that different. They don't see this view often either.
   "Now that I am seeing for the second time, the planets are identical," Sirin said with a slight frown. She expected some differences. The Herrscher was from a different reality. There have to be some differences!
   "You won't see that much of a difference, Sirin," Marcus replied as he turned his head to the side towards her location.
   He then looked at the girls operating the vessel.
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   "Begin the test-contact spaceport. Activate the tunnel. We shall begin docking sequences." The Inventor instructed the crew.
   "Roger! Contacting spaceport!"
   ~~~
   On the surface, the megastructure had a massive circular fence. Well, calling it a fence is a gigantic stretch as, at precise distances, there are sharp towers which are graviton projectors.
   Initially, they were mana projectors, but Marcus swiftly adjusted them to hold graviton technomancy. The diameter is enormous, and regular people noticed this when the faction stopped hiding.
   They got the shock of their lifetime. A city of around 200 thousand people is not far from the megabuilding. They can see it in the distance. It became part of the horizon when they looked towards the west.
   They were distressed, and chaos followed when they saw it. The government promised they would do something. But quickly, they went silent about it.
   The reason was that the inspection got roadblocked. Marcus was building all of it, and he was allowed to do it-privacy laws.
   There are no laws which discuss the creation of megabuildings, spaceports or airship ports. It's common sense! No one even discussed building any of this! It's sci-fi stuff.
   On top of all that, they can't change any of it because new laws were in place a while ago.
   That means the buildings will stay, and perfectly honest, no one has the balls to say anything to the guy. Those canons are a good deterrent.
   Instead, they created a temporary base some distance away! Of course! And some scientists came to observe what this building was.
   From a distance as well! Still, it's maddening that some hidden faction could build something secretly with unknown technology.
   The sheer workforce needed for this. People around the world come to study and do some basic maths on manpower, energy, materials, all of those things required to build something like this.
   It's simply absurd.
   "Hmm, what is that!?" One of the scientists pointed at the megabuilding. He was using binoculars to observe the sharp towers surrounding the central tower.
   As of now, they still wonder why there are towers like these.
   At first, they thought it was to satiate Marcus' megalomania, but soon enough, they realised they served a purpose.
   Segments of the sharp towers started to glow. It was as if a tremendous amount of energy was rushing upwards-the tips of the sharp towers released beams of light, which poured into the sky.
   They are creating a corridor, wavy-like layers formed between the pillars, creating a properly sealed corridor!
   The guy holding binoculars dropped them in disbelief at what he was seeing. His brain concluded that this was some sort of gate or a road or something- a tunnel!
   To space!
   "...But the amount of energy! T-T-This- is a waste! Why! There are different means to negate the atmosphere! By this point, this kid is just showing a middle finger to the rest of humanity!" The scientist started to rant about how pointless this was!
   "What are you saying?" one of the clueless scientists didn't quite understand.
   "Have you seen a billionaire buy something for a couple hundred million and never use it?"
   "...I do. Some TV shows show those people on TV all the time." He replied with a 'duh'.
   "Then this is it! This tower is it! Only on a mega scale! That tower wastes more energy per second than several nations combined use per year!" The rant continued.
   "...And why do you care?" The other one just rolled his eyes at the outburst.
   "Because Marcus Goldman could be using all that energy for better things!" The scientist snappily answered.
   "Then go and ask. I am sure one of those heavily armoured men would happily waste his time humouring you." The other scientist sarcastically replied.
   *Tsk!*
   As the pair were bickering, a vessel descended and docked with the central tower. At that moment, the sharp towers finished emitting beams of light, and everything returned to normal.
   "Such a waste! Things like these should be built close to the equator! The lack of fundamental efficiency! Ugh!!!" The man continued to nag about the wasted things.
   They are not realising that when Marcus doesn't care, he doesn't care.
   ~~~
   As Confiscator docked at the main Space Port, the group took a train. Marcus was returning home to get grounded.
   For now, they stopped at the main base where the maids would be leaving. The inventor instructed them to train Tiamat. The Dragon King needs to be trained. Solomon's Successor insisted that they train her properly. His maids seriously acknowledged his request.
   Once the maids left, Gu Yuena, Sirin, his two ship girls, and Athena and Nyx followed him to his home.
   However, Marcus can already feel that Nyx will swiftly return to the base as it will be boring for her with his parents all the time.
   He does know that she doesn't have much patience when it is required of her to act nicely.
   Her sadism has her periods, and his parents could end up grossed out.
   'It's cute how she cares about such mundane things. Considering she is as old if not older than humanity.'
   As Marcus was thinking, the train arrived at his garage, and the group left the train and proceeded to walk upstairs.
   "Well, Enti, what do you think? We just won one of the most significant conflicts in human history. What are you feeling at this moment?" The Inventor grabbed Enterprise's hand and started to speak with his favourite aircraft carrier.
   "...Umm... I would say- pleased? I did my duty as a war vessel." She tried to explain and ignore the semi-cuddle from her Admiral.
   "Good~ my Enti is great~."
   Marcus started to tease the beauty. That was when Sirin finally saw how he acted around the Aircraft carrier! It was beginning to make her feel jealous!
   He was acting like a pampering boyfriend!
   Regardless, a few minutes later, they all got out of the garage and into the yard.
   Marcus walked to the front doors and entered his house.
   "Mark! Is that you?"
   "Yes, mom. I finished the whole war thing." The inventor said with a sigh.
   "Good! Then, mister, you are grounded for a month!" His mother walked over with a frying pan in her hands.
   Enterprise looked at Marcus with a raised eyebrow.
   "Kay~" He raised his hands in defeat.
   "Fantastic! You can start with firewood~." She said that with a bright smile.
   "Firewood? I thought we installed an automated heating system?" He asked with a slight frown.
   "Nope. I declined that thing. I like the smell of firewood~" Rose said with a bright smile.
   All of Marcus' girls looked at him. Will he go outside and swing that axe to get some firewood?
   "Don't we have over 12 million labour bots for such menial tasks?" Solomon's successor massaged his temples while complaining.
   "We do. But they are not grounded; you are." She walked over and gave him gloves. He looked at the gloves. They looked used and had some oil and small wood bits sticking. These were his dad's working gloves.
   "Fine."
   "And no superpowers, no special weapons or tools, no assistance from your robots either~ I will be watching you~," She said while pointing her two fingers at her eyes and then at him.
   It was the classic 'I am watching you' moment.
   "As you wish. I will go and get changed." After saying that, Marcus proceeded to walk to his room.
   His girls looked at each other for a second.
   "Athena, can you help me with food preparations? Since you all came back, I will need to do more." Rose then asked her future daughter-in-law.
   "Of course! Leaving it to me."
   "I will help, too." Tirpitz took a step forward.
   "Me too." Gu Yuena joined as well. They are starting to feel self-conscious. If their creator is doing such a menial task, they want to help.
   "Good, good. That leaves Enti. I want you to make sure Mark is doing my assignment without cheating. Can you do it?"
   "...S-Sure."
   'Since she is the admiral's mother, does it make her higher in the hierarchy?' For a second, Enterprise pondered to herself.
   With girls spreading out with tasks, Nyx and Sirin were the only ones who didn't know what to do!
   "You two can help with preparing the table and utensils!"
   The pair slowly nodded at Rose's words. The mother of the inventor showed them where all the stuff was.
   After showing, she returned to cooking, leaving the pair with the task.
   "This is the first time I am doing something like this," Nyx said with a perplexed look.
   "Same. I only have memories of my counterpart preparing a table for three. That's all I know." Sirin recalled Kiana's memories when she prepared a table-nothing on this scale.
   They both feel as if they are about to face a big enemy.
   ~~~
   "I was certain I ordered Quinella to remove most menial tasks with the house upgrade!" Marcus complained as he entered his room, went over to the wardrobe, and selected to create some easy-to-move working clothes.
   [Quinella followed all of your instructions. She enquired what your parents wanted. Your mother insisted on keeping the fireplace.]
   The inventor's eyebrows twitched for a second. He realised that his mother had played him.
   He was sure that she would ground him. So he wanted to ensure the grounding was as simple as possible, him staying in his room and tinkering away until he was free.
   But his mother still was able to sneak in some menial chores to do!
   "She still knows how to make me do something like this even when I have all those assets." He sighed out loud as he opened the wardrobe and pulled out his newly created clothes.
   "I would say it's because she is your mother, Admiral. Genetics do play a part in such situations." Enterprise said to him as she walked into his room.
   She took off her captain's hat and her leather coat before walking over to his side.
   "Make a set for me too. I will come with you." She said with a small smile; his mother said nothing about biological models helping, so she would chip in!
   "Sure thing. Put your hand on the touch screen." His eyes sparkled. He is about to see Enterprise in autumn-season clothes for the outdoors! It will be glorious!
   He pressed a few things on the touch screen, and a palm image appeared on the screen.
   Marcus then moved aside and allowed her to scan herself.
   "Okay."
   With a nod, she placed her hand on the touch screen, and a light scanned her.
   Once the scan was complete, she could see herself on the screen.
   Now she can design her clothes!
   "...What now?"
   "Let me see~" With a smile, he started to see some clothes for her according to the season.
   "What do you say for a pair of jeans?" He showed her dark blue jeans with a big belt.
   "I don't mind. If you think that it will look nice on me, then I accept." Enterprise doesn't save opinion towards things like that. If her admiral thinks it suits her, she will put it on just for him.
   "Alright." he selected the jeans. He then went for the top ones and found a nice woolly sweater with an extended collar. To top this up, he chose a simple raincoat jacket.
   "For shoes, we will go with sneakers."
   After doing all that, he pulled her clothes from the wardrobe.
   The silver-haired beauty didn't even bother inspecting them. She proceeded to change her clothes immediately.
   Marcus wasn't surprised by her blunt behaviour. So he followed after her and proceeded to change. Once they finished changing, the inventor checked her out.
   "Beautiful. However, you lack one thing~" As he commented on her beauty, he went over to make one more thing.
   She waited for him; once done with his selections, he pulled out something from the wardrobe.
   Once he had it, he motioned for her to turn around. Enterprise didn't question him. Instead, she turned around. She then sensed that he was doing something with her hair; moments later, she felt he had finished.
   "There. Now you have a ponytail~." He spoke with a pleased tone.
   Enterprise turned around and looked at herself in the mirror.
   "Interesting."
   "Yes. Ponytail gives you a more strict and serious aura, while loose hair makes you more regal." He commented on her hair while observing her inspect herself in the mirror.
   "...Which is better then?" She asked him curiously. The ship girl wants to know what hairstyle he prefers for her to have.
   "All. I think a hairstyle like that depends on the occasion. Everything suits my Enti~." His honest reply made her slightly blush. She swiftly grabbed her sneakers.
   "We should head outside. We still need to finish the mission your mother gave you." The ship girl proceeded to walk towards the doors with hurried steps.
   Marcus shook his head in amusement. He was thinking about how cute she was. He then selected another set of gloves for her before walking after her.
   ~~~
   "Brother, what should we do? How are we going to approach him?" Gabriel asked with a concerned voice. They appeared in Cracow, the second-largest city in Poland. It was one of the biggest and oldest Christian cities under their control and close to Marcus Goldman's lands.
   "I have some ideas about what we can do. We have only one shot at this." Michael said with a small smile. All he needs is perfect timing for him to get this right.
   "I trust you." The blonde Seraphim slowly nodded. It looked to her that he had a plan of some sort.
   "Good. First, we need to get aeroplane tickets. Thankfully, this city's airport flies where we want." With a small smile, he walked towards the already waiting priests and men in black suits.
   The Leader of Heaven already had everything prepared beforehand.
   ~~~~~~Meanwhile, in Underworld Aboard Axiom~~~~~~
   Ravel was looking around; she was feeling out of place. The whole airship was technology overload for her. Automatic doors, floating holograms, the armoured men had suits with glowing parts that looked like tech and things like that. She saw robots walking too!
   As someone who grew up in a traditional castle, this place was the complete opposite of what she was used to!
   Seeing all of this made her question if what she knows will be good enough.
   Eventually, that girl walked into the meeting room. The girl's dress was that of a teacher with sharp glasses and a wooden stick used for pointing at the blackboard.
   "Let's begin, shall we~" Quinella pushed her glasses up. It reminded Ravel of the Sona Sitri style that the devil has glasses for some reason.
   With her stick motion, a hologram appeared, adjusted to look like a blackboard.
   "First, my name is Quinella Aurora. I am assistant to the Head Scientist and Researcher of Technocracy, Marcus Goldman. He holds the title of Next Solomon and Ruler of the Underworld.
   Our goal as a Technocracy is to research and develop in peace. However, not everyone likes our methods." Quinella said that with a 'look' in her eyes.
   That look reminded Reval of those people who don't care about consequences.
   'This woman is dangerous.'
   The blonde Phenex's back straightened as she started to pay extra attention. More specifically, what is this woman's angle!? That is essential so that she won't end up dead somewhere in a ditch!
   "By that, I mean-the current world's situation. Your father said that you understand management. I shall test your governing skills. We will start with a nation, then a continental level and upwards to a bigger scale until I see your maximum capacity.
   After all, our Technocracy shall rule everything in the cosmos."
   'C-Cosmos!???'
   Recall gulped down. Are these people planning total space domination!?
   "Don't look surprised. It's only natural." Quinella's lips morphed into a borderline cocky grin.
   "To run successful experiments, one must own a 'proper' laboratory and an appropriate institution. This institution has to have big enough testing grounds." Quinella smoothly explained to the Phenex Devil.
   Sweet started to manifest on Reval's forehead.
   'She is serious, isn't she? If this is what the assistant is thinking, then what is in the main researcher's head happening?'
   "...But isn't Cosmos too big?"
   "In a way, it is. However, at the same time, Marcus wants to have everything under control. If you own the entirety of the Milky Way Galaxy, then when a threat approaches, it's many lightyears away. We will know, and we will be able to prepare."
   Reval quickly understood why.
   "...So, a buffer zone?"
   "Indeed." Quinella nodded before pointing at the 'blackboard'.
   "Our Technocracy doesn't have issues with resources. It doesn't have manpower issues. Theoretically, we can expand infinitely."
   The assistant pointed at the symbol of infinity, which was next to a barrel of oil, electricity and water. Then she pointed at the image of a soldier with Infinity next to it.
   "I see..."
   The blonde devil could work with these things.
   "Yes. So, we will start with your foundational skills. You will manage a country for me." With an elegant hand motion, the assistant snapped her fingers, and the doors opened. A pair of soldiers brought in a device.
   "This is a Realitus Projector. It creates a perfect simulation for you.
   Your first assignment is to control a large territory with limited habitat zones and only 150 million people. Since it's your first simulation run, you shall have abundant raw resources."
   With that said, particles consumed the whole room. Before Ravel can understand what is happening, the particles transport her to-
   "T-This is!"
   "Kremlin," Quinella said with both hands behind her back as she started to pace back and forth.
   "Russia serves as the perfect test for you. It has a lot of land, a lot of useless land, and a lot of resources. I will watch as you rule this massive piece of territory. Once you satisfy me, we shall move to a more difficult one."
   Reval gulped down as she looked around. She saw people lined up for her. This-
   It was seriously awesome and, at the same time, terrified her to no end. But at the same time, she was having positive goosebumps thinking that this Technocracy has technology like this!
   "Exciting, isn't it? People call this the Entertainment Dome. One can relive their fantasies. Others insert themselves into movies, books, mangas and so on. But the best part is that we can simulate millions, if not trillions, of scenarios.
   You are part of it now. All these people here have personalities, ambitions and things like that. Of course, you shouldn't be worried. At this moment, the entirety of this simulation is configured to be on basic difficulty, and these people are easy to read." As Quinella said that, she stopped pacing and looked at the devil girl, listening patiently.
   "When you finish this simulation, we will move to a more complex country with worse conditions than Russia."
   "...W-What are the winning conditions?"
   "Hmm? You've never played Civilization games before, do you?" Quinella looked surprised that the blonde didn't grasp what was happening yet.
   Ravel rapidly shook her head.
   "You poor thing~"
   The Assistant patted her head as if she suffered through her life.
   "It's domination victory. You will have to conquer everything. Because other victories are for children." Quinella sweetly explained to the devil. She sounded more like a devil than a devil in question, which made Phenex more afraid of her than ever before!
   "...E-Everything?"
   "That's right, every city, every village, everything. I will watch closely how you manage your country from finances to the military-industrial complex."
   *Gulp*
   "I see."
   "Indeed. Now, let's begin the story. Ms. President. You were recently elected President of the Russian Federation in the early 21's century. How will your story unfold~?" Quinella, with a bright smile, slowly disappeared, leaving Ravel behind.
   The blonde girl slowly paled as she saw suit-wearing men and women walk over to her with papers. They all want directions from her!
   ~~~~~~Back with Marcus~~~~~~
   The Inventor visited the shed and the adjacent building next to the garage. It was his grandfather's workshop. As a carpenter, he had all the tools to work on wood, like axes, hammers, wooden and metal, different types of knives, wrenches, nails, screws, etc. It was heaven for anyone who was obsessed with having a workshop.
   "...This is-" Enterprise poked her head as she looked over this dusty place. There was a big table with a saw in the middle.
   "My grandfather's place." He said with a small, strained smile. This place reminds him that even with all of his powers, certain things he can't change.
   In a sense, it keeps him grounded and inspires him to keep going.
   "Oh... He was a carpenter?"
   "I would say universal craftsman through and through," Marcus said with a nostalgic voice. He had a flashback where he remembers getting stuffed with apples by his grandfather. Even to this day, he can't eat apples that often.
   "See~ genetics, as I told you before." The shipgirl today saw two things that made Marcus, Marcus.
   "I don't deny that." He shook his head before walking over to a door which never was finished. He placed his hand on it. He was feeling the oak-one of the sturdiest trees.
   The inventor envisioned the house he was planning to build on Titan. The night sky there will be breathtaking.
   Not just the night sky, depending on how the surface of the planet is, he is planning to make a couple of continents full of dinosaurs and ice age creatures.
   'But most importantly, making the house a blend of old and new.'
   After saying that, he looked around before spotting hanged tools. He walked over there and picked up an axe.
   He swirled it briefly, inspecting the balance before nodding to himself.
   "Let's go. I can chop up for a while before dinner is ready."
   "Okay!"
   With a nod, she followed him towards the side of the driveway, where wood piles were.
   "At least my dad, this time, bought some high-quality stuff." Marcus sighed. He pondered if he should get a forest and genetically engineer some good-smelling wood that smells nice when burning.
   "What's the difference? I don't understand things like that. Not my field of expertise." The silver-haired girl asked with a slightly embarrassed tone.
   "Well, it depends on where you want to use the wood. For this, it's branches. The fewer branches, the easier it is to cut them up." He explained to her.
   "...but since you can blow up a planet if you want, does it matter?" She questioned with a slightly confused tone.
   "We are not discussing my powers here, Enti. My mother wanted the old fashioned, so we are doing it the old fashioned way." He explained to her as he grabbed the biggest piece of wood and used it as a stump. Then he placed another one on top of it.
   "Right!" The ship girl put her gloves on. She was playing along. Part of her is very excited. Being outside doing such a menial task makes her feel- alive! The smell of nature, the gentle gust of wind. Slightly cool temperature, all of that played a big part in feeling like this!
   Before long, Marcus got a few pieces ready for her.
   "Let me show you how to store them." He grabbed the recently sliced firewood and walked to the shed where his father stored firewood.
   "See the way my dad stored these? It's to make sure it does fall. It's like a wall. All you have to do is place it like this." He showed it to the girl before picking up an empty box.
   "Understood."
   Enterprise nodded at him as she took the offered box.
   "You can place all the wood in the box before coming here to place it," Marcus explained to her before walking back to cut some more.
   "Yes."
   As the pair were doing manual labour, Sirin watched them through the window. The girl realised that this was a bonding moment for them!
   'Damn it all! I should have joined them!' She complained to herself as she bit a nail from frustration.
   The thing was, she had nothing else to do after finishing preparing the table. Now, she was too embarrassed to join midway like this!
   ~~~
   Around an hour later, the pair returned inside the house. Marcus washed his hands and changed his clothes.
   Enterprise followed him, but the Inventor prepared another set of regular clothes for her.
   Seeing him dressing up Enterprise like that made the other ship girl- stare at him.
   Without waiting for her to comment, he motioned to come over. Tirpitz followed, and soon enough, she had another set of clothes.
   Seeing him remove a military uniform like that makes Nyx get clothes, too! She wanted to ditch those military garbs!
   She swiftly got a black hoodie and shorts! On top of that, she made herself warm slippers with cat ears!
   By this point, Gu Yuena was back in her original hoodie as well.
   Only Athena didn't change anything as she was already wearing regular clothes. Sirin was the only one left who went upstairs and changed into her previous clothes.
   When Rose, Marcus' mother, saw everyone change like that, she clapped her hands in happiness.
   "Marcus, they all look so cute! While I don't like the fact that you are manipulating life like that. I can, however, agree that they look cute!" She commented while looking at Enterprise, Gu Yuena, Tirpitz, and Sirin's clothes.
   "Well, you told me you wanted a bigger family. So-" He shrugged while saying that.
   "There will be even more girls later. I have recovered quite a bit of warship-"
   She stared at him with a heated look.
   "-including Titanic. That's a gift for you." The inventor swiftly used his 'trump' card.
   Her eyes narrowed when she heard that.
   "I know you are trying to bribe me. Sad to say, it is working." She replied with a sigh.
   "It will be completely refurbished. Every single bolt of the ship will be just how it was before it sunk, from the paint job to the furniture.
   It will be 100% authentic." Marcus proceeded to 'press on'.
   "While it will have those chimneys, they will emit fake smoke. The ship will move with the technology I Invented. You will be able to sail anywhere you want with it."
   "Sound's nice, but you forgot it's a big ship!" She pointed her fork at him.
   "I would need sailors and- a captain."
   Instead of saying anything, Marcus wrapped his hand around Enterprise and pointed his finger at his carrier ship's cheek.
   "Did my mother dearest forget that I make those?"
   Seeing how he was pointing at his creation, she finally realised this would work! More like it is working!
   "Oh my gosh! I need to make a call!" Forgetting her food, she rushed away to make some calls.
   "...Did your mother only now realise that you can do stuff?" Sirin asked with a confused look as she looked where his mother went.
   "It took a while for you to realise what 'Ship Girl' is," Marcus commented as he recalled Sirin's and Tirpitz's spar.
   "...Don't remind me of that!" The Herrscher bashfully replied!
   She then noticed that Enterprise was feeding him with a small smile.
   'Damn those Aircraft carriers!'
   "What do you think she is doing?" Athena chipped in from the side, wondering what her future mother-in-law was doing.
   "I am certain she is calling her co-workers and most likely will invite them for a cruise," Marcus replied after swallowing the offered food.
   "Is the ship even fixed?" Athena recalled that drydocks don't have enough space to refurbish all the ships simultaneously.
   "Aurora, you can begin Titanic's refurbishment." Marcus, with a smirk, ordered his AI.
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   [Certainly, sir]
   "Is this your scheme to get off your grounding early?" Athena asked with a joking tone.
   But seeing his smirk, she realised that he was serious.
   "...There are far easier ways to do that! Get flowers and chocolate, or buy tickets to a theatre or concert! But your solution is refurbishing a nearly century-old cruise liner?" Athena commented with wide eyes as she pushed her glasses up.
   "That's our Admiral!" Enterprise chipped in with a smile.
   "I leave those small things to my father. It's his trump card when he returns from work drunk occasionally. If I use that card, it will lose its value. That is why I am doing this." He explained quite seriously to his Fiance.
   "...You are taking a thousand hops for a single hop. But that's most likely why you developed technology like that." The Goddess of Warfare commented with a deep sigh.
   Athena realised her future husband's brain was wired for complexity instead of basic and direct!
   ~~~
   For advanced chapters (+5 chapters, 25k words) my pat: pat reon.com/DragonsFics
   OR
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   ~~~
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   Chapter 84: Hacking Wardrobes, Rewiring Lion, Building Gaming Rig, Another Regular Day
   2
   Quinella played with her hair as she watched what Ravel was doing. There was an amused smile on her face.
   "To think such a cruel woman could hide behind that noble lady look."
   'Assassinations, money syphoning, arming rebels and manipulating information.'
   The Assistant realised that so far, this girl was useful, especially to her. Dealing with common rabble before Project Eden was a worthwhile investment.
   This devil girl could find out which people are capable, and then they could be transported to colonies outside Earth.
   'Something to think about~.'
   Ravel's tactics are that of a ruthless dictator. Her 'game style' is somewhat worthwhile, but that's where Quinella started to see shortcomings.
   The Phenex devil knew that she was in a simulation. So, she is not afraid of risky moves for power grabs.
   'I see. My thanks, Ravel. We shall improve on this shortcoming.'
   In the following simulation, she will have a risk bar. Once that risk bar reaches a certain level, it will be game over.
   Just because it's a game doesn't mean you shouldn't worry about losing your life.
   Quinella thought about that to herself as she stopped playing with her hair, and instead, she looked away and started to ponder how to improve the test.
   The beauty wants to ace this assignment. If it means turning Ravel into Lelouch Vi Britannia, then so be it.
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   "Mistress, a message from Master. He requests that Axiom pick up Ares from the Underworld and deliver him back to Greece." The second in command notified the Platinum-haired assistant.
   "Very well, then set course for the last known location of Ares."
   After giving the order, the slowly floating Daedalus-Class Assault Carrier proceeded to change course and rapidly accelerate towards its destination.
   ~~~
   Marcus massaged his forehead as he just got a call from Ares. The Inventor forgot that his buddy was still in the Underworld. Well, Persephone was- 'very persuasive'. There was a gap in memories around that time. He forgot that he had let loose the War God.
   Only after getting a call from him did Marcus recall that he left Ares stranded in the Underworld without the ability to teleport out.
   With this sorted out, he thought about what to do next. He realised that his room was so barren that it looked like a hotel room.
   Maybe even worse. At least a hotel room has something on the walls! Not as plain as this.
   "Hmm..." He looked around and noticed he had enough space on the floor.
   "Aurora, send my royal guards to bring my lion here."
   [Certainly, sir, should I request the basket, too?]
   "Do so." With a nod, he replied before bringing his fingers closer and imagining where he would place the basket for his pet lion.
   Then he looked at his table. It was barren and without anything on it.
   "Hmm..."
   He looked at his wardrobe for a bit, stroking his chin, thinking what to do before a couple of ideas popped into his mind. His mother might ground him and not allow him to visit his garage; however, it doesn't mean he doesn't have the means to access his technomancy.
   Marcus walked over to his wardrobe and pressed twice on the screen before holding his finger on the screen for ten seconds.
   A window with settings popped. The inventor scrolled down, pressed creator settings, and turned them on.
   With that on, he returned to the main screen. He pressed the 'Create' tab. A list of clothes appeared on the screen; however, at the bottom, there was a new option. It said 'other', so he pressed on it. This tab has empty choices.
   'Quinella sure is pedantic when it comes to things like these.'
   Seeing it was empty, Marcus again opened the settings windows and turned on the module download option.
   Then he returned to the other options and imported stuff from the Aurora network. What he is doing is 'jailbreaking' a piece of tech.
   The wardrobe has a built-in automated assembly line. Assembly lines can make anything. However, these wardrobes are tuned to only make clothes.
   So what he did was hack the OS and import modules, or more precisely, the rest of the schematics from the Aurora Network.
   As the percentage slowly went up, Marcus ended up sitting on the spinning chair and proceeded to spin and wait for it to finish.
   He was pondering what to do with his jailbreak wardrobe.
   First things first is some Gundam figures, maybe a poster or two, and lastly, a gaming PC. He should get a game or two.
   Just to finish the room's decorations.
   "Hmm, what year is it?"
   He checked the date via his console.
   "2008, huh... well, Modern Warfare 2 is not out yet. Well, I guess I can always play some Counter-Strike." He pondered his options.
   Once the download was complete, Marcus walked over and checked what things he could print with the wardrobe.
   "Ugh... need to sort out these things." There were thousands of options. The OS on this was not tailored to have that many things to print. It is only supposed to make clothes.
   Same with the fridge version or the microwave version, they all can be jailbroken, but just like this wardrobe, they all have their classifications.
   Regardless, he created folders and sorted things into them. On top of that, he downloaded updates for the OS to include a better framework.
   'If I want to play the latest games, I need the latest PC. Playing stuff with my inventions will fuck up the experience.'
   ~~~
   "What is he doing?" Sirin poked her head through Marcus' doors and looked at how he was building a PC.
   "Role-playing as a grounded teen," Athena said with an eye roll.
   "I thought grounded kids are not allowed to play with their computers!"
   "He is. As you can see, he is not using his fancy technology."
   "But he hacked the wardrobe!" Sirin pointed out that he was pulling out non-clothes from it!
   "Well, it is what it is. At least he didn't make the wardrobe into a killer robot from that boredom. At this moment, he has something to do, but later on. Well, we can only hope he doesn't do something crazy." Athena commented with a wry smile on her lips.
   "Not that I care, but he has you, me, those ship girls and other things to keep him entertained until this grounding period is over."
   "I suppose you are right." At that moment, the pair walked aside as a pair of Royal guards brought in a golden lion who was trying to bite the guard, and the other one had a big basket for the lion to sleep in.
   "Is that a lion?"
   "Nemean Lion. Yes." Athena massaged her temples, seeing that beast. She forgot that Marcus had it. But since he is staying here, he will have his pet with him.
   "...Nemean? As in-"
   "Once that lion grows, it will be the size of a small truck, and that fur will be impenetrable. Those Teeth can even damage a god. That beast is not a pet by any stretch of imagination." Athena explained as her frustration just kept on growing.
   "...Then-"
   "Ares. My idiot of a brother gave it to Marcus as a bribe for renovating his house." The Goddess of Wisdom explained to her.
   "You gods are reckless," Sirin spoke with a baffled tone. Hell, she shouldn't be surprised. But still, that's a monster, not a lion.
   "Tell me something I don't know." Athena deadpanned.
   ~~~
   Marcus smiled as he saw his royal guards bringing the lion to him. He got up from the floor and took the golden beast from them.
   The other guard placed the basket before the pair left.
   The Inventor looked at the lion's red eyes. The pair looked at each other.
   For a second, he got serious as he focused his psionic powers on him. Nemean Lion's basis is that of a monster that causes terror.
   It will take a while until the lion develops proper self-awareness and becomes less monstrous than it was with the original one. But Marcus has no time for that. So he went right there and rearranged its brain with his psionic powers.
   Like a Lego, he rearranged its mind and made the beast behave like a cat.
   When Successor to Solomon finished, he opened his eyes, and he got a lick on his face from the lion.
   "Pfff-hahaha, that look on your face!" Sirin proceeded to laugh as she was watching the whole thing.
   Marcus wiped his face with his hand before looking at the Herrscher, standing next to the doors to his room.
   "Yes-Yes, very funny. Why don't you stop stalking and just enter the room." He said with an eye roll as his gaze went to the lion, who no longer looked murderous.
   "I am not stalking. I am simply curious. I had never seen a mythical animal before." She explained herself with a blush as her fingers played with her long hair.
   "Still, come here and take a seat." He motioned for her to sit on his bed.
   She blushed some more as she realised she would sit on his bed. The girl's maiden mind realised how 'naughty' this was!
   "Really? I made your body, Sirin. Why such reluctance?" Marcus eye-rolled at the girl's behaviour.
   *Hmph!*
   "You behave like a brick! Not understanding a girl's heart!" With a loud huff, she walked over and plopped on his bed.
   "So what now? Oh, mighty Conqueror? What are you going to do?" Her voice had a tint of mocking. She finds it amusing that his mother grounded him like that!
   "Nothing. I don't need to do anything. Everything that I need is in motion. At this moment, I am like a farmer who has spread the seeds, and now I only need to wait for them to grow." He explained to her as he placed the lion down and returned to work on his PC.
   "...Project Eden?" Sirin casually mentioned it.
   Marcus, for a second, stopped and looked at her.
   "More or less."
   "You think your parents would approve of what you are planning?" She asked with a slightly raised eyebrow, her golden orange eyes digging into his eyes.
   "By the time the project happens, my parents will be in space."
   "And what if they want to see other people? Won't they question what will happen to the bigger world?" Sirin pondered. She understood that he cares what his parents think. Yet, he is planning to commit massive genocide.
   "It would seem that you are required some reading to do." He casually replied after hearing her question.
   "...Hmm?"
   "The plan is that I take my garage to space." He sighed as he placed RAM into the motherboard.
   "The barriers around the country will act as a proper bubble for space." He explained with a sigh as he proceeded to open the box for the graphics card.
   "That means the entirety of the country will be lifted and taken to space. The rest- well, you know the rest." Marcus didn't need to explain what happened next.
   "...You are planning to take everything. And discard the rest..." Sirin finally understood. To think that he will take the whole country. If he does that, it will take a long time for his parents or other people to understand what will happen to other humans!
   "For Herrecher, who kills without care, you sure care a lot." The inventor commented on that fact. His Sirin is changing by the day.
   The Void Queen huffed once more, crossing her arms.
   "This is another reality. It's different from my original place. People don't experiment on other people. There is no crazy organisation as Schicksal! So, I might care a little." She said the last part with a tiny mosquito voice.
   By then, the golden lion cub ended up on the bed and Sirin's lap. The white-haired girl's eyes nearly sparkled as she saw how cute the beast was acting around her!
   The beauty stroked the fur, wanting to see the beast's reaction to her strokes.
   "Humans are the same no matter the reality. They are 'nicer' here because there is no Honkai. But give a big threat-"
   "Like you." She pointed at him. After all, he is the biggest boogeyman humanity has seen so far.
   "Like me. And they will show their real colours. Humans are still flesh and blood. That much doesn't change." He said that while inserting the Graphics card and then connecting the cables.
   "Instincts to survive will make one do very questionable things. This latest experiment will show that to everyone." He said with a small snort.
   "You just love tormenting everyone," Sirin commented while picking up the lion and looking at him up close.
   "Says the girl who tormented herself for years." He pointed with amusement as he connected the Hard Drive.
   "I am what they made me. You, on the other hand, are self-made. My choices were their doing. You, you made those yourself." She pointed that out while the lion was cooing at her.
   The Herrscher's eyes sparkled with happiness at how cute the cub of a monster capable of destroying cities looked!
   "True. Not going deny that." Strangely, he didn't deny any of that.
   "That's the thing. If you studied history, you would realise why conquerors are conquerors."
   "And that is?" For a moment, her attention went from the lion to him. She lowered the lion back to her lap and stroked its fur again.
   "They did it because they could." He plainly said that as he proceeded to put in the energy block.
   "...So you conquer the planet then remove all population because you can?" She asked with a frown.
   "Indeed. If I allow things to do as they are, we will have a dead wasteland before the end of the century." He nodded as he proceeded to tidy up all the cables inside the gaming computer.
   "Won't it be better if you are to share your technology with everyone? It would solve everything." She finally asked the burning question.
   "I could. But what for? Do you think people will gladly accept my things with open arms? They all think they are privileged to get my stuff. My AI is constantly monitoring the entirety of the whole planet.
   Even if I could give endless energy, the world would collapse upon itself. All the capitalists would panic as the wealth which was separating them from 'common folk' doesn't exist anymore or doesn't have that kind of meaning. On the other side of the spectrum, we have all the authoritarians who would destroy my stuff first before accepting any of it because it shatters their hold on the population.
   Regardless of which, my inventions are toxic for the people who control the masses." Marcus explained to her as he finished setting up his PC.
   Next was connecting the cables. The inventor made sure to get a great audio system because why not? And fantastic headphones for online gaming because he doesn't have one.
   As he was adding finishing touches, Sirin grimaced, thinking that this was far too complex for her.
   'Might as well nuke them. I tried to help, but it was just too complex. I think part of me just accepted that they are too complex. That's why I became a Herrscher.' Now, she started to think about the other things that led her to this place.
   'I suppose Kiana Kaslana just went with the whole 'Fighting for the beauty of the world' because humans were too complex, so she decided to be a park ranger. Or something. That's the most logical conclusion: she was fighting for the world's beauty, not human beauty.' The Void Queen tried to make sense of what she was thinking.
   ~~~~~~Later~~~~~~
   As evening arrived, Marcus' expression went through many disgusted looks. He was close at breaking point. Installing Windows, even with his 'high specs' PC, took ages!
   'I suppose it was foolish of me to do things the old fashioned way! I should have at least used an SSD instead of old-style drives! Even if they don't exist! Fuck it! Who has enough patience for this shit!?'
   Regardless, the installation was complete, and he downloaded Steam. Since Modern Warfare 2 is not out yet, he wanted to download some other games.
   "Right, I need to buy stuff." He looked confused for a second before pulling out his phone.
   He went through names on his phone. It wasn't big so he quickly found his girl.
   Marcus proceeded to call Latia.
   [*Ring*]
   [*Ring*]
   [*Ring*]
   [Yes? Master, why are you calling me the old-fashioned way?] The blonde devil was confused by the abrupt call; she nearly dropped her phone.
   "I am grounded. So I can't use my consoles." He said that as he pressed 'add card details' on the PC.
   "I need credit card details as I am buying games on a mundane PC. Give me something." Marcus said with a sigh.
   [R-Right, one moment.] The girl didn't ask more questions. It sounded weird as it gets.
   Marcus started to fill in the details as he was listening, telling him from address to expiring date.
   Once done, he finished the call and continued to fill in more stuff.
   "...Damn, it appears I forgot to fill up my Email address." He sighed one more time.
   "Why do regular people go through this much nonsense just to play games?" He complained as he went to Google to create his Gmail.
   "Because they don't have quantum computers and reality-bending particles," Sirin told him as she was lying in his bed while holding an already sleeping lion.
   "Fair point. They should invent those. By that point, I would only need to download the schematics for games and just play it." He replied with a hopeful tone.
   After creating Gmail with the name 'SolomonTheSecond'. Marcus was ready to play games!
   But then a nerve popped on his forehead as he saw the download bar appear!
   "...Fuck..." He immediately stood up.
   "This is a torture! I am going to get some food. Do you want something?" Since he can't blow up stuff or make something, he might as well drown his anger with food!
   "...I am fine."
   "...No to pizza? Or some ice cream." He 'pushed' with a knowing smirk.
   Sirin's eyebrows twitched, and she slightly narrowed her golden orange eyes.
   "One day, you will tell me how you know about me!" She said with a pouty look.
   "Is that a yes or a no?" He enquired for an answer, which only made her sigh in resignation.
   "I will come with you. I wish to understand the intricacies of pizza making." Sirin said softly as she slowly pushed the lion away before standing up from the bed she had been on for several hours.
   "Sure, we can explore the mysteries of pizza making together."
   With an eye roll, she followed him downstairs. He first saw a pair of ship girls watching World War Two documentaries with Roland, Marcus' father. On the other end of the room was Athena reading a book.
   "Where is Na'er?" The Inventor asked his fiance as he saw the black hair of Nyx on one of the couches. It only left his Dragon girl.
   "She went with your mother to shop."
   "...Shop?" He frowned when he heard that. Who does that? Wasn't it one of the reasons why he invented molecular manipulation? To stop wasting time with pointless stuff.
   "Don't look at me like that. She wants to see her colleagues and talk about the Titanic cruise."
   "Oh, that kind of shop visit. I see." Marcus swiftly forgot about the shop visit and went to the kitchen with his Herrscher.
   ~~~~~~Meanwhile~~~~~~
   "Stop the car here. I found what I was looking for." Michael said with a small smile.
   "Certainly, sir." The man in black stopped the car, and the pair of blondes left the vehicle and walked towards a pair of ladies.
   Michael's faction originally had a hold of these lands, which Marcus now calls his. While their presence was small and minuscular, it was still here.
   Arranging things like cars and information gathering was still working, even now. The Archangels could infiltrate the country with a small amount of difficulty.
   All they needed was mundane clothes, no desire for conflicts, and no signature of supernatural energies. Things like these were easy for angels to do. After all, they used to mingle with mundanes all the time.
   Then, there was this illusionary power. Something they could easily fall for, but at this moment, this illusionary power was not working.
   How do they know? It's because Michael could see Marcus' mother.
   He has seen the pictures of hers. The reason why the illusions are not covering her is because of the silver-haired girl who was with her.
   The girl was emitting impressive draconic energies. She is strong-a strong bodyguard.
   Michael and Gabriel approached with smiles.
   "Excuse me, might I have a moment of your time?"
   "Hmm? How can I help you?" Rose asked curiously. These two did look like foreigners.
   "I am Michael, and this is my sister Gabriel. We represent the Heaven faction." As he said that, he pointed at the sky.
   "...Heaven-Faction?"
   At that moment, Gu Yuena stepped forward, and her spear appeared in her hands. Her aura surged, and defensive protocols kicked in.
   "We don't mean any harm!" Michael swiftly waved his hands.
   "Relax, Na'er. They are with heaven. If that is the case, then they are good people." Rose said with a sigh as he looked up. Seeing one of the Airships was already approaching in the distance.
   "Call them off."
   "...But..." The Dragoness had a sweaty forehead. Looking at her creator's mother and then at the angels.
   'To think that these people could infiltrate so deep into our lands... The emperor won't be happy at all.'
   "It's fine. Don't you trust my son's capabilities?" Rose used her trump card.
   "...I do..." Just like that, she dismissed her spear and contacted the defences to stand down.
   Just like that, the airship turned around and returned to the spaceport.
   "Well? What can I do for heaven's faction? I assume you want me to speak with my son about something?" Rose was feeling excited to assist the heavens!
   "...Indeed. Your son has a reputation. Our faction doesn't have much to offer. And on top of that, we are in dire need of his expertise."
   "I see. Then why don't you come with us? We can speak with Marcus together~" Rose was happy to do this. After blowing up a country, won't it be good karma to make her son help with heavens to balance it out?"
   ~~~~~~Around Same Time with Marcus~~~~~~
   Marcus freaked out when he saw a pair of blondes in front of his mother!
   He was asking how the fuck this happened! He has a quantum computer calculating possibilities, on top of that, running background checks, utilising Realitus to turn away any possible criminals from entering his country! By this point, his AI has been doing essential police work.
   But how those two sneaked in! Less than 2 kilometres away from his home, no less!
   "Can you explain to me how they slipped past my net!?" Marcus furiously asked as he was cutting pepperoni for his pizza.
   [Basic scans start according to the fundamentals of what a criminal looks like. Angels do not have such characteristics.
   Michael could pass because he had no aura and didn't fall into criminal fundamental looks, which start with eye eyebrows. We had no previous idea what he looked like, and on top of that, he was with an innocent-looking girl.]
   "You saying he passed the most advanced computer in human history is fooled by a 'good guy'?"
   [Precisely]
   "Do you know how bullshit this sounds?" Marcus was not impressive. His cynical side was rising against this injustice.
   He didn't program Aurora to do this!
   [This Artificial Intelligence only follows its programming protocols, sir. If you have any enquiries, please contact my creator.]
   For a second, he stopped in his tracks.
   'Did she just gaslight me!?'
   The inventor took a deep breath, calming himself. What she said is true. His system is only discriminating against forces which want to harm him or his family. There is nothing about people who just want to talk. Considering Heaven forces are supposed to be the 'good guys', fascists but still good guys.
   After thinking for a bit, he immediately sends a message to Quinella.
   [Marcus: Once you drop Ares, return to base immediately. I want you to run diagnostics on the Security system of our territories.
   Two Archangels appear less than 2 kilometres away from my house!]
   After sending that, he proceeded to return to making his pizza.
   ~~~
   Michael was quite pleased that his plan had worked. He wanted to approach Marcus' parents because he felt that the inventor and conqueror was quite a filial son.
   How did he get this hunch? Well, the teen said to himself over the television about getting Titanic for his mother.
   Going to such lengths means he cares, so why not approach his parents to persuade him to fix the heaven system?
   He also had over ten minutes to talk with his mother as they returned from the supermarket.
   The dragon girl continues to watch him like a hawk.
   That is understandable, but he has Gabriel, who is using her bubbly personality to make her lower her guard.
   "To think that someone could create a Dragon Emperor. I am impressed." Gabriel enquired as she was walking next to Gu Yuena.
   "Dragon Empress. I am female, and my classification is Dragonoid. Making me a dragon and human hybrid. With all the perks and no weaknesses." The Silver-haired girl felt that she needed to brag in front of this last-gen creation.
   "Impressive." Not that Gabriel cared about her 'specs'. Such nonchalant agreement rubbed her the wrong way!
   "Still, it appears your creator doesn't trust our intentions," Michael said as he looked around.
   "I can see at least fifteen snipers. If I could use my powers, I could detect more." The Leader of heaven said with some sweat on his forehead.
   "Don't worry, Mr. Michael, my boy is quite cynical and suspicious. He became even more so after he became the leader of his faction." Rose said with a sigh. She was surprised that there were snipers deployed already.
   "Can you tell them to back off? I don't think Heaven would try anything?" Marcus' mother said to Gu Yuena.
   "...But..."
   She gave her a look.
   "...As you wish." With a resigned sigh, she contacted the garrison.
   "We can't endanger someone who won the Great War of the Underworld," Michael said with a strained smile.
   "So that's how it's called now? Sadly, the supernatural doesn't have a channel to watch the news. I am curious to know how the war went." Rose said with a disappointed sigh.
   "Mrs Goldman, you are pretty used to the supernatural. Not the first time? I am not counting the Marcus faction."
   "Yes. I am used to it. My son is engaged to a Goddess, and his best friend is the God of War.
   On top of that, Norse Gods sometimes shop in my supermarket. As they say, they are paying respects and patronage to the mother of the Great Conqueror." The mother of Inventor sighed in resignation. Her life became a wacky one.
   "I see it's good to hear that you know about us. It makes it easier to interact."
   "Yes. Regardless, come in. I will prepare some snacks so you two can speak with Marcus." As she said, she opened the doors, and people were already waiting for them.
   Nyx and Athena looked at them closely. Ship girls were at the backs and looked closely at the pair of angels.
   In front of them, the group leading them was Marcus, who was eating a slice of pizza.
   "Mark! Angels need your help! They said their system broke down. Can you look at it?" His mother approached him swiftly.
   "I could, but I am grounded." He answers with a plain voice. He does not care about their circumstances at all. Instead, he was enjoying his double pepperoni with salami and mushrooms pizza with extra cheese.
   "I will take off a week of your grounding if you help the heavens in their need of help." His mother smoothly worked this out. The pair of blonde angels were happy to hear that she could quickly adjust to such circumstances.
   "Deal. Not that I know how long I am grounded in the first place." Marcus agreed to this. At the same time, he was confused as she never specified how long this would last.
   "I haven't decided yet. Marcus. For now, assist the angels." Rose motioned towards Michael and Gabriel.
   The Inventor rolled his eyes at his mother's manipulations as Enterprise said: It's genetics.
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   He looked at the pair of angels. For now, he didn't say anything; instead, he finished eating his slice of pizza.
   "I already have an idea what is going on. Your system is linked to the Underworld. The biblical faction doesn't have a proper underworld to speak of. The moment I activated the system installed in Hades Realm. It should have crashed your system." He explained with a bored shrug he didn't care about them.
   "...You have a system!?" Michael's reaction was dumbstruck.
   He was disappointed to hear that Marcus was the successor to Solomon. He heard it from his mother. They all thought that he was the second coming of their father. But hearing that he was next to Solomon made him anxious. But at the same time, they felt resignation.
   With how advanced and well-fortified he was, there was very little they could do.
   "Indeed I do. And a superior one at that. With time passing by, all of those sacred gears will end up in my care, and they will be maintained how they are supposed to.
   Honestly, I don't see why your faction should even continue existing." He sighed while using his psionic powers to clean his fingers.
   But with one glance from his mother, he relented.
   21
   "At least I could restart it and make sure your place doesn't fall apart."
   ~~~
   For advanced chapters (+6 chapters, 30k words) my pat: pat reon.com/DragonsFics
   ~~~
   P.S.: I do weekly voting on Patreon if you want more chapters for this fic (or other fics ) vote there.
  
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   Chapter 85: Teasing Herrscher, Planning Gaming Industry Domination
   Quinella was confused. Holograms surround her. She is looking for breaches in the security network, checking for any errors and rewatching the footage.
   She could not find anything! Something like 'Errors' doesn't exist with a quantum computer, which is self-aware. Aurora patches anything which could potentially pop up.
   So, what she was looking at was something angels could just enter without worry. They bypassed the boundary fields. They bypassed airport security, which is under their control and easily evaded their surveillance.
   It's simply absurd. All they needed was casual clothes and washing themselves from supernatural energies.
   'I need to expand on security. I can't fail here.' After biting her nails from frustration, she proceeded to expand sequences on facial recognition.
   Aurora will double-check any foreigners. Just pinging them with suspicion is enough to attract Aurora's attention. From there, AI will calculate the probabilities before audio surveillance kicks in.
   Listening to mundanes is wasteful, but they have to do what they have to do. Marcus is pissed, and Quinella shall deliver what he wants without fail!
   2
   With new ideas in mind, she moved in to improve their grip on their territories.
   ~~~
   Marcus and Rose were brought to heaven by Michael and Gabriel. The pair of Goldman looked at the place. At the same time, Rose was awed by the amount of bright 'good' colours. Marcus was feeling slight disgust for such an over-the-top 'good'.
   6
   As someone who prefers both good and evil, this place feels wrong to him.
   "Mark! This place is falling apart. You must save it! This place is Heaven, after all!"
   1
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   "Mom, I already own Elysian Fields. If you want a fantastic afterlife, I have already acquired it." The Inventor explained to her.
   "Persephone will be more than happy to care for you," Marcus said with an eye roll.
   "Marcus. I know that you own the Underworld. But this is different. You can't just ignore the plight of angels!" When Rose said that, behind her, Gabriel even prayed.
   'I should have known! She is such a big sucker for the Biblical faction.'
   At that moment, he recalled that she used to call them the pagan duo: he and his father. But that was in his previous life. He sort of forgot that fact. Considering this time around, he was always busy with his technomancy and faction building.
   "I know, I know. I am doing this because you asked. Remember? I expect you to lower the grounding period by a week. At least." He reminded her of the deal they had.
   "...yes-yes. I know. Once I see the Titanic, I will lower it by another week." She happily spoke about the Titanic.
   "Good. Now show me where the control room is." Marcus asked Michael as he turned towards the Archangel.
   "Right, follow me." The Archangel transported them to the highest layer. There was a golden, empty throne. Next to it was a clear ball with runes.
   "...This is..."
   "Our father's empty throne," Gabriel said sadly.
   "...Wait..."
   "Yes. He is not with us anymore." The only female Archangel said with a thin smile on her lips.
   "...But..."
   Marcus' mother looked like someone had taken the floor under her.
   "It should have been clear by this point, Mom. I was the one who dealt with the Forces of Hell. If HE was around, then none of this could have happened."
   With an eye roll, he walked over and placed his hand on the transparent ball.
   He closed his eyes and focused on THE Heaven system.
   It was just like he imagined. It was an antique computer with some serious power behind it.
   'Heh, if I was weaker, I couldn't restart this even if I wanted to. But this does give me some ideas.'
   The inventor was pleased with this trip. He got some insights into making cores for dimensions.
   "Can you restart this?" Michael asked him with a hopeful voice.
   "Yes. I doubt anyone else could do this. The amount of energy required for this is absurd. To think that he would fuse everything into one thing.
   No wonder Lucifer was this arrogant. He inherited that from your creator. He never thought that someone could surpass him."
   Michael ignored the jab and instead focused on the task at hand.
   "Then, can you restart it?"
   "Sure, place your hand. I will make you the owner of the system while I will restart everything." Marcus, with a nod, explained what he would do.
   "Many thanks, Marcus Goldman." The Leader of Heaven thanked the inventor.
   The Seraph has no idea that Heaven, by this point, is empty of souls and is utterly obsolete by all standards. All the functions have been fully taken by Marcus' Neo Heaven system, which has double anchors, one in his base and another in Persephone's domain.
   They have an iron grip on the biblical and Greek 'worlds'. Marcus is even considering controlling all of the underworlds/afterlife. After all, he is planning a complete solar system and eventually the entire galaxy and cosmos control.
   As a control freak, he doesn't have much 'faith' with other factions and pantheons. The recent war was one of the examples.
   If he hadn't interfered, those evil gods and Primordials would have caused a massive amount of destruction in the world.
   While some pantheons like Hindu and Shinto could have resisted, Angra Mainyu, by the end of the war, was a very formidable being.
   Marcus easily won because of his infrastructure, but the rest? Angra Mainyu would have been consumed and plunged Earth into darkness.
   As Marcus was thinking about the last war, he proceeded to pour energy into the ball, and the runes started to move. Slowly, one by one, the systems began to boot up.
   The layers of heaven which were slowly eroding upon themselves stopped and swiftly started to return to how they were before.
   In less than five minutes, heaven was functioning like before.
   No, it was even better because Michael was the new owner.
   But this is like being an owner of a server without any players. That's how the Inventor saw the 'restored' heaven.
   Nothing incredible.
   "Incredible! So this is what heaven's full control looks like!" Micheal, being like a new admin, was gushing about his admin rights.
   "Yes. Anyway, anything else?"
   "Yes. Is it possible to sign some sort of non-aggression treaty?" The leader of Heaven tried to pull Odin on him.
   "We could sign a treaty where we won't attack each other." Marcus doesn't want to do anything with heaven. This place is just wrong in his eyes. Not that this matters anyway. Heaven doesn't have substance anymore.
   The only thing they had which mattered to him as a collector was Sacred Gears. But now they belong to him. All of them will end up maintained and tagged. He will be able to pull a quick switch and turn them off.
   And if humans piss him off, he will be able to take them back as well.
   "Good enough!" Michael, high on his new admin, didn't think much. He just went right for the main part.
   After signing the treaty, Gabriel was the one who let them back to Earth.
   They returned to Confiscator, which was floating above the Baltic Sea.
   "Many thanks for the help, Marcus! Heaven won't forget your kindness!" The big-breasted blonde hugged him before leaving the airship.
   "Take me home, son. I need to get something to drink." Rose's voice brought him back from a stupor. Gabriel was weird.
   "Sure thing." Marcus sighed, seeing how his mother looked. To think she cares that much about Big G. The inventor does have respect for the original computer creator. But the faction he made? After seeing it, he felt goosebumps rushing through his being.
   The segregation of good and evil and all that stuff is not for him. He represents both. Taking one side over another is like enjoying 50% off everything! And the rest? Well, he would need to discard.
   That is not human.
   Maybe that is why he never wanted to become a 'God' when Persephone offered to him. It felt he would only care about the 'afterlife' and not 'life'.
   'So no. I will stick with the human part.'
   ~~~
   Michael smiled as he was sitting on his father's throne. He released a relieved sigh.
   Finally! Everything is back to how it was! No! Even better!
   He controls the heaven's system! Finally!
   ...
   ...
   ...
   "...What? Why are no souls flowing to heaven!?" Michael panicked as he focused his attention on the gates. They are open! Souls should be flowing here!
   With how many worshippers the Biblical faction used to have, there should be a new soul coming every second!
   But nothing is coming!
   In that panic, the leader of Heaven looked at paradise.
   "..."
   "..."
   "..."
   "...Empty!?" He whispered. An icy sweat went down his forehead.
   Their heaven- is empty!
   "...Impossible!" The Seraph, in that disbelief, teleported and inspected the layers-one by one.
   Only the angels are here! Nothing else!
   He then went to inspect the life and death cycle.
   It doesn't exist.
   There is no cycle. Their faction has no connection to the broader world anymore.
   Michael, who was dreaming of the castle, finally got it, but he lost the nation in the process.
   He then got a flashback. Marcus mentioned something about them- about his system.
   'He-He took all of it. Without us even knowing!' At that moment, his knees gave in, and he collapsed to the ground.
   "He conquered the whole Biblical faction. He defeated heaven without even waging war on heaven!" He paled as he placed his hand on his mouth. He was out of words.
   "Father, I failed you. In the end, Solomon's spawn conquered all."
   ~~~
   It took less than an hour. With angels out of his hair, he went to reheat his pizza and then walked to his room.
   With all the downloads done, Marcus went to play.
   It has been ages since he did anything like this. So, he was partially excited. He went to play Counter-Strike. After naming himself 'SolomonTheSecond', the Inventor joined one of the servers.
   He had no opinion on the side he wanted to join, so he went randomly. After entering a game, he proceeded to buy weapons.
   'Ugh... it has been ages. But I guess I can't go wrong with an AK-47.'
   After taking the classic, Marcus started this match. After running around, he scored his first kill, second, and third.
   His aim was precise, and his shots were all head shots.
   Before long, the chat started to get flooded by people calling him 'hack' and 'cheat'.
   [Random Player 1: Bro, turn off your aim bots!]
   [Random Player 3: Fucking hack! Stop with this BS!]
   [Random Player 5: Just KYS!]
   Marcus' eyebrows twitched as, after a twentieth-kill streak, he got banned.
   "...Seriously- well, we can cross out gaming from the bucket list. I should return to some of the older, less harmful activities." He said that with a sigh. He left the seat and stretched out briefly before walking to the wardrobe.
   After going through the options, he selected something. It got printed out for him in a few moments.
   By that point, Sirin stopped laughing from his misfortune of trying to play a standard shooter game. The guy sacrificed too much to be able to play regular Multiplayer games!
   By sacrifice, it means that any-and all power comes with a price. She knows in person what it means. She found it amusing that he tried to play a shooter with regular people in the first place.
   But now, since he got banned, he will do something else.
   "What are you going to do?"
   "3rd drawing."
   "Oh..." She immediately got bored and returned to cuddling with the lion.
   Marcus pulled out a 3rd drawing pad and proceeded to connect to his PC and download the program for the extension. Once that was done, he started drawing.
   ...
   ...
   ...
   A couple of hours later. It was getting late, and the Herrscher decided to return to her room. But-
   "Hmm!?" Her eyes ended up on what he was drawing!
   It was her in her Herrscher clothed and striking a pose.
   "W-What are you doing!?"
   She walked over and grabbed his shoulders.
   "Making a figurine out of you." He explained with a plain voice.
   "Gah! Don't do such things!" A deep blush appeared on her cheeks as she was thinking of hiding in a closet by now!
   "Why not? Sirin, you are gorgeous. Why would I make this if you are not gorgeous?" He was confused. Why is she complaining? He still needs to fill up those shelves he created!
   "...Damn you... I know you are messing with me!" Sirin was blushing even more!
   "Don't be ridiculous. I would have never brought you here if I wanted to mess with you." He said with a sigh as he returned to his work.
   And just like that, her drowsiness was gone, and she looked at him drawing her.
   Not that she could continue for long as she still ended up falling asleep. But this time, it was on his bed.
   Marcus finished with the statue around three in the morning. He uploaded his creation to Aurora Network and made the wardrobe to print it out. It was a pure metal frame with a plastic coating.
   It was the highest-quality action figurine any Honkai Impact 3rd nerd would drool over.
   Once he placed it on his shelf, he proceeded to sneak into his bed, and with a casual hand clap, the lights were off. Marcus didn't need to touch his PC as Aurora placed it on sleep mode for him.
   The Inventor ended up snuggling with Sirin. The Herrscher ended up wrapping her arms and legs around him and hugging him like a koala.
   Such cute actions show him how much cuddling the beauty wants.
   ~~~~~~Next Morning~~~~~~
   Sirin rubbed her head into something warm. She could feel the breathing of another person. For a while, she enjoyed this warmness overload, but then her eyes snapped open!
   The first thing she saw was a T-shirt! Her head was leaning on someone's shirt!
   She swiftly pulled her head away and looked who it was!
   It was Marcus! The white-haired girl sighed in relief. She pulled back and pondered what was going on.
   It took her a couple of seconds to recall what had happened, how she had ended up like this.
   'Right, a statue. I watched him draw it. Then I fell asleep.'
   However, this was not the worst as she realised that her slender legs coiled around his legs. It was very intimate!
   "My beautiful Herrscher is awake~" Marcus commented as he didn't even bother opening his eyes. He just spoke to her.
   "...Ugh...just let me go," Sirin complained as she realised she was tangled in!
   "No. You need to ask properly~." He started the morning with a tease.
   "...So annoying." The beauty started to pout.
   "Come now. There is no need for that. Just from sleeping like this, I understand that you are hungry for cuddles. So that's what I am doing." Marcus spoke directly into her mind.
   "You just want to abuse this situation!" She replied with growing embarrassment.
   "Of course. Shouldn't it be like this? Didn't I tell you how much I spent to bring you here? I already told you how much energy I used and the effort I put into having you here. So, it should be obvious that I want my Sirin in such a position." He said that as his hand went to her back and pulled her into a hug once more. She tried to escape, but it was pointless. Not even gods could flee from his hug.
   Not that he needed it, as the Herrscher's eyes trembled as she slightly smiled and eventually gave in and just sighed.
   "You are unbearable. It would be much better if you had no harem." She pointed out his shortcomings.
   "Hoh, is my Sirin confident enough to handle me alone?" He asked with a teasing voice. With psionic transmission, he is allowing her to feel his real emotions. One could say it's a better version of 'talking heart to heart'.
   "On second thought, I would lose my sanity. No, I am fine like this." She swiftly reeled back. For a second, she realised that she was greedy. And greed like that is no good, nope! She can allow others to contain this guy's wild behaviour!
   "Hehehe. I see. Sadly for you, I won't allow you to run away~."
   He gently pulled her to his eye level and looked at her golden orange eyes.
   "Your eyes are so pretty. Herrscher's sure are unique." He casually commented. His comments made her blush to return.
   "You're just saying whatever comes to your mind!" She pouted at him. The white-haired girl realised that with psionic power, he could easily spin whatever he wanted with minimum effort!
   "I do. I say what I see~." As he said that, he pulled her even closer. By this point, Sirin realised that he would kiss her! So she closed her eyes. This time, she won't just get neck kisses which tickle her to no end!
   ...
   ...
   ...
   But nothing came!
   So she opened her eyes and saw him smile at her. She realised that he had teased her!
   At that moment, she turned completely red. He had teased her!
   Sirin felt anger replace her embarrassment as she proceeded to kiss him! To hell with this playing!
   Sure enough, her lips connected with his.
   This time, he was slightly surprised. The kiss didn't last long as she pulled back and grinned at him victoriously.
   "Hehehe~ I got back at you!" She joked with a cute voice.
   "You did. Not bad."
   He was ready to continue, but the Herrscher placed her finger on his lips.
   "I request a date. I noticed that you don't take any of us out. If you want me to be yours, I request proper etiquette. I do remember you constantly mentioning that. I'm sure the entire Underworld heard you scream etiquette to Hades." She joked about when he was pulverising Hades throughout the Hades' Realm.
   "Of course. I don't mind at all." He once again pulled her closer. She thought he would kiss her either way, but then he moved for her neck!
   'D-Damn you!'
   He proceeded to tickle her! It was brutal!
   With his hold on her, she couldn't even move!
   "F-Fine! I give up! I give up! Hnnn~" She slightly moaned as the tickling started to get unbearable!
   He pulled back and looked at her teary look. She was all red, and there was a slight drool on her lips.
   "Very cute."
   "C-Can we just wake up already!?" She asked with a borderline begging voice.
   "...fine." He gave in. She looked like she was about to lose it. As he released her, she dashed out from his bed and room like a rocket.
   "Very Cute. Sadly, she didn't stay to see my figurine." He sighed in disappointment. He got up from bed as well. He looked at his shelf afterwards. It was a gorgeous statue of Sirin posing, ready to snap her fingers.
   "All I need is the 'Befall' soundtrack." He mumbled that part to himself. The inventor wonders if that soundtrack will ever appear in this world. Hell, he even wonders if the Honkai game or Mihoyo will appear at all!
   "I suppose I should remake some of the things." He said that to himself. His eyes wandered to his PC.
   'Oh... that could work.'
   Marcus could just make the game himself. With Realitus 2.0, he could share the glory of the apocalyptic world.
   "I guess I have things to do even when I am grounded." He chuckled; even if he doesn't make weapons of mass destruction conquerors dimension or makes armies or mechs, he doesn't stop creating.
   After concluding, he left the room and went downstairs.
   When he got there, he saw his assistant already cooking up a storm with other girls.
   "Master?"
   The beauty noticed him. Quinella turned around and looked at him. There was a frown on her face.
   "You didn't fix your looks! How can you look like a supervillain with that hair!" She swiftly walked over and proceeded to fix him up with her psionic powers.
   "Supervillain? Me? I am just a guy who is grounded." He pretended to look shocked. He quickly explained himself.
   "Uh-huh. I doubt anyone would believe that on this planet." Quinella sarcastically replied.
   After a few moments, she finished with his hair. Marcus was right back at his supervillain hairstyle.
   "There. Back to causing terror with style~." With a happy voice, she stepped back, appreciating his looks.
   "Great. Now give me a cup of tea." He rolled his eyes as he sat down in his seat.
   "One moment~!"
   The beauty swiftly went over to pick up a warm kettle and then swiftly prepared some tea for Marcus.
   As she was doing that, he asked about a few things.
   "Did you upgrade the security?"
   "Yes. I added extra layers when it comes to facial recognition. As well as listening-in functions on people who look questionable." She seriously explained while pouring his tea. The moment the cup was full, he gave it to him.
   "It's quite challenging to add anything extra unless we plan to barricade certain routes." She said with a sigh.
   "Good enough. Just continue to ponder on this occasionally." He replied with a small smile. He was satisfied that she quickly went to work on this.
   "Concerning Ravel." Quinella proceeded to tell him about their devil recruit.
   "She has talent. More so than Rias Gremory and Sona Sitri. I do think they are good at some levels, but Ravel takes the cake. She is perfect for any wannabe dictator or ruler. Ruthless, cunning and has a cute face when needed.
   While those two are good at some administration positions, not as much as the little Phenex."
   Quinella said something that Marcus already knew.
   "Good. So it would seem the little devil is worth investing in."
   "Yes." With a nod, she proceeded to bring over food to him. Other girls went to call the rest for the breakfast table.
   It took a while, but his parents finally descended from upstairs.
   His mother looked terrible. She was having a hangover.
   Quinella looked at her with some concern.
   She then looked at her Master.
   He motioned to her with his hand that she had a 'couple' of drinks yesterday.
   For a second, she was confused.
   "We went to heaven yesterday."
   "Oh-OH."
   She finally connected the dots. Before she could comment, the Goddess jumped the boat.
   "I didn't want to tell. At the same time, no one talked about it," Athena said with a strained smile.
   "It's okay. Athena, I should have known that something was happening. It was obvious then that Mark went to the Underworld." Rose frowned while thinking from a different angle. Now that she understands. That means that her son saved humanity as a whole! If those things left the underworld and came to Earth!? It would have been a bloodbath!
   Still, he blew up a country. So, it doesn't quite balance everything out.
   In her eyes, anyway. He killed a bunch of innocents.
   "I will bring some medicine for your hangover!" Quinella, being a good girl, swiftly walked over to the closest automated assembly line and proceeded to check for tablets.
   "Thanks, Quinella. It's good to have you back. I hope my son doesn't work you to the bone."
   The Assistant immediately got flustered. Her Creator's parents like her!
   "I-It's fine! I am doing some basic tasks! Nothing difficult!" She brushed aside her encounter with Lilith and leading frontlines and focused on her newest ones!
   "That reminds me, mom. Dad and you should get some basic DNA sessions. It would fix some basic genetic issues." Marcus commented after swallowing his food.
   "Oh, now that you mentioned Mark, so that's what is going on. I noticed some changes to you." Roland commented as he looked at Marcus. It was not just hairstyle but his body as a whole!
   "Hmm, yeah. I adjusted my genes and removed shortcomings. That progress unlocked Psionic powers." As he said, he made his cup float and the tea rose from the cup and moved like a snake before returning to the mug.
   He then pointed at his head and his father's.
   "I won't get bald if you are wondering," Marcus said with a slight grin. His father's eyes perked up when he heard about the 'holy grail'.
   "...Sign me up!"
   *Sigh*
   "I guess I will accept this as well." His mother agreed as well after seeing her husband decide to do this.
   After hearing that his mother agreed, the inventor went into a few details about the process. He didn't explain THE augmentations he went through. Those could potentially spook his parents.
   Eventually, the conversation went to superpowers, and he mentioned Sacred Gears. One of Biblical God's creations. Something he has been collecting.
   He did intrigue his father about draconic armours. Marcus might be able to sell the bag on that one. He might give him a custom one, probably.
   "Maybe, but first I want that transformer!"
   "Roland!" His wife immediately complained.
   For a second, it looked like she would complain about him having a 'space' robot for a car, but it wasn't so.
   "My Titanic first!"
   "Dear, it's not that our son only has one workshop!" Roland tried to reason with her.
   "True." Rose then pondered on something else. The inventor's mother recalled meeting his son's homeroom teacher in the supermarket.
   "You should return to your school."
   "...Huh?" Marcus nearly choked on his food when he heard that!
   "I spoke with your homeroom teacher. She wonders if you are leaving the school since they have to do something with you." She said while taking a sip of water with aspirin.
   As she was speaking, the ship girls looked at Marcus. They were imagining him in a school uniform. Since the pair have no idea what the uniform looks like, they picture him in an admiral uniform.
   *Gulp*
   It made them feel a certain excitement!
   "Mom, you do understand that they will run for mountains the moment they see me. I can already imagine all the complaints about how 'unsafe' everyone feels." Marcus proceeded to imagine the scenarios in his head.
   "On the contrary, you are in the polls for the mayor position next year." Rose pointed out.
   "Excuse me?" For a second, his train of thought stopped, and he looked dumbly at her.
   "Yep. They know you wouldn't do anything to this town. They do know. After all, there has not been a single robbery or incident in this place for over several weeks. Such things magically don't happen.
   Well, it could, but you know better." Rose smiled before looking at his girls.
   "Besides, it would be a good time for you ladies to interact with people." She explained to him.
   "I don't mind." Athena chipped in.
   "I have several teaching degrees. It has been over fifty years since I taught history at Athens University." The Goddess reminded that she is a Goddess of Wisdom.
   "History? Not maths?" Marcus, for a second, was confused.
   "That too. However, history was a necessity as people perverted it in some way. So, I spent years teaching the population how it happened in truth." The Olympian explained her reasons.
   "Cool, how many people were clueless about your real identity." Solomon's successor joked as he returned to his food.
   "Yes. It's good to know that you can be a teacher, Athena. But we still need to send my son back to school if he wants to be a mayor." Rose's eyes rolled. She was fully on the idea for him to be a mayor.
   "...Fine. I will return. Besides, I want to see my girls in uniform." Marcus smiled as he looked at Sirin, who sneaked at the breakfast table.
   "I don't wanna!" Nyx was the only one who complained.
   "No problem, I will send you back to the base. We can find some things for you to do. Maybe oversee the Devil Continent and the progress they are making there?"
   "Fine! I will do that!" The Primordial Night happily agreed with her new assignment. She didn't want to argue as he could have assigned something worse. Like laying down pipes or something!
   'Oh, right. That's what the current Leviathan did!' Internally, she chuckled with realisation.
   "Gah! I didn't agree to this!" Sirin finally understood what was going on!
   "Come now. You asked for dates. After-school hours are the best for that kind of thing." Marcus pointed out the cliche thing when it comes to dates.
   "Dates!? I want one, too!" Athena chipped in.
   "Same! I liked the dinner we had in the submarine!" Gu Yuena reminded him of that, too. That comment made Athena look at the Dragoness! Is she the only one who didn't have a romantic thing going on!?
   "Relax. We can have those after school. Still, Mom, how long am I grounded for?" He asked his mother for the exact date.
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   "If you go to school, it will be a month."
   'A month for blowing up a country? I suppose it's okay. I will use that time working on that Honkai project.' Internally, Marcus started to grin. He is going to revolutionise the world of gaming. He shall build an Entertainment Dome in his town, with Honkai Impact 3rd as the only place to play. Of course, it won't be a Valkyrie collection game. Instead, he is going to mix up the qualities of a shooter, the apocalyptic theme of survival, as well as telling the Honkai story.
   It is going to make any other game look like Tetris. Yes, he has some ideas for implementing the Entertainment Dome experience. He remembered there was this LED dome thing in Las Vegas.
   He will build that for maximum performance and show the power of Realitus to the plebeian masses. He needs to show Honkai to the world because he feels it won't happen with the amount of splashes he has done to the world.
   "Very well. Month it is, and I am going to school. We are going to have fun. I need to call Serafall to return. I want her sandwiches for the long break." Marcus remembered her delicious sandwiches.
   "I can do those for you!" Quinella swiftly chipped in! There is no need for that devil klutz!
   ~~~
   For advanced chapters (+7 chapters, 35k words) my pat: pat reon.com/DragonsFics
   ~~~
   P.S.: I do weekly voting on Patreon if you want more chapters for this fic (or other fics ) vote there.
  
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   Chapter 86: Its strange.
   3
   I thought that after posting nearly half a million words, people would understand that Mc is a sociopath.
   8
   I will translate it:
   When he became the top 3 strongest beings, he didn't see it that way. For him, it was that everyone else became weaker.
   After all, the purpose of strengthening experiments was that he could wield his tech better. He even said that when he tested his suits, there was no value in that strength in his eyes apart from that.
   With underworld conquest, it was even easier to understand it was a move to expand his garage space and get more data.
   The only value he has and takes his pride in is his creations, apart from that he has no reason not to listen to his mother as nothing changed to make it different.
   The changes: Everyone got weaker, 'we have more labour work' Marcus pointed it out to his mother, and his garage got bigger. Thats about it.
   There you have it for all the mother-haters stuff through eyes of sociopath who wants to build stuff and live his slice of life (there is a tag for that, too!)
   19
  
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   Chapter 87: Slightly Famous
   3
   "It's strange. The space gun is nowhere to be found for two and a half days." One of the workers in the observatory said to his colleague.
   "No, it's not. Initially, we were not even supposed to see it. It revealed itself when Marcus Goldman wanted it. By this point, it could be where it was initially getting upgraded or something." The other one said with a perplexed look. He wonders the same thing.
   The space gun is the ultimate deterrent. Or one of many deterrents the inventor has.
   Yet, it disappeared the same way it appeared like a ghost.
   But, yes, the second worker was right. The APSOS-class orbital station is getting its needed retrofits.
   At this moment, behind barriers in Earth's orbit, the Ars Almadel Salomonis is taken apart by the Aurora bots, and the barrel is getting replaced by a superior Magnetic-Graviton Barrel.
   Before this, Marcus has classified this weapon as a Civilization/life-ending. With this upgrade, it will be a literal planet buster.
   5
   Since the orbital weapon is in space, there is no resistance. The new barrel warps space to accelerate the energy at insane speeds.
   Before, it could reach far because of the absurd amount of energy it could discharge, but now, it can discard and ignore space and distance. Such capacities make this weapon deadly anywhere in the solar system.
   Not to be left behind, the original four diamond cores are getting replaced by experimental rhombus formation-set four diamond reactors. Not only are they specially prepared for power output, but they also have resonance systems to synergise the power output.
   The rough estimation of its power is that it could crack planets like eggs and quickly terraform planets when necessary.
   It is a weapon with the power of a death star, but it has the power to birth a star, too.
   2
   It will live to its name, 'Ars Almadel Salomonis- the One who Masters it all.'
   1
   ~~~~~~Meanwhile, on Earth's Surface, within the Parliament, inside the Ministry of Education in Marcus' Home country of Lithuania~~~~~~
   2
   The minister just received a package like never before!
   "Is this true?"
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   "Yes. Look at what HE has sent over to us!" The subordinate handed over four documents to the Minister of Education.
   The minister opened them and started reading. Sweat began to drop from his forehead.
   "I did check the database before. It appears he did this before." The subordinate nervously pointed out.
   "If he did this before, why didn't he do it now!?"
   He would instead remain ignorant than this! What he is reading is lunacy! Or more like science fiction!
   "Biological combat models!? Human-dragon hybrids!? Interdimensional aliens! How are we supposed to react to this!?"
   He saw documents about four girls who were supposed to transfer into Marcus Goldman's class!
   These girls were all silver/white-haired girls with insane backgrounds.
   'He is making those warships into girls!'
   "...Sweet god... I am not getting paid enough to deal with this shit!"
   "What should we do?"
   "Approve! I don't care! Please send this information to NATO and our allies. Let them know the full extent of this mad scientist's reach! Plus, send it to the president! Let him know what is going on."
   After saying that, his hand went to the lowest drawer and opened it. It was a bottle of vodka. He opened it and prepared a single 'shot'. Without wasting time, he drank it.
   "..."
   "..."
   "...Don't look at me like that. President issues bottles to everyone." He pointed at the window. At that moment, one of the airships leisurely passed through the capital.
   "Right on time." The minister pointed out that he was tracking their movement. That was the third time now.
   "...Makes sense. Can I get one, too?"
   ~~~~~~Next Day, Morning~~~~~~
   Enterprise, Tirpitz, Gu Yuena and Sirin looked at the big mirror in the bathroom. They did that one after another. They were checking out how they looked in school uniforms.
   "It's strange without my hat." The Aircraft carrier said with a complex look.
   "You look gorgeous in any clothes. My dear, let me help you with your hair." Marcus proceeded to pull her hair into a high ponytail.
   As he was doing that, other girls checked out their clothes. The blue and white school uniform fit well with Tirpitz but not so much with Gu Yuena and Sirin. Blue is not their colour.
   However, it's not that bad.
   "Oh, I have something for my dear Sirin as well~" He pulled a white headband for her hair.
   "You are prepared." The Herrscher commented as she allowed him to place it on her head. She looked at herself in the mirror.
   "...Not bad. But I feel that I am approaching Kiana Kaslana's territory." The Golden-orange eyed girl said with a slight frown as she inspected her hairstyle. This headband was close to the one used by her counterpart when she was a novice Valkyrie.
   "Do I need to remind you that you two are the same? That means your style would be similar." He pointed out the obvious.
   *Sigh*
   "Don't speak like that if you want to impress me. You should know better than this, Marcus." The girl made her point across.
   He chuckled, hearing how sour she was about the comparison.
   "Don't worry. I am simply giving you what makes you look amazing."
   "Right..." All he got was a sarcastic comment.
   After checking themselves in the mirror, Marcus got a pair of neckties for the ship girls. That led them to put one on him as well, as they wanted something similar, something like uniformity. Then Quinella and Sirin ended up with one as well.
   The thing was, the necktie was optional, but they all had one.
   "Fantastic! You all look so lovely!" Inventor's mother clapped her hands, seeing all six dressed like this.
   "Where is Athena?" Marcus looked around. He didn't notice when his Fiance sneaked out.
   "She went to enrol in your school through normal means."
   "Hah. sounds like something my Athena would do." Marcus wasn't surprised by her move.
   "Yes. Apparently, a maths teacher from your school is retiring, so she is aiming for that position."
   'Righttt-! One of the teachers... no, wait. A bunch of them are old farts who have been working since the Soviet Union fell.' Marcus realised how old and outdated the system was here.
   "Yeah. I think only one English teacher is new. The rest are quite old."
   "What are you implying, mister?" His mother slightly narrowed her eyes. Age is a very delicate thing.
   "Nothing. I am worried that a school in my town will lose quite a bit of educators." He pointed out the obvious.
   "Well, as the next Mayor, you must do something." She said that with a confident tone.
   "Hmm, I could just use time travel to collect talented individuals to teach in my school." He recalled that he was studying time at a certain point.
   "Or entice kids to become teachers in future," Rose said with an eye roll. Why on earth is he looking for a more difficult choice all the time?
   "Or that. Yeah, anyway, going to store this info for later." After saying that, he proceeded to eat his food and give some bacon to his lion pet, which descended from upstairs when he smelled meat.
   Soon after, his girls joined for food. By this point, Nyx was already gone. Primordial Night has sneaked back into the base and is feasting on a pile of sweets in his kitchen.
   Thankfully, he has a small army of maids who can watch over her.
   'I should do something like a young master act with all my maids. Lining up for me when I return from school.' A random thought popped into his mind as he was eating his breakfast.
   After finishing their meals, everyone proceeded to leave the house and start walking to his school.
   This 'journey' was his first time walking with Sirin, Gu Yuena and the ship girls around his town. Before this, they had never explored it. Funny how it is supposed to be the 'heart' of his faction.
   Well, now they have a chance. After walking for a few minutes, they had to stop.
   When Marcus saw what was happening, he started laughing.
   It confused the girls.
   "I suppose I scared them enough to start putting asphalt on the road." He pointed at the gravel road and then at the hill in the distance. On the hill was a big factory of some sort.
   "This part of the town expanded around 1950 to 1960s around that concrete slab factory. The government back then used these slabs to build soviet style flats all over the country and beyond.
   As you all probably know, thanks to knowledge, I gave you all communism a focus on complete government control over people.
   Since they built that factory, this part of the road has never been asphalted. As it's the back side of the factory, barely anyone uses it. I use this road to get to school." As he explained to them, he watched with some glee how this freaking dusty road was getting properly laid down.
   "I feel that you have some sort of enmity with it," Sirin commented with a deadpan look. She is surprised that Marcus' hometown has roads like these! They are indeed in the sticks.
   "I do."
   His comment made Quinella look at him for a second. She was confused since she had no data about this. Marcus never walked enough of this road to develop such feelings.
   She doesn't know that this is his second rodeo in life, and this road is still haunting him. Well, it used to, as now it's getting patched up.
   "...Come now, you still don't understand." He saw a confused look on Quinella's face.
   "...No...I don't..." She shook her head, still trying to grasp the gaps.
   "You never wondered how I know stuff, even if you don't know?" He asked with a slight smirk.
   "...No..." The AI-turned-human shook her head some more.
   "All your coding experience is not fake; it's my memories synthesised. No amount of talent I possess could shrink the expertise needed to build a self-aware AI." He pointed out the hard truth.
   "...But to have experience, you would need-" She stopped in her tracks and looked at him.
   "...I see- I see. I understand. To think- no wonder." The beauty connected the dots as she proceeded to smile.
   "...You already lived before."
   Sirin looked at him with wide eyes when she heard Quinella say that.
   "...You are from my world!?" Her first question was to ask that!
   "No. Different. In my past life, I was just like now a car fanatic. I used to spend my time building cars, supercars, and mega cars and programming my life away. In my free time, I used to play gacha and whale a lot."
   "... 'Whale'? What is that?" Quinella asked with confusion.
   "Spend money on free games. Regardless, this road is closed, so let's take the alternative."
   Marcus didn't clarify what gacha is. That term is not worldwide yet. Smartphones haven't taken off yet, which means gacha games are not mainstream.
   He motioned to walk in the opposite direction. Sirin continued observing the mundane-looking houses, trees dotting the streets as well.
   It's a simple-looking suburban area. Once the group reaches the end of the street, they end up on another street which goes horizontally. The one thing which attracted their attention was the grassy expanse in front of them.
   It was quite a considerable sway of land with nothing on it.
   "Right, this area. I remember my neighbour bringing his cows here." He recalled this area from his past life and the few times he passed here with Serafall.
   "...Your neighbour has cows!?" Quinella reacted with weird shock.
   "How does that shock you?" He asked with confusion.
   "...Weird! This place is a town! Not the countryside!" She pointed out her reasoning.
   "Our house is second from the crossroad. His is first. The way territories for houses are allocated makes his house, which is at the street corner, nearly twice our size-giving him enough space to raise cows.
   Anyway, I forgot there is this much land right next to my place!"
   He stroked his chin.
   'Maybe I should place my Entertainment Dome here?' He looked to his left. There was a whole block of five-storey soviet style flats. They are next to a bendy road which ends up to the main road which goes to the highway to the south and north to the city centre.
   To his right, the road goes down towards the river valley. There are just basic suburban houses.
   'Well, the place is not the best for a games centre, considering it will be a big flashy ball.' He pondered on this some more before his girls pulled him out of his thoughts.
   "We should stop standing like idiots in the middle of the road!" Sirin hissed at him.
   "Right." He turned to the left and proceeded to walk. His small army of females followed him. His ship girls didn't comment at all. They were like small girls exploring the outside world for the first time.
   This place was not the underworld! This land was their creator's homeland, so they wanted to sink into it and enjoy it to the fullest.
   Once on the main road, they went south towards the highway. Marcus' school is next to the forest at the edge of the town itself. It has vast sways of land. One of the most common things they do in springs on P.E. is to run around the forestry area.
   But before that is a supermarket on the right side, while on the left is an expanse of semi-warehouses and other buildings made for commerce around the concrete slab factory.
   However, in the distance, they can see a blocky and squarely school made from grey concrete, another soviet relic which is his school.
   'This place was refurbished when I graduated in my last life.' Marcus recalled his town becoming much more colourful by the time he moved to Germany to get closer to his cars.
   The flats would get a colourful makeover away from the bland soviet style grey.
   "So that's your school. It's so close to your mother's workplace." Gu Yuena realised that Marcus' place of study was literally five minutes away from his mother's workplace.
   "Precisely, my point. She loves to work here-all the gossip. Incredibly close to my school, she can speak with my homeroom teacher." He said with a snort.
   "Yes. But then you revealed the space station, and things went wild." His assistant smiled at him.
   "Yeah. I suppose I ruined her gossipful days. Now she must deal with gods who want to shop at her supermarket. I didn't expect the Norse to be that patriotic."
   He recalled that Odin requested to allow them to visit his place. It's like a club experience. Considering his control freak nature, allow gods to be here. But they comply with his requests. So, he allows them to be patriotic and pay their patronage.
   'I guess it's a valuable thing being a Conqueror of a supernatural Realm. I should meet Odin to discuss what happened to Thor, Baldur and Loki.' He pondered on that as he looked around his mother's supermarket. This place used to be some sort of ruins until a Supermarket chain bought this place and turned it into a shop.
   His eyes eventually end on people who look at him with strange looks.
   It appears people finally recognised him.
   "It appears they know my face~"
   "Well, you are handsome," Quinella said with a matter-of-fact tone.
   "I am certain it is not what he meant," Sirin said with an eye roll.
   "I know. And I was not designed to care about some random people." The artificial intelligence-turned-human said with her eye roll.
   "...Right." Sirin deadpanned. She was feeling Deja-vu, like looking at the mirror. It's something her old self would say.
   "It would appear your mother was right. They don't look THAT terrified." Gu Yuena said with a somewhat interested look.
   "Small town effect," Marcus said with a questioning tone. He was thinking along the lines that they felt proud that their town produced such a person.
   Besides, his people don't like communists, so they might be proud that he exterminated such a nation. Who knows. He is not planning to read their minds.
   "I guess. Doesn't your mother know most of the people from this area?" Quinella enquired after seeing everyone speaking with gushed voices as they looked at how Marcus' group was walking to the school.
   "I am not psychic- wait, I am. But no, I don't enquire about details in her work. I leave that to my father. I leave him to suffer in that regard."
   "...For some reason, I am feeling offended," Sirin said with a confused look.
   Is he indirectly saying that females talk too much!?
   "Are you saying that she talks too much?" Gu Yuena asked as she tried to understand his roundabout way of speaking.
   "No, you must be dreaming." He brushed her question aside.
   "All I am saying is that he has to listen to all the gossip she gathered over the day. I didn't mention anything about talking too much."
   "Uh-huh... didn't you forget that we all are psychics here?" Sirin said with a huff.
   "Oh right- as if I forgot that I made you that." He sarcastically replied.
   After some more bickering, they crossed the last road and entered the vast lands of the school. Marcus remembered that a lot of this land was given away in future by the school itself. The pavement he was walking would, at this moment, twelve years from now, end up destroyed. This whole part would become car wash services and new modern flats.
   In a way, He feels nostalgic. His busy life made him forget about those small details.
   "There is so much free land here. Why don't you make something here?" The Herrscher said with a frown. She recalled St.Freya as a beautiful place. It's a big place with all sorts of buildings. He could easily make this place into something similar!
   "Any suggestions? You do realise you could do something as well? All you need is to brush your finger down and order something." Marcus explained while looking at the school in the distance.
   "Not my place to do such things. I am an outsider to this world." Sirin said with a plain voice.
   "Outsider? Who told you that?" He swiftly pulled her into an arm hug and stroked his cheek into hers, making her extremely embarrassed!
   "S-Stop with your childish behaviour!" She started to complain with a red face. She was trying to push him away.
   "Nope. Who told you that you are an outsider? My Sirin is where she belongs~" He continued to tease her. In the end, she gave up and proceeded to play along.
   "O-Okay! I am where I belong! Just stop thisss!"
   She couldn't take it anymore!
   "Good. That's what I like to hear!" He stopped with the tease and instead switched from an arm hug into a 'lewder' act of hand holding.
   1
   Sirin was relieved that she was released from such an embarrassing act.
   However, other girls were jealous of the pampering she was getting! Especially Quinella, who sees this girl as an upstart!
   She would want to call her 'outsider' to their ecosystem, but since Marcus approves, she has no means to oppose him.
   Eventually, the group arrived at the school. More and more gazes went to the Inventor's group. After all, it was a group of girls with white/silver hair surrounding one black-haired teen who had a very confident smile on his lips. He was holding the hand of a girl with distinctive orange/gold eyes.
   "...I-Is that Marcus Goldman!? Holy fuck! What is he doing here!?" One guy from a group of students exclaimed with wide eyes. He stopped walking for a second.
   "Look at his clothes!" another one from the same group pointed out.
   "Holy shit!! The madlad is going to school?" Another one realised that Marcus, with all his craziness, is STILL going to school!? Just how absurd is that?
   Why!?
   Is there something going on!? Why does he need this? Is he here to see what normal people think of him? Instead of being in his faction, he is coming to see it first-hand.
   The student tried to understand this from their perspective. But all they got was Marcus smiling and waving to the students like he was just a 'famous' student.
   "I do feel like I am a celebrity. My hikikomori senses are going all over the place." Marcus said to Sirin, who was next to him.
   "You still call yourself Hikikomori? You have been on the battlefield and commanded warships in a fight." She pointed out.
   "All the time, I was surrounded by my creations. Even now. If you can't stay in your garage all the time, then just make the garage come with you. That's what I say. And it worked wonders, don't you think? I own the Underworld now, alongside my homeland." He explained to her as they passed the main hall and then took the stairs upstairs to their first class.
   "You should face your shortcomings." She said with a cute frown. Trying to help him when she never acknowledged it herself.
   "Hah. Now you sound like Kiana. But it did address it. As I said, I just made my garage travel with me." He said that with a smile.
   "You took the long route out." She replied with a deadpan tone.
   "I am someone who, if get isekai'ed, would starve and make a weapon to sell instead of asking for help." He said with a small smile. He is confident at least one version of him did get isekai'ed. Considering he got sent back in time to an alternative reality. There should be a version of him who got sent to a medieval fantasy world.
   "So pride?"
   "Just like you." He replied with a teasing smile.
   She didn't argue with that. She, indeed, is proud. But that pride kept on getting battered.
   Instead, the beauty mumbled under her breath. This was more annoying than she thought. She should stop this, but for some reason, she wants him to become a better- person. It sounds strange from a literal angel of death, but then again, she is probably the best person to listen to when she says to become 'better'.
   "Here we are. My home classroom~!" He winked at the girls before opening the door and proceeding to enter.
   Quinella wondered why he was that excited. But then again, he has five creations with him at once. He can brag more than ever this time around.
   As he entered, he was followed by five of them. The class instantly got quiet. He noticed that the teacher was already at the class. For a second, he wondered if he was late. He looked at the clock on the wall.
   Nope, he still had over five minutes.
   "Marcus- Goldman." His teacher removed her glasses and looked at him as if he were a ghost.
   "When your mother said you would come to class, I was sceptical. What are you even doing here?" She asked him with a deadpan tone.
   "To get the diploma?" He pointed out the first thing.
   "As if you need it." She countered.
   "Well, I need that stuff for the mayor's job. No? Or do people want a 'non-educated' mayor as their leader?" He pointed out again.
   "If you consider yourself non-educated, then the rest of the people are primates. Not everyone has floating warships, clone armies, and robots." She reasoned with him.
   "Sure. I guess. But I am not the one inventing the rules. Suppose you want to argue about this stuff. Try speaking with my mother and the government. Since I just checked the requirements, a high school diploma is needed now."
   'I do wonder if it's a new law? Last time I checked, I needed proof of adulthood, like an ID, but now I need a high school diploma.'
   For a second, he wondered if people wanted him to attend school just to get close to him.
   In truth, Marcus didn't realise that his existence created entire bureaus to predict his movements. Psychologists are working with agents and politicians to grasp and understand what Marcus Goldman is.
   What he wants and what he does. All of that. Truthfully, some predictions are horrifying, as some of the most intelligent people in the world have predicted that something like Project Eden might exist.
   To get more clues, they added something to the constitution to make him leave his house. That was a gamble as he could quickly get a high school diploma by taking exams now. But they predicted that he would take his time.
   And they were right!
   "So you are here to get a legitimate right to build on land?" She was somewhat baffled. The woman was slightly cynical as, just like many other people, she knew this teen didn't care about laws.
   But that is not entirely correct. Marcus is flippant. Sometimes, he does according to rules, and sometimes he does not. Everything depends on efficiency. At the moment, he does not need to rush.
   So why not follow what these people want? He has time to waste.
   Part of his sadism is that he will be at school and attend everything like nothing happens while his faction keeps on taking over the space. Turns Mars and Venus into habitable planets, followed by building up infrastructure on the Moon and Saturn.
   None for Marcus is required. He put all of that in a 'building queue' like it's a strategy game.
   "I wasn't the one who put my name on candidates for the Mayor position. I am simply following what they want since it looks fun to upgrade the town with my tech." He said the last part with excitement. He already has ideas for an Olympic stadium, an Entertainment Dome, a town's metro system, fixing the roads and expanding highways in the area.
   By the way, the mayor is, in a way, a regional leader, too. So he would have a radius of 30 to 40 square kilometres to play with!
   'Maybe something akin to Academy City? It would be amusing to have!'
   "Right. Anyway, take your seat." She motioned for him to sit. She then saw a small army of silver/white-haired girls following him.
   "Let me guess your creations?" The woman jokes, but Marcus nodded with a huge smile.
   "...I-" She wanted to say she was joking, but he brightened before explaining.
   "This is Sirin! She is from a parallel world! This one here is Quinella! She is my first proper creation! Artificial intelligence turned, girl! Then this one is Gu Yuena! She is a human and dragon hybrid!"
   He explained the first three, which caused her brain to turn blank.
   "Then these two are ship girls! They are something I made via resonance with the warships I collected!"
   By that point, the teacher just leaned her head on the table.
   "Please take your seat, Mr. Goldman."
   "...Okay..."
   For a second, he wondered if his stuff was not that impressive with how ignoring she was!
   'I guess I need to try harder next time. I should get my other ship girls rolling out and bring over Raiden Mei and Bronya. Maybe Elysia would impress her.
   Hmm...'
   He pondered on bringing Herrscher of Human Ego over to his world.
   That pink elf could work wonders for that lady's enthusiasm.
   Marcus never considered that some people prefer to get over their shocks by ignoring them altogether. He has not found those kinds of people yet. His interaction levels are negligible. Before the war, he didn't even interact with people that much.
   So he thought that she was not impressed.
   As the Inventor was thinking about how to impress his homeroom teacher, as his pride was on the line, the rest were staring at him and the girls with open mouths. Did he just say that they are his creations!?
   "So this dude, instead of finding a girlfriend, makes them!?"
   "Holy-"
   "Damn..."
   "Does he take apprentices!?"
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   Quinella looked at the last one with narrowed eyes. She recalled how Azazel was trying to butter up. She should make a Saturn 5 rocket, pack that fool on it, and send it flying!
   "Hiiii!!!" The guy squeaked out loud when he saw Quinella staring daggers at him. Not realising that she was thinking about the obnoxious Fallen Angel.
   Marcus ended up sitting at his table, which had been empty for over two weeks. Next to him was Quinella. Who smugly smiled at Sirin, who frowned back at her.
   "There are two more tables added for you four. Use them." The assistant pointed at the tables.
   "... Right."
   The dragoness and ship girls didn't complain as they knew they would have their chances. They did their research on this school's curriculum. They will have their chance to sit next to him as they will have to change their classes constantly.
   That means different rooms with different seating.
   *Ringing Bell*
   The classes have started, and Marcus proceeded to pull out his stuff. Apart from the books, he pulled out his drawing book and opened it.
   He first saw his pistols, rifles, BMW, then Daedalus Airship, followed by Scavenger.
   The last thing he drew was his submarine.
   'I do have to consider Project Trailblazer. I only assigned the project name for the future spaceships.' Solomon's successor pondered what he should make for his space odyssey.
   1
   As he was doing that, behind him was Sirin, who used her hand to hold her head. At this moment, she dearly wished to change with Kiana Kaslana and let her take over while she could nap or read a manga!
   'Oh...'
   With a slight grin, her HUD activated as she used half of her vision as a web browser! Build in HUD for the victory!
   While Sirin was having fun reading Manga, the rest of the class paid attention to the elephants in the room! Five hot chicks and a literal 'conqueror of the world'...
   ~~~
   For advanced chapters (+7 chapters, 35k words) my pat: pat reon.com/DragonsFics
   ~~~
   P.S.: I do weekly voting on Patreon if you want more chapters for this fic (or other fics ) vote there.
  
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   Chapter 88: Mark 2 of Ars Almadel Salomonis and Talk With Odin
   "Even with the so-called 'grounding' of Marcus Goldman, his faction continuously and ruthlessly continues to expand into space."
   The one who spoke was the leader of the science division of the newly formed 'Coalition to Oppose Marcus Goldman', or COMG for short.
   It's a secret organisation formed after the attack on Washington D.C. The attack on North Korea assisted in its rapid expansion.
   Nations which value Freedom, like North America, Canada, France, and the UK. Then, religious countries felt that such rapid development of technology, massive use of clone armies and passive aggressiveness made these countries extremely weary.
   Among them are Poland, Romania, most of the Middle East and even India.
   Others are here simply because they are afraid for their power base.
   Among them are China and Russia. More or less, it became something similar to the UN, only with one objective in mind.
   And that is to oppose the advancement of the sole bogeyman.
   This gathering was made by utilisation of most primitive communication as everyone knows that the Technocracy is listening to the phone calls.
   So, they use letters and ambassadors to deliver messages through words.
   It takes time, but such a secretive meeting finally happened.
   "Here are photos of what is happening in space." One of the assistants handed over photos which looked like stars.
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   "...I don't see anything." With a thick accent, one of the sheikhs commented.
   "Look at the stars. The way it reflects light it blurs out star positions. That means that there is something there which makes the light fly around it.
   Most importantly, it's right above Marcus Goldman's homeland."
   The gathered people immediately started to check the photos in detail.
   "...The space gun!?"
   "The diameter is around 400 metres horizontally and 800 vertically. It's around four times bigger than the original size of the space station." The leader of the science team said to the gathered leaders of the countries.
   "...So big!"
   "That's a massive size!"
   The leaders immediately looked at an old man sitting there looking and pondering at the picture.
   "Lord Mephistopheles, what do you think?" One of the leaders enquired about this. The devil in front of them was their only link with the supernatural! None of the other pantheons want to get involved with regular humans since Technocracy rose to power.
   The religions around the world only answer the one who prays to them. But their interests and continuous survival? Now that's a different thing!
   The only one who responded to any sort of call was devil Mephistopheles.
   "The length of the weapon means that the barrel is much longer. We have witnessed it shoot energy projectiles and deliver physical objects." The old devil proceeded to explain what he was thinking.
   "That means it can shoot further."
   "...You mean..."
   "He will shoot to other planets!?"
   'To think that things are progressing so fast! This speed of development is ridiculous!' Everyone thought at the same time.
   The group is slowly losing hope that they will be able to oppose this freak of nature!
   "The boy is the successor to Solomon-the only human who was able to oppose the devil kind. He was a student of the Biblical God. That makes Marcus Goldman a direct successor to the Biblical God when it comes to developing things.
   I have no doubts that after taking the Underworld, he now controls the life of humanity, too."
   "The Fate to decide life on Earth is coming. I don't know when. But it is coming. It's the next most natural step for Marcus to take."
   "...Are you saying he will fight every single pantheon on Earth?" The Indian leader asked with wide eyes. He never expected that Marcus would attack his very religion.
   "That's after he gains a foothold in space and upscales everything for smooth conflict," Mephistopheles explained as he realised something.
   'No wonder his airships are now patrolling global trade routes.'
   Things are falling into place. It has been a few days since the war ended, but the airships are back in action.
   Well, not all; he counted 15 airships. From what he has seen, a tower can hold nine of those. That means there is a tower in the Underworld.
   "Then we must fight! We can't allow him to reach space!" One of the leaders exclaimed with panic.
   "No. We have no means to fight his tech. My suggestion is to run away." The devil said with a serious tone. He did some simple maths in his mind. They simply have no means to win! Those airships will slaughter everything. And the new space gun will erase any opposition. Humanity simply has no means to fight.
   "...R-Run away!?"
   "Yes. Speak with your pantheons. If any god joins, then we could save humanity. My plan is the same as Marcus'. Run to space.
   Colonise a world, rebuild and prepare for a war in the distant future. All I can suggest is to get more time to prepare."
   'That's all I can think of with how monstrous he is. The only thing I can think of is how big his plans are.
   Maybe he will lose interest, and humanity can rebuild in peace in some distant star.'
   The devil thought about this as he looked at the picture on the table.
   "But we don't have the technology to colonise a new world! Not to mention travel to a different solar system! It could take thousands to millions of years with our current technology!" The head of the science division said with a shaky tone. What the devil is speaking is utter nonsense!
   "That is why I am saying to get assistance from your gods! Especially the Hindu one! I do believe your gods, with the assistance of Babylonian ones, developed Vimana. The floating fortress? You could utilise the technology or is it magitek of that fortress to create a sleeper colonial ship."
   "..."
   "..."
   "..."
   Some hope appeared in their eyes, especially in the Leader of the Indian people. However, the leaders of China and Russia looked sour.
   They hoped to develop something to fight Marcus here, on Earth, sometime so that they could win and could keep their power. But, from the looks of it, this is developing in a way they don't want.
   Suppose they land in some foreign world. Everything will restart, including their power base.
   That could lead to their loss.
   The pair of leaders started to think of betrayal.
   ...
   ...
   ...
   "I could help, too." An elderly voice said from the side.
   Everyone snapped their gaze to the side, seeing a one-eyed man sitting on a plastic chair. His beard was long, and he looked elderly.
   "...L-Lord Odin!?" Mephistopheles exclaimed with surprise.
   "Odin!?"
   "The Norse God!?"
   "All-Father!?"
   The leaders started to whisper among themselves and about scramble to show some respect.
   "Relax, Relax. No need to panic." The God King motioned to relax.
   "Lord Odin, what do you mean about helping?" The devil in the room asked with a weary voice. If Odin is here, then there is an absurdly high possibility that Marcus Goldman and Technocracy know OR have some idea of what is going on.
   "Survival of Humanity is something I take personal interest in." The Norse God said with a small smile.
   "I can offer the use of Bifrost to arrive at your destination. I never used it for deep space travel, but it does work, and it could technically cross the vast distance of space."
   Whispering began as the leaders started to feel more hope than ever.
   But Mephistopheles looked at Odin with a pale look as he realised that this could be part of Marcus' plan.
   Reason? Experimentations. The Successor of Solomon could observe humans in deep space and how they rebuild and progress without his interference and knowing that his faction is out there and continues to build.
   Humanity develops fastest when there is a threat to their lives. Like any other lifeform, it performs at its peak.
   'So not only is he helping us, but he is helping Marcus to. Crafty old man.'
   The devil snorted to himself as he continued to think of better solutions.
   But sadly, his resources are lacking for any alternative.
   ~~~~~~Later, With Marcus~~~~~~
   "I see. So that's their choice." Marcus hummed in understanding as he took a sip of his tea.
   He was sitting on his indoor terrace, watching the first snowfall in late autumn.
   On the opposite side of the table was Odin, who came to see Marcus right after the meeting with COMG.
   "You already predicted this, didn't you?" The All-Father said with a knowing smile.
   "No matter what, humans are still flesh and blood. They will resist. Fear or no fear. Dumb or not dumb reasons. None of that will change.
   I have predicted this, and my Artificial Intelligence agreed with me. There will always be rebel forces." Marcus tapped his finger on the table several times.
   "What are you going to do?" Even though Odin knew the course the inventor would take, he asked either way.
   "Assist them, of course." The Successor to Solomon 'smiled' at the God King of the Norse Pantheon.
   "It's an opportunity like no other. A remnant civilisation is rebuilding another world. Such a thing is worth studying. Especially considering I barely need to help with anything."
   Marcus was quite pleased with Odin's move. The old man deserves an award.
   "Let's forget about the desperation of humans for a bit. We haven't discussed what happened in the Underworld."
   When Odin heard that, he couldn't cover his bitterness. Losing two of his favourite sons left an impact on him.
   "I do have a general idea of what happened. It was a 50/50 move from my side. No matter how strong Thor was, those were Evil and Primordial Gods. Much older than my sons." The Allfather said with a deep sigh. There was quite a bit of regret in his voice.
   "From what I learned from my observations, Loki and your two sons were absorbed by Angra Mainyu. The Primordial evil was emitting several Norse Gods' auras when I met it."
   "I see. If that thing consumed them, then there is no chance of bringing my sons back." Odin resigned to that fact.
   "Sadly, that is true. But I can offer an alternative which is not a bad replacement." Marcus' words made the Allfather look at the inventor with a confused look.
   "Replacement?"
   "Yes. I can bring back your youth and return your wife to you." Marcus smoothly explained what he meant.
   "You might have lost your eldest and middle son. But you can always make some more."
   Odin's eyes contrasted for a second. His saliva got stuck in his throat.
   The Allfather had a flashback as he recalled his lovely wife. The God King's cheeks got rosy as he felt he was in love again. After her death, he tried to find a replacement, but nothing worked.
   Because of that, he turned into a big pervert, but now he could return to his peak!
   However, Odin quickly recovered and looked at Marcus with some weariness. It would seem the boy knows where to hit him!
   "And what is the prize of such 'favour'?" Honestly, this was more than just a simple favour in the Allfather's eyes!
   "You supplied me with several hundred years to several thousand years of entertainment.
   If I play my cards right, this could last for a long time." Marcus chuckled as he recalled what humanity was planning to do.
   "...Ah, I see, long-term investment."
   The God King immediately relaxed. He understood the big picture.
   "Precisely. You could say that one of my biggest fears is not having 'company' in space. Of course, there might be some disgusting lizardmen in space or some jellyfish, but It could be me being distressed. You could say it sounds arrogant coming from me, but the cosmos belongs to humanity.
   I am not planning to allow aliens to exist if they look ugly." He felt goosebumps just imagining tentacle monsters and some nasty, smelly fishes with arms and legs.
   They can call him whatever evil, but he is an artist, and ugly things are a big no.
   Odin simply laughed upon hearing that. He decided not to show this boy things lurking in his pantheon.
   ...
   ...
   ...
   "Excuse me, Master. The barrel is ready for launch." Quinella, standing behind her creator the whole time, finally opened her eyes and told him that the barrel's construction was complete.
   "Oh, it took them a while." The inventor commented with a pleased look.
   "It's close to eight hundred metres long construct. Such things take time." The beauty casually mentioned how the barrel was around eight times longer than the original one.
   "Yes, Yes. It was an excellent time to increase the depth of the space centre. Anyway, Odin, do you wish to see the finale of the upgrade work for the space station?"
   The old man, for a second, pondered. He took the mug and finished the tea in one gulp, then finally replied to Marcus' question.
   "Let's go. I want to see it in person."
   "Great, Quinella, call my flagship. We are going to space." Marcus nodded and then looked at his darling assistant.
   "Already on the way."
   ~~~
   Confiscator cast a shadow over Marcus' neighbourhood as a gunship left the airship's hangar and flew over, landing in front of the Inventor's house driveway.
   As the side doors opened, four royal guards greeted the Successor to Solomon.
   It was quite a contrast between heavy-armoured men and the group of leisurely dressed people. Even the God of Wisdom clothes were meant for leisure, including trainers.
   As they boarded the gunship, the vessel swiftly flew back to the flagship of Technocracy. The massive carrier climbed the altitude the moment the gunship landed onboard.
   The group of three leisurely walked through the packed hangar full of military equipment in pristine condition.
   Eventually, the group arrived at the lift, which took them to the bridge level.
   By the time they were at the bridge, the vessel was already leaving the atmosphere and entering the dark void.
   "Disengage the camouflage," Marcus ordered the moment he arrived on the bridge.
   "Disengaging camouflage." One of the crew girls obeyed the command.
   Right before them, in the distance, a large construct around a hundred metres in length and four hundred metres wide.
   This monstrosity was the new core for the upgraded Ars Almadel Salomonis.
   The two warships floating next to it looked like small children next to an adult.
   Unlike the previous model, which used mana to stay afloat and move, this one is dotted with strokes of golden projectors, which make the space station look like an artwork or more like an artefact.
   It wouldn't be wrong to call this a 'Sacred Gear' even.
   Both of those classifications are not wrong.
   "That's a big station you got there." The All-father leisurely commented as he was stroking his beard and looking at the thing floating in a void in front of him.
   "Still small when it comes to scales of space. But we do need to start somewhere." Marcus replied with crossed arms as he looked at the same thing.
   "When you compare to the emptiness of the void, then you are right." The All-father chuckled as he realised who was Marcus' opponent the whole time.
   It was not the Evil Gods, or pantheons, or humanity itself. It was always the void-the desire to conquer the emptiness itself.
   When arming for such a 'conflict', other things are insignificant and pointless. Odin realised that when he heard the sheer excitement barely hidden under the indifferent tone of the Inventor's voice.
   Solomon's successor is excited about what is to come.
   "Indeed. We are not even discussing the planets. That is why such a leap in size."
   As he said that, Confiscator joined the other warships which were guarding the Station, which was under refurbishment.
   The proper defensive systems are not in place yet. Considering it has four reactors linked by the resonance method, the sheer explosion of such a station in case it gets damaged would be catastrophic.
   Not that there are means or weapons on the planet's surface which could do it. The only ones who could damage this thing are deities of their respectful pantheons.
   Regardless, Marcus wanted that extra protection, just in case.
   He doesn't want Athena or any other girls moaning at him that he is not taking all the necessary precautions in such a critical moment.
   As the ship got in place, the group had a great view of the planet.
   "The Space Port is opening soon. It will be quite a view." The Inventor said to his guest as he motioned with his hand.
   The knights brough over a couple of chairs and a table.
   "In the meantime, we can enjoy some tea."
   "Hohoho, that is fine by me. It has been a while since I had tea in an interesting place." The Allfather said with an amused tone.
   "Such circumstances are rare." With a nod, the God King sat down and gazed at the blue marble.
   Marcus followed him and sat down in his chair.
   Quinella proceeded to pour tea for the both of them as she was acting as a maid at this moment. Weirdly or not, in that rush, her creator didn't take anyone with him apart from her.
   Her calculations indicate that he was highly excited by this development. She will keep that for future reference.
   "I don't doubt that you have some idea of what I have planned for the future.
   Since you are God of Wisdom, your divinity reaches into the future. It's almost like precognition." Solomon's successor casually started a new theme of conversation as he looked at Earth.
   There was a burst of light on the planet's surface. A pillar of light rose to their location.
   "Something like that I do possess." Odin didn't agree or disagree.
   "Hmm. I suppose when you are smart enough, you can start predicting courses of action. Considering divination and other means can't affect my lands. The sheer amount of mana under my control doesn't allow foreign energies to enter."
   "True. I don't directly see what is happening in your lands. But I don't need to. I simply study your character and see the course of action." The Norse deity plainly explained how he sees through Marcus.
   "Then you know what I am planning."
   Quinella's eyes widened for a second as she looked at her Master.
   'Is he speaking about-' The assistant wonders why he is commenting on THAT project!?
   "More or less." Odin shook his head from side to side.
   "And you don't mind?"
   "Mind what? No one believes in us. It has been over 500 years since the last proper follower died. Norse is a dead religion.
   Valhalla has not seen a new warrior join for over 800 years. Ragnarok can't even start as there are not enough souls to begin the end of the cycle.
   We are in perpetual stagnation." Odin explained the situation with a bitter tone.
   "The only followers we have are Valkyries and their descendants. Even then, it's not sustainable." The One-eyed God sighed with disappointment.
   "So I simply put. I don't care. Humans have reduced my faction to an observer in a grand scale of things." Odin simply shrugged with his hands.
   "Other factions are in a similar situation: Celts, Egyptians, Greeks, Sumerians. They don't have much of an opinion on what you are planning to do." The All-father finished saying that with a thin smile.
   "But?"
   "All can change. Humans start believing in higher beings when death is staring at them." The God took a sip of his tea as he looked at how a massive barrel left the planet and proceeded to fly towards them.
   'That's a lot of weight. To push such an object from the planet's surface requires a lot of energy.' The Norse God suspected some sort of en masse energy production.
   Something Marcus has mastered and utilised in almost all of his creations.
   'Conjuration but through technology? Or both?'
   "True. So where does Norse stand in this? When thousands, if not hundred thousand, start worshipping All-Father?" Marcus enquired without looking at him.
   "We are warriors. If they end up in Valhalla, then it's fine."
   "...and if they don't?" Marcus pointed that minor detail out.
   ...
   ...
   ...
   For a few moments, none of them spoke. Quinella wondered what the Asgardian God would choose. Would he rise against Technocracy? Considering that Marcus has mastered how Biblical God utilised the flow of the souls.
   Now that it's linked to the satellites around the planet, none of the souls can escape Technocracy's authority.
   "...Pity then, I guess."
   'I see. So he doesn't care anymore, or rebelling doesn't have that much value considering what we can do. How- human of him.'
   The Assistant realised that this Asgardian God was more human than she thought.
   "Hmm, we can always create something to satisfy your need for warriors." Marcus conceded some of it, as he doesn't care where souls go. What he cares about is that they go the way he wants.
   He was like a roadmaker. He puts the roads down where he wants. But he doesn't care who goes on those roads.
   "Doesn't matter, Marcus. You will be advancing at the solar system scale and beyond. I only wish for you to keep with your previous offer."
   Odin didn't care much about Asgard's role in the wider world. For many years now, they were the shadows of themselves. They might recover with Marcus' threat to the broader human population, but it's a threat they can't win unless they develop some sort of trump card, but that is not that simple either, as Marcus has shown that ruthlessly continues to improve and grow.
   All-father can only see some sort of continuous existence under Technocracy's umbrella.
   That is why he considers surrendering to him when the time is right.
   Fostering friendship beforehand is vital.
   "Don't worry, I will keep that promise because it is also important to me. I never brought a God back to life before." Marcus is not planning to go back on such a promise.
   Gathering more data like this is important to him as well.
   Something like resurrecting a Goddess, revitalising God King. He has never done any of those things yet.
   More data on such experiments are necessary for future wars against the other Pantheons.
   "Good."
   The pair stayed quiet for a while as they watched how the barrel of the new Space Station left the atmosphere and proceeded to hurdle towards them.
   It was an enormous object-around four times the size of the warships.
   "Activate guidance systems," Marcus ordered the girls.
   If this continues, the barrel will slam into them.
   The girls on the warship bridge proceeded to activate the graviton system of the station. The station released the Guidance beams, making the barrel stop spinning towards them.
   'Oh? That's quite the power this station produces. It easily stopped such a big object in its tracks.'
   The All-father wondered how the connection would happen.
   At first glance, he never thought that the core piece of the station could generate such power.
   But it turns out that the station's main power is the core piece, and the barrel is what they say it is-the barrel of a massive gun.
   'I suppose this faction doesn't mingle with words. A barrel is a barrel, no matter how ludicrous the size of it is.' Internally, he sighed to himself. He got used to humans who say one thing and do another.
   Gravity manipulation rotated the barrel, aligned with the laser guidance and then started to pull towards the core.
   Marcus watched all of it with the excitement of a small child. This project was his most significant one to date!
   The barrel is special. It doesn't just release energies to heal and destroy or deliver the payload. But its sheer size allows it to work as a massive shipyard!
   That is right! The massive 800-metre-long and 400-metre-wide barrel is, in fact, an assembly line, too! The barrel has several layers, which rotate in between depending on needs.
   The pulling of the barrel lasted over several minutes as the moment it connected joints sealed itself like a massive lock. Energy started to flow into the megastructure. Hull turned liquid for a second as both parts merged. Once it became solid, graviton projectors ignited throughout the whole station.
   "...Completed. Now ships 14 and 15 can release its cargo and send it to the station." Marcus didn't stop with the completion as he already had an assignment for the newly retrofitted station.
   "Oh? Those ships have something?" The kid doesn't stop even for a second.
   "Of course. Start-up bases for Mars, Venus and Saturn."
   As the Inventor explained, the girls on the bridge send out the commands. The other two warships opened up their main hangar doors, which released sizable nail-like constructs. Both of the ships had two each.
   Graviton projectors from the Ars Almadel Salomonis captured the nails and proceeded to pull them into the barrel.
   As this was happening, the station started to move away from Earth.
   "First, send one to Venus. Calculate the trajectory. Use Earth's space agencies' data for this." Marcus ordered as he watched the massive space gun move.
   "Accessing data."
   A holographic solar system map appeared above the table as it showed how the planets are moving around the sun and their current location.
   "Turns out Venus and Mercury are pretty close to us. Only Mars is some distance away.
   It's a good thing the Gas giants and the other planets are not that spread out." A quick check-up later, Marcus realised he could deliver that data for the physics class presentation.
   "I want the last two start up bases to have probes attached and ready for deep space operations."
   [Is this concerning the physics class, sir?] Aurora enquired.
   "Yes. I want you to iron out the details."
   "Oh, my. Are you abusing your faction for a school project?" Odin asked the inventor with an amused tone, what a cheat.
   "Well. I got, in a way, declined to boost up my school. The principal didn't like the sheer publicity his school would be getting.
   I suppose he doesn't want all the skeletons revealed that he has in the school."
   "...M-Master! Why didn't you tell me!? I could have solved all the issues!" Quinella started to pout! How dare some mundane man with a limited lifespan decline her creator!?
   "Don't worry, I have my means." Solomon's successor smirked while saying that.
   "...I am amused that the school declined your offer to improve its infrastructure." Odin realised what they were talking about.
   "I suppose old-school people prejudiced people. They see the world through their unique lenses."
   "Doesn't change the facts!" Quinella huffed as she crossed her arms. She was already thinking of making the school board cease to exist. She has a warship full of soldiers and mechs!
   'That reminds me. I should propose spec-ops units. For cover-up missions.'
   The beauty stroked her chin as she saw the first needle-like construction flow into the barrel and a massive amount of energy surge in the station.
   "Launching in 5
   4
   3
   2
   1
   Launching Venus start-up base!"
   A rainbow beam erupted from the barrel as it rushed towards the sun. The beam's trajectory slightly bent as it extremely rapidly flew away towards its destination.
   However, Odin stopped stroking his beard as he realised something when he saw the beam!
   "...That was... Byfrost?"
   ~~~~~~Meantime~~~~~~
   The rest of the world closely observed the rise of the barrel into space.
   The sheer scale of such a construct quickly leaving the Earth's atmosphere has baffled people.
   The weight, the scale, the size of the object. All of this has left them scratching the backs of their heads.
   How was this possible?
   The only explanation for this was that Marcus Goldman had solved the mystery of gravity.
   Gravity, even to this day, is just theory, yet this kid is employing it! He can harness a fundamental force of the universe!
   Not that it was enough. The massive object in space is now visible with a plain eye! Just look up! And you will see a gun floating in space!
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   "How long has it been?" President of the strongest nation in the world asked with a resigned tone.
   "What do you mean, sir?"
   "How long has it been since Marcus Goldman pointed that thing at London?"
   "...No less than a month?" The Vice President said after thinking for a few seconds.
   "In less than a month, he upgraded his Gun into a four times bigger version!" The man snapped. He couldn't take it anymore. He was living in a bullshit world! That shouldn't be happening!
   "So, is the project cancelled?" The man enquired about THAT project they have been planning.
   "No. Keep on diverting money towards it."
   'Not that I think it will help in the long run. Even if we leave Earth and settle down in a different solar system, can we keep up with what this man is doing?'
   All of this starts to look bleak no matter how he looks.
   As he was thinking about that, bursts of lights bombarded the night sky.
   The sheer size and power of Ars Almadel Salomonis keep the portion of the planet away as it continues to shoot the nail size objects into parts of the solar system.
   Similar thoughts crossed other nations as they looked closely at the new monstrosity in space, shooting projectiles at planets.
   People were terrified, scared, and restless, but what could they do when something that size was floating above their heads?
   It is a pity that people haven't realised yet that this object is the opening move in a chess game called 'space'. It was like moving pawns for the first time.
   The inventor isn't even considering it 'big', as Marcus has some grand plans regarding the scale of projects.
   Even though this station was close to 1 km, well 900 metres, it was just M2, or so-called Mark 2. There will be Marks 3, 4 and 5 and more.
   So it is not big...
   ~~~
   For advanced chapters (+8 chapters, 40k words) my pat: pat reon.com/DragonsFics
   ~~~
   P.S.: I do weekly voting on Patreon if you want more chapters for this fic (or other fics ) vote there.
  
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   Chapter 89: Sirin, The Youtuber
   ~~~~~~Day Later, Venus~~~~~~
   A nail-snapped construct entered the thick atmosphere of Venus. Rapidly, it turned into a meteorite as it slammed into the boiling ground of the planet.
   Like a nail, it slammed into the surface of the planet. It proceeded to bury itself in the ground. Before long, it was underground, the sharp end of the nail opened up, and Aurora bots started to utilise Alchemy to change the ground into construction material.
   Even if the planet doesn't have magic, the Aurora bots have batteries and M.T.M reactors. Even if those run out, they arrived with a Diamond Core.
   The bots can quickly recharge.
   Sure enough, even with M.T.M reactors, they rapidly lose energy as the planet is simply too hot.
   But the AI and Marcus predicted all this, so they came prepared. Working in endless rotation, they rapidly started to build up their base.
   One of the first things they need to build is an automated Assembly line and maintenance depo. Increase their numbers, build another core and then more assembly lines, more maintenance depo, rinse and repeat the actions until they have enough numbers to begin establishing contact with Technocracy and begin terraforming works of the planet.
   Venus is the most difficult of the planets in the Solar system to work with, as the planet's rotation is extremely slow.
   A single day on Venus is almost as long as the whole year on Earth.
   In simpler words, Venus Day is longer than a Venus Year.
   That is one of the things which Marcus will need to change if he wants to have a tropical home in this world.
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   ~~~~~~Meanwhile, the Indian Ocean, Entrance to the Red Sea at the Strait of Bab El-Mandeb~~~~~~
   Airship 11, one of the airships based at Underworld, is doing routine trade protection after Technocracy bombed the American economy after frying most of the electronics on the East Coast and losing one of the carrier strike forces.
   The nation diverted most of its funding to rebuild. That means no more patrolling missions, and most importantly, they are funding the COMG. One could say they are abandoning 'World Policing'.
   That is where Technocracy decided to chip in. They have nine spare airships. Seven of them were diverted to protect the trade routes, while the remaining two were protecting Ars Almadel Salomonis. But now it's back to full capacity, it could protect airships instead of needing protection.
   While Marcus doesn't quite care about trade in the world, it's a foreign concept to someone who makes everything himself. But, It's an excellent opportunity to gather battle data and observe human behaviour patterns.
   Not that he needs his airships somewhere else. So why not gather positive PR and protect the economy from inflation and raising prices?
   "Captain. A Singaporian-owned container ship has sent a distress signal at the horn of Africa." Second in command said to the captain.
   "Already? We only just arrived. Well, whatever. Put the ship to condition red and prepare to launch the red wing." The captain girl issued her commands with a serious tone.
   Sure enough, alarms started to blare throughout the vessel as the airship turned around and proceeded to fly at top speed to intercept the pirates who were planning to capture a container vessel.
   Less than ten minutes later, the airship passed several large ships and noticed the container ship which sent the distress call.
   What they found were small boats circling a massive boat. The container ship was using water sprays to remove pirates who tried to board the vessel.
   It was quite a silly method in the eyes of technocracy.
   "Aim the turrets at the small boats. Destroy them."
   The captain issued the command, and the gunners started to target.
   The turrets under the airship targeted the boats and proceeded to shoot.
   With automated assisting systems, the turrets quickly figured out speed and moving patterns. With a casual burst of compressed gravity, the boats and the water underneath the boats were incinerated by the graviton turrets or, more like, deatomised to nothing.
   "Captain, some pirates boarded the ship as we speak."
   Aurora showed them a live broadcast from the side of the container ship. There is one of those small boats there.
   And some Somali pirates have boarded the ship. They had AK-47 assault rifles and short swords, the machete.
   "Send out the Assault Knights! To think that they didn't run away after seeing the might of our Technocracy and Supreme Commander!"
   "Understood! Sending orders!"
   ~~~
   Aboard the container ship, a small group of Somali pirates were holding hostages, the majority of the crew. At the same time, other pirates were searching the vessel for more sailors.
   Even though they nearly pissed their pants seeing the floating spaceship. Yes, they think it's a spaceship. Technically, it can be considered a one.
   But Marcus hasn't classified it yet as it lacks faster-than-light travelling capability, so he still treats these as airships.
   "Agh-Agh! Look at me. I am the captain now!" Thin, bald and scrawny pirate dressed in slippers, shorts and a cheap t-shirt pointed his fingers at the captain and then at himself. Declaring that he was the captain now.
   "Y-You think you can get away with this? That airship won't let this go." The captain said with a frown as the pirates tied his hands with a rope.
   "It doesn't matter. We have you as hostage. They won't shoot." The pirate leader said in English with a very thick accent.
   But the guy jinxed himself as the next minute, one of the pirates, with a terrified look, dashed inside the bridge.
   "Boss! Boss! The big spaceship released smaller spaceships which were flying towards us!" The pirate said in his language at rapid speed.
   "Fuck! Take the defensive position! We can't allow them to land! Take Musa and his boys and rain hell on those things!"
   "...Are you sure?" The second in command of the pirates was not that sure. Will their guns even work on those space guys?
   "Yeah! Now go!" But the leader sent them away anyway.
   With a nod, the guy rushed to collect the other boys and their guns.
   As he rushed to one side at that moment, the captain saw the look on the leader's face.
   He was terrified to the core.
   *Snort*
   "So much for a 'captain'." The captain of the container ship snorted and commented sarcastically.
   "Isn't that corridor leading to the storage area?" One of the sailors commented with a confused tone.
   "Yes. He is going to hide."
   As the tied-up sailors commented, the last remaining pirate looked at his running away boss nervously. What about him!? He is to guard all the sailors!? What about Technocracy!?
   ...
   ...
   ...
   Outside, airship 11 launched three gunships, which proceeded to fly at the container ship, which at this moment was floating without direction.
   The gunship side doors opened mid flight as Assault Knights jumped out and ignited their jet packs.
   Mandalorian Bounty Hunters inspire their design. They have variable rifles which can switch between assault rifles, shotguns, and a Sniper rifle; that's the primary weapon. But that is not all.
   They have weapons attached to their wristbands, like the steel wire or the darts. Then their armours are legitimate 'gravity well'. It makes them immune to damage to a certain point.
   For example, regular bullets won't touch them as the gravity well they have makes them move around them.
   Only large projectiles bypass the graviton armours they have.
   That's, of course, the outer layer. The armour is very durable even if the projectile passes through the gravity well protection.
   Regardless, the moment the pirates saw three squads of flying people approaching, they opened fire and started to shoot at them.
   Not that it did anything.
   "...Huh... what the fuck!?" The pirates, who used up an entire magazine of bullets, realised that not a single bullet touched those freaks!
   Before he can complain, one of the Assault knights points its left wrist and shoots a steel wire.
   The wire wrapped around the feet of the pirate. With a casual pull, the pirate got yanked out from the ship. Before he can fly into the water, the knight shoots the other side of the wire at the handrails, making the pirate hang upside down.
   The pirates serve another purpose for the Technocracy. They simply can't kill them just yet.
   So, other knights did a similar type of offence. They either knocked the pirates out or disarmed them and then knocked them out.
   The more terrified pirates tried to fight with machetes, but the knights used their armoured hands to grab the short swords and break them.
   "...N-No way!!! Fuck you, freaks! Imma out of here!"
   The pirate who saw his machete get broken apart threw it away and began to run towards the handrails to jump out of the ship.
   But the knight pointed his wrist and shot the steel wire, catching the pirate by his legs.
   Another one ended up hanging upside down.
   "Secure the ship. Look for more pirates."
   "Roger."
   The leading Assault Knight instructed the subordinates. As they spread out, the leader knight contacted the airship. It was time to ask for instructions.
   [Bring the pirates to the airship 11; we shall await the Supreme Commander's instructions.]
   "Orders understood."
   At that moment, the gunships finally arrived, and the remaining knights proceeded to take the terrified pirates into the transport vessels.
   "N-No! Let go of me! I want to be arrested by Americans!" The pirate had no freaking what would happen to him! What kind of set of rules do these freaks follow!? He is pretty sure they told to UN and Geneva Treaties 'fuck you'.
   Not that their struggles meant anything, as the Assault knights used more steel wires to coil them like cocoons.
   As the group were dealing with pirates on the top deck, the rest walked inside.
   "D-Don't move! I will blast this one's head if you do!" The only remaining pirate guarding the sailors pointed his AK-47 at the captain's head.
   There was no reaction from the knights as they looked at the group.
   However, their HUD was scanning the area and looking for solutions.
   Then, the next second, their left hands moved at absurd speed and shot the steel wires at the pirate. The guy didn't even realise what was going on!
   "W-What?" His hands and legs ended up tied up.
   "Captain, any more of these on the ship?" One of the knights asked as the other was already pulling the pirate outside.
   "Assuming your group has dealt with the ones outside. There is one who went to hide in the lower container deck."
   "Understood. Downloading schematics of this ship model."
   "Downloading?"
   The captain was confused. He didn't understand that their helmets were not some simple head protectors.
   "Schematics understood. I shall let you all free."
   The knight walked over and casually ripped out all the ropes from the crew members! The sailors looked dumbfounded by how casual it was. They quickly inspected the ropes. They saw that they had burned away!
   They had no idea what happened, but this was the power of a gravity well.
   The concept of this was similar to how asteroids burn away when they enter Earth's atmosphere.
   That was no different; the only difference was that Earth moved and made the asteroid burn away. It was the other way around how it usually is.
   "I am going to lower decks. You all can return to your duties."
   The knight proceeded to walk towards the corridor, which leads to lower decks.
   The sailors dumbly nodded as they slowly started to walk around.
   ...
   ...
   ...
   The leader of the pirates was snivelling in the lowest decks, bidding in a corner, trying to look as small as he could.
   'No-no-no, this can't be happening! We attacked the ship when we knew the airship was hundreds of miles away! How did they arrive in less than five minutes!?'
   The bald pirate was having an existential crisis while reconsidering his life choices.
   But that moment, he turned stiff as he heard a sound!
   It was someone walking with metal shoes!
   The pirate paled as he was thinking what to do. The closer the sound was, the more skittish he was!
   But then it stopped.
   "...H-He left?"
   The pirate heard nothing. Slowly, hope returned to him as he slowly moved from his position.
   He poked his head as he looked around. There was some light entering the lower decks as the calling was open.
   But then he felt someone grab his head and slam into a container.
   "My gratitude for revealing yourself."
   The last thing he heard was an emotionless thank you.
   ~~~~~~Back in Marcus Place, Underground Garage~~~~~~
   Sirin smiled as she took an orb-like object. This thing was a portable camera she designed herself! It was similar to a floating eye with an antenna.
   She can use this to record for her blog. Or more like a YouTube channel?
   Blog creation looks tiresome. So, making videos for YouTube looks much more accessible, and the interface seems more newbie-friendly.
   That is why she created her account with Google and inspected what YouTube is all about.
   It turns out it's similar to what Kiana Kaslana used to check cat videos.
   From the looks of it looks fine to share her misery on this web page.
   That is right! Even as a Herrscher, she has a limit to how much she can 'suffer' living in this madness!
   So why not share it? Let them all feel what it means to live with a crazy scientist who dreams of the world- Reality domination!
   After inspecting the orb, she turned it on and made it fly. Using technomancy of M.T.M and Graviton tech, the orb can fly for as long as she wants.
   On top of that, she can access the orb with her Psionic interface.
   Making it fly and pointing the lens at her, she started to record it.
   The red light of the recording was on!
   "Hello, everyone. My name is Sirin, and from today onwards, I shall record my life with my creator and the man who brought me over from another reality.
   Yes, you heard it right. I am not originally from this place. Upon my death in another reality, a much darker one than this one, I crossed over to this place.
   Somehow, Marcus Goldman knew this, and somehow, he created an identical body for my soul to inhabit.
   Crazy, I know, but this is just the beginning. I never expected to live with a legitimate inventor-
   Anyway, I want to show you his garage~ since he is grounded, he can't be here~"
   With a teasing voice, the golden-orange-eyed girl made the camera spin around and showed Marcus' place. She showed the tuned car and the Gundam suits behind a glass wall.
   Then, the gun's shooting range, the living room and the kitchen.
   "The technology utilised in these things is strange. It is some sort of atom manipulation. I have no clue how it works, but the microwave gives hot dishes, and the fridge can be used to create and store raw materials.
   For example."
   She made the camera float over and show the touch screen on the fridge. The girl showed before that the refrigerator was empty, and now she proceeded to create a bowl of strawberries.
   After a few seconds, he opened the fridge and took her strawberries.
   "As you can see, the fridge created strawberries for me~" The girl showed the bowl full of strawberries.
   "Anyway, there are more places I can show, but for now, it will be enough for the first video."
   With the video done, she proceeded to edit it with Aurora's help. Artificial intelligence quickly uploaded it to YouTube.
   Sirin proceeded to laze around in the living room in the underground garage. She watched how the views started to increase.
   At first, the pace was moderate until it exploded.
   The video went viral.
   It only took a few minutes for her email inbox to get flooded by messages. These were government ones!
   "...*Sigh* I have no interest in those. All I want is to share the madness of my life."
   After finishing her strawberries, she cleaned the bowl and put it away.
   She then proceeded to get back to the surface.
   ~~~~~~Meanwhile~~~~~~
   Sirin has no idea what kind of chaos she has unleashed. What she just did is the closest one could get to Marcus Goldman's private life!
   In fact, it is his private life. Sirin is his creation by all means and purposes.
   It's like a wife is sharing her life as a married couple! Something like that! Her video became the fastest-growing video in history so far.
   Of course, some companies and governments want to talk to her about certain things.
   Sadly, Sirin is not interested in 'popularity'. All she wants is to spread chaos. She is a Herrscher, after all. One doesn't simply change one's core. She is a creature who destroys. In this situation, she destroys common sense.
   "Holy shit! To think that this is how Marcus Goldman lives!" One of the first comments popped up in the comments section.
   People who saw the video all over the world were jealous. They are jealous that he is making girls! Others were terrified because they understood the deeper ramifications of such an ability.
   Capitalists are petrified after seeing his atom manipulation in action.
   Of course, others don't believe what they see in the video.
   They still want to see Marcus being filmed by this girl. Maybe after that, they will believe that she is with him.
   When Sirin was in her room, she summoned her interface and checked the comment section.
   She saw a lot of exclamation marks. However, she didn't have a smirk. She thought she would get people petrified. But all she saw was entertained people!
   [Whoa, look at her eyes! Her pupils are shaped like rhombus!]
   [That hoodie is so cute! Can I learn where you bought it?]
   [Damn, I never thought seeing a cute girl eating strawberries would have such a profound effect on me]
   [Do you know where I can buy one of those guns? They look sick!]
   [Geez! That BMW looks so cool! To think that Marcus Goldman is a gamer!]
   [Those gundams! Are they for sale!?]
   The more she read, the more she was annoyed!
   'Stupid humans! Don't you realise that your doom is close!?'
   Sirin complained to herself. The girl can't believe how they are treating this video!
   But then she saw the comment, which made her snap.
   [This is fake. I didn't see Marcus Goldman anywhere. This channel is 'Daily Life with Marcus Goldman', but I don't see him anywhere in this 15-minute video.]
   'Oh yeah!? Let me break your world apart, asshole!'
   Her orange-golden eyes narrowed as she decided to post another video.
   With a casual look, she turned on her floating camera and proceeded to record.
   "Hey, I am back with another video. This time, let me show you my room~" Sirin made the camera float around. The room is plain. But the room's 'magic' allows the walls and the ceiling to be anything she wants.
   "As you can see, the room looks plain as I only moved in recently. But there is a catch with this room~
   The walls are tinted with crystalline substance, which allows them to do this." The girl summoned her holographic console commands and started to shift between landscapes.
   "The technology behind this interferes with the colour spectrum. Quite neat, but I don't understand half of it." She shrugged before walking to the wardrobe.
   "This wardrobe here is the one responsible for making the hoodie the one you guys mentioned. People of technocracy don't buy things. With the whole atom manipulation thing going on, Marcus created furniture, which makes creating things extremely easy." Sirin filmed the touch screen panel and showed her cat ear hoodie collection.
   Internally, she is very smug because Kiana would be jealous of her!
   "Anyway, there is a funny story related to these wardrobes." Sirin moved the camera and filmed her face while explaining to everyone.
   "Since Marcus got grounded, he could not access his stuff. So he hacked his wardrobe! It's hilarious. Let me show you~."
   The Herrscher proceeded to walk out of her room. The camera filmed the surroundings: the corridor and all of the sounds.
   The girl acted as if she was sneaking around.
   She passed several doors, arriving at a specific one.
   It had a radioactive sign hanging on it.
   The sign is 'Marcus room', and underneath it is another with 'do not enter' words.
   After filming that, the girl then moved the camera to face her once more.
   She had a smug look on her face.
   "Let's go."
   Her hand went on the handle and pushed it down. The moment the doors opened, music assaulted her ears.
   "Mark~" Sirin walked in. She used his nickname to capture his reaction to that nickname.
   "Hmm? What is it?" Marcus, who was drawing something on his drawing board, moved his head and looked at her. He was lazing on his bed while drawing.
   On the ground, a golden lion was playing with a ball and trying to bite it. The ball is unique, as with Nemean lion teeth. It could easily chew through steel.
   "I am making a video about my daily life in your household. I thought it would be an interesting experience."
   Her words made Marcus stop whatever he was doing and look at her with a curious look.
   Never in his life had he thought that Sirin, the Void Queen, the Herrscher of the Void, the 'Honkai God' as she used to call herself, would start making videos!
   "Well, Well, this is amusing, so what can I do for the viewers?" Marcus immediately decided to join the fun.
   "Nothing major. I just want to know what you are designing in your room." She looked around. The room's walls were painted blue this time around, and her eyes eventually ended up on the shelf where her statue was.
   But then her eyes widened as there was another statue!
   She swiftly walked over there.
   Sirin picked up the statue and inspected it. The statue was of her, or more precisely Kiana, with a big red sword and a long cape, and her hairstyle was a ponytail.
   Herrscher had never seen such a style of Kiana before!
   'Is this form achieved after I died?'
   A cold feeling washed her over. Does Marcus know what will happen after she is gone!?
   Her eyes snapped at him as he looked at her. There was a knowing smile on his lips. He knows what she was thinking!
   "To answer your question, I am designing spaceships." The inventor ignored her look and instead explained her original question.
   The girl frowned as she understood that he was doing this on purpose.
   'So that's your plan. No worries, I have seen how easily you cave in. All I need is a specific moment.'
   As Sirin thought about that, she placed the statue back in its place and instead proceeded to return to her filming.
   She focused on the drawing he was showing to her.
   "Inspired by Star Wars Imperial Star Destroyer in shape, the ships will be around a kilometre long and over three hundred metres tall at the highest point.
   Unlike the Star Destroyers, it won't have those big sticking-out bridges. The bridges will be part of the superstructure. As the Realitus tech, we won't need a bridge." He showed the warship in a 3d format.
   "It would seem the engines are still missing. Are you planning something new for those?" Sirin decided to add more fuel to the fire. She knows that Marcus loves talking about his creations.
   So why not allow him to talk about literal 'Star Destroyers'!?
   She wants all the viewers to feel despair.
   "Yep. The OG thrusters I created in my early days when I created my Starscream squads and Daedalus airships.
   Right, for the viewers, the Starscreams are my jet fighters, which are Transformers as well.
   Sirin, you can ask Aurora to add some footage. We do have databases for those." Marcus casually allowed Sirin to share never-before-seen footage of his warships and jet fighters.
   "Great! I will add those!" Herrscher decided not to edit any of these parts. Instead, she will just add on the top!
   She will make that guy eat his words!
   "Anyway, for thrusters, I think something related to magnetism or Ion. A regular propellant is not that great for long-distance flight, so I am thinking something which goes beyond the norm to abuse the graviton tech I have."
   "Then why not graviton-based thrusters?" The white-haired girl randomly asked as she ended up sitting on his chair and spinning around.
   "Graviton is already in use with the projectors. If there is another force so close to already existing, it could cause gravitational friction. Possibly creating a black hole after a failure." He explained with a thoughtful but indifferent tone.
   "I see."
   Sirin grinned, hearing that she was enjoying Marcus 'cooking'. If he were a regular guy, such conversation would be just random weeb chatting, but this was the inventor who designed time travel in maths class.
   She will show the world how effortlessly this guy destroys her common sense. A Herrscher like her, who is used to causing chaos effortlessly, is questioning her life choices.
   It's simple for this guy to come up with different types of world endings while lazing in his bed, eating chocolate cookies, and petting his lion pet.
   "Anything else?"
   "Oh, right. It's a good time to advertise, so I will." Marcus swiftly saved the design and opened another one.
   "This is an Entertainment Dome; I will open one in my town. In this place, one can self-insert into various scenarios, like a survival game in the Jurassic Era. Or some medieval scenarios. Most importantly, I will release one particular game where I will invest a lot of time. So I suggest turning up for it when I will be released." The inventor showed a floating ball above ground with escalators going into it.
   It was a strange building even for Sirin.
   "Great. I will want to see it, too." The Herrscher agreed as she picked up the lion and decided to film the little monster.
   Internally, she was smirking. She won't be revealing supernatural. Not yet. The girl is letting people think that this is a mutated lion of some sort. She will reveal the real identity of this little monster at a random time.
   For now, let them get head over heels for this little thing.
   After filming the Nemean Lion cub, she stopped the recording and proceeded to speak. Her curiosity cannot be contained anymore! She wants answers!
   "So! What is that form of Kiana Kaslana!?" Sirin asked in an inquisitive tone. She was trying to play it down. To make him feel that she is not THAT interested.
   "Oh? Why would I tell you? You don't like Kiana, so you do not need to dig deeper into things like that."
   Marcus, of course, knew her angle and proceeded to play it down.
   "I thought you would tell everything to your Queen?" Sirin started to guilt trip him now.
   "Yes, well, you are, but you don't appreciate my affection, so I am on a fence when it comes to this now."
   The golden-orange-eyed girl frowned. It turns out Marcus is quite slippery. It's their third 'duel', and she is losing again.
   "Hmm. I could appreciate your affection, but I don't know if you have hidden motives with that affection." She was almost out of straws to reply! Even her current counter is shaky at best!
   "Of course, I have hidden motives. I brought you to this world and gave you powers. Of course, I plan to take them away at the very last moment!" Marcus replied with heavy sarcasm, which made Sirin blush, and even her ears turned red. She was embarrassed!
   "I get it! Sheesh! Just tell meee!" She huffed and then puffed, acting like a little girl when things don't go her way!
   "What for? If you want me to do this favour to you, I need compensation." The inventor placed his 'foot down'.
   "Geez! Fine! But first, let's go on a date! No more holed up in this room!" She stood up from the chair and offered her hand. The girl wants him to come with her outside.
   "...Fine." Marcus is not the outside person, but since Sirin wants to, he will come out with her.
   As he got up from the bed, he placed all his stuff on the table and turned the music off. He then walked to the wardrobe.
   'Oh, crap! I forgot to film this thing in action!'
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   ~~~
   As the pair are preparing for their date, the second video was soon uploaded to YouTube after Aurora did some editing. She added extra videos on airships and the Starscream fighter jets.
   It quickly exploded in viewers as Sirin's channel rapidly gained millions of subscribers. The Ai, of course, took some minor liberties in editing the channel to make it look better. Based on all the previous changes to the interface menus on Sirin's console.
   [Wow, this was quick! That's the second video in less than an hour! That's some insane processing power!]
   [Nah, it can't be.]
   Though people wanted to argue, they could not, as Sirin replied to the question of the hoodie and even went to speak with Marcus!
   She did that because she saw the comments!
   Others who just want to be entertained commented about the lion.
   [Damn! This guy even has a lion for a pet! Geez! No doubt he doesn't ask for permission.]
   [Yeah, right. And risk being nuked? Who would bother with such a guy? I mean, he is discussing building spaceships in his bed.]
   All sorts of people flooded the comment section. In a way, they were giving ideas to Sirin about what to film next.
   Without even knowing, Sirin would become the most famous YouTuber.
   ~~~
   For advanced chapters (+9 chapters, 45k words) my pat: pat reon.com/DragonsFics
   ~~~
   P.S.: I do weekly voting on Patreon if you want more chapters for this fic (or other fics ) vote there.
  
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   Chapter 90: Deciding the Fate of Honkai Over a Pizza
   1
   Marcus checked hImself in the mirror. He had a thin jacket produced by the wardrobe. As he was doing that, Sirin giggled while checking the menu in the wardrobe.
   At the same time, she was filming the options available on the furniture.
   "Look, you can even make a Daedalus airship from this! How hilarious is that? It will take months, if not years, to build it from parts produced by this wardrobe!" The girl exclaimed while checking more content.
   "Yeah, I didn't bother sorting through all the options." The Inventor clarified why his wardrobe has so many options.
   "I know. But this is funny." After shaking her head, she looked at him. The beauty took a step and got closer. She proceeded to fix up his collar. She was making him even more presentable.
   "Good. We can go now~" 
   By this point, she turned off the camera and threw the ball away on his bed. She won't need it for a while.
   But then the lion decided that it would be his new chew toy.
   "H-Hey!" 
   The girl swiftly grabbed it and didn't allow it to be chewed on.
   "You need to train this little guy!" The girl complained as she needed to push the golden lion away.
   "It's not a dog; you don't just train felines." He said with an eye roll.
   2
   "Yet, you brainwashed it to be a household cat!" She complained to him.
   "I didn't brainwash; I adjusted it." 
   1
   "Semantics!" 
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   "Not semantics. I suppressed certain traits while allowing others to flourish. I didn't turn it into a dog. It's still a cat." He explained to her as he made the lion float. With a hand motion, he sends it back to the 'lion's den'. 
   Sirin sighed in relief as she summoned her interface and checked if she had saved the schematics for her floating camera.
   Another sigh escaped from her lips as she was relieved that Aurora had saved the schematics. Even though she spent fifteen minutes designing this orb, she doesn't want to lose it! 
   She barely has any possessions, so even minor things make her possessive. 
   "Come. You can put that camera in your room. Just in case the lion decides to find it anyway." 
   "Alright."
   Sirin agreed with his suggestion. The pair then left the room, and the white-haired girl swiftly went to her room and placed the orb in the wardrobe, just in case.
   Marcus smiled, seeing how she was treating her possessions. As a collector and inventor, he treats his items similarly. 
   While he does want his enemies to destroy his fighting assets, part of him doesn't want to lose those as they are his items.
   It's a thin line of necessary sacrifice and greed. Maybe that is why his first warship could tank gods.
   As they descended to the lower floor, the pair walked towards the main doors.
   "Where are you two going?" Rose asked the pair as she noticed them dressed up for outside.
   "I am taking Marcus to breathe some fresh air." 
   "Great. Make sure my boy shows the town properly to you~." With a wink, the inventor's mother motioned for them to get going.
   Sirin slightly blushes as there is a strange understanding between those two.
   As the pair left the house, he looked at her.
   "Any suggestions on what you want to see?" Marcus asked her.
   "Hmm. Not really. Anything is fine. You do realise that as Herrscher's personality, I barely have any experience exploring and seeing things." 
   She brushed her hair as she explained things to him.
   "I was created for pure destruction. No other purpose Honkai designed for me." She said this with slightly narrowed eyes.
   The girl was angry at that realisation. It is strange, considering she was out of Honkai's influence, so she saw the world from 'outside the box' as they say.
   This outlook was a new perspective for the girl. She has been seeing a bunch of new things, especially since she has been living with a weeb being who achieved crazy things.
   "Then it's a good thing you are here." Marcus grabbed her hand and pulled her closer to himself.
   "In this world, my Sirin is a Queen, and no one changes that." He whispered to her. The girl's golden-orange eyes widened for a second. A deep blush appeared on her cheeks.
   "In that case, you need to tell me what that form of Kiana Kaslana is." She smoothly controlled her blush as she mentally focused on the curiosity which she wanted to satisfy. 
   "Oh? Is that why you pulled me out of my room?" He changed the theme of conversation as swiftly as she did. 
   "Hmph! Of course not! I am simply playing my part. In truth, it should be you who takes me from our house! I did say I want to date you before I join your- harem." She said the last part while looking away. 
   "Hmm? How are those connected? You want to know the form, but what does this date have to do with anything?" 
   Marcus asked her with a teasing voice. Oh, he knows the game, but he is pretending to be clueless. The Inventor wants to see that blushing and stuttering face of the almighty Void Queen.
   "Hmph! Let's go!"
   She proceeded to pull him towards the main road.
   Amusingly, he realised that she knew where she was going. Did the beauty prepare for this beforehand?
   Well, he will watch and see. 
   ~~~~~~Meanwhile, on the Other Side of the 'Pond' a.k.a on the Other Side of the Atlantic~~~~~~
   It's probably the first time in history that people in the Pentagon are discussing a YouTube video.
   Especially the top brass is the ones who start the discussion.
   "Does anyone want to say anything about the fact that a teen in his 'garage'-" The Secretary air quoted the garage part." harnessed gravity itself? How do those turrets shoot gravity?"
   He showed everyone pictures taken by people when the airships opened fire on pirates. Those cannons ripped through literally everything. And there are a bunch of those!
   "Not only does he have clones, infinite energy, and robots, but now he has gravity. We were considering a last stand. This last stand will be nothing more like a repeat of what happened to native Indians and Aztecs when the Spanish and British first arrived on this continent. 
   We are going to be slaughtered by that army like pigs on a conveyor belt, and this is me not considering that freak gun in space."
   The secretary finished his rant. People noticed that he had more grey hair now. It would seem Marcus Goldman is the bogeyman of their country by this point.
   *Ahem*
   "Sir, you forgot a crucial thing. That 'boy' is the successor to the man Biblical God taught.
   It's not a surprise that with his intelligence, he unlocked secrets of atom manipulation."
   One of the officers remembered this, which made the secretary grimace.
   "I tried to forget that." 
   The people around the large table looked at each other. It would seem the man is denying reality by this point.
   "Regardless, we have other issues."
   "...Which is?"
   "The videos are giving people a different take on Marcus Goldman. I have heard rumours from agencies that smaller countries consider capitulating to Technocracy."
   "!!!"
   The officials and politicians looked shell-shocked to hear that. But it only lasted a second or two as they weighed the options.
   "To think that people give up their pride and freedom." The secretary of defence bitterly commented.
   "The deal is not that bad. He has the technology to give energy and things for free. The world's food and energy issues would cease to exist. All he needs to do is say a word."
   "Yes. But we don't know the price. With his flippant behaviour, he can easily take everything away."
   "Indeed. But we need to consider that it is something he created. So it belongs to him."
   "..."
   "True." The Secretary had to agree. But then there was another thing as the official tried to smooth out the circumstances.
   "...Sir. Another thing." After a moment of silence, he finally decided to breach the subject.
   "...Say it. No need to mince the words." 
   "...Of course. It's just that even China and Russia have that on their cards." 
   "!!!"
   Everyone turned stiff as they looked at the intelligence officer.
   "... Impossible! Those are the most annoying and proud nations! How would they consider surrendering!?" 
   "Not now. No, they are waiting. This YouTube channel is the key."
   "...Oh. I see. They are looking for a hook." The Secretary immediately understood what was going on.
   It's not a surprise. Both countries are dictatorships-those kinds of nations flock to each other when a common goal and enemy appear.
   In this case, they can't win no matter what. So they will leave it to a YouTube channel to figure out how to manoeuvre around Marcus Goldman.
   But then the Secretary of Defence had a look of realisation.
   'Of course! Gifts!' 
   He clenched his fist as the man felt like he had solved the formula of eternal life.
   'Like how in ancient times rulers would gift other rulers all sorts of things! Marcus Goldman is no different! He is still a teenager!'
   The politician smiled as he recalled those two videos. He had a car, a suit of those robots under a glass wall and small statues in his room! 
   Everything is falling into place.
   "I need to speak with the president. The meeting is over!" 
   Just like that, he left the meeting without saying a word. The rest of them were confused as hell.
   "...so... did we get the budget to rebuild the carrier group?" The officials looked confused.
   "Beats me."
   ~~~~~~Back With Marcus~~~~~~
   "How does it feel to be a celebrity?" Sirin asked Marcus as they had just passed the main bridge and entered the town centre. There are quite a few people who are looking at the pair.
   "You think it's only me? I am certain that people are looking at you as well." The inventor noticed that people were whispering about her, too.
   It would seem her channel, which only appeared a couple of hours ago, went viral faster than fire in a dry forest. 
   "Whatever. It's not like I am a big shot. You are the one who builds all the stuff!" 
   The girl replied with an annoyed tone. She doesn't want fame! She wants to spread misery! That is right! The only reason she made that channel is to make sure people experience his madness first-hand!
   "Hehe. You are adorable when you get all annoyed like that." He used his other hand to poke her cheek.
   His actions caused her to move her head in the opposite direction. There is no way she will allow him to do that in public! She still needs to keep her image!
   Not that the world knows what is a 'Herrscher'.
   But this was where Marcus decided to wave the info in front of her.
   "That form you want to know is called 'Flamescion'."
   The moment he said that, she snapped her gaze back at him.
   "How did she do it!?"
   "Oh? Why would I tell it all at once?" He teased her as there was a smirk on his lips.
   "...You..."
   She frowned and looked away from him as she wanted to move away from him, but he was holding her hand.
   "Relax, we are almost there. We should go and get some pizza." He mentioned that as he looked around at the main crossroads as the centre of the town. 
   He can't remember the last time he was in this area of the town.
   As they say, he rarely passes the river to reach this area.
   Well, technically, he crosses the river a lot as he has his trains, but he never does it on the surface. 
   "...Fine. But you are buying. I have no money." She huffed at him.
   "Of course. As the owner of Goldman Industries, I have cash- I think." 
   'Wait. Did Latia even give me a debit card?'
   He pulled out his brand-new wallet and inspected the content for the first time.
   He noticed a thick amount of hundred notes of Euros and two cards: a golden credit card and a black debit card.
   "...I guess I do have money." 
   "Yeah. That's a lot of papers. Anyway, show me where this pizzeria is." Sirin poked her head to see the contents of his wallet. It turns out that even without his Technocracy, he is loaded. 
   "Right."
   Marcus took her towards the road crossing. They waited for that green light. Void Queen behaved quite elegantly in these circumstances, considering her Empress attitude. But then the inventor recalled that she had Kiana's memories, and Kiana was part of Japan or the Far East as they call it. Over there the traffic system is strict. People can't cross the street on red even without cars.
   After crossing to the other side, the pair turned to the right on one of the old streets. By old this street is around 800 years old. 
   The city still uses a section of stones on the main road to point out the oldest part of the town.
   Quite an interesting way to pay respect to the past.
   Around ten minutes later, they arrived at the refurbished building.
   "Feels old." The first thing Sirin said was that she was gazing at the 18th-century building.
   "Because it is old. Suppose my research on this place is right. Then, this used to be a stone barn ages ago. But it was kept refurbished through the ages, and now it was modernised by the company that runs this pizzeria joint.
   On top of that, the inside is spacious enough." 
   "...Fine. I am hungry, and I don't care about the details." 
   'Your Kiana side is showing~' 
   Marcus internally snorted at how that personality was leaking out from her.
   As the pair got inside, the smell of food assaulted them. Several TVs showed basketball-the second religion of the Lithuanian people. 
   Even Marcus is not immune to that. He remembers a couple of critical basketball matches over the sea of memories of cars, AIs, software designs, and car engines. 
   His trip over memory lane ended with the waitress standing there petrified.
   "A table for two." The inventor snapped her out of her petrification.
   "R-Right!" 
   She swiftly replied and looked around, finding a table for two.
   "P-Please follow me!" 
   The pair followed her, ending up sitting in comfortable cushioned seats. 
   "I will bring the menu shortly!"
   The waitress has dashed away. 
   "Well, well. You have terrified that girl." Sirin chuckled as she took a small menu of drinks from the table and inspected the contents.
   She immediately frowned when she saw only alcohol on the menu.
   "...Ugh..."
   "I know. Ignore that. There are soft drink choices on the menu." Marcus knew why she was grimacing like that. Of course, he ignored her comment on terrifying the girl.
   "Right." 
   She then looked at the other side of the small menu.
   "Hmm, this looks better. It has desserts." 
   Herrscher started too small as she saw shortcakes, ice creams and other things which would attract the attention of a sweet tooth.
   Though, the pair didn't need to wait long as a pair of large books arrived for them.
   For a second, the golden-orange-eyed girl looked at the menu with trepidation. How is she supposed to choose one thing from this many pages!?
   She could order several, but she doesn't want to look like a glutton! Sirin is not Kiana, after all!
   Regardless, the pair opened the books and proceeded to look.
   When she noticed the content, she hissed at him for confusing her.
   "This ain't pizzeria! It's a restaurant!" 
   "No. The core of this place is Pizzeria. As you can see, the dominant food is pizza. But since this is a small town. Selling only pizza is not profitable enough. So they are selling national dishes and mainstream stuff like chicken and pork steaks." Marcus smoothly explained to her.
   His explanation didn't help her that much. Regardless, she found the pages where pizza starts, which is at the front of the menu. 
   "What is with the leather covers?" She asked randomly.
   "To save it from wear and tear." 
   "...Oh... from my place, it was all digital. This is my first time holding a menu as a physical thing." She casually commented, not wanting to pass as a countryside bumpkin.
   "You don't need to tell me that. I can pass as clueless, too, if you haven't realised yet. I prefer living in my fortress called home."
   "Yes, but what about your previous life?" Sirin asked him, then she wondered if he had a lover or a wife, or kids!?
   Her eyes started to spin as her mind began to descend into a gutter!
   "Hah! That expression. I could say this life Serafall corrupted me. Usually, I wouldn't abuse my powers to make girls, but she turned me into a devil. Not in a physical sense but mental.
   "If you want something, just follow your greed'. Though I am sure she is regretting doing all that." Marcus chuckled as he recalled watching a video where his knights opened fire on the last remaining Satan aboard her airship.
   "...Wait, so..." She needed a minute to process what he said.
   "...With all your crazy intelligence. You never had a wife or kids?" She squeaked her question.
   *Snort*
   "Of course not. Some wanted to touch my sugar." 
   It sounded weird, but Sirin understood what he meant by sugar. It meant his wealth.
   "But my natural weeb mentally and love for 2d made me weary of them." He shrugged without care.
   His words made her deadpan at him.
   But then she recalled how he acted around Enterprise, Quinella, and Gu Yuena.
   Something inside of her clicked. 
   'Those girls were 2d in his previous life! They were human creations, to begin with! Wait then...'
   Once again, her reality started to spin around her.
   'What about my reality!? How did he know about it? How does he know the future!?'
   Her whole body trembled. She went on memory lane from the perspective of entertainment. Her world would make an incredible drama with sexy girls.
   'Damn...'
   "...Haven't you questioned the idea that we might be in a story of some sort, too?" Sirin randomly questioned him.
   "Even if we are, what of it? I am a scientist and inventor. If I flinched in front of every single bad thing, I would still be fixing my BMW in the garage." 
   He scoffed. He already realised that she figured out how the multiverse works.
   "That's how multiverse is. It's a cycle. I guess you realised that your Honkai world is from a game, which is true. But it's just a single world from a much bigger multiverse. A world in a specific multiverse in an even bigger multiverse. I am pretty sure there exists another version of me who is speaking with Kiana right now instead of you.
   That is why you should not bother with such minor details."
   Sirin slowly closed her eyes before snorting as well.
   "When you put it down with such confidence, I have no comebacks. Fine, so it is a game. I suppose I was just an arc villain then?" The girl proceeded to question him.
   "I would say arc villain and clutch for character development." He clarified to her as his eyes went to the pizza choices.
   "You can select the sizes. The thick-crust pizza can be chosen as slices, while the thin crust comes in inches." Then, randomly, he explained about the pizzas.
   "So thick one I can order half, while thin ones come as full pizzas, but the radius is smaller?" For a second, she forgot her circumstances and instead looked through the menu. She decided to get the pizza out of the way and then discuss her part in the 'story'. 
   Now, she truly wants to beat up Kiana. Damn the story! Hell, let Marcus bring her over so that she could waste that 'main character!'
   "Hmm... I guess I will go with thin-crust pepperoni." 
   The girl tried not to sound gluttonous, so she went with moderation.
   "Great. Then let us order." Marcus motioned for the waitress to come over.
   Like a missile, she was standing in front of them.
   "For my darling, she wants the thin crust double pepperoni with cheese. While I want the thick crust 'loaded' edition, all of it." 
   "...All of it?" The waitress needed to double-check what he was ordering.
   "Yes. And coke for us both!" 
   "...R-Right!" The girl swiftly went to the kitchen while Sirin looked at him weirdly. 
   She checked this 'loaded' pizza. It had everything on it: Ham, pepperoni, mushrooms, several types of cheese, sausages, and a load of vegetables. 
   It was simple: 'Take everything from the fridge and put it on a patty.' kind of pizza.
   He saw her gaze and looked at her with a questioning look.
   "What? I came here to eat. If you are hungry, you can order a big one, too."
   Hearing his answer made her massage her forehead. 
   Here she was, trying to act proper, but this guy just pulled out a sledgehammer and broke it to pieces.
   'Whatever, I am not Kiana. I won't fall!'
   Steeling herself, Sirin took a deep breath and decided to grill him more for answers.
   "Back to the multiverse. So what is this form of Kiana?" She asked with crossed arms as she leaned into her cushioned chair.
   "Fine. Since you are dying to know, I will answer your question. It is called Flamescion. It's a form created from several Herrscher cores. 
   Gameplay-wise, she deals a lot of damage but, at the same time, damages herself." 
   His answer made her stop for a bit. His transitioning to 'game' made her aimless for a second. The line between reality and game for him doesn't exist when it comes to her place.
   It made her speechless!
   "So it's her Herrscher form. Not something she inherited from the real Sirin."
   "Yep. She wields both void and fire." Marcus explained to her as the waitress brought their cokes.
   The Herrscher looked at the drink he ordered for her without even asking her opinion.
   "I see. So what is Honkai?" The Void Queen asked the burning questions. She died without even learning the truth.
   "It's a force to counter growth. Without it, life could grow unchallenged. A bud of it exists on the Moon. It's where Kiana sealed herself with 99.99% of Honkai energy. The rest of Honkai used to power the tech since it became inseparable and necessary for human growth." 
   "... That's it?" Sirin ended up disappointed for some reason. She expected--more.
   "I would say it works like a rigorous father, the Asian ones. A failure in exams will mean- death." Marcus chuckled at the dark joke, which, in a way, was true, at least for him.
   While he was laughing, Sirin deflated. She expected something grander, but Kiana sealed it away on the moon. That's it? 
   For some reason, she is feeling cheated. 
   "In that case, we could visit the moon and take it for ourselves, no? If that doofus sealed it. It would be a piece of cake for Technocracy." Sirin would not give credit to Kiana; more like if that blockhead could do it, they could do it even better.
   "That is true. I suppose you want your closure?" Marcus realised why Sirin was keen on having her answers even after dying.
   "Without a doubt! And I want you to help me!" 
   There was no hesitation on the Inventor's side. He simply nodded.
   "If this is what you want, we shall do what needs to be done." He agreed without wasting a second.
   Just like that, the fate of Honkai has been decided over a pizza in a small-town Pizzeria. 
   When the waitress brought Marcus pizza. This pizza disgusted Sirin just by looking at it! She had never seen such a monstrosity in her life!
   "I believe Italians will rebel against you no matter what kind of force you have." The Herrscher commented on the fat 'pancake' in front of her.
   "C'mon. It's a dish for hungry people." As he said that, he proceeded to pour sauce on it.
   That action made the girl's eyebrows twitch. 
   "...You are a monster." 
   For the first time in her life, she found out what a real monster looks like! 
   She had seen him make proper pizza before, but now she saw the other side of the coin!
   The sheer lengths he can go to get a full stomach!
   "Thanks. You are adorable as well." He ignored her comment. Instead, he praised her.
   His praise didn't mean a thing when she saw that slice of pizza full of sauce!
   ~~~~~~Next Day~~~~~~
   The group were back at school. Marcus was quite excited for today. He finally got some pictures of Venus and Mercury.
   The probes are already in the orbits, and with Ars Almadel Salomonis' improved tech, the transmission speed is even faster.
   Two days from now, he will have his first pictures of Mars, and in another two more, he will have photos of Jupiter.
   Just for this, he created a custom Laptop so that he could use it in school. He decided to design based on the Acer Predator series.
   But instead of being Acer, he went with the actual 'predator' using its head as a symbol. He decided on that because it looks cool. Nothing more, nothing less. 
   "Do you think it's a good idea to get a laptop for class?" Sirin asked with an amused tone. She knows his homeroom teacher, and she no doubt will complain to Marcus' mother.
   "No problem. I will only use my laptop between classes." He explained, and then he remembered something.
   "More importantly, Athena got the maths job. I will finally see her in a professional suit." Marcus directed the attention to more important things.
   "Perv. But it's quite something to learn maths from a Wisdom Goddess. Is there some magical effect when you learn from a God like that?" The Herrscher asked him curiously.
   "I suppose there is a chance to create great characters? Semi-heroes? I don't know. It's good potential for an experiment, now that you mentioned."
   "Hnnn." Sirin nodded aimlessly. She was still baffled that Marcus didn't do anything to her after the date!
   'To think that Gu Yuena was right.' The Herrscher was slightly sour. She thought that as one of his creations, she would have an edge, and he would push her down. But now she needs to go on offence herself!?
   It feels like a loss to her.
   'But on the better side. At least I know that I have the full might of Technocracy!' 
   She can't wait to see Kiana Kaslana's face when she returns with a massive armada which can block the sun and turn day into night. Cast a shadow so dark people will question the day and night cycles!
   All her muddiness disappeared as she imagined that girl's expression.
   "Someone sure is happy," Enterprise commented as she saw Sirin's smug smile. The Aircraft carrier is wondering if the whole date thing was that good. 
   Now she wants to go on one! 
   "Hmm?" The Herrscher wonders what they are on about!
   "Yeah, I want to. And I am considered the original." Quinella commented with a frown as well. 
   "Hmm!?"
   "I had semi-one when we were travelling in the submarine." Gu Yuena added her two pieces.
   "I wouldn't mind a proper one." The Dragoness added some more.
   "I would join as well if the admiral would want." Tirpitz softly added her two bits.
   'What is going on? What are they talking about!?' 
   The Void Queen was confused!
   Eventually, the group arrived at the school. Marcus noticed quite a bit of foreigners. 
   He never expected to see some in his rural town. But then he could guess that his 'umbrella' was the best.
   'Well, let's see how many of them will save themselves before the fateful day.'
   One could say Marcus is giving a period of grace before the hammer descents.
   As they were walking, some students were whispering about Sirin. 
   The golden-orange-eyed girl's lips twitched as she could hear everyone talking about her as if she were a celebrity.
   "Hehehe. I wonder how long it will take before people ask for your autograph." Marcus teased her. 
   "What are you two talking about?" Quinella chipped in as she noticed the whispering, too.
   "Sirin is a Youtuber." The inventor revealed without beating around the bush.
   "...Huh? Since when?" The Assistant, with a confused tone, asked. This news was the first time she had heard about that!
   "Since yesterday." 
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   With raised eyebrows, Quinella checked her HUD and saw only two videos on Sirin's channels, but both videos have over a hundred million views combined. 
   And the number is rapidly growing alongside those subscribers.
   'All she does is show our place! That's- boring!'
   The girl frowned as she dismissed the HUD and shook her head. Why would it be that interesting?
   Regardless, the group arrived at the first class, which was history. 
   Marcus was paying extra attention to his favourite classes. Well, his curiosity is moving towards if he wants to visit these places once he gets the time travel all fixed up and ready for proper use.
   'Maybe guided tours with some cloak of invisibility.' a stray idea popped into his mind. But he brushed it aside for now. Instead, he decided to solve some equations on dimension travelling. He needed to start thinking about how to invade Honkai's world.
   'Speaking of Honkai, I need Latia to show me the lands I own. I need to place that Entertainment Dome.'
   As he was thinking about that, the teacher walked into the classroom and started the class. That was the third day in a row that Marcus was attending all of his classes.
   One could say that teachers are surprised that he is playing along to this kind of level.
   ~~~
   For advanced chapters (+10 chapters, 50k words) my pat: pat reon.com/DragonsFics
   ~~~
   P.S.: I do weekly voting on Patreon if you want more chapters for this fic (or other fics ) vote there.
  
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   Chapter 91: Athena, The Math Teacher
   "Whoa. It looks like the planet is cooking!"
   2
   "Yeah. Check the layer of the atmosphere." 
   The students who will be doing presentations for Venus and Mercury swarmed around the pictures Marcus brought to them.
   After dropping the pictures, he returned to his drawings.
   At this moment, he plans to introduce two warships to his armada: the main Star Destroyer and the support vessel for the Star Destroyer.
   1
   The support vessels will be something akin to a torpedo or missile carriers.
   Fast and dish damage from a distance.
   'But then I need some kind of vessel for close range?' 
   Star Destroyers are the capital ships, and Daedalus class assault carriers will be upgraded and used for launching fighters and gundams in the future. 
   'That means I need something like a fast-moving and average-size interceptor. 
   It would have a thick hull with tough armour and many turrets.'
   The shape will be a dagger because it can concentrate firepower. Broadside exchange will happen regardless, so turrets on the sides will also be added.
   It only leaves hangars, which will be only two. 
   'For size, it will be half the size of Star Destroyer, around 500 meters.'
   'Hmm...'
   Marcus then realised an issue.
   Daedalus-class needs to be altered in some way for an assault carrier to be that small. Well, it doesn't sit right for him.
   'I suppose I could relegate the original-size ones to construction support. At the same time, the upgraded version could be altered into a proper carrier unit.'
   The inventor proceeded to write down his ideas.
   [Star Destroyer- capital ship + carrier + three catapult decks, at least 150 turrets and 4 missile launch tubes. Preferred size: around 1 to 1.2 kilometres long.]
   1
   [Interceptor- (Name: Minotaur-class?) around 500 metres long thick armour/hull type, fast-moving anti-fighter turrets. 2 small hangers for minimal support.]
   1
   [Missile Frigate- (Name: Cerberus-class?) around 400 metres long, loaded with long-range weaponry like Graviton cannon and missile tubes, minimal protection.]
   1
   [Support Carrier- (Daedalus mark 2 class) around 400 metres equipped with a catapult deck for mobile suits and Starscream fighters. Basic defensive capabilities. Maybe add a comms tower for long-range communications?]
   2
   Marcus writes down the ideas before starting to add more to them. 
   He still needs to come up with the name for the main capital ships.
   'Wait. Do I truly want to have a basic Star Destroyer for myself?
   I mean, this is for the long term. Nothing like Daedalus, which I developed half asleep.'
   With a frown, he proceeded to add one more type on top of them all.
   [(Solomon Class) Super Star Destroyer: 4 catapult decks + Graviton Cannon (Primary Weapon) + 400~ turret + 200 Anti fighter turrets, 8 missile tubes. Approximate size is around 5 to 7 kilometers.]
   9
   'Of course, we will have Rhombus-style reactor support. Massive assembly lines and G.A.T barracks alongside T.A.M.I workshop.' 
   The Inventor smirked as he realised this would be like his mobile garage.
   'I can use this until my Saturn's Garage is complete.'
   "That's one evil smile you got there, Marcus." Sirin looked at him with a somewhat awkward expression. Some of his classmates had similar expressions.
   Solomon's Successor remembered that he was in the classroom.
   "Don't mind me. I was thinking about a mobile garage." The Inventor waved his hand as if telling people to forget about him. 
   As if! That kind of request is the hardest to ignore, considering what type of crazy stuff he can pull out of the blue.
   None of the classmates simply forgot. Instead, they got even more curious! Not that Marcus will tell anyone except his girls, as he is not ready to reveal this stuff!
   After all, no creator loves to show their alpha-stage products. 
   ***School Ring***
   'Finally! Math class! Time to see what my Athena looks like as a schoolteacher!' 
   The inventor closed his notebook and proceeded to pay attention. 
   The rest followed his lead and did the same. They are wondering who this new teacher is. They haven't heard many details. 
   A few seconds later, everyone's eyes perked up as they saw hot 20+ years looking hot beauty. This teacher has sharp glasses and silver eyes. Her brown hair is combed into a short ponytail. 
   1
   "From today forward, I am your maths teacher for this year," she said seriously.
   People started whispering among themselves. They wonder why only one year. 
   What they know is that to keep the curriculum stable and make sure there are no gaps in education, the teachers remain the same for many years. 
   They had the same teachers since they entered high school.
   "Umm, why only this year?" One of the girls asked Athena.
   "Because I don't know how long I will work in this job," the brown-haired Goddess explained plainly. She wasn't hiding that this would be a temporary job.
   "Is there a reason for this short-term work?" The students have experienced something like this before. They had an interim English teacher before.
   Marcus even recalled it. It was his sister's ex-classmate. 
   "That's..."
   "She is here because of me. As my fiance, she wants to keep a close eye on what I do." Marcus said with a bored tone. He doesn't want to play around the bush. So he told the truth.
   Athena's reaction was to push her glasses up as she stared at him with an annoyed look.
   This reveal will be a trouble for her!
   "W-What!? You engaged to a hot maths teacher!?" For some guys, this was more impressive than his high-tech empire...
   "N-No way! Not even teachers are safe!!!"
   "THIS IS NOT FAIR!!!"
   4
   A row behind, Marcus Sirin was snickering. It's only a matter of time before there is a reveal. 
   'Wait! Can I use my HUD to record this!?'
   With an emphatic realisation, the Herrscher girl started checking the settings.
   After a quick check, she started recording with her eyes. The girl realised that her HUD was a legit computer!
   She can even edit videos she takes!
   'Herrscher of Reason much?'
   1
   Part of her felt that she was encroaching on Bronya's territory.
   2
   'I wonder if I can record my thoughts too? Like commenting?' 
   For a second, she stopped recording and made some alterations.
   ~~~~~~Sirin~~~~~~
   After a few moments of testing, Sirin proceeded to be a commentator. 
   'Many are probably wondering why everyone is so distressed in my class at this very moment.' The girl took a shoot of everyone complaining out loud that Marcus' fiance is a legit 'onee-sama'.
   2
   "Enough! Or should I start giving away marks for disturbing my class?" Athena threatened as she showed the red pen.
   It was the infamous red pen! Even Sirin trembled as she had Kiana's memories. It was the same pen used for marking and writing down marks! 
   1
   Everyone calmed down immediately.
   'As you can see. This brown-haired woman is Marcus Goldman's fiance.
   For someone to have his attention, one should have some sort of high talent or background. 
   Well, she has both. The woman in front of us is- Athena! That is right! I don't need to explain who is Athena. A couple of pictures are enough for people to grasp.'
   The girl showed a couple of statues found in Athens and on clay pots. 
   'If you are wondering what it means. I am pretty sure you came to the same conclusion. 
   A Greek Goddess of Wisdom, Warfare, and Handicraft-the patron goddess of Athens - is teaching this class.
   Sirin even added background music from a movie, as if it was a big reveal. 
   'Since we are revealing supernatural things, I should tell you about maids, alliances, and wars he has waged on the supernatural side.'
   The Void Queen named and showed short clips and pictures of Marcus' maids and other things.
   Midway, the girl realised she had more stuff to bring fear and despair. She has her memories of the war and all the footage collected by technocracy! 
   'I suppose this is a perk from living with a data-gathering freak.' 
   The girl realised that she had months' worth of footage from all the carriers, spider walkers, XC-M1 suits, Starscream jets and so on.
   Even more, data popped up when she realised she could access footage from ALL the knights. 
   Before she even realised the maths class was over!
   'Hmm? I guess it's over.'
   The girl used the rest of the classes to prepare another ten-minute video. With her sarcastic commentary, of course!
   When she released the video, it was about time to go home.
   ~~~~~~Meanwhile~~~~~~
   People were patiently waiting for another update from their favourite YouTuber. When she released the video, millions of people immediately started to watch.
   Unlike the previous two videos, this one was strange. The camera angle and the voice sounded- unique.
   However, they quickly realised why. Sirin filmed the whole thing with her eyes and the commentary was her thoughts.
   Not that they could comment, as the content made everyone go bonkers!
   Who in right mind reveals the supernatural in the middle of a goddamn maths class!
   1
   But the repercussions were chaos-inducing. People could potentially revolt and strike again. Or something like that. But does it matter anymore? People have been on the streets daily. Nothing is changing. 
   Adding a supernatural reveal on the top doesn't have the same effect. Even the reveal of a large space gun barely phased the population.
   The only ones who felt something were those on the chopping block called 'elections'. 
   "CALLED IT! I FUCKING CALLED IT! I KNEW IT!" One of the agents in the meeting roared at the TV screen. He looked like someone who didn`t sleep for a couple of days. He had unkempt hair and a beard. 
   3
   They were watching the new video the moment it came out. Mind you, there is around 6 to 8 hours time difference between East Europe and the East Coast. So they are watching this video around 6 in the morning. 
   Many of them had no time to sleep. They had been strategising for days about how to survive and ensure the survival of their jobs and country because time was ticking.
   It doesn't help that Marcus treats them like a joke. The so-called World Conqueror made fools of them by attending school like it's the most common thing in the goddam world!
   "You knew what?"
   "I knew something was odd with Greeks! Those buggers never tell anything which is happening in their lands! But then a freaking airships enter their airspace! They do something and leave!
   It turns out Marcus fucking Goldman conquered the afterlife when we were scratching our asses!" The agent has lost it. They finally got some intel on the supernatural side of things!
   But it only brings more despair. The Inventor has Norse and Greeks under his thumb. That makes three pantheons in total.
   "It's not like we can do anything. We need to discuss with him! Open some sort of dialogue!" Another one said the same thing he had been saying for days.
   "DAMN! LIKE HE CARES!" He slammed his hand on the table.
   "THEN what do you suggest we do!? Nuke him!? He has a fucking quantum computer!"
   Once again, bickering started between hardcore patriots and more diplomatic agents as they all were losing their marbles.
   "ENOUGH! We won't be doing anything!" The Minister of Defence had enough.
   His loud voice caused everyone to look at him.
   "We will simply observe until we have enough intelligence to act. This girl, whatever her goal, is helping us."
   2
   Everyone started to whisper among themselves. With a new objective in mind, everyone felt better already.
   'We need to keep the doors open as long as we can. Building a spaceship to colonise another planet won't happen in a single year.'
   3
   The minister's one concern was living long enough for the ship to be finished and ready for launch.
   ~~~~~~Back to Sirin~~~~~~
   The white-haired girl checked out the comments on her new video...
   [Not surprising. I am not even shocked anymore.]
   [I am more interested in this HUD feature! Are these for sale!?]
   [DOES THAT MEAN IF I PRAY TO A HOT GODDESS SHE WILL HEAR MY VOICE!?]
   8
   The reply to this one was:
   [Control your horny dude!]
   However, the Herrscher was not happy with the reactions to the supernatural. It would seem people had already adjusted to the crazy.
   2
   It makes her goal of bringing despair that much harder.
   'In that case, I can focus on jealousy.'
   Part of her was not happy with this. Making people jealous is easy. Marcus has a lot of tools to make people feel that emotion.
   'Hmm, unless I feed so much jealousy that people die from inside out.'
   She recalled that such an outcome is possible. Just feed that person with bitterness until he dies from inside.
   As the group walked back, a blue BMW drove over. The window lowered, revealing Marcus' father, Roland.
   "Mark! Your good uncle found something in the scrapyard. I think you want to see IT." The older Goldman said with a grin.
   At that moment, the inventor had a look of realisation. He recalled something, or more like remembered something.
   "Let's go!"
   Marcus swiftly got in the passenger seat. However, the issue was that the car had not enough seats for all the girls. 
   "I'm Sorry, girls, but some of you will have to go home," Roland said with a sigh.
   "It's fine. Tirpitz and I can go home." Enterprise said with a small smile. It's a natural dislike for a warship to be in a small moving box like a car. 
   "I agree we will return on our own." The Battleship said with an agreeing nod.
   Quinella, Gu Yuena and Sirin ended up taking the back.
   "You three know we are going to a car scrap yard?" Marcus reminded them with a sigh. He might have created these gorgeous specimens, but they do not need to visit such a 'manly' place.
   "It's fine for me~ I am collecting content for another video!" Sirin swiftly told her reasons.
   "And I am Marcus' assistant." The platinum-haired AI-turned-girl clarified her position.
   "And I wish to see Master in his natural environment," the dragoness said bluntly.
   1
   Her response caused Roland to laugh. It sounded like Marcus was some sort of animal required to be observed in a forest or jungle.
   That laughter caused her to get self-conscious.
   Regardless, the group proceeded to drive towards the town's outskirts, where large buildings and hangars were located.
   The ladies already noticed that the road quality here had dropped considerably. It was so bad that Marcus' father needed to drive around carefully, as the puddles were deep enough to damage the car's suspension if they drove through them.
   It was obvious that no one cared about this part of the town.
   The trip didn't last long, as they arrived at a car parking lot.
   All sorts of cars were parked here; one would think this place was a supermarket, but they were far from it. 
   These cars belonged to people working here, and it was quite a bit! This place was the biggest scrapyard in this part of the district. The owner of this place was Marcus' uncle-the very same uncle who sold Marcus' father that totalled BMW. 
   The very same BMW, which can now break dance and be part of the Transformers cast, if need be.
   In his past life, Marcus visited this place often. He would buy cheap parts and even totalled cars, which he would fix, tune-up, and then sell. 
   That was until he went abroad to Germany.
   He was excited because there was a chance he would finally get his second car!
   With all the war nonsense, he completely forgot about his 'baby'!
   The group left the vehicle once the car arrived at its 'employee' spot. Being part of the family, people have perks like parking the car close to the entrance.
   "Follow me, son."
   Marcus, like a good son, followed his father. 
   First, they passed a special bridge that weights scrap metal deliveries which passes through. Such a bridge is because people are getting paid for the weight they bring. But this is for scrap metal.
   Such a thing is the last thing Marcus would be interested in!
   No, they passed it through and walked deeper into the scrapyard. Quinella grimaced, seeing oil puddles and 'carcasses' of kitchen furniture, such as fridges, cookers, and microwaves.
   The sounds of metal being cut are everywhere. In the distance, a big smelter melts metal inside an old building. This building looked abandoned, and the missing windows only added to that.
   Before arriving at where Marcus' uncle stores old cars, they pass several mountains of metal scraps.
   Marcus could see some Audi, Mercedes, Peugeot and other cars from the 90s. 
   It was like a time machine for the Inventor when he saw these cars.
   "Those are some old cars."
   "Ha! I was driving one just a couple of years ago!" Roland snorted when his son said that!
   With his tech, he can easily make these cars last forever! 
   Marcus didn't comment anymore. He sounded like an ass. 
   "Anyway, follow me. These are not the ones we came to see." Roland motioned to continue following him.
   The inventor nodded as they continued to walk deeper, entering a hangar with piles of cars 'skeletons'-well, more like the frames of cars.
   "Mark!"
   A familiar voice of Marcus' uncle got his attention.
   The man was oily and dressed in torn black clothes. He wore an old Chicago Bulls hat-the same hat from the 1990s. The inventor's lips twitched when he saw the hat, which was almost as old as his current biological body.
   His uncle greeted his father before walking over to the Inventor.
   "Uncle, I heard you had something for me!" The pair's hands shook. Marcus ignored the oily hand. He kind of got nostalgic just from getting oil on his hand.
   "Yes. Come here, I uncovered it by accident. I honestly forgot that it was here. I got it in the early 1990's!"
   The trio walked away and ignored the girls. Quinella and Sirin were baffled by Marcus' uncle's behaviour.
   "Is it just me, or is his whole family just weird?" Sirin commented after seeing this. The girl even briefly forgot that she was filming the whole thing.
   "...Yeah." Even the AI-turned-girl agreed.
   "I would say he is smart, as he would ask our Emperor at the right time." Only Gu Yuena, not clouded by their 'pride', could see through this act.
   "He is, after all, Marcus' mother's brother. He built this place even while pursuing his hobbies, just like our Emperor. He knows when to ask." Gu Yuena explained with crossed arms.
   "Hmm, I suppose you are right." Quinella slowly nodded. She had noticed that Marcus' mother could be manipulative, just like her son.
   As the trio discussed the extended Goldman family, the trio of males arrived at the specific car frame.
   "Holy!" Roland didn't know the specifics before arriving here, so he was also surprised to see it!
   "Yeah, do you know how rare this one is on this side of the pond? Getting one before 1991 was already impossible; even then, this model was close to thirty years old." 
   What they were discussing was a 1966 Mustang GT. Well, a frame of it.
   4
   "I am more interested in how one ended here in the first place," Marcus chipped in as his hand stroked the frame. The Inventor recalled how he had made this car all red last time but had no idea how he would make it this time.
   "Mafia. There is one who still has a Shelby that is almost as old as this one. He even lives close to where my school used to be," Roland explained to his son.
   1
   Marcus blinked at his father a couple of times.
   Now that he mentioned it, he recalled a black Shelby visiting the auto shop.
   It was the same car as in the movie with Nicolas Cage and Angelina Jolie. He can't remember the name but recalled the main car.
   4
   'I could just use my powers to recall. But that's just cheating.'
   1
   He chuckled internally. Well, it was more like he wanted to rewatch the movie. Recalling everything destroys the whole point. 
   "Regardless, do you want this frame? Because I will throw this into the smelter with the rest of the old things."
   Uncle's voice brought him back from memory lane.
   "Yeah. I will be taking it with me. I needed a new source of entertainment." With a nod, Marcus smiled at his uncle.
   "Fantastic. We can arrange for someone to pick it up." 
   "No need. Dad, we can take this to your auto shop." Solomon's successor swiftly arranged where he wanted this frame moved.
   "Ha! Running from your mother?"
   "In a way, I can also test out a few new things in your place. After all, it's your workshop, not mine." Marcus smiled wickedly at his father.
   "True. I expect some retrofits. Those bots are useful little handymen." Roland happily agreed, then looked at his brother-in-law.
   "You should get some of those too! They can help you sort out your scrap metal!"
   "That's a great idea."
   'I still need to look for that 80s Audi Quattro buried somewhere here.'
   2
   Marcus recalled that first four-wheel sports car somewhere here. His father used to have it. It was a silver one-a beast with a beautiful engine sound.
   For a second, he nearly drooled for such an opportunity.
   ~~~~~~Meanwhile~~~~~~
   Ravel's Russia was waging endless war in her simulated Earth.
   5
   Her forces have captured the whole of Europe, forcing China to capitulate as fuel and food reserves have dwindled.
   With conflicts in the Middle East, China could not import fuel. With the declaration of war, the 'people of Han' quickly raised that white flag.
   With additional manpower secured, the Bear turned its gaze to the eagle.
   First was the elimination of its claws. Ravel utilised her prototype nuclear torpedoes to sink the carrier groups. When people think of nukes, they think of rockets. 
   But this is where she utilised Russian engineering towards submarines. Why rockets if they can use torpedoes?
   3
   Her enemy is ships, so she sinks them like any other ship. She creates a tsunami big enough to drown a carrier.
   With the creation of Poseidon torpedoes, Ravel attacked every carrier group. 
   In the process, she has flooded the East and West Coasts. With 'claws' destroyed, the Bear can cross into Alaska. 
   Over the 'years' in this simulation, Ravel has increased the military-industrial complex by over 300%. Shells, ammo, and rockets-they had mountains of those.
   With nearly 'limitless' raw materials and fuel, Russia's only issue was manpower. Yes, Russia has close to 300 million people, but that's not enough for world conquest. She needed China or India.
   With China secured, she has her manpower. The Korean War should have taught Americans that technology doesn't necessarily win wars. 
   Americans don't have it unless it's on a sci-fi level like her Lord's faction. So when more than 500 million soldiers cross over to Alaska, there should be warning bells for American forces. Such an amount is nearly double their entire population.
   With mass-produced tanks, jets, and attack helicopters, Ravel's crossing of the Bering Strait was the biggest event she ever did.
   It was an event even the AI observed closely. One could say that Artificial Intelligence was impressed by the performance of the blonde devil girl.
   With such an achievement, the next simulation will be even harder. Technocracy needs to see her limits.
   As the forces processed over to the North American continent, the Russians remembered that a country by the name of Canada existed.
   The army was confused for a second when they saw the red and white flag for a second.
   But it lasted for a second as the men swiftly steamrolled through whatever American-bought tech they had. 
   Before long, cities like Vancouver and Toronto were experiencing artillery shells.
   In the meantime, supply lines began to be established. Ravel was proud of her management skills. That means she trained her troops to develop supply lines quickly.
   She prepared millions of people who started building a train bridge over the Bering Strait. 
   Even if the initial attack on the Americans fails, she has projects in place to keep Alaska secured.
   "Tsarina, we have secured Vancouver. American forces are still in disarray after losing the East Coast," The Commander-General told the blonde devil, who smirked when she heard that.
   Her torpedo project was under wraps for a long time. Everyone thought she was developing hypersonic missiles. 
   She even fed the intelligence agencies with 'juicy' bits and pieces.
   There were even dummy tests in which satellites picked up these Supersonic missiles.
   From what she has heard, Americans have focused on developing measures against these missiles.
   It's fine, as by the time they realised something was off, a nearly kilometre-tall wave had slammed into the East Coast.
   Killing most of the command in one fell swoop.
   When chain command is restored, most of the Northern part of North America will be under her command.
   "Of course they are. We must abuse their belief that we won't do things beyond a certain point. Not everyone signed those papers which dictated the rules of war." Ravel chuckled while twirling with her favourite fan.
   2
   The general slightly trembled when she casually told him about killing close to a hundred million people with a man-made tsunami. 
   "Since they are in disarray, we should use ballistic missiles to destroy key military infrastructure."
   "Even if the command is in disarray, the anti-air system is still in use."
   "That is why we shall destroy things left on East and West Coast.
   Just because we killed all the soldiers with water doesn't mean the infrastructure was destroyed. I want those gone. After that, we can send soldiers from Europe and Hawaii."
   The blonde said that she moved her black Queen piece from Alaska to the Great Lakes area while her bishop, who was in Hawaii, moved closer to the West Coast. The same can be said about her knight, who was in Spain and moved closer to the East Coast.
   This move was pincer.
   The tsunami had cleaned the coastlines; now, it was time to sweep.
   'Not much is left. I wonder if my Lord is pleased with my progress.'
   Ravel thought to herself, with some anxiety in her eyes. She is trying to be as good as she can, as ruthless as she can! The better she is at this game, the better her prospects are!
   ~~~~~~Sirin~~~~~~
   The white-haired girl looked amused as she heard that Marcus was sending his flagship over to the scrapyard.
   She returned to her filming. 
   She realised that his whole faction was nothing more than a way to satisfy his desires and needs. The girl had noticed this before, but now that the war is over, he uses his stuff for the smallest things.
   Need to carry a car frame? Let's call a 230-metre-long warship to help with that!
   "Do you even need your warship here? You a military base less than a hundred kilometres away from here." She pointed out that fact to the viewers. 
   "And? I designed these, so I might as well use it." He said that while pulling out his phone.
   "Aurora, send down a package of Aurora bots for my uncle as payment for the car frame," Marcus instructed his AI.
   Sirin smiled upon hearing that. It was just like Gu Yuena said. His uncle smiled as well. Less than five minutes later, a meteorite-like object entered the atmosphere. Midway, it slowed down and elegantly landed in the area with the most space.
   5
   With a loud hiss, it opened up, revealing stored Aurora bots.
   Segments of the storage area moved and released the bots from their hold.
   Marcus and the group walked over to the construct, and he explained what this thing was.
   "You don't need to worry about the maintenance or energy they use. I designed them to be self-sufficient." As he said, the bots started to stand up.
   "Impressive. I suppose I don't need labour anymore," his uncle said with a raised eyebrow.
   "Eh? I guess? I mean, it's your workplace; you decide. I only send these to improve and retrofit some of the stuff. That building can be reused, and the hangar can be expanded.
   These bots can do it for you."
   "Yeah, you should see what they did to the house." Roland chipped in. These bots are so convenient!
   Marcus slightly frowned as he realised he was making his family into lazy bums! He created these mechs to build big stuff in space!
   But then he recalled how the army and Nasa created a bunch of things not meant for house use originally; now they have stuff like microwaves and touch screens.
   "I see- I see, I can use these for heavy lifting." Marcus' uncle looked away towards all those cars placed one on another.
   The inventor already knows what he is thinking.
   "Yes, they can do that too." 
   As the group discussed cheap labour, a large object floated over. It was the Confiscator, which had arrived here on Marcus' whim.
   When Marcus saw his warship, he lifted his hands and imagined the much larger Solomon-Class Super Star Destroyer he was planning for the future.
   His true reason for summoning his ship is to see its size. It's one thing to draw on the paper, and another to experience the scale. He might have told Sirin it was a whim. In a way, it was, but it was more like seeing the depth.
   'Once it rolls out, it will darken the very skies, even in orbit.'
   Part of him was very excited about the massive Destroyer, but there was still the issue of the main cannon. What should it be? A positron cannon? A wave beam? He doesn't want another Als Almadel Salomonis. He already has a multipurpose cannon. It's a destroyer; it should destroy.
   "What is with that thoughtful look?" Golden Orange eyes got in the middle of his vision. The Herrscher turned Youtuber is becoming much more relaxed around him after the Pizza 'treaty'.
   1
   "Nothing. I am just thinking about types."
   2
   ~~~
   For advanced chapters (+10 chapters, 50k words) my pat: pat reon.com/DragonsFics
   ~~~
   P.S.: I do weekly voting on Patreon if you want more chapters for this fic (or other fics ) vote there.
  
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   Chapter 92: 'Psychological Warfare'
   ~~~~~~In the Oval Office in Washington DC~~~~~~
   President was sitting in his chair. His thumbs were swirling impatiently. He can't barely wait for that report he was waiting for! Sweat was rolling from his forehead as he was nervous and excited at the same time.
   After several videos, the department responsible for Marcus Goldman's character finally has compiled enough data to create a perfect Bio!
   The moment the doors opened, he asked, nearly jumping out of his seat.
   "Do you have it?" The president asked with an impatient tone.
   "Yes, Mr. President." The Vice President handed over the document. He looked pale as if he had heard something utterly horrible.
   "What is it?" The president noticed the look and enquired.
   "I would rather allow the head of human psychology to speak about this." With a hand motion, the vice president pointed at the elderly man.
   The elderly man took a step forward.
   The Department of Studying Marcus Goldman is dedicated to understanding him, his reasons, objectives, and his past and future possibilities. The government is spending billions on this!
   "Oh? Then what are we dealing with?" President immediately asked without waiting.
   "Proud Sociopath obsessed with Legacy." The old man with a blunt voice told him.
   "That doesn't sound so bad." The president was quite relieved when he heard that. They can deal with that! For a second, he thought that Inventor Boy was a psychopath of some kind!
   "We can give him an entire page for history books and legally allow him to have a harem if he wants." The President swiftly proposed this, but then he realised that Marcus already had a harem-no, he made one himself!
   1
   "Never mind the harem part."
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   The Leader of the USA waved his hand, motioning them to forget that part.
   However, the pair who were visiting the man grimaced.
   "Sir, I didn't mean a mere page in history when I said legacy. I meant that when we say: 'By the God', in this case, it would be: 'By Marcus'." The head of human psychology clarified this before expanding on it.
   "Marcus Goldman is suffering from some sort of trauma when he was a child. He could have had some kind of close-to-death experience.
   It has triggered a desire or instinct to leave a legacy. But, this is where an issue arose." The old man became quite serious.
   "His technology?" The President pointed out the obvious.
   "Yes, but it was inflated further by being Solomon's Successor.
   Success breeds confidence, confidence breeds Pride, and Pride breeds contempt." The old man proceeded to explain what he meant by this line of development in the character of the Leader of Technocracy.
   "Success most likely developed from his inventions, Confidence from the fact that they work, pride from the fact that his things work and are superior to what we have, and last and most important, in my opinion, the fact that there are no other people like him around him.
   Such a realisation comes in stages.
   First, he questioned why no one else did what he did. Second, he realised that he only cares about the things he develops, and no one else tries. Such things are dangerous for a boy at that young age.
   The last strike before contempt developed was that he believed he only cared about inventions. It doesn't help that our world is money-driven instead of ingenuity-driven, as he wants." The elderly explained to the leader of the USA. He was particularly troubled about the last part. That trait makes Marcus quite hostile towards their world.
   The President paled himself when he heard that.
   "Marcus Goldman doesn't care about us at all. I see it as his pride has reached the point that only his legacy will remain if a meteorite hits us and wipes everything out. That is what it is all about.
   His Empire will survive extinction events. Even if the planet loses life support, his constructs will remain.
   Even when humanity dies, his technology and monuments will remain. That is all he cares about and how he builds it. I don't know how to expand on this, as this is a glorification of his legacy. Such a thing is closely related to the God complex." The elderly man finished with the summary that bio has much more and in bigger details.
   "Gods..."
   "No. Even they won't help us," The elderly man sighed before explaining more.
   "From these qualities, we can discern everything else. His ships, AI, soldiers, and machines are all part of his legacy. That means they will obey even most suicidal requests. Trying to bribe them or using other methods is pointless.
   Even if he has children, they will be part of that legacy. I can see them being genetically modified, and his family will be more like a pantheon than a dynasty, as dynasties expire after all."
   "...There is nothing we can do to stop this!?" The President realised the issue! Even if he learned how he clicks, it would only make him more terrified!
   "What about his parents!? He loves them!"
   "They are outside his contempt hierarchy, but we will be bombarded before approaching them."
   When he heard that, he could only frown before sighing in resignation. This situation was just getting worse by the minute.
   "Sir. I think we can only survive the impending tragedy by addressing his legacy." The Vice President proposed, and the elderly man agreed.
   "That is the only possibility. However, you have to treat this with caution. A Sociopath, a Sociopath like him, is easily triggered if you address his reverse scale.
   His Pride has clouded his judgment to a specific level. As he sees things through a particular lens, he can easily see that you are trying to mock his eternal legacy by associating yourself with it.
   I don't doubt he will erase us without even blinking. North Korea was just like that. Kim tried to gun down his airship with primitive technology in his eyes. The result? We all know."
   "..."
   "..."
   What they heard sounded like they were about to gamble with their country and all 330 million people. It was a horrifying thought.
   "Call a congress. We need to discuss this."
   The vice president nodded at the request and left immediately. The Head of the Psychology department stayed with the leader of the USA as he still needed to speak in more detail.
   He never considered Marcus to be like that. But now it made some sense to him. At the same time, he realised that even if they ran away from him to space, it would mean nothing. He might use the colonists to solidify his legacy further.
   ~~~~~~Meanwhile~~~~~~
   As people around the Earth learned about Marcus' true nature, a peculiar sight greeted the workers of Roland's auto shop.
   A warship casting a shadow floated over the place. A gunship carrying the Mustang's frame landed not far from the garage in the backyard.
   The auto shop in question is a single-floor building with five entrances for car repairs. It was like five garages connected into one building-well, more than just five garages, as there is space for staff and an office.
   The best part for Marcus is that this place has a huge yard at the back. It was full of cars in all sorts of shapes, with missing tyres or entire sections ripped out. Workers use these cars for parts to repair the ones people bring over.
   The business is booming, considering Lithuania recently joined the European Union, and people are bringing cars cheaply from Germany. It was one of the reasons why Marcus went to Germany later, as he was the one who had brought those cars over.
   But this was in his previous life. In this one, he can make parts, build new cars from scratch, or even create new, never-before-seen models. All that depends on his whims and mood.
   "What the... that airship is stopping!" One of the smoking mechanics mumbled to himself. Does this mean Roland's kid is finally coming over? It has been ages. Now that he thinks about it. That kid was always looking at something in the distance.
   Now, it kind of made sense. That kid was dreaming of space. 
   "I wonder what one of those brought over?" He saw one gunship bring over something.
   After finishing his smoke, he, alongside other workers, walked to the backyard to see what it was.
   What they saw was a shell of a car.
   "That's one old thing."
   Some of the workers realised what this was! This thing was one old, rusted frame! Hell, it was falling apart!
   "Do you think the kid will be working here to fix this thing up?" one of the guys suggested. They are all oily boys who love cars. Some have even tuned up their Mercedes, BMW, or the expensive Evolution 9 Mitsubishi.
   Japanese cars are expensive in Europe, especially for a struggling economy catching up with the more developed West.
   It's a little tune-up. It's not something major! As they all have families to feed.
   "Most likely, he is grounded from his garage." One of them laughed while saying that.
   "D-Does that mean we will finally get our transformers!?" Another one gasped like a small kid.
   "..."
   "..."
   "..."
   "...I hope we do. My wife will kill me, but I don't care." 
   The men solemnly nodded to each other. They decided not to tell their wives the details, for ignorance is bliss.
   A few minutes later, a blue fifth-class BMW arrived. Marcus has arrived at the auto shop alongside his father and the girls.
   "Those boys. They left the shop like this..." The older Goldman shook his head, seeing his boys leave his shop like that.
   "No worries. My warship is watching over this section of town. Not even a mouse can steal cheese from the kitchen," the teen joked as they walked to the backyard.
   "True enough." 
   The group walked over and spotted the mechanics who were inspecting the car.
   "Boss, this is a very old car. I suppose we can ship a current Mustang GT engine. It would take ages to put together something like a 66s engine," the head mechanic said as he saw Roland and Marcus walking over.
   "No worries. This frame is Son's toy. He will restore it." Roland explained before getting serious.
   "And you guys left the store open." He pointed out with crossed arms.
   "I doubt there is a person who has the gall to steal anything from the shop with that thing floating above." The guys quickly found a way to get out of it!
   "Uh-huh, now return to work." He wasn't buying, so he sent his boys back to their workplace with a hand motion.
   Once they were gone, Roland looked at his son.
   "You can have a spot in the yard. You can make another garage if you want." He smirked at his son.
   "Hmm. I see. That could work." Marcus looked around, examining how he could build what he wanted. 
   One of the first things he noticed was abandoned plots of land behind the high fence.
   From the looks of it, this place was some sort of government-controlled company ages ago, just like everything else was in this country seventeen years ago.
   However, it was abandoned after the fall of the USSR. Now, the buildings are abandoned and will eventually fall apart.
   Marcus noticed an opportunity for easy expansion, so he decided to do something about it. It was time to send a message.
   [Marcus: Return to me when you finish whatever you are doing.]
   A few short moments later, he got a reply.
   [Latia: Understood; I will be there shortly.]
   After sending a message, he then proceeded to speak with Aurora.
   "Sent down the engineering corp."
   [Sending. ETA 1 minute 10 seconds.]
   With that done, the Inventor pocketed his phone and looked around for more.
   "We can stack some of the cars one on another. The less used models could work for that." Marcus proposed that.
   "It's fine. Don't worry. I am sure you can figure this out; I will leave this to you." With that said, Roland left his son to his devices. There was a smile on his lips.
   Roland's plan is finally coming to fruition! 
   That's right! He wants those Transformers, too! He and his boys were all school kids who grew up watching the original series all those years ago. They fell in love with cars back then, so he manoeuvred his son to have another shop right here!
   Now, it was only a matter of time!
   ~~~~~~Latia~~~~~~
   The Blonde Devil momentarily panicked as she realised she had overstayed her welcome in the underworld! Her reason was that she had been using her Icarus to build some of the Astaroth things in the new devil continent.
   While devils can build with their magic, the Automated Assembly lines can use a material like Sacred Gear metal en masse.
   But now, she needs to return to Marcus and her job. 
   "Are you coming with me to Earth?" Latia asked her cousin.
   "Of course! That shouldn't be even a question!" Seekvaira almost snapped at her cousin for asking such a stupid thing!
   They can leave on this ' adventure ' with everything set and done in the Underworld! Once they generate enough points, they can return and improve their clans! At least, this is what Seekvaira wants.
   "Good, then take us to Earth."
   The officers on the bridge nodded as the vessel proceeded to move out.
   The main cannons ignited and released a beam of energy, tearing the space apart and creating a wormhole. 
   Seconds later, they were back above the Baltic Sea.
   The Assault Carrier continued to move towards the Space Tower.
   "I wish he could do something about the locked space. Teleportation is far too convenient to be left out of use." Seekvaira complained with a sigh. 
   "And stop using magnetic graviton trains? Or gunships? Master is far too great of a weeb to stop using those." Latia knows him well enough to understand that he will never remove the restrictions.
   "He could create a system that recognises souls, allowing specific people to teleport around specific areas," The Agares Heiress said.
   "Then why don't you present a model to him?" Latia asked with an eye roll. 
   "Never thought of that." Seekvaira, with an embarrassed look, pushed her glasses up.
   "So now you know. You can start working on it. While I deal with whatever things he wants." The blonde suggested to her.
   "Fine with me."
   As Icarus arrived at the tower, the girls looked at the finished product for the first time. They wondered where all the airships were, as only two of the nine parking slots were in use.
   "The diameter of this place is quite something," Seekvaira commented as she gazed at the space centre. The spaceport was in the centre, like an island in an ocean.
   The edges of the space centre had those sharp towers rising into the sky.
   This area would look familiar for any Lord of the Rings fan: it is where that white mage used to breed Uruks.
   Especially how deep it looked now!
   "Latia..."
   "Yes, I noticed. The space centre has increased its depth exponentially." The blonde nodded and pointed at something.
   "That's a bridge with that tube for the trains. Just look at the difference compared to the walls. By now, this place is so deep that he can build space stations and just launch them to space."
   "...So we entered the space era." Seekvaira dumbly nodded. She was still trying to grasp what she was saying to herself. 
   "I know. I remember the first day we met. He was hinting at this, but here we are colonising Mars, Venus, and Saturn." For a second, Latia recalled 'the date' it became after he summoned her.
   If she could, she would pat her own shoulder. She didn't do that bad for being summoned by Solomon's Succesor and then bound for life.
   "Now that everything is settled, I am getting excited for what is to come," Agares Heiress commented in a barely hidden excited tone.
   "Heh, Good for you." Latia was happy to see her always-strict cousin showing that little girl moments after surviving an insane war against Evil Gods.
   As the pair continued to talk, they eventually left the Icarus and walked into the tower's hangar, where bots and other workers were already rushing to retrofit it.
   "Already more upgrades?" Latia commented the moment she walked over to the closest worker.
   "We are installing magnetic railing for the runways. It's standard procedure to keep the vessels up to date, ma'am."
   "Magnetic railings? Are we getting Gundams that soon?" Seekvaira swiftly intercepted before Latia could comment.
   "No idea. I am doing what the command told me to do. But all things point towards big machines." 
   That simple hint was enough for Seekvaira as she grabbed Latia and pulled her towards the closet gunship parked in the wide hangar.
   "Thanks! We are going to see Master." The Heiress waved her hand as a thanks. The blonde needed to adjust to her cousin's powerful yank.
   "I can walk on my own!"
   "Yeah, I know."
   As the pair got into the gunship, the worker was confused for a second, so he shrugged before returning to work. They still need to install the new system.
   ~~~
   Five minutes later, the gunship landed on asphalt in front of an auto shop. The moment they left, the gunship left them in the middle of an unfamiliar place.
   "Umm..."
   "Is this the right place?"
   Before the girls could ask people where they were, a middle-aged man in oily clothes explained to them.
   "The boss' kid is at the back."
   "Oh, my thanks," Latia and Seekvaira nodded while thanking him.
   As they walked to the back, the man shook his head. He took his hat off and looked at Marcus' direction as if praying for his wellbeing.
   "I hope that kid survives past 20's with these many women around him. He should be going insane by this point." He knows from experience how nagging females can be.
   Sadly, he has no idea that Marcus can easily create someone who will never nag him. By this point, he has already done that several times. His Quinella will never nag, only complain at specific moments.
   The females know well enough how quickly the inventor can replace them.
   ...
   ...
   ...
   As Latia and Seekvaira walked over to the back, they saw a newly built garage.
   "He works quick."
   "Yeah."
   It didn't take long for him to have a new workplace.
   But when they saw inside, they were surprised it was full of new but regular tools, nothing over the top like his Automated Assembly Line, liquid-to-solid surface flooring in his workshop, or the diamond tiles.
   This garage was- a modern garage? With some high-tech!?
   "Master, you look well." Latia walked in and quickly got his attention.
   "Latia, thanks for arriving so quickly. " Marcus swiftly walked over to his favourite devil girlfriend. He pulled her in a hug before claiming her lips.
   A long kiss later, he pulled back and gazed at her briefly before telling her what he had planned.
   "I have a few things for you." He explained while pulling her into the sitting area. In this area, a trio of girls looked at their interactions with various expressions.
   Sirin, who accepted her situation, started developing jealousy streaks like Quinella. 
   She realised there was some sort of 'camps' in this faction, factions which were gunning for his attention. It looks quite pathetic in the eyes of a Herrscher, but. It's the only way to get something that increasingly looks like Marcus' backyard.
   And she was part of it. Seeing him snuggle with that blonde makes her hands twitch from frustration.
   'That's it! Once we get back, I will do... something!'
   Sirin and Quinella thought about the same thing!
   As Latia ended up on Marcus' lap, he told her what he was thinking.
   "I want you to buy some land. One for an Entertainment Dome in this city and future cities." 
   "Alright. How will this Dome look? I know you have rooms for these, but they are underground." The girl quickly understood what he wanted. She was pleased to learn that he plans to do more than sell phones and laptops.
   Are they approaching that milestone where they can open those clinics she wanted?
   "The schematics are on the Aurora Network. You can check them there. I also need some extra land behind these places."
   "Sure thing~ Leave this to me." 
   "Oh, and those Entertainment Domes. I am planning to spread them worldwide." He casually mentioned that he changed his mind on something major.
   At that moment, her eyes widened as she experienced a shock!
   Worldwide? But why!? He never was willing to share with everyone! 
   Latia immediately got a feeling that he was planning something! She must check the overall project timeline to see what is going on.
   "Why such a change? You never planned to go beyond your homeland's borders," she asked him in a slightly defensive tone. Something major must have happened for him to change his mind. 
   The blonde tried several times before, but now he does it without arguing. 
   "Well, I want to spread the greatness of something amazing." He said that and then his eyes went to Sirin for a second.
   His words made the white-haired beauty widen her eyes as she made a connection.
   'Is he planning to make a game about my reality!?'
   "I see. In that case, leave this to me. I will deal with this." The blonde devil slowly nodded as she did what he requested. 
   "Good girl." 
   Marcus proceeded to cuddle and softly kiss his favourite devil girlfriend.
   At the same time, Seekvaira, who was at the back, slightly pouted. She had forgotten to ask Latia if they had gone beyond simple kisses with Solomon's successor.
   ~~~~~~Later~~~~~~
   Marcus slowly expanded his workshop area to fix the old-school muscle car.
   The bots built another building with several special baths. Robotic hands that would bathe the car's frame. His father was very happy to have him add another service to his auto shop! Now, they can repaint cars to keep the rust at bay. It was simply absurd how rapidly his shop improved in one day.
   "Aurora, scan the frame and simulate the reconstruction process. Once you're done, I want Confiscator to start fabricating items necessary for the rebuild." Marcus ordered his AI as he finished placing the tools. 
   [Do you wish me to add all the available upgrades to this car?] The AI asked about recently installed speakers.
   "No. This car will be a genuine stock with minimal upgrades, such as force induction and NOS." 
   [Understood beginning the scan and reconstruction.]
   A projector from the ceiling emitted a light that scanned from top to bottom and from left to right.
   Once the scan was complete, a 3D hologram appeared before Marcus.
   As the pieces came together one by one, the inventor finally saw a fully constructed car from 1966. 
   With his finger, he motioned for the car to spin. A genuine smile appeared on his face as he saw his 'baby' once more.
   [I compiled data from videos, web pages, and video games to create the look this car is supposed to have] Aurora explained the rebuild process to him.
   "Good. I want you to begin manufacturing aboard Confiscator. I want them in pieces."
   [...All of them?]
   "All of them."
   [Understood, powering Assembly Lines.]
   As the AI made parts for Marcus, the Inventor used his psionic powers to lift the frame and take it to the bathing building, where a selection of acid baths awaited the rusted skeleton.
   Once he had placed the frame, he returned to the new garage, pulled out his laptop, and put it on a pedestal. He can track the progress on his laptop.
   He made sure to get engine parts first, as he wanted to start assembling them. Around ten minutes later, a gunship arrived, and Aurora Bots brought the parts in crates for him. 
   The Inventor Proceeded to put these together by hand. When Quinella saw this, she was slightly confused. The beauty recalled that Marcus effortlessly put together BMW with his powers, but it could take days to a couple of weeks if he were doing it manually.
   'Is he planning to spend his grounding period like this?'
   But then the peaceful atmosphere was ruined by something Aurora had just said.
   [Sir, United States, just send a word.]
   "Hmm? I am busy. They can wait until after my grounding is over." He said with a small frown.
   [I Understand, but this message is strange. That is why I am notifying.] The AI sounded confused.
   "Send it over. Let me see."
   Now, Marcus was curious. He heard how Aurora sounded.
   On his laptop, an email popped up. The Inventor checked himself.
   The email was short and right to the point. Something one would never expect from a goddamn nation! Marcus believed it was authentic because it had the eagle and the signature of the current President.
   The message was simple but right to the point.
   [Marcus Goldman, I would like to meet you and discuss the future of the USA in your legacy.]
   For some weird reason, this triggered Solomon's Successor. His curious look shifted to an angry frown.
   'Why it's so triggering!?'
   He took a deep breath, walked over to the sink, and washed his hands. As he was doing that, he looked at himself in the mirror. His eyes were slightly glowing purple as he was barely controlling his anger.
   'They have been studying me. That much is certain: I am their boogeyman. Do they have some psychologist to analyse me?
   [Sir, please control yourself.]
   Aurora's voice lifted him from his thoughts. He realised everything was floating, even his three girls who stayed behind.
   He took a deep breath, and with casual thought, everything returned to their place.
   "Master! Are you okay!?" Quinella and Gu Yuena swiftly walked over and surrounded him from both sides.
   "I am fine." He lazily waved his hand before instructing his AI.
   "Tell them I will visit them in two hours." 
   [Understood, relaying the message]
   After hearing the all-clear, he proceeded to walk towards the wide door. The sun had already set, so it was dark. Not that Marcus cared about such a thing.
   "Wait! We are coming with you!" The platinum-haired assistant rushed after him. The girls are weirded out by his actions. He won't be requesting a gunship to pick him up, will he?
   Whatever that message was has infuriated him. Do those idiots not want to live anymore?
   As three girls proceeded to fly after him to the Confiscator, the moment they set foot in the hangar bay, the doors sealed behind, and the Assault Carrier proceeded to fly towards the Atlantic.
   The vessel's crew knew they had two hours, so they adjusted the speed to last just the right amount of time.
   As Marcus went to the lift, he went directly to his quarters. He needs a shower.
   "What is going on!?" Sirin was the most confused. It was like someone had flipped a switch in his head!
   "Psychology," Quinella explained to her.
   With a hand motion, a hologram appeared before the white-haired girl.
   "The United States has deducted our Master's character. They are pulling straws by this. They are willing to gamble their country by triggering our Master."
   Funny enough, Sirin understood this. She knows this well! In her world, desperate actions are the norm.
   "I understand."
   The Herrscher proceeded to read the psychology summary Aurora has acquired from governments worldwide. She found some interesting things.
   There are some very disturbing things as well. Some of it will be useful to her. It's only fair as Marcus knows everything about her while she knows only the bare bones-until now.
   "And what are we planning to do? These humans are trying to manipulate our leader," Sirin asked the pair after reading for a while.
   "Standard Protocol dictates extermination if enemy compromises the Supreme Commander." Gu Yuena almost mechanically recited the protocol of G.A.T
   "So, Ars Almadel Salomonis is positioning for firing?" The Herrscher realised what this meant.
   "Precisely, with current strength, even 1% is overkill. This canon is not meant for firing to Earth but away from Earth." Quinella explained as she motioned for the pair to walk with her towards the bridge. She needs to assume the command and prepare the troops for demonstration.
   ~~~~~~Meanwhile~~~~~~
   People are scrambling to prepare! The government was in semi-panic mode. They predicted similar responses, but anticipating and experiencing were two different things. They might have been brash, but this was the right choice. 
   At this moment, they knew where he was. It would have been game over if left for space as they truly watch what he is doing there. But their chances were greater as long as he was on the planet's surface.
   Police barricaded sections of the city as quickly as they could. Thankfully, people learned about this quite late, so they didn't have a chance to gather and form groups to observe. With police quickly in place, the National Guard was also deployed, but they will be late to the party.
   As the clock ran out, the clouds were blasted apart as a dark silver warship with golden graviton projectors.
   The monstrosity cast a dark shadow on the late afternoon sun above the Capitol.
   Seconds later, four objects freefall from the sides of the warship, landing in a clear area prepared for them.
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   The government's welcoming party waited outside the capitol building. They paled from fright when they saw the four mechs slowly standing up.
   'Are those flamethrowers!?'
   After that, there were jet fighters who transformed midflight into Starscream transformers. After machines it was time for Mandalorians with jetpacks, and only after them were gunships, which brought Marcus Goldman over.
   The gunship's side doors slide open, revealing tall and bulky golden-armoured Royal Guards with ornamented tower shields and plasma pikes. 
   As they spread out, Marcus Goldman emerged with an annoyed look. He wasn't dressed fancy but in a black and golden hoody with slacks. He looked more like a tourist than anything.
   Behind him were his three girls, who had similar expressions to his.
   "I am here. Who wants to speak with me? My patience is limited." He spoke in an indifferent voice, very different from what people saw in the videos.
   "Follow us, Mr Goldman!" The middle-aged men nervously motioned to follow them.
   With a snort, he proceeded to follow. 
   ~~~
   For advanced chapters (+10 chapters, 50k words) my pat: pat reon.com/DragonsFics
   ~~~
   P.S.: I do weekly voting on Patreon if you want more chapters for this fic (or other fics ) vote there.
  
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   Chapter 93: Deadline of Four Years (R-18)
   ~~~~~~Around One and Half Hours Ago~~~~~~
   The lift arrived at crew level, the double doors opened, and Marcus walked out. His gaze went to the doors at the end of the corridor.
   Without wasting time, he walked to the doors. Upon arrival, it opened automatically.
   An above-average-sized living room and kitchen were put together on the other side of the doors. Marcus ignored the room and walked towards another corridor with several rooms.
   He went to the closest one. Upon entering, it was a bedroom, but his eyes went to another door, and he went there.
   It was the bathroom with a shower.
   The inventor quickly undressed, threw his work clothes on the floor, stepped into the shower, and turned on the water.
   With the water running, he closed his eyes and started to think and relax his nerves.
   ~~~~~~Lemon (R-18)~~~~~~
   As Quinella and Gu Yuena were discussing scenarios, most of them are extermination-based, by the way. Sirin felt that she was not needed here. Those two know the protocol and all that nonsense.
   So, instead, she decided to go somewhere else and address the biggest issue in this 'mission': Marcus' mental state.
   As someone who has been controlled by external forces and brainwashed to exterminate humanity, she knows a thing or two about this.
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   So she proceeded to look for him-not that she needed to look far. Her HUD became even more powerful inside a Deadalus-class Assault Carrier.
   'Who knew I could control a warship with my mind?' She was surprised that she could control what to make and which turrets to use. It was like playing a video game.
   With such an assistant, she could find the Supreme Commander's quarters and where he was specifically.
   As she entered the bedroom, her eyes went to the room next to it. For a second, her eyes widened as her cheeks became rosy.
   'What an opportunity ~.'
   She walked into the bathroom and proceeded to undress as well. One by one, her clothes dropped on the ground. Once she was naked, she slowly walked over to the shower doors, opening them and slipping in closing behind her.
   Then she leaned forward and hugged Marcus from behind. She could sense that he stiffed just for a short second.
   "That was dangerous." He commented on her actions.
   "I had full confidence that you won't do a thing," she replied with a small smirk. But she had a deep blush on her cheeks, which she was trying to play down.
   "Won't do?"
   Before she realised it, the beauty was pinned against the shower wall, and Marcus' face was before her.
   "That's a poor choice of words." He said that while leaning forward very slowly, claiming her lips. Sirin didn't argue back or complain; instead, she closed her eyes and enjoyed the kiss.
   Oh, she knows that she goaded him; that was the plan in the first place!
   Slowly, it started to heat up as Marcus' hands wandered and touched those exquisite body lines and considerable assets.
   He could feel that those nipples were getting hard as she was feeling it.
   Before long, his right hand went down, stroking her navel before ending up on her pussy lips. His fingers stroked them, teasing her more before one finger slipped inside.
   Her whole body trembled when she felt the invasion in her most special place.
   The beauty moaned in his lips as her eyes opened; they were glassy and full of lust.
   As the kiss ended, he slightly pulled his head away, but his fingers were still inside her special place doing its magic.
   "...P-Perv...If you started, then finish the job..." She hotly complained and tried to sound like a haughty queen who had been attacked by a barbarian.
   With a smirk, Marcus' right hand went for her left leg and picked it up. He positioned his hard rod in front of the entrance. He was brushing it around, teasing her even more.
   It was about to enter her velvet cave, but he pulled back.
   "Ughh~~ so annyoing~~"
   She hotly complained, but then he pushed it right in, making her release a loud groan as he felt how his thing was digging in and spreading her special place.
   As it went deeper, she gnashed her teeth from pain. But then he pulled back and went right in with more force.
   The stroker stroke passed her maidenhood and touched the very end, making her hiss with pain.
   "Hehehe~ now you did it~" Her hands went to his waist and pulled him deeper in her.
   "You won't escape me~" She hotly commented as she brought her face closer to his.
   The beauty looked at him briefly before starting another kissing session.
   As she was kissing him, her waist started to move, moving herself on his pole.
   Sensing that she was already itching for the real thing, he started to move his cock inside her pussy.
   *Muffled Moans*
   The white-haired girl moaned in his mouth as she felt his rod move in her cave.
   His free hand sneaked behind him and started to squeeze that incredible rear. Marcus always wanted to have his way with the Void Queen. Her clothes teased him, especially when she was dressed in Herrscher clothes.
   Slowly the hammering started to pick up speed as his cock moved out and into her folds; water and her love juices assisted the movement as, before long, a smacking sound started to spread through the bathroom.
   "Hnnnn~~ H-Hold ittt~" The beauty tried to stop him as she pulled her head away from his lips, but she started to see stars as his thrust poked her g-spot.
   Before long, she came hard around his cock.
   "Hhmmnnn~~~" Her whole body trembled several times as positive shivers passed through her body.
   Marcus simply smiled as his left hand moved from her bum and went for her right leg. He picked her up properly and slammed her down on his rod.
   That smack sends a bolt of pleasure through her whole being.
   "Ohhhh~ n-n-no way~"
   Sirin came hard again, not that Marcus cared, as he continued to hammer into her sweet spot.
   "Hnnnhnn~~~"
   "Mhnnnn~~~"
   "Nhnnn~~~"
   With each smack, a piece of her reason left her as before long drool and tears of pleasure were rolling down her face.
   "Do you still think I won't do anything to you?" He whispered into her ear as he used his psionic energy to turn the water off and then took her to the bed in his bedroom.
   He laid her on her back, lifting her legs, placing her in a very 'ominous' position.
   Sirin looked with a spacey look. She still had no idea what would happen.
   But then he pressed on her; his rod banged at the very end. The abrupt explosion of pleasure made her moan from the top of her lungs.
   From there, our hammering continued, and the beauty felt that her soul would leave her body again.
   "Hmnnn~~"
   "Mhnnn~~"
   "NHHH~~~"
   As another climax was approaching, she felt him about to release his load into her.
   "...Y-Yess- Give it to mmeeee~~" With a powerful smack, he released his first load in the white-haired beauty.
   "Ohhhh~~"
   After that, several more thrusts followed as he continued to flood her insides.
   "So~~ Good~~"
   Sirin moaned with a dreamy voice as she felt that she was bathing in a sea of pleasure. Who would have thought that getting creampied like this would feel this good?
   Once releasing all of his seed in her, he picked her up and made her face him.
   Seeing him this close, she moved in to kiss him. Her hands coiled around his neck as she pushed herself into him.
   She is hungry for more affection.
   ~~~~~~Back To Present~~~~~~
   Marcus never thought he would be in the centre of what he saw as the core of hypocrisy- The Congress.
   All of the politicians were standing waiting for him. At the end of the walkway was the President with his gang. They were all nervous as this was like Russian roulette for them.
   "Mr Marcus Goldman-"
   "That's Supreme Commander to you. You are speaking with the Leader of Technocracy and the Ruler of the Underworld, The Man who tamed the afterlife, which you will end after your death, either today or of old age." Quinella intercepted as she was feeling quite pissed by these psychological manipulations.
   Before the people can respond, Marcus simply raises his hand for her to calm down.
   "You don't need to explain Quinella; not everyone understands what they provoke. It's a human trait." He said that while looking at the people in front of him. His gaze went around, and he saw cameras as well. It would seem they are making a big spectacle out of this.
   Is the States trying to give the rest of the world a 'fighting' chance?
   Whatever, he will hear what they will say.
   "Speak whatever you want to say, but choose your words wisely, as they can be your last. My patience has limits, and you do not have the power to resist when I am angry." Marcus' opening speech calmed his assistant, who turned her gaze to the party before them.
   "Of course! Please follow me!" The group were very skitterish in front of these newcomers. They motioned for them to follow. The President has chosen the classic group tactics with his ministers and bodyguards. But even the bodyguards were trembling in front of this Inventor and his indifferent tone.
   They walked to the quickly prepared table in the middle of the congress, where everyone was also watching. But the rest of the people were a distance away. Armoured policemen kept politicians away from Solomon's Sucessor as they feared that even a single wrong sentence would cause their deaths.
   As the leaders of the two factions took their seats, the President took a deep breath. Here it was! He wanted to speak with this guy for a while now!
   "Ahem, I would like to thank you for answering my request."
   ",,,"
   The Leader of the USA expected some sort of reaction, but Marcus looked at him without saying a word.
   "I would like to hear if there is a way for us to cooperate." He tried some simple tactics first, but Marcus simply scoffed at them.
   "Are you getting paid enough to do this job?" Marcus asked randomly.
   "...W-What? Of course!"
   "It's Good that you are confident you know what you're getting into. At this moment, nothing could change my mind about what is to come.
   Maybe if your nation makes draconian changes in how you people run this Federation, we might agree on something-otherwise, there will be no talks." Marcus plainly explained he felt no desire to play around the bush.
   "...That's..."
   There was a grimace on the older man's face. He was expecting at least some political finesse from this guy. But he was like a bull in a porcelain store.
   "You expect us to change the constitution? Even then, we need directions."
   *Scoff*
   "Don't play dumb with me. Your Free country is a slave to your corporations. At least under my rule, people will have 24 days off per year." Marcus started a jab while he had a chance, on live television, no less.
   "But it will take time, and effort and-"
   The inventor raised his hand to let him stop.
   "You have- four years? Yes, four years. Let's make it symbolic. That ancient calendar will end in 2012, so let's take that day as the deadline." Marcus said that with a slowly growing sadistic grin.
   "Consequentially, your four-year term will end, so it's good. People will remember you as the last President, which is some clout for you in the history books."
   "..."
   "..."
   "..."
   The congress was dead silent. Even the policemen looked dumbfounded. Was this a threat? Sure, they exchanged fires before, but there was no declaration of war or anything like that. The USA placed the whole thing under a rug.
   "Is this a threat?" The defence secretary asked from behind the President.
   "Threat? Oh no-no, Threat means that I COULD do something. But, this is not COULD, but WILL.
   After all four years, it is enough to solidify myself in the whole Solar System. How can I enjoy my new backyard if that one pesky bush doesn't want to be trimmed?" Marcus compared them to that of a bush.
   "...You... how can you look down on life so much!" People couldn't take it anymore. This guy was a monster.
   "Life? Do you think it's hard to make it? I spend several months studying biology."
   With effortless motion, he ripped the armrest off the chair. Rings appeared around his fingers.
   "Everything is made from something; it is only a matter of time until you understand what it is. Once you understand the composition- you can do this." The armrest turned into some sort of grey matter and then morphed into a small-
   Orange kitten.
   "Meow?" The recently born cat looked confused for a second. Then, the little thing started to snuggle into Marcus' hand. The Inventor smiled at his newest creation.
   With a casual hand motion, the cat flew over to Sirin, who effortlessly caught it. Her eyes sparkled when she saw a legit cat-not a lion monster this time around!
   "So what life do you speak of that is so important? Do you think I can't repopulate this continent?
   The sheer arrogance of you people makes me quite disgusted. Speaking as if I can't do something as simple as that." Marcus looked at them with an annoyed look.
   However, what they saw now made them realise the value he places on them-equivalent to that of a bush in a backyard.
   "I understand. We shall strive to meet your requirements."
   Just like that, the strongest human military in the world was scared into obedience.
   "Good. I will be watching your progress with... amusement." Marcus chuckled as he stood up and walked away. He had nothing else to say.
   The people in the room stared at the armrest, which had returned to its original form. It looked like it had grown back!
   ~~~
   "W-We just gave up like that!?" One of the ministers was furious. He was furious at himself, Marcus, and the world for birthing such a monster. He was simply venting his frustration at their weakness.
   "There is nothing we can do. This meeting was crucial. This gamble revealed our value to him, and, thanks to the message I sent, we saw his real face." The president clarified his original intentions.
   "And if we failed? Made him angrier?" His secretary asked with a pale face. She had this feeling that she knew the answer.
   "Well, it was a live broadcast. So we would be dead, and the world would know not to repeat our actions."
   "By God."
   "Yes, well, he won't help us either, remember? Marcus owns the afterlife." The Vice President sarcastically told her about that. It was dark humour, but they needed something.
   "Not helping!"
   Whatever hope they got from that psychology report disappeared, shattered into a million pieces and was blown away by cold winds.
   "..."
   "..."
   "..."
   "Regardless, we have four years. I want a roadmap for the changes we have to make. There is no going back after this, so do not hold back!" The President brough everyone back from depression. They don't have time for that!
   "Understood."
   Everyone left the Oval Office to return to tasks while the president pulled out a bottle of Jack Daniels and poured it into a glass.
   "For the beginning of the end," he said in a bitter voice as he took a 'shot'.
   "At least I won't need to worry about reelections." He chuckled at the self-made joke. However, in the next second, he nearly started to cry, and despair clenched his heart like a vicious monster.
   ~~~
   "Well, that went well." Azazel sarcastically chuckled as he was watching the TV broadcast from his flat.
   "I think it was a coward's move to use such mental tricks," Vali commented with a frown. It makes him angry; just imagine someone using his traumas against him like that. He is surprised that Marcus didn't just nuke them.
   The White Dragon Emperor had no idea that 'someone' had deflated Marcus' anger before he arrived at the congress.
   Otherwise, Marcus would have taken some casual actions to relieve his stress in a more violent way.
   "You have to look at this from their perspective. They have no means to fight in a physical or economic fight. They could use underhanded methods, but that doesn't work, as the protection here is on a different level.
   The only thing they COULD do to start a dialogue is address his mental state," Azazel explained while sipping his coffee.
   'But this is interesting. Marcus' profile ended up on the internet. The USA was ready to take a bullet for the rest of the world.
   But the Web is not secure; Aurora is everywhere, so they should have prepared physical copies.'
   The Leader of the Fallen Angels was thinking of getting these papers somehow. But not now. His position is not that secure yet.
   By this point, it is just sheer curiosity he wants to satisfy.
   "And? They are lucky. Instead of doing these stupid things, they should think of ways to survive."
   "Oh, there is no doubt something big is happening behind those doors. Humans are far too stubborn to give up." Azazel is betting that humans with some pantheons are preparing to escape Marcus Goldman's future Totalitarian Technocracy.
   The question is- how?
   *Scoff*
   "At least something. Anyway, I am out of here. I heard I can take a ride to Asgard from this town, so I am taking one." Vali stood up from his chair and proceeded to walk towards the doors. The black-haired cat girl followed after him.
   "You not going to try to resurrect your fallen comrades?" The Fallen asked his stepson.
   "I will, but I am useless here. To earn those points, I can do some 'exploration missions' for Technocracy." Vali wasn't stupid to that point. He knew his strengths, and he would apply them there.
   "Fair enough. Stay safe."
   Instead of saying anything, Vali waved his hand without looking at him and, in the middle of the night, walked out of the flat accompanied by the cat girl.
   ~~~
   "Just how stupid this can get? I tried to make him relax and enjoy the company of his girls. But these people are just simply retarded." Marcus' mother, Rose, sighed in frustration. She saw bits and pieces of this event on TV in the kitchen.
   War is War, and the Matriarch of the Goldman family was nervous that the consequences of the war would have another lasting effect on her son. It especially made her nervous when he blew up an entire country.
   Staying home and forgetting about the wider world was the best form of healing, especially with all those ladies around him. It was the perfect plan. It worked before with that BMW Roland got for Marcus. But now, these morons from the other side of the pond are poking a sleeping dragon.
   "Well, a lesson or two won't hurt," she thought to herself as she pulled out her phone and called a specific number.
   [*Ring*]
   [*Ring*]
   [*Ring*]
   [Yes? Hello? How may I help you, Mrs. Goldman?] A rough voice spoke from the other side of the phone.
   "I would like for you to investigate who was the one who decided that poking at my son's traumas is a good thing."
   [If it's to help the Hero of The Great War, you can leave this with me!]
   The phone call ended just like that.
   "These Norse Gods sure are right to the point." The woman sighed as she placed her phone on the table.
   [...]
   The AI who was listening to the conversation could not believe this lady just sicked Norse Gods on American Politicians.
   [I guess, now I know where Master gets his streaks of brutality] The AI decided not to mention this to her creator, as knowing such small details is unnecessary. No one will speak about this unless he directly asks.
   ~~~
   Many other high-class people and leaders of nations were watching this. Some were lucky enough to be in groups while it was happening. It was early morning in Asia when the meeting happened, and for the first time, Marcus spoke in person in front of the world's most 'powerful' senate.
   Around a big table in Japan, the nation's most powerful people finished watching the live broadcast.
   "So that's how it is."
   "Yes, we have four years until whatever plans he has will start."
   "What's the plan then? We just roll over and let him kill us?"
   "No. From my information, many companies are moving in or opening branch offices all over the boy's homeland. I suppose it is about time to open a couple of restaurants there. Maybe even a branch of Totsuki Academy."
   "Hah. Food. That could work. No matter how smart or powerful, people still want to eat good food."
   Rich people all over the world wish to survive the upcoming doom.
   Many of them have confidence that the things that made them rich could impact Marcus in some way.
   After all, they have his entire profile. The teen has spent the majority of his life building his empire. Did he ever taste Chinese cuisine? Or Vietnamese? What about attending car events? He is obsessed with them from the videos they saw.
   That white-haired girl has shown them that Marcus, while very talented and dangerous, is still a human with his desires, hobbies, likes and dislikes.
   This is where they can come in and save themselves from upcoming doom.
   "So what is the plan?"
   ...
   ...
   ...
   The one who was sitting at the head of the table finally spoke. She had long black hair and sun-like eyes.
   This was Amaterasu- the Goddess of the Sun. The head of Japan, there is no need to pretend that the Prime Minister and the Emperor have some sort of a pull when doom approaches them.
   No, it was this Goddess who was pulling the strings when danger was looming behind the corner.
   "I have some information that the last remaining Satan is preparing to buy an Anime studio by the name Sunrise and a brand by the name Konami.
   Such a move from a satan who is obsessed with magic girls is strange.
   Considering those brands are more male-focused." The Deity said with a soft voice, but her voice made everyone shiver; it felt like rays of sun were touching them.
   "I see that our culture has a strong grip on Marcus Goldman." an old man with a strong build realised what this meant.
   "Correct. Serafall Leviathan, over her life, has never made such moves. We could think it's related to devil borderline extinction, but if that were the case, they would move differently.
   No, this is an act to please the Next Solomon." Amaterasu voiced her reasons to them.
   "So even the almighty Satan needs to please this teen." This behaviour surprised some rich people who didn't know the full picture.
   "We wouldn't be discussing this if the threat was minor. Marcus Goldman is a global threat to all humanity, including all pantheons." Amaterasu snorted while saying that. She won't be attending meetings with humans if something is easily solvable!
   "R-Right, my apologies."
   The man realised that he was being stupid. Of course this Marcus Goldman has minions who are satan or even gods.
   'What am I even doing here!?'
   Some people realised this was way beyond their stations, money or not.
   "Then, with all due respect, Goddess Amaterasu, can't Gods just band together and end him?" Another one asked her the most obvious question.
   "..."
   "..."
   "We can't." The Head of the Shinto Pantheon said in a blunt tone.
   "...Can't? Why?" Her response made them feel chills going down their spines.
   "Several reasons. One of the biggest is Solomon's legacy, which he inherited. Think of it as the ultimate counter for energy itself. First, he will disable our power, then use power equivalent to Primordial creation gods to wipe us out." Amaterasu said as she looked towards somewhere.
   "You... are saying he is stronger than Izanagi and Izanami?" Some people nearly pissed themselves when they heard that!
   "That is just his power, which I can't sense the limit of." She sighed before reminding them of something else.
   "And that is just him. He controls a hyper-advanced faction, and the gods are simply not doing anything because we sense it's pointless to oppose."
   "B-But how did you allow this to happen in the first place!?" One snapped at her from instinctual fear he started to feel.
   "Hmm? And why should we bother? Many of you didn't believe in us for hundreds of years. I am here only because people who believe in me are worried about their futures."
   "..."
   "..."
   "...But what about self-preservation? Wasn't it possible to prevent this? He is a threat to Gods, too!"
   ***Scoff***
   "Do you think we are all seeing? Marcus Goldman never went beyond the attention of Pantheons beyond the local ones in his area. He is an inventor, not some warlord.
   People like these will only move when they are 100% certain they will win, which is what we are experiencing.
   This move by Americans was a sacrifice, one wrong move, and they could have ceased to exist. But what we learned is the deadline."
   "...So all we can do is try to join the rescue boat?" People finally grasped the sheer scale.
   "...Yes, simply put, this is what is happening." Amaterasu nodded.
   "....Gods save us..." Another one instinctually commented, something the Goddess heard
   "...Sorry, we're way past that point." She shook her head.
   ~~~~~~Back with Marcus~~~~~~
   The Flagship, Confiscator, brought Marcus back to his house. No one talked the whole time as the Inventor was spacing out. He was thinking of an array of methods to deal with those arrogant people who believe they have some sort of right to be part of his Technocracy.
   He didn't create his faction so that some greedy capitalists could be part of it.
   Project Eden is something he designed to remove the invasive grass from the garden.
   "You know, if you want, you can erase all of them," Quinella said with a sigh. She knew he was seething inside, so she wondered why he was not doing anything.
   "It's not that I don't want to; it's just that I have no idea what method to use," he said with an annoyed sigh.
   "A Simple orbital strike or an invasion won't feel as satisfying. I could go solo, but that feels like a drag."
   "Then, make them kill each other." The assistant proposed with a raised eyebrow.
   "...Oh...That can do. Very well." Marcus agreed as he stood up from his throne and proceeded to walk towards the doors leading out from the bridge.
   The trio of girls followed after him. Sirin still had that orange kitten in her hands. She was all over the new pet she got. The beauty realised that her-darling was already spoiling her, and they just started their relationship!
   "So what is it going to be?" Quinella asked with an excited tone. Finally! Some action regarding all these uncontrolled humans!
   "Nothing major. Human civilisation's infrastructure is quite fragile; all it takes is a precise strike, and all the Electricity is down. With that gone, law and order will cease to exist, and slaughter will start for necessities." Marcus casually explained as they entered the lift, which would take them to the hangar bay.
   "As expected from our Master!" Quinella immediately snuggled to her beloved Master and Creator. He truly knows the most efficient and most brutal way to make people kill each other!
   "Well, it was your suggestion. I only expanded on it." Even though the idea originated from his assistant, Quinella quickly gives him credit.
   "Yes, but it was a random idea. We can also give Ravel the chance to do those mop-up operations.
   With the world fractured like this, she can start quickly cleaning up all those useless cities." Quinella already had a bunch of ideas about what to do.
   "Yes, however, I will be collecting all the landmarks. Like the pyramids." He casually opened a new chapter in his collection book.
   "Of course. We can start by expanding technomancy related to space manipulation." The Platinum-Haired beauty nodded in understanding.
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   With the idea of how they would clean up the planet, It was time to return home.
   'This went from 0 to 100 real quick.' Sirin thought that her visit to the shower room would calm him down. But, all it did was increase the brutality of how he would deal with the masses.
   'Oh well, I did try, but it's not my place to rescue the greedy...'
   'Smart people will save themselves...'
   The trip down only lasted a few seconds as they were quite close. After dropping them, the gunship and Confiscator flew away to their position above the auto shop. The airship still needed to support Marcus in reassembling his car.
   As the group of four entered the house, Marcus' mother greeted them. The girls had a worried look for a second, but what they saw made them jealous! His mother went over and hugged him!
   "Oh, my baby boy, how dare those politicians mess with your mental health like this!"
   Marcus, who started to blush, was thinking of knocking everyone out from the sheer embarrassment he was feeling at this moment!
   "...Not in front of everyone, Mom!"
   "Hehe, what's the rush?" She then looked at the girls. She could see the sheer jealousy in their eyes.
   "Oh, you poor things! Let me hug all of you, too~~~!" She let Marcus go, went over to the trio, and hugged the girls one after another. They had very similar blushes on their faces.
   A few moments later, she finished her hugs and quickly noticed the orange cat Sirin was holding.
   "Did you pick up a stray in Washington?" She asked the girl as she noticed the kitten.
   "...No, it was something Marcus made from an armrest of a chair." Sirin clarified the origins of the cat.
   "You can do that now?"
   ~~~
   For advanced chapters (+10 chapters, 50k words) my pat: pat reon.com/DragonsFics
   ~~~
   P.S.: I do weekly voting on Patreon if you want more chapters for this fic (or other fics ) vote there.
  
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   Chapter 94: Prepations for Adventure
   The next morning, after a visit to Washington, things should have returned to normal for Marcus. 
   It was normal, at least at the human level, but the country that gave birth to the Inventor is experiencing flooding.
   Requests for long-term visas have flooded.
   "That makes 21 thousand!" 
   "Yeah, I counted 41 billionaires, 58 actors, and other important-looking people," a woman said with a sigh.
   "I'm surprised that you know who is who."
   "I Watch TV." She immediately defended herself.
   "Pretty sure everyone here watches TV in one shape or form." Other girl said with an eye roll.
   "I bet she watches those California-related TV shows." 
   The girl blushed when she heard the tease, and they were right that she watched that stuff religiously.
   But then they stopped talking as their boss entered with a pale look.
   "Boss, are you okay?"
   "Just had a meeting with Ministers. We are to streamline some of the admissions." 
   "...But won't that piss HIM off? I saw the space gun is quite close to the atmosphere." 
   One of the supervising girls said with a frown. While she doesn't care about what is happening on the other side of the pond, she is worried about accepting this many immigrants. 
   "I know, and the government is negotiating. I understand that people will spend money to enter the borders."
   "Isn't it pointless? Marcus Goldman will eventually take over. Money will be useless." The other girl said with a confused look.
   "That is in the future. We still need to live now. Besides, most of these rich people have talents." 
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   "...Fine, I suppose."
   "Yes, now return to your things. I still need to attend a few other meetings. It's becoming a pain in the butt." He complained before walking away.
   Just because Marcus is ending the society in four years, it doesn't mean stuff like discussing visa applications from Chinese people will cease. 
   ~~~
   Marcus slowly opened his eyes as he saw white hair. The next second, he recalled pulling Sirin into his bed as a hug pillow. 
   It was worth it as the sleep was good. The inventor felt that he got over the previous night's nonsense. 
   "My Queen~ ready to wake up?" He teased her the very first thing in the morning.
   "...Hmm~ maybe~" She slowly turned and looked at Marcus. 
   "We can have a shower together~"
   His suggestion got her blushing. 
   "...Maybe not. It's one thing doing it aboard your ship and another in your house with this many people." She explained with a blush.
   "True... but we can still snuggle~" The inventor pulled her closer and started to kiss her. The Herrscher rolled her eyes but accepted the morning kiss, which lasted for a while.
   With that done, they got up. Sirin went to get a shower while Marcus dressed up and went downstairs. He was followed by the orange cat and his pet lion. 
   The inventor jokingly decided to call the orange cat Garfield.
   He even considered overwriting some memories and behaviour patterns to reflect Garfield. But for that, he needs to ask Sirin, as he gave the cat to her after all. 
   As he ended up at the breakfast table, Quinella quickly walked over and fixed his hair, which made him roll his eyes. Well, it's one of the reasons he has a selection of beauties. They can solve all those small details.
   "Dear, you can skip today if you want. After what they did to you should take it easy." His mother, Rose, quite seriously told him.
   "Nah, I am fine. I recharged my batteries after hugging Sirin for the whole night." He explained to her.
   "Oh, remember, I am too young to be a grandmother~" She teased her son.
   Marcus snorted while hearing that.
   "Don't worry, stuff like that will only happen when it's properly organised; I dislike things which are out of control," Marcus mentioned the last part with an annoyed frown as he thought about how to respond to the American move. 
   But then he saw TV in the background. 
   He raised his eyebrow and increased the volume with his psionic interface.
   [Currently, we have no idea who caused the attacks on several diplomats and high-ranking officers. We are not ruling out the fact that it could be a terrorist act.]
   "Oh my, it would seem that terrorism is quite bad in America," Rose said with a faked concern. Which Marcus thought was strange. Well, this stuff is on the other side of the pond.
   "Yes. It sucks to be them. Anyway, I am going today as I have some things to do." 
   Marcus recalled that he needed to finish designing the thrusters for the spaceships and start working on faster-than-light engines, too.
   If he were sticking around his house, he would be distracted by various beauties. So school is better at this moment. Besides, he still has to work on his baby, so there is no time to stick around like a hikikomori. 
   "All right ~ here is your breakfast" His mother brought over pancakes, which made Marcus' eyes sparkle for a second. That's better than the regular sandwiches he gets. 
   A couple of minutes later, Sirin descended the stairs, and the inventor ended up placing her on his lap. 
   The girl had barely any time to react as he used his powers.
   "..."
   The surprise lasted for a second before she understood what happened. She didn't even react like she usually does. 
   The white-haired girl had already adjusted to his sudden actions. 
   "Oh, it's pancakes~" Sirin was happy with this too. She took the fork and started to eat.
   It was Marcus plate...
   The inventor realised what was happening and used his psionic powers to take Sirin's plate and place it beside his.
   He took one pancake from it and decided to eat but got an idea midway.
   His idea made Quinella and Gu Yuena have twitching eyebrows.
   The pair were certain they did naughty stuff while going to the USA! 
   'That girl! She's quite a scheming one, isn't she?' The assistant wondered what defensive measures she could take against such a vixen.
   While Gu Yuena pouted as she realised, she was left in the dust. This Herrscher did it quicker than her.
   Marcus started to feed the white-haired girl to answer that Sirin also started to feed him. It was not because of some sort of romantic thing for the girl but more like getting back at him.
   ~~~~~~Meanwhile, in Japan~~~~~~
   Just outside of Tokyo, on a mountain full of buildings that look like restaurants of different cultures, This place was a famous school dedicated to teaching world-class chiefs.
   This school was called Totsuki Academy, run by the world-famous Nakiri family. Well, the mundane side of the Nakiri family. It's a very old family that has been going back hundreds of years.
   The supernatural side of this family has its own set of arts and so forth and follows a very strict set of rules. 
   Unlike the mundane side of the Nakiri family, which focuses on the art of food making, such art requires one to travel the world quite a bit.
   So when Marcus declared Doomsday at Congress, the family already started working on survival.
   "You called me grandfather?" A honey-blond girl with purple eyes enquired as she entered her grandfather's office.
   "Yes. I just returned from a meeting held in National Diet." He replied while looking through the window at the mountain in the distance.
   "I assume it's related to that live footage held in Congress?" She realised the only reason he had called her was that live footage. She still finds it hard to believe someone like that teenager could exist.
   "It is. We don't have many choices here, Erina." He sighed as he turned around and looked at his granddaughter.
   "We are good at making food. That's all we do. We perfected this art for generations and built this school and dynasty. Whatever Marcus Goldman will do will shatter the civilisation. We survived World War 2. I am sure we can survive this as well. The question is if you are ready to do your part."
   There was sweat on her forehead as she listened patiently to his words. Her whole life, she has been doing one thing: cooking. There are no other things she could do.
   "Grandfather, I understand. But what can I do?" 
   "Cook, of course. We shall start moving towards Eastern Europe just like everyone else."
   The moment she heard about cooking, a part of her relaxed. She might have won all her food duels, but this is a life-and-death situation. The moment he doesn't like her food, he could nuke her home.
   It doesn't help her relax.
   "B-But... how will we even approach the cooking part?" Erina frowned. First, they needed to bring him to her kitchen even to consider cooking. And the guy, from what she has seen, is a hikikomori.
   "That's where you will be coming in. I will transfer you to his school."
   "..."
   "..."
   "...B-But..."
   "Don't worry. We have prepared some of the translation talismans. Language won't even be an issue." Her Grandfather waved his hand in leisure. That won't be an issue.
   "That's not an issue! It's a commoner school! I have no idea how to behave in such a place! Plus, won't it be obvious?" Erina started to panic!
   "Don't worry. You are not the only one transferring. Many rich and influential people are moving there to survive the doomsday."
   "...What will happen? Do people even know what he will do?"
   "..."
   He got quite serious when he heard the question.
   "We don't have concrete evidence, but it could be an invasion from space the moment he builds his space forces. Others say he will fry all technology, returning us to the Stone Age.
   None of those are good for us."
   The honey-blonde girl gulped when she heard that. If the rumours of him dating a goddess are true, part of her thinks she is the sacrifice for the so-called Demon Lord or Demon God.
   'I won't be high on the radar even when I transfer to that school.'
   "It will become better the moment he can eat your food." He smiled at her while saying that.
   "We have no idea what kind of things he is eating. He created a Technological Empire. He could have a sophisticated food creation already." She reasoned, sounding quite pessimistic.
   "Then we are doomed, Erina."
   Her eyes widened as she swiftly tried to lighten the mood somehow!
   "I mean, we don't know! I saw the videos about his kitchen. It looks quite automated. The food could have tasted like it was from a cheap supermarket! I could have a chance!"
   "Good, then I am sending the papers for your transferring."
   "...yes. But Hisako has to come with me."
   "...of course. She is your assistant." Her grandfather agreed with her request. 
   "Good, then excuse me; I need to prepare." Erina turned around and started to walk towards the doors, her steps a bit wobbly.
   Before she could leave, her grandfather said a few more things.
   "This is the only way. I wouldn't be doing this if we had an alternative. 
   If we move to his country, we will have no idea what will happen to the food industry. Simply living is worse than being dead.
   I hope you understand that." He said this with a pained voice.
   Erina slowly nodded. She knew that if they were going to get reduced to eating protein bars, is worse than death.
   After leaving the Headmaster's office, the old man sighed and looked back at the distant mountain. He wonders what the future has in store for them.
   If they are successful, will they have restaurants on Moon? Venus or Mars? Now that is interesting.
   "This is quite a gamble. On one side, it's death. On the other side, there is space and a limitless future." The old man said to himself as he was both intrigued and terrified.
   ~~~
   "My Lady, how was the meeting." A girl with short pink haired girl asked Erina.
   Instead of saying anything, Erina offered her hand.
   The girl, with confusion, took it. She could feel how much it was shaking the moment she touched it.
   "...That's how I am feeling." The honey blond girl clarified.
   "...What happened?" 
   "We are going to Europe to get sacrificed to the Demon King."
   "!?"
   "No, I haven't been reading Shojo recently. What I am saying is that we are going to seduce Marcus Goldman." Erina clarified with a strained smile. She sounded sarcastic even.
   "HAH!?" Hisako almost passed out when she heard that!
   Erina knows well enough. Her knowledge acquired from Shojo Mangas tells her that she won't have a chance to escape if she attracts the attention of the big bad guy. She will be doomed to be his. That is if she can even get his attention. The females of his creation surround the guy.
   'As ridiculous as this sounds, my odds are very low.'
   ~~~~~~Marcus~~~~~~
   Feeling jealous, Quinella decided to hog Marcus's attention in school. The moment the bell rang that it was break time, the beauty sneaked onto Marcus's lap and proceeded to cuddle.
   Her behaviour was something the inventor swiftly adjusted and continued to draw the internal parts of the thruster.
   As he did that, the assistant checked the fallout of the last day's 'adventure'. 
   "It would seem the world is treating our little country as Noah's Ark 2.0." The beauty checked the number of people who requested a long-stay visa.
   "No surprise there."
   "Over 25 thousand and going up. All of these people are successful and ambitious." Quinella frowned. She felt that they were collecting all the vipers.
   "Don't you think we should do something?" she asked him, placing her head on his shoulder.
   "No need. People like those will continuously try to find ways to improve their positions.
   But they are late. The government and my faction hold an iron grip on these lands.
   The only way for them to improve their standings in some valuable way is to approach me directly." Marcus explained to her as one of his hands stroked Quinella's hair.
   "So you ARE waiting for someone to approach you!" The assistant realised what was happening.
   "It's not my original intention, but I am curious to know what they are planning and what method they will use to approach me." 
   He wonders if people will bring some old cars or maybe some tuned-up cars or give him a game studio-who knows? He doesn't mind stuff like that.
   He can make cars and games himself, but if he does, there won't be the mystery of the unknown. 
   "Heh, now I am interested. Let's see what desperate humans can do. People perform at their best when they are in danger."
   "...I don't want to interrupt your evil mastermind talk, but the Principal wants to see you." Victor, his classmate, said with a strained smile as he walked over to the Inventor's table.
   "Oh? He caved in. It's about time." Marcus closed his notebook and motioned for his girl to stand up. 
   Once the pair were on their feet, they walked towards the doors.
   "So, did you guys get anything in Congress, any sort of souvenirs?" Victor asked Gu Yuena and Sirin, who didn't walk after Marcus. Behind them was Enterprise and Tirpitz, who were playing battleships. 
   Those two were in a world of their own.
   "Hmm? Oh, I did get something." Space rippled next to Dragoness as a box dropped out.
   The teens ignored that little thing. By this point, they didn't care anymore. It's like in the military: You get phased by gunshots and tanks and stuff, but after a couple of days, you get used to it.
   This was the same. They see at least a couple of airships with Starscream jet fighters pass daily. At first, they get spooked, then annoyed, and lastly, they don't care anymore.
   The most important part is that these things barely make any sort of sound when they pass through a city.
   As Victor thought about his strange life, Gu Yuena opened the box and showed the content. It was a box full of blue pens with eagles on them.
   "Did you steal the whole box full of pens?" Sirin stopped reading manga and looked at the dragoness.
   "What? I am a dragon. Of course, I hoard." The silver-haired beauty didn't even hide the fact that she had taken a whole box of pens from the Congress building.
   As she said that, she noticed that everyone looked at her as if she had done something weird.
   "Fine, fine. You can have one if you want." With a sigh, she started handing out the pens. Sirin snorted, seeing how self-conscious the dragoness suddenly became. 
   Sure enough, the whole class soon had fancy pens from Congress.
   ~~~
   "There you are." Principal sighed when he saw the Inventor.
   "So, do I get permission to Improve the school?" Solomon's Successor immediately went for the main dish.
   "Yes, yes. The Minister of Education threatened to fire me for treason if I didn't agree." The old man massaged his forehead. He tried to maintain some sense of normalcy in this place, but the world was going crazy.
   "Treason? Isn't that jail time for life?" Marcus was a little bit surprised to hear that. But his country is becoming crazy just because he is living here. How amusing is that?
   "Yes. Now, do you see this?" He showed a pile of papers on the table.
   "These are people who are transferring to the school," the old man said, waving the papers at Marcus.
   "The Minister said to accept your proposal for renovation, and on top of that, you can do whatever you want with the school as long as you add capacity to the number of students who can attend it." 
   The inventor's eyes sparkled when he heard that. 
   It seems people know how to use the Inventor for their needs. But this is a double-edged sword, as the school will become 'his'. The place will be full of cameras and other things that track people. Not that people have realised this yet. No doubt, this will be noticed eventually.
   But this is perfect for studying horny teenagers. Marcus has not mastered how to synthesise these types of memories. After all, the hormonal period is important in a person's development.
   "Sounds good enough."
   "Good. Then what do we need to do?" The principal enquired where they were going to start.
   "Nothing. I will do those over the night. Tomorrow, we can return to the classes." Marcus motioned for Quinella to come over. 
   The assistant knew why Marcus needed her. The girl summoned her interface. The inventor went through a few things before explaining and showing what he would do.
   "I will send down my bots. They will install the technology throughout the buildings. Of course, we should improve the gym, the basketball court, and the pool." Marcus showed some of the early stuff he had drawn for this place when he talked about it with his physics teacher. 
   But then he got rejected; however, he kept those designs. The reason? Because he will improve the place either way. He is being civil now, but he doesn't need it. Threatening a doomsday has a ripple effect on his place.
   'I suppose getting emotionally 'dissected' like this has its perks.' Marcus randomly thought to himself as he looked at the man's expression.
   "Good. Do whatever you want. I will see how it goes tomorrow and whether I should retire or keep my job."
   'Translation: If it's not as crazy as I thought, I keep working. If it is crazy, I will retire.' That's how Marcus saw it. Well, now he knows how to get rid of this geezer.
   "Alright. I will keep that in mind." The inventor nodded as he agreed to the Principal's words.
   "Good, then you can return to class. I did my part."
   With another nod, the pair left the office.
   As Quinella and Marcus walked back, the beauty decided to comment on the old man's attitude.
   "For someone who grasps your authority, this man is quite arrogant. Is this how old men behave?" His assistant enquired as she had a frown. She is annoyed at this principal for his arrogance.
   "These kinds of people grew up with communism. They had strict rules when they were growing up. So what came out of this is that they believe that with age comes authority, as they believe that now it's their turn to raise the next generation."
   "I see. So they think they know the best and should be listened to." She snorted when she heard that.
   "I suppose. I ignore my mother's occasional moments, but his?" He smirked while saying that." I will go wild."
   Marcus pulled out his phone and messaged Latia so that she could tell Seekvaira to send her energy and magic for Aurora to analyse.
   It was time to raid time and get some 'proper' teachers.
   Napoleon and Alexander the Great for P.E., Einstein for physics, and some Greek philosophers for ethics. That's just from the top of his head. Once he starts collecting, he needs a proper list.
   "Let's go, Quinella. I am getting excited about this." With a growing smirk, Marcus returned to the classes. It was time to revisit the notes he had left on time.
   ~~~~~~Serafall~~~~~~
   'This is far too easy.' The last remaining Satan frowned for a second as she noticed that Sunrise easily accepted her desire to purchase the whole thing.
   There were no negotiations or anything of that sort. She offered the price, and they just took it. 
   'That's not how this is supposed to work.' 
   The obvious reason is Marcus, but they would approach her if they wanted something. 
   Sure enough, they did. In the meeting room at Sunrise HQ, Serafall felt a huge amount of Divine Energy. It was scorching hot, like the sun.
   Serafall immediately knew who it was. 
   It would seem she won't be signing documents with the CEO but with the Head Goddess of a Pantheon.
   "I apologise for wasting your time." a woman said to Serafall as she opened the doors and revealed herself. 
   "Lady Amaterasu, it's an honour." Serafall swiftly bowed, and Roygun behind her did the same thing. They never thought their 'fishing expedition' for mundane fish would lead to 'catching' a whale.
   "Relax, I do have your papers." As the Goddess said, she walked over and showed a stack of documents. These were the legal ownership of the company.
   "I assume you wish to talk about the event four years from now?" The Leviathan realised that there was only one thing Amaterasu would care about at this moment.
   "Correct. Now, do tell me what you know about it?" She sat down at the opposite side of the table and looked at Serafall with a neutral expression.
   "...*Sigh*..."
   She sat down in her chair, crossed her arms, and closed her eyes. Serafall needed to collect her thoughts about this.
   "The project is called Project Eden. It would follow the Underworld's example. The remaining devils live on a small continent. The remaining is Technocracy's land." 
   "Fallen don't exist anymore?" Amaterasu was surprised by this. It would seem the Underworld was devastated by this war. She barely knows what is happening there.
   No information is spreading about what happened afterwards. This is the first time that someone is talking about the war. 
   "They live in Master's town. Azazel is trying to curry favour to join Technocracy full-time." 
   "And you can talk about this? Wouldn't you get into a problem?" Amaterasu asked why Serafall revealed everything so easily.
   "Ars Goetia would force me to stop when it's classified. But as you can see, none of this is classified. I think it is Master's sadism. He is saying: 'Even if you know what you will do about it'?"
   "...I see... it does make sense when you explain like that. It would seem we got too rusty. Allowing such being to gain this much power." 
   The black-haired goddess sighed in resignation. It was never supposed to be her job in the first place. Shinto is a Japanese religion. It was supposed to be the job of Norse and Greek Gods as Marcus interacted with them. But in the end, they joined forces, or more like Marcus swept them, forcing them to join him.
   "Hehe, I am at fault for this as well. I might get too attached to him in his younger days. I was his second devil." Serafall sheepishly smiled. 
   "I see. Well, it is already in the past. I would like to know if you could arrange a meeting between me and him." 
   Amaterasu wasn't angry by this discovery; instead, she asked if she could arrange a meeting. In the end, the only way to get out of this mess is to discuss it with the source. 
   "I could try. But I have no idea if he finds this interesting enough. After all, most likely, many people wish to talk to him after that broadcast."
   "I know this well enough. Tell him that I will make it worth his time." After saying that, she pushed the papers into Serafall's side before standing up and disappearing from the room in a burst of flames.
   "...Did she..."
   "Yes. Even the Goddess of Sun is thinking of sacrificing herself," Serafall replied with a strained smile. It would seem that even such a goddess was thinking of seducing him. The world was turning on its head. 
   Regardless, Serafall took the papers and inspected them. Her eyebrows went up. 
   Amaterasu has gifted Marcus Sunrise AND Konami! 
   "...Damn these Gods!" 
   For a second, the temperature dropped in the room to freezing levels.
   "...She got one on me!" 
   The current Leviathan immediately started to bite her nails as she began to think of alternatives.
   Sunrise was for Gundam, and Konami was for Yu-gi-oh. But what else could she get?
   Shonen jump?
   "...Possible." Serafall stood up as she looked at Roygun.
   "Let's go meet Master. I need to tell him about Amaterasu. After that, we will return to Japan. I have an idea for plan B."
   The black-haired devil stormed out of the office. Her second in command could only show a strained smile. This is why one should not underestimate a God when he or she is on a mission.
   ~~~~~~Meanwhile~~~~~~
   In a garage in his father's place, the Inventor is surrounded by holograms. 
   Seekvaira did what Marcus requested, and Solomon's successor was tinkering and putting together a working time machine.
   "I have heard from the principal that he is giving you free rein to tinker around the school. What does time travel have to do with anything?" Athena asked her future husband as she saw what he was doing.
   The Goddess arrived to see him the moment she heard the news. She needs to make sure he doesn't go overboard, as she doesn't want him to traumatise those children.
   "I am finishing one of the projects which was on hold because of the war. Now I am nearly done." 
   "I see. Is it not related to the fact that you are upgrading the school?"
   "It is, actually. I think I will spread the radius of another project."
   Athena had a feeling he was planning something scary.
   "...And that is?" 
   "Collecting talented individuals."
   Her eyes widened for a second. Before this, the only weakness his faction had was a lack of commanders and generals. 
   But if he is building a time machine...
   'Then he is planning to collect talent from throughout human history!' 
   "...W-Wait! You can't just take all those people through history! It would cause the collapse of the current timeline!"
   "Don't be ridiculous. Why would I kidnap them? The way they are, they are useless to me.
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   All I want is DNA and their memories." He smirked when he replied to her.
   His response only made her tremble even more!
   What he plans is even worse...
   Just imagining thousands upon thousands of Conquerors like Genghis Khan, Attila the Hun, or Alexander The Great makes her legs go weak. 
   "So you realised. I will be able to study not only their tactics from a distance but also from inside. So far, we were able only to simulate what they could potentially think at specific moments. 
   However, with DNA samples and real memories, those qualities will skyrocket. 
   I will be able to use generals depending on the circumstances. I can even create an artificial general who is even more powerful after he faces these historic beings in fights." 
   Marcus pondered as he continued to tinker with the time machine's schematics. Seekvaira's energy readings confirmed some of the clues he had related to time travel. 
   Now that he knows the details, which are based on a river concept, he can start working on the real thing.
   "You don't waste time." She relented after showing a strained smile. If he is that deep in this rabbit hole, there is no way for her to pull him out.
   But then a familiar voice got their attention.
   "Master! I got something for you~" 
   Marcus and Athena looked at the source. Serafall was walking towards them, waving documents in her hands.
   "Sera? What are those?" The Inventor asked with a curious look. For a moment, he stopped with his work.
   "These are things Amaterasu gifted to you." 
   One of his eyebrows went up. What does that goddess have to do with him? He doesn't remember talking or even seeing her.
   Regardless, he took the papers and started reading.
   "..."
   "..."
   "..."
   "...she has my attention." Marcus had a huge smile when he saw that he was the legal owner of Sunrise and Konami. 
   Holy fucking Hell. 
   "Yes, she said that she would like to talk with you about events that will happen four years from now," Serafall said in a serious tone.
   "Since you didn't block me, I could tell her a few things about Project Eden."
   Marcus shrugged when he heard the last part.
   "There is no need to hide something which everyone knows either way. The world has been studying me for weeks. They probably know me better than I know myself."
   ~~~
   For advanced chapters (+10 chapters, 50k words) my pat: pat reon.com/DragonsFics
   ~~~
   P.S.: I do weekly voting on Patreon if you want more chapters for this fic (or other fics ) vote there.
  
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   Chapter 95: Refurbished School
   As the evening was coming closer, since days are quite short in November in Europe, the sun was setting down even before 5 o'clock in the afternoon.
   But this was the time when people could see the mammoth, which was the 'space gun' floating above Marcus' school. The anti-gravity projectors made the monstrosity light up the whole area like it was in the middle of the day. 
   Since the classes were over, the teachers were gone around 4 o'clock in the afternoon, leaving only the management, who were also leaving soon.
   The graviton projectors turned the school area into a 'bright sunny day'.
   "That kid. He can't wait until I leave home." The principal complained out loud as he unlocked his 90s Audi. It was one of the first cars ever imported from Germany, the moment the Soviet Union fell. One could say it was old. But the old man didn't care as the car was still working, so he continued to use it.
   The moment the engine ignited, the exhaust released a black cloud of smoke.
   The principal took his time to leave the school. It felt that the massive floating station was waiting for him to leave. It was a pure gut feeling in the principal part.
   The moment he left, small beams of light started to descend from the barrel of the space gun, which was pointing down.
   Mark 2 of Ars Almadel Salomonis was designed to assist in construction just as much as it was created to erase Marcus' opposition.
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   The barrel can shoot one big payload and countless smaller ones.
   It was like a cannon that could shoot one big round or a thousand smaller ones. But in this case, the smaller ones were Aurora Bots or materials needed for retrofitting the school.
   "H-Holy crap!!!" The lone security guard looked petrified, seeing Aurora Bots being beamed down one after another.
   His eyes went up as he saw enormous magic circles spinning. He was looking at the inside of the barrel of the space gun.
   The moment he realised that his knees gave in, he comprehended that all it took was for this massive weapon to 'sneeze', and he was gone.
   Regardless, he was ignored as Aurora Bots started their work on the school.
   ~~~
   As the retrofits were happening for his school, Marcus was on his way to his father's auto shop. He had his dinner and change of clothes at home, so to avoid wasting time, he immediately went to his other garage.
   When he arrived at the shop, his father was waiting for him. Even on the other side of the town, the older Goldman could see his son's 'toy' in the distance; it was emitting a lot of light.
   "Son, your mother called me. She said your 'toy' was above the school. Some of the people are terrified, and others say it's interrupting their nap time as it's too bright." Roland 'Air quoted' the 'toy' part as he greeted his son.
   "The space station is doing retrofits for the school on behalf of the minister of education. My hands are sealed. I am doing my duty as a citizen of our glorious nation." Marcus sarcastically shrugged his shoulders. They are going to need to deal with the lights for one night.
   "Uh-huh, regardless. I will tell her that you are doing a favour for the government. She should understand it." The inventor's father didn't care about people around the school who wouldn't be able to sleep over the night. All he did was speak with him as his wife requested, and that's about it.
   "Yeah. Do that. I am going back to work on my 'baby'."
   With a nod, the inventor passed through his father's workshop and went to the back, where his recently built garage was. 
   Once inside, the automatic lights turned on and LED support lights kicked in to give extra brightness. 
   After the lights turned on, the holograms also turned on. Marcus' first task was to bring over his notebook and place it on the scanner.
   Aurora immediately scanned the new content and displayed it on one of the hologram screens.
   "Aurora, I want you to immediately start doing your quantum calculations and start integrating this new tech into my overall creations," Marcus instructed his AI as he walked over to the half-completed Mustang engine and started his work.
   [Understood, beginning quantum calculations]
   Less than half an hour later, Athena was in his workshop. She looked around. Her eyes ended up on the hologram, where she could see something was getting assembled.
   "Is that what I think it is?"
   "It's a Time machine, or more like a 'Time Engine' for a warship," Marcus replied to his Fiance. 
   When he said that, other girls looked at the screen with slightly widened eyes; they thought this was a new type of engine that would replace the relic Nova thrusters.
   Nova thrusters are basic among basics. Its mana energy used as propulsion, and it is nothing fancy compared to something like Graviton armours used by the knights.
   "... 'Time Engine'?"
   "Yep."
   "The principal is similar to the Hyperspace jump used in Star Wars." Marcus stopped his work and looked at his fiance with a smirk as he finally understood how to travel back in time!
   "You see, there are two things which we should be aware of." He started his explanation.
   "It space, which represents a river and time, which represents the river's flow.
   But like any river, there are patches where time flows differently. You have seen islands in rivers, yes? Those are parts where water doesn't touch.
   The same principles can be applied to time.
   For example, Earth moves extremely fast, but we don't feel it. It's like we are on one of those islands where water doesn't touch us."
   "Yes, I heard about this before." Athena nodded at what she heard. The Goddess has heard this before.
   "Indeed. It's the scale of things you need to have a specific size to feel different 'time'."
   When he said that, Athena realised what he meant.
   "...wait... so you are going to shrink... to small size. Such action will allow you to conserve energy and then allow you to travel back in time?" Athena fixed her glasses before crossing her arms and rapidly starting to think.
   "Yes. I will also add a better version of cloaking technomancy to my Confiscator."
   "...H-Hold it... you are planning to take your whole warship with you?"
   For a second, the Goddess of Wisdom imagined the warship flying over primitive cavemen who were throwing rocks at the Confiscator out of fear.
   "Well, yeah. Imagine going to the Jurassic Period with just a car. How am I supposed to collect samples and other stuff?" Marcus exclaimed with a huff. It would destroy the whole point of a journey!
   At first, he thought about travelling with his BMW... BUT how would he collect a T-Rex, an Ankylosaurus, or a Stegosaurus?
   In his car trunk!? Not enough space. Sure, he could use some space magic to increase size, but... that's another can of worms.
   "...True. I mean, I worried about just going there; I never considered anything after that." Athena slowly nodded as she had a thoughtful look.
   If he goes there without anything, it would be a waste, considering even the Gods themselves are interested in a truly prehistoric era when creatures such as these roamed the planet's surface.
   After all, gods are created from human desires, and humans themselves wanted to know about ancient times.
   "Indeed. That is why my Confiscator is getting a retrofit. The engines, the runway and all of them will be taken out and changed into a 'survey & research' vessel."
   He showed her schematics of the warship's hangar bay, which would look similar to Noah's arc, where living and breathing 'samples' could survive. Each one will have special containers just for them.
   "Though I won't be able to have truly big ones like the Mosasaurus."
   While the aquatic reptile is around 20 metres long, from what he remembers, he doesn't have a big enough water container to store such a thing.
   He could try shrinking it down and storing it properly, but that's just... desperation. It's not that it's a life-and-death situation. For Marcus, this is just a hobby. He did shrink down those shipwrecks, but they were just metal. These are living, breathing animals he wants to keep as pets.
   For that, he will keep them alive.
   "If this is going to work, you can return it and collect aquatic ones later," Athena suggested.
   "Yes. I know. For now, I need to cover all the angles before we can travel."
   As he said, he sent a mental command to Confiscator. The warship started to fly back to the spaceport for retrofits.
   "Good. If you need anything, you know where to find me." 
   After saying that the Goddess kissed her future husband and walked out of his garage, she still needs to mark assignments and prepare for the next class.
   The Olympian Goddess takes her work very seriously. She doesn't even allow Aurora to assist her in any way.
   "SO..."
   Sirin poked her head from his side the moment the Goddess was away.
   "We are going to the past?" 
   "Yep. We still need to run some tests and calculations, but we will be able to travel to the past."
   "...Great, where did this idea come from?" The white-haired girl asked him as she wanted to know his train of thought.
   One doesn't just commit to time travel randomly.
   'Or does... considering he yanked me from a different reality.' Part of her replied to her thought.
   "I was rewatching Jurassic Park with Sera and Latia. Sera suggested using Ankylosaurus to slap people away. I thought it was a great idea.
   Then, on top of that, I thought, 'Why not make T-Rex into a riot police unit?' They could easily disperse riots and strikes once I rule the whole planet."
   Marcus explained to her his train of thought. Midway, Sirin placed her hand on her face.
   'And here I thought magic girls are stretch he is thinking of adding Dinosaurs to police units.'
   Yet, she hasn't seen his other ideas, like creating his version of 'Jedi Order', but instead of Jedi, they will be knights, and instead of Force, it will be Dragon companions who can merge and create dragon armours and develop dragon arts.
   But that's for the future.
   "...So it was a 'boy thing'?" She commented.
   "Well, you being here is a 'boy thing', so there is not that much of a difference." He replied to her statement.
   "...Yes. I know." 
   Regardless, she quickly got over this craziness. By this point, it was not the first 'rodeo'. She already saw an invasion of the afterlife. Time travel doesn't sound that impressive anymore.
   "Great. So will I come along?" Sirin asked Marcus. The girl wanted to see what it was all about. It is not every day that they can travel 65 million years into the past.
   "Why not? It depends on you. Confiscator has more than enough space for us to travel." He looked at her with a smile. His hands sneaked around her waist as he pulled her for a hug.
   She looked at what he was doing, specifically where his hands were travelling.
   "Then I will join you."
   "Me too." Gu Yuena chipped in as she was sitting on a couch.
   "I am going to the Space Port now." Quinella got Marcus' attention as she looked at the Herrscher with a slightly annoyed look. She swiftly disappeared from the Workshop.
   "Someone jealous~" Marcus, noticed how his assistant was behaving.
   When Sirin heard that, she wrapped her hands around him as well.
   "Of course~"
   The girl smirked; it won't be long after all. The Void Queen knows that she needs to pay attention to her 'hubby'.
   Unlike Quinella, her situation is flexible; she is not an assistant or a 'battleship' like Enterprise or Tirpitz. She is more like a... support? Or a Queen to her King. As Gu Yuena said, he is her Emperor, and the Emperor needs his Empress or a Queen.
   ~~~
   "It's finally happening!" Atalanta exclaimed as her tail was waging back and forth. Le Fay swiftly contacted all the maids the moment she noticed the news. The witch was one of the biggest fans of her Master, and the girl ferociously followed what he was doing. Apart from collecting an array of pictures of him, she is also following his research.
   "Yes. It took him a while. But it is finally happening." Artemis nodded. She noticed how Atalanta was behaving. She understands this feeling very well. It is the excitement of the upcoming hunt... a hunt like no other.
   "It's that stupid and meaningless war." The lioness huffed as she looked at her ex-Goddess.
   "Those Evil Gods should have rolled over and surrendered to our Master." The lion girl huffed as all she saw was pointless fighting and giving more ideas and stuff to Marcus. More stuff means less attention to her and this time travel project!
   As the maid was ranting, The Norse Goddess Hel grimaced at the back. She tried to look as little as possible. The key was not getting spotted as she was one of those 'Evil Gods' who tried to wage war on the Inventor.
   "As if... We are too proud to do such a thing." Artemis didn't look offended while saying that. She experienced first-hand such a treatment.
   "Not that it matters anymore. We are finally getting our trip to the Prehistoric world."
   Artemis wanted to brush the whole war thing to the side. It's another embarrassing part of her very long life. It's awkward to call herself a Goddess nowadays, as Gods got beaten up by a 'human', especially since she is related to the one who caused the war.
   "About that." At that moment, Grayfia entered alongside Quinella.
   "The Confiscator is getting retrofitted for the trip. I want you all to prepare for it. I do not know how long it will last. It could be several days to several years to hundreds of years. I do not know. I suggest you prepare because this will be 'wild west'." The Assistant said with a thoughtful gaze. Her eyes swept the room full of maids.
   """Understood!"""
   All of them respectfully replied before rushing out of the room, leaving only Grayfia and Quinella.
   "I will oversee the whole retrofit while you can return to work. Make sure they all are ready... mentally."
   Quinella knows well enough what this could entail. After all, watching things from the sidelines can affect one's mind. Such a thing happened to her as she was artificial, after all. She was self-aware when she was just an AI.
   "I understand. I will... observe."
   "Good."
   ~~~
   [Congratulations. You have conquered the world.] Aurora's voice rang through the simulation room, and everything shattered like glass around Ravel.
   When the blonde devil looked at herself, she saw that her physique had shrunk. She was once again a teenager.
   'Just how powerful is the technology of this faction?'
   Sweat rolled down her forehead. She was careful not to step out of her bounds the whole time while in the simulation.
   And thankfully, she was right to do that.
   Everything was watched and recorded by the AI of this place.
   "What now?" She asked the Artificial Intelligence.
   [My Creator is preparing for a journey through time. You are allowed to delay your training until the trip is finished.]
   Ravel's eyes widened for a second as she was a little bit spooked. To think that he harnessed time travel while she was training.
   "Umm, how much time has passed since I was in the training?"
   [Over five days since your training has started.]
   "F-Five..." The Phenex devil stuttered as her eyes trembled. She realised that her 40+ years of conquest had been compressed into a measly five days!?
   [Realitus technomancy intercepts brain waves and manipulates your senses. In one of our latest patches, we added a sense of time flow.
   You were the first one to experience it. It would seem it was a great success.]
   Ravel's lips twitched as she realised she was a guinea pig.
   "I understand. I hope Master Marcus can review my training." 
   [He will review it when he has time. You shouldn't be worried he will see the highlights of your training. That much is certain, as he is looking for talent.]
   The Phenex girl sighed in relief when she heard that.
   [For now, you can leave the Entertainment Dome through this door and follow light indications to a room prepared for you. The Confiscator retrofits should be finished by tomorrow evening.]
   "I understand my thanks." 
   As she said, she noticed doors simply pop into existence on one of the walls.
   The blonde walked over, and before she could do something, the doors opened themselves.
   'Wait... wasn't I in a meeting room aboard a warship!?' 
   The girl stopped in her tracks and didn't even realise she was moved!
   A gulp escaped from her mouth as cold sweat washed her up.
   'This faction is terrifying!' 
   When reality starts clashing with fiction, when time itself gets muddled, things start making no sense at all. This is where she knows that death is the least of her worries. Losing herself just being in a faction, now that is terrifying.
   "...say...Aurora, yes?"
   [Correct, I am Artificial Intelligence; my designation is Quantum Computer 2.3.1.4. I am tasked with running day-to-day tasks. At the same time, I am the OS that runs all computers and handheld devices.]
   Ravel palled when she heard that. 
   'Another test...'
   The blonde realised once again that this was a test, as there was no real reason to reveal this much.
   "I see. Then what is the limit for this simulation?"
   [Unknown.]
   "...Excuse me?"
   [Realitus technomancy at the base is a particle. With the current levels of energy we can produce, you can stay in the simulation until the sun runs its course. But there are variables which can negate the sun's death.
   Thus, the limit of the simulation is unknown.]
   "...What about the biological limitations of a living body?"
   [Insignificant, we have technomancy which could give you another body when this one also runs its course.]
   [Technocracy's standard protocol forbids half-finished tasks especially when variables are body limitations or failure of the planet itself.
   The pursuit of greater knowledge should not be impeached by variables which we can overcome.]
   '...When laws forbid death...' 
   Ravel was speechless when she heard what AI had told her.
   "I understand."
   'In other words, I can abuse these simulations to gain more tactical knowledge and other things which I can then abuse in the real world.'
   To think that Marcus had such a thing developed. What other groundbreaking things had he developed?
   After pondering for a few moments, Ravel left the room and walked outside. What she saw was a corridor. The ornaments on the walls were emitting lights, which reminded her of LED technology. She couldn't see any other light source. 
   Once the doors closed, she looked around, spotting a hologram pointing her to follow.
   'I wonder where is everyone?'
   As far as she remembers, this whole faction has quite a few people, from Gods to Devils to Fallen Angels.
   After walking for a few short moments, she arrived at what looked like a living room.
   'W-Wait! I am in Marcus' home!?'
   She swiftly started to panic! To think that he brought her to his home!
   Her panic lasted for a second as she swiftly took a deep breath and controlled herself.
   'Calm down, Ravel! You conquered the whole world just for this!'
   With steel in her eyes, she passed the empty living room. Her eyes stayed on the robots standing in the corners. They didn't look like mere statues to her.
   After passing the living room, she poked her head into a room that looked like a kitchen and then a dining room. A sci-fi-looking library. It reminded her of Star Wars. Then-
   "...Whoa..." A small awe escaped from her lips as she saw something amazing.
   "...This is..." Her eyes bulged out as she saw what was deeper in this room!
   It was full of relics! Not just any relics but Sacred Gears.
   Deeper in this room, she could see an array of dragon armours!
   There were over a dozen of them!
   "...To think that he even collected dragons themselves."
   As she stepped further, she passed through a spinning spear, which was THE Longinus spear, then three golden floating cups. 
   Her eyes eventually ended up on the dragon armours-the iconic white and red, followed by blue, purple, brown, and others she had no idea about.
   As well as a black one.
   For a while, she wondered who they were, but then her eyes went down, and she saw names.
   "...Tiamat, Tannin, Grendel... oh..."
   She quickly realised that a lot of those were the EVIL dragons!
   "...Wait... did he resurrect them and then seal them into Sacred Gears!?"
   For a second, her head started to spin as she realised that he had nearly every single known famous dragon in the world!
   That's quite a collection!
   However, something got her attention more than the dragons. It was a hologram of a woman, and next to her was a hologram of a blue-skinned man with the lower half of a snake.
   The girl walked over and noticed who it was.
   "...Lilith... The progenitor of Devils... and Typhon, the King of Monsters."
   She then realised that he was keeping them in... Pokeballs, of all things.
   "..."
   "I think I saw too much."
   The girl turned around and walked away. 
   Regardless, she understood the scale of things after seeing the vault.
   ~~~~~~Next Morning~~~~~~
   "...Damn..."
   "I didn't expect school to just triple in size." 
   The students were standing outside the school's territory, which was surrounded by high fences and checkpoints.
   To greet them were knights from Technocracy.
   "Everyone line up properly. Each of you will get a fresh new ID card and tablet." 
   The armoured men motioned for the teens to behave.
   "...Did he just say tablet?"
   "WHAT is a tablet?"
   "I think it's something I saw being used by Goldman."
   The teens talked among themselves as they lined up.
   While some were talking, others looked at the school behind the fences.
   There are a bunch of new buildings. 
   And the school itself exploded in size.
   Not only was it three times in size alone, but the entire area, which used to be empty grass fields, now is packed with buildings.
   In addition, the buildings looked like they were ripped from the 23rd or 24th century. None of them could tell what kind of material was being used to construct them.
   "This is the first time in my life that I want to study, " one of the lazy-looking teens said with a fascinated look, and it's not because of the massive space gun flying high above the school.
   "Yeah... Imagine all the tech pumped into this place."
   As the other teen said, he could see TV reporters from various TV stations arrive to see the school as well.
   "Hahaha, Victor, they arrived to interview you again." Marcus' classmate teased another.
   Victor was on TV, as he was the one to get the interview when Marcus gave away those phones. He was one of the lucky ones to get a cutting-edge technological phone from the 'future'.
   "Yeah... I don't know how to feel about that." 
   The teen nervously replied. Not even a month has passed since then, but so much has changed.
   "C'mon, as long as you don't say something bad about HIM, nothing will happen."
   As the teen commented, the reporters parked their vans on the other side of the road, closer to Marcus' Mother's supermarket.
   Yeah, the road is closed today. The knights of Technocracy closed the road just for this day. Did they ask the government? Or the current mayor? Nope, there is no need. No one will say anything to the one who did this.
   The mayor is far too busy, and the same is true for the government. However, the Minister of Education decided to visit and see what he 'allowed' to happen.
   "Excuse me, may I have a word..."
   'Here we go again.' Victor sighed internally as the journalist approached him, whom she had recognised from the previous interview.
   As he answered the questions, the guy beside him was snickering from amusement.
   But then- 
   All hell got loose as Marcus, with his array of silver-haired girls, ended up joining the end of the line!
   "Excuse me..." the journalist said as she stopped the interview and looked at the lazy-looking Marcus at the end of the line.
   "No, it's fine. As him, he is the mastermind, after all." Victor smiled brightly.
   The journalist lady with a sweaty forehead and nervous look nodded at his words.
   'Here we go... one wrong move, and I am not only fired but dead too...' The journalist lady sarcastically joked to herself.
   The lady with shaky steps walked over to Marcus, who was inspecting the handy work of his faction first-hand.
   He only had rough plans, but it looks amazing from what he can see. He wants to test out how his new interactive teaching system will work. He knows learning can be annoying as hell, but what if learning is more interactive and visual?
   That's what he thought from his last life as well. He would have paid more attention in class if there had been a tech that deployed it better.
   "E-Excuse me, Mr Goldman...may I have a moment of your time?"
   "Hmm?"
   The inventor looked away from the school, behind the fence, and towards the woman who had interrupted his daydream about observing World War 2 from the safety of his class table.
   "Yes?" He looked at her. The Ruler of the Technocracy realised that he had seen this woman before, on TV and the news.
   "I am Emily from TV3 news. May I ask a few questions?" She nervously introduced herself.
   "Sure."
   After hearing all clear, she took a deep breath of relief. She didn't get nuked! Or erased or something else!
   "Then, may I ask what brought you to improve your school this much?" As she asked, the cameras started to roll.
   "Mostly because school is where I get inspired to do something. Most of my designs were designed in school. So, it was a perfect opportunity to improve my school."
   Marcus happily replied. He was quite delighted that the woman was asking about school and not the nonsense that happened in Washington.
   "I-I see. So what does this school have now?" She swiftly went to ask the next question.
   'I will never look at doodling the same way again.' Part of her felt a chill pass down her back.
   "Most of my basic tech is in the place, from Anti-gravity technology to Atom manipulation. So parents who are sending their children to this school will now and forever receive free meals." The Inventor said that to the camera. He then decided to advertise himself.
   "So don't forget to vote for me as I run for mayor in the next elections. I will add more places where people can save money for utilities and food." 
   "..."
   The journalist lady deadpanned when she heard that.
   'I felt for that one.'
   Well, that's the price she gets for wanting to interview the most notorious man on the planet.
   "Apart from that, there will be an array of new clubs everyone can join as I will be bringing a variety of people from ancient times to semi-modern ones to teach in classes."
   "...Such as?"
   "Napoleon for P.E., and Einstein for physics as an example."
   "..."
   "..."
   "..."
   "...You are not holding back, are you?" She asked with a strained smile.
   "Not at all. This school will be all you need. I say, why do you need college or university? It's a waste of time and resources. So, everything one can do is here.
   Who will deny work when you say you have been taught by the greatest Conquerors or brightest minds in the world?" Marcus reasoned with her.
   "...I see your point." She looked at the camera with a twitchy smile. She just remembered why she hadn't wanted to interview him before. Each time he appears on screen, something groundbreaking happens.
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   From declaring his factions' existence to announcing the end of the world... 
   Now, he has declared what will happen in this school, and she is pretty sure the world at large already knows.
   She will undoubtedly hear a mouthful from her boss as she adds more work to their government.
   Soon, scientists, researchers and all sorts of people will go to this place to meet long-dead great people or study gravity or something else.
   "Yes. However, some of it is still under development. I still have to collect dinosaurs and some samples."
   "...Dinosaurs?"
   "Yeah. I'm going to bring those beasts back. Like for classes, army and some other stuff."
   "... Jurassic Park?" She asked curiously.
   "Maybe? I do have plans for such a thing as well. Most likely after I terraform Venus." He motioned one of his girls to walk over as he said that.
   As Gu Yuena did, he took her hand and brushed her right index finger down, summoning her interface.
   He checked a few things from the console.
   "Well, the colony I send to Venus started sending a signal around 4 hours ago," He told the reporter.
   "In other words, it's not far before I start terraforming it into a tropical paradise suited for Dinosaurs."
   'I didn't need to know that...'
   She thought to herself before smiling at him.
   "I see. Does that mean it will be open to the public?"
   "In a way? Segments of it, yes. But mostly, it's for personal use. If you want something similar as well, you should study time and genetics." He replied with a small smile
   She smiled back. Her smile was a strained one.
   He did sound arrogant. No, he was very arrogant. He didn't care about their opinions. If you want someone to care, you should care back. At this moment, the world wants to save their hide, or... will greed consume them as they try to figure out time travel as well?
   However, time travel is far more complex than deep space travel. They should first solve that hurdle before trying time travel, as that one is a very pricey adventure.
   'Something like a five-star hotel or six-star hotel/resort kind of thing?'
   For a second, Marcus imagined himself chilling on the beach on Venus while stroking his pet Spinosaurus and watching the live stream of how mundane people try to escape Earth.
   'Sounds like a nice idea for holiday...'
   At that moment, he ignored the reporter and started to think about how he would design his Venus Resort.
   ~~~
   For advanced chapters (+10 chapters, 50k words) my pat: pat reon.com/DragonsFics
   ~~~
   P.S.: I do weekly voting on Patreon if you want more chapters for this fic (or other fics ) vote there.
  
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   Chapter 96: Meeting the Chef Girls
   5
   "My reason for allowing such changes to the school was that Marcus is attending it even after achieving all he did. It means that he cares about these facilities." The Minister of Education said to the reporters who surround him.
   Unlike the one who had the guts to talk to Marcus, these journalists have made a much safer choice.
   Not that it matters in a few minutes, as the Minister wants to speak with Marcus regardless.
   "Do you have any idea what he added to this school? It's bigger than any University grounds we have in our nation," one of the journalists asked curiously.
   "I do not. We all know that Marcus Goldman operates under his own set of rules. All we can do is try to adjust to him." The Minister replied with a slightly strained smile. 
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   He wasn't proud to say that, but it was the truth.
   Thankfully, the journalist knew where to hold their tongue and not tell him to his face that what he was saying was irresponsible.
   ~~~
   Meanwhile, Marcus went to get his new Student ID. However, he was more interested in how well the apps were prepared for his tablet, so he pulled it out.
   "Transfer the apps." 
   "One moment." 
   The knight in front of a computer pressed a few buttons, and soon enough, apps started to pop up on Marcus' Tablet's screen.
   The Inventor's attention immediately went to club activities. He wanted to see the list. 
   '...Palaeontology, Geopolitics, AI Research, pharmacy, sustainable energy, Astrophysics, Biology, Biotech, Ancient History, Prehistory...'
   Marcus realised that all of this was there. The only issue so far is that he has no teachers for the extra classes.
   But that's not an issue. For now, Aurora can use Realitus to create teachers.
   He promotes the idea that everyone can study anything they want. The only thing that matters is that they want to study.
   No matter how obscure, students will find something to throw themselves into.
   When the time is right, when Technocracy takes over, he or she will have a job in the real world under Technocracy.
   "All good here. Continue with your work."
   After inspecting his tablet, he proceeded to enter the grounds. His knights saluted him for a second before returning to their work. Next were his girls, who swiftly got their stuff handed over to them.
   Just like Marcus, they only needed Student IDs as they all had their own tablets.
   Well, they got them last night. Sirin started to complain as she realised that she could have asked for phones and gadgets all the time!
   The Inventor forgot all about that. He was far too excited about his Time travel and new school.
   After the girls passed, they started to walk deeper into the school.
   Sirin and Gu Yuena looked around behind him. They could see fresh trees being planted next to the walkway. Buildings as big as gymnasiums were placed one next to another, and they were all connected by corridors.
   "I can assume they are not simple gymnasiums meant for sports activities." 
   Sirin commented as she recalled that Kiana's old school only had one gymnasium, while the Valkyries one had two, as they had been constantly practising to fight Honkai.
   "You can check the map on the tablet or the HUD for more details. But yes, these are simulation rooms. In-depth classes and clubs will be used constantly." Marcus explained to his Herrscher.
   "Heh, It would seem Enterprise and Tirpitz are missing out on this." Gu Yuena had a small smirk on her lips as those two warships didn't attend the school and instead went to help with preparations for the time travel they would be doing after the classes.
   As they walked deeper, they soon arrived at the centre, where a statue stood. A bunch of people were taking pictures of it, and at the same time, others were taking pictures of people standing next to it.
   "..."
   "..."
   "...So cool." Marcus stopped in his tracks as he saw a statue of Gundam Strike Freedom standing in the middle. It had the machine's legit size and looked like a real deal.
   "Umm..." 
   "...Did you order it?" 
   The pair asked him.
   "No. Not at all. All I gave to Aurora was the rough schematics I had drawn for this place." The Conqueror of Underworld clarified while stroking his chin.
   "But this is great." He was happy with a legitimate killing machine placed in such a place.
   He walked over to it. There were metal fences around it so that no one could touch it.
   Of course, teens could get inside, but none of them had the balls to do that.
   "Great? This machine is a killer robot from that anime you are droning about." Sirin exclaimed with a tired sigh.
   "Another 'boys thing'. Killer robots are man's romance. After all, men were supposed to build and use them to wage war. The other side is boys' bodybuilding and using magic or their bodies to wage war." Marcus sagely explained something the Herrscher already knew.
   "Yes, Yes, I know." The girl waved her hand as she already knew.
   As they were talking about the machine, a group of people approached them.
   It was the Minister of Education, with reporters and school staff.
   "Here we go again." Sirin softly mumbled under her breath. She had already expected this after seeing what had happened to the school.
   There will be some individuals who will want to speak with him about the smallest of things.
   In truth, Sirin was just jealous that some people were taking away the time she could spend with him!
   "Mr Goldman, may I have a moment of your time."
   Marcus' eyes went to the group. He immediately got bored. His experience with politicians is not the best.
   "What is it."
   "Well, I would like to introduce myself-"
   All Marcus could hear was 'blah-blah-blah'. That was until he heard something interesting! 
   He immediately turned off his autopilot.
   "What do you say? Will you take over this school as the new principal?"
   "...But Minister! He is still a student. He should at least graduate." His vice minister complained, but a single look from Marcus made him question his life choices.
   "I can. However, my AI and my fiance will be my second in command." 
   As Marcus told his terms, his fiance walked over, noticing them some time ago.
   "You are not going to ask for my opinion?" Athena asked with a raised eyebrow.
   "Please. You want this place more than I wanted. You left the house at six in the morning." He teased her without skipping a beat.
   Marcus easily saw through her fake 'annoyance'. He already knows her well enough.
   "...Fine...Fine..."
   She waved her hand while looking away.
   'He is like a brick... right in front of cameras as well.' 
   Athena decided to tell them to delete the footage of her blushing like this!
   "Good. As you can see, Goddess Athena agrees to be my vice principal." Marcus smiled at the Minister, who looked like he was over the moon. To think that Goddess of Wisdom is here! He sort of forgot about her with all the madness in his life.
   ~~~
   As Athena huffed and puffed by smiling at the same time, she started to arrange things for future lessons. Marcus barged into his new office.
   He smiled. His plan to force the principal was a success. Well, it was not a plan; it was more of an aftereffect of the refurbishment. 
   But yes, he improved the office. There is an aquarium there with several different fishes, as well as a good view of the school grounds.
   "...This doesn't look that bad." Sirin looked around the office while Marcus got comfortable in his seat after inspecting the aquarium.
   "So what now?" she asked him, turning her eyes to Gu Yuena, who was already checking a bowl of fruits on the table.
   "Checking out. Today, we won't be doing any learning considering that teachers still need to get the hang of the layout and learn how to use the tech."
   He explained to her while learning in his new comfortable office chair.
   His eyes then went to the stack of paper, which he inspected with a frown.
   The inventor swiftly realised that these were student transfers.
   As he read the student's name, one of his eyebrows went up.
   '...Erina...Nakiri? Where did I hear your name before?'
   He pondered for a second before seeing her previous school's name.
   'Totsuki Tea Ceremony and Culinary Academy.'
   His eyes widened as he recalled that place! It was from another anime and manga.
   The moment he realised, his lips twitched from amusement. It kind of makes sense. The Food Wars have the whole 'foodgasm' with elements of Ecchi, which fits very well with the DxD verse he was in...
   Oh... and he has pieces of Fate, which was eroge before it went whole mainstream.
   'Right... how amusing...now I am interested... Erina... I want to taste your cooking. It would be counterproductive if I were to time travel without one of the best cooks humanity has produced.'
   As he finished reading the paper, he placed it back into the pile and ordered his AI.
   "Aurora, show me a map of the private jets that are supposed to land in my lands."
   [One moment.]
   A hologram appeared above the table right in front of him.
   "Show me the planes in more detail."
   Sure enough, he saw a large number of private jets travelling towards lands he controlled.
   Considering the little air traffic they used to get, now the planes are coming one after another.
   "What are you planning?" Sirin asked him as she noticed his curiosity being peaked at something.
   "I am thinking of adding a chef to my Technocracy," he said with a smile as he placed his head on his right palm.
   He never expected to find something like food wars under the radar.
   Not that he ever was interested in food beyond basic needs like everyone else.
   Now, with her around, he might experience something new that doesn't need extensive research or invasion.
   "Oh? Food, you say?" Both Sirin and Gu Yuena looked at him. 
   'Right... both of them like their food too.'
   "Heh. Then let's go greet her."
   "...Her?"
   "Of course, it's her. Who else could it be!?" Sirin huffed. She knows her darling well enough. He would never invest in some guy!
   ~~~
   Erina looked bored as she was waiting in line! Yes, in line! The amount of private jets landing is absurd! A limo was waiting for her, but it did not matter.
   The moment her private plane landed, she got into her car. There was a line of rich people who wanted to leave the airport, and all of them were getting checked.
   'This is crazy... I could pass this faster in commoners line instead of this.'
   She could see the border patrol checking people's luggage and other things.
   It is not that the rich people could complain as everyone is running into this small country to survive the 'doom'.
   ...
   ...
   ...
   But then the whole area brightened as golden light was cast on the airport.
   Erina looked curious as she poked her head and looked up.
   Her eyes bulged out as she saw a spaceship emerge from the grey clouds of late autumn.
   'I-I-Is this!?' 
   Seconds later, two gunships left the warship and flew down, landing on the other side of the border patrol.
   "...Is that?" Hisako, Erina's assistant, softly commented.
   "...Technocracy..." The chef girl commented with crossed arms as sweat was on her forehead.
   She wonders who gets THE VIP treatment for Marcus to send one of his infamous vessels to pick someone up.
   The girl tried to figure out who it was for a while. Not that she could leave her car and check out in person.
   But she could not figure it out, so she gave up and waited for her turn.
   After twenty minutes or so, she finally passed the border, and her limo was about to drive away, but bulky golden armoured men with tower shields and plasma pikes intercepted them.
   "What's wrong?" The girl complained. Is there something else? Another check-up?
   "...Erina-sama..." Hisako, with a terrified voice, made the Heiress look at her.
   "...They are coming our way." 
   Erina's eyes widened as she looked where her assistant was pointing.
   She saw golden armoured guards walk over to the window.
   Instead of knocking, they moved aside, revealing a very familiar man standing behind these guards.
   Erina paled. She looked like a deer who was caught in the car's headlights.
   'H-He is coming for me!? B-B-But...' 
   'I wasn't ready yet!'
   She thought of figuring out some new dishes and then organising something to get his attention. But he went right for her! Hell, she didn't even sleep for over sixteen hours!
   "Erina-sama, we shouldn't make him wait!" Hisako, in a scared voice, snapped her out.
   "R-Right!"
   The girl swiftly lowered the window.
   "M-Mr Goldman, is there something I can help you with?" Erina sounded as friendly as possible with a very twitchy smile.
   "...Erina Nakiri. I would like to hire you as my chef for the duration of a trip." He went right for the kill with his request.
   When she heard that, her eyes widened for a second.
   'W-What an oppurtinity.'
   She could not believe what she was hearing. Erina looked at her assistant to ask if she heard the same thing.
   "You must accept, Erina-sama!" 
   Hisako whispered to her. The girl's eyes were sparkling. She forgot the scariness of this man for a second.
   "...O-Of course. I would be honoured to work as your chef." 
   'As if there is any sort of alternative.'  Erina thought to herself.
   "Fantastic. Then come with me. We are leaving...now." He motioned for them to come with him.
   "..."
   "..."
   "...Huh?"
   Before the girl realised, she was out of her limo, and golden armoured men took her belongings before she could even raise her voice to complain.
   Marcus motioned to come with him.
   The girl with shaky legs followed. Soon enough, she was aboard the gunship, which rose into the sky and headed towards the warship.
   All Erina could do was look around as she was experiencing something new. The mode of transportation was...alien to her.
   "...So you are the Heiress of the Nakiri family?" A silver-haired girl with dark purple eyes approached the cherry-blonde heiress.
   When the chef girl saw her she could feel something strange from her.
   Something scarily... primal?
   "...Yes. I am Nakiri Erina. My grandfather is the Principal of Totsuki Academy." Erina tried to sound as humble as possible, including her mannerisms.
   She has spent several days learning to tone down her mannerisms, as she can't beat her 'opponents' through cooking or influence.
   "Great!" The girl looked happy and even clapped her hands as she then looked at Marcus.
   "Master! You should have employed a chef way back when we were waging war in the Underworld. With a chef, we could leave them to make something fresh and unique every day!"
   'Master? Is she some sort of creation of his?' 
   Now that Erina paid attention, she noticed the girl's pearless look and incredible body lines.
   "I know. That's what I am doing now." He sighed at her before looking at Erina.
   "This is Gu Yuena. She is a dragonoid. Or, more precisely, a human and dragon hybrid I created a while ago."
   '...Dragon?' She might know that the supernatural is real through her roots as Nakiri, but this girl doesn't look like a dragon at all.
   Aren't they supposed to be big scally lizards with wings and breath fire?
   'I should have studied supernatural more.' 
   "...I see..."
   "Yes. So pay attention, as a half-dragon, she eats more than regular people." 
   As he explained, he then pulled another girl. This one gave Erina goosebumps. Those rhombus-shaped pupils told her that this girl was not normal at all.
   "This is Sirin, another creation of mine." Marcus introduced her as he pulled the standoff-ish girl closer to himself.
   "An honour to meet your creations, Mr Goldman." The girl slightly bowed to them, and so did her assistant.
   "It's alright. Just remember, both of them like to eat a lot." He teased Sirin and Gu Yuena as he pulled them closer to himself.
   "Don't say that in front of other girls!" Sirin huffed at him with rosy cheeks. How can he embarrass her like that?
   But Marcus ignored her as he looked at Erina.
   "Regardless, there are some more people with whom you should meet up."
   As the inventor commented, the gunships landed in the hangar area.
   When it opened up, the group felt the smaller vessel. The pair of newcomers looked around. They immediately noticed that it was...
   It felt like it was cramped up.
   There is not that much space for armies or other vessels. All she could see was four gunships in total and several robots stored up at the end. It doesn't even feel like a carrier ship she has heard over the TV.
   'Where are the jet fighters?'
   Marcus Goldman's distinctive jet fighters are well known throughout the world, and they are missing.
   "I know what you are thinking, but this vessel has been retrofitted for survey and adventure. The military is not necessary." He clarified as he motioned to follow after him.
   A few steps later, they met an array of maids.
   Some of them send cold chills through Erina's back.
   One of them had blue and red hair. She felt like winter itself... or death?
   The other blue-haired girl felt primal in the same way as Gu Yuena; the others felt like she should worship.
   'The rumours of him having Goddesses as maids... it would seem that it is true.'
   "These are my maids. You can learn more about them in upcoming months, if not years."
   "...Years?" Erina stopped in her tracks. How long this journey will last!?
   "...Yes. We are going to the distant past, after all. More specific Triassic Period." He clarified to her, though one could see that he is not telling the whole truth.
   "..."
   "..."
   For a second, the pair tried to process what he meant.
   Only after a few seconds did the two understand.
   "...By Triassic, you mean... 250 million years ago?" 
   "Something like that! Regardless, you know! Yes, we are going on an expedition to collect samples, specimens, and blood from dinosaurs and ancient people and experience a few distinctive extinction events.
   Like the meteor that wiped out dinosaurs and the supervolcano eruptions that ended the Permian, it's going to be Fun!" he brightly explained to the pair, though some maids looked confused he was messing up the eras! Is he hiding something?
   The pair paled when they heard that! What the hell did they end up in!?
   "W-Wait, isn't it dangerous? It's a meteor and super volcano!" 
   Hisako tried to reason with him. She had no doubt he had the means to travel into the past. Sadly, the girl had no idea if you could travel to such a distant past. By this point, things like meteors and super volcanoes are nothing more than 'weather' phenomena for someone like Marcus Goldman.
   "Not at all. Do you understand where you are standing? This is mark 3 of my Daedalus Class vessel. It's equipped with Graviton Armour, three perpetual motion reactors, a Time engine, Byfrost and four Graviton thrusters.
   It was designed to survive planetary cataclysms." Marcus smiled while saying that.
   This Daedalus model could challenge the UFOs everyone has been discussing since the 1960s because it ignores physics in the same fashion as those flying saucers.
   On top of that, he has a Byfrost Drive that is faster than light travel. 
   However, this is something they still need to test before using it.
   "...I-I see..."
   "The only thing you two should worry about is making good food from dinosaurs' meat." Marcus joked at the pair, who looked spacey for a second.
   "Master, Ars Almadel Salomonis is in Moon's orbit as you instructed." 
   Quinella walked over as she was dressed in an officer's uniform in white and gold.
   "Good, then we still need a couple more experiments before we can dive into a rabbit hole called time."
   Marcus nodded at his assistant before instructing his crew.
   "Set course to Moon. We are leaving."
   The moment he said that the graviton projectors, which were glowing in dull gold, ignited in bright gold, and the newly installed graviton thruster ignited in the same gold colour, they started to send ripples through the very fabric of space.
   In mere seconds, the newly reclassified survey ship disappeared from the airport area.
   ~~~
   "The floor above the hangar was redesigned for our leisure." Marcus started showing Erina and Hisako the Mark 3 Daedalus-class survey ship. 
   "Are we... outside?" Because what they saw is outside? But there is a corridor, and there is grass and a sun? But it's late autumn, so why does it feel like summer? 
   The chef girls were confused by what they saw.
   In the distance, they can see mountains, and there is wind and a very nice breeze, but then they can see tables and an outdoor kitchen.
   "You can call this a relaxation area. You see, we will be travelling billions, if not trillions, of kilometres. Such an amount can take months, even with my tech," he said with a small smile.
   "So, I installed the Realitus system, or more specifically, a simulator that simulates outside for those who want to be outside.
   Apart from that, follow me." 
   He motioned for them to follow.
   As the small group walked forward, they saw another corridor that looked like it had been carved into the fabric of reality.
   The moment they walked in, they realised that they were still in the spaceship, as there was metal all over them.
   'Just how crazy advanced was that room! It felt like legitimate outside, with wind and sun!' The pair had sweaty foreheads as they realised that they couldn't even trust their senses!
   But then they almost screamed as they realised that they entered some sort of empty void.
   "Relax. This is what we call an observation deck. Look behind you."
   The pair looked back. Sirin and Gu Yuena followed. They looked around before looking back. What they saw was Earth slowly shrinking in size.
   "...W-We are already in space!?" 
   "Yes. But it will take around twenty minutes for us to reach the Moon at current speed. We are not rushing as I show you two around my ship."
   "...Wow..." 
   The girls realised that they would be legitimately on the moon! How many people had ever done that before? Not that many! 
   "...S-Say...can we walk around the moon?" Erina asked with an embarrassed blush. She then quickly clarified herself.
   "B-But if we are in a rush, you can ignore my request!"
   Marcus chuckled upon hearing that.
   "Sure, we can. I was already here before, but we can prepare some suits for you girls."
   "I want to walk on the moon too!" 
   Gu Yuena chipped in.
   "Same. I want to see if there is a difference between the moon I was on this one." Sirin chipped in as she looked at the moon.
   "Sure."
   Marcus nodded before deciding to show the small features this place has.
   "Before we go, let me show you the most important feature of this place."
   "Aurora, activate dinner mode."
   As he commented, the ground on which they were standing reacted, and a table with seats rose up. In the distance, the actual kitchen rose up as well. The kitchen had a cooker, microwave, fridge, tables, and other stuff.
   "Once we are in specific periods, we can observe from the safety of a kitchen," Marcus explained with a smile.
   "..."
   "..."
   'He really prepared for this trip, didn't he?' Erina was proud of her preparation when she needed to. But this... well... this takes the cake and the cherry on the top.
   The guy prepared an actual spaceship to travel to the distant past. How many people would kill and sell their fortune to join this journey?
   After showing 'dinner mode,' they left the observation deck and walked back. They passed the leisure room and walked to another lobby... which looked like a changing room.
   "Welcome to the indoor spa resort." 
   "...Huh?"
   The pair looked confused, but he just winked and motioned to follow him.
   Sure enough, they left the changing room and showers before walking into the swimming pools, artificial sea, jacuzzi, and other water attractions.
   "As you can see, there are enough amenities in this place to relax as we travel through time."
   The pair just dumbly looked at the large resort in front of them.
   "Heh, he just wants to see us in Bikini." Sirin snorted as she saw through her hubby.
   "Of course I do." He pulled the white-haired girl for a one-arm hug.
   The other two chef maiden girls blushed as well, making her blush for a second. They never expected to hear that! But then they realised that behind every inventor and scary guy capable of nuking a country was a teen who liked girls.
   "Anyway, this floor is finished, so let's go up." Marcus motioned for them to follow back to the main corridor.
   "Wait! You are telling me that you turned an entire floor meant for soldiers into a resort, leisure and observation deck!?" Sirin realised that there was nothing else on this floor!
   "Yeah. However, there are small barracks and bio chambers for healing if any of you loses a limb or dies by accident."
   He said, 'dies' with a very straight face, which took the pair of newcomers several seconds to process.
   "D-Death!?"
   "Yeah, I mean, we will be going to a place where we have no idea about diseases, a lot of heat, air or poisonous teeth. So yeah, I do have prepared excessive medical chambers for healing and bringing back to life."
   He explained to the pair.
   "...I-I see." Erina sighed in relief. Thankfully, he is prepared. He will trust in his abilities. Not just everyone can put the entire planet under this thumb.
   "Good. As I said, the only thing you two need to worry about is making food for us." He smiled at the pair, which started to make them nervous. 
   It would seem he has high hopes for them, which makes the pair start feeling the pressure.
   ~~~
   After this floor, he took them to the crew floor, where he finally let them into their room.
   When Erina and Hisako saw the place they would be staying, they were slightly blown away. It was more like a spacious flat than a room in a spaceship with a little bit of space.
   Nope, they had enough space to relax and even cook their own dishes!
   'Wait... if we are travelling to the distant past.'
   "How much time would pass if we return?" Erina asked him as she realised that she had a lot of time to build up her cooking experience!
   "...Ideally, we should return by morning. Right on time for school."
   The cherry-blonde girl looked dumbly at him. What is with this timing?
   "I promised my mother I would take my fiance on a date, which I am, by the way. So we will be returning in time for her work and my class time," Marcus explained to her in a serious tone.
   'So him visiting Earth 250 million years ago is nothing more than a night out!?' 
   'This is a date on another level!'
   The pair were out of words! It would seem he is operating at a different frequency.
   "I see. Then... you said that you are 'hiring' me. Does it mean I am getting paid in some shape or form?" The girl decided to go to the 'meat' of this 'dish'.
   "Indeed. It depends on what you want, Erina." 
   The girl blushed when he called her by her name. She realised that she was dealing with a European who had no sense of her culture.
   However, she doesn't realise yet that he is doing that on purpose.
   "...Then, I can ask for you to save Totsuki from the incoming 'doom'?"
   *Snort*
   Sirin snorted when she heard that. They are already asking more than they can chew!
   "As I said. It depends on you. If you can impress me enough, then I wouldn't mind taking your academy to the stars." He said with a small smile.
   "The reason the doom is coming is because I don't see a reason for current society to exist. But, if good elements of this society surface...
   Now that is a different story." 
   'God Complex...' 
   The cherry blonde realised that the guy in front of her had God Complex.
   But then again... to have God Complex, you have to have the power to back it up. 
   'Ugh... it's not complex if he has maids as Goddesses, is it?' 
   The girl didn't even know what to say to that.
   "Sure. Then I agree. I will cook for you daily. If it's satisfactory, then you can save Totsuki." Erina inquired to make sure they were on the same page.
   "Indeed. If this is what you want as payment for your services, then it's fine with me."
   Marcus slightly shrugged before turning around and preparing to leave them to unpack their things.
   "You girls have ten minutes. After ten minutes, we will arrive at the moon. You will have two to three hours of walking on the moon if you want."
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   As he explained, the doors opened up, and Jeanne and Hypolita walked in.
   "Jeanne and Hippolyta will show you the rest of things and answer any questions you two might have." After telling that, he grabbed Sirin's and Gu Yuena's waist and pulled them out of the room as they left. Sadly, Erina didn't see his disappointed expression.
   His disappointment comes from Erina's desire for payment. He thought that she was more ambitious than that.
   Sadly, his hopes were too high.
   The moment the doors closed and sealed behind, Hippolyta swiftly walked over and grabbed Erina by her shoulders. 
   "Why do you take such a basic request!?"
   "W-What?" The girl was baffled by this red-haired girl's actions!
   "Listen! He didn't give you limits! That means you could have asked for anything! Do you realise how many Goddesses and devils would want that!?" The Warrior Queen said that with nearly burning eyes.
   "If it were me, I would have asked him to marry me!" Eventually, the Warrior Queen turned maid sighed in resignation.
   Why it's not her!? Should she start learning how to cook?
   "...You saying... that we could have asked something like that?" Erina was baffled to hear what Hippolyta just said.
   "He didn't set boundaries for your wish. Normally, he should have been placed in the hierarchy of Technocracy! But he did not do that with you!"
   ~~~
   For advanced chapters (+10 chapters, 50k words) my pat: pat reon.com/DragonsFics
   ~~~
   P.S.: I do weekly voting on Patreon if you want more chapters for this fic (or other fics ) vote there.
  
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   Chapter 97: Time Testing Before Launch
   Erina was utterly baffled to hear what the maid was saying. This situation made no sense to her; she was just a cook!
   Sure, she can make great food. She doubts there are not many chefs in the world who could surpass her in taste, but this is different.
   Marcus Goldman is simply terrifying when it comes to power and influence. He is a genius inventor. Their current situation reflects on that.
   They are about to arrive to the moon and then travel through the current of the time.
   To think that she could offer anything to interest him makes her baffled.
   "Listen. Chef Girl. You still have to get the point that our Master is still a guy. He no doubt likes your looks and sees you as a fellow artist.
   That is why he didn't shove you into this hierarchy." Hippolyta pointed at herself.
   "...Now, now. Let her breathe and process that information." Jeanne walked over and pulled the Warrior Queen back.
   "But it's the truth! She is the first normal human who got such a treatment!"
   Hippolyta didn't give up that easily. She pointed out something important.
   "...True."
   Jeanne stopped in her tracks for a second.
   "I am a Saint reborn, and Le Fay is a witch worthy to be pieces in his collection." The blonde clarified.
   "And we are the only beings closest to humans in this faction."
   "...Then all those maids..." Erina realised that there were several maids... they were not even humans!?
   "They all have backgrounds." Jeanne smiled sweetly.
   "They all related to myths in some shape or form. The girl you see with silver hair and a ponytail is Goddess Artemis. The girl with blue and red hair is a Norse Goddess, Hel, and the one with blue hair is Tiamat, a Dragon King.
   As you can imagine, Marcus has a collection." 
   Hippolyta only named a few. 
   "As you can see, this is a big deal, and you flopped it." The red-haired maid sighed as she let the chef girl go. She then walked over and dropped into a comfortable cushion seat.
   "...I don't understand. It makes no sense!" Erina was able to reply, as this stuff made no sense to her at all!
   "Isn't he some proud inventor and conqueror who doesn't care what the world thinks? Isn't it why he is planning to bring doom to our society?" The girl almost ranted at the pair as she couldn't control herself anymore.
   All she wanted was to return to her perfect life at Totsuki!
   "It's not that cut and dry." Jeanne sighed as she understood where this was coming from.
   This girl just got strong-armed to work for the most notorious man on the planet.
   "...What do you mean?" The chef girl took a deep breath and asked the saint maid.
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   "Our Master has his own hierarchy. It's not based on regular norms. It's more or less meritocracy. He will approach people who he thinks work on their art as much as he does.
   Sure, he might have invented all the stuff you see around, but he still respects other people who put the same amount of time into their craft.
   That includes you." 
   Erina looked perplexed for a second before putting her hand on her forehead.
   "...And the end of the world?" So she had more chances than she thought.
   "He is ending the current system as it's getting in the way of his system. For someone like you, the new system will reflect your values far more." Jeanne smiled as she saw the profile of this girl.
   The saint was impressed and slightly spooked; the girl was almost as much a workaholic as Marcus.
   She is focusing purely on cooking, which most likely attracts Marcus. The inventor would want to nurture her talent until she becomes something akin to the Goddess of Food and Cooking.
   "...What do you mean?"
   "It means that you can focus on your art until the end of time, as the concept of money and other stuff won't matter anymore.
   Master has a perpetual motion engine which generates energy indefinitely. The same energy is used to make necessary products so that you can spend all your time creating what you want."
   "...But all that will only work if we follow Technocracy?" 
   Erina realised that this sounded far too good to be true.
   "Of course. It's his creation, his energy, and his AI which controls. 
   Think for yourself, do you give all your hard work and food to just everyone?" Jeanne scoffed.
   "...No, I don't."
   "Then, at the very least, you should listen to what he wants." 
   "...What about those who don't want this?" Hisako asked from the side as she understood the grand picture.
   "Then you should start sharpening your swords and filling up your ammo cartridges, as when we are at an impasse and diplomacy fails, you can only rely on your weapons."
   The Saint explained with a strained smile.
   "...I see..." Erina's assistant could only nerviously reply.
   It's pointless as such a hyper-advanced faction can travel through space and time and wipe the floor with everything current humanity has to offer.
   [Approaching Moon. ETA one minute. Everyone who wants to walk on the Lunar surface walks to the hangar deck.]
   Aurora's voice spread through the room. Hippolyta jumped out of her seat.
   "Let's go!" She grabbed Jeanne and the cherry-blond girl by the hand. She easily handled the pair. Being a minor Goddess, her physical strength was beyond the pair.
   "T-There is no need to pull me like that " Erina was spooked by how easily she was dragged to the door.
   "I am coming too!" Hisako swiftly caught up, and by this point, Hippolyta let the pair go. They all walked back to the lift.
   Seconds later, it arrived, and the group of four walked inside.
   "Aurora, take us to the hangar!"
   With an excited tone, the red-haired maid requested the AI to move them.
   [Very well.]
   The AI took the lift down.
   "So, how are we going to walk on the Moon?" Erina asked the maids. She is pretty sure they need a suit.
   "There is an armoury in the hangar deck. It will build suits for us for a space walk." Hippolyta said with a smile.
   "Master has what is called automated assembly line in most of the places. It utilises atom manipulation to make things rapidly." Jeanne explained to the pair.
   "It includes clothes and even food. That is why we can travel for thousands of years if need be."
   "...I assume lifespan means nothing..." Erina pointed out that she remembered Marcus' nonchalant expression when he mentioned 'death'. 
   "That is the least of your worries." Jeanne joked as they arrived at the hangar bay. 
   As they stepped onto the deck, one of the gunships left through the hangar gates. In front of them, through the gates, they saw a mammoth of a construct-the space gun, leisurely floating in space.
   "..."
   'This feels like one of those sci-fi movies.'
   "Come! Over here!" 
   The red-haired maid once again pulled the pair of chefs to a couple of blue rings at the side of a wall. There were several glass panels with armours behind them.
   "Aurora, I want you to make a couple of space-worthy suits for these two."
   The red-haired girl said to the AI before looking at the two.
   "Stand in the middle of the circles." 
   Once again, she released the pair from the hold. The two girls looked at each other nerviously for a second before nodding at each other.
   They walked over to the circles.
   [The easiest way to control and move around is a variant based upon Assault Knight armour.]
   A hologram window appeared in front of them. It went through several armours before stopping on the one with a jet pack on the back.
   "That is fine. As long as they can move around." Hippolyta didn't care about the looks. All she wanted was for the pair to survive on the lunar surface.
   [Understood.]
   A blue light scanned the pair from top to bottom. Two more holograms appeared next to the two girls. These two showed how the armours would look on the pair.
   [Any colour preferences?]
   "...purple and red?" Hisako said the moment she saw the bland colour of the armour.
   [Like this?]
   The armour's colouring shifted-dominant purple with some red highlights.
   "...That looks good, I take it!"
   Seeing that Hisako had been bought over, Erina decided to join.
   "I want gold and purple."
   [Understood.]
   The armour hologram next to the chef girl shifted to dominant gold and secondary purple. It was not bad, in Erina's opinion. Not that she wants to spend long here picking a colour. They have limited time for this. So she accepted the current colouring.
   "I take this one."
   [Rendering armour. Preparing to craft.]
   Second later, the flour moved, and segments came out. The first ones to appear are the boots.
   [Place your feet in the boots' armour.]
   "..."
   The girl with slightly trembling feet moved, placing her legs in the boots. The moment she did, there was a clicking sound. The metal shoes were sealed on her feet.
   'Oh...' 
   Then, robotic arms came out and proceeded to place the armour on her.
   [Extend your arms in T-position.] 
   The cherry blonde swiftly followed the instructions as the golden armour was placed on her one by one.
   The last piece to be done was the helmet, which weirded the girl out as she wondered how on earth her long hair was dealt with!
   Regardless, it took less than a few minutes as soon as she saw the HUD turning on and the bars with symbols next to them filling up.
   [M.T.M Reactor: Online]
   [Aurora Support: Online]
   [Oxygen Levels: 100%]
   [Radiation Shielding: Online]
   [Assault Knight Model: 1.0 Variable Exploration Setup: Online]
   A bunch of pop-ups appeared in front of her, annoying her. So she made them disappear with a thought.
   'Oh...'
   The next second, she made them reappear. 
   'I see...'
   Since it works like that, she looked at the symbols and made explanation windows pop up.
   'Interesting, so this suit is space worthy!' 
   She realised that her oxygen levels would remain high just by walking on the moon's surface! And even if she doesn't walk around, she has around 3 hours' worth of air!
   This is more than enough to explore the moon in the limited time she has.
   After inspecting the HUD, which she finds unique, slightly intriguing, and a little bit terrifying, she realises that this is the first time she has experienced technology like this so close to her. It's far more interactive than anything she has seen before.
   "Are you two ready?" Hippolyta's face popped on HUD. The chef girl nearly had a fright attack as it was far too sudden.
   "Haha, I know, you get used to it." The Warrior Queen joked, seeing the expression of the two girls.
   "Anyway, we are getting one of the Gunships. It will take to the area where the Apollo missions took place. Master wants us to place Technocracy's flag." 
   When Erina heard that, she snorted from amusement. It feels quite- childish.
   Regardless, the group of four went to the gunship, which was preparing to launch.
   ~~~~~~Meanwhile~~~~~~
   Marcus gunship landed in a much wider and much bigger hangar of Ars Almadel Salomonis. He immediately looked around. There were rows and rows of gunships, Starscream jet fighters and land assault units like the XC-01, spider walkers and even Quinella's Integrity Knights in case she needed them dropped from the orbit.
   As Marcus, Sirin, Gu Yuena, Quinella, and Athena walked forward towards the lifts, the Goddess noticed that rows and rows of Royal Guards stood from the gunship to the lifts.
   Behind these Royal Guards were the Forward Knights equipped with Plasma Pikes, and behind them were the Assault Knights equipped with variable rifles.
   The first thing that came to Athena's mind was to compare this to Star Wars, the entry scene of the Emperor. 
   1
   However, she didn't comment out loud on the similarities.
   "I know it looked big when I saw it above the school, but inside..." Sirin looked around as she realised that Marcus could store buildings and houses in these hangars!
   "It's enormous!"
   "This is only one of eight hangars. All of them are equipped the same way as this one," Marcus explained to her as he continued to walk towards one of the lifts that would take him to the command centre.
   The Command Centre is like the communication tower of his growing Faction.
   Since it's in space, it can cover the entirety of the planet.
   However, once the comm tower is finished in Saturn, it will cover the entirety of the Solar System.
   "...Right..."
   "Remember, we are in space, and everything is bigger here." He said that while stroking her hair. 
   Sirin rolled her eyes before blushing. The guy always looks for opportunities to cuddle her.
   As they arrived at the lift area, the doors opened, showing a large platform big enough for at least eight SUVs. The doors closed behind them, and the platform started to rise.
   "So what are we going to do here?" the white-haired girl asked curiously as she looked around. The lift looked boring. There was nothing to look at.
   "Run last tests for Time Engine." He said as his gaze eventually ended up on her.
   "Our trip has a success rate of 99.73%. We will end up in the... Triassic. However, the specific date is unclear. We could vary from 10,000 to 50,000 years." 
   "...Wait... if the dates are that big. How will we return back properly?" She asked him as she realised that they were talking about millions of years here.
   "Anchor. Our Ars Almadel Salomonis isn't just for show. It will work as a relay point and landing area." He explained to her as he ended up pulling her for a hug. Which made her cheeks start to heat up.
   Considering his fiance was right there.
   "Since it works like an anchor, we can assume you're planning to drop more since we will be checking all of the periods." Athena ignored his actions, as she had already concluded that his affection for his creations was something she had a hard time-fighting.
   "That means you have bigger plans for the prehistoric world," Athena said with a realising look.
   "...But won't that change the world? Impact us?" Sirin exclaimed with some panic. If something changes to Technocracy, to Marcus, won't she cease to exist?
   "Relax. What Athena said is true. In each of the eras, I am planning to have an outpost.
   But then, are not our timelines? At the end." He said with a shrug.
   "Time is a river. And the river will flow regardless if you add one or two islands in it."
   "...So then..."
   "The Triassic we will visit while our is not truly ours. It's just from travelling once we've already branched out," he clarified.
   "What I am doing is simply tying the renegade timelines to my one." 
   Her mouth slightly opened.
   "But aren't you impacting someone else future then?" Sirin, with a realised tone, pointed out.
   "Relax. Our creator is not that ruthless." Quinella rolled her eyes.
   "To impact something in such a distant future is hard. We would need to make an enormous amount of footprint.
   Something we have no reason to do. Considering we don't even need to build on the ground in the first place."
   The assistant pointed out the obvious to the Herrscher.
   "Floating city?" Athena said with a realisation.
   "In a way, it doesn't need to be a city. A fortress is enough." The platinum-haired girl pointed out that they don't need a population; they can automate like they always have.
   "True. I already saw how the base is. I suppose it will work." Since they have assembly lines and perpetual energy, they can build everywhere. It was silly to think that just because they were in the distant past, they wouldn't be able to develop their infrastructure.
   "Yes. We are only interested in dinosaurs and vegetation. As well as observing biological evolution in nature. The rest doesn't mean anything to us."
   Marcus smiled when he heard Quinella's explanation. She knows him well enough.
   Seconds later, the lift doors opened and revealed an enormous hall. They stepped in.
   Sirin's eyes widened as she saw a huge holographic globe of Earth spinning in the middle. She could see countries and their borders, as well as plane routes and ships.
   Technocracy is monitoring everything! As they walked forward, they swiftly saw that this was a balcony, and below them were rows and rows of officers working on their computers. 
   'To think that something like this was onboard the space gun! They are watching everything!' 
   "...I assume that you are watching everything through the internet?" 
   Sirin asked after checking how many computers there were.
   "Internet, satellites, street cameras, everything. I added this little feature after then the strikes in the USA and around the world." 
   'In other words, he wouldn't have bothered if not for the idiocy of humankind.' 
   "...calling it a little..." Athena sighed. 
   "Compared to space, this is not much." He replied to her comment.
   "Then I can assume once our empire becomes interstellar, you will dedicate an entire planet to monitor?" 
   "Indeed. First, a planet, then the solar system, then cluster, then entire Galaxy if need be." 
   'I shouldn't have asked.' 
   "Anyway, for now, let's forget the boring thing and focus on something more fun." 
   He took a step.
   "Begin the last test related to the time engine." 
   The moment he said that Earth's holographic globe disappeared, an enormous screen replaced it. Ars Almadel Salomonis moved. 
   The station pointed away from the Moon and Earth towards a distant void.
   [Begining Time Engine's live tests.]
   "Does the station have a time machine, too?" Athena asked as she realised that the battle station already had a means of time travel.
   "It has Byfrost, too. Upon the stations' upgrade completion, I left sections around Diamond Cores empty. They were filled up along the way I was doing my time travel equations. It was finished the moment Seekvaira submitted her time travel magic.
   I have been snooping around in time travel since I finished my genetic alteration. I have a general idea of how it works and how the engine will look.
   All Seekvaira did was confirm my suspicions." Marcus clarified as he looked at the monitor, which split into two: one showed the outside of the barrel, and the other showed that probes were loaded into the barrel, and gravity had locked them in place.
   [Sir, probes have been loaded; all five of them will be sent at different times.]
   "Fire when you are ready." 
   [Firing in 10...9...8...]
   ~~~~~~Meanwhile, on Moon~~~~~~
   Erina looked at the grey-ish gravel of the moon's surface.
   The world was barren and really quiet-far too calm for her. Thankfully, she was not alone in this place.
   "Erina-sama! Look at the view!" 
   Her assistant got her out of her thoughts.
   The girl dropped the gravel and walked over to Hisako. However, it was quite strange to walk with how light she was feeling.
   As the cherry blonde got up on the hill, she finally saw something amazing!
   She could see Earth in all of its glory!
   "...Beautiful..."
   "Yes... it makes one think how small we are." 
   The assistant's words made a lot of sense. For a while, the chef girl felt that she was at the top of the world, but then Marcus appeared. Then Marcus threatened to blow up London.
   After that, she felt... weak or inadequate, as being great is just that... a cook. 
   She might have influence in certain industries, but in front of Marcus' authority, her influence is nonexistent. The man literally created his own economy independent from the world and then pressed his thumb on the entire planet.
   Now that she can see Earth like this...
   It doesn't feel big... earth is just a blue marble in a massive black void.
   'Is this why he wants to spread to stars? Venus...Mars... and more...'
   That moment, blinding light at the corner of her vision, got her attention.
   Erina turned around and saw the space gun shooting a beam of rainbow energy into something.
   It didn't go far as the beam slammed into some sort of green and white magic circle.
   "Are these the tests he spoke about?" 
   The moment she said that, her HUD showed a window.
   She could see what it was.
   "...So he is sending probes to several different time periods. These probes should crash into Moon in-"
   Seconds later, she saw small meteorites land several miles away from their location.
   Then, several gunships left the space gun and flew towards the location of those meteorites.
   "...It looks like it worked."
   "Yes. Anyway! Girls, you should collect some moonstones. Not every day you visit the moon." Hippolyta interrupted the pair as the Warrior Queen landed not far from them.
   "Right. We should collect some stones. I should bring something for grandfather." 
   The chef girl agreed as she started to look around.
   ~~~
   The gunships landed as SPBA knights exited the transporters with an array of instruments. Then, they walked over to the small craters and started to check the probes' readings.
   "This one left the time warp at 1908 November 24. According to the planetary rotation."
   The knight transmits the data to Ars Almadel Salomonis.
   "And this one left the warp at 1808 November 23."
   "1708 November 21"
   "1608 November 18"
   "1508 November 15."
   "It appears only 1608 and 1508 were slightly off the selected course of November 19 and 17."
   The knights finished with their reports.
   Marcus, who saw the data, stroked his chin.
   "Recalibrate the vectors and double-check the rotations of planets." He then instructed how to work around it.
   "We must remember other gravitation centres like Mars and Venus as well as Jupiter, even if they are that far away. They still emit gravitational pulls."
   [Recalibrating, including all of the gravitational pulls of the Sol system.]
   "Send the word. I want all of those probes collected and recycled for future use." Marcus instructed his officials.
   "Relaying orders."
   A few minutes later, there was another test. 
   This time, everything was right on target. But playing with time travel at a grander scale is a bit taxing.
   Marcus walked over to one of the hologram computers and created another project. This one was quite grand as he wants all meteors and comets tagged and accounted for.
   "That's quite a task. But I am sure our knights will be happy to know that they have some work to do." Quinella, who was standing next to her creator, commented with a smile.
   "Don't forget that we are expanding rapidly. Bases on Venus and Mars already have basic infrastructure. It's only a matter of time before they can start working on their allocated projects."
   She nodded with a hum.
   But then she remembered something.
   "You never told me what are your plans for Mars!" 
   The beauty pouted at him. Even she has no access to his personal files!
   "Mars projects are quite important. One of them is barren planet restoration, which includes revitalisation of the cold planet's core, then observation of planet rotation as Mars doesn't have a big enough moon to balance the planetary spinning.
   The third one is a research of planetary sculpting."
   "...Hoh... I thought as much. You are using the smaller sibling of Earth as test grounds." Quinella was not away.
   The same could be said about Venus, as that planet needs to research its atmosphere.
   "Does it mean you are planning to move moons from Jupiter or Saturn to Mars and Venus?" Quinella suggested as she was thinking about how to stabilise the rotations of those two planets in the inner solar system.
   "We can think of that after we return from the trip." He shook his head. They can think of moving moons at a later date.
   "Indeed~" The beauty used this opportunity to snuggle. She then recalled something crucial.
   "According to my calculations, our trip to the Triassic Period will take around a month." She said that with a thoughtful look.
   "We should think of a schedule for who will accompany you in bed through such a long journey~," She said with a seductive smirk.
   "Oh my. You are not afraid that I could choose such a thing arbitrarily?" Marcus teased his assistant.
   "Not at all. I was designed to strive in such circumstances." The beauty leaned forward and started to whisper into his ear.
   "You should leave such mundane things to your Quinella~." 
   Marcus wrapped his hands around her thin waist and proceeded to kiss her lips.
   The kiss lasted a few moments before he let her go.
   "Then I leave such thing in your hands~"
   ~~~~~~Several Hours Later~~~~~~
   Erina boarded the gunship alongside Hisako and the pair of maids. 
   There were other gunships which were returning to the Confiscator. 
   "It appears Goddess Artemis finally visited the object she should be Goddess off." Hippolyta joked as she recalled how Marcus used to tease her about that.
   She finally became a proper Goddess of the Moon who was on the Moon.
   "How does that even work? Shouldn't she have some sort of power to influence the moon?" Erina, being clueless about the majority of supernatural things, could only ask.
   "In proper terms, her powers don't influence the moon, but they are more conceptual, as gods and their powers were influenced by human worship long ago. 
   As you may know, people who worshipped these gods had no idea what the moon or star was; thus, they became more or less conceptually powerful. Goddess Artemis can't influence the moon's rotation, but she can influence the moon's effects, which are especially visible when hunting at night." Jeanne explained in the same way Marcus explained to her before.
   Erina slightly nodded when she heard that.
   "So it's like being an expert... you could say that just because someone calls you 'Frying Pan God', it doesn't mean you can make frying pans; it's just that you are godly at using them." Erina replied in her own words. She nodded sagely at her own words.
   Whatever it is, she can translate it into her food terms.
   "..."
   "..."
   Jeanne and Hippolyta looked at her strangely, but they nodded at her in the end.
   "Yes, you can say that."
   The pair of maids eventually nodded. But then their eyes went to the side. They realised that they were flying inside the barrel!
   "...This..."
   "I see! We are going to use Ars Almadel Salomonis' powerful barrel to accelerate even more!" 
   "...Wait... why do we need to fly far? Aren't we visiting Earth 250 million years ago?" Erina was confused; she remembered watching those time travel movies.
   "Well, you need to add to the equation that Earth... no, our entire Galaxy is moving. That means Triassic Earth was quadrillion, if not more, miles away from where it is now," Jeanne sagely said to Erina and her assistant.
   "...That's..." For a second, the cherry blonde tried to comprehend the volume of those numbers.
   "Don't think too much. We have no idea how much it is. The number is huge, and don't think too much about what Jeanne says. She is just parroting what Master said a while ago."
   The Chef girl nodded. She still tried to comprehend what it meant. 
   They are travelling very far away. Not just distance but back in time as well.
   "I suppose those movies lied to us." 
   The girl was quite dissapointed.
   Regardless, they arrived at the hangar, and the doors opened up. There were several knights waiting for them.
   "We have prepared containers for you to store moonstones." 
   The knights showed fancy metal boxes with the moon carved in them.
   "Oh, these are beautiful. Do you think we could get something like these in the future for bento?" Erina asked them. As the helmet retracted, she inspected the craftsmanship.
   "No problem. The Automated Assembly Line can create anything you might wish for cooking purposes." 
   As the knight explained, the girl proceeded to store whatever nice-looking stones she acquired on the moon.
   The girl realised that she was one of the few humans to have stones from the Moon! That is amazing.
   'But then I will be one of few to see living dinosaurs and make food from them.'
   Her eyes then widened as she paled in horror. She has no idea how to prepare Dino meat! Is it red meat? Is it a white one? Or is it reptilian!?
   The beauty placed her armoured hand on her forehead.
   'I am... so dead...'
   "Erina-sama?"
   The girl snapped out as she looked at her assistant.
   "It's okay, we will survive... I no doubt we will return alive from this trip!" The girl tried to cheer her up.
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   "...I am not afraid of that." The Totsuki elite replied with a strained look.
   "I am more afraid for us. I have no idea what to do with food. We will be getting Dinosaur meat. How are we supposed to cook that?"
   Erina explained what her fear was.
   "You should not worry about that, Nakiri Erina." A silver-haired maid with braided hair walked over to their side. She had an imposing burst size. Erina's eyes were on those for a bit. These kinds of assets terrified even her. She considered herself to have a great physique, but this one was... well...sinful?
   Or more like devil-like.
   "I am Grayfia Lucifuge. The Head Maid of Marcus Goldman's household. If you need anything, you can ask other maids or me."
   "...I understand. Thank you in advance." Erina slightly bowed like a proper Japanese.
   "It's fine. What I meant is that you have a secondary objective." Grayfia started to clarify.
   "Secondary?"
   "Yes. By all means, we are going to an alien world. That means we will be testing plants, fish, and other life forms. What's good for eating and what's not?"
   Her eyes widened at that moment. She imagined herself as an explorer in an alien world.
   'Wait, I will be...'
   Goosebumps of excitement washed her over.
   "Aurora will assist you in finding out what is poisonous or dangerous for people to consume. Eventually, we will have an entire library of materials for future uses."
   "...Does it mean we will be collecting living specimens?"
   "...Precisely. The entire warship has been repurposed for the singular purpose of acquiring living and breathing dinosaurs which will be added to Technocracy." Grayfia quite proudly said that.
   Once again, her Master will do something no one else did!
   "... by 'added to Technocracy', you mean as soldiers or some... war beasts?" Erina looked pale as she imagined those big creatures from Jurassic Park rampaging through Earth under Marcus' banner!
   'Having hyper tech and robots is not enough!? He needs lizards with big teeth and claws as well!?'
   ~~~
   For advanced chapters (+10 chapters, 50k words) my pat: pat reon.com/DragonsFics
   ~~~
   P.S.: I do weekly voting on Patreon if you want more chapters for this fic (or other fics ) vote there.
  
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   Chapter 98: 'First' Cooking Experience
   4
   Normally, confidence would outweigh the pressure Erina feels from doing her tasks. But this was not cooking. This task, this mission, was much more than that!
   Marcus gave her something major, something insane! He wants her to taste and record everything they bring through 250 million years of Earth's history. 
   It's simply mindboggling; she must sit and let it sink in. 
   1
   [Final preparation for Time Jump is complete. Everyone return to your stations.]
   Aurora's words spread through the vessel. It was time to launch.
   "...Erina-sama, should we go?" 
   "Hmm?" The cherry blonde snapped out and looked at Hisako.
   "Yes, of course." She stood up from her seat. Her legs were a little bit wobbly. When someone is tasked with such a task, it makes her any previous job look like an elementary school assignment.
   Regardless, she won't allow pressure to get to her.
   The pair left the room and walked forward. They saw a pair of silver-haired girls in uniform looking through a window before them. The window was huge. However, what got Erina curious was their disposition. They felt different from the rest of the girls they met.
   Devils they meet have these dark, almost sinful auras, while goddesses they meet make them feel this urge to worship them. At the same time, the dragons had that primal feeling of fear while looking at them.
   But these two... it made her back straighten up like they were in front of a military officer.
   "Hmm? Oh, you are that Chef Girl everyone was talking about." The one with the sailor's hat and leather jacket spoke first.
   "...Yes. I am Erina Nakiri. It's an honour to speak with you two." Erina, while having no idea who these two were, was respectful nonetheless.
   "Right, apologies. I am CV-6 Enterprise. My designation is Biological Combat Model Enterprise. I am a Carrier Ship's combat model."
   "What does it mean?" Hisako blurred her words as she tried to grasp the silver-haired girl's words.
   "In simple terms, we are 'spirits' of warships." The other military girl with short silver hair spoke with an icy tone; while she sounded cold, it wasn't directed at them. It was more like how she just is.
   "Spirits?"
   "Yes. We are the embodiments of our warships. Though this journey..." Enterprise spoke with a strained smile.
   "I don't think we will be able to summon our warships as we will be far away from the influence of Technocracy." 
   "...You need the technology of Technocracy to access them?"
   "Indeed. We were designed like that. We are part of this trip to conduct two things. One is to feel what it means to be a human without our ships, and the second is to figure out a connection to reconnect to the golden armoury." 
   "...Figure out? Is it even possible? Jeanne-san said that the distance would be enormous." Erina spoke as her eyes went to the side. Something caught her attention.
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
    She realised that she could see the space gun's barrel insides.
   The gun started to send pulses of energy towards the end of the construct.
   It looked like a runway, and they were about to get launched. 
   "Don't worry about us. Chef Girl. You have your assignment, and we have ours." As Enterprise said that, she looked back at what was before her. 
   The lights got brighter as it looked like a bridge of some sort was created under the survey ship.
   Then...the vessel moved. 
   One second, they were in the barrel. The next second, it was void, and it looked like the stars were getting stretched out by some strange force.
   They were stretched in reverse!
   'This...this is Time travel!!!'
   'Even if I ever mention that I was part of it... would people believe it?' 
   Sure enough... all she could see was that they were flying... somewhere...fast...
   "Well, it was not that bad. But not as explosive as I thought." Enterprise was not dissapointed or impressed. It felt like another mission to the carrier ship. 
   Something she was created for.
   "Yes. It was... just a mode of transportation." The other girl said in a plain but cold tone.
   "Oh, right! Erina Nakiri. This is Tirpitz. She is a battleship, One of the Admiral's creations. It's the same as me. More ship girls are coming out soon. Well, it depends on Admiral's mood!"
   The ship girl introduced the girl next to her. 
   "I do want to know what you can cook for us!"
   The silver-haired girl smiled at her; she looked excited. 
   Then...
   [Erina Nakiri. Supreme Commander wants to see you.]
   The chef girl's face paled as she felt Marcus was summoning her to the chopping block.
   [Proceed to the lift, which will take you to the bridge.] 
   ...
   ...
   ...
   "You shouldn't keep Admiral waiting as you are new in Technocracy. You need to prove yourself and prove your value. As a spirit of a warship, I am well aware of what it means when a new sailor shows up on the ship." Enterprise commented as she looked at petrified Erina.
   "Enterprise is right. You should proceed." Tirpitz chipped in as well. 
   "Erina-sama, let's go!"
   "...R-Right." 
   The pair proceeded to walk towards the lift. 
   ~~~
   Erina stepped onto the bridge. 
   It was more like a throne room than a Bridge. Glass surrounded it. It was like a squire room. The only way she could discern this as a bridge was from the view in front of her, as she could see the ship's hull stretching in the distance and a bunch of girls sitting around computers.
   But that throne in the middle stands out the most.
   The throne moved around and revealed Marcus with... a maid on his lap... this maid had cat ears and a tail... a cat girl?
   For a second, she remembered seeing this girl standing in the line when they first arrived at the hangar deck.
   "I hope you settled in properly?" 
   Marcus asked her curiously; he did want her to settle in as he wanted her to operate at 100%. 
   "...Y-Yes," Erina replied with a nervous voice.
   "Good. Our journey will take around 32 days. Ars Almadel Salomonis barrel accelerated us quite a bit. Instead of 60 days, it will be 32 only." He explained the journey.
   "...That is good?" Erina tried to understand his angle.
   "It depends. After all, you have 32 days to impress us, Erina." He smiled while stroking his lion girl. The lion girl looked at Erina with a curious look. 
   She wants to see how good of a cook she is if she attracts the attention of her Master.
   "...I see. Then I need a kitchen and what everyone wants for dinner." 
   The moment it was cooking, her confidence returned with force.
   Marcus and his pet noticed that immediately. They slightly smiled, though the reasons were different.
   For Marcus, it was nostalgia as he finally saw some glimpses of that girl he remembered from the anime, and Atalanta in his lap was intrigued by that confidence. Does it mean she is good enough to have such confidence in front of the Conqueror of the Underworld?
   "Jeanne, take her to the kitchen and show how everything works."
   "...As you wish."
   One of the maids who was standing behind Marcus moved forward.
   "The rest of you will prepare the dining hall for dinner." The Inventor instructed the rest.
   With a nod, they all went to lower levels.
   "...What should I cook for you?" Erina asked him as she started to feel the pressure.
   "That depends on you. I left enough hints for you." He said that with a small smile.
   That moment, Erina had a flashback as she recalled him leaving maids to her to help her, and they talked about Marcus. 
   'He used his maids' affections to make them tell me what he likes for food!'
   Part of her felt a chill go down her spine. If she were more terrified and spoke less, then she would know less! If she knew less, then she would be going blindly into this!
   "I understand." 
   "Good. Then-"
   He had a pondering look.
   "How about this? You are all about making food and running restaurants.
   Then treat this like a new 'restaurant'. 
   Let's make a 'Menu'." He said with a smile.
   "...But... restaurant is to accommodate an array of people with distinctive tastes," Erina replied with a sweaty Does he want to make a restaurant experience from just himself!?
   "And we are an array of people." 
   He pointed at his girls.
   Sirin, Gu Yuena, Goddess Athena, the lion girl, Quinella... 
   And from the looks of it, they could potentially have various tastes.
   "I Understand. Then leave it to me." 
   With a bow, she turned around and left with her assistant; Jeanne motioned for them to follow her.
   Seconds later, they left the bridge.
   "...The moment it was cooking, something flipped inside of her," Athena commented with a curious tone. Before this conversation, the girl was mundane and afraid.
   "She is like me, Athena. She is a COOK, and she is good at one thing, and that is to cook." He said with a small smile while he stroked Atalanta's long hair. He slightly missed this feeling.
   "...so you expect her to excel? Very interesting." 
   If Marcus vouches for this human chef, then even the Goddess is interested.
   "Interesting." Athena nodded while Quinella looked at the lift doors. She was slightly concerned that a human could potentially impact her creator.
   If this Erina Nakiri influences her Creator, it could potentially impact Project Eden.
   They only want resourceful humans to survive. What is the point of bringing humans to stars if the same weed will recover?
   But then again, she read about Totsuki. This academy is something she likes. She likes the weeding-out system they had in place.
   'I suppose this rests upon Erina Nakiri's talent. If she can impress, Totsuki might as well survive and be useful to us in the future.
   We can copy the method they use for future academies.'
   For the first time since she was created, Quinella is intrigued by humans other than Marcus.
   Of course, this intrigue will only continue if Erina completes her tasks.
   Quinella has weeks to study the chef girl.
   One way or another, the fate of wider humanity is in the hands of a proud Chef Girl who likes reading Shojo Manga.
   ~~~
   Erina looked at what she called a bleak kitchen. It had no character, and there were no pots or pans...
   It was...
   Ugh... moment...
   'I may be a bleak kitchen, but I can feel Marcus Goldman all over it.'
   "Is it possible to step back and turn this kitchen how I want it?" Erina asked Jeanne as the chef girl looked around. She felt her soul slowly leaving her body, as this kitchen was soulless.
   If Marcus were to read her mind now, he would be somewhat offended as he spent quite a while designing his kitchen models.
   "Of course. Tell me what you want."
   There was a glint in Erina's purple eyes as she unleashed an avalanche of words.
   "When I will start with a cooker-" 
   She started to with cooker, pods, pans, tools, knives and other things. The Totsuki Elite send Hisako away to bring her personal knives as well.
   As the kitchen was getting refitted to fit Erina's taste, the girl in question changed into her white chef uniform and put her hair into a ponytail.
   By the time she was done changing, the kitchen looked different. Erina didn't expect how quickly everything was happening! She thought she had some time to prepare a plan for what she wanted to cook!
   "The bots are almost done with the upgrades you requested," Jeanne informed the girl, as Aurora's bots were almost done installing the kitchen equipment.
   "So what you are thinking to cook?" The Saint maid asked with a curious tone.
   However, she didn't expect a Marcus-like answer.
   "Well, I am thinking with an array of pork and potato dishes, considering he is from Eastern Europe, I could do some Slavic dishes, try out several methods of-"
   Erina got Jeanne lost when she started naming possible taste variations. 
   'Is this even cooking? Food is food!' The maid's eyes started to spin.
   "...Great..."
   After telling her plan, Erina started inspecting everything. The craftsmanship was extremely good. For a while, she forgot that she was in a spaceship travelling through space and time, and instead, she was in one of her kitchens.
   "Jeanne-san, how do I get products?"
   "Oh, right, use the fridge over there." 
   The blonde maid explained how to use it, and the chef girl started ordering things in bulk...
   But...
   The first major hurdle manifested for Erina.
   'This isn't good... these products are like... being printed out... they are all the same!'
   The cherry blonde inspected the tomatoes, potatoes, and pork she got.
   They all look identical!
   "...Hisako, do you see this?" Erina handed over a bowl full of tomatoes to her assistant.
   "...Apart from being created from thin air?" The pink-haired girl nerviously pointed out how stuff was appearing from thin air. 
   Something Erina glossed over as she was focusing on her work.
   "Not that. Inspect the tomatoes." 
   For a second, Hisako blushed, but then she started to inspect them.
   ...
   ...
   ...
   "They look identical, like...cloned?"
   Hisako answered with realisation.
   "Yes...we have a big issue... how I am supposed to perform at my best if products we have are not the best..." Erina sighed as she was in a pickle.
   'Or is this on purpose? I am being challenged with limited resources. Isn't this like Totsuki training camp?' 
   The cherry blonde girl bit her right thumb's nail as she was thinking about how to approach this.
   [Instead of growing products in an old-fashioned way, we record the genetic make-up and then continuously use atom manipulation to copy according to the recorded genetic map.]
   Aurora explained to the pair.
   "...but this leads to stale taste." Erina immediately replied to her.
   "Each and every farmer produces food according to their unique methods. Some use a more natural approach, and others use more modern practices, which give products different tastes." The Chef girl explained as she looked at the potato in her hand.
   "And that is why you are here," Quinella spoke as she walked into the kitchen. She inspected the newly reworked kitchen before looking at the chef girl.
   "..." Erina felt that this woman was dangerous. Like... from all the women she saw in this place, this one is giving her the most dangerous chills.
   "...You see... I have been reading about your Totsuki for a while now." Quinella placed her elbows on the table and put her cheeks on her palms while inspecting the cherry blonde.
   "I like your school. It reminds me of what we want to do to the planet as a whole." 
   Erina didn't know what to feel about that!
   "Come now. Don't look at me like that. What we want is very similar." Quinella smiled at Erina.
   "You want the best possible outcome for your Totsuki, right? I want the best outcome for Technocracy. I want my creator's dream to come true. To make his dream come true is not hard.
   By this point, it's inevitable. My current job is more like being Noah. You have heard of him, right?"
   The chef girl slowly nodded her head. She was on guard against this dangerous female.
   "The man who builds a boat to survive the flood?" Erina recalled what she remembered.
   "Precisely. Here is the plan. Cook, impress our Master. Once you do that, we can start herding your Totsuki into the ark." Quinella smiled.
   "After all, if we make Totsuki survive, we can use your Academy expertise to improve farming, logistics, and other things related to agriculture." 
   "...That is good to know that I have someone who feels the same way I do."
   Erina was slightly relaxed when she heard about the possible outcome for her academy.
   "It should be obvious. I am his assistant. My job is to please him in any way he wants.
   If I see something that could make him happy, I will acquire it." Quinella smiled before it morphed into a chilling one.
   "The same can be said about failure and him becoming angry at someone. It's not that you shouldn't be afraid of him. You should, but it's me and his followers who can make someone's life into a living hell. After all we do control hell now." The beauty giggled when she mentioned the last words.
   "Regarding your products. You should address this issue after preparing several dishes and pointing out the staleness of the taste.
   Once he realises this, he will arrange changes, and you will get what you want." After saying that, Marcus' assistant left.
   ...
   ...
   ...
   *Relieved Sigh*
   Erina released a sigh. She forgot that she was holding her breath!
   "That is his assistant..." Hisako never thought she would meet an assistant as dangerous as this one! 
   "Yes. But she gave me an idea." The chef girl returned to her work and continued to make spices and other materials needed for her dish.
   ~~~~~~Meanwhile~~~~~~
   Marcus checked over data his has on the time periods..
   It will be alien worlds, and that is an understatement. 
   'From 40 to 60 degrees Celsius average to oxygen levels being much higher than normal. Then, dominated by desert and tropical climates, the temperate climate concept is nonexistent.'
   The inventor stroked his chin as holograms surrounded his throne.
   "I need to come up with something to maintain 'purity' of the time we are moving too."
   "Purity?" Atalanta sounded confused.
   "Precisely, we should not allow any of the bacteria we carry to contaminate the period we are entering.
   I suppose special suits will be needed." Marcus explained to his lion girl.
   "If we leave something by accident, it could potentially survive all the extinction events. Something I don't want to happen." 
   "...Oh... like bringing diseases? I remember that story about South America and the first encounter of the Spanish and natives." Atalanta casually commented as her tail wiggled back and forth.
   "Yes. The basis is that, but as I said, it's just another layer of protection I want. Diseases from humans moving to prehistoric animals is something I have no knowledge to base how it will work." He said with a sigh to his pet.
   "Many palaeontologists even say that we wouldn't be able to hear dinosaurs as they release sounds in different frequencies. Not that I know if this is true." Marcus explained to her.
   "...I see... so it is a completely different world we are going to."
   "Of course. It's the first ever alien world we are going to.
   It's a test as well. It's a test to see how we will fare once we land on another planet in a different solar system." Excitement swiftly returned to Marcus's voice.
   "Good. I can't wait." 
   Atalanta nodded with a similar excited tone.
   "Indeed, so I need to make explorer's gear. Thankfully, I have a whole month to come up with something." He said that while stroking his chin with his free hand.
   "The armours you build are not good enough?" The lioness pointed out. As far as she is aware, those armours are space-worthy. If they are space-worthy, they should be alien planet-worthy too.
   "Yes. They could work, but they are meant for conflict. They are armour, not a suit. A suit should fit nicely and be comfortable to move in. It's still a chunk of metal. I am thinking of branching out. Maybe nanotech or human-made material at the atomic level." He mentioned some possibilities out loud.
   "..."
   "Let's see..."
   His free hand moved away from his chin and proceeded to make something using his holograms. It has been a while since he did that. 
   First, he designed a prototype nanobot. These are not hard. He already had everything needed; all he needed to do was program them.
   Add new routines only available to nanobots, as well as self-replication and frameworks that they have to follow. One doesn't want these things to get out of control.
   "They look like small bugs." Atalanta looked at the design with disgust. Bugs and females don't mix that much. 
   "Hah. To think that a huntress has such traits."
   "And why not? I see a bug... I kill it. Simple as that." She shrugged at him.
   "Regardless, these will come in handy in several situations, like in my soldiers or the buildings themselves."
   "...Soldiers?" Atalanta shivered when she heard that. Is he planning to put these inside his men!?
   "Oh, yeah. I guess you never heard about this but nanites are stample technology in most sci-fi tropes. Besides-" 
   Marcus stroked his chin as he realised that if he used nanobots in critical future infrastructure like the Star Ways...
   A.K.A. highways in space between the solar system could constantly recalibrate the Star Ways in case something interferes between them.
   The inventor's initial idea was simple and very similar to space grand strategy games. In games, there are highways between solar systems, and since he has unlimited resources, he might as well start making grand projects at Galaxy levels.
   He might as well embrace his 'fetish' for the desire to leave a forever-lasting legacy at a cosmic level.
   "These little thingies add flexibility to my Technomancy."
   "...Another fiction turning reality thing... I think that genre has to be deleted as it's no longer fiction; it's more like science fact." The Liongirl snorted.
   "Maybe..."
   ~~~
   Sirin pouted, seeing the lion girl snuggling on Marcus' lap. What she saw made her jealousy burn with intense heat.
   'That fake feline! How dare she act like that!!! All she wants is to use him for her needs! If only I had my powers, I would crush her!'
   However, she quickly declined that idea. She can't fight his maids. That's a big no-no.
   "Excuse me..."
   Sirin's thoughts were interrupted as she saw the chef's assistant.
   "...What?" Sirin channelled her cold queen attitude.
   Hisako paled as she took a step back.
   "...Well... we need a tester. Some of the dishes are ready. We only need to pass through some testing. Erina-sama still has no idea what kind of taste buds Marcus and his faction have."
   When the Herrscher heard that, she calmed down somewhat.
   She decided to bury her jealousy with food. That should help!
   "Fine. I will test it out." Sirin brushed her hair; it reminded Hisako of Erina. This girl has a similar queen-like attitude.
   "Me too."
   When Hisako heard that voice, she paled ghostly. Turning her head to the side, she saw Marcus leaning against the doors.
   'Did he teleport!? Wait, why was Sirin behind these doors?' A bunch of questions popped into the chef's assistant's head! 
   'Wait! Did I wander close to Marcus' workshop!?' 
   Hisako realised that her luck was garbage! 
   She nearly landed on a landmine, but in this situation, the landmine ended up hitting her anyway!
   "S-Sure." 
   'It's not like I can deny him!'
   "Great! Developing a new branch of technology builds up an appetite." He motioned them to walk.
   "W-Wait for a moment, Mr Goldman-"
   "Call me Marcus." The inventor interrupted her.
   But his words only terrified Hisako more.
   "...The thing is, these dishes are just test runs. We are adjusting to the ingredients we have and trying to develop the menu you asked of us!" Hisako swiftly caught up to him.
   "I know. That better than anyone." He rolled his eyes at her.
   "You do realise that you are walking aboard a ship which has been improved three times. You are serving a dish to a fellow creator, but I am not some customer in a restaurant." 
   "...Right..."
   Honestly, when he said that like that, it...
   It was enough to lower the pressure, somewhat...
   'I need to tell Erina-sama this; maybe it will help.'
   ...
   ...
   ...
   "...Hisako... HIIII!!!!" Erina squeaked loudly. She asked Hisako to find some maids to test, but she brought the one she didn't want to touch for several days!!!
   When the pink-haired assistant saw the reaction of her lady, she could only want to try to find a hole to hide.
   "My- oh my... to think you discerned me to this degree."
   Marcus walked over and saw an array of very familiar dishes...
   'Potato pancakes, rice with pork, white salads, beetroot soup, an array of sour cream dishes.
   She created an array of traditional food from my side of the continent.'
   "...These are just your local dishes... from my understanding," Erina explained with a sweaty forehead.
   "True...but you have checked the data logs, didn't you?" Marcus smiled while saying that. He ate all of these in the past two to three weeks. Especially when he was living aboard Scavenger and Confiscator.
   "Your Artificial Intelligence showed your eating habits. All I did was improve the recipes." Erina explained before swiftly clarifying to him.
   "...But these are not my final dishes for the menu you asked..."
   Seeing how on edge she was, Marcus rolled his eyes.
   "Relax, I know that this is a test." He explained before using his powers to summon a chair and a fork with a knife and a spoon.
   "That is why I want to eat this. You do realise that I care more about progress than the end goal." He explained to her before his eyes ended up on the pancakes. This dish is extremely heavy on the stomach, but honestly, he doesn't give fuck about 'heavy stomach'. He is an existance which evolved beyond such mundane nonsense.
   So he quickly cut a piece as he looked at what was inside the pancake.
   It was a thick layer of meat.
   'Ah, yes, I forgot that Erina cares about 'perfection' sometimes... all the time... that can mean that the portions will be smaller.'
   Regardless, he took some sour scream, a stample 'sauce' from Eastern Europe. 
   Then he took a bite. The moment the food touched his taste buds... something happened. 
   Marcus closed his eyes and tried to process what he was tasting.
   As he was doing that, Erina and Hisako looked at him with nervous looks and sweaty foreheads. The food he eats is very oily and heavy. Since Eastern Europe is known for cold winters and home food dishes, it took her a while to adapt to her standards.
   That means she didn't want him to see this for a while!
   "...It's good."
   "..."
   "..."
   Erina expected him to tell more!!!
   "..."
   "..."
   "..."
   "Let me!" Sirin couldn't contain herself as she used her psionic powers to get a seat and her fork with a knife.
   As Sirin was doing that, their attention swiftly went back to Marcus.
   "...Any more...opinions? I don't have much experience with your cuisines." Erina wasn't embarrassed to say that Eastern European, like Baltic and Slavic food, is considered minor when compared to Italian or French.
   "It's different from what I am used to." He said with a thoughtful voice as he pondered what to say.
   "I suppose you lowered what makes these pancakes, pancakes." He pointed at it with a fork.
   "...Umm..."
   She tried to understand what he meant.
   "These pancakes should fill up someone who returned home from work on a tiring day-" He placed the fork down and crossed his arms.
   "I suppose when I eat this, I expected to be filled up." 
   "....I see..." The cherry blonde swiftly understood what he meant. She has not caught the essence of the dish.
   "Regardless, the taste is good, but it doesn't have 'punch'." He then moved the dish to Sirin's side, who had already finished her pancakes and was eyeing his.
   After pancakes, it was time for other dishes, which were all good. But they all sort of lacked a similar thing-a similar essence...of home cooking.
   "..."
   "..."
   "..."
   "This is the first time that I had someone else taste my early dishes like this." Erina had a 'dark cloud' above her head.
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   "Oh, your assistant never points out certain things?" Marcus asked with a smile, impressed by all these 'tests'. These dishes had already improved whatever his Database had. After all, he never improved them after initial downloads.
   "...No, she does." Erina shook her head.
   "But this was different. You found the core issue. Instead of taste, you found where I should improve."
   'It's important for the specific menu you want,' Erina said to herself. Maybe this was for the best. Now she know where she should work.
   "That reminds me. I wished to discuss something with you." The chef girl realised that this was the perfect opportunity to speak with him about the ingredients. 
   "It's the ingredients... isn't it?" 
   He chuckled as he already knew.
   "...so you knew?" Erina shouldn't have been shocked.
   "Of course. I am the one who invented everything." He rolled his eyes.
   "I simply filled the database with single examples of everything." Marcus leisurely explained as he accepted a cup of tea from Hisako. By this point, Sirin's upper half was lying on the table. She was stuffed herself full.
   "I was looking for someone who could expand on it. But no one noticed the issue." He shrugged.
   "...Wait... Master... are you telling me that there were hidden missions all over the Technocracy..." Atalanta looked dumb for a second. Something like this was available, and she never noticed it!
   "Of course." He scoffed. 
   "Why do you think I want to create Technocracy in the first place?" He asked her as he lifted his finger.
   "For example..." He pointed at Erina.
   "We are going to the Triassic Period with a chef who has an unparalleled ability to discern taste. Once she starts tasting new ingredients, she will invent tens, if not hundreds, of dishes.
   And that is science and inventions, which is what my Technocracy does." 
   When Marcus pointed that out, both Erina and Hisako gulped down. Their eyes trembled with excitement.
   "...True... I forgot..." Atalanta realised that Technocracy studies everything... 
   Even food...
   "...then I can study dinosaur behaviour patterns?" The Lioness pointed out.
   "Of course. But what for? You are my pet. Leave such a mundane stuff to Artemis." Marcus waved his hand as if it were a nuisance.
   Atalanta sighed. Sure, she will keep that in mind, but she will still hunt in prehistoric Earth! 
   ~~~
   For advanced chapters (+10 chapters, 50k words) my pat: pat reon.com/DragonsFics
   ~~~
   P.S.: I do weekly voting on Patreon if you want more chapters for this fic (or other fics ) vote there.
  
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   Chapter 99: Flow of Time
   12
   After eating, Marcus returned to his work. Atalanta sneaked away somewhere as she began to set things in motion and prepare for the trip.
   The Lioness is walking on a thin line, and the moment she is away, Sirin sneaks into his lap.
   The Herrscher doesn't care about points she can earn. She has everything she wants. If not, then she can ask Marcus to give it to her.
   It's simple in her eyes. That cat girl still has some lingering independent thoughts. Something she shouldn't bother with when she lives under technocracy. 
   After all, Marcus can do everything needed. If Atalanta had thought more about it, she could have easily gotten what she wanted.
   'But then again, she is a lion. I have no idea how that kind of people should be operating.'
   As she pondered about her competition, Marcus continued to work on Nanobots. He already has models, and synchronisation did; all left is programming, which he works through rapidly. 
   The thing is, he already has many blueprints to work through. One of the perks of having a faction like this is that he has much knowledge to work with.
   For inventors like him, raw resources are not a priority. What they need is a different kind of resource, and that is knowledge.
   That is why he was done with nanites in just a few days. 
   Though he was done, he couldn't improve his ship as they were midflight.
   [Sir, we are approaching Phase Two.]
   "Phase two? What does she mean?" Sirin snapped out from her plotting as she turned her head to his side and looked at him.
   "To travel back in time in the most efficient way possible, as we are going very far, it is better to leave time altogether and reposition where we want.
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   It's like playing at the river. You don't struggle against the stream. You leave the river, walk where you want, and re-enter it." He explained to her as he slowly stood up. Sirin ended up standing as well.
   "Let's go. Not every day can we see how reality looks without time." 
   "...Wait...doesn't it mean that time flows differently in Confiscator?" Sirin realised that midway.
   "Ha. So you noticed it. Yes. Time flows differently here. It flows how it is supposed to, regardless of where we are. It means it only passed two days for us regardless of where we are."
   "...How did you even do that? Aren't we outside stream of time?" She asked with an uncertain tone.
   "That's dear where Time Engine and Byfrost come into play. My Confiscator has several different gravity wells. As you know, gravity wells can impact time. That is why we have several of them. The first one allows us to travel through time using the byfrost method.
   Byfrost is a Norse term, as they came up with this first. First, they warp space around themselves and then create a bridge through which they can move fast. 
   I use the same method; graviton projectors cast the bridge in front of us." Marcus even summoned a hologram of the ship and showed it to her.
   "That is why my Confiscator has another extra Diamond core. That diamond core is what is powering Time Engine alone. The other core powers the Byfrost and Graviton Engines, and the last is used in day-to-day things."
   "...You are using two perpetual motion machines just to power this journey?" 
   Sirin realised just how absurd this journey was to make it happen.
   "Precisely. It tells us how absurd the concept of time travel is not? Movies make it look so simple." He said with a snort as he dismissed the hologram and motioned to walk towards the closest window.
   "Tell the crew how rare this this step is," Marcus told his AI.
   [Understood, relaying this message.]
   As he said, they arrived in front of the observation deck, just below the bridge.
   Sirin's eyes widened as she saw greenish-blue clouds on her right side -more like a nebula... or something like that! But the more they moved, the more she understood what she saw... it was a river!
   "...Beautiful, isn't it? What you are looking at is time. You know... this is like seeing Earth for the first time from space. 
   For many years, people wondered how their world looked; for thousands of years, people speculated. From disc to being the centre of the universe. 
   This is not different. We needed to move out of time to observe it."
   Marcus smirked as he greedily looked at the time stream.
   Sirin dumbly nodded as she looked at it.
   Her eyes tried to comprehend what she saw, its scale! What she saw is simply... incomprehensible. 
   '...wait... if I comprehend this... won't that mean I can manipulate time itself?'
   The beauty bit her right thumb's nail as she tried to understand.
   "...I know that look. This is the perfect opportunity for you, Sirin, but not everyone. For the next 28 days, we will travel outside the stream before reentering it. 
   You can try to comprehend it." After saying that, he briefly looked at the stream before returning to his workshop.
   ~~~
   "Our grandfather would sell his soul to see what we are looking at," Athena said with a knowing look at her half-sister.
   "...Hah. Maybe, but he is too proud." Artemis shook her head before looking at the time stream with crossed arms.
   "But do you realise how absurd this situation is? We are outside literal time. We are looking at it as some celestial object or phenomenon." The Goddess of Hunt said with a strained smile.
   "I am no longer surprised. Instead, I am curious." As Athena said, she created a basic-looking magic circle and started adding Greek letters to it. 
   The Goddess of Wisdom started to develop basic time-related spells.
   She has a visual idea of how time looks and flows, so all she needs to do is layer it...
   Marcus never considered the consequences of taking living beings out of time flow. 
   Even mundane people are affected by it.
   Erina Nakiri never considered that just by being on the ship, she would grasp fundamental laws of time...
   "What are we looking at?" The cherry blonde looked at the greenish-blue nebula-like thing through the window. It looked like some sort of drawn-coloured wind.
   [What you are looking at is the time outside of time flow.]
   Erina wanted to say: 'Is that even possible?' but she controlled herself and gazed at it with a spacey look. There was something hypnotic about it.
   The same was true with her assistant. Gazing at Earth from the Moon was like a fundamental reflection of how small one is compared to the Cosmos.
   But this? This... was a fundamental reflection of how short is one's existence. 
   However, gazing at this celestial phenomenon is something no living being should see as it can easily shatter one's mind and question the purpose of life itself.
   "...Wow... well..."
   Erina snapped out and refocused, shaking her head, trying to get over it. 
   Once she recovered to some extent, she turned around and walked back to the kitchen. She has things to do.
   But then she saw that Hisako was not following her.
   "Hisako."
   No answer.
   "Hisako!"
   No answer.
   Erina frowned. She grabbed the girl's shoulder and shook her for a second.
   It was enough for her to snap out.
   "Erina-sama?"
   The pink-haired girl looked confused for a second.
   "You have spaced out for a second." The chef girl explained as she motioned to follow her back to the kitchen.
   "...M-My apologies!" The girl chased after her.
   As they returned to the kitchen, the AI closely observed their behaviour after seeing the time flow.
   After doing some calculations, the AI notified her creator.
   ~~~
   "Curious..." The inventor watched the video of Erina shaking Hisako.
   [My consensus is that watching time allows biological beings to grasp fundamental laws of the space-time continuum.]
   'In other words, they can develop time powers.' 
   Marcus stroked his chin.
   For Marcus, time manipulation is something he already grasped and almost shoved aside as he no longer finds much fascination.
   But if others can develop powers just from gazing at it? Now that is interesting.
   'However, this is a dangerous game. Their psyche can melt if they are not careful.'
   "Prepare bio chambers. We are going to improve our chefs." 
   [Understood.]
   "...Hmm, are you going to improve them?" Sirin was confused by the video Marcus was watching. So, she was even more confused about why he wanted to alter those two humans.
   "Yes. It's vital, as I don't want them to die at random encounters." The inventor motioned for her to stand up as the pair proceeded to walk to the kitchen.
   "At the same time, we improve the psyche. While Erina has quite the willpower when it comes to cooking, she can channel that outside of it, but Hisako Arato is not so well."
   As they walked to the lift, they were taken to the lower floor. 
   After walking for a bit, they arrived at the kitchen.
   The pair were cooking a storm once more. As the pair realised that it's not a joke to feed dragon girl, a literal dragon and selection of goddesses...
   Instead of despairing, Erina rose to the challenge. Cooking for the gods was a badge of honour for her.
   "...The dinner is still-"
   Marcus raised his hand to stop her.
   "I am here to discuss some side effects." He said while leaning against a table with crossed arms.
   "Side effects?" Erina paled.
   "Yes. I am preparing Bio-chambers for you two." 
   "...B-Bio-"
   "Bio-chambers are medical baths which improve your genes and remove genetic impurities. They put you at the peak of the human species. If you want, I can add extras like giving powers." 
   Erina's eyes perked when she heard that.
   "...But why now?" Hisako asked with a curious tone.
   "...It's because of the dangers of such travel. As you might have noticed, observing time has already affected your psyche." The moment Marcus mentioned that the girls looked surprised and paled.
   "Regardless, take a short break and follow me for now." He motioned for them to follow him.
   "...Is there a price for such treatment?" Erina asked in a professional tone, as she knew that everything has a price.
   "...price? Power, power always has a price. You will stand out from the rest of the people. As someone with God's Tongue, you already know what it means to stand out from normal people."
   "...What about you?" The cherry blonde asked in an inquisitive tone.
   "Me?" Marcus looked surprised and curious. It appeared Erina had finally developed enough backbone to ask some questions.
   "Yes. But, if you want, you don't need to tell me anything." But then she quickly realised that she was jumping beyond her post.
   "It's fine. I went through several sessions to develop a unique power meant for me."
   '...Wait...' 
   Erina, for a second, realised something absurd.
   'He used biology to improve his genius, then used that genius to develop more tools to improve himself further!
   It's like a never-ending cycle! The Chef girl swiftly realised how absurd this was!
   It's like a... biological machine!
   The group took the lift to the lower floors. It was on the same floor as the water park, only on the opposite side.
   This was where his knights were on standby. 
   In other words, the barracks.
   But then went to the other side of the corridor. The double doors opened, revealing five bio-chambers.
   The girls looked at this sight, the only thing which came to mind was 'sci-fi!'. 
   "...Are these... clone vats?" Hisako asked him the very next second.
   "...Hisako?" Erina was confused. How on earth does she know that?
   "...Star Wars, Erina-sama."
   "Ah, yes. Attack of Clones." He stroked his chin.
   "I based my personal Genetic wing on Kamino." Marcus casually commented on that before motioning to walk deeper into the room.
   "Now come in. We shall begin the process." As he said that, he motioned for hologram screens to pop up. With simple hand swings, he went through menus.
   "For now, you girls need to undress."
   "!!!"
   "!!!"
   "H-Hold on a second!"
   The pair started to blush up a storm.
   Marcus rolled his eyes when he saw them get embarrassed.
   *Sigh*
   "Fine. Send here a few maids and bring hospital-style clothes." 
   The inventor asked his AI.
   [Relaying orders.]
   "Good. In the meantime, give me a single strand of your hair."
   He mentioned the pair to give him.
   The pair looked at him with uncertain looks.
   "What? I only want one piece of hair." He once again eye-rolled at them.
   "You two realise that I will get your DNA either way." Solomon's successor clarified that it was pointless.
   After hearing that, Erina walked forward and elegantly pulled a strand from her ponytail.
   Marcus used his psionic energy to make it flow over to him. He then placed it on a reader. 
   Seconds later, the scanning bar rapidly filled up. With the built-in Quantum Computer, the concept of long-loading screens doesn't exist.
   Before long, Marcus saw a naked picture of Erina...
   "...!!!" The beauty blushed when she saw that.
   "As I said, I will see your DNA. If I see DNA, I see your body in full glory.
   "...P-Pervert!..." Erina stuttered.
   "...Not the first time I have been named like that. But you do have to realise that I created five beauties already. A woman's body is not unknown to me." As he said that, he made the figure spin before switching to the actual DNA strand, and he quickly found what he had been looking for.
   And that is God's Tongue.
   "...Interesting, you have an extra atom next to the atom responsible for taste..." With hand motion, Marcus expanded on and started to figure out how this worked.
   'My oh my. It's such a curious thing. It's an actual 'boaster'.' Gears started spinning in Marcus' head as he began to think about how to use them on other things, like boaster for mana sensitivity or specific traits of supernatural beings.
   "...That's maybe my God's tongue." 
   Erina slightly recovered as she realised that her naked picture was gone.
   "Yes. I know. But this is a fantastic piece for my database. I will give you Technocracy points. You can use them to make things from Assembly lines for your personal use."
   "...Wait... you paying me for having God's tongue?" The beauty was confused.
   "Yes, as I have recorded it and now everyone in my faction can have it."
   "!!!"
   "!!!"
   Both Erina and Hisako looked gobsmacked.
   "But that's not all. I can reverse engineer the method and how it evolved and use it for other things like mana or nose sensitivity." He said with a shrug.
   "Though I have data from animals like lions and dogs for noses, the actual human case of magnified sensitivity towards something is a far better example as it allows me to get a middle ground without even doing excessive testing," Marcus explained to her as he was cleaning up Erina's DNA.
   Fixing certain negative traits and expanding on the limitations of the human body.
   "So, in other words, you helped me, and I reward for that." He moved his head away from the strand and looked at her. She had slightly rosy cheeks as she still remembers that he saw her naked.
   "...Can these points be used to improve Totsuki?" She asked after staying quiet for a while. Erina could easily use certain perks this faction produces. Like a perpetual motion engine, time manipulation allows products to remain fresh for longer periods.
   Robots for maintenance and holograms for classes.
   "Don't worry. You have impressed me enough to consider keeping Totsuki... If not the whole of Japan." Marcus remembers that Amaterasu wants to speak with him. She gave him Sunrise and Konami.
   In other words, he has Gundam and Yu-Gi-Oh. 
   Well... Konami and Sunrise have more intellectual properties, but he only cares about those two.
   Not to mention, Japan has Nissan and Sony. Nissan is for Skyline R-34, and Sony is for Playstation. But most importantly, Japan is extremely small. Project Eden can easily ignore those islands.
   "...I see..." She looked relieved as she took a deep breath.
   "Yes. It's your point, so do whatever you want." 
   A few minutes later, Artemis and Hippolyta walked in with hospital clothes in hand.
   "We have the clothes." 
   "Good." Marcus nodded at the two maids before looking at Hisako.
   "Your hair."
   The pink-haired girl blushed as she looked embarrassed. She was trying to play it down.
   However, in the end, she handed it over. Seconds later, the Inventor was already inspecting her DNA.
   As this happened, the pair walked away to change into these new clothes.
   "It has been a while since I played with legitimate human DNA." Marcus offhandedly commented.
   "And did you find anything particularly interesting?"
   "Not groundbreaking. But interesting enough, do everything manually." 
   He said that as he finished basics for Hisako as well.
   Not long after, the pair returned in slippers and a single piece of white hospital dress.
   "Good. Now, the first session will fix any sort of defects in your DNA. Those develop over thousands of years of breeding.
   Regardless, once that is done, we can start discussing improvements," Marcus explained to the two. Meanwhile, the bio-chambers opened.
   "Step inside and put on the breathing masks. You two will be in a liquid for a while."
   The pair of chefs listened to his instructions.
   'First, it was walking on the moon, then cooking like a dinner's chef for bottomless pits called dragons, then watching time outside time and now genetic alterations...'
   Erina could only lament the craziness of her life. This whole thing wasn't how she imagined 'exiled from paradise'. Yes, for her, leaving Totsuki was like Eve and Adom's story of being exiled from paradise called Totsuki. 
   No...this was not hell or even Earth. It was sci-fi. She was 'isekai'd' into a world where Marcus plays with concepts like a toddler playing with his plushy toys.
   As Erina put the breathing mask on her face, the Biochamber closed, and she could see the hologram being displayed and the timer on it.
   She will be doing this for several hours.
   "Now relax and enjoy what Technocracy has to offer. You are the first human to experience this outside my immediate family circle." Marcus spoke over a hologram.
   Slowly, Marcus felt like it was getting distant as their consciousness drifted away.
   "...So... if they are away, who will cook for me?" Sirin asked as she realised that she wouldn't be getting their food!
   "Well, you will have to suck it up. You can still use the current blueprints."
   "...B-But! We have legitimate chefs from Japan!" The Herrscher started pouting at him.
   "As I said, suck it up." He rolled his eyes at her.
   "I can't believe I spoiled my girls like this." The Inventor pretended that he was dissapointed with her.
   "Ugh!" 
   'Calm down, Sirin! You are channelling Kiana Kaslana! It's unbecoming of you!'
   ~~~
   As the pair were getting an alternation. Marcus swiftly returned to his designing.
   With Nanobots finished, he started using them for the creation of exploration suits.
   One of the first ideas was to use suits from games like Mass Effect, Crisis series, and even Halo.
   These were not Armour like his Freedom but more flexible, similar to Iron Man's cutting-edge suit.
   It's not thick or chunky but more like the second skin layer.
   While Nanobots will create several layers, he needs more.
   He needs a skin layer before the nanobots layer comes into play.
   For that, he decided to add a complete man-made material created by hand at the atomic level. This layer is the key layer.
   The layer will keep bacteria, electromagnetic pulse emitted by lifeforms, smell, and even sound at bay.
   Though Marcus was done as he went on fire the moment he realised he didn't need to rush or be in a hurry.
   The design he went for this material was based on hexagons and how bees build their honeycombs.
   The design was quick, but he spent a while adding the joins and the support atoms to ensure certain things didn't pass through.
   It took him a couple of hours to make this.
   "Begin test rendering."
   [Rendering, beginning assembly.]
   Short minutes away, the floor moved and revealed a black mesh on a pedestal. It looked like skin-tight rubber used by divers.
   Marcus walked over and inspected it. 
   It was extremely thin. It looked like it was only a few inches.
   But the inventor knew that those few inches were enough.
   He focused some of his energy on his right index finger and tried to pierce it.
   ...
   One second...
   ...Two seconds...
   He tried harder...
   Third second...
   "...Impressive..."
   Only a fifth second later did the whole mesh shatter out of existence.
   [By my estimation, this specific formula could hold between 5 and 50 thousand of psionic force.]
   "More than that. I am pretty sure the amount of energy I used was enough to kill a God." Marcus said with a snort.
   [That makes the second revolutionary invention in a week.]
   Aurora sounded proud.
   "Well, I am limited in this small workshop. I can only focus on small things." Marcus shrugged at his AI.
   "Regardless, the mesh still needs some tinkering. We need to add discharge of absorbed energy function." Marcus said to his AI as he walked back to his seat and summoned the design.
   He was not done. He is considering adding time-distortion-based storage, which would allow the mesh at the atomic level to store around 300% more energy. That means the mesh can take more of a beating.
   As he returned to the designing, he zoomed in and added more coding to the atom.
   ~~~~~~Hours Later~~~~~
   Erina's eyes trembled as she opened them. What she saw was liquid and a timer at ten seconds.
   '...What is this feeling?'
   The first thing she noticed was that she was brimming with energy.
   [...5...]
   She looked around and saw that Hisako was in the same condition.
   [...4...]
   Her eyes returned to the hologram.
   'Can I use it the same way as the armour I had on?'
   She pondered and tried to use her intent.
   Sure enough, the window expanded and saw the changes.
   'Basic human package? Removal of all diseases, cancer cells, genetic defects like balding, immune system failure... and lastly, my lifespan is around 300 years...'
   The girl was baffled to think that this was basic...
   'I Shouldn't be surprised that he can fix all the diseases...'
   [1...]
   [Session over... removing chemicals...]
   The liquid was rapidly drained, and before she realised, the girl was standing on her feet.
   Yet, she felt that she could jump like some grasshopper! All she needs is to use her leg muscles, which are denser than ever!
   The chef girl removed the breathing mask, and the bio chamber opened for her. The girl walked out around a second earlier than Hisako.
   "...Erina-sama..."
   "...Yes... This is absurd." 
   Erina replied without even knowing the context. All she cared about was how light her limbs were.
   "...We should get a shower. The smell is weird." Hisako said as she realised, they were wet and the damp robe highlighted their assets.
   "...you are right."
   The doors opened as they were about to leave, and Artemis walked in.
   "The session is over. For the next couple of days, minimise your actions. Your bodies are at this moment hypersensitive to outside stimulus."
   "...And cooking?"
   Erina asked with a frown.
   "You can do your cooking but only mild tastes. Otherwise, you can pass out. Worst case, your taste receptors will melt, and you will return to Bio-chamber."
   "...I see...." The pair were too terrified to comment more.
   "Good, my job is done." The Goddess turned around and left.
   ...
   ...
   ...
   "WAIT! That was Goddess-"
   "...Yes...I know."
   The pair looked uncomfortable... a Goddess was acting like a maid and notifying them like any maid would do.
   ~~~~~~Later~~~~~~
   Around three days later, Erina and Hisako were back at peak performances. They quickly noticed how stronger, faster, and clearer their thoughts were!
   They were....just better!
   Weirdly, Erina noticed some strange auras around things. So she went to see Marcus about that.
   The moment she entered his workshop with his permission, her eyes wandered to a hologram of a black and dark grey suit, which looked a far slender version of the one she was wearing on the moon.
   Something about this armour was sending chills through her body.
   According to some maids, it has been a while since Marcus has worked on a single project for that long.
   Considering how many tools and technology he has behind him...
   Regardless, she was pulled out of her thoughts as Marcus started to explain to her.
   "What you are seeing is time's flow. It's like understanding what the horizon is. Your mind knows that the horizon is the planet's curvature.
   It's the same principle. After you see the time flow outside the time, you can't return to how you were before."
   "...But aren't we flying outside time flow now as we speak?"
   "Yes, but to keep the comfort level at optimum condition, I am emulating time flow inside my Confiscator," he clarified to her.
   "...Then what does this mean?"
   "It means that you want to or not. You are grasping how to interact with time itself." He said with a small smile.
   Before he continued, he had a grand idea! he snapped his finger and spoke with his AI.
   "Call my Fiance." 
   [Notifying Goddess Athena.]
   "In your free time, Athena will teach you two how to harness your new awakening powers and wield mana."
   "!!!"
   "!!!"
   'Considering that they are jumping to literal Time manipulation without any sort of medium. This is...interesting.'
   He noticed that his other girl had been testing some of the time powers like Sirin. The girl is still a genius with a high IQ toward practical actions. The same goes for his other maids...
   Gu Yuena, who was born to manipulate time, is especially a being whose comprehension of time is rising by the minute.
   "H-Hold... a second! You want us to learn from Goddess of Wisdom!?"
   "Is there a problem?" 
   A female voice said from behind. The pair stiffed and turned into a pair of deers who were caught in the car's headlights.
   "...N-No! It's...just... too much!" 
   *Snort*
   "The infamous Japanese humbleness." Athena shook her head as she walked over. 
   The pair saw her standing there with one hand on her hip and the other hand on her glasses.
   "I am free now, so I suggest we start now. In the meantime, I will come up with a curriculum for you two." The Goddess ignored whatever excuses they could possibly have.
   "Good. Then you can start. Remember to keep in mind that they need to have energy to cook."
   "...I know. But since they are 'perfect human', they can take punishment better than Devilkin." Athena smiled as she was thinking of having some fun as well! It has been a while since they have had total war simulations.
   "....Umm..."
   "...Is... this negotiable?" 
   Instead of saying anything, the pair were engulfed by the psionic fields of Athena and taken away.
   ~~~
   'W-What is going on!?' Erina was both excited and horrified! Being trained by a God means she is like the heroes from all those ancient stories!
   But the issue with that is that their stories end with tragedies!
   Something she doesn't want!
   "Now then." Athena ended up sitting in a comfortable chair. 
   The pair of chef girls looked around. They were in Athena's room! It was a big library! Not a room!
   "How much do you two know how the magic of humans works?" 
   The pair looked at each other.
   "Fundamentals, as Nakiri, I have some awareness of what it is. But any practical experience I have is none." Erina explained truthfully as she knows that lying to a God is suicidal.
   "Good enough. We will start with fundamentals. A crash course should be enough for you two to make magic crests of your own."
   "...I-Isn't it dangerous?" 
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   "Not at all." Athena shook her head.
   "Your two processing power is far superior to a normal human being. You two should have noticed that by now.
   You two can recall things faster and absorb information as well." 
   Athena mentioned that the two recalled this info in the 'package' section and that they already have experience with that.
   They can recall food recipes on the fly!
   "Good, now let's start."
   ...
   ...
   ...
   However, the pair quickly realised that they were not learning anything related to time but instead pure magic. It makes them feel like some sort of witches or sorceresses...
   It was not the issue!
   "...Ummm..."
   "Goddess Athena..."
   The Goddess, who was heavy into theory, stopped in her tracks and looked at the pair.
   Instead of saying anything, she pushed her glasses up.
   "Listen. What I am teaching you two are tools. You need tools to understand higher mysteries like time." The Goddess of Wisdom pointed out.
   "After all, you can't be a proper chef if you don't have a knife."
   ~~~~~~Meanwhile~~~~~~
   Marcus walked over to his Dragoness, who was kept in her training to Master control over time.
   When Marcus entered her room, he saw her playing with a watermelon seed.
   The silver-haired Dragoness waved her hand, and the seed turned into dust. Then she waived back, and it was back to normal.
   "... Having fun?"
   The inventor pulled her out of her heavy focus.
   "...Not quite. I want to turn this into a proper watermelon but only turn it into dust or rot it away." The beauty complained to him with a pout.
   "Well, you have to remember that the seed needs nutrition and a place to grow." He pointed his hand and used psionic energy to take the seed and make it flow into a pot prepared beforehand.
   "What you are accelerating is the age, not growth. Those are two different things.
   Remember that this is not different from ageing someone else. Just because you age, it doesn't mean you are growing. Grow needs a reaction."
   As he explained, the seed erupted into a plant, and soon there was a juicy watermelon.
   "...Wait! If that is the case, where did you get water and light!?"
   The beauty asked with a heaver pout.
   "I used my energy as a supplement for those two." He shrugged his reply.
   The beauty's pout morphed into a pondering look before grabbing his hand and pulling him into deeper into her room.
   "I see. In that case, you will teach me more! I want to use this in a proper fight later on!" She explained her reasons.
   "Oh, and what will I get from this?" Marcus asked with a curious tone.
   Gu Yuena simply smiled at him. Her smile was slightly lewd.
   ~~~
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   Chapter 100: Arriving at First Time Period (R-18)
   Gu Yuena pulled Marcus into the bed. She laid him on it while she was on the top.
   The silver-haired dragoness licked her lips as she was rearing to go.
   "What now?" the inventor asked in a teasing voice. He wanted to see how far she would go before he needed to take over.
   "...You will see." 
   As she said that, she leaned forward and started with a simple kiss.
   This kiss slowly escalated as she realised that she wanted to explore more than just his lips. 
   Slowly, she made his mouth open as her tongue slipped in, and slowly, a wrestling battle between tongues started.
   This escalation had an effect on her as she realised that her body started to heat up.
   The beauty began to rub herself into him. Especially her crouch into the slowly raising tent.
   After a while, the kiss ended as she pulled her head away. A gasp escaped from her mouth as her purple eyes looked glassy.
   "...Ugh... so good! I want more~~~" As she said that, she rubbed herself more into him.
   "Then we shouldn't hold back." As he said that, he snapped his fingers, and both of their clothes ceased to exist.
   Gu Yuena trembled when she felt his scalding cock touch her pussy lips out of nowhere!
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   Some sweat appeared on her forehead as she realised that her beloved Emperor was not playing around.
   "I won't ~" As she said that, she moved her hips forward and back, stimulating his rod with her wet pussy lips. 
   Just from doing that, she felt small eruptions of pleasure coursing through her body.
   "Hmmnnn~~~," the dragoness softly moaned as she felt his pole at full mast, hard and ready for her.
   Her hand went on his cock as she lifted herself and positioned herself for insertion. There were eyes of expectations in her eyes as she felt how his tool started to slip into her tight hole.
   The moment it started to spread her cave, she softly gasped.
   Not to look 'weak', she moved herself down on his cock, ignoring the growing pain.
   With a hard push, his whole pole was fully inside of her.
   "Hhnnnn..." A haggard grunt escaped from her lips.
   At that moment, Marcus sat down and wrapped his hands around her waist, pulling her into a hug and then a kiss. 
   The dragoness, at that moment behaved more like a cat as she wanted to lick and kiss him while trying to overcome that pain.
   As the pair started another make-out session, the inventor's hands wandered to her rear as he started to squeeze and pull her exquisite bum.
   Gu Yuena started to feel it on several fronts. Her body trembled, and the heat became unbearable. Without even knowing it, she started to move her waist.
   Slowly, the pain subsided as her movement got faster. Marcus assisted her along the way as he helped her to move on his rod.
   Before they even knew it, a wet-smacking sound of coupling started to spread through the room.
   With a hard smack, the dragoness' body trembled as she felt a small climax wash over her whole body.
   She stopped her kiss and instead released a mouthful moan.
   "Ohhhnnn~~ soo good~~~" The silver-haired beauty moaned as she looked at the ceiling with distant eyes.
   As she wanted more pleasure, she wrapped her legs around his waist as she pulled herself deeper into his cook. She wants it deeper.
   "Hehehe, make more love to me~~~," The beauty said with a lustful smile as she grind herself into him. 
   Marcus simply smiled as he stood up and walked over to a wall and leaned her into it.
   He pressed into her as he started to thrust into her pussy without any delay.
   Gu Yuena's eyes slightly widened as she felt more intense pleasure erupt from the connection she had.
   Her lustful smile swiftly changed into a silly grin as she couldn't take the pleasure anymore. 
   She didn't realise yet, but Marcus knew all of her sensitive spots.
   It didn't take her long before she started climaxing one after another. 
   As he was picking up speed, eventually, it was time for him to mark her properly.
   With a powerful smack, he released his first load into the awaiting womb of his dragoness.
   "Ohhhhh!!! YES!!! Flood me with your seeeed~~~!" The silver-haired beauty howled at the top of her lungs as her back arched from pleasure.
   After several more strokes, he took her back to the bed, and he laid her on her back.
   Gu Yuena smiled lewdly as she quickly realised that it was going to be a long day.
   The best part is that she knows that he created her to take 'punishment'. 
   She can take it no matter how much he is pumping into her!
   ~~~~~~Later~~~~~~
   After awakening Gu Yuena to lust, the Dragoness tried to move into Marcus' bedroom. At that moment, she forgot that other beauties were prowling the perimeter.
   She was quickly introduced by Quinella to something called the 'schedule'.
   It was a schedule for ladies who were sleeping in his bed next to him each day.
   Though... 
   "Why one by one?" The silver-haired beauty complained as she saw the schedule on her HUD.
   "...Thats..." 
   "Our Emperor sleeps in a King sized bed, not to mention he loves to cuddle." The dragoness reasoned with the Assistant.
   "...Well, it doesn't matter. Since this 'schedule' is not approved by him I don't need to bother with it." Gu Yuena quite arrogantly dismissed the schedule without care.
   "...You..."
   "What? Are you going to complain to him?" She 'smiled' at her.
   "...Don't be ridiculous," Quinella replied with twitchy eyebrows and lips. She is barely controlling her rage.
   "...Then I will be the one who shares his other side of the bed. That's, of course, if he wants it~" The Dragoness said with a smug smirk.
   "...Fine. In the end, it's what Marcus wants. We were created to please him and assist with everything he wants." The Assistant agreed in the end. She can't deny it. After all, no matter how proud or arrogant she is... her duty takes priority.
   As the girls considered the changes to the bed arrangements, Marcus looked at the centrepiece of his new exploration suit.
   When he originally thought of making a simple suit to protect the biology of different time periods, he wanted to make sure he had perfect material, and from that, he created nanomachines.
   But in the end, he went all out and reworked his Diamond Cores.
   Since he was expanding his range into small things, he created small diamond cores, the so-called Triangle Diamond Core, which he used in his Freedom suits.
   But this is different. In fact he was even baffled by what he created.
   "...What is this?" A girl's voice asked him.
   Marcus snapped out of his thoughts as he saw a trolley with food arrive.
   His nose immediately perked up as his stomach rumbled. 
   "You know... even though my body has the ability to adapt, your food still makes me feel hungry." Marcus is impressed by Erina's ability to make him hungry no matter what.
   One could say that she is winning him over through food alone!
   "I am pleased to hear that." Erina smiled, hearing that, as she proceeded to give him his dinner. The beautiful chef girl has adjusted her food to things he loves. Though she would prefer French food in their looks, this is fine as well. As she is expanding her repetuar to less known cultures.
   After placing all of the food, she looked at what he was doing. 
   What she was looking at was no longer technology in her eyes.
   No, it was more like... Arcane...
   "To answer your question it's the reactor to the suits I am building."
   Her eyes perked up when she heard that.
   "...But wasn't your previous technology sufficient?" She asked with a small frown. What he had before was already perpetual motion technology.
   "Diamond Heart Reactor is something I came up with by chance as I recalled something from Marvel comics." He said with a sigh.
   "I never said to anyone that I was thinking of making a Perpetual motion reactor. Only after doing all the calculations, I realised that it was an actual chance to make infinite energy." He said to her as he prepared to eat it.
   "...In other words, it was a new branch of tech. Once it was running, I started reinventing it to perfect it and improve it each time I got a chance.
   Eventually, I got a breakthrough, and that was waves and resonance." 
   With a hand motion, he zoomed out...
   Erina's eyes bulged out as what she saw were gears... of diamonds placed inside a triangle structure.
   "Beautiful, isn't it? All of those pieces move and generate energy from friction. Because how many of them are even in passive mode, they generate enough power to keep the suit operating for basic necessities. But the moment it enters battle mode, the gear will spin faster, and the output will increase.
   Theoretically, the output can go beyond anything needed on Earth."
   After explaining to her, he took the first bite.
   "...Ohhh~~ man... I get positive goosebumps just from taking a bite!"
   Erina snapped out as she looked at him for a second. She smiled as she liked that he still likes her food after eating it for two weeks now.
   "So you built this because of output?" She understood that by this point, even if he has perpetual motion technology, what he ends up lacking is sheer energy and control over it.
   The chef girl can assume that this new reactor is the answer to it.
   "...Indeed. Though this is a new platform I can work later on." He smiled at her as he continued to eat his food with a huge smile.
   Funny how Erina didn't realise, but she is the reason why Marcus is having so much fun in creating a literal Deus Machina.
   Each time she brings dinner to him, Marcus is motivated to create bigger, better, more insane stuff! 
   After all, the literal term of working with a full stomach works even for him!
   And just like that Marcus created Diamond Heart Engine. The most advanced and most broken thing to date.
   Something that even his Automated Assembly Lines will have a hard time creating as it's an engine stuffed into a fist-size triangle.
   Used the latest material technology, the Nanites and his Diamond Heart Reactor knowledge.
   By all means, this is no longer technology but Arcane-magic! As he manipulated everything, even atoms were placed in specific patterns.
   "...So... does this mean all of the suits will have this technology?" Erina asked him after he finished his food and proceeded to drink his tea.
   "...Sadly..." 
   He looked embarrassed for a second.
   "...The rest of my technomancy is lacking." He motioned with a finger to show the Diamond Heart Engine.
   "It's made from four sections." He proceeded to show the centre of the triangle, where the blue-white 'sun' was surrounded by three structures of diamond gears.
   "The centre is the control centre of the engine. The north is where energy is generated, to the left is where nanomachines are stored and fixed and self-replicated, and lastly, on the right is where material is created for the suit." 
   "...Wait... hold it... this triangle is... the suit itself!?" Erina blinked at him! She was in disbelief!
   "Yes. You see... when I create something new, I wait for a bit and allow a new tech to spread through my faction.
   Think of it like reaching a new plateau, and allowing it to spread out. But with our current circumstances, I can't spread out.
   So, I simply went two huge steps forward.
   That means that my Automated Assembly lines can't make this." He sighed loudly when he said the last part.
   "We need to arrive at our destination so that I can retrofit my assembly lines to produce this." He pointed at the suit's triangle engine.
   "In the meantime, I will make them by hand. It's not like I need to make hundreds." He took a sip of his tea after explaining to her.
   "...I see. Then I will leave you to your work." After taking all the dishes the chef girl left him to his work.
   'When they said that he doesn't work on something for more than a few days, I never imagined technology so advanced that it looks like magic.'
   As Erina thought to herself, she pulled the trolley back to the kitchen. One thing for sure is that what she saw was like another world inside that triangle. 
   ~~~
   After finishing the design, Marcus summoned the parts needed to make the Diamond Heart Engine. He used the Assembly Line to make the smallest possible items.
   Like a diamond the size of a pinky finger, which is too big. That is right; his Assembly lines can't make smaller items.
   So, in the next upgrade, he should improve that.
   As he pondered on that, his eyes widened as he immediately found a solution!
   "...Stupid..."
   He smacked his head as he realised that he was being slow!
   "Aurora, raise me the schematics for the nanobots." 
   [Certainly, sir.]
   Seconds later, a hologram of a bug popped in front of him.
   "Assembly Lines work because I have Aurora bots to maintain them and improve.
   All I need to do is create nano-size Aurora bots and nano-size Assembly lines. It's ridiculous how easy the solution was." Marcus sighed as he massaged his forehead.
   [Sir, you are permitted to have small moments of 'slumber'.]
   "I guess. I suppose this because I am cramped in a single place." He sighed before starting to alter the design for the construction nanobot.
   Once these nanites are done, he will revolutionise construction forever. 
   He came up with this at a crucial time, as he has a lot of stuff to build in space and in general.
   After finding the solution, he swiftly went to redesign how the nanobots would look.
   He designed to go with ants as they are the best constructors around the 'block'.
   Without even realising, he was done in a couple of hours and it was time to create them.
   Just like before, what he was looking at was a grey 'sand'. 
   It was quite simple, as he only needed to create one nanobot. With one created, that one will create another one and then those two will create another two, and then those four will make another four.
   In just a few minutes, he had a small pile of 'sand' visible with his naked eyes. He didn't need to use his psionic energy to see the micro world where the nanobots were.
   Regardless, he quickly got enough of them to start working on Diamond Heart Engines. 
   Though he quickly realised that these small buggers would take their time in making these. It's like building a world from scratch.
   No matter what, it takes time.
   'Well, it's fine. We still have around a week to finish their construction and a week to power them.' 
   Marcus realised that his new 'toy' takes around a week to power itself up.
   While he does need to send an initial pulse of energy to kick start initial gear, the rest he can't interfere as it would shatter the balance inside the 'world' of the Diamond Heart Engine.
   Regardless, with the suit issue solved, Marcus returned to make more gear for exploring prehistoric and ancient Earth.
   'I should start adding nanites in everything I do otherwise, I will look like an idiot again. Thankfully, none of my girls were here to see me at such an embarrassing moment.'
   The inventor looked slightly embarrassed as he swiftly started designing specific drones for planetside exploration. 
   Stuff like this will be crucial in future alien world explorations.
   ~~~~~~Over a Week and Half Later~~~~~~
   [Entering Phase Three] 
   Marcus perked his head when he heard that.
   "...Oh, finally!" he exclaimed as he stood up and stretched himself. He had been tinkering for a while.
   "For the next two days, I won't be doing shit!" He said out loud as he walked out from his workshop and went right to the window. He could see that Confiscator had stopped and now repositioning to enter the flow of time.
   He looked at how the vessel once again proceeded to accelerate into the 'nebula', which was the time.
   "Call everyone. It's time to talk about what we will do in Carboniferous Earth," the inventor said with a grin as he got excited.
   He can't wait to hear girls scream 'murder' because Carboniferous is full of bugs and critters, and it's Earth from when it was full of rainforests and swamps.
   Unlike the Permian lush world or the Triassic's desert world.
   It's like exploring different planets together-a desert world, a swamp world, a jungle world, and so on.
   Hell, he doesn't even need to look for other alien worlds! Just visit Earth at different time periods!
   A few minutes later, they went to the meeting room, which was just a floor below his workshop.
   It was quite a large room with enough seats for his whole crew.
   When Marcus entered it, he saw that everyone was waiting for him.
   "Good, everyone is here."
   The inventor walked to the front. Soon enough, a screen appeared behind him. For now it was showing Technocracy's flag and symbol.
   "In two days, we will be entering Earth during the Carboniferous period." 
   "...did you just say Carboniferous?" Athena exclaimed with disbelief before she grimaced as she realised what kind of Earth they were entering.
   When everyone saw her reaction, they looked concerned. Many of them realised that they should have studied those periods in detail.
   "...I thought we going to Triassic." Atalanta raised her hand. She has studied the three Dinosaur eras in detail.
   "...But now that you mentioned Triassic started around 252 million years ago, not 320 you mentioned." The lion girl realised that they were off by 70 million years.
   '...No matter how you look at this...they are talking about millions of years like its most normal thing to do.' Erina thought to herself with a sweaty forehead.
   One wrong move and they are stranded... in the super distant past.
   "Precisely, Carboniferous is a period where amphibians came out from the oceans to live on land. We are going to confirm this."
   Marcus explained them as behind him a map appeared. 
   It was Earth at Carboniferous.
   "...Is this after Pangea?" Erina asked with confusion. She should have studied this more!
   "Wrong. This is right before the Super Pangea Continent, the Permian Period." Athena explained with one hand on her glasses.
   "We are going to a period when primitive amphibians finally started living on land. The era before is called the Devonian, also known as the 'Age of Fishes'.
   I assume we didn't visit the Devonian period because we don't have the means to carry lots of water to keep living specimens?" The Goddess asked her Fiance.
   "Precisely, Carboniferous is enough to collect some very primitive crocodilians." He said with a shrug.
   "Regardless, now let's talk about a game we will be playing." 
   His words perked everyone's attention even more.
   With a hand motion, the Earth's map changed into an evolutionary tree of all lifeforms, some of which were highlighted in different colours.
   "As you all might know, we are here to collect samples and confirm a bunch of theories about extinction events like the 'Great Dying'.
   To do that, we need to explore Earth a bunch of times over." 
   He pointed at the animals highlighted in green.
   "The ones in green are animals which are completely extinct on our Earth. Like the trilobite, it's a marine arthropod, in other words, a very distant ancestor to crabs." He showed an image of a fossilised exoskeleton of a trilobite.
   "The reason why I am interested in these is that they are one of most successful animal existence in Earth's history. 270 million years and 22 thousand species. In the Carboniferous, only one branch of them remains.
   That is why I want one in my aquarium." 
   "..."
   "..."
   The girls looked at each other. For a second, they thought the reason was something serious. But he only wanted to diversify his aquarium, which he had in school. 
   "Regardless of the aquarium, the trilobite's collection, its genetic makeup collection, and the full scan, one of you will get 40 points.
   The same can be said about the collection of other genes, like the proto-mammals and other amphibians which live in Carboniferous."
   He highlighted other animals, like the proto-crocodilians and some other critter-looking creatures. 
   "All of them will give you all points. Depending on the position on the evolution tree."
   "...We can assume that something like a crocodile ancestor won't give as much as trilobite?" Sirin asked with crossed arms.
   The girl already understood how this game worked.
   "Indeed."
   "...and the butterfly effect?" Athena asked, wanting to know how they work around that. If they can 'play' games, then they can go wild to a certain extent.
   "Glad you asked!" Marcus snapped his fingers when he heard the question. 
   "Let me show you girls the butterfly effect bar!" He said, and the screen shifted from the evolutionary tree to something that looked like a suit's HUD.
   "This here is the Aurora HUD Time Explorer version. As you can see, it doesn't look much different from the latest version, except for a single crucial difference: it is equipped with the newest Quantum Calculator.
   In simple terms, it uses time-based calculations to determine if anything in front of you is relevant to the future." 
   As he said that on the screen a T-Rex walked.
   "For example, a T-Rex walked over. As you can see around him, there is a coloured Aura, and he is highlighted by the HUD.
   The bar next to it starts to fill up if the beast somehow is relevant to the future. 
   "If the aura is extremely light blue and white, the beast has no relevance at all. You can do whatever you want with it.
   But if it's extremely red and has a butterfly on top of it, it means the beast should not be interacted with at all. This extends to everything, even entire areas and trees."
   He showed several key areas through the Carboniferous, Permian, Triassic, Jurrasic, and Cretaceous, as he said.
   "Avoid these areas, as if we interfere, we could cause a lack of oil, coal and natural gases in modern times." 
   "...Wait... that's it? We just don't walk there or interfere, and that is it?" Atalanta exclaimed with surprise.
   "Precisely. Because of an array of extinction events, there is not much we can impact." He shrugged before showing the bronze age.
   "Though the same can't be said about more recent times."
   He showed examples of modern times, which are much more dangerous, and they have to be more careful.
   "For example, if we get spotted in the Bronze Age, we would need to perform memory wipes and erase any evidence we have left." 
   "...I see... now it makes sense." The Lioness looked relaxed immediately. 
   "That means we will be able to have fun for millions of years of Earth's history." Hippolyta was pleased as well. She wants some proper hunting action with prehistoric animals. 
   "Precisely, we can go wild until 65 million years when the meteorite hits. Though even after that we can have fun. Almost all the way until around 20 to 30 million years ago, all we need to do is not visit Africa and touch any of the early mammals.
   All of those Aurora will highlight for you."
   "...But isn't there more to it? We shouldn't even touch any of the ecosystems around Africa at all." Athena frowned as she was concerned.
   "That is why I have these." Marcus pulled out dark grey grenades.
   "These are time-fix grenades. They will reverse anything you have caused that could impact the timeline," he explained to them.
   "They are directly linked to the suits you will be wearing. Aurora and the suit will calculate what kind of reverse is needed in case the butterfly effect is triggered." The inventor showed how it works.
   The screen shifted to a HUD, where a person threw a grenade. Upon explosion, a green cloud consumed the whole area. It looked like the place had become disconnected from time.
   Sure enough, the T-Rex saw the explorer, forgot about him, and walked to a different place. 
   "...Interesting." Gu Yuena's eyes sparkled as she saw another way to use time powers-this time, it was in the form of an AOE bomb!
   "Is this the only way to do it?" Artemis asked as she preferred a different method of erasing evidence.
   "For now, it's the only way. But as I said before, this is our first rodeo on ancient Earth 320 million years ago. 
   After we get the hang of this, I will introduce more means to manipulate our evidence," he said with crossed arms, holding his chin with his left hand. 
   "I am thinking arrow combos for archer girls and even main cannons of Confiscator at planetary scale in a worst case scenario."
   "...Hope we don't need to use that," Athena said with another grimace.
   "Even if we fail, it's not truly our world, Athena. We might be on Earth, but this is not 'our' Earth. Hell, it would be interesting to see how this world's modern society changes with our machinations." Marcus chuckled as he wondered if cavemen would draw Confiscator and the crews' suited-up forms in cave walls.
   "Maybe no, it sounds dangerous."
   "...Then stop questioning if we can fail. It only challenges me to do something amusing." Marcus, with an eye roll, told her that she should stop goading him.
   "I already took an insane amount of precaution, even utilising Quantum Calculations to see how much can a rolling stone impact a timeline." He got slightly snapping while saying that.
   "Ok-Okay!" Athena raised her hands in defeat.
   "Good, all you need to do is help me to collect the greatest collection in the entirety of Earth's history. It should be so great that even palaeontologists would run out of things to discover."
   "...Fine."
   ~~~~~~Carboniferous Earth, Approximately 320 Years Ago~~~~~~
   A few million miles away from Pheristoric Earth, a little piece of space rippled as a huge green magic circle appeared from it.
   Behind it, there was a small ripple, but what came out on the other side was a futuristic, long exploration vessel. It was light grey with golden strokes, emitting light from those golden lines.
   Unlike previous upgrades, this was mark 3 Confiscator. The hull and shape don't remind of a brick and half placed on each other.
   There were no more sharp and blocky curves; instead, it had futuristic curves to give the impression of a sci-fi vessel.
   As the ship exited the Byfrost, the vessel slowly turned to face the planet below.
   "...Wow... look! The moon is so close!" Hisako exclaimed as everyone was at the bridge experiencing the best views.
   "Yes, but if this close... I can bet the flooding and ocean currents are extreme." Artemis was perplexed to see her symbol of power so close to Earth.
   She both loves and hates this scene.
   "Yeah... but look at the ocean... is it just me, or are there sections of it that make the water look red?" Jeanne said with a curious look as she saw unfamiliar green continents concentrating around the south Hemisphere. Almost the entirety of the North Hemisphere is empty.
   "Yeah, this will be the most preeminent in Jurassic and Triassic times when all the oceans were red."
   "...But none of the maps I seen had it in red..." The Maid Saintess was confused.
   "That's because it would confuse people, and we are simply not used to seeing water red." Le Fay explained instead of Marcus.
   "Regardless, let's begin the descent." The inventor ignored the maids and instead ordered his bridge crew.
   "Roger, setting course for Pangea."
   "...I thought there was no Pangea here." Erina nearly pouted when she heard the name of the continent.
   "We are going to the continent of Pangea, not the supercontinent in Permian or Triassic." 
   "... It's twice as small as a Permian or Triassic one."
   "Fair enough. Though I don't know if I want to leave the ship this time around." The chef girl was hugging herself as she saw the data of the Carboniferous period!
   It's full of bugs, including arm-sized dragonflies, human-sized centipedes, and children-sized scorpions, not to mention crocodilians with sword-like heads! It's simply a horror period for anyone who has a fear of bugs!
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   "Suit yourself. I will bring some examples from the Earth's surface to you." 
   "...Y-You! Devil!" The girl, with nearly teary eyes, looked at him as if he were a criminal.
   The girl knew that she would be exposed to big bugs or some other horrendous creatures from this Earth.
   "Haha, relax..."
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   However, there was a selection of other girls who felt the same way.
   Half of the maids don't want to go with him.
   "Sheesh...fine, if you girls are scared, then you don't need to go."
   After saying that, Marcus grabbed his Diamond Heart Engine and proceeded to walk towards the lift.
   By this point, all of the girls had tested out the new suits, and they were ready for action. However...
   They had no idea what Carboniferous Earth was until they did their studies.
   The girls had no idea that it was a bug world by all means and purposes.
   So even if they had the most advanced and most arcane level suits for protection, they wouldn't descend with Marcus to the planetside.
   Except for a selected few.
   "...Sirin?" 
   The Herrscher huffed at him, after her was Quinella and his ship girls.
   "We have fought in the depths of Hell; a bug-infested world means nothing to us, Admiral." Enterprise smiled at him.
   "Good to hear. Let's go and capture some samples!"
   Reinvigorated, the Inventor entered the lift, and his creations followed after him.
   Honestly, the rest looked perplexed. It appears this is the greatest test they have experienced so far!
   "...You do realise that if we don't go with him, we won't ever be respected by him again," Atalanta said with a frown as she saw the alien world through the bridge windows.
   It was truly... not the world she knows...
   Nothing in this place looks like Earth. She knows nothing that could remind her of it!
   It just shows that time changes everything.
   ~~~
   For More advanced chapters (+19 chapters, 95k words) my pat: pat reon.com/DragonsFics
  
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   Chapter 101: Project Kang
   2
   Marcus, with his girls, walked over to the edge of the hangar bay and looked down to the swampy forest below. 
   "...What weird trees," Sirin commented with a curious tone. She had never seen anything like these trees before.
   They had no branches; only at the top did they split into several.
   "Not only that, but it looks like they have scales instead of bark." The white-haired girl said with even more confusion. These things remind her of alien movies and how they show weird stuff in them. 
   These producers don't need to go far. Just recreate what you find in fossils. 
   "Yeah, those scaly trees dominate here; we will see more later. If I remember correctly, they died out during the ice age between the Carboniferous and Permian. It means climate change will kill these strangest ones, and familiar trees to ours will replace their place."
   Marcus said to her as he placed the triangle Diamond Heart engine on his chest. The moment he did, the item reacted and released black material which encased his body. The heart released several more layers before nanite sand placed the armour on him.
   The helmet style was the Mandalorian one since there was no need to create another style; he already had an established one. 
   1
   As the Inventor opened his eyes, he saw the HUD powering up.
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   The top left corner had GPS; the left bottom had the status of the Butterfly effect bar, the state of armour, the number of nanites he has, and the state of Diamond Heart Engine. At this moment, he is using a basic 0.01%. 
   The 0.01% is enough for everything. Hell, Marcus doubts he will ever use 0.02% in this trip unless he wants to play baseball with a meteorite, which will wipe out the dinosaurs.
   That's because the Diamond Core Heart system is so powerful. It was created to eliminate the concept of strength or energy needs. 
   It abuses the concept of resonance and synchronisation; instead of doubling, almost all of the power outputs are constantly squared. 
   It does technically have a limit that can be increased by space and time displacement, which is built into the heart of the Diamond Heart Engine. 
   In other words, if he needs maximum power in less than a second, all the suit's excess energy is stored through time, which can be accessed instantaneously. That means he can go from 0.1% to 100% in less than a flash.
   "Hmm, what you are looking at is a Lepidodendron. They grow up to around 40 metres tall," Marcus said to her as he used his built-in HUD and the database to access info about the tree.
   Instead of saying anything, the girls used their triangle devices and placed them on their chests. Seconds later, they were all encased in suits. 
   "I assume we will be collecting tree samples?" Sirin asked him as she saw that all the trees have some value and a Butterfly effect rating, too.
   "We will collect leaves, as all of these trees become coal, which nations use to power their industries," Marcus said as he looked at the scale trees and aura they display through the HUD.
   "I see..."
   "Aurora, once we leave, I want you to get into position and release drones and observation satellites for communication and weather data collection."
   [Understood, beginning preparations.]
   After giving all clear, Marcus proceeded to jump and then free fall. 
   As he did that, the right corner of his HUD, which was empty, began to fill in. He can see oxygen levels around him, as well as temperature and the sun's radiation levels.
   'So it is 12 degrees Celsius, and humidity is more than twice our Earth's... the oxygen levels are higher by 10%.'
   Though he grimaced as he saw the intensity of the sun's rays, the sun was quite ruthless by this point. 
   "We can forget about sunbathing. Though, I doubt we will get skin cancer." Marcus joked as he saw the stats.
   Instead of landing in the swamps, he grabbed the scaly tree's trunks and stopped falling. 
   While his girls simply floated down to his level.
   "Yes. The temperature is not that high, but humidity is absurd; it would be difficult for a human to cool down their body in this place." Quinella said as she checked the stats.
   She wants to compare these findings with the fossil findings.
   But, the issue is that the fossil findings are not that specific. They have rough estimations for tens of millions of years apart.
   "I am more concerned if there is any solid ground. All I see is wetlands." Sirin, with a grimace, said to them. There is no way she will walk through all of those swamps! Even if her suit is damage-proof, and she hides behind layers of protection!
   It doesn't help that her new suit is built to experience the world around her. In other words, she does not feel any of those protective layers in the first place.
   "Relax, use your scanners." 
   As Marcus said that, he pointed his right hand at the swamps, and a hologram beam generated a pulse. Sure enough, they got data.
   The swamp in the area was barely touching their knee levels.
   It was full of wildlife, like strange small lizards-like creatures and some crabs-like creatures.
   The inventor grinned as he jumped into the water, walked over, and grabbed one of the lizard-like creatures.
   As strange as it was, the animal had no fear of him whatsoever.
   "Aren't you an interesting creature?" Marcus commented as he inspected the creature. It was a greenish creature with a primitive tail, reminding him of a tadpole.
   One of Marcus Suit's fingers slightly changed and became a needle with a simple poke. He took in some blood, and the nanites swiftly analysed this animal's blood. 
   Soon enough, he saw the DNA sample.
   This was the first time in his life that he was looking at a very, very primitive lifeform.
   [Sir, what you are looking at is an ancestor of lizards, crocodilians, snakes... that means it is the ancestor of synapsids.]
   [In other words, this is the ancestor of our ancestors]
   Aurora swiftly showed several windows to him as she compared this sample with the ones in the database...
    "..yeah..." The inventor's eyes got spacey for a second. He was holding his...very...very...very distant ancestor.
   Though...
   Marcus now realises an issue; he won't know for sure unless he goes a couple of million years into the future to see it branch out.
   'Dang...I need a solution to rapid travel between years...'
   As he pondered on this issue, the lizard in his hands started struggling as if something was wrong.
   [Sir, it appears the proto-lizard is suffocating]
   "Oh..."
   He swiftly placed it in water. The Inventor realised that the proto-lizard needed water to sustain itself.
   Some sort of gill or other organ exists for breathing.
   "Did you find any data on this animal?"
   [Currently, none. The Carboniferous is a very ancient era. We know more about the plants than animals]
   "Hoh..." Marcus stroked his chin and opened the database. Aurora was right. There are barely any known animals. Apart from a few bigger ones, a single big dragonfly, a spider that is not a spider and a scorpion as big as his arm.
   In other words, they will find some amphibians here.
   "Great. Then I propose we spread out and look for things to add to our database." The inventor dismissed the window and looked at the girls floating above the swamp.
   "Fine, then I will look for plants!"
   Sirin flew away to record more plants.
   Quinella snorted, seeing the big bad angel of death afraid of swamps.
   "Very well. Then I will fill up the blank pages of the evolution tree." The assistant said to her creator.
   "And we will explore the Oceans."
   The pair of Ship girls rushed towards the massive super ocean.
   "Very well, then I shall look for pets~~~"
   Marcus rose into the air and proceeded to look around. 
   His HUD is going through different visions of spectrums; he also uses brainwaves to look for animals with high brain activity.
   ~~~
   Since he arrived in the late Carboniferous, oxygen levels have been rising, and the amount of CO2 is dropping, which means temperatures are falling. A record amount of rainfall is also dropping ocean levels.
   That means that they are approaching the Ice Age, but that is millions of years in the making. He is interested in recording such progress in detail. But to do that, he needs a setup that records everything for him in detail.
   For a while, he stopped and didn't look for amphibians crawling in this place. Instead, he pondered how to record millions of years in a span of days.
   'I could create some sort of anchor... attach my ship to it and slip out from time?'
   He started taking notes using his thoughts. The HUD could easily read and record his thoughts like a notebook.
   However, he swiftly found something fascinating.
   "That's a big eel." Marcus could make out what he was looking at.
   [According to data. This could be Anthracosaurus. A Fish pseudo Reptile.]
   "Hmm, this is quite difficult. If this is true, then that little guy I had before was not my ancestor." The Inventor sighed as if in a pickle.
   [Since we are in late the Carboniferous there should be Amniotes on the swamp floor or the bushes.]
   'Amniotes... hmm, those are the link between early fish-like creatures leaving the ocean and developing actual limbs with muscles and the later reptiles which split into Synapsids and Sauropsids.'
   At that moment, Marcus had an idea for his first pet. He will get two 'lizards', the ancestors of mammals and the ancestors of Sauropods.
   "You are right. I will get those two. We are around that era anyway." 
   As he said, he descended into the swamp where a three-metre-long eel-like fish was lurking.
   The moment he did that, the animal moved.
   "Hoh... Since I made some noise you are coming my way?"
   As he commented, the creature surfaced. It was quite similar to an eel but it was not one, not even close.
   The animal looked quite confused as he couldn't see what it was.
   After all, it can't smell or see that Marcus was even a living creature in the first place.
   "Well, well, it appears the suits work perfectly. From what I can see, you utilise sound and, most likely, some built-in sensors like vibrations or even specific vision. Maybe heat? I mean, your kin has around 20 million to evolve." As Marcus said that, he motioned with his hand, and the eel creature rose into the air with the help of Marcus' psionic powers.
   The eel-like creature struggled as it tried to return to water.
   "I do wonder if you are part of a family that becomes snakes in the future." He said that as he walked over, one of his fingers morphed into a needle. He was going to analyse the DNA.
   With a poke, he got some blood, but this was when the animal released a noise similar to a hiss.
   "Hmmm..."
   Marcus grabbed its head and opened it. What he saw was an array of sharp teeth, similar to sharks.
   "What did you get?" The Inventor asked his AI.
   [Similar composition to the previous one. No doubt they had the same ancestor.]
   "So. the same fish which crawled from the ocean."
   [Correct, but this one Clade Tetrapodomophia]
   "Hmm, so from the mid group between half fishes and tetrapod."
   [Yes]
   "Let me scan its bone structure. I want you to compare with whatever we have."
   As Marcus said that, he activated a holographic scan which scanned every single piece of the animal.
   [It's as you have said, sir, it is an animal from the Anthracosauridae family]
   He sighed upon hearing that.
   "That's the thing about this. We have no idea if it is an actual Anthracosaurus or some subspecies. There are not that many fossil remains, to be sure."
   After saying that, he dropped the half-fish creature, which looks like an eel but is not an eel.
   [Sir you won't be collecting one of these? It's proof that fishes left the oceans and developed limbs but then discarded them and started living in swamp-like areas like these.]
   "Maybe. I am not big on these fishes or bugs of this era. We are here to more or less figure out if our gear works. Besides, I wanted to make my girls scream from seeing big bugs, but that plan was a burst."
   After saying that, he rose into the air and looked around.
   "But damn... it's green in all directions. I guess the fact that every single piece of land is inhabited by rainforests is true."
   Wondering if it was truly the case, Marcus grinned as she decided to test it out. He rushed in a single direction and started to fly at rapid speed. He activated the map function to allow better navigation through the unfamiliar world.
   To his pleasant surprise, satellites and drones have already been deployed, and proper mapping of Carboniferous Earth has already begun.
   The Inventor swiftly flew to the South Pole, where he saw glaciers.
   "Hmm, that's not bad. They are quite big, but these will only increase for another 20+ million years."
   He flew over and landed on the ice.
   His eyes went to the temperature. It appeared to be just below -20 Celsius. He expected more, but he still didn't know the seasons and proper rotations. 
   "We do need to figure out if this place has seasons."
   [Considering how big is the moon and that its dominated by rainforest. This place could have different concepts of seasons altogether.]
   'In other words, we need to spend some time...'
   Marcus realised that he needed to return to his ship and start creating something that could assist in skipping time just to document quicker, as he would be wasting time here... in millions of years...
   "Indeed. I am returning to Confiscator. Tell girls that I will reward them if they get me Ancestors of mammals and dinosaurs."
   [Relaying the message]
   With a nod, Marcus looked at the most absurd scene in front of him.
   Behind him were ice sheets, but in front of him was an actual tropical forest.
   'This is something else...' 
   After thinking to himself, he rose into the air before flying away.
   ~~~~~~At Same Time~~~~~~
   "What should we do!?" Erina was almost in panic mode as she realised that she might have burst whatever chance she had to win Marcus completely over!
   Not to mention, he brought her over to Super Ancient Times! All that she sees in this place will become coal, which humans will use in the distant future.
   It is mind-boggling just trying to comprehend the sheer time gap. Not that she thinks much about it, as, at the moment, she needs to think about what to do...
   "Then let's not go to the land... Doesn't this period have a bunch of primitive Sharks?" Hisako said to her.
   "R-Right!" The cherry-blonde swiftly recovered as she clenched her fist.
   "We should make something out of these sharks!"
   But then she swiftly realised the issue. She has no idea if they are even edible...
   They could have some strange bacteria or something...
   "Does it matter?" Artemis with Athena walked over.
   "Bacteria can be killed by heat. What is most important is taste. That is why you are here, Erina." Athena said with crossed arms.
   "Since we kind of messed up by not going with him, we will assist you in getting some proto-sharks." The Goddess of Wisdom said while pushing her glasses up.
   "Okay, as long as I get one, I can start experimenting." The chef girl didn't sound confident enough, but she had enough experience in working with fish to understand enough what is what and how it should taste like.
   "Good. Artemis, you will help me with this." The brown-haired Goddess said to her half-sister.
   "Alright."
   "Come with me, Erina. We shall explore the Super Ocean." 
   "..." The girl stiffly nodded. Even though she knows magic and can lead armies after extensive training, exploring the Super Ancient Ocean of Carboniferous Earth is not something she is brave enough for.
   "Relax, you are with two Goddesses." Athena patted her shoulder.
   "Besides, the suits Marcus created will keep you secure no matter what." 
   "...I know- I know. But the unknown depths of these oceans, combined with unknown species, make me stay on the edge." Erina explained while her assistant nodded. However, the pair were eager to taste fish from 320 million years ago!
   "I see, but you should always think positively."
   "...Still..."
   "How about this~" Athena leaned forward and whispered to her.
   "Marcus won't allow anything to happen to you~" 
   The chef girl's cheeks slightly turned red as she calmed down.
   "Indeed. He will protect you two~ No sea monster could potentially do anything with him around. That suit will keep you safe." Athena said that while taking her hand and showing the triangle device.
   "...O-Okay, I get it." The chef girl looked at the triangle-shaped Diamond Heart Engine. She was more afraid of what she was holding than the unknown of the ocean.
   To think that he will give something like this to her.
   "Good, then let's go."
   The group of four went to the hangar bay, where they saw other maids already having some fish and aquatic animals spread out on a big table.
   Leading them were Atalanta and Hippolyta. 
   "Wow! Amazing!" Erina and Hisako swiftly walked over and inspected the catches from a distance.
   They saw coil-shaped shells with octopus-like creatures which should be Ammonites, then small fishes with slight armour-like plating on their front bodies. 
   And, of course, the strange-looking fishes, which look like a mix between a classic shark and a fish. Their fins are big...
   "...Aren't those Ammonites? I do wonder how they taste." Hisako said with a curious tone. Considering that they have shells, they might be similar to snails and clamps. Those taste not bad if they are prepared properly.
   "Yes." 
   "...By the way, where is Grayfia?" 
   Athena noticed that some of the maids were missing. The one who answered was Jeanne.
   "She took Hel and Tiamat to look for a lizard with a sail-shaped back. I assume she was talking about Dimetrodon." Jeanne said with a thoughtful look.
   "Hmm, from my studies, we are too early for them. But their ancestors should be around." Athena has extensively studied over a month about ancient epochs and periods.
   However, she was caught by surprise when he said that they would be arriving in the Carboniferous instead of the Triassic. But then she recalled that Marcus said he wanted to see the Permian-Triassic extinction event.
   'Not that it will be easy. That even lasted for over a million years. At least that is what fossils in Siberia say.' 
   "However, they could find Edaphosaurus." 
   The moment she said that everyone checked the database, they saw a lizard with a sail on its back. But this one was a Herbivore. Its fossil dates were between 318 and 271 million years.
   "Damn... if they find this one, they could get quite a bit of points!"
   The maids got restless.
   But then someone landed in the hangar bay.
   Their gaze looked to the side. They saw an armoured girl holding some crab-like creature.
   "I got it!!" the helmet retracted. It was Atalanta.
   "I got the trilobite!" 
   When they heard it, the maid swiftly dashed to the side and brought a big aquarium.
   The lioness walked over and dropped the water arthropod into the water.
   The brownish creature swiftly ended at the bottom, where it burrowed into prepared sand.
   [Congratulations, Atalanta, You have finished the mission prepared by Supreme Commander.]
   "Hnn. Do I get forty points for this?" The Lion Maid asked the AI as she looked at the prehistoric animal.
   [Once the scans are completed, yes.]
   "Good."
   She then watched as a magnetic crane collected the big aquarium, lifted it, and stored it in a specially prepared container.
   'What I am worried about is that these won't be enough to keep animals content. Unless he is planning to put them into some special hibernation sleep.'
   While the huntress has never interacted with these animals before, keeping them in small places like these means asking for trouble, considering they are planning to capture huge creatures like actual dinosaurs in the not-so-distant future.
   Just as she was thinking about this, Marcus returned from his trip. Instead of removing the suit, he only retracted the helmet.
   She immediately walked over to him.
   "Master, can I speak with you?" 
   "Hmm? Sure." 
   As he said that, he looked at the side, where he saw a table full of sea animals. He saw Erina, Athena, and Artemis talking about doing something.
   Other maids were preparing to dive as well. 
   The pair walked to the elevator, which took them to his floor.
   Once there, they walked to his workshop. 
   Atalanta started talking the moment he sat down on his chair.
   "I have dived into the ocean and saw quite a few big animals. What I am concerned about is that our vessel... is too small." 
   She said with a sigh.
   "Unless you improve those containers, the animals will become restless with their small containers."
   Marcus smiled when he heard that.
   "I can hear quite a bit of care in your voice." He slightly teased his pet.
   "That is obvious, is it not? I care for them and for us. I don't want the Jurassic Park experience." She grimaced as she said that.
   The inventor's smile disappeared as he got serious.
   "I know. I am already prepared. The month of travelling allowed me to think about this quite a bit." He said with a sigh.
   As he summoned the main control hologram.
   After skimming through several windows he ordered his construction nanites to begin working on the outpost and the shipyard.
   "I will be expanding Confiscator to become a mothership."
   He swiftly summoned the blueprint of the ship and proceeded to add several new parts to the ship.
   He drew a ring. The Confiscator will be in the middle of the ring. Apart from that, there will be four extra vessels attached to the ring from the outside.
   These vessels, from the looks of it, are legitimate vehicles with thrusters.
   However, this was not all, as she saw that the Confiscator would have an entire extra floor added to the bottom and even an extra graviton thruster.
   "...I thought that wouldn't it be better if you just added space magic to the containers. This way, you won't need to expand the vessel." Atalanta told him what she was thinking. By all means, in her opinion, the whole ship is already big as it is.
   "And where will the power come from?" He asked her.
   "Two of three reactors already power the travelling method itself. The last remaining reactor powers the ship itself. While we are in green with the creation and consumption ratio, if I am to utilise space magic on the containers, there will be an issue, considering there are around 120 containers I want to fill up."
   Atalanta then pointed at a glowing triangle on her chest.
   "Isn't this supposed to have enough power to power the entire space civilisation several times over?" The lioness said with a frown.
   "You do realise that Confiscator is already considered a relic compared to Diamond Heart Engine?"
   "...Right... it's only a month since the retrofits. Without them, it's only around three months old." The Lion maid sarcastically replied.
   "Ha, it appears my cat is getting her spirit back."
   She rolled her eyes when she heard that.
   "No, I simply don't care anymore. My world is too crazy to care." Atalanta said with a sigh.
   "Doubtful, since you care about the animals we are about to collect and the ship." He didn't buy what she was saying.
   "More like you got your courage back~ as it has been a while since I made you into a maid~."
   "...Maybe..." She didn't deny or agree.
   "Regardless, we will be upgrading the vessel before we will be travelling to the Carboniferous and Permian extinction event. I do want to see what the actual ice age looks like."
   "...I thought our Earth was in an Ice Age."
   "Technically, yes, but I am talking about a Real one, not some half-baked one. Temperatures have to drop quite a bit to cause animals to die." He explained to her.
   "I understand." She then turned around and walked to the door. She was about to leave, but then she remembered that she won the first 'mission'.
   "That reminds me, I got your trilobite."
   "...Nice, I will check it out after setting a few things into motion."
   "As you wish. In the meantime, I will return to my regular duties."
   "Do so." 
   With a nod, the lion girl left his workshop. The next moment, his AI spoke.
   [Sir, should I begin Project 'Kang'?]
   Aurora asked her creator.
   Marcus looked at the hologram of a spinning Earth. The continents were from his time.
   With hand motion, he went through the setting and changed the continents into the Late Carboniferous Period.
   "You may begin. We already tested proper time travel and saw how Time looks outside Time. By all means, we can begin claiming time itself." He said with a small smile he should thank that reporter by giving him an idea of making a Jurassic Park.
   What some people don't understand is that the park and the dinosaurs from that place date back at least three to four periods.
   To have something like that park, you have to have access to those periods.
   To have that, you need time travel, but just travelling back and forth is quite...taxing. So, to make it less taxing, you need to build infrastructure... an empire!
   That is what Project Kang is. First, he will build outposts through the periods, then actual base outside time just like Kang did.
   With such infrastructure, he will be able to build his own park and much more.
   Like an extra army which he can deploy at any time at any place. One could say that this is one of his safety belts if his empire falls at his home reality.
   One should never have enough protection.
   ~~~
   Meanwhile, outside Confiscator, grey sand started to leave the vessel.
   Swiftly, some distance away, the sand began to take shape...
   It looked like a Graviton-style Diamond Core Heart. Swiftly, the old-style reactor was built before coming online, and cables with other things were created. Not long after that, graviton projectors were finished, and the next second, a makeshift platform was floating in the air.
   With the platform in place, the grey sand rapidly started to expand in all directions.
   This Grey Sand was the next generation Assembly Line. The construction nanites. These little buggers are connected through a special interface, and their power is a simple M.T.M system.
   The more they work, the more power they have, and the more power they have, the more they can build.
   An endless cycle of creation.
   Swiftly, the platform became drydocks in which Confiscator docked soon after.
   The girls swiftly realised that something just happened. From the hangar bay opened doors, they can see a grey structure. The metal looked similar to Sacred Gear metal.
   "What is going on?" Jeanne asked with confusion.
   "The ship docked in dry docks. Master is intending to upgrade the ship." Le Fay said after checking the logs.
   "That was quick. When did the docks get built?" Hisako asked her as she looked away from the fish.
   "Just now."
   "...That's quick..."
   "Soon, it will be a legitimate outpost and not just a shipyard." As Le Fay said, she sent an enquiry if they could build a filtration device to lower the amount of Oxygen there is in the outpost.
   She does want to breathe the air of this ancient world.
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   "Great. Does this mean we will be able to explore this outpost? Living in the ship is becoming stale." Erina said as she was preparing to cut the fish. The chef girl remembered that she didn't need her knife anymore. Her suit can do all that for her.
   "It won't be that different, you know?" The witch sighed.
   "Hmm. I wouldn't mind exploring the tropical forest if I were in some sort of machine. That way, I would know that there is a large distance between me and the bug." The cherry blonde said with a sigh as her suit created a knife, and she opened up the proto-shark's gut.
   "Hmm, can you scan it for me?"
   [Use your free hand to scan the carcass] Aurora said to Erina.
   The chef girl stopped for a second and used her free hand. She pointed the palm of her hand. Hologram beams bombarded the carcass. The scan results popped on a hologram window.
   "Ugh..."
   The girl was surprised to see an array of unfamiliar bacteria in this animal.
   "What now?"
   [I suggest I do more scans on the bacteria.]
   "Yes, that would be for the best," Erina said with a strained look.
   [For now, just cook the fish to kill all of the bacteria.]
   Even if it was a good suggestion, the girl isn't that sure yet.
   [You can scan again after you cook]
   Her eyes immediately perk up as she agrees to do that!
   "Alright! I will do that!" 
   The girl swiftly proceeded to continue to cut the proto-shark. The shark was quite strange as its lower lip was like a spear while it had fins similar to the fish of an actual shark. 
   Because of its strange characteristics, the chef girls think that this animal will taste more like fish than a shark.
   "Ohh... it has such thick bones..." 
   Sure enough, the girl became quite mesmerised by what she found. To think that fish would have such heavy bones!
   The girl soon enough knew the feeling of what it means to be a 'researcher'.
   ~~~
   For More advanced chapters (+18 chapters, 90k words) my pat: pat reon.com/DragonsFics
  
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   Chapter 102: All Purpose Planetary Assimilator
   As the Confiscator docked in the newly built outpost, the work on upgrading the vessel began.
   None of the girls were asked to leave, as they didn't need to. The areas they were in won't be touched; instead, certain areas have been sealed off.
   Marcus watched the whole process closely. His quantum computer has been doing all the necessary calculations on what he dubbed as 'Time Anchor'.
   That is a certain function he will be adding to his vessels and structures.
   It will allow his creations to attach to the planets or something else and then slip out of time, allowing rapid time flow before returning from the time slip.
   That is his solution to the massive time gaps he wants to explore in a short amount of time.
   As he was running on the tests, the nanites were expanding on the base, adding Aurora Bots, living quarters, an observation deck, comms and an information transfer tower.
   And most importantly, installing what is called a 'Landing Zone'.
   It's the same principle as his Ars Almadel Salomonis. It allows Marcus and his ship to return to his time.
   That means once the construction is done, he can travel here and to his Earth time at will.
   Well, a proper time engine is needed, but one gets a picture.
   He won't be an explorer anymore. He will be a settler.
   After checking the outpost, he proceeded to guide the nanites in upgrading their vessels.
   The ring around the Confiscator will allow Time-Slip. The extra ships connected to the ring will allow spread-out exploration, and their thrusters will give more thrust to travel through time.
   It's not all that he did, as his next major upgrade is a stationary version of the Diamond Heart Engine-his answer to the vastness of space.
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   His solution to the trauma he felt after leaving Earth was realising how vast, empty, cold, and dark it was.
    
   With this invention, he will build up in space, and his Faction will inhabit that emptiness in some way.
   [The prototype is finished; we need to test it out.]
   "Yes. I suppose we do, but we don't have the resources. Once the Landing Zone is done, send the info to Ars Almadel Salomonis for the calculations."
   Marcus said to his AI. One thing they can abuse is time, and that is what they will do.
   [Understood, preparing the package.]
   After finishing the prototype for time slipping, Marcus proceeded to design the smaller vessels and containers for large storage.
   Since he has a better energy source, he might as well create containers which can store huge aquatic animals.
   That is why he began improving the containers by laying runes and adding energy storage units.
   ~~~
   "This place is strange," Tiamat said via her comms. Unlike Marcus, she checks the mana quality in the air.
   What she found was irresponsible mana.
   "We are hundreds of millions of years in the past. This is not even our world by any means," Hel said, looking weirded out as well.
   'To think we are so far back in past than even mana in the air behaves differently.'
   "Stay focused, you two. We are in the area where those animals should be," Grayfia said as she looked via the HUD. The locating methods already include orbital assistance from the satellites.
   That means locating the prehistoric animals should be easy... but.
   The entire planet is a jungle, which means regular methods of locating it are ineffective.
   It didn't take Aurora long to adjust and improve. Before long, satellite assistance allowed Aurora to sort out forests, plants, and animals.
   Sure enough, the location of Edaphosaurus was revealed. Their size allows satellites to find them.
   After flying for a bit, they found the prehistoric animal.
   "Strange thing," Tiamat commented as the trio landed, and the large animal who was chewing on bushes looked around.
   "It appears the suit makes us invisible." Hel chipped in as she noticed the animal's nonchalant behaviour.
   "More like he doesn't have natural predators. It makes it behave in such a manner." Grayfia checked the data she had. 
   "Even so, it should have some survival instincts." Tiamat crossed her arms.
   "True. That is why we are here." As Grayfia said that, she walked over. Her right-hand index finger morphed into a needle.
   "Prepare a dose of tranquiliser." The Head Maid asked the AI. Sure enough, the medicine was loaded.
   Once she was close to the beast, she stabbed the needle into the animal's back 'sail'.
   From the preliminary observation, she noticed that the sail has high blood flow in its veins, which it uses to heat up from sun rays.
   It means it's a great place for stabbing. 
   The animal hissed from pain as it started to run away.
   "So it does have fear." Tiamat looked surprised. At that moment, she felt like an explorer who was looking at a new discovery.
   "That means it doesn't see us," Hel commented as she looked where it was running away.
   Not that it lasted long, as the proto-lizard-like creature collapsed on the ground.
   The trio slowly walked over, and Grayfia motioned for one of them to pick it up.
   Tiamat and Hel sighed as they could not ignore the command of the head maid, especially now they were in such a foreign place and so far away... there is that primal fear of not wanting to be left behind.
   The Dragon King swiftly walked over and was about to pick it up manually, but then she realised that her suit was alive!
   So, just like that, the nanites left her armour, and like a cloud of swarms, the metal sand picked up the prehistoric animal.
   "Not bad, you are learning." The Head Maid praised the dragon maid for using the tech.
   "Yeah..." Tiamat looked at the metal sand with curiosity. She then saw a percentage of her metal sand rapidly recovering.
   'This suit... strange...'
   Not in a bad way, but in an absurd way. 
   After getting the animal, the pair looks at the head maid.
   "Anything else?"
   "I am checking the mission log." The Head Maid replied as she looked at Marcus' requests.
   "It appears Trilobite was acquired by other maids." 
   "Wasn't it a water crab thing? I think this lizard is more valuable, considering its size."
   Tiamat said that while looking at the floating lizard.
   "Yes. For now, we are returning." Grayfia said while rising into the air.
   The other two followed as the group proceeded to fly back towards the Confiscator.
   ~~~
   [Sir, Edaphosaurus has been acquired.]
   "Hmm, ask the maids to collect a proper pair for me, a male and female," Marcus instructed his AI as he finished with support ships and was now working on something more absurd.
   The inventor realised that he didn't need to hold back. There were no other people around, and certainly no parents, a.k.a. his mother, who could tell him to relax.
   Nope! He can go wild!
   Spending time in a small workshop made him get used to it. But no more! He can play with the entire planet if he wants to!
   He recalled an RTS game called Sins of Solar Empire, in which a species of aliens lived in skypalaces like proper overlords.
   That made him think, well, more like he was inspired after seeing his floating docks and fortress.
   Why not create a network of these around the whole planet?
   While he does not have much interest in the Carboniferous, unlike the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods, the prehistoric rainforest was full of animals.
   He will leave those for his faction to collect, study and fill up the evolutionary tree. 
   To make that work, he will create a network that spans the whole planet; platforms like alien saucer ships will fly around and then beam up the animals for study.
   Once that is in place, he will have the most extensive study of life in the world's history. 
   [Relaying message.]
   With a nod, Marcus proceeded to design the central hub, which would be placed in orbit.
   His plan is to have such bases in specific periods. For example, this one will be in the Carboniferous, then one in the Permian, Triassic, and so on.
   They all will have the ability to time slip and return to the beginning of the Carboniferous. 
   That way, he won't cause a butterfly effect in the future. 
   However, he does feel that there will be an issue, as there is a limit to the number of animals he can study in each period.
   That is why he is making the hub huge. It can collect its scanning platforms and then leave the timeline.
   That means he will have an area to store them.
   For that, he is designing his 'super secret' hideout outside of time.
   Such a place would be an enormous hub with everything, including armies for invasions and massive storage units for his animals.
   A perfect hideout for a guy.
   'Well, since I never had a tree house, I will have a base outside the time itself. Totally... not jealous of other kids who had their bases when they were kids.' He was in denial on that one...
   Marcus went through several designs until he stopped on the idea of building it like a space station which can constantly grow like a spider network.
   This means they will be connected via his railway and can attach and detach when leaving and arriving.
   Meaning it can reach enormous proportions.
   Something he can get behind.
   "Do you have some time?" Erina poked her head into his workshop.
   "Is it done?" He stopped designing and turned around to look at her.
   "Yes, but it's a simple one with just some salt." She said with a slightly embarrassed look.
   "It's fine! We are about to eat proto-shark! It doesn't matter if it's fancy or not."
   With a hand motion, he saved and dismissed the designing windows before walking towards the doors where Erina was waiting.
   "Yes. What you say is true. I am both excited and...afraid, I guess?" She honestly replied to him.
   "Well, you will get used to it, and then you will start craving more of the unknown," Marcus replied as the pair left the workshop and walked towards the lift.
   "You are not wrong. Even now, I wonder what the super ocean is hiding from us," the girl said with an excited and curious tone.
   One could say she is truly enjoying the new and exciting lifestyle.
   After taking the lift, the pair arrived at the floor where the kitchen was.
   When they got in, some of the girls were already tasting the proto-shark-like creature.
   "The taste is strange. This is a carnivorous fish, isn't it?" Quinella asked Hisako as she tried a single bite.
   "Yes. But it has heavy bones, unlike regular fish. We can assume that adds some taste to it." The pair were like scientists as they were pondering out loud.
   "As long as it tastes good, I don't care where the taste comes from." Marcus chipped in as his clothes shifted into casual wear.
   The girls noticed that they realised that the suits could do that!
   Sure enough, all of them shifted into casual wear!
   When Marcus saw that, he chuckled. It was cute to see them adjust that quickly.
   "Yes, you are right, but we are here to study," Quinella replied after getting into a regular dress.
   "True. But, I leave that to you girls. I have things to build." Marcus agreed as he pulled out a chair and sat down in front of a table.
   There was a small chunk of pinkish meat. It didn't look like fish or chicken or even a mammal of some sort.
   He created a fork and knife with his nanites before cutting a small bit and then tasting it.
   There was an array of emotions on his face as he was chewing it. 
   After a while, he swallowed the bite and placed the cutlery on the table.
   There was a confused look on his face.
   "...what did I just eat?" 
   He asked out loud.
   "...exactly as I was saying." Quinella sagely nodded at that expression as if it were the same for her.
   "It's nothing like fish. Maybe it's more towards chicken? But there is that aspect of fish while not being fish." Marcus was confused. He placed his elbows on the table, his fingers intertwined, and looked like he was in deep thought.
   "Precisely, that's why we need to do some research." 
   "...apart from the confusing taste. I want you, Erina, to try rotating through several dishes, like making steaks and soup and mixing that meat with pasta.
   Only after going through those and testing more out can we safely put them in a proper category." The inventor instructed. As he got up from his seat and walked away, he looked confused, as he had no idea what he had just eaten.
   It was, after all, alien meat...
   "Do you think our bodies are meant to consume this meat?" Erina realised that was the biggest issue.
   They are aliens here, and their bodies have no idea how to interact with such meat!
   "We already addressed that," Quinella reassured her.
   "Our adaptation is far above regular humans. Give it a few more meals, and it will be normal to consume prehistoric animals." The Assistant addressed Erina's worries.
   "...Good."
   ~~~
   After tasting weird meat, Marcus returned to his workshop and drank some soda. After getting some fizzy stuff in his stomach, he continued working.
   He loved his new Diamond Hearth Engine. It was like playing Minecraft in creative mode without worrying that he would run out of materials.
   With such a thing in place, he was able to create what Atalanta suggested: containers with space expansion. 
   That means he can finally start collecting marine life, too!
   "Mosasaurus~ here I come! I can play Aquaman now!" Marcus got giddy after seeing green bars in the new water container design!
   It means it can sustain huge amounts of cubic metres of water!
   Yep! He swiftly placed those in the construction queue! 
   With that done, he proceeded to work on a dome Le Fay asked him.
   As he started with that, his mind shifted from animals to nature.
   The inventor quickly realised that he could advance in terraforming! Yes! He would observe how nature evolves through time. With simple adjustments and a time slip, he could easily age and reverse entire planets!
   "...Holy fuck... that will be great!" With a growing grin, Marcus exclaimed as he proceeded to instruct Aurora with a couple of important adjustments in nature observations!
   ~~~~~~Meanwhile, in Far Future and Different Reality (With Latia)~~~~~~
   Latia stretched out as she was tired after a whole day of working.
   The company she created for Marcus wasn't untouched after Marcus' bombshells.
   Nope, it went through rapid assault. People want to work for her and with her in hopes of surviving the upcoming collapse of society.
   All of that means that she has tons and tons of work.
   "Oh right... all of that land..." Latia recalled that Marcus wanted specific land next to his father's place.
   She proceeded to text him.
   But all she got was that the message was sent but not received or checked by him...
   "...Umm... is the network is down?" She looked confused.
   "But that means...Aurora?" 
   [Yes?]
   The Ai replied the next second.
   "Is the messaging network down?" The blonde devil asked.
   [Messaging is an internal part of my systems. It's impossible for it to be down.]
   "Then why has Marcus not received my message?" The blonde devil asked her.
   [Supreme Commander has left this Space-Time Continuum and at this moment is 320 Million years away in a different timeline. He is exploring and collecting animal, plant, and human samples. He should be back before the sunrise.] Aurora explained in her casual tone, the same way she always does.
   "...Excuse me?"
   The girl was baffled to hear that! 
   She swiftly checked her laptop. Sure enough, she saw that Ars Almadel Salomonis was in the moon's orbit and not Earth! The massive space gun was pointing away from Earth.
   After a couple more checks, she saw that Confiscator was nowhere to be found. Its general location is classified as [On Duty].
   Unlike other vessels, which have coordinates of the ships, the Confiscator's overall condition is not clear, and there is no other data to check.
   "Ugh... Just leave him for a minute, and he will be gone! In the most literal sense!"
   The girl stood up and closed her laptop, swiftly walking towards the doors. She walked through her office, arriving where Seekvaira was staying. Her cousin was sleeping in a pile of papers. She fell asleep while working on schematics for upgrading the barriers.
   "Seek! Wake up! We have a huge problem!"
   Latia shouted while shaking her cousin.
   "Ugh!?"
   The Agares Heiress opened her eyes.
   "...Latia? What's wrong?" The sleepy girl asked.
   "Marcus literally left the Space-Time Continuum!" 
   "...Umm...what?" The glasses-wearing Devil Heiress needed to shake her head for a second as her cousin was speaking gibberish!
   "I said he went on a time-travelling adventure! He left our timeline and went to see dinosaurs!" Latia explained in a serious tone, which made Seekvaira's mind finally catch up!
   "...Wait! WHAT!?"
   "YES! He is 320 million years away!" Latia explained with a deadly serious tone.
   "That's... Impossible! D-D-D-Do you even know how far that is!? Do you even know how much energy you would need!?"
   The Agares Heiress grabbed her head as she tried to process the numbers she was hearing.
   "Just having a few seconds of dilation is taxing! Not to mention, after a specific period of time, it becomes tens of times harder!"
   She explained to her cousin with a rapid-fire tone.
   "Yes. That is what I am saying." The blonde replied with a nod. She has some ideas on how time dilation works as magic. But what Marcus did is on a completely different and monumental scale.
   "Aurora. Can you arrange transport to Ars Almadel Salomonis?" Latia asked the Ai.
   [Certainly, ETA 5 minutes]
   "Let's go. Our transport is coming."
   Seekvaira nodded at her cousin as they walked out of the office and got outside. The Agares' Heiress' eyes went up to the moon.
   She looked at it for a while before she noticed something next to the moon.
   "Amazing... It's visible from here." The girl pointed at the night sky. She can see the space gun from here.
   "Yeah."
   Latia replied with an absent-minded tone. Her thoughts were far away. Who knows for how long he will be away? Time travelling like this will morph his mind! She could only imagine what he would build!
   A short while later, a gunship arrived and picked them up.
   In the sky, her warship Icarus was waiting.
   "It's so cool how you can just ask for transport, and you will get an actual warship that will take you anywhere you want."
   Seekvaira could barely hide her jealousy.
   "Yeah..."
   Such a nonchalant reply made the greenish-blonde girl look at her cousin.
   "You do know he will return. I doubt he left without planning his return." Agares Heiress tried to improve Latia's mood, but all it did was make the blonde devil close her eyes and softly snort.
   "I am not afraid of that. What I am afraid of is how long he will be away. You do realise how far he is from us?"
   "...True..."
   Now Seekvaira looked concerned. Who knows what he creates!? By the time he returns, he might have another empire! And he might not need the current one!
   "Yeah... we need to find out more."
   The girls started to panic as they ended up in Icarus, which looked quite different outside. The warship had been upgraded to its Mark III model, and it was more like a spaceship than an airship now.
   The newly upgraded vessel left Earth and swiftly flew to the moon where Ars Almadel Salomonis was orbiting.
   The moment they arrived, they swiftly left the Icarus aboard another gunship, which took them to a huge hangar in the station.
   "Whoa...the size..." 
   For a second, Seekvaira forgot about the issue and marvelled at all the tech and machinery placed on standby.
   More or less, it looked like an invasion army on standby.
   "Ma'am. How we can assist you?"
   The hangar supervisors approached the devils.
   "Take us to the control room. I want to know Master's situation."
   "As you wish." 
   One of the supervisors motioned to follow him. 
   They walked to the main lift, which took them to the control floor.
   A few moments later, they walked out from the lift into a balcony-like area.
   When Seekvaira saw what was in front of her, all she could do was open her mouth and stare at tens, if not hundreds, of people operating consoles.
   It looked like they were controlling or monitoring the whole Internet-maybe even more! This was not just something to assist Technocracy; it was full-blown surveillance.
   "...This..." 
   "Yeah... I thought as much."
   'Marcus might not utilise this fully yet, but it's already in place...'
   "Welcome to the command centre. I am the commander." A woman with long blonde hair dressed in a G.A.T Military uniform approached the pair of devils.
   "Commander, might I ask if there was any news about Master?" 
   "Hmm, nothing so far. He left just a few moments ago. But considering it outside time, he should be sending the first batch to us soon."
   "...Batch?"
   "Yes. Think of it like letters in a bottle."
   "So we don't have a proper connection with him?" Latia realised that this was an even bigger issue.
   "No. It's more or less similar to deep space travel. We don't have the infrastructure to have permanent communication. So, for now, we are back to primitive physical packages."
   [We are approaching the first 30 minutes. According to my calculations, we should be getting our first package.]
   Aurora announced that the main hologram displaying the globe of Earth had shifted to the void of space.
   At that moment, the space rippled, and green magic circled appeared.
   "We have a contact! It's sending signals via Aurora Network!"
   "...Right on time." The commander smiled as she swiftly proceeded to give instructions.
   "Follow the Protocol! Send ships 4 and 5 to collect the package and make sure it's secured and has no viruses."
   "Roger! Relaying the orders!"
   Sure enough, everyone saw retrofitted Mark III Daedalus-class ships moving towards the package.
   The ships released gunships, which flew rapidly towards the round package.
   Soon enough, they were recovered.
   Latia and Seekvaira only now did they realise that nearly half of the fleet was with Ars Almadel Salomonis.
   Not long after that, the package was recovered, and the engineers and mechanics proceeded to open it.
   On the main hologram, the mechanics and engineers appeared, and they proceeded to explain the situation.
   [Commander It's the same design created by the Supreme Commander, and it follows the standard protocol in packaging. 
   We are running the last diagnostics before uploading the data.]
   "Good. We are waiting for the information."
   The blonde next to Latia and Seekvaira replied with a nod.
   Just like Latia and Seekvaira, the girls who are created to run the place can't wait to see and hear any news about their creator and Supreme Commander.
   [Diagnostics are done, uploading to the Aurora Network]
   One by one, data files in packages proceeded to be uploaded.
   [I just received files; you should see this!]
   Aurora sounded excited, which made the girls slightly excited, too, but Latia and Seekvaira were more concerned than excited.
   They know that these girls are Marcus' cheerleaders... meaning that they are heavily biased towards everything Marcus.
   One by one, schematics proceeded to appear on the main Hologram.
   What they saw was some sort of... universe. They can see planet-like things spinning around a white sun. The sun had metal rings.
   Whatever it was... it was fantasy-like and not technology.
   [This is the successor to Diamond Core Heart. The Diamond Heart Engine. An actual Arcane technology with true limitless power. It's an actual perpetual-motion engine.]
   "...Wait! I thought we already had a perpetual motion engine!"
   Latia exclaimed as she was certain that those diamonds could work forever!
   [Wrong. We lacked two things which could classify Diamond Core Heart as a perpetual motion engine. It had a limited output and was fragile.]
   "...Fragile?" Latia was confused.
   [Precisely, a supernova could destroy it. Meaning that it had a lifespan in the billions and was at the mercy of our sun.]
   'Those are shortcomings?' The devil girl was perplexed...how can one see the cosmic phenomenon and think of ways to counter it?
   "Does this mean we will start construction of these?" 
   The space station commander asked as she knew that Marcus would want upgrades to start immediately.
   [We do not have infrastructure.]
   The blunt reply consumed the hell out of everyone! What does she mean by 'Infrastructure'!?
   "..."
   "..."
   "..."
   [Instead, we will start with this.]
   Aurora dismissed the cosmos look-alike Diamond Heart Engine and instead showed a big acorn.
   [This is Ouranos-class All Purpose Planetary Assimilator]
   The Acorn moved as it split up into five pieces. Four of them were smaller acorns.
   They could see them opening up more and then showing how they would surround a planet. It was literally at a scale big enough to ensnare the entire planet.
   "What is this?" Latia asked with a gulp.
   [According to schematics, this is a terraformer, prison, research station, battle station, and everything-even a shipyard.
   Its main purpose is to encase a planet and then change it into whatever the Supreme Commander wants.
   According to the schematics, it can even move worlds through space and time.]
   "..."
   "..."
   No one spoke as they just looked at this...thing.
   [It will be powered by Time Engine and Diamond Heart Engine. Meaning it can travel anywhere.
   A truly fascinating piece of engineering!]
   Aurora sounded extremely excited about this!
   [But first, we need to test certain things which the Supreme Commander had requested.]
   The Ai raised another schematic, which was much smaller and less complex. It looked like a large ring with smaller rings inside.
   [This is the next step in time control. What you are looking at is an extension of the Time Engine. Think of it like normal engines have thrusters, and car engines have drivetrains. What you see is an extension of Time Engine.
   This piece is supposed to allow 'Time Anchor' and 'Time Slip']
   After that, the AI explains to the group what it means.
   [Time anchor is a corner piece to control Paradoxes. Once active, it doesn't allow for things to branch out. It works similarly to what an anchor does. Once dropped, the ship stays in the same place.]
   [Time slip works alongside Time Anchor; it allows one to slip from time and travel back and forth through that single specific timeline.]
   "I see... that means with time anchor, only one of such buildings or ships can exist."
   Seekvaira immediately understood.
   [Precisely, that means if Confiscator was 320 million years ago in that spot, it could return to the same spot, and it will be only him there.]
   "...How frightening. How did he even achieve that?" She asked as she realised that Marcus had already grasped more about time than her clan had!
   [From the data I received, he grasped what time looks like.]
   "Huh?"
   [Such discovery allows one to manipulate time to its full extension. It's like holding water in your hands; you can move it into a container, yes? Same principle.]
   "...Yes, I understand that much...but..."
   Seekvaira's brain short-circuit for a second.
   How do you even grasp time in your palm and put it into a container!?
   [Regardless, we have our orders, and Ars Almadel Salomonis is entering into testing mode. We have eight hours to finish this and send it back to our Supreme Commander.]
   "On top of that, we will be getting another package after that..." The commander realised that it would be a busy night!
   [Precisely, but from what I have seen, I can calculate that we will be getting fewer and fewer requests as the Supreme Commander builds his infrastructure on Carboniferous earth.]
   'Actual base millions of years ago...' Latia mumbled internally. Whatever he could build, the world's past and maybe future will become his plaything.
   One could say she gave up thinking of trying to divert him from total chaos.
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   ~~~~~~Back to Marcus~~~~~~
   Marcus was meticulously placing parts for another Diamond Heart Engine, which would power the outpost on Carboniferous Earth.
   This Hearth alone will power everything, which is enough for him.
   Of course, he will have an auxiliary power source in case something could happen.
   Marcus doesn't believe that chances are 100% or 0%. For him, there is always a small chance of something. That is why he is building an extremely durable Empire. One would never know if there is a rogue AI in space or some warmongering empire of slug aliens.
   Whatever the case. He won't stop.
   [Sir, there was a time ripple in space. It appears Technocracy is sending back a package.]
   "Good. They should start moving on Project Kang." Marcus stopped with his work as he commented on the newest development.
   [We should retrieve the package. Do you wish to send our Knights?]
   The Ai asked him.
   "No. I will do it myself. I need a change of environment." He said while stretching out. He got up from his seat and proceeded to leave his workshop.
   He is still living in Confiscator even though there is a new workshop built in the outpost.
    
   That outpost has already improved Assembly lines and can make the smallest of things.
   He can, by all means and purposes, start making miniature galaxies, as he already commands time, space, life, and evolution.
   As he pondered his work, the lift arrived at the hangar bay.
   "Hmm, I could take a Dragoon." He noticed the parked mechs attached to the wall. His darling Quinella's personal knights and their mechs.
   'I should have my own. I already have Royal Guards. They should have their 'mounts'.'
   As he pondered the lack of mounts for his men, he walked to the Dragoon. With a casual hand motion, the hatch opened, and he flew into the cockpit.
   After getting comfortable, he turned on the machine and powered its systems.
   "Time to explore~."
   ~~~
   For More advanced chapters (+17 chapters, 85k words) my pat: pat reon.com/DragonsFics
  
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   Chapter 103: Teasing Sirin
   The girls are discussing their findings and observations inside the recently built Outpost above the Super Ocean of Carboniferous Earth.
   The outpost is slowly morphing into the Ouroboros-Class Assimilator, but for now, it's still a large floating fortress.
   The meeting room looked like the United Nations National Assembly but with more sci-fi touch...
   "Our Observation of Moon's effect on Earth is staggering... Observe." Artemis showed what she had captured with her suit's recording capabilities.
   What everyone saw was water rising... to absurd levels. Then, the camera switched to an aerial view and, lastly, from space via Satellites.
   "How many miles do they go inland?" Hisako asked as she dumbly looked at how entire sections of Gondwana simply ceased to exist for a portion of a day.
   It appears there are trees so high that they ignore the high tide!
   "Depends on elevation. At lowlands, it goes inland up to several hundred miles." 
   "...That's quite a tide," Enterprise commented out loud as she inspected the footage.
   "More like tsunami..." Jeanne grimaced as she saw it as well.
   "Well, it's not a wave..." Le Fay intercepted.
   "I know... but calling it a flood? Yeah, no..." Jeanne shook her head.
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   "Regardless. What we are seeing is what creates modern-day soil." Athena chipped in as he proceeded to give a lecture on how Carboniferous Earth's jungles would cease to exist. It's related to the soil.
   Usually, one would be bored out of their mind listening to such a thing, but they look at it from the first person. It has a different feeling to it.
   The process is quite simple. In the Devonian Period, instead of trees, there were big mushrooms. However, with several ice ages and some vulcanism, mushrooms were replaced by trees. Big trees dying and creating rot eventually allowed the creation of soil that could keep water in.
   That process was what caused the collapse of Carboniferous Rainforests. Well, ONE of several things. Others are the lack of CO2 and falling sea and ocean levels.
   Regardless of what it made them certainly excited to see... changes to climate... people aboard the Outpost felt detached from the planet below. In a way, it made regular people feel like... Gods?
   Well, they were among the gods, but...
   It was a strange feeling.
   They are discussing floods, which could easily drown entire countries. But they are only excited to see what they will experience afterwards!
   After discussing the climate, it was time to discuss the trees. How differently do they grow, and why don't they have seeds and stuff like that?
   However, their discussions ignored a key animal family! Bugs! There were no talks about bugs. 
   [Sorry to interrupt. But I received a word from the Supreme Commander. Master requests that only 'Cool' animals are to be kept aboard Confiscator. The other creatures, like the bugs or ugly fishes, will be kept aboard the Outpost containers.] Aurora interrupted them as she showed that sections of the 'Acorn' were coming online. These are the containers for animals.
   "Does he truly expect us to collect those..." Tiamat complained as she recalled massive primitive centipedes walking through the wetlands.
   [Not necessary.]
   "Why so?" Tiamat immediately asked as she had a sense of loss. Honestly, she wanted him to come over and try something to make her do it... The Dragon King didn't realise yet, but she is becoming an M...
   [Project Kang. Do read up on those.] Aurora, with a dull voice, reminded the blockheads to read the logs.
   "Right... just tells us..."
   Tiamat ignored the taunt and asked anyway.
   [Upon completion of Ouranos Class Assimilator, Drones and specific platforms will collect all of the animals and then travel back and forth to collect all of the animals' genomes.
   That means your game of collecting points will end.
   That is until we arrive at the Permian Period.]
   "...Why Ouranos?" Artemis asked with a pout. She didn't care about the details! She got triggered by the name!
   [Primordial of Sky. Why else?]
   The Maid Goddess pouted as she crossed her arms and looked away.
   "Well, apart from that-" Athena ignored her half-sister and instead addressed everyone who was in the room.
   "You should fill up the roster as much as you can, as it appears we do have a deadline now."
   The Goddess of Wisdom realised that there was not that much time left. From what she can understand, the nanites are rapidly multiplying, and this Ouranos Class Assimilator is getting built up quickly.
   "Let's go back to swimming!" Atalanta quickly got up and was ready to get more ammonites and proto-sharks!
   "Alright!"
   Jeanne and Hypolita followed after her.
   "Well, they can do that... It's not like I need those points." Quinella sighed as she got up from her seat.
   It appears she will postpone her discoveries.
   But then she smiled as she placed her right hand on her chin. A knowing smile was on her lips.
   'I might as well do a private one in Marcus' room.'
   Quinella was not the only one, as Sirin and Gu Yuena were thinking of doing similar 'presentations'.
   "Well, I am off to observe these tides." Enterprise got up from her seat. Tirpitz followed her. They still have a few things to discover before returning to their creator's side.
   "I am coming with you."
   The pair left the meeting room, and other maids followed after. They still have some things to do before returning to basic work routines.
   ~~~
   Marcus smiled as his Dragoon left Earth's atmosphere. The air resistance is slightly different, thanks to the composition of the atmosphere. He has somewhat forgotten about stuff like air resistance since, well, the things he uses are anti-gravity, so having a mobile suit with air resistance is somewhat strange...
   Regardless, as his machine left the atmosphere, the Dragoon flew towards the Navi point, where the package was waiting.
   "Aurora, did you check the star alignments?" Marcus asked as he was looking around. The world where he was is so alien that he is having a hard time seeing this place as 'Earth' instead of some sort of alien world.
   [Not yet; when we have a chance, we should check out the solar system]
   Marcus slowly nodded. As long as he doesn't change the trajectory of several asteroids, he is safe enough to explore.
   After flying just beyond Moon's orbit, he shifted from plane mode to humanoid mode and grabbed the container.
   Once he acquired it, he turned around and flew back to the planet.
   A short trip later, his Dragoon landed in hangar bay. He walked over and handed over the large container to the engineers and mechanics who were waiting for him.
   With his job done, he brought the mech back to its parking place.
   "I was wondering who took one of my knight's machines." Quinella walked over with crossed arms.
   Marcus jumped out from the cockpit and landed next to her.
   "It was just me having some fun~" He replied with an amused tone.
   "You could just make one for yourself instead of overwriting the OS all the time." Quinella sounded slightly frustrated that he was hacking the program he had made himself!
   For ex-AI, she feels that he is violating it without proper reason!
   "Relax~" He pulled her for a hug.
   That was enough for her to calm down.
   "How about this-" he pondered for a bit before explaining to her.
   "Why don't you make a mech for me?" He cupped her cheeks while saying that.
   Her eyes sparkled for a second.
   "Deal! You will have to use it properly, okay?" She asked with a serious tone.
   "Of course~"
   "It's a promise?" She requested while narrowing her eyes.
   "Yep, a promise, I won't be stealing your knight mechs." 
   "Then I shall design one!"
   After saying that, she used that moment to hug him, saying that it was just perfect.
   Marcus simply chuckled at seeing her act like that.
   A short hug later, she slightly pulled back and proceeded to speak in a confident tone.
   "Oh, we have reports ready for you~ we have a clear connection between land dwellers and ancient fish. Do you want to hear it?" The girl twirled her finger on his chest while saying that.
   "Let's go," he said, wrapping his hand around her waist before walking towards the main lift.
   "Okay~"
   ~~~
   My lady, it's strange, don't you think?" Hisako said to Erina as they looked down. They watched how flood water swallowed entire sections of forests.
   There was a huge increase in the quantity of water. Something they have never seen before. It was like filling up and releasing a dam full of water. 
   "It's our world, but we watch this without care." The girl feels detached from what she is seeing.
   "Yes, well... it's not truly our world, and what we are seeing is natural? No?" Erina tried to argue, but she felt the same way.
   In her mind, she sees this as something Marcus could fix... 
   "True... but still."
   Erina's somewhat nonchalant response made Hisako slightly uncomfortable. 
   "Then it's fine. These floods are supposed to happen. We shouldn't interfere. The plants and animals have been around for millions of years. Let them do their thing."
   Erina explained with a small smile before deciding to return to the outpost.
   She finally got over her fears of diving and flying; the suit made her invincible, she is certain. 
   "Let's go, Hisako, I saw enough."
   "As you wish."
   The pair proceeded to fly back.
   Their trip was not long.
   As they flew, they stopped for a second to observe how enormous the outpost had become.
   The nanites make the huge structure construction look insignificant. It was like paper printing.
   "To think that this thing will encase the whole planet." Hisako was not sure what to think of it. 
   "Yes. With this thing, Marcus will be able to control the entire planet. So no more uncertain phenomena like droughts or volcanic activities which could end life on the world!"
   Unlike Hisako, Erina sees this as a good thing. In her eyes, no one should die from freak incidents; if they can be controlled, then make them so.
   The assistant to the chef girl was not so sure. She thinks they are invading territory that belongs to nature.
   "Still... it's enormous!" 
   "That is true... I think it's bigger than the space gun." Erina was not certain about the sizes. By this point, they were simply enormous constructs.
   The pair recalled Marcus' explanation. The inspiration for Ouranos-class Assimilator came from a movie called Independence Day, in which an alien mother ship splits, and smaller parts descend to the ground. 
   It's similar to that. The big acorn would split up into five pieces, while four smaller acorns and the skeletal frame of the big one would remain as the main hub.
   The smaller acorns would split up and encase the planet like a net.
   The amount of energy needed to move and impact the planet is huge, but the Diamond Heart Engine can easily sustain it. 
   There are five of them in total, alongside M.T.M auxiliary systems, as the net will move independently. 
   In the worst case, if a freak incident happens, there are Graviton Triangle cores that cast the anti-gravity field.
   In total, the Assimilator has three means to survive if something fails...
   Honestly, the chef girls think he is too hardcore, considering Diamond Heart Engine makes the Ouranos-class Assimilator all but indestructible.
   After observing how the nanites work, they flew back into the acorn-shaped construct.
   They are ready to get back to work as dinner time is getting close.
   ~~~~~~Later~~~~~~
   Marcus smiled as Ammonite tried to wrap its tentacles around him. The inventor pushed the sea animal aside as it was forced to swim around and try again.
   Solomon's Successor was testing out the new aquarium he had built inside his room.
   Thanks to the space expansion, it was more like a large swimming pool than an aquarium.
   Apart from the distant octopus relative, there were Proto-sharks and other smaller armoured fishes.
   The inventor had a large selection of ocean animals, so it was time to play with them and determine their intelligence. 
   'Try again~'
   With a mental probe, the animals got annoyed and tried again and again.
   Eventually, the animal got tired and swam away.
   As he was having fun, a hologram appeared in front of him. 
   'It's time already...huh...' 
   The inventor had a pondering look. The whole week had passed, and the Assimilator was finally finished. 
   That means once the deployment is done, he will activate the 'Time Slip' and leave to experience the Carboniferous-Permian extinction before leaving this Earth for another Permian Earth.
   'I do wonder if I will encounter some strange, smart alien life?'
   One of the reasons he is moving in 'timelines' and going to different realities is to increase his chance of visiting an Earth with different possible animals or even smart beasts!
   Different types of 'sapient' creatures.
   As he pondered that, he swam to the corner where the ladders were. Once there, he got out of the aquarium and took a towel to dry himself.
   "Having fun?" Sirin asked him as she was lazing on the couch with a bowl of handmade chips.
   The chefs are spoiling his girls with their food. Marcus is slightly afraid they will stop eating regular food and only eat what Erina and Hisako make.
   "Yeah, but the first Assimilator is finished."
   "...Already?" The girl was lying on her stomach while her legs were moving up and down. 
   "Yep. Once it's deployed, we will use Time Slip to see the extinction event before leaving for another Permian Earth."
   "...Hmm, I see..." She moved into a proper sitting position before getting up and then walking over to him and starting to dry him up.
   "You do know that you can use your powers to get a quick dry." Sirin reminded him of the obvious.
   "Or just put your suit on." She sighed.
   "What for? I have you~," he said, wrapping his hands around her waist and pulling her closer to himself.
   "...You... be grateful that I am wearing my suit; otherwise, I would be wet!" She exclaimed angrily.
   "...Oh?" 
   He grabbed the triangle device on her chest, the core of the suit, and turned it off by simply pulling it off.
   At that moment, all of her clothes disappeared as the nanites rushed back to the triangle device.
   ***Eep!***
   The girl released a sound similar to a girly squeal as she realised that he had undressed her in an instant.
   He casually threw the triangle device to the couch and then wrapped his hands around her.
   "L-Let go of me, damn it!" She leaned at him as she tried to hide her naked body.
   "Nope~ we will have some fun~"
   As he said that, he kicked off and leapt into the aquarium with the girl in his hands.
   "Nooo!"
   The girl screamed as she realised what was about to happen!
   The water was not the warmest, as the animals lived at an average of 10 to 15 degrees Celsius. It's quite cold for a regular person. Thankfully, the girls he is staying with are genetically enchanted, and such a temperature is all right. But that's not the point...
   It's that Marcus did all that without asking...
   Sirin started to smack her fists at his chest as she looked at him with an angry pout.
   He completely ignored those fists as, instead, his hands squeezed her rear and pulled her closer to himself.
   Eventually, Sirin needed to breathe, so they surfaced.
   *GASP*
   *DEEP BREATH*
   Marcus looked with a small smile as he saw her gasping for air and breathing heavily. He kept on holding her.
   After getting enough air, she looked at him with an annoyed look. She could feel his hands squeezing and playing with her ass cheeks.
   "Didn't you have it enough already?" She sighed in resignation. By all means, Marcus has been having his way with his harem daily. She is part of that routine; every day, two girls would be his bed warmers.
   Except for the chef girls, Ship girls and Le Fay... Part of Sirin wondered when they would make their move. Not that she wants, of course! The more girls on the list, the longer the waiting time!
   So, by all means, Sirin would end up in his bed at least once per week. So, his libido should be in check...
   "Are you saying I should be tired of my Herrscher?" Marcus pretended to be offended.
   "N-No! That is not what I am saying!"
   She exclaimed angrily before realising that he was messing with her.
   Her cheeks turned red as she started to feel warmer and warmer as he kept kneading those ass cheeks.
   "What I am saying is that you constantly have your way with girls! Don't you get tired?" she asked him as she placed her head on his chest. She stopped resisting and ended up cuddling next to him.
   "Stupid question. How can I have enough of my ladies?" He scoffed at such an idea and proceeded to float out of the water, landing on the floor. Because of such abrupt actions, water is dripping everywhere from the pair.
   "...Well? Will you let me go now?" She asked him. Standing naked like this is not something she wants to do!
   "Nope..."
   As he said that, he used his powers to dry himself and the girl.
   Then he took her to the wardrobe, where he used his psionic interface to select a set of clothes.
   "What are you doing now?"
   She had some nervousness in her voice, as she thought he was going to force her to wear something indecent!
   A few moments later, the creation of the clothes was complete, and he pulled out a sailor uniform from the wardrobe.
   It had a short skirt...
   It was basically a Japanese-style school uniform.
   "You will be wearing these for the rest of the day~" He showed to her as the clothes floated out from the wardrobe.
   Sirin internally sighed. It was not indecent or anything, so it was fine.
   "Fine! Can you let me go now?" She asked him with a nearly begging tone.
   "Yup~"
   He let her go as the girl swiftly grabbed the clothes and was about to dress up...
   But...
   "W-Where are panties or bra!?"
   She asked him as she checked the clothes!
   "You won't be needing them today, and besides, I am the only guy on this vessel~."
   The inventor smirked at her while explaining what she would be wearing.
   "...Damn...you! Is this because of how I replied to you!?" She got all red, realising that she would be exposed like that!
   "More or less, after all, I was very busy, and I need some distraction."
   Her eyes perked up when she heard that!
   "H-How about this! I will pamper you the whole day, but at least let me wear panties!" The Angel of Death started to negotiate with him.
   "Hmm, Fine. But I will choose what you will wear, AND you are not allowed to walk more than a few metres away from me~" He pondered on her proposal before adding some more.
   "Deal!"
   And so Marcus embarrassed Sirin some more as he went through a long list of panties... 
   Until he found what he wanted, he gave the girl black panties with a ribbon as he saved a list of panties he would put on her later on.
   Eventually, they left his room. The white-haired beauty sighed in relief as she dodged a bullet with this one!
   Still, she was not out of the woods yet. Marcus could do something else... for now; he took her hand as they walked to the lift, which took them to the bridge of the Confiscator.
   As they arrived there, everyone was already waiting for them.
   Seeing how Sirin was dressed raised a couple of questions... What were they doing in his room?
   "Sorry for the wait. You may send the word for them to start with the deployment." Marcus instructed the ship's crew as he ignored the looks from maids, his creations, and the chef girls. They all wondered why Sirin was dressed like a schoolgirl.
   Still, he ignored the gazes and went to take his seat on his throne. Sirin ended up sitting on his lap, cuddling closer to him, as she intended to pamper him for the whole day...
   ~~~
   The upgraded Confiscator was in Earth's Orbit as they looked at how the Assimilator proceeded to move. The massive acorn-like shaped vessel activated. Four sections of it started to move and split up into four directions, and then they began to move into position.
   As the smaller acorn-shaped vessels moved, they started to split up even more, spreading out through the planet's atmosphere.
   The process took a while, but as it made the net, people could see that it was not simply energy structures but actually gravitational forces. Before long, the segments spread out and created a net, casting a barrier through the whole planet.
   "Does it actually encase the whole planet?" Sirin whispered her question into his ear as she was feeding him seedless grapes.
   "Yes, look."
   A hologram appeared in front of them, showing how the net is encasing the whole of Carboniferous Earth.
   "That's some serious reach..." The girl was surprised by how far the platform's extent was.
   "Yep, those four smaller acorns settle in the 'corners' of the four hemispheres, connected via graviton tunnels. It allows rapid transit from one side to another. Not only that, but I can freeze space for the whole planet now." Marcus explained to her that, as he stroked her long hair, he was enjoying her company.
   "By all means and purposes, the planet is 'captured'. It will allow me to alter and change the planet's surface. It's perfect for terraforming, even a dead world like Mars or extremely unstable like Venus." 
   He explained to her in quite an excited tone. 
   "Most importantly... I could ignore the basic necessities." He winked at her before clarifying. 
   "It means the world doesn't need to be close to the sun. I could play what Celestials did in Star Wars.
   Imagine hand-tailoring the solar system to whatever I would want." 
   "...That is some power..." The girls mumbled with shock.
   "No wonder you called it Ouranos-Class." Athena chipped in as she walked closer to Marcus. 
   "Why don't we take a trip around the globe before time-slipping?" She suggested as she looked at Sirin and Marcus.
   The Goddess started to think about whether she should dress up in some unique clothes just as Sirin did now, and Quinella did from time to time.
   "Sure. I do want to take a train through the atmosphere of Carboniferous Earth." Marcus swiftly agreed, then looked at Sirin.
   "You should record all of this for your YouTube channel. Make a playlist and call it- 'I went to the prehistoric past so that you wouldn't need to.' What do you think?" The inventor suggested to her.
   The girl giggled for a second before nodding at him.
   "Sure, and I have been taking videos since day one." The girl explained to him that she was, in fact, recording all of it.
   ~~~
   Erina looked at Marcus and Sirin, who were holding hands like a couple. She had seen this before, but the girl had no idea how this whole harem thing could work.
   Even now, she is jealous. What would happen if she became his lover? She has no idea how she could watch him being with another girl! It would make her emotions explode!
   Not to mention, she has seen how he takes two of them to his room at once, and they only leave the next day! That means he is doing stuff to two of them at once!
   It's crazy stuff! 
   'It appears it's Sirin's time to get all those cuddles. The last time I saw it was Quinella, and then it was Gu Yuena. I even saw him flirting with those ship girls...
   But it appears the maids don't get as much action as I thought they would.'
   The honey-blond girl has spent enough time aboard the Confiscator to understand some of the dynamics of the Harem life.
   As she was pondering, she followed the group to the train station, which is at the lower levels of the T-shape skeletal construct. Since the smaller Acorns left, all that was left of the 'mothership' was a T-shaped construct which works as a transit hub, shipyard, and comms network.
   "Amazing, it looks like a legitimate train station!" Hisako exclaimed as she saw trains at the platforms.
   "Yes, but the only issue I see is that we will be going into nothing..." Erina complained as she saw no tracks in front of her... Nope, in front of her were the clouds of Carboniferous Earth.
   "You can't truly see gravity, you know, don't you?" Athena commented with a small chuckle.
   "I know, Goddess Athena, while my mind knows, my eyes don't," Erina commented with a strained smile.
   "Well, we need to test it out. If it fails, it's only a 20 thousand-mile drop to the Super Ocean below. " Marcus joked as he turned around and looked at the concerned girls.
   "Not helping to calm my nerves." Erina sarcastically replied.
   "Sheesh, just put on your suit if you are afraid." He rolled his eyes.
   "What about me? I don't have my suit!" Sirin pulled him back and looked at him with narrowed eyes.
   "Relax. The tech is tested and is already in use at my house." He sighed at her while pulling her closer.
   "Now, let's board the train for the round-the-world trip!" He pulled his Herrscher to the train, the doors of which opened.
   The train station was quite unique as it was built in the long part of the 'T' while the horizontal part is the comms tower-the controls like the bridge and the shipyard at the sides of the horizontal part.
   Most of the containers with animals will be in the smaller acorns, as the central hub is more like what is holding the entire net.
   Of course, Marcus, Aurora and Quinella didn't show to anyone the weak spots of such a massive construct. 
   It's not that easy to exploit as it's built from Sacred Gear metal. That means that as long as power is flowing through the whole net, it's strong as the power source... a.k.a the Diamond Heart Engines, which are five in total.
   As Marcus plopped into the seat, he pulled Sirin onto his lap. The girl swiftly got comfortable as she looked around. The interior was exactly the same as the one at home. 
   With the girl looking around, the other girls walked in and inspected the train. 
   They took their seats after looking around and finding where to sit.
   "Why does it look like there are no walls or flooring!?" The pair of chefs looked concerned.
   "Realitus crystals are installed throughout the whole interior of the train. With these inside, it will look like you are not even on the train." Athena explained as she got comfortable as well. She will be able to see the Carboniferous for one last time at its peak before travelling to the Carboniferous-Permian extinction event.
   "Doesn't help either..." Erina complained again.
   "Please, I already thought you were over these things." Athena scoffed, seeing how the chef girl was acting all skittish.
   "In a way?"
   The girl pulled out the triangle device and placed it on her chest. Soon enough, she was encased in the armour.
   ***Scoff***
   Some of the maids scoffed or laughed seeing that. The girl should have some faith in the tech...
   Even though they were thinking like that, they clenched their triangle devices... just in case.
   However, it was not needed soon enough. The train left the platform and proceeded to accelerate rapidly through the sky. None of the clouds touched it, as the train's graviton field made the clouds simply move around the 'tunnel'. 
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   Not long after, they blasted through the first platform, a small outpost-like structure that worked like a dock for collection platforms shaped like saucer discs.
   The girls only had a second to see how it looked, as they only had a glimpse. They saw the saucers leaving the platforms as they had work to do.
   "Is it just me, but was that a UFO?" Jeanne asked Le Fay as she saw something familiar to that.
   "Because it was... Master has decided to troll people with those once we are in modern times." The witch explained with an eye roll.
   "Hoh.. maybe there is a paradox of some sort? Don't you think? All those sightings in the USA? Maybe it's Master from the future!" Jeanne had her conspiracy face on as she was thinking of some outlandish ideas!
   "Doubtful they are even real. There hasn't been a sighting of them for years."
   "That's because Master's rise to power!" Jeanne reasoned with her.
   "..."
   Le Fay had nothing to say to that as she was not certain and didn't want to fall into this rabbit hole.
   Marcus, at the front of the train, smiled at hearing that. He promised himself that he would not check the future. Because it's boring, but checking the past? Now, that is a possibility.
   Those saucers being his creation... that is a big possibility.
   Soon after, the train arrived at the first major hub, where they saw some of the 'Knight Handlers' already unloading the first containers from a train.
   It appears they have already collected new animals. After all, there are many bugs that were not touched.
   "They already have something!"
   "Yeah. You girls remember that we are in the era of the bugs, which is around 80% of all land dwellers. They have quite a bit to collect." Athena commented. There was some sassiness in her tone. She is hinting at the girls' inability to collect those bugs.
   "Considering you girls wanted those points. Collecting a bunch of bugs would have made you girls rich~."
   "What about you?" Artemis countered since she didn't like that sassy tone.
   "I don't need those points~"
   The girls started to mumble under their breath about 'marrying into wealth'.
   ~~~
   For More advanced chapters (+16 chapters, 80k words) my pat: pat reon.com/DragonsFics
  
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   Chapter 104: Going to The Next Time Period
   1
   The trip around the globe didn't last long, considering they wouldn't make any pit stops and allow the train to reach absurd speeds. 
   Since there was no air resistance, the train needed to activate 'reversal' as it returned to the Assimilator's main piece.
   While looking at Earth during such a prehistoric period was beautiful, everyone quickly lost interest as the entire planet was a jungle. 
   Furthermore, all the landmasses are concentrated in the southern hemisphere, meaning they barely saw anything as they travelled around the equator.
   Well, not that girls wanted to be in this era anyway. It's full of bugs and swamps!
   So, after the trip, everyone returned to Confiscator, which was in orbit.
   "Begin the preparations for time slipping," Marcus instructed as he returned to his seat with Sirin on his lap.
   "Beginning preparation." 
   The crew started to power the time engine, and the ring around the Confiscator started to glow, creating a bubble around the vessel.
   As the preparations were happening, the girls walked to the windows and looked at how this 'bubble' was encasing them.
   "Setting anchor, preparing to time slip in 3...2...1..." 
   Right in front of them, they could see how the planet in front of them started to accelerate in spinning. They could see clouds moving at absurd speeds.
   "I can see continents moving!" Erina exclaimed in shock as the whole planet's continents moved right before her eyes!
   "...Yes, they are moving closer and closer to Pangaea," Marcus commented as he looked at the status window showing him the overall year.
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   Their calculations are quite off without specific time-measuring instruments, but that's fine, considering that the end of the era is very visible.
   The rainforests were disappearing rapidly, and glaciers were gaining ground at both poles.
   Before long, only small patches of islands around the equator had rainforest trees, as Gondwana, which is in the south hemisphere, was nearly fully encased in ice.
   Smaller landmasses, while having some vegetation, didn't look any better, considering the plants are not used to such cold weather at this moment.
   "Alright, stop here." 
   "Leaving time slip!" 
   The vessel left the time slip and turned off the time engine.
   "Let's go investigate."
   Marcus suggested to his girls, who slowly nodded as they looked at the foreign world below them. Thinking about how quickly things can change is messing with their perception of nature.
   "I would, but you took my suit device!" Sirin huffed at him.
   "Here." He gave it back to her.
   "Now come, who wants Carboniferous-Permian ice cream?" The inventor joked as he got up alongside Sirin and proceeded to walk towards the bridge doors.
   ~~~
   Erina and Hisako looked down. According to their data, this was the place where they had observed the floods before, but now it was just a huge glacier!
   The change is surreal! 
   'This whole time travel thing is messing with our heads.' Hisako realised how detached they were from the world.
   Part of her was very worried that they would be able to return to how they were before.
   'Who am I kidding? After those genetic alterations, we are so far away from regular people that it's not fair anymore.'
   "Hisako, look at that!"
   Erina pointed at something as she swiftly flew down and landed on the edge of a beach. On one side was freezing water, and on the other was a growing glacier. 
   They walked closer to the glacier and saw one of those ancient trees frozen.
   "Amazing, don't you think? After a while, these trees will collapse and most likely get crushed by the weight of the ice. Eventually, the earth will submerge them, becoming coal after many years."
   The cherry blonde explained something Hisako had learned already, but now they saw the process in person.
   "Anyway, we should find Marcus. He might be doing something more interesting, " she said excitedly as they rose into the air and flew towards his location.
   They found him making similar observations, checking out trees and animals and how they survive in such a climate.
   "Well, the equatorial area is the warmest, and it's where dinosaur ancestors are currently living. It is the same with mammal ancestors and beasts who will dominate the Permian Era. 
   Most of Gondwana is an ice cube. I believe most bugs have died out because of cold and the drops in oxygen levels."
   He said while looking around.
   "Most of the plants pumping out oxygen are gone, and the CO2 levels should return to normal in several millions of years."
   He said with a pondering look.
   "That means once the land bridges start appearing with continents moving towards the centre, the animals that survived in the pockets will start migrating to the recovering landmasses."
   Marcus finished his explanation more like he dictated the observation, and Aurora typed it down for him.
   "Well, I have my observation recorded. All I need now is to get the report from the Assimilator once we are back on our Earth."
   He motioned for them to come with him as they left this period.
   "Come, we stayed here far enough, so it's time to visit Permian." 
   "...finally!" Sirin exclaimed with a happy tone. No more bugs, no more creepy crawlies! 
   "Someone excited, let's visit the most unstable time period in Earth's history." Marcus smiled, seeing his Angel of Death happy.
   "We need some sun cream, considering the temperature in late Permian is around 80 degrees," Athena recalled that the Permian and Triassic periods had the supercontinent Pangea, and the place looked more like a desert world, with only vegetation in the coastal areas and some oasis, but mostly deserts.
   Due to bad water circulation in oceans, the world constantly experiences superstorms the size of continents. The opposite was also true, as they would have dry seasons that last for years.
   "That's extreme heat!" Erina exclaimed in shock. They can cook stuff on that amount of heat!
   "Yes. It's the reason why dinosaurs took over the world. They didn't need to worry about keeping their body warm as the world was a literal oven." The Goddess exclaimed.
   "...talking about heat in such a cold place, quite a contrast." The chef girl assistant commented as she looked around.
   "Yes, well, I see enough and collected enough data." Marcus looked around one more time before starting to float.
   "Let's go. I might not feel the cold, but I am feeling cold nonetheless." Gu Yuena, being a 'dragon,' prefers warm weather.
   "You sound like a cold-blooded lizard." Quinella joked as she looked at the dragoness.
   The silver dragoness shrugged as, in a way, she was a 'lizard'.
   As the group returned to the Confisfactor, the ship prepared to leave the timeline altogether.
   "Sir, we have calculated that the journey will take around two days, " the navigation officer told Marcus as they locked in the coordinates.
   "Two days are we leaving the earth?" Erina asked as she heard the conversation.
   "To leave as small as possible mark, we are moving from alternate earth each time. Since we stayed in the Carboniferous of this Earth, we will move to another Earth's Permian." He explained to her as he motioned for the navigations officer to begin the trip.
   "...Oh, do you think we will find something we have not seen before?" The cherry blonde asked him in a curious tone.
   "I can only hope, Erina. I wouldn't mind encountering an advanced civilisation before our time. We can only confirm something like Atlantis once we are closer to our times." He clarified to her as he looked at how the ship moved away from facing the prehistoric Earth and facing the cosmos.
   "And I don't mean Poseidon's little pet project..."
   'I doubt he was around 10 to 20 thousand years before our time.' Marcus pondered on actual ancient civilisation.
   Moments later, the Time engine was turned on, and the projectors on the ship's hull started to build a 'bridge'. At the end of the bridge was a green and blue magic circle.
   "Launch in 3...
   ...2...
   ...1..."
   The Confiscator accelerated and blasted into the circle, disappearing from the time and space of this world.
   ~~~
   As the ships travel a couple of million years into the future in a different reality, Marcus walks to his workshop. He has a couple of things to build.
   Now that he has tested out time anchoring and time slipping, he can build more gadgets in case he needs them.
   Not for now, but when he is in more modern times, like ancient Greece or Rome. But before that, he will test them now when the mark he can leave is small.
   He needs some time to erase bombs and some resets and stuff like that.
   'I could make something like a de-ageing beam. We already have a de-evolution beam, but this one is more usable. That one is a little bit dangerous.' 
   He pondered as he sat down in his favourite chair, turned on his holographic console, and started going through the menus and creating new folders for the gadgets he would be making.
   Sadly, this stuff is not difficult.
   At the core, he placed a couple of time-based runic sequences, selected mana and the mana load, and then designed it to look like Star Wars grenades.
   It took him less than an hour. Since it was that easy, he made alternative bombs and grenades.
   He then recalled the items the guys used in Marvel's TVA, such as the baton and other similar items.
   'Hmm, I see... I could do that!' The Inventor's eyes gleamed as he realised he could create a specific weapon to transport stuff into containers upon impact.
   Bypassing anything needed to collect, instead, the beam would simply transport it.
   But for that, he needs to rework a couple of things and set a central piece which could assist in transporting beings.
   'Like my future base outside time.'
   Marcus, for now, created a new project and left a few notes.
   For now, he worked out the kinks of how the gadgets would work.
   There could be specific situations, so the grenades and time bombs will have selective loads.
   Though midway, he realised that...
   He barely explored the Carboniferous! Sure, it was a bug-infested hellhole with plants that he used to see as grass grew to the size of huge trees.
   But the Permian and Triassic have huge sways of deserts... hell, according to the records, at some point, there were deserts as big as the USA...
   It's huge.
   "Hmm, I will need a desert buggy or a bike, maybe both, and then I can add something like a portable house."
   He said he checked the data he had brought from home and reviewed some of his designs for cars and bikes.
   Some of them are just digitised sketches of bikes and off-road cars.
   He did some drawings on these because he was planning to drive on worlds like Mars just to explore, the same with Venus.
   But for Venus, he had some extreme ideas for frames and tyres, as the planet is a hellhole. 
   "Are you planning to camp outside?" Sirin, who was with him, heard his comments.
   Since they are out of the bug era, she doesn't mind exploring stuff in a more traditional sense.
   Part of her wants to brag to the goody-two-shoes she was on a trip that Kiana couldn't imagine.
   "Yeah, like the whole Pangaea? Exploring all continents in a single supercontinent and capturing some Dimetradons or amphibians pretending to be crocodiles.
   And that is just early Permian. Later stages of the Permian have huge deserts to explore and get myself a first mount." He said that while rubbing his chin, he recalled that Late Permian had new kings as there was a mid-extinction event, ending Dimetradons and allowing a new king to rise from a group of mammal-like reptiles, the Gargonopsids. The biggest of them was the Inostrancevia, the size of modern-day tigers. They had sabre-like teeth, and from some fossils, it is said that they could potentially have hair.
   "...Mount? Are you serious?" She stopped reading and turned her head to the side.
   "Of course, I am thinking of making an Allosaurus and T-rex as mounts. On top of that, Quetzalcoatlus as my flying mount and Mosasaurus as my water mount." He said that from the top of his head.
   "...Boys..." She rolled her head before checking the dinosaurs he just named on her console.
   She raised her eyebrows when she saw Quetzalcoatlus. 
   'That thing could fly? Impressive...'
   The girl was surprised by this flying reptile. It is amazing that something like this could fly without special energy.
   "Indeed. Boys do boy things. My classmates will be surprised to see me ride an Allosaurus to class."
   When she heard that, she swiftly checked her wiki.
   "That's a predator with big teeth and claws." She deadpanned at him.
   "Why do you even care?" Sirin sighed after deadpanning. Why did he care about showing off something like that? To normal people, no less!
   "Because, my angel of destruction, they are dinosaurs. Tech is one thing! But a dinosaur? It's like showing off your new dog to your friends and neighbours." He seriously replied to her.
   "...Is that a human thing?" She asked curiously.
   "I guess? I mean, when you are proud of something, you want to show off." He shrugged. For Marcus, it's more like a person's thing, not just a human. After all, one wants rewards in some shape and form from as many as possible after working hard.
   In this case, he knows that his parents will be happy with whatever he does, as long as he doesn't nuke another country, but having Dinos is another thing. He does remember some of his classmates talking about them a while ago.
   So, yeah. He does want to show off, and Sirin will film their trip.
   "Anyway, let me finish these, and then we can cuddle and maybe edit the videos you have stored away." 
   "Who-" The while-haired girl stopped midway with her complaint about cuddling and sighed as she knew there was no point in arguing with him, as she knew he could do something to her again.
   "Hmm?"
   "Nothing, just finish your boy things, and then we can...cuddle." She slightly blushed before returning to her reading.
   ~~~~~~Two Days Later~~~~~~
   A green and blue circle manifested just outside of Permian Earth. Confiscator left the circle and turned towards the Earth.
   The girls were already waiting in the hangar for the vessel to approach the planet so that they could begin their animal-gathering operations.
   "...How many years have passed?" Jeanne asked the assistant.
   "Just around 3 million, give and take. It took an extra day because we needed to cross the distance from reality to reality. It was a considerably short one because we went to one next door. For example, to reach the reality of Sirin over there, we would need to fly for around ten days." Quinella explained as he motioned towards Sirin, who was with Marcus at the bridge at the moment.
   Even after the day limit passed, she remained oddly close to him, which annoyed the assistant who wanted to cuddle, not to mention Gu Yuena, who was waiting for her time.
   "...Umm, if it took that long, how did Master transport her to his submarine." Le Fay asked curiously as she was taking notes.
   "That's because he was building a spiritual bridge. It's like magnet fishing: You throw in the magnet and pull back with whatever the magnet holds.
   Spiritual is far smaller and far less power-hungry than the physical aspect of travelling." She explained to the witch maid.
   "So couldn't we link spiritually first and then breach with the physical realm?" The pale blonde maid pondered out loud.
   "Possible, but to breach that, you need to pay around 80% of the whole energy needed for the cross-over, considering you would need to add a converter alongside, meaning that you need to pay around 150% times more energy than you initially have allocated, maybe more depending on what you wanted to transmit to the other side." The assistant explained as she brushed her hair.
   "I am more interested in these." But then Atalanta interrupted as she was getting bored listening to interdimensional travelling and all that drivel.
   "What is with the land vehicles?" the lion girl asked, looking interested in the off-road bike.
   "Master is branching out. He feels that he didn't explore enough of Carboniferous, so he wants to explore it in a more traditional sense."
   "And the butterfly effect?" she asked the assistant in a curious tone as the dog's tail moved from side to side.
   "The tyres are special as they deploy a small barrier of a layer. The bike doesn't leave the trail, but you will get the feeling that your bike still touches the land," Quinella explained with a raised finger as she liked the new tyre technology.
   "...Oh..." She licked her lips as she found herself wanting one!
   "Yes, so if you want one, you need to ask Master."
   "I will, don't worry about that." The lion girl will find her way.
   Seeing such confidence in the maid made Quinella frown for a second, but she quickly brushed it aside and summoned her hologram to show the current world map.
   "Just like Carboniferous, we have two seasons here. However, these seasons only apply to the coastal areas and the chains of islands in the super ocean of Panthalassic, the smaller Paleo-Tethys Ocean, and the slightly bigger Tethys Ocean.
   The rest of the Supercontinent gets no rain because of how big it is. The rain clouds can't reach it."
   "I thought this was much later," Erina said with crossed arms as she looked at the map.
   "No, it already has started, but the process is far slower than you can imagine. It takes around 30 thousand and plus years for the vegetation to retreat and die from a lack of liquids. But you should remember that trees have roots and can drink water from underground," the assistant explained to the chef girl.
   "I see it does make sense." 
   As they were discussing the 'girl friendlier' world, Marcus and Sirin arrived at the hangar.
   "The Assimilator construction has begun. The game to collect points has started. You have around four days until the Assimilator is completed, " he said to them as he walked over to his recently completed SUV and Bike.
   The bike can be attached to the back as he based this on one of the Jeep models. 
   It's not an exact model; he only has some pictures to base it on. 
   "And what will you be doing?" Erina asked him as she saw the car and the bike. Is he planning to travel around the planet?
   "Exploring with these," he replied to her before making a hand motion. His clothes changed into a white T-shirt and military camouflage cargo shorts with side pockets. Of course, he had leather gloves for driving because it was 'cool' and blue Adidas sneakers. He looked like a tourist.
   "And the butterfly effect?" 
   "We are in Permian, Erina. More than 298 million years away. We can only leave a trail on wetlands with clay. 
   But most of the trails we will leave this time around are on sand. But even then, I had already made preparations for it. These two don't leave trails." He motioned at the vehicles.
   "Right, boys?"
   At that moment, the pair of vehicles swiftly transformed into robots. The Jeep was white, and the bike was silver. Both had light colours because of how hot the planet would become in the upcoming millions of years.
   "You got it, boss!" 
   "Yo!"
   The pair greeted the maids and his creations.
   "...Let me guess, Transformers versus Dinosaurs?" Sirin asked him while gazing at the machines and then at him.
   "Sorta? I mean, I want to see a transformer wrestle a dinosaur, something like Tarbosaurus. They apparently were slightly more dangerous than T-Rex in crunching competition, but that's debatable. We will be able to test ourselves, " he replied while stroking his chin.
   "And your clothes?" Erina walked over to his side, feeling slightly jealous. Will he be able to experience the planet properly? She had the urge to remove her helmet many times on the Carboniferous Earth. But the planet's oxygen levels were too dangerous for humans, enchanted or not.
   "I have updated our suit devices. The new casual mode allows us to experience the planet, but at the same time, no bacteria leaves bodies; the nanites around us collect and dispose of them." He explained as they could still see the triangle-shaped device on his chest. He then showed them his hand, which was 'naked,' but then if one could focus on him more closely, they could see that there was an 'invisible' layer around his body.
   "...That's great."
   The girl proceeded to check, but by this point, everyone already changed into casual wear. 
   "So, how many of us can come with you?" Atalanta asked him as she was eyeing the bike. 
   "Four? I mean, you could fly around, but it will eventually become boring." Marcus shrugged at her as he looked at the Jeep.
   He will use his bike, and the Jeep has four proper seats, so it is four. But then he can switch and give the bike to one of his girls. 
   'Hmm, that depends if they want to drive it.'
   "Great! Then I am coming with you." The lion maid swiftly grabbed his hand.
   "Same with me." Sirin grabbed his other hand as she felt her territory was being encroached.
   She had been close to him for the past three days. She won't lose that streak.
   "Then I will come as well." Quinella brushed her hair while declaring her intentions.
   "Sure." Marcus doesn't mind at all the company.
   "Then you will need a chef because I think you will be away for several days, " Erina said after thinking about what to do.
   "Erina-sama!" Hisako panicked as she witnessed what happened.
   "Hmm? What? I do have the suit. Nothing will happen to me."
   "There is no way you are coming as well!" Jeanne grabbed Hisako.
   "One chef leaving is bearable, but both? That is unacceptable." the Maid Saint pulled the girl towards their 'camp'.
   "...But..."
   "There is no were safer than being with our Master in a whole prehistoric world." Le Fay chipped in as she was nervous, too. Without a chef, they could be eating the same old stuff!
   "...But...I am her secretary."
   "Yes, but there is nothing you need to manage at this moment." Jeanne countered her argument.
   "Indeed, you should join us to fish first. We need to taste the fish. It has been more than twenty million years since we took a dip in these waters!" Hippolyta said with a grin.
   "...I suppose I will join you." Hisako gave up because she was worried Marcus would corrupt her, Miss.
   "Good."
   The same could be said with the pair of Goddesses who missed the chance to explore with him.
   They were just a second too late. They hoped he would pick them up, but sadly, the girls themselves didn't want to wait.
   [Sir, we are approaching the drop-off point north of Antarctica.]
   As Aurora said that, the hangar doors opened, and everyone walked to see the landmasses below.
   They could see bits and pieces of ice, some gravel and vegetation.
   The temperature was around -10 Celsius. 
   "We will be going east from where, towards Australia, then climb up and go back to the west, rinse and repeat until we cross the whole of Pangaea, " he said with a smirk.
   "...won't that take weeks with cars?"
   Erina asked with a worried tone. She doesn't mind travelling but for that long?
   She was worried.
   "Well, yeah, we need to cross the supercontinent." He said with an eye roll.
   He then turned and faced his robots.
   "Boys! You are up!"
   "Sure thing, let's roll out!"
   The pair of robots rushed forward, jumping from the hangar, transforming mid-air, and then landing on the ground without sound.
   And they dropped a considerable height!
   But thanks to the technomancy installed in them, the concept of space and gravity acts according to how they want.
   When Marcus saw them do the most transformer-like thing, he smirked as he followed them and jumped from the hangar.
   The four girls who would be travelling with him followed right after him as they flew out.
   "I guess we will proceed with collecting animals from his era." Athena turned to the side and faced the group.
   "We will start with the sea." Enterprise looked at Tirpitz while saying that.
   "Agreed."
   "Then take the right ocean, and we will take the left one, " the maids replied to the Ship girls.
   "Fine by me." The silver-haired carrier ship nodded before proceeding to fly out with Tirpitz.
   One by one, the large group split into smaller ones. They all decided to explore and collect the animals, as this time around, there were barely any large bugs left!
   ~~~
   Marcus and the girls landed on the ground, and they walked to the SUV and the bike.
   Atalanta was looking at the bike. Her hands were twitching. She wanted to drive this thing!
   "You know, if you want to drive the bike, then do it. We will switch tomorrow." The inventor saw how she was acting around the bike. It's hard not to pick it up.
   "A-Are you sure?" The Huntress was slightly self-conscious after realising that her behaviour had been noticed.
   "Yes, as I said, you can have it for a whole day while I will drive the Jeep." He said with a shrug as he walked to the SUV.
   "Alright!" The girl exclaimed with a happy voice as she walked to the bike and inspected it.
   "...Umm, how do I start it? There is no key or anything." She asked him before he got into the SUV.
   "You don't. It's a self-aware transformer. If you want to drive, you can." As Marcus said, he got into the driver's seat in the white SUV. 
   Sirin swiftly rushed to the passenger seat. Quinella clicked her tongue as she was too late, making her sit in the back while Erina was the last to get into the car.
   "Oh, I see." The girl ended up sitting on the bike, and the pseudo-electric M.T.M engine turned on.
   With the handle squeezed and pushed down, the bike moved, and the back wheel rapidly dug into the gravel before quickly accelerating.
   "D-Damn!" The Lion maid needed a second to get the hang of it as she swiftly realised that this thing was a beast!
   "Don't lose focus. I made it powerful. The distance we will need to cross is not small." Marcus contacted her via the HUD. They may look like they had casual clothes, but the 'suit' was on either way, and they could use all the perks.
   "Yeah, I can see that." The lioness smirked as she got faster and moved through the semi-arid land at absurd speed, weaving around the boulders left by the retreating glaciers.
   "Well, we should not get left behind." Marcus slightly smirked as she saw her disappearing in the distance.
   He pressed the accelerator, and the SUV's engine turned on, and they also started to accelerate.
   Erina wanted to comment that their trip could be bumpy with no existing road, but to her surprise, it was like they were driving on asphalt.
   'I guess those barriers are a game changer.'
   Eventually, the trip got into high gear as they moved rapidly through the arid land.
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   ~~~
   Several hours later, when everyone was relaxing instead of Marcus, who was having the time of his life, driving an SUV at absurd speed through prehistoric wilderness, he stopped his car as he noticed something in the distance.
   "Hmm? Something you found?" Sirin, who was reading a book, stopped and looked at him.
   "Yeah. look at that!" He pointed at the distance.
   "Is that a Dimetrodon... I think?" the girl replied, needing to double-check her prehistoric animals.
   "Yes! And they live around ponds and swamps, hunting for amphibians and ancient sharks."
   "...Sharks in ponds?" Sirin looked confused for a second.
   "Duh... you will see crocodiles in trees in Triassic." Marcus eye-rolled at her for such a comment as he swiftly left his car and rushed towards the animal.
   The girls followed him as they arrived at the wet area. From the side, it looked like swampy lowlands around a river delta in the distance. There was quite a bit of water here.
   "We are so close to the actual Antarctic, but lizards like these live here." Erina was surprised. The temperature was still around -2 Celsius.
   "Their huge sails on their back allow them to store and regulate heat," Quinella explained as they looked at Marcus, fearlessly approaching the clueless Dimetrodon.
   "While they are considered lizards, we don't truly know if they are cold-blooded or warm-blooded until we make sure with blood samples and scan their bodies." The assistant explained with crossed arms.
   "All we have is the fossils of their bones. The palaeontologists came up with their theories after inspecting their fossils." As she explained, they saw how Dimetrodon tried to bite Marcus, but after several times, the animal realised that it couldn't bite through him. Instead, it started to feel threatened and started to run away.
   "I know that much. So it appears it is not cold-blooded."
   "Maybe it is cold-blooded, but it has developed organs we don't know about which can maintain its heat. There have been millions of years of evolution. Their species have been around for millions of years since the late Carboniferous. They survived the peak of the ice age. We are still in the waning years of an ice age, but these things survived." Quinella watched how Marcus pinned down the apex predator of the Early Permian era.
   "Umm, what is he doing to that poor animal?" Erina started to feel pity for that Dimetrodon.
   "Pretty sure he is scanning him." Quinella tried to understand herself, but it looked like Marcus was treating that wild beast like a house cat...
   ~~~
   For More advanced chapters (+15 chapters, 75k words) my pat: pat reon.com/DragonsFics
  
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   Chapter 105: The Super Storm (R18)
   Marcus looked at the DNA strand of Dimetrodon rotating in front of him. It was a hologram made from his suit's nanites. 
   "Compare with data we gathered so far."
   [Compilling data.]
   A few moments later, he saw the connection with the animals he collected before.
   "I thought he was more related to Edaphosaurus than this. Regardless, they do come from a common ancestor." He rubbed his chin while checking the 'family tree'. 
   1
   The inventor looked down as his leg was holding down Dimetrodon's tail. 
   1
   He is not allowing the apex predator of this era to run away from him.
   "What are you going to do with it?" Sirin asked, crouching down to Dimetrodon's level. With both hands holding her cheeks, she looked like someone who was exploring the zoo for the first time.
   "Obviously, keep it." He dismissed the hologram and mentally called a shuttle to pick it up.
   Less than five minutes later, one of the four newly built exploration ships attached to Confiscator's ring arrived right above Marcus' location.
   A tractor beam proceeded to pull in the Dimetrodon while Marcus was still on the ground. He was inspecting how this tech was working.
   "Well, that takes care of that. Now to explore the river and the delta." He looked at the valley of this ancient river.
   "You want to capture those frogs too?" Sirin grimaced as she stood up and looked where he was looking.
   "Not quite. I would say check the vegetation and stuff." He then looked at Quinella and Erina and motioned for them to come over.
   "Maybe we can find new salads." He said with a shrug.
   "...I guess..." She wasn't that confident in doing that.
   "Let's explore the river. Don't sushi use grass from seas and rivers?" He said to Erina as the pair walked over to his side.
   "...Yes, but it's very specific grass. You think we can find something in a river like this?" The cherry blonde replied as she quickly started to consider his suggestion.
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   "I don't know, that is why I am suggesting. No one was in this river before, and no one will after us. It could be a treasure trove or a dud." He shrugged.
   "Remember where we are." He reminded her about their location.
   "True!" 
   Just like that, the chef girl was excited and anxious about what she could possibly find.
   The other three were in a similar situation, and with rekindled excitement, they all proceeded to walk towards the river.
   Marcus could see a bunch of unfamiliar fish of all shapes and sizes. The river was full of life, even though it was extremely cold.
   Because it was flowing water, the ice didn't form so they could explore.
   With the nanites' help, the girls created buckets and started to collect whatever they thought looked edible.
   As they were doing that, Marcus created a spear from the nanites and decided to do some spearfishing.
   "Umm, don't forget to record everything and scan it." Erina realised this after collecting a bunch of river grass, some mollusc-like animals, and even proto-crab-like creatures. She is certain that she had never seen these before, and she has no doubt that these things never became fossils...
   "I know. You do have your HUD and suit on all the time, so make it automatic," Sirin commented as she was inspecting some stones.
   "...I think I found some gold." The Herrscher said with a curious look as she inspected a small golden rock in her palm.
   "No surprise. There should be other luxurious metals around as well," Quinella replied as she looked around. Small hills were in the distance. She accessed the aerial view and swiftly found where the river started.
   If there is gold here, there should be more in that mountainside.
   "Good..." At that moment, the girl realised that no humans were around apart from them. They could dig so much gold and other stuff.
   But then she recalled that it's not necessary... 
   Marcus could make any metal she would want.
   Still, she is going through layers of realisation where they are at this moment. Thanks to tech, part of her is ignorant of her surroundings.
   "Got one!" That moment, they heard Marcus exclaim at something.
   Their gaze went to him. They saw a greyish-blue shark-like creature pulled out from the water.
   "Erina, do you think you could make sushi from these?" he asked the chef girl as he showed her the small shark he held.
   "...Depends, sushi is a very delicate thing. You don't just eat fish or, in this case, sharks with rice. We need to run some taste experiments to see the combinations." She said to him as he placed more river grass in the bucket.
   "Well, that is why we are doing this anyway." He said with a shrug as he threw the shark into a bucket at the shore.
   Marcus continued to explore, but the river started getting deeper, so he walked on the river's surface.
   Before long, he arrived at the delta and saw a beach spanning as far as he could see. In the distance, he could see some icebergs floating away.
   He arrived at quite a beautiful sight.
   "I thought we were driving away from the West Coast," Marcus complained as he accessed the recently deployed satellites and looked around, trying to orientate himself in the world.
   "Well, whatever. It's not like we are in a hurry." He shrugged before lifting his leg as if a shark-like creature had tried to bite him.
   "Well, you guys are quite pesky ones, aren't you? Considering I have no idea what you guys are, " the inventor commented as he used his spear to stab the animal and pulled it out. He realised that this thing was huge, around two to three metres long.
   Since the animal was bleeding either way, he got some of its blood and filled out the database.
   [New clade discovered. Beginning to fill up the details.]
   "Great, it appears we have a new discovery."
   He then scanned the inside of a fish like a shark. He found out that the animal had soft bones, a classic trait of a proper fish. These kinds of animals don't leave behind fossils, only teeth.
   As he was commenting, more shark-like creatures proceeded to surround him.
   "Huh... not going to lie. You guys love cool water or something?" he commented, finding it rare for a shark-like creature to swim in such cold waters.
   But he obviously got no replies from the animals as they tried to jump from the water and bite the bleeding shark's corpse on Marcus' spear.
   "Yeah, no. This is my kill." He lifted it even higher before looking for a place to get out of the water.
   Seeing a beach in the distance, he jumped towards it, and seconds later, he landed soundlessly on the sand. 
   "Now then, what should we do with you?" He proceeded to do more scans on the animal, discovering a couple of new bacteria that didn't exist in the Carboniferous.
   "Well, I can chop you up and use it for food." 
   He came up with a solution and called forth another exploration ship to pick it up for him.
   "Give this fish to the Dimetrodon I capture." He instructed his AI before proceeding to walk around the beach area.
   Maybe he will find some turtles or their relatives...
   ~~~
   "We should camp around this area for tonight. I want to test out what I can make from these." Erina suggested to Marcus the moment he returned to the area where he parked his SUV. By this point, Atalanta returned as the lion maid realised that she had lost Marcus at some point.
   Thankfully, they have satellites that help her coordinate and return to his location.
   "Sure, we can do that."
   The inventor nodded at the suggestion before pulling out a cube and throwing it a distance away.
   The cube glowed and started to grow in size.
   Once the glow stopped, it revealed itself to be a house inside a boundary field of energy of some sort.
   "A house?" The Chef girl thought they would be camping in some shape or form, not staying in a legitimate house.
   'By this point, I should not be surprised that he had something like this.'
   "It has everything that a house should need. So, let's go." Marcus grabbed the fish and sharks he spearfished and started to walk towards the portable house.
   "As expected." Quinella had some idea that camping with her creator would not be normal in any way. Well, it's not normal in the first place, as they are in a super distant past in the first place.
   "And here I worried I would need to sleep on the ground," Sirin complained out loud.
   "On the ground? Sweetheart, you can always sleep on me, and I will hug you like a pillow." Marcus teased, hearing her complain like that.
   His comment made the white-haired girl blush. Erina blushed, too, when she heard it.
   "Y-You know what I mean by that!" The girl stuttered in her reply as she needed to look away. Why is he doing that in front of the whole group?
   "I know, I know, but I love your reaction." He joked as they entered the house, which was quite home-like with some touch from the future.
   What greeted them was a large living room. It had a couch and TV, a dining table at the side, and an open kitchen behind it. There were stairs leading upstairs and a small corridor at the side.
   The house was not big, but it was enough to live in for a long time if one wanted.
   "...Not bad. Is this what you consider 'camping house'?" Sirin commented as she recalled the house Kiana was staying with her father in the Siberian wilderness. It was a simple wooden cottage with barely anything in it.
   "I am an Inventor, So I Invent." He shrugged at her before walking to the kitchen, which had a portion of the wall missing. It could easily work like a bar, as well.
   Marcus added this because he now had great chefs! He could just sit at the bar and wait for them to cook!
   He placed some fish on the kitchen table. The girls followed after him and put their buckets with stuff next to the fish and sharks.
   "Well, I will need some pots and bowls to sort this out," Erina said as she looked around. She found familiar assembly lines installed in cupboards above the sink, which can produce plates and cups. 
   "Use the cupboards. The kitchen is fully equipped to provide whatever you need."
   She nodded, but the spoiled part of her mentally complained that this stuff was over the top. She wants a regular stove with an oven!
   "Yes, I can see. Now, if you excuse me, I need space." She motioned for them to leave the packed kitchen area. The house might look spacey, but the moment they all are in the kitchen, there is barely any space to move. 
   "Okay, let's go." Marcus motioned for the girls to leave.
   As they walked out, Atalanta looked sour.
   "It appears I missed a great opportunity to hunt." The lioness commented as she saw those sharks on the table.
   "Well, there is not that much stuff around the river. Did you see any swamps or oases?" He asked her as he got comfortable on the couch.
   "No, the land slowly turns into dry, arid ground. I assume if we go further north and inland, we will reach the desert you spoke about before." The huntress spoke with a confident voice.
   "Indeed, I checked the map. We will soon enter the desert, and though there are patches of wetlands similar to this delta, I can only guess that this is where we will find more of these amphibians who should be rulers of these lands." Quinella commented as she recalled that Permian was supposed to be called the Wra of Amphibians.
   But the land-dominant creatures are pseudo-mammal like reptiles...
   What a weird world they are inhabiting at this moment.
   ~~~~~~Meanwhile~~~~~~
   Gu Yuena was walking through wet, tropical jungles on an island next to Pangaea around the equatorial.
   Such islands have isolated pockets of animals not seen on the mainland.
   The Dragoness plans to capture all of them and present them to Marcus upon her return. She might have failed to join his 'expedition group,' but she can do something good either way.
   "Hmm? So there is something here." She gazed to the side, and at that moment, a lizard-like creature with a big raptor-like mouth rushed at her.
   The silver-haired girl stepped aside at the last second, making it a miss. The creature looked similar to Komodo Dragons, which are found in Indonesia. 
   Minus the lizard aesthetics, it was more like a dinosaur than a lizard. 
   "Well, I think I saw you in a book somewhere." The dragoness commented as, with a hand motion, her spear appeared in her hand.
   "But I am not certain." Once more, she sidestepped and looked around to see if more existed. 
   But there was nothing.
   "So you kind are solo hunters. I see." She said while using her spear to parry another lunge. The girl wants to see if the commotion will invite a bigger predator.
   Part of her is weirded out that tropics like these have no birds or flyers, only some bugs, which she is not interested in.
   "...Sadly, it appears you are the top dog in this place." The Silver Dragon commented one last time before the beast tried to pounce one more time.
   But this time, she smacked it with her spear to the side, knocking it down before she used time to freeze it in place.
   As the beast was pinned down, she used her HUD to check the number of points she would get from it.
   "Well, not bad, better than anything we could get in Carboniferous." She dismissed the HUD before asking for an exploration ship to pick it up.
   A few minutes later, a plane-shaped vessel flew over and beamed up the frozen beast.
   "Hmm, now to see what these guys were feasting on." 
   ~~~
   As Erina tried to find the materials for a dish, Quinella went to assist her. Atalanta went outside to look for actual fruits or anything related to fruits. But there was little to no chance she could find one, as fruits didn't appear for another 100 or so million years.
   That leaves Sirin and Marcus alone in the living room, something the Herrscher appreciates. 
   As the girl was cuddling to his side while he was doing some 'homework'. He returned to some of his previous projects since the gadgets were in place and the time-related stuff was done.
   'Hmm, since we have the triangle devices and diamond engines, I could theoretically make Sirin use her Herrscher powers anywhere.
   The only issue is that I must make them appear real instead of illusions. A Realitus 2.0 projector could do it, but that would make her carry an extra.'
   As he pondered on that, his hand was stroking her waist. 
   'No, it's fine. I could just make her use the nanites produced by the triangle.'
   At that moment, he summoned his console and proceeded to skim through files until he found the code of the triangle device software.
   He proceeded to expand on it and add the code from Honkai he had developed beforehand. 
   The quantum computer swiftly processed it, and the software was executed.
   Before long, Sirin, who was cuddling next to him, turned stiff as she lifted her head and looked at him.
   "What just happened?" she asked him, feeling her Herrscher core rapidly refilling with an endless amount of energy.
   It's like the triangle core is feeding it directly!
   "I added Honkai sequences to the engine. Your core is picking it up, and your energy is being fed to it.
   The nanites will assist you in using honkai through the core." Marcus explained what he did. The white-haired girl swiftly got up and rushed outside. 
   When she got outside, her regular clothes shifted into her Herrscher clothes. Swiftly, her energy wing manifested, and three subspace lances proceeded to come into existence.
   Lastly, she started to float with her void instead of using the suit's anti-gravity ability.
   "Amazing! So much power!" She was certain that the amount of power she had was many times more than she ever had before!
   With an infinite reactor next to her Herrscher core, there was little to no delay in power transfer. The only possible downside she had was the nanites, but to counter that, she could just continuously generate them before utilising them.
   Give her some time, and she will outperform her peak self in terms of void usage.
   "It appears everything is in order." Marcus followed after her as he went outside and looked at her in the sky.
   "Yes! And much more!" She turned around and looked at him with a grin.
   The way she is now, she no longer needs those pesky satellites to allow her to use her powers. The void she can perform now is more than sufficient.
   "...But how did you overcome illusionary space limitations? The satellites before would add a layer of space to allow me to utilise, but now..." She looked confused as she sensed the limits of her range, but where did this range come from in the first place?
   "Well, I based it on a planet's magnetic field, with you as the planet and the triangle device as the core of a planet that emits the field.
   While you can't teleport far, you are more than able to fight with your pure void abilities, " he explained to her. While it was not a perfect solution, he gave her old powers back. Now, she can use them anywhere as long as she has her diamond engine triangle device.
   Her eyes sparkled when she heard the explanation.
   "It's more than enough!" She jumped on him, wrapping her hands around his neck and legs around his waist. Then, she slammed her lips on his as she proceeded to kiss him hard.
   After a couple of minutes, Quinella and Erina walked out of the house and found themselves standing in the middle of nowhere and kissing.
   Quinella's eyebrows twitched, seeing Sirin being all over him like this!
   While Erina placed her hand on her mouth, seeing this girl doing that! She always sees Sirin trying to act aloft most of the time. But now, all that act is out of the window.
   As if knowing that girls were watching them, Sirin pulled back and looked over Marcus' shoulder at the duo watching her.
   A smirk appeared on her lips as she whispered something into his ear.
   "Alright~, let's go." He squeezed her rear as he replied, turning around and walking past the pair right into the house. Then he took the stairs.
   "...W-What are they going to do!?" Erina stuttered, but she already knew, pretending not to know.
   "I don't need to spell it out for you." Quinella brushed her hair with her fingers as she walked back into the house.
   The cherry-blonde girl blushed even harder as her mind entered the gutter. 
   She started to imagine herself in Sirin's position, which made her feel strange emotions going through her body, warming her up.
   This was something she never felt before! And it made her feel a slight fear towards this unknown.
   ~~~~~~(Lemon)~~~~~~
   Marcus laid the white-haired beauty on the bed as he looked at her from the top to the bottom. His eyes scanned those exquisite Herrscher clothes, which made her look extremely sexy with that short skirt.
   "Someone looks excited. Come ~~ show me what you are planning to do to me," Sirin smirked while motioning for him to come at her.
   "As my Queen commands~." He grabbed her legs and spread them apart. 
   His actions made her blush deepen, and she felt embarrassed by them.
   As she gazed at him, Marcus stroked her thighs, which were clad in stockings. His hands ended up on her feet as he removed her high-heeled shoes. He threw them aside as he enjoyed her feet, making her tremble as she felt that tickle.
   "C-Can we move to something more serious?" She asked him, as she didn't want to be tickled at this moment.
   "Mhnn, sure~." He agreed and went forward. His fingers ended up stroking her thighs and eventually went to her special places. His fingers stroked her black shorts like underwear.
   "Someone, excited~~" The inventor stroked her pussy lips over the shorts. He could sense how wet she was. The girl was itching for some action.
   "Yes~ now give it to your Queen~~" She slightly moaned when she felt his fingers brushing around that special place. 
   Marcus smirked at her words. He ripped open her black short-like panties revealing her drenched pussy to the wide world.
   Sirin bit her lower lip as she felt how his fingers slipped inside her special place. He started to finger her, and her soft moans followed after.
   "Hnhh~~"
   "Mhnnn~~"
   "Nhhh~~~ n-no I want the real deal~ fingers are not enough~!" She exclaimed with hot breath as she experienced a small burst of pleasure. This was not enough. After often doing 'things' with him, she got used to taking the real deal, not fingers!
   "Very well, and you are ready for the main course as it is." He agreed with her request as his clothes disappeared, revealing his naked body. Sirin immediately licked her lips as she spread her legs apart even more.
   Marcus brought his tool closer to her as he brushed it around her entrance, making her squirm and look at it with expectations.
   Not wanting to tease her more as he was itching to go himself, he pushed his tool into her awaiting insides.
   "Nhhhnnn~~ that's it!" Sirin immediately gasped with a hot look as she felt that intrusion. His rod easily reached the deepest part of her pussy, touching the very end.
   His rod was in a familiar place as he pulled back and then pushed right back inside. Slowly, he started to pick up speed as his hands were holding her waist.
   Sirin swiftly wrapped her legs around his waist as she pushed herself to feel the whole length of his rod touching her deepest places.
   "Mhnnn~~ Yes~~~" 
   She hotly moaned as he started to pick up speed and make her moan and gasp with each deep stroke.
   Before long, wet sounds of couplings began to spread through the room as Sirin was not hiding her pleasure; her voice was spreading as far away as possible.
   Sadly, the room and the house were built to keep the voice in, so no one heard her passionate voice.
   That was until the doors slightly crept open, and a purple eye looked at what they were doing.
   "Hnnn~~~ yes! Fill me up with your stuff~~~" The White-haired beauty groaned as her body twitched hard when she felt him release his load to her depths.
   Sirin ended up wrapping her hands around his neck as she pulled towards her.
   The pair kissed the moment their face was close as the girl grind her pussy to his cook, trying to drain all of the essence he was giving to her.
   After a couple more thrusts, he picked her up and removed her clothes as he wanted to feel her naked after filling her womb.
   "It's not over, isn't it? I feel that I can go for several more rounds~~" Sirin hotly commented as she looked directly into his eyes as her hands were around his neck. She was extra horny this time around.
   ~~~~~~After~~~~~~
   After seeing that scene, Erina was not the same. There was a part of her that was 'rebelling' and desiring that forbidden fruit. 
   However, she had self-control-she was a Heiress, after all! Marcus quickly noticed that the girl's clothes started to change as the days passed.
   The group finally reached the other side of the continent. They were in a place that would become Australia in the distant future, but now it is simply part of Pangaea.
   Since they were climbing up, the temperature started to improve. It was warmer, and the girls began to dress in skimpier clothes, like shorts...
   Marcus noticed that the Chef girl was trying her hardest to look hot and sexy.
   Eventually, the inventor realised that she was sending 'signals' to him to pounce on her. It was the only thing he could think of.
   *RUMBLE*
   Sadly, for now, he has to ignore it because a huge storm is moving towards the beach they are in.
   "Damn, look at this." Marcus pointed at the storm, which was still growing; the clouds were enormous, and the thunder was not holding back. It kept blasting through the skies.
   The inventor checked it through the satellites, and what he got was... impressive.
   The storm was close to the size of the entire African continent and was still growing.
   If he is right and usually is, this storm will touch the entire east coast of Pangaea.
   "...No way. Is this normal?" Erina asked, as her weather knowledge was no better than that of the average person on the street.
   "No, it's thanks to Pangaea," Quinella replied as she was finding out the average speed of the winds and the amount of water this would bring.
   When Aurora finished its calculation, the group frowned.
   "We will need to retreat at least ten to twenty miles back into land... no, I suggest at least 50, maybe 100, just to make sure we don't get the bulk of the winds," Atalanta commented as she saw the storm as well.
   "We don't need to worry about that. Nothing will touch us as long as we are inside this house." Quinella explained to the lioness.
   "I know that fundamental forces protect the house. But this area could be flooded by several metres of water and mud, " the maid clarified.
   "No need. The Assimilator was finished a while ago, and we can watch all of it from orbit." Marcus commented as he stroked his chin.
   "Aurora, inform the Assimilator that I want to record all the data we can from such a storm. We need to record everything we can about the consequences of a single Supercontinent. This is an important clue as we must understand how ecology and weather patterns work in such a world." Marcus said to the AI as he decided what to do.
   [Understood, relaying information to the Assimilator.]
   "Since you wish to take such a course of action, we need to move out. The weather is getting dangerous." Atalanta, who has experienced quite a bit of dangerous weather, is feeling on edge.
   "Yeah, let's go." 
   *RUMBLE*
   *CRACK*
   *BOOM*
   As the group of five left the house, a bright flash and a huge thunder strike slammed some distance away.
   "Eep!!!" Erina grabbed Marcus' hand and hugged it from fear.
   Marcus smiled slightly as he was reminded that Erina was well-developed.
   "Let's get into the SUV." He said to everyone as he looked at the parked vehicles. 
   "I will take the bike!" Atalanta swiftly rushed over, jumped on the bike, and proceeded to drive it up in the most literal sense.
   "...Fine." He rolled his eyes as he motioned for the house to shrink into a cube and fly to his hand before he pocketed it.
   By that point, all of the girls were inside the car waiting for him.
   'Sheesh, it still hasn't started to rain, and they are already spooked.'
   Internally, he sighed to himself at how scared the girls were. They were like cats.
   Even his Assistant is pretending that it's fine. 
   'That reminds me. I don't recall adding anything about Storm to the initial programming.'
   As he pondered about it, he got into the white Jeep and drove it away into the sky.
   "...Ummm, I know this is late, but can the SUV work in space?" Erina asked them.
   "Just initiate the suit if you are not feeling safe." Marcus shrugged as he picked up speed and rushed towards the Core of the Assimilator.
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   The Super Structure has already been initiated, and the net is set. The game of collecting animals ended with maids acquiring the most points thanks to their simple strategy of collecting everything.
   It was not that anyone was competing with them, as the Ship girls were just exploring the world, and Gu Yuena was just looking for predators.
   After driving to the atmosphere's edge and into the Core part of Assimilator, the group walked through the hangar and into the elevator, which took them to the control room.
   "This is my second time seeing this, but it always blows my mind how quickly everything just happened," Erina commented as she realised that all of these girls who are running this new Assimilator are only a couple of days old; they have not even set foot on modern Earth...
   "I know what you mean. I had similar thoughts." Sirin commented back. Only Atalanta has already gotten used to it, and she is simply glossing over the spontaneous appearance of living, breathing people.
   As the pair were talking, Marcus went to his seat.
   "I want to observe the storm approaching Pangaea from the East. Send the flying saucers there."
   "Roger, rearranging the tasks, focusing on the storm." At that moment, the flooring glowed and became transparent, and the camera focused on the big storm below.
   "...That's one huge rain cloud." Atalanta sarcastically commented. 
   "Preliminary scans show that the storm will be three times stronger than the system we borrowed from regular nations. Sir, I don't think we need a better categorising system." The observations officer explained to Marcus.
   "Then just add categories six and seven and on and on. There is no need to discard something that has worked before; just improve on that."
   "Understood." 
   ~~~
   For More advanced chapters (+14 chapters, 70k words) my pat: pat reon.com/DragonsFics
  
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   Chapter 106: Temple of (Outside) Time (R18)
   1
   Marcus gazed at the storm clouds below as he sipped his tea. According to preliminary data, the storm could last three times longer than any storm recorded in modern times.
   With such revelation, he decided to take it easy.
   [Sir, I have detected a time ripple. It has frequency as a container.]
   "I don't remember requesting anything." The Inventor looked confused as he mentally summoned the camera and checked the data the time flow readers showed. 
   "Send someone to pick it up." 
   [Relaying orders] 
   "Isn't it strange? A random package?" Sirin commented, her voice had hints of suspicion.
   "It could be from Ars Almadel Salomonis." Quinella chipped in as she was gazing at the world below.
   "But the space station would reply if we send word first." Herrscher reasoned.
   "We will see."
   As the group discussed the weirdness, a gunship went to the moon's orbit, picked up the package, and brought it back to the Assimilator.
   The engineers and mechanics proceeded to work on opening the crate.
   Aurora checked the data after following the protocol and realising it was secure.
   [Sir, this is a short message from Carboniferous Assimilator. It says they have finished the task and are waiting outside the time for the next objective.]
   "Hmm? Isn't time flow linked? How could they finish the task?" He sounded confused for a second.
   [The time flow for Assimilator is linked with the planet below; the anchoring is set to the Earth, not us.] 
   "Then... oh... and since the Assimilator is set..." Marcus realised that the amount of time that had flowed was... a lot.
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   "Aurora, ensure this Assimilator is set properly and prepare the Confiscator. We are leaving for Outside of Time." The inventor stood up.
   "Record this storm properly before returning to normal procedures." After instructing them, he motioned for the girls to follow; they were leaving.
   Marcus is excited to see several million years of recorded evolutionary history.
   "Roger!"
   The operator saluted before seeing Marcus leave with his girls.
   The group walked to the docks and took escalators to the docked Confiscator.
   The inventor remained quiet the whole time, pondering what he had gotten from that Assimilator. He didn't expect a large chunk of data so early.
   However, one small miscalculation over time could cause thousands of years of progress elsewhere.
   "Ugh... after this, I will stick with making girls instead of this," Marcus complained as he scratched the back of his head. 
   "What will you do with that Assimilator in the area outside the time?" Sirin asked with a small but very concerned voice.
   "Make more Assimilators, then send them all out to all the time periods needed. I won't need to check all the timelines." He shrugged at them.
   "But, I thought you wanted to see...things!" Erina joined them as she heard the command to return to Confiscator, so she needed to ask him. 
   "I do, but I just got millions of years of data on evolution! I need to check it out. I still plan to observe extinction events and get my dinosaurs on my own, but I can do it anytime if I have a base secured. 
   And next time, I can visit with Ars Almadel Salomonis." He said with a small smirk.
   Moments later, they returned to the Confiscator, and her secretary jumped on Erina.
   "Erina-sama!" 
   "Hisako?" The cherry blonde was slightly confused by the affection shown by the fellow chef.
   "Erina-sama, there was this huge shark-like creature with saw-like teeth! That thing tried to eat me, but Goddess Athena was able to smack it away! It was an enormous thing! Around 8 metres long! A-And there were more strange things at the bottom of the ocean-" 
   The girl unleashed an avalanche of words as she was traumatised by the weird creatures she encountered in the ocean.
   Erina started to sweat hearing all that. She needs her to stop.
   "Relax! Hisako!" The cherry blonde chef shook her shoulders.
   "R-Right!"
   "It's fine. We are leaving Permian for now." 
   "O-Okay... I saw too many frogs anyway." Hisako smiled while saying that.
   "Yes, anyway. Something happened to the other Assimilator Marcus left behind, so we are returning to an area outside the time." 
   As the pair caught up, Marcus sent them to their room to relax. He then went to the bridge and instructed the crew to set course to the coordinates they acquired from the data package.
   "Set course. We are leaving the orbit."
   "Setting route, initiating time engine, preparing for construction of Byfrost bridge." The officers scrambled to start setting up the leaving point.
   The spaceship rushed out of Permian Earth's atmosphere. Graviton projectors on the ship's hull glowed and began creating the rainbow-coloured bridge. At the end of the bridge was a greenish-blue circle building by itself. 
   Once ready, Confisfactor accelerated into it and disappeared upon the contact.
   ~~~
   A day later, the warship blasted out from a green nebula-like cloud and rushed towards an acorn-shaped construct floating above the green moving clouds.
   Marcus, who didn't leave the bridge the whole time, gazed at the Assimilator with a curious gaze. He wonders how much time has passed for the AI in the Assimilator and how many animals it has collected.
   Moments later, the exploration vessel docked with Assimilator.
   [Sir, it will take a while for me to process the data. According to the data I received, 566 thousand cycles and over two hundred million daily data patches need processing.]
   The inventor's eyebrows went up when he heard how many cycles there were.
   Cycles, as in solar rotation cycles. Since they didn't have a beginning point for years, they went with solar cycles. How many times does the planet circle around the sun?
   And they have over 566 thousand years. 
   This is how many years Assimilator worked, moving back and forth through the Carboniferous to collect all the samples.
   'Thankfully, the AI models I use never advance beyond set boundaries. That many years is enough for one to go rogue.' 
   As someone who already has AI turned human. Quinella is territorial enough to set AIs in a way that they can't rebel. 
   When Marcus and the crew walked out from the Confiscator, they were greeted by shocked knights.
   "S-Supreme Commander!?" 
   "H-He finally visited us!"
   The handlers, the knights, the hangar workers-they all looked like they saw a celebrity for the first time, or in this case, they saw him again in over half a million years...
   "You know, I am happy that this is the reaction we get, not plasma pikes in our faces," Quinella whispered to Marcus.
   "Yeah..."
   The group passed by the saluting Assimilator's crew and went deeper into the station.
   Eventually, they arrived at the control room.
   "Supreme Commander!!!" A bunch of girls rushed towards Marcus, whose eyes widened to a massive degree. He didn't expect tens of girls to jump on him.
   Quinella, Sirin, Gu Yuena and the rest looked at this with complex emotions. 
   "When I designed females for the crew, I didn't expect this..." Quinella explained as she massaged her forehead.
   "So it was your idea." Herrscher frowned when she realised that his assistant was actively making Marcus' harem bigger each time he made a new vessel or a new station.
   "I wanted to make the bridge more eye-pleasing at that time." The plantinum haired assistant clarified her intentions for such a design choice.
   "Well, you wanted one thing, but it devolved into something else," Sirin said with crossed arms.
   "I never thought we would travel through time. We were hunting vampires for golden cups a couple of months ago." Quinella shrugged. At that time, having cute girls on the bridge looked like a good choice.
   Eventually, Marcus moved the affectionate girls away. He is still trying to understand how they were over 500,000 years old.
   Thankfully, he had a system so they would not get insane for living that long.
   "I'm sorry. There was a mishap. I won't leave you girls behind like this again, " he clarified. 
   "It's okay! We have more than 50 million years of data for you to look over!" the captain puffed her chest.
   Marcus' lips slightly twitched when he heard that. He was not expecting such a large chunk.
   "Yes. For now, order the nanites to begin building Assimilators for the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous, and the rest all the way to the modern era, and prepare three for Venus, Mars and Titan.
   Once you have those, we will launch the ones for prehistoric eras. 
   With those secured, we can accelerate the acquisition of my top listers."
   Marcus issued orders as he walked to his seat, which he hadn't sat for around 566 thousand years. It's weird, to say the least.
   The way he build his stuff, which doesn't age normally, he made sure his stuff was around for many, many years to come.
   That is why his seat was the same as the one he had just sat in the other Assimilator when he sat down.
   After thinking about time, he mentally summoned the data packages.
   His eyes widened as he saw hundreds of thousands of folders started to pop up.
   "Holy...shit..."
   He swore under his breath, overwhelmed by all the data. Thankfully, everything was sorted properly. All he needed to do was read it.
   'Well, this is good. Once I read all of this, I will have a concrete understanding of how nature evolves.'
   ~~~
   As Marcus barricaded in the Control Room with all that precious data, the girls were bored out of their minds after just a few days.
   At first, they thought about checking all the animals the Assimilator had and their natural habitats. Still, these were carboniferous animals... a.k.a. bugs-that's 80% of all animals, and they come in all shapes and sizes.
   "So boreeeeddd!" Jeanne complained as she had nothing to do. Even after doing all of her maid work, she was bored. She could enter the entertainment dome, but that's a commitment once she starts. She will stay there the whole day, and then Grayfia will be on her butt.
   "Same." Hippolyta was in a similar situation, alongside other maids, but they didn't have the guts to express their dissatisfaction.
   But then... Atalanta decided to do something about it. She is still waiting to visit the Jurassic and Cretaceous for the ultimate prey in the shape of Therapods, the likes of T-Rex and Allosaurus. 
   "Master!" The lioness sneaked into the Control Room.
   "What is it?" He sounded a little bit tired. The huntress looked around and saw floating folders full of data.
   "The Assimilators will be coming online soon, and we are getting tired. I was wondering if we could hunt and collect some animals for you." Atalanta walked over and stood in front of him.
   For a second, he placed his hand on his face and rubbed his eyes.
   "Sure... Aurora sent the list I compiled a while ago, And I mean all of the list, including Cenozoic stuff." Marcus instructed his AI as he released a tired sigh.
   [Uploading Data]
   "You want us to get dire wolves and Smilodonts?" Atalanta's interest perked up at the chance to hunt woolly Mammoth and other ice age animals.
   "And a Meg... Just remember the butterfly effect meter." He reminded her.
   "I know." The lion maid rolled her eyes at that reminder.
   "Good, now off you go." Marcus motioned for her to leave.
   "Some of the girls will be coming with me. Is it okay?" Atalanta quickly added a few bits.
   "It's fine. I have Athena with me." He motioned at his fiance. Who was reading stuff and completely ignoring everyone...
   "...Very well." 
   The Lion Maid is certain that Athena is in her little world and doesn't care about anyone else.
   "I am certain that other girls will remain... but we will take one of the chefs."
   "Sure." Marcus shrugged at her.
   "Take Hisako; I will keep Erina. She already has an idea of what I like and my style." 
   "That is fine with me."
   After finishing their talk, Marcus returned to his data, but this little incident released a 'storm'.
   Atalanta went to see the girls right after the meeting.
   She dropped the bomb right after.
   "H-Hold it! You will take me with you!?" Hisako squeaked her sentence. Her eyes were wide as saucers as she realised that she would be away from her Mistress for an extended amount of time.
   "Yes, we will fill up this list for our Master." With a hand motion, Atalanta showed everyone the hit list.
   Jeanne's eyes bulged when she saw the numbers next to the names.
   "...T-Rex is worth 10 thousand!"
   "...I might join you this time around." Le Fay looked at the numbers with wide eyes as well. Before this, she would barely do such tasks as she preferred a more elegant approach to earning money, but this... even the witch's greed has been poked.
   "Heh, that's good to hear. But for now, we will work in a single time period as the infrastructure is being built." Atalanta showed them what she picked up from Aurora.
   "One could say the highway is being built for easy access to leave and enter the timelines." She showed some sort of relay points above the green cloud, which will be built by the nanites that are right now building Assimilators. Three are already completed, but more are being built by the minute.
   Since the first Assimilator is so huge, the number of nanites it can produce is simply absurd. Like a snowball effect, the number of nanites keeps increasing until it can build several Assimilators simultaneously.
   "...This project..." Le Fay's eyes bulged... as she realised they had skipped a couple of steps in Project Kang.
   "I know, Master didn't intend for one of the Assimilators to become able so quick." Quinella chipped in with crossed arms.
   "But these are the moveable objects. Don't forget the Central Hub. Its size will dwarf these Assimilators. For now, I am designing how it will look, which leaves us to live inside one of the 'acorns'." She air-quoted the acorns part, as that's what Marcus is calling them.
   "Yes!Yes! It's big! But what will Erina-sama will do!?" Hisako got everyone's attention back.
   "She will be cooking for Master." Atalanta dismissed the hit list window and looked at Hisako.
   "But he didn't leave the bridge for days now!" The secretary complained.
   "Then make him leave." Sirin rolled her eyes as she listened to the conversation from the back. 
   She started to feel that her video-making journey had reached a dead end. Herrscher realised she needed to join this trip to create better content. Thankfully, the journey should not be long.
   "You are a good cook. Then use that to make him take a break." Herrscher shrugged as she closed her manga book and got up from the couch since they were in one of the resting lodges.
   "I suppose I will join you, as I need to document these periods for my YouTube channel." She explained to the maids.
   The rest were surprised to hear that. They hadn't expected Sirin to leave Marcus for an extended amount of time, but they didn't realise that she was managing her time.
   Since he is busy, she will do her tasks as well. Once she has her footage, she will spend an extended amount of time editing it with him, like they did before. 
   "That is fine with us. We have more than enough things to do." Atalanta was switching into her 'huntress' mode; as someone who had managed members of a hunt for years, it was a natural switch for her.
   "I am going as well." Artemis entered the room, dressed in hunter armour made from nanites. 
   "In that case, we will remain here." Grayfia interrupted. She had Tiamat and Hel with her. 
   "We still need to manage a couple of things." 
   Not that there is much to do, considering there is no dust and Marcus is 'hibernating' in the control room.
   ~~~
   As the maids and a lone creation of Marcus left the Assimilator aboard another meant for the Jurassic Period, Quinella decided to arrange work for the remaining members.
   "Everyone, come to the meeting room." 
   A couple of minutes later, everyone gathered in a large meeting room. 
   Quinella summoned a hologram showing what the remaining members would do.
   "Let's start. I want everyone to pay attention to this." She showed a huge space station. Next to it was the Assimilator, which was shaped like an acorn.
   The acorn was three times smaller and could allow four acorns to connect to it. It showed that connected acorns could spin around the station, which should be creating gravity? Or at least that is why it's spinning...
   The huge station was similarly shaped to a cone. The tip is small, and it grows bigger towards the top.
   The girls noticed that the tip was shaped like a barrel, similar to the Ars Almadel Salomonis. It couldn't be a weapon, could it?
   But knowing Quinella, she made it a weapon. Considering the size of this cone-shaped station... it's a weapon of planet-bursting proportions. 
   No surprise there.
   "The top of the 'Temple of Time' will have drydocks in a circular fashion; it will allow mass production of warships of all shapes and sizes.
   The dry docks can alter and rotate, so their sizes can change. This is where ship girls will work; you girls will be quartermasters per se. Next is the core area in the middle. This area allows other assimilators to connect and interchange." Quinella explained and mentally highlighted the areas.
   "These areas are logistics, so the responsibility falls on the maids." 
   "U-Us?" Hel hissed. She has no clue how to run logistics! She is all about killing and collecting undead! The Goddess has no clues at any of this!
   "Relax, we can leave the difficult parts to the Head Maid." Tiamat shrugged while replying.
   "You two be silent." Grayfia coldly reminded them not to make a scene.
   "Y-Yes."
   "Understood."
   "Next are the lower levels, which have barracks, assembly lines, and what one expects from a military base.
   "Gu Yuena will oversee this part." 
   The Dragoness nodded when she heard it.
   "How many soldiers this Hub will be able to produce?" The Silver Dragon Empress asked with a curious tone.
   "Around 2.5 million per hour." 
   "..."
   "..."
   "..."
   "..."
   The bombshell made the gathered people speechless. With numbers like these, they can overrun worlds in hours!
   And such a thing will happen soon.
   "It's just the knights, but the Mechanised Infantry is in a similar situation.
   "If Master wants to invade a world of his choice, he will only need to ask," Quinella said while brushing her fingers through her hair as she said that in a smug voice.
   "True." Gu Yuena agreed.
   "But this is only the beginning, isn't it? I can assume these stations can join each other and make an even bigger one, right?" The Dragoness asked with a knowing grin. 
   "You know us well, as expected from a fellow creation." The platinum-haired beauty commented in a knowing tone as the hologram was replaced by another one.
   What appeared instead is an overview of how the base will look.
   "The end desire for our Master is complete control of the time and space continuum expanse. Such a conclusion was confirmed after we confirmed the discovery of such a realm."
   As she explained, everyone saw countless hubs expanding above the green clouds of time. They could see something akin to a highway above the clouds, an actual Byfrost bridge expanding for a very, very long distance.
   "This here is what will allow us to travel back and forth through large amounts of distance in time. Hundred million and more years will be crossed in a short amount of distance." Quinella highlighted the bridge.
   "Like any successful Empire, infrastructure is the key component that makes it happen." 
   "The difference is that instead of the road on the ground, this is a road which connects timelines and allows rapid travel."
   'These people are mad. She is planning to spread their rule through the entire fabric of reality...' Tiamat realised how crazy these Technocracy people are. She was here less than a month, but it was enough to see what they could do.
   Not even Dragon Kings and Gods are this nonchalant about other people's opinions. How many worlds and people will they enslave to their desires?
   "I see, as expected, though I never thought Allfather would see such a massive use of Byfrost to such an extent," Hel commented with crossed arms. As a Norse Goddess, she is aware to some extent of what Asgard's Byfrost can do. But what she is looking at is ten, if not a hundred times more extensive.
   "Well, we don't know if this is the correct way to showcase Byfrost since Odin never showed it to us," Quinella said with a shrug. Thankfully, Hel confirmed that it was similar if not exact, tech... talking about tech convergence... 
   "It is the same thing. The rainbow colours represent the bridge." Hel confirmed for the Assistant.
   "That's Good. Now that you know what we will be doing until Master finishes his thing, you can start working on these assignments." 
   "...One moment, you said we will be doing warship logistics... There are no warships." Enterprise raised her hand while speaking out what she was thinking.
   "That's because the drydocks are not finished yet. Once they are online, the creation of the most advanced fleet will begin."
   Quinella showed the models on the hologram.
   There were five warships in different shapes and sizes... the biggest one was 7 kilometres long.
   "These..."
   "Master finished the designs?" Gu Yuena remembered Marcus doodling in one of the classes as he was adding things to these.
   "I joined in and finished the initial sketches." The assistant smiled while saying that.
   "Of course, we needed to run some simulations for plausibility and adjust to make them as efficient as possible."
   'Damn...this is madness...'
   The recently recruited maids, especially Hel, were sweating buckets seeing these. She witnessed firsthand what the 'smallest' of the warships could do on a battlefield-now add 70 times to that!
   Thankfully, Erina and Hisako were not here to see these reveals, as they were having their last talk before separating...
   ~~~
   Erina looked through the window as three Assimilators plunged into the green clouds of time. By this point, she was no longer mesmerised by these clouds. Hell, she noticed that she could instinctually tap into the flow of time. This helps her extremely well in cooking, as she can improve or lessen the effects of the ingredients.
   After seeing three Assimilators fly into what is considered the era of Dinosaurs, she took a deep breath.
   "It's up to you to ensure Master is well-fed and rested." Quinella walked over and looked where the Super Constructs descended into the flow of time.
    "I will make sure the projects are right on schedule while he catches up to the data collected by this Assimilator."
   "Umm, I might be a cook, but I don't know if I can distract him long enough to take a break." Erina nervously commented.
   "Please, we already tested this on our way to Carboniferous." Quinella eye rolled at her.
   "I am giving you a chance to have him for a while." The Assistant finally revealed what she was scheming.
   "...W-W-What?"
   *Snort*
   "There is no need for embarrassment. Marcus has given you a very soft treatment. He... likes your work ethic and your passion for your craft. As humans say, birds of similar feathers flock together. Or something along those lines."
   "Its birds of feather flock together." Erina smiled while correcting what the Assistant meant.
   "Yes, you get my point. Now, do your part. After this, I will start learning to cook. I feel that your... kind can be dangerous if left unopposed." After saying that, she turned around, brushed her hair with her fingers and walked away to continue overseeing the construction of the Hub.
   'I do need to come with a proper name.'
   She pondered while walking away.
   Erina watched how the Platinum-haired Assistant walked away before turning back to look at the window.
   'Well, let's see how it goes.'
   This situation was one in which the cherry-blonde girl didn't have much confidence to deal with. However, part of her was getting excited to think that she had been given such an opportunity.
   ~~~~~~Later~~~~~~
   "Umm..." Erina poked her head into the Control Room. She quickly realised that the automated doors and the throne were some distance away from each other. There was no way to speak normally when she was that far away...
   The cherry blonde walked into the room and walked towards where Marcus was sitting. She could see he was reading through files, checking data, and other schematics. It looked far too complex for the chef girl...
   "Marcus, I prepared dinner for you." Erina slightly raised her voice to get his attention.
   "Umm?" The inventor turned his head and looked at the girl.
   "Erina? You have food ready for me?" He asked her.
   "Yes, your Assistant said that you haven't eaten anything for a while now."
   "I guess..." He dismissed the windows and stood up, stretching out for a bit before looking at her.
   "Ok, let's go." Marcus motioned for her to show the way.
   "Then follow me."
   ~~~
   Marcus looked at Erina in front of him. He could see that she was dressed in a miniskirt similar to her old school and black stockings reaching her thighs.
   The girl looked sexy, to say the least. He wonders if she is planning to give him actual food, herself... or both.
   As they entered the living room of the Assimilator, which had a design similar to the ones found in Confiscator, the Inventor saw a line of food on the table.
   The girl was not holding back with her preparations.
   "There is no set order. You can start with whichever you want." Erina explained to him.
   "Hmm, then how about this... you shall feed me in the order you think is the best~" He teased her as he sat down at the offered seat.
   The girl's cheeks exploded, and she didn't need to think for long. She bashfully smiled.
   "...Umm...o-okay..." 
   Seeing her agree in mere seconds made Marcus smile as well, and he motioned for her to sit on his lap.
   The girl slowly walked to his side and very slowly sat down on his lap. He could feel her amazing ass touch his thighs.
   Marcus' hands slowly went on her waist before moving slightly up and grabbing her impressive burst.
   "!"
   Erina's cheeks exploded in deep red as she didn't think he would do that!
   "W-Wait!"
   "For what? You have been trying to seduce me with your sexy clothes for a while~" He whispered into her ear as he squeezed her impressive breasts.
   A soft gasp escaped from her lips.
   "...I-I don't know..." She tried to explain herself but had no idea how to describe her subconscious choices.
   "Don't worry, we can eat your food after we satisfy your urges~" He whispered to her as he moved her face to the side to face him and then kissed her lips.
   Erina's purple eyes trembled as she just got her first kiss!
   Slowly, her eyes turned glassy, and she started to feel strange.
   "Hnnn~~~" 
   The beauty moaned into his lips as she started to feel hot.
   Before they could continue, he picked her up, took her to the closest wall, and leaned her against it.
   Behind him, the food was encased in a bubble of frozen time as he made sure it stayed food. After all, he doesn't want her hard work to be wasted.
   But for now, he focused on the most important part as he looked at Erina, who had a mystified look on her face. She looked out of her depth.
   Not that it lasted for long as he grabbed her left leg and picked it up. Since she had a mini skirt, he saw she had thin-looking white panties.
   'Well, there is no need to remove the suit devices. I do want to have fun with her wearing clothes.'
   Marcus licked his lips as his hands went to her snatch and stroked through the special place.
   Erina's mouth slightly opened as she felt his warm fingers.
   She looked at him and tried to look down, but she could only see his hand.
   He played with her pussy for a bit before pushing the panties aside and slipping into her tender cave.
   "N-No... t-that place is not for fingers!" She panicked for a second. It looked cute.
   "Don't worry. I am only testing~" He teased her back before ordering the nanites to make his pants drop and reveal his rod.
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   "Eep!" 
   Erina squeaked, seeing his rod in the flesh and close to her pussy.
   He moved forward and made his cock brush around her special place before pushing inside.
   "OHHH~~"
   The cherry blonde grimaced for a second before he fully pushed inside of her.
   A strong smack reached the depths of her cave, and Marcus claimed her lips. She slowly started to move inside of her cave.
   Slowly, he started to pick up speed, and as Erina's special place started to gush with love juices, she started to feel it.
   A lewd sound started to spread through the dining room. It got louder and louder until it reached its climax, with Erina releasing a long-minded moan at the end.
   ~~~
   At the end of the lewd session, the pair proceeded to eat, and the dynamic between those two changed...
   It became quite similar to being a girlfriend and a boyfriend. But at the same time, it was not. One thing is for sure: Erina fulfilled what her grandfather requested of her.
   Not that this quiet moment lasted for long as Aurora made an announcement.
   [Sir, the Assimilator in Cretaceous has discovered something strange; you should check it in person. We might find a unique alternative Earth.]
   "Oh? Then prepare the Confiscator for departure."
   [Already on it.]
   ~~~
   For More advanced chapters (+13 chapters, 65k words) my pat: pat reon.com/DragonsFics
  
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   Chapter 107: Sapient Dinosaurs (R18)
   Marcus smiled at seeing Erina blushing on his lap. She might have become more assertive in private, but the girl was blushing a storm now when she was sitting on his lap while they were travelling to the Cretaceous Period.
   "Do I need to sit on your lap while we travel?" the girl asked him while trying to think where to look. On the bridge, there were a bunch of girls who she could feel were judging her!
   Thankfully, these are all bridge officers. None of his creations or maids or even his fiance came with them. After all, Marcus was like a small boy who rushed out when he got the news from the Assimilator in Cretaceous Earth.
   "Why not? You are the one who is keeping me company." He teased her as his hands wrapped around her waist. She was feeling like a Princess in the claws of a big and very dangerous dragon.
   1
   'I wish I was not the only one.' 
   Erina grimaced internally. She is chewing more than she can swallow.
   There is a reason why Marcus Goldman has a harem. The man has a big appetite.
   Not the appetite in the normal sense but in the female sense...
   The beautiful chef girl recalled her last couple of days...
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   ~~~~~~Couple Days Ago~~~~~~
   Marcus awakened Erina's lust. The beauty was building it up for a while. Her mind would recall how often the Inventor takes his girls aside.
   She could only imagine what he did to them. Eventually, all that builds up and needs to be released in some way.
   Subsequently, she would channel it through her clothes, that was until he pinned her against a wall and had his way with her.
   After that, he took her to the closest room and laid her on a couch. The massive Space Construct has a lot of space, not just for animals to be kept but for humans to live in as well.
   Erina didn't have much time to think about how much space there was in the space station, as her eyes were on Marcus. She just lost her purity, and according to how it should continue, they should be resting, but the common rules don't apply to the man in front of her as he removed her suit device from her chest, and all of her clothes disappeared.
   The nanites retreated to the triangle-shaped device, revealing her considerable breasts, lean stomach, wide hips and incredible legs.
   "Did anyone ever tell you how incredible you look?" he whispered as his hands stroked through her body. That warm touch was giving her goosebumps.
   "My interaction with males is very limited," Erina said with a hot voice as her gaze went to his body and then lowered to the hard cock, which was close to her special place.
   "Good to know." As he replied to her words, he pushed her left leg aside and placed her right on his shoulder before pushing his rod right back into her special place.
   "Ohhh~~~" 
   Erina's moaned lewdly as she was feeling that thing spreading her wide.
   With a strong smack, he was fully inside of her before starting to move in and out of her velvet cave.
   "Nhhnnn~~" 
   "Mhnnn~~~"
   "Hnnn~~"
   The cherry blonde beauty was gasping and moaning. From time to time, a pleasant current of pleasure would make her lose focus as she was feeling it.
   Slowly, she started to lose whatever composure she had. Instead, the chef girl focused on the lewd act as she tried to be part of it, trying to move alogside it.
   Before long, a lewd smile appeared on her face as her eyes gleamed with desire. The pleasure slowly took over the mind as her hands moved and stroked his chest, and a lewd and coy smile started to emerge.
   "Oohh~ Yess~~"
   Erina moaned hotly as the poke rattled her inside. Marcus slightly changed his angle as he proceeded to thrust into her sweet spot.
   Her pussy started to leak love juices as she was swiftly approaching another climax.
   "Ahnnn~~"
   After a small climax, he moved her into a sitting position as he made the cherry blonde face him. The girl wrapped her hands around his neck as she moved in to kiss him while her legs wrapped around his waist.
   She started to move on her own as her hips moved up and down in a rapid fashion.
   The girl is a quick learner, and with improved genetics, she is ever faster at it.
   Eventually, she was in sync with his moment, and she swiftly got that load she was working for.
   "Hnnnn~~~ soo much is flowing into me~~~" 
   Erina trembled as her feet were squeezing him as hard as she could. She could feel how he was pumping into her depths.
   ~~~
   The Chef Girl's eyelashes trembled as she slowly opened her eyes and saw an unfamiliar ceiling. 
   By this point, she was used to the dull grey of a space station or a warship, but this time, she saw warm blue colours that looked like clouds, and the bedsheets and pillow felt very fluffy.
   For a second, she wondered where she was, and that was until she felt Marcus next to her as he was holding her close.
   Her eyes widened for a second as she recalled a whirlwind of images, of very compromising positions.
   'Now I done it...' 
   Part of her always hoped that things would return to how they used to be...
   Well, some of it? Part of it! Something! She had hope that she could return to her bubble. But, now...
   She went and seduced the big bad wolf, well, calling him a simple wolf is being extremely humble.
   But the point stands. Now, whether she wants to or not is fully in his clutches, figuratively and literally.
   As she wondered about this, eventually, she somewhat calmed down and started to think about the positives.
   "Hmm, you should sleep a little more." She heard his voice from the side.
   "...I don't feel like sleeping anymore. Too much on my mind." Erina said while gazing at the ceiling.
   "What's on your mind?" He asked her as his hands were holding her close.
   "...This... this whole situation. What will happen now?" She asked with a concerned tone.
   "By happening now, what do you mean?" He asked with a confused tone.
   "...I mean... We did this..."
   "Oh, that, well, you are mine, that is for sure." He hugged her even closer.
   "...And what I am to you?" She asked, not knowing how to assess this situation. They would be a couple if he were a normal guy, but he is so far from normal that she has no idea where this relationship stands.
   "My Erina. What else? I don't understand why you want to confuse this more than necessary." Now, he was confused.
   "...What I mean, what am I to you? A g-girlfriend? A-A lover? I don't even know what to say..." along with all that stuttering, she was as confused as ever.
   "Hmm, oh, that. You girls care about that stuff quite a bit." He commented with a realising look.
   "Well, since that is the case, you will be my second girlfriend!" He declared her 'status'.
   "..."
   Part of Erina was relieved, but part of her was baffled. He has a girlfriend... a fiance.
   "...Who is your girlfriend?" She asked curiously, who is this fearless girl who accepted that.
   'Wait... I doubt she had a choice...' Erina realised that there are not that many beings who can deny what he wants...
   "Latia Astaroth, she is the face of my Goldman Industries." 
   The Chef Girl immediately put a name to a face. She recalled that blonde girl with an impressive burst.
   "...Wait. Isn't she a devil?"
   "Yep, that makes you a very special girl-a normal girl who was able to make me take you as my girlfriend. Let's just say your cooking was that good. I guess the stories about girls entering men's hearts through stomachs are not that far fetched." He joked while he got into a sitting position and moved her to sit on his lap while facing him.
   "W-Wait, c-can we rest a while longer?" Erina realised that she would be forced to 'work'!
   "But you said that you already rested~" He moved forward and placed his forehead on hers.
   "T-That's a different t-t-thing! My body is tired, but my mind is not!" She complained while trying not to look into his eyes.
   "That sounds like an excuse..." He teased the girl on his lap before returning to do things to her.
   ~~~~~~Back to Today~~~~~~
   The cherry blonde recalled what had happened to her in the past couple of days.
   She was feeling all sore and tired... she hoped that someone would help her, but all she got was his undivided attention.
   Normally, she would be happy, but all of the things they do always lead to her passing out from passionate activities.
   Oh, sure, she enjoys all of that, but she doesn't like what comes after waking up.
   "We still have around 18 hours until we arrive at the Cretaceous Period. We should retreat to the living quarters." 
   Erina tensed when she heard that. A tense and very desperate smile surfaced on her lips.
   "S-Sure. But can we... just rest? Please? I am still new to all of these... girlfriend activities." She leaned forward and placed her hands on his cheeks, showing him a strained smile. 
   "Sure, if this is what my Erina wants." He got up from the throne with the girl in his hands.
   The Chef Girl realised that he was not even planning to let her walk on her own.
   Panic started to rise in her gut.
   "Umm...UMMMM..."
   "Relax. All you are going to do today is do some basic girlfriend stuff-nothing major; it's not Graviton science." he clarified to her as he took her out from the bridge and towards the main lift.
   "I don't even know what is this Graviton. But I am sore from everything you did to me the past couple of days!" She finally spoke what had been on her head for the past couple of hours! There is no way she will tell him that while in front of several crew members!
   "And like I said, you will keep my company, make me some snacks, and we shall cuddle until we reach the Cretaceous Earth, " he said with an eye roll.
   "Besides..."
   His hands went to her legs as he started to send his energy into her body.
   "My control over biological bodies improved considerably after studying millions of years of evolution~~~." 
   Erina's eyes widened in horror as she sensed how all the soreness had evaporated.
   "If I want to, I could be doing things to you for many, many years until your body would adapt. Think of it as an evolutionary stimulus to make you able to keep up with my sexual desires." He explained to her with a grin.
   "...Y-You studied evolution just to make your girls able to keep up with you in bed?" She exclaimed in disbelief; this sounds like extreme misuse of the incredible data the Assimilator has collected!
   "Not really. I already have evolution mastered to some extent as a power." He showed her his rings, taking off the Evolution one, which is on his right hand's ring finger.
   "This is the ring of evolution. I'm pretty sure if a sophisticated civilisation were to study it, they could grasp evolution to some extent." He explained to her while showing her the ring from different sides.
   "...Umm, not to sound rude, but this is far above my current level of magic." She said with a sweaty forehead.
   "Maybe, but all I wanted to say was that the research was not in vain. One could say that I have streamlined it further than ever before." 
   The ring floated back to his finger before his whole body glowed, as a dark green aura surrounded him for a second.
   'In other words, he can abuse evolution even more.' 
   The cherry blonde chef commented to herself as they arrived at the living quarters floor.
   Marcus took her to his place, where the girl would be living from now on...
   "Let's go get some snacks~ It will be great~."
   Erina sighed. Not only would she cook for him, but she would also have to feed him while sitting on his lap.
   Never in her life had she had to do such a thing...
   But then she realised that none of the other girls could do this thing...
   Not even Athena was cooking for Marcus!
   It makes her stand in an extremely unique position.
   'No, this is great!'
   "Indeed. Tell me what you want... Marcus." The girl said his name with evident blush on her cheeks.
   "Haha, you are getting there, Erina~." The Inventor smirked when he heard her finally say his name. He knew she talked about him while calling his name, but this was the first time she had said it right in his face.
   Which is a step in the right direction, according to his books.
   ~~~~~~Next Day~~~~~~
   A greenish-blue magic circle appeared as Confiscator blasted out from it and appeared above Cretaceous Earth. The exploration vessel faced the planet and proceeded to fly towards the Assimilator's core piece.
   "The drydocks are in full swing." Erina swiftly noticed the huge amount of work happening in the docks.
   "It appears security protocol has been initiated," Marcus replied as he raised his eyebrow at this development.
   "Security protocol? You mean there is a possibility that there exists a possible enemy?" She asked with some worry.
   "Not quite. It's more like contingency than anything. It's like walking into an uncharted forest. You do need some self-defence weapons, more than anything." He clarified to her as they arrived at Cretaceous Earth's Assimilator and proceeded to do the docking procedure.
   As the magnetic hands grabbed the vessel and placed it in place, the gangplank lowered and attached to the exit, activating the escalator.
   When Marcus and Erina left the spaceship, the girl noticed an array of bulky golden armoured men standing throughout the entire passageway. 
   'Was the Assimilator converted into a military vessel on moment notice!?'
   She understood how big it was, but transformed from research and collection to military structure in an instant!?
   The cherry blonde gulped down as they swiftly walked the escalator-assisted bridge and ended up in the docks. They were picked up by one of the graviton shuttles, which would take them to the control room.
   As they were travelling through the circular docks, the girl had the chance to observe what was happening there.
   The amount of movement is foreign to the girl who spends a while in another Assimilator.
   The Carboniferous one was almost like a ghost town compared to this one.
   "Just how quickly was the entire army created?" She asked with wide eyes as she looked at how many machines were building the spaceships while, at the same time, knights were starting to gather and wait to embark on said ships.
   The whole process was a borderline mechanic in her eyes!
   "It's a rapid process. My faction has already experienced one war. We are learning and adapting from that experience.
   To improve efficiency in soldier and warship creation, we are also looking for ways to enhance the quality of our knights and reduce the time needed to create them.
   All of that is a balance game we are trying to find."
   He explained as he looked at rows and rows of knights and mechs lining up in front of a Star Destroyer, which was being assembled at a rapid speed.
   And it's not just one. Given how wide the drydock is, there are ten assembled at once, and since it's a tall station below this level, there are another three where other class warships are being built.
   The shuttle arrived at the main lift, which would take them to the control centre. The pair didn't even notice how quickly they arrived as Marcus and Erina looked at knights gathering for their first interdimensional conflict.
   The pair took the lift to the control centre. Marcus swiftly walked to his throne and sat down, pulling the embarrassed chef girl to his lap.
   She felt extremely out of place...but... she couldn't argue with him. If he wanted her here, then there was nothing she could do about that.
   "Sir." 
   The Commander girl walked over to him and saluted before proceeding to explain what they had discovered.
   With a hand motion, the planet's hologram appeared on the main hologram display in the command centre.
   "The planet's core has an extra component which emits strange waves." The hologram shifted, showing the emission patterns.
   "What does this component do?" Marcus asked as his attention was on the hologram.
   "It emits waves which stimulate biological organisms. Preliminary observations indicate that it could potentially cause a shift in cell programming."
   A DNA strand appeared, showing which cells are impacted.
   "Hmm, now this is interesting..." Marcus looked at the strand while placing his chin on Erina's shoulder.
   "...umm...what does this mean?" 
   Erina asked him, as she had no idea what this meant.
   "The one which is blinking is responsible for longevity. However, once you temper this cell, it impacts reproduction." He said that while his hands squeezed her waist.
   "In other words, such component refined properly and consumed in some form could potentially give one eternal youth in exchange for the ability to reproduce," Marcus explained with a small frown.
   "...Sounds like a potent way to control population." Erina ignored the squeeze and commented on what she heard.
   "Not that simple. This is a potent killer of a civilisation. There is a chain reaction when you temper with just one cell." He used his mental interface to show the shockwave such change would cause.
   "Reproductivity is extremely important not just for species survival, but it's linked with survival instincts.
   If one has no desire to continue to survive, the person becomes living dead. Like a corpse." 
   As Marcus was explaining, he realised that he had seen this before somewhere.
   "It would seem quite a downside then. But is that it?" Erina asked with a somewhat dissapointed look. She thought they would find something useful.
   But it was just extra composition in the planet's core.
   "It's not just an effect on the body. It has an impact on the vegetation as well.
   Such composition directly impacts wildlife. Over millions of years, the vegetation should have evolved in a unique way." Marcus reasoned as he realised that there is much more than just an impact on organic life.
   "Yes, sir. We have discovered that ALL wildlife require the influence to sustain itself."
   "Then!"
   Erina realised what this meant.
   "The moment an intelligent life starts harvesting this energy, the entire ecosystem will cease to work.
   It would appear that this component is like a fuel." Marcus hummed as he placed his elbow on the armrest and his hand on his chin.
   'It's an oddly specific thing, like a trope which will be used in future plot of this world.'
   'There is a bunch of anime and manga with special energy or component that allows mechs to be used.' Marcus pondered internally.
   "Do we have any idea for the potency of this energy as a fuel?" 
   "M-Marcus, are you planning to harvest this energy!?" Erina exclaimed with worry, as she didn't want the planet to die.
   "I don't need it as fuel. My faction is long past the point where we need finite energy to run things.
   What I want to know is if such energy can be used to fuel a primitive faction, like how humans use fossil fuel." He clarified to his girl.
   "Oh..."
   "We can send a team to collect samples." As Erina realised he didn't want to milk the planet's core, the commander suggested to him.
   "When do it."
   Moments later, several of the outposts launched saucers to the active volcanoes to pick up samples.
   As the saucers were busy, the inventor cuddled with his chef girl while examining the composition of the material. 
   ~~~
   "Well, well, interesting."
   Marcus stroked his chin while standing in the middle of the Control Centre and being surrounded by the holograms.
   "It has stimulating qualities; we could expect an interesting development, " he commented with a smirk.
   "Commander, I want you to put emphasis on active volcanoes. Especially when they erupt and pour the magma into the surface world."
   "As you wish."
   "The soil gets enriched by this substance, vegetation grows from it, and it gets consumed by herbivores, and carnivores eat those.
   There is an entire ecosystem around this. It's only a matter of time until sapient species appear." 
   He clarified what he was aiming at.
   "Wait... you are saying we will get sapient dinosaurs!?" Erina exclaimed with shock.
   "Yes, the smarter one will become smarter. The issue is that there are not that many alternatives. Most of the smart ones are predator hunters."
   He said while returning to look at the samples he had.
   "Begin preparations for time slip. We can watch this from outside the time flow." 
   "Beginning the preparations!" 
   The crew scrambled to start the preparation.
   As they were doing that, Marcus dismissed the hologram windows and returned to his throne.
   "It will take some time. Why don't you get some desserts? I feel like celebrating, " the inventor said while looking to his side, where the girl had been standing the whole time.
   "...Sure..."
   A couple hours later, the pair returned and saw that time was flowing much faster.
   "Cretaceous is quite a long period, from 145 million to 65 million years. There is quite a bit of time to pass." He said that while pulling Erina back to his lap and watching how the continents move towards familiar locations.
   "...sir..." 
   The commander walked over to his location.
   "There has been a development."
   "Oh? Slow down the time slip." He ordered the crew before looking at the commander.
   "Tell me."
   "The raptors started to become smarter around the areas where volcanoes are. Their hunting patterns are becoming sophisticated, and their mating practices have improved. They are becoming similar to modern wolves."
   "Hoh, so they realised that incest is bad. Hmm, continue to observe. I want to focus on them."
   "Yes, sir." The Commander saluted before they continued to watch the raptors.
   Marcus quickly noticed that the raptors had blue skin and small horns.
   ...
   ...
   ...
   "Amazing... they are getting smarter right in front of us!" Erina watched the whole thing with bated breath. It was like watching evolution take its course and these animals slowly becoming self-aware.
   "They are becoming similar to us."
   She said with wide eyes. Their posture changed. They straightened up, and they started to use tools more than their claws, which caused a fundamental shift in their physiology.
   "Oh, it's happening." Marcus softly said that as he looked at this with a gleam in his eyes.
   "...Fire..." Erina realised what he meant.
   They 'unlocked' the first element, and from here, the first sapient civilisation was born.
   These raptors were nomads at first, and Marcus watched it with glee.
   "Let's go. They are leaving their location of origin." The inventor grabbed the girl, and they rushed to board a train that would take them to the closest outpost to the raptor location.
   "Can't you just move the Assimilator? We don't need to travel there, don't we?" Erina realised that they would take that scary train...
   "It's a delicate situation now. Moving Assimilator could make them see the night sky differently..."
   As he said that, he stopped in his tracks and put her down.
   "Hmm, I got an idea." 
   He turned around and returned to the Control Room.
   "We are going to guide them. I want an obelisk with the intent behind it. Aurora, design me a couple of templates for it. Make sure it's made from metal not found naturally."
   "Wait! You are going to interfere in their development as a civilisation?" Erina caught up to him and heard what he ordered.
   "Precisely." 
   He nodded at her before explaining why.
   "They are carnivores, not omnivores like us. They won't just settle down and start growing a farm." 
   The chef girl quickly understood what he meant.
   "We never studied a civilisation of carnivores species before." Marcus pointed out to her.
   "Yes. Now that you mentioned." She nodded at him before thinking about how these sapient raptors could create a community-a first proper village, instead of just wandering around.
   "The animal husbandry comes to mind," Erina said to him as she pondered on this.
   "Taming animals could give an array of perks and possibly allow them to settle down in a location." She said to him.
   "Indeed, my thoughts exactly. Do that." He nodded back at her before looking at the Commander.
   "Create an obelisk with that intent." 
   "Understood. We shall begin with designing of that." The Commander girl saluted before replying.
   "Good. For now, we shall visit the caves they left before and move the Assimilator so that we can descend with minimal effort."
   "At once!" The commander turned around and issued orders.
   As the Core of the Assimilator moved to the location, Marcus looked at his girl.
   "How does it feel like to be part of a new civilisation?" He asked with a curious tone.
   "...It has not settled down yet," Erina replied with a strained smile.
   "I know. It's the same for me as well. That is why we will visit the caves where they lived." He smiled while saying that.
   She looked surprised for a second.
   "I thought you digested all of that already. I mean, you are so confident." The girl commented about his behaviour.
   "Just because I don't show it on my face doesn't mean my heart is racing for new discovery."
   Marcus pulled her into his hands and made her place her hand on his left chest.
   "Can you feel that?" He asked with a teasing grin. The inventor is enjoying every moment of his darling chef girl. Since he knows she will eventually develop a thick 'skin' from all this teasing.
   So, he needs to tease as much as possible.
   "I-I see." She tried to move away, but Marcus pulled her closer and was ready to kiss.
   "No need to rush~."
   "Ummm!!! Can we do... naughty stuff in the privacy of our quarters?" The girl suggested as she looked away.
   "Our? I like the sound of that." 
   Marcus pulled back. He realised that his lovely girl already saw herself as part of his household. This made him quite happy, considering he had, by all means and purposes, strong-armed her into his services.
   The pair waited for the Assimilator's core to move into the position before walking to the hangar.
   "Do prepare your suit device. While the Cretaceous is not Carboniferous, there is over 11% more oxygen, and it's far too humid for humans."
   As he explained to her, he walked to the edge of the hangar and looked down at the planet below.
   "I know." Erina has already done her research; unlike before, she is not clueless.
   "Are you planning to fly like this?"
   "Yes. You can take a shuttle if you want." With a thought, his clothes changed, and he was fully encased in black armour.
   "No. I can travel with you like this." Her clothes changed as well, as she stood next to him.
   "Nice. The crew will follow after us." Marcus was pleased that Erina was no longer a scaredy-cat. Well, it takes a while to get used to flying and denying naturally born instincts, but the suit's power mitigates those fears.
   So someone who was a simple girl can become an adrenaline junkie. Not to mention, the cherry blonde is becoming a powerful time law user.
   "Are they going to research the caves?" Erina enquired as they were getting ready to jump.
   "Yep, we are going to research into these primitive society structures." 
   "Then let's go."
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   ~~~
   The pair landed on the gravel and looked around. They were using hologram scanners to scan their surroundings and find points of interest.
   Their eyes ended up on rocks, a burned-out campfire and leather-like clothes.
   "I just realised that they use leather for clothes instead of fur," Erina said with a perplexed look.
   When one expects cavemen, they expect clothes made from furs, but these primitive sapient raptors have leather clothes made from Hadrosorids and ceratopsids.
   "Yes, well, proper large-furred animals will appear in the next 20 to 30 million years. That is considering this world has the same extinction events." Marcus said while pointing his hand around the campfire. Luckily enough, he found some blood samples.
   "True. But isn't this Earth closely related to ours? I mean, when you decided to send Assimilator to this place, should it have similar coordinates?"
   "Indeed. But the difference percentage was extremely small... but it was enough to make a sapient raptor civilisation exist." Marcus replied as he crouched down and scanned the blood.
   "Aurora rebuild the DNA."
   [Rebuilding...]
   What he saw was the blood of a Torosaurus, one of the Ceratopsids-the horned dinosaur.
   "Well, this is a bummer. I want to find some DNA from those sapient dinosaurs." He sighed in disappointment before hearing Erina exclaim from inside the cave.
   "Marcus! Look at this!" 
   Her voice was quite excited, so he quickly appeared in front of the cave and walked inside.
   His eyes widened as he saw paintings on the walls.
   "Isn't this like those cave paintings in France? Thousands of years old?" she gushed as she looked at the wall depictions of dinosaurs from that era.
   "The colours are quite soft or even easy on these, but that one..." She pointed at the side where a primitive painting of something akin to a T-rex is painted in red, like danger...
   "They used blood as paint to showcase their fear of that big one." The girl theorised what she was looking for.
   "Well, they are carnivores. I can only guess they are competitive because of their meat-only diet." Marcus reasoned as well. Considering he is not someone who studied societal structure.
   "True, meat as diet could do that."
   ~~~
   For More advanced chapters (+12 chapters, 60k words) my pat: pat reon.com/DragonsFics
  
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   Chapter 108: First Large Pets
   A group of Graviton-powered gunships descended next to a cave system. 
   Upon landing, the side doors slid open and released an array of armoured knights, who proceeded to spread out and explore the area. 
   Instead of their usual weapons, they had tools to scan and gather data.
   As this was happening, Marcus, alongside Erina, used their built-in scanners to look for any tissues as they wanted to gather data on the sapient Dinosaurs.
   It was not that hard to find, as several minutes into this, they found out that these dinosaurs are quite vicious and occasionally spar among themselves...
   Sometimes to the point of death.
   "These bones." The inventor commented as he inspected a pile of bones in a hole.
   "At least they know how to dispose of their dead family members." Erina tried to look at the positive and tried to play down the anxiety she was feeling.
   She did recall that ancient humans were no different, either. Fighting for mating rights is nothing new, regardless of species.
   "Yes. Well, they at least dug a hole." Marcus joined the 'joke' Erina was telling.
   His suit scanned the DNA sequences he got from several sources by this point.
   "It appears that reproductive qualities are still okay, but the indirect exposure to special energy doesn't impact it. Instead, it stimulates evolution. I would say that it affects the driving force.
   The ones who grow in size grow bigger, and the ones who are smart grow smarter." He concluded after inspecting the DNA.
   Marcus then looked at the commanding knight. 
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   "I want you guys to get samples. Since we are here, get me a Carnotaurus, Giganotosaurus, Tarbosaurus, and T-Rex.
   Apart from getting the samples, I want scans of their sizes. According to what I have here, they should be bigger by at least 5% to 10%."
   "Understood, sir. We shall begin the collection."
   The knights saluted as they sent a word to the bases around the world.
   "Aren't those the predators..." Erina heard of those animals before-especially the infamous T-Rex.
   "They are, and I want them." He smirked as he placed the bone back, stood up, and looked at her.
   "You can't leave the Cretaceous without the grand prize of apex Dinosaurs. This period had them at their biggest ever, and if this energy is the real deal according to the current scans, then they are even bigger." Marcus said with an excited tone as if he was getting giddy about getting the grand prize. These animals were his goal all along!
   "I see." There was not much she could say to him. Part of her understands the excitement. Considering they were in distant past realities anyway. 
   After exploring the caves and collecting samples and primitive tools for his collection, the pair returned to the core piece of Assimilator.
   They waited for the animals' arrival.
   Not that they needed it for long. While the predators are dangerous for regular people, they are nothing against hyper-advanced Graviton-powered UFOs... 
   The moment they got the word, the pair descended to the lower levels, where the train brought the animals from their collection points.
   "Here it comes!" Marcus rubbed his hands as he waited for the anti-gravity train to stop at the platform and the mechanic's hands to pull out the carriage, which had the beast stored.
   "So which one is it?" Erina asked him, recalling him asking for four predators.
   Marcus looked at the manager of the train platform.
   "This one is from the South American continent." 
   "Let me guess... Giganotosaurus?." The inventor asked, knowing what kind of animal it could be, and the manager nodded at his guess.
   "Never heard of this one." Erina had a questioning look.
   "It's an apex predator from the South American Continent. The continent which had biggest land animals in recorded history." 
   After saying that, he looked back at the manager.
   "Release the animal." 
   "..."
   "..."
   "I want to see it." He said with a small smile.
   "Sir... it's against the standard protocol to release it in a non-controlled environment, " the platform manager said in a nervous tone.
   "True, but I am the one who will be making it 'manageable'." Marcus smiled as he moved forward.
   "...Since..." The man stopped mid-sentence as he sighed, knowing that it was pointless to try to persuade it otherwise.
   "Release the Giganotosaurus. I want to see the biggest land predator to date!"
   The moment he said that the container started to open, and a brownish-grey dinosaur with sharp claws, serrated teeth, an iconic long tail and small arms walked out from the container.
   Erina looked at it with wide eyes, realising she was staring at a huge land predator.
   'This thing could swallow people whole!' Some sweat appeared on her forehead.
   Part of her was giddy to see a real dinosaur from so close, and an even bigger part of her was terrified of this animal.
   'With my current strength, I should be able to defend myself...right? RIGHT!? With my time powers, I could easily undo the animal's life!' 
   Erina thought to herself, as the bloodlust she was feeling from the beast was making her fear rise in her gut. The suit she was wearing was not protecting her from the intent radiating from the Giganotosaurus.
   She could change that, but the girl still had not figured out all the kinks of the miracle device she was wearing.
   "Relax, Erina. Just observe for now." Marcus reassured her as he could sense her feeling threatened by the biggest land predator to date.
   The inventor looked at the beast's eyes and sent an intent via his Psionic powers.
   The animal's eyes ended up on the punny person.
   The tall twenty-foot monstrosity roared at Marcus. Usually, something this small for Giganotosaurus is not worth wasting energy on, so it roared again and tried to make him run away, but the inventor didn't budge at all.
   Marcus lifted his hand and made a motion to come at him.
   The predator stopped wasting time and lunged at the inventor, trying to swallow him whole.
   But all such an action did was hold the beast in place. Marcus was holding the large theropod by its teeth. 
   The animal tried to bite him even harder, but all it could do was break its teeth.
   Such an action made Marcus slip inside the Giganotosaurus' mouth.
   "Oh my, now the question is, can you pick me up?" the black-haired inventor commented as he was inside the predator's mouth.
   A layer of psionic energy keeps the smell and saliva away from him.
   There is no need to use his suit in this situation. Well, the suit is always in use, but at the moment, only the basic functions are on.
   The theropod tried to move, but nothing worked. Eventually, after some struggle, the biggest land predator decided it was not worth it, so it stopped trying and instead moved its head up and decided to explore.
   "Well, it appears reality and the movie logic are two different things."
   Marcus used his power to remove whatever saliva was around the psionic layer he had cast before.
   "Huh..." Erina finally got over her primal fear of a big predator.
   "We are too small of a prey for these animals. I could goad it to try to eat me, but I am too small for it to care beyond a casual try." The inventor explained to her before floating over to Giganotosaurus' side and placing his hand on its head.
   The peanut-sized brain was swiftly overwhelmed by Marcus' sheer power.
   The inventor is well aware that animals like these are controlled purely by their instincts. So, he simply suppressed them and overwrote them to obey him through psionic suggestions.
   This is the best he can do for now. Later, he will develop specific means of control, maybe a control centre or something for his pets and war beasts.
   'Maybe controlled evolution? Like how it happened to the canines...'
   'No canines are domesticated. I should go with felines who evolved next to humans.'
   As he pondered, the Giganotosaurus stopped in its tracks and looked at Marcus.
   "There-there. Good boy." The Inventor smiled as he patted the scaly head of the apex predator of the Cretaceous Period.
   The beast was breathing in and out, and soon enough, Marcus realised that... his pet was struggling.
   "Oh shit." 
   He swiftly commanded it to return to its container as the oxygen levels in the Assimilator were lower than outside!
   The large predator returned to his container before the doors sealed behind it.
   "Do a medical scan on him. I think I got too excited." Marcus commented as he rubbed the back of his head.
   "We will." 
   "Phew, I almost killed my pet there." The inventor placed his hand on his chest as if he was nervous for a second.
   "Can't you just resurrect him?" Erina's eyes rolled at his 'nervous acting'.
   "I know, but it's the feeling behind it. Do you know how owners get sad when their dogs die? It's the same thing." He clarified his feelings about the current situation.
   "Righ..." Erina deadpanned at him. She was more afraid of that animal than seeing it as a future pet.
   "Oh, and beginning constructing gene-altering sequences, I want to know how we can alter my pets for home usage."
   "Understood, sir. With how much data we have, it should not be an issue." The platform manager saluted his superior while replying.
   "Home usage?" Erina's eyebrows perked up when she listened to that! What is he planning to use them for!? She heard the idea to use them for riot police. Not that she has any idea how it will work, but it sounds absurd!
   "Yeah. Like a house guard dog? Do you know those signs they use for yards? 'Caution, angry dog?' Imagine something like 'Caution, angry dinosaur'. Imagine idiots ignore that and enter my yard, and the first thing they see is a Giganotosaurus?" Marcus chuckled at the idea of doing that! Hell! HE WILL do that! Because it's cool!
   "...You..." 
   Ultimately, she didn't finish her sentence; she simply sighed while massaging her forehead. She finally realised that her boyfriend was a small boy inside the body of a genius... maybe that is why he achieved all that in the first place.
   "...Me..." He ended up walking to her and hugging her as he made a comfy chair for himself to sit in and wait for the other three pets.
   He can't wait for Tarbosaurus and T-Rex, two apex predators of Asia and North America.
   "So we are going to wait for the other three to arrive?" Erina asked him, as she had already gotten used to the routine of ending up on his lap regardless of place or the strangeness of the situation.
   ~~~~~~Meanwhile, Jurassic Period, a Reality Away~~~~~~
   In the lush prehistoric forests of Peak Jurassic Period Earth, maids of Technocracy are exploring the land for animals worth their attention.
   Without Marcus' presence, the maids are much more relaxed, to the point that they are playing along with Atalanta's request to turn off technological assistance. If they are going to capture these dinosaurs, it will be with their pure talent...nothing else.
   'Haaa, this is barely anything worth a couple hundred... We should check another continent.' The Saintess complained to herself until her eyes perked up as she saw something skulking around and looking for prey.
   "Look! Look!" Jeanne pointed at a dinosaur in the distance.
   Out of instinct, Atalanta grabbed the Saint and pulled her down. They did not need to hide when they could become invisible with a mere thought.
   "Considering its size and those two eye protectors, it should be Allosaurus." The lioness said with a small frown. This beast is the Apex predator of Jurassic!
   "Allosaurus?"
   The Warrior Queen and Jeanne looked at each other before summoning the bingo book.
   "Wha!?" 
   The first one to exclaim is Jeanne, as her eyes bulged out.
   "His worth is 400 thousand! Third, the most wanted animal in the book! Just bellow Mosasaurus and T-Rex!" 
   "!!!"
   "!!!"
   "!!!"
   The other maids looked at each other. Greed rose in their eyes.
   'Oh...'
   Atalanta realised that this was bad. 
   "I am capturing it!" 
   Le Fay rose into the air as blue circles of magic surrounded her.
   "Hell no! I will be the one who will bring it to my husband!" Hyppolita rose as well.
   Jeanne followed suit as she summoned her twin guns.
   "Enough! There are thousands of allosaurus in the world! There is no need to fight among ourselves." Artemis got in the middle of the pair.
   "Goddess, you can't be serious... we need to capture the biggest one! This is the third one most wanted by our Master. Can you imagine how happy he will be once he knows that we got the biggest specimen the world has ever produced?" Le Fay switched to diplomacy since she was facing a goddess.
   The witch's words affected the Goddess, as their Master is a weak spot, just like for everyone else.
   "Ha! You can talk all you want, but I am capturing it first!" Hyppolita ignored the conversation and lunged at Theropod predator.
   The dinosaur roared at the incoming target, but at the last second, at Hyppolita's back, a beam slammed, making her slam into Allosaurus.
   The Jurassic Apex predator, alongside the Warrior Queen, ended up slamming into a tree.
   The animal ended up releasing pained roars as the force was considerable.
   "You!" The red-haired beauty swiftly moved away from the theropod animal and looked at Jeanne, who just shot her!
   "I said, I am taking it first!"
   Greed is consuming the girl as those 400 thousand are enough to get something akin to a miracle inside the Technocracy.
   "You wish! Let's fight then!" Hippolyta summoned her spear.
   The pair lunged at each other while Atalanta looked at this with disbelief.
   'They are seriously fighting over a single Allosaurus?' The lion maid had some sweat on her forehead from the sheer disbelief she was seeing before her.
   But then, a smirking Le Fay flew over and passed the fighting pair, then went over and used her magic to capture the beast that tried to sneak away.
   The one who is the most confused from all of this is the land predator...
   "I need to measure it first..." Atalanta decided that she would join this as well... at least to measure the animal first before looking for a bigger one.
   So she shot several arrows at Le Fay.
   "Atalanta? You too?" Artemis, who was the second most confused individual (Allosaur being the first), asked the lioness.
   "I need to learn the size of it!" she rushed at Le Fay, who thought Artemis wanted the dinosaur.
   As chaos erupted at the forest side high above, a white-haired girl was floating and looking at the action with disbelief.
   'I can't believe they are fighting among themselves.'
   Sirin was confused as she summoned the bingo book and sorted it by time periods. 
   'Stegosaurus looks like quite a high value.' 
   She saw another high Jurassic period entry.
   'Let them fight over Allosaurus. I will collect the other entries.' 
   The girl smirked as she saw another high-level entry, the Megalosaurus, alongside Torvosaurus. These two requested to get a pack with 100,000 per dinosaur.
   Just by capturing a pack of each, she could have between 600,000 and 800,000 points combined for two specific packs!
   Such capture would double the single Allosaurus value. 
   Considering Allosaurus, Marcus is only paying once.
   "What are they doing?" Erina's assistant, Hisako, floated over to Sirin's side.
   "Fighting over Allosaurus." The Herrscher said with a mocking undertone.
   "...Fighting? We are at the peak of Jurassic; there should be an abundance of Predators, " the chef girl commented.
   "You tell them. They realised that getting one of the top 3 requests would make them extremely rich." The white-haired girl brushed her hair while continuing to look down on them.
   "Huh..."
   For a second, Hisako looked at the bingo book and the 'marketplace'. She quickly realised that 400 thousand would allow one to get even peak Sacred Gears like one of the Heavenly Dragon Gears.
   'That is an impressive amount of points.'
   "Regardless, you will be coming with me." Sirin grabbed her shoulder.
   "You will be making snacks for me. If you do that, I will tell Marcus that you were a great help to me." The Herrscher smirked while saying that.
   "..."
   "...Sure..."
   "Wonderful. Now let's go to get a Stegosaurus. I wonder if we could get barbeque ribs from them~."
   For a second, Hisako imagined that famous dinosaur magically turning into barbeque ribs.
   "...I wonder as well."
   ~~~~~~Back to Marcus~~~~~~
   "Hmm..." 
   The inventor looked at the monolith. It was black with a hole at the top. The hole stimulates brain activities in a certain way, especially during a full moon or a full eclipse. Now, the only thing they need to do is place it.
   "I feel something from it, and it's only a design," Erina said to Marcus as she stood next to him.
   "That's because certain shapes impact the brain. Have you ever seen what sound looks like?" He asked her with a smirk.
   "...Sound...looks like?" 
   "Yep, take a flat surface, put some sand on it, and let a sound flow through it. The sand will move and create a shape." 
   "Oh..."
   "This is similar; the shape takes in the planet's gravity waves and lets it flow through the monolith, and it would release a specific wave pattern that will impact anyone who looks at it," Marcus told her how it works.
   "Considering how close the moon is, the effect could be considerable." He said while rubbing his chin.
   "I see, that is interesting. I never thought shapes could do that." She said with a surprised tone.
   "You will see." He smirked before mentally confirming the shape before loading it into the main barrel of the central piece of the Assimilator.
   The barrel rotated, and Marcus checked the map and highlighted where the sapient Raptors were.
   "Fire."
   The barrel glowed, and the construct accelerated through graviton magic circles and shot at the selected location.
   "Now, let's wait for a bit." He looked at his handy work while wrapping his hand around Erina's waist.
   "Let's relax for now."
   "...alright." She slowly nodded her head.
   "I am thinking of experimenting on one of the ceratops." She said to him as she pondered on the horned dinosaurs.
   "Oh? Tell me what you think. Because these animals remind me of modern-day cows..."
   "I was thinking of the same thing. Imagine using a new type of meat, similar to chicken, to unite the world."
   When Marcus heard that, he chuckled. He remembered the Simpsons episode in which Homer was a prophet and united the world with chicken.
   "What's that funny?" She asked with rosy cheeks. Did she say something funny?
   "Nothing, I am imagining you a priestess who is spreading peace through Triceratops meat." He chuckled as he pulled her towards the lifts at the back of the Command Centre.
   "You're just imagining me in a toga..." Her eyes rolled, as she already knew he liked her dress in questionable clothes.
   "Part of it, yes. Considering the Greek Patheon is part of my family."
   He smirked while saying that.
   "..."
   ~~~
   After placing the Monolith, Marcus spent time tinkering with the Dino gene to make his dinosaurs adaptable to changes in oxygen and temperature.
   He ensured they had mana to act as an energy source when there was a lack of oxygen or temperature. This way, they could live longer, and a secondary effect is rapid adaptation to these changes.
   To ensure this worked and that there was minimal change, he added more power to the nuclei, which would release the energy needed to make this work. The beast would simply need to consume more calories. 
   These changes didn't take much time, leaving him free rather quickly. But there were issues with that as there was nothing else to do.
   So he went and worked on some of his other projects, such as continuing to design Raiden Mei, Bronya, Bismark, Belfast, and the rest.
   Midway through, he recalled that he now had a T-Rex, so he could start designing his Riot Police force!
   'Oh hell, yeah!'
   With extra excitement in his eyes, he went to work!
   After a quick T-Rex scan, he started to draw chest piece protectors, leg armours, and claws, which improved with Power of Destruction. Lastly, he began to design the back cannon.
   This time around, he made sure to make the armour as cool as possible; after all, his Police have to look great!
   Once that was done, he switched to other units. One of them is 'Search & Destroy,' which are going to be raptor packs.
   Naturally, he wanted to make Velociraptors, but a quick check later revealed that the raptors shown on TV screens are fake and based on Deinonychus. 
   But even then, they are not that big. Instead, he checked the Atrociraptors... same as well... the movies lied to him... again! Those were as big as the ones they showed in the Dominion movie.
   Instead, he checked the Utahraptor, and when he saw that one, there was a glint in his eyes!
   'I do need to design and improve the visors and helmets. Built-in HUD is one thing, but they need extra protection.'
   Marcus rubbed his chin as he proceeded to check the data he had.
   "Ugh... this won't work." He said while exclaiming loudly.
   "What won't work?" Erina asked as she was doing her thing, testing an array of spices on the Triceraptors' meat.
   "I need an actual Utahraptor to design my hunters." He said while scratching the back of his head.
   He summoned a command console with a thought.
   "To all handlers, bring me a Utahraptor pack. I need a complete genome." 
   "Understood, sir."
   All of the active saucers dropped whatever they were doing and proceeded to look for the raptors.
   "...I don't even want to know what you ordered," Erina said after listening to what he just did. 
   "Then don't. You can see it on live TV after we return to our times." He smirked as he looked back at her.
   'That reminds me: I can use Allosaurus as an anti-terrorist unit. Their jaws and claws are good for cutting, and they are quicker than T-Rexes.
   Hmm, I wonder how Atalanta is doing with collecting them for me.'
   Marcus pondered how his hunting hungry lion maid was doing.
   ~~~~~~Meanwhile, Back in Jurassic Period~~~~~~
   Arrows made from green energy slammed into dark blue magic circles, creating a massive explosion which shook the whole land.
   Atalanta frowned, seeing her time arrows do nothing to Le Fay's magic circles.
   "You are not the only one who can wield time, you know." The pale blonde witch smirked as she summoned more circles and released elements at the huntress.
   The lion maid shot another salvo of arrows to cancel the circles before slipping out of time and appearing next to Le Fay, who instantly tried to make some distance. 
   Atalanta's left fist went for the circle that tried blocking her way.
   "You need more than basic magic to keep me down, little girl." The Lioness' fist shattered the circle before she threw a couple of green knives.
   At that moment, a wall of nanites blocked the knives.
   "..."
   "..."
   "I thought we were not using the suit's abilities?" Atalanta asked as her frown grew in severity.
   "Tehehe, it was instinctual?" Le Fay tried to play it down.
   "...Right..." 
   The huntress narrowed her eyes as her suit's triangle piece started to glow, and nanites spread through her whole body, merging with her bow and becoming several times more intimidating.
   "Besides, those two have already been using the suit's abilities." Atalanta motioned with her chin at the side.
   ~~~
   Golden beams slammed into crimson ones, followed by golden energy bullets that were intercepted by a red spear made from energy.
   The collision caused an array of explosions, which caused the trees to become unrooted and fly alongside a variety of dinosaurs that were running away from the area.
   On one side was a girl dressed in Greek armour with glowing crimson hair. It looked like particles of light getting emitted from her long hair.
   An aura of light surrounded her. She looked like a Greek War Goddess, which she was, but this aura made her appearance more natural to a Goddess.
   On the other side was a blonde girl with golden glowing hair with similar particles to the Greek Goddess. She had two guns in both hands and several holy swords floating behind her. This was Jeanne.
   The pair didn't even notice how their appearance changed and how their powers grew, becoming much stronger.
   Such a thing happened because of the suits they were wearing. The built-in Quantum Computer powered by a Diamond Heart Engine and the constant nanite support allows them to constantly fight at 100% without the worry of getting injured.
   The pair didn't even realise that they were causing quite a disturbance...
   "You should just give up. I may be a minor goddess, but you stand no chance against me." Hippolyta took a stance, and a bloody crimson aura surged from her, becoming a pillar of flames, growing in size, and becoming a huge avatar of a Greek Warrior holding a spear.
   The warrior stood in a stance, ready to throw the spear like a javelin.
   "We shall see! I do have enough energy!" Honestly, Jeanne had no idea what she was even doing. But she can't lose the chance to get that Allosaurus.
   By this point, she is guided by adrenaline, which is linked to her suit.
   Golden holy aura surged from her as well, transforming into a large pyre of golden light morphing into an cyber angel, same size as the Greek warrior.
   Instead of a spear, it had two hand cannons as long as rifles.
   Hippolyta's eyes widened as she saw something absurd.
   'How can she do that!?'
   Well, questions for later: she needs to get that dinosaur for her husband!
   As the avatar of war threw the spear, Jeanne's cyber angel lifted the guns, which morphed into a single large cannon and shot at the incoming spear.
   The impact of those two caused an enormous explosion.
   ~~~
   "Hmm... did the earth shake? An Earthquake?" Hisako asked as she looked at the dinner table. The cutlery on the table was shaking!
   "No... look at the Butterfly bar." Sirin, who was watching the roasting Stegosaur ribs, turned to face in a direction. She saw the bar grow on her HUD's left bottom corner.
   "...W-What the!? Is it us!?" Hisako panicked as she saw the bar grow!
   "No, you can see where this is happening." The Herrscher accessed the global map on her HUD. There is a huge blob of red on it.
   "The bar switched to global percentage." She said with a contemplating look.
   "Wait... they are still fighting!?" The chef girl exclaimed with disbelief.
   "Hours have passed already!"
   Erina's assistant's eyes trembled. They had already collected three high-ranked dinosaurs, and by this point, they were doing extra side missions for fewer points-BUT those brownie points from Marcus later on!
   Still, quite a bit of time has passed!
   "We all have these." Sirin pointed at her triangle device.
   "It's an Arcane technology; the amount of energy it can produce is enough to level the entire solar system. The key factor is that the suits are self-aware and possess Quantum Computers, with the nanites as the extension to utilise said power."
   "...Why would...Marcus creates such dangerous devices?"
   Hisako always wanted to ask that, but she never had her chance. What she was hearing was nothing new; after all, she was in the meeting where she got hers.
   "Well, it's not that dangerous, per se. An atomic plant is dangerous, too, but humans use it to generate their energy needs." Sirin shrugged at her.
   "The question is how much they pushed their needs for suits to generate that much power." The Herrscher smirked as she got an idea.
   She waved her hand, causing time to freeze in the area. She doesn't want the meat to overcook or get stolen.
   "Let's go. I have an idea, " the white-haired girl said with a sinister smile, similar to that of a villain who had a wicked idea. 
   "O-Okay." The chef girl slowly nodded as she followed after Sirin. The pair flew towards where the fighting was happening.
   "Aurora, who has the highest authority in this place?" The Herrscher asked the AI.
   [That would be you.]
   The girl mentally did her counting. At this moment, she is the only Marcus creation in the whole Jurassic, meaning that her authority is the highest. The rest of the girls are simple maids who flaunt Marcus' power however they want.
   "...Good~" Her smile grew several times as she found a way to make a true power move and get ALL prize money!
   Hisako looked at Sirin with some worry. Was she planning some sort of coup?
   A few moments later, they crossed the Atlantic Ocean and arrived on the continent that would become North America in the distant future. The place was a mess, full of craters, and forests were on fire. The sky was clouded from all the carnage.
   "Aurora, lock down all of the Diamond Heart Engines except for mine and Hisako."
   [Very well.]
   At that moment, all of the maids who were fighting among themselves dropped to the ground as the suit powered down, leaving only essential protection from the climate.
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   "What?" 
   "..."
   "What is going on?"
   "Ouch!!!"
   "Oooof!!!"
   Jeanne and Hippolyta dropped hundreds of meters down. Thankfully, the suit absorbed the fall.
   Seeing that it worked, Sirin placed her hand on her lips as she giggled, seeing that she had all the cards in this game!
   "Well-Well! It appears I will be getting all of the points this time around." the Herrscher landed on the ground. She was followed by nervous-looking Hisako. The girl realised that one maybe should not have that much power... considering how evil-ish Sirin sounded.
   "...Sirin!? What happened?" Le Fay asked as she stood up.
   "I suggest you don't do that." The white-haired girl motioned, and her subspace lances manifested around the area. Behind her, a bunch of gunships were descending from the central piece of the Assimilator.
   "You girls broke the standard protocol, 'forcing' me to assume the command."
   "!!!"
   "!!!"
   "!!!"
   Atalanta and Artemis looked at each other in realisation. They had unknowingly gotten a leader they never wanted by allowing this girl to come with them!
   2
   ~~~
   For More advanced chapters (+11 chapters, 55k words) my pat: pat reon.com/DragonsFics
  
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   Chapter 109: The Klaxosaurian
   Forward Knights poured out from the vehicles as the gunships landed and surrounded the confused maids. 
   After the pikes-wielding knights were the jet pack ones, as these pointed their rifles at them.
   "Hold it, what is going on?" Jeanne asked as she looked confused and worried. 
   "Look at the butterfly bar, and tell me that you have no idea what is going on," Sirin said while brushing her hair with her fingers. Her lips curled up, mocking as she looked at them.
   At that moment, Jeanne and Hippolyta paled as they saw one bar at 100% and another below appeared with 52%, but this one had a world symbol with a butterfly on it. This symbolised the planetary scale of the butterfly effect.
   "...Oops?" 
   "You all are under arrest in Technocracy's name." The commanding knight said as he raised his voice.
   "None of this would happen if you didn't intervene!" Atalanta said as she was certain that there was no commanding officer! 
   But since Sirin accepted it, the command structure was established, and they paid the price.
   "I have no idea what you are saying. If I hadn't stopped, you could have brought Jurassic Era to an end before its intended time.
   "You do know how this era ends, right? The volcanic traps in China erupt and kill all of the apex animals. I am simply doing what Marcus instructed." Sirin smiled as she motioned for knights to get them arrested.
   The knights moved in, and Atalanta sighed as she offered her hands. Seeing no resistance, they moved in.
   'Damn it...' Artemis complained to herself. Not only did she become a maid, but she was also arrested-quite a demotion for an Olympian.
   2
   "What will happen to us?" 
   "You will be behind bars until all of the objectives in Jurassic are done." The white-haired Herrscher explained with a small smile. Almost telling them to leave it to her, she won't fail them!
   "You are going to collect all the points!" Le Fay realised what this meant.
   "I am not stupid enough to fight maids who can access limitless energy. You all will answer to your master while I am going to be praised for stopping you and collecting his... Allosaurus." Sirin smirked as she looked at how the knights placed magic handcuffs on each of them.
   "This is ridicilous..." Atalanta sighed as she got arrested! So much for a proper hunt. She looked at Hippolyta and Jeanne.
   "You two will suffer. I am going to make sure to beat you two up." 
   2
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   "You can do that after we return to modern times." Sirin motioned to remove these criminals.
   "In the meantime, prepare the Assimilator for terrain repairs. We can do that, right?" She asked the commanding knight.
   "Specific placed time bombs should recover the damaged terrain. Considering only several hours have passed."
   "That's Good. Then, you can begin with your preparations. I want this place to recover, " Herrscher instructed with a nod.
   "At once, Mistress." 
   When Sirin heard how they called her, she slightly blushed.
   'I can get used to it.'
   "Right." She then looked at Hisako.
   "Let's go back. We need to finish those ribs."
   "...Yes." The chef girl stiffly nodded.
   Seeing those knights turn on the maids was quite a reminder that she was part of an actual military.
   ~~~
   The maids were brought aboard the Assimilator and then taken to... prison cells!
   "You can't be serious..." Artemis groaned, but she still obeyed, considering she was far away from home and her powers were sealed away.
   "Will we be staying in prison until we return to outside the time?" Hippolyta asked, wondering how long the sentence would be.
   "The amount of damage you all did and the amount of work we must do to undo your damage is considerable. By all means, Supreme Commander should look for new maids." 
   The girls stiffened as they realised that they messed up.
   "But you can undo all of it, so what's the issue?" The Warrior Queen asked.
   "Your perception that it's your privilege to cause all that without care is the reason why you are behind bars.
   Technocracy doesn't answer to you." 
   Atalanta looked at Hippolyta. Her eyes glowed with murder. 
   "For now, relax and wait for the Supreme Commander's judgement. He will be quite... dissapointed that one of his favourite time period got wrecked so much." 
   The maids trembled when they heard that.
   The most affected maid of them all was Le Fay, as she was sitting on the uncomfortable bed as if someone sucked her soul out.
   Once the knights left the prison, the lights turned off, leaving only small LED ones at foot level, which gave a small amount of light to see the surroundings.
   "You two have fucked this up! Do you know how long I waited for such an opportunity to hunt? Yet, your stupid greed caused all of this!" Atalanta snapped as she realised that Marcus was not here to pull her out, and trying to escape was suicidal, considering they were 150 million years away from modern times!
   "Ha, and then why did you attack me?" Le Fay snapped back.
   "Because you stupid brat, I wanted to measure the animal before I looked for a bigger one!"
   "Then why you didn't ask!?" Le Fay exclaimed with a baffled tone.
   "Because you wouldn't listen either way!" The lioness reasoned.
   "..."
   "..."
   "..."
   "Shut up, you two," Artemis spoke with a heavy voice, carrying heavy pressure, making the pair turn stiff. The Goddess was showing Olympian heritage to the two maids. 
   "Because of this ridiculous situation, my standing with my Master will diminish, " she said with a sigh, making the other girls realise that it was true. Honestly, until now, he used to pamper them. But no one knew how he would react after seeing what they did.
   As they were thinking, two knights returned. One was holding a large container-like box.
   As they walked to Hippolyta, the leading knight opened the container, showing a cushioned interior.
   "Your suit device." The knight requested to hand over the Triangle Diamond Heart Engine.
   The red-haired Warrior Goddess sighed as she put her hand on her chest. At that moment, her clothes shifted to prisoners' clothes. The device already knew it would be taken away from her, so it left one last 'gift' for her before ending up inside the container box.
   After Hippolyta, it was Jeanne, then Artemis, Le Fay, and lastly, Atalanta, who still had a murderous gaze. The lioness was furious as her hard work could be easily undone. The question is...
   Will Marcus learn of this? Considering that proper infrastructure has yet to be placed and initiated, there is a considerable amount of lag between periods and the base construction outside of those periods.
   Atalanta is even considering doing something drastic to ensure Marcus doesn't end up learning all the details.
   Well...
   It's just a thought; she has no basis to make it happen.
   Aurora will record everything, but will Marcus check it? She knows that he often glosses over details to get a summary of the events.
   That could be her chance.
   "You are not thinking of breaking out, now are you?" Artemis asked as she saw how Atalanta had been looking at the doors.
   "...maybe."
   "And how do you suggest that can happen? Our powers are sealed, the outside weather is dangerous to mortals, and my powers are weakened, considering how mana is unresponsive." Artemis mentioned how bad their situation is.
   "I know. But this is Technocracy. The jail system is not tested. We can start working our way back if we find any faults." The Lion Maid's eye rolled as she reminded them about the faction they were part of.
   "...oh..."
   Just like that, they all started to inspect and look around.
   ~~~~~~Meanwhile~~~~~~
   Sirin and Hisako finished their dinner in lands that would be Portugal in millions of years and returned to the Centre Piece of the Assimilator.
   The Herrscher was smiling the whole way as she was finally the 'Queen of Jurassic'-with Assimilator under her control, she could do practically anything!
   Create a civilisation, gene-alter dinosaurs, build a flotilla, and invade her place of origin! All of those are possible with the almighty Ouranos-Class Assimilator.
   The only thing standing in her way of doing whatever she wants is that Marcus will get dissapointed with her, and the whole place will shut down the moment he mentions anything.
   She might have control, but that's because he is not around.
   'This is such a tease. Absolute power an inch away, and yet that inch is insurmountable.' Sirin sighed as she ended up in the control centre. She could see rows and rows of officers organising animal collection and restoration of the destroyed North American Continent.
   "How is the land?" She asked them as she walked over.
   "It will take several days to set the charges in a specific pattern to restore the way it was before. 
   The damage is in thousands of miles. Even the marine life has been impacted.
   What we must pay attention to is how the layers of ground are, considering we need to make sure the way coal and oil forms are the way humans will find them in the future, " the officers explained to the pair.
   "...Right..." The white-haired girl rubbed her forehead when she heard that.
   "Just make sure it works and it's properly recorded for Marcus to see."
   "Of course, leave it to us!"
   The Herrscher nodded before looking at the empty throne.
   "Anything else? Any news?" She asked as her gaze went from the throne right back at the officers.
   "We received an order to initiate the first contingency. The automated assembly lines went online a couple of moments ago, " the Assimilator commander said to Sirin.
   "... Contingency?" This was the first time she had heard this!
   "The rearmament and creation of the army, the exploration and collect operation just turned into something more. Supreme Commander is requesting a rapid build-up of a fleet."
   Sirin's left eyebrow went up. Does he need a fleet?
   "But there is nothing in the place outside time that would need a fleet." The Herrscher reasoned with them.
   "Supreme Commander is not outside the flow of time. He left for Cretaceous a while ago... considering how slow information flows, he arrived there several weeks ago."
   Sirin massaged her head when she heard that.
   "With all the time flow messing, I am getting a headache."
   "Understandable. Aurora has already assigned what is considered central time flow. All of the interiors of Assimilators follow this standardised time to ensure the flow is anchored to the same time regardless of where you are, " the commander explained to them.
   "I know it's still confusing. Not long ago, we slipped millions of years just to collect some theropods." She waved her hand dismissively before asking the most important question.
   "Why is he in the Cretaceous? I thought he was busy with evolution-related data." Sirin recalled how bad it was-he kept ignoring even her!
   "Yes, he was until he got word that the Assimilator landed in a unique Cretaceous world. He went investigate." 
   "...Interesting, so whatever he found made him activate the first contingency." The white-haired girl rubbed her chin as she considered leaving this place after she collected the top bingo entries.
   She still needs to capture marine life forms and large Sauropods. If she could, she could just make all of the automated entries in her name, but she can't cheat when AI is fully self-aware and follows her every move for the sake of her creator.
   "Precisely, it could be alien civilisation or some cosmic event." 
   The Commander's words perked her interest, making her wonder if it was some strange energy similar to honkai.
   "Interesting. Let me check something~." 
   The girl summoned her console and swiftly noticed that her 'bank account' had a hefty seven-digit balance.
   She went through some interesting menus now that she had that much money.
   'I can order a Star Destroyer... fufufu, interesting.'
   For a moment, she pondered what to do, but then she realised that she was the only General in the entirety of Jurassic World.
   "Aurora, Since I am the current leader, could I order any construction I want?" The white-haired girl asked the AI.
   [As long as you have a proper explanation for your actions, you could technically construct another Assimilator. There are no set limits, except you would need to explain yourself to the Supreme Commander.]
   Sirin rubbed her chin as gears were spinning in her head.
   'I see, so I don't even need to buy ships. There is no need. Thanks to my high ranking, I can simply 'loan' resources from Technocracy.' 
   For a second, she thought of just building a floating and leaving for her world, but that wouldn't have a great end result, and there was no doubt that the armada's crew would realise that she betrayed Marcus' trust. The whole fleet would betray her. 
   No, her revenge on Honkai needs to wait. She still needs to finish her videos as well.
   "In that case, build extra dry docks for the ships Marcus wants. I want him to know that we contributed to his cause the most." Sirin ordered the officers.
   "Understood, we shall begin the work at once."
   'At the same time, I can begin with the creation of my troops.'
   The Herrscher recalled that Marcus and Quinella have a unique set of troops which only belong to them. Well, all of the soldiers belong to Marcus, but there is a group that is 'iconic' to him, and those are the Royal Guards, which have their iconic golden armours, tower shields, and heavily ornamented plasma pikes.
   While Quinella has her Integrity Knights with special mobile suits for support, such a unique army exclusive to a single girl makes Sirin somewhat jealous. She used to have a pet dragon and armies of Honkai creatures!
   'Well, I can start thinking of something until I need to leave this place.'
   ~~~~~~Meanwhile, Reality Away, in Cretaceous Earth~~~~~~
   Marcus looked at his handy work, the Riot Police Armour, for his T-Rexes and the slick Seek & Destroy Utahraptor custom armours. 
   "Execute all of my designs, Aurora, and begin uploading this to Aurora Network."
   [Understood. Sir. We are receiving a faint signal from time ripple outside the planet's atmosphere. I do believe that the communication tower is beginning to power up in the base outside the time.]
   "About time. Over a week has passed, and I am done with almost all of my miscellaneous tasks." Marcus scratched his head while complaining. He needed a proper network to coordinate with his other Assimilators. Considering he has no idea what is happening in other periods...
   [A tower that can contact any place in space, and time takes time. Sir.]
   "I know, and Quinella should know, that there is no way she is allowed to be linked with our modern time. If she does that time, the time flow will even out, and we will need to leave our hunt for dinosaurs and talent." The inventor reminded his AI.
   [She is aware, that much I know. Besides, we must fly for nearly 20 days to reach the location of modern times in the time stream.]
   That's why he is quite relaxed, as he knows that his Ars Almadel Solomonis does not have the advanced frequencies to establish and anchor the time flow with the rest of the Assimilators. Considering his space gun is already outdated tech.
   "Yes, establish communication and prepare the data packages for the main hub." 
   [Yes, compressing data]
   After checking his latest inventions, Marcus' gaze moved to the armada he had outside the Assimilator. The first 30 Star Destroyers are done, alongside 60 Minotaur Interceptors, 60 Cerberus missile frigates and 80 Daedalus Class Support Carriers.
   "Beautiful..." He whispered under his breath as he looked at the ships floating in Earth's Atmosphere. No one can see them as a strong gravity well blocking the view from the planet's surface.
   But this was not the end, as his new Capital ship is under construction at the moment. According to this data, it will take a while, considering it's the biggest combat vessel he has ever built. He is not comparing it to the space stations or the Assimilators, which are in different leagues.
   Well, his Solomon class Super Dreadnought is almost as big as his Ars Almadel Solomonis, but that's because the space gun is outdated!
   "Marcus, the sapient raptors are starting to settle down!" Erina blasted into the observation room with an excited tone.
   "Oh? About bloody time, close to 100 thousand years have passed!" 
   He never considered that it would take them this long to drop their nomadic lifestyle. He does want them to become a sophisticated civilisation, but a nomadic life is a dead end, as culture doesn't advance that much when travelling is on individuals' minds. 
   Living in a single place allows culture to improve and advance in tech, writing to become a thing, and living standards to improve.
   But then again. This is from the perspective of an omnivore like him, but these raptors are carnivores.
   "Yes, well, they tamed ceratopsids and hadrosaurids. Allowing them to... sort of... settle down." Erina showed him a strained smile.
   "Sort of?"
   "Well, they need a lot of space for the herds. So they have settled down to some extent," her explanation made Marcus rub his chin as he wondered what to do next.
   "We can send another monolith close to this first settlement. But first, I want to visit their previous residence."
   "I was thinking the same thing." 
   She nodded at his suggestion, making Marcus smile.
   The pair proceeded to descend to lower levels, where they flew down to the planet below. They were accompanied by a gunship escort. 
   What they found were wide holes and remnants of dinosaur bones. Such a site reminded the inventor of Stone Age cavemen's villages, which used to be made from fur and mammoth bones.
   "They are using Sauropod bones to build their tent frames." Marcus scanned the site with his eyes as he looked around. Caves were in the distance as well.
   "Do you think they stopped living in caves when they realised that they needed more space?" he asked for her opinion, as he had no idea about societal structures, at least natural ones.
   "Possibly, or it could be both. The caves are not that wide or warm, aren't they?" She said with a frown.
   "Yes. But Cretaceous Earth is one of warmest times of Earth, not counting Permian-Triassic time," he said with a shrug. That's the thing. These sapient raptors don't need to care about the coldness of the ice age like how his ancestors needed to worry.
   "True, that means they have time to develop social structures."
   As they spoke, the knights explored the perimeter. They picked up more sophisticated tools made from wood, grass-like strings, and stones. They were much more advanced than the ones Marcus collected 100 thousand years ago from the original cave system.
   "Sir! You should see this!"
   One of the knights caught Marcus' attention. The inventor swiftly appeared next to him and examined what he found.
   What he saw was a rotting corpse of a blue-skinned sapient raptor tied to a rock.
   "...Primitive punishments?" Marcus said the first thing that came to his mind was.
   "That is possible, as this corpse is tied to a boulder."
   The knight agreed as Erina walked over as well.
   "Well, we can figure that out. It's time for us to test the new gadgets I prepared." Marcus said after inspecting the corpse and taking some blood and tissue samples.
   He motioned for his knights to bring the new stuff.
   "New gadgets?" She asked curiously. Well, he was doing something the whole time, just like she was experimenting with food. So they both were busy with stuff in their own ways...
   "As I mentioned before, we arrived in Carboniferous. I will be making more ways to control time to make sure we can negate and control the butterfly effect." As he explained to her, he summoned a hologram and compared the DNA of this raptor to the one 100 thousand years ago he got a sample of.
   "Well, just look at that. The DNA changed more than 6.5%!" He looked pleased with this development!
   "Isn't such a difference similar between us and the primates?" She recalled this from one of the biology classes.
   "Indeed, even more so. Such a thing means that there were at least two to three splits up of this genome over the period of 100 thousand years. There could be at least two to three tribes of these sapient dinosaurs in this world as we speak.
   With slightly different genes." He explained to her while he stood up. 
   "Aurora project this DNA for me."
   [One moment]
   In front of Marcus, a blue-skinned man with silver hair stood on two legs and had two arms with five fingers. This creature looked more like a human than a dinosaur, which confirmed the idea that he was in some sort of anime or manga world. It's that he still doesn't know which one this is.
   [Sir, it appears...]
   Aurora highlighted a specific part of the DNA.
   [That these sapient beings have developed Omnivore traits over the past 20 thousand years or so.]
   "Amazing, so not only do they look more like us now, but their diet has changed too?" Erina noticed how these species look like blue humans now that dinosaurs...
   [indeed. This part of the world has less prey to prey on, and there were periods of cold weather as well. These creatures had to eat whatever they could put their hands on.]
   Aurora showed the pair that, in the recent couple of thousand years, the world has experienced small drops in temperature from time to time.
   'Just like the data I got from Carboniferous, once a lifeform starts to struggle, the cells responsible for evolution start to kick in, and the adaptation process begins.'
   Marcus pondered on what he was seeing in front of him.
   "Interesting. It appears the world is moving towards the early bronze age. These sapient creatures could start developing writing and early forms of pottery. We must pay closer attention now." 
   The inventor realised that this was starting to get interesting. He wants to see what these beings could come up with.
   After all, he is starting to feel something akin to a creator-like figure to these beings.
   [Very well, I will activate my protocols related to observation of primitive civilisations.]
   "Do it, and release more drones for closer observations," Marcus instructed his AI as they didn't touch the corpse more than necessary.
   Instead, they recorded all their findings for safe storage and collected some samples and tools for Marcus' collection.
   Not long after, the knights returned with a box with green energy inside of it. Two of them needed to hold it as it was quite heavy even for them with the support of the armour's augmentations.
   "Good. It's here." The Inventor noticed the arrival of his new gadget.
   "What is that? I can sense... time from it." Erina looked at the box curiously. 
   "That's because it is time. This is a time projector. It can anchor to an area, check the past or future, and then overwrite it with a selected choice." He explained to her as the knights had prepared the device for action.
   "That's some impressive abilities." The girl looked impressed by what this can do... Technically, with this, he could undo old age and all that stuff.
   But then she realised that this kind of stuff doesn't matter anymore anyway. She controls time, not through magic, but as if it's breathing. Just by doing that, she is no longer connected to the concept of ageing... which makes her realise how crazy her life is becoming!
   Not that Marcus thought of that when he created this.
   "Yeah, I created this so that I could collect the world's wonders, like Artemis Temple, which was destroyed way before modern times. I can restore all the world's wonders to their pristine condition with this box." He revealed his real reason for this box's existence.
   "And, of course, in these cases as well." He then looked at the corpse.
   "We can glimpse into what happened here without even restoring if we want to." As he was done with his explanation, he issued his orders.
   "Begin with the setup. First, tag the boundaries of the area, and then select what to restore."
   The knights rapidly moved to tag the limits of the boundaries before selecting the corpse's immediate area.
   The box glowed not long after that, creating a green bubble in the area. They saw how the corpse started to recover and eventually came back to life. He struggled for a while before they finally saw how he ended up in this situation. They saw some primitive sapient dinosaurs bring him here. These dinosaurs were dressed in leather clothes, a much more refined version of what Marcus saw a while ago.
   "Slow down, the flow. I want to hear them speak." Marcus raised his hand, ordering the knight controlling the gadget to slow the flow of time so that he could hear them speak.
   What he heard made him smile for a bit.
   It was extremely primitive grunts and other sounds. What made him happy enough is that he won't need to overcome a hurdle regarding communication. They speak on the same sound wave, and their ears can pick it up. That means that they can be even more useful in the future.
   He won't need to gene-alter them.
   "I don't understand a thing..." Erina sounded conflicted as these creatures spoke something she could hear and simultaneously annoyed as she couldn't make sense of it!
   "Relax, we still need to finish those sessions for you to unlock psionic powers to tap into their mind to read directly their thoughts.
   "You can do that even in this situation?" she asked, surprised; she understood that they were glimpsing back at what happened several months ago, if not more!
   "Not quite, but you will need to understand it one way or another, and they won't speak English or Japanese to you." He smirked while saying that. She rolled her eyes, and here she was, expecting something of that calibre.
   "Hey, if you mix psionic and time control, you could do that." He shrugged; something like that could be possible. 
   "Anyway, now we know that they have language, we can tap into it." Marcus switched his theme of conversation.
   "Aurora, begin translation."
   [Understood. Sir, since they are primitive, some of their words could potentially make no sense to us.]
   "I know, but regardless, just do your thing."
   [As you wish]
   ~~~~~~Later~~~~~~
   After that, they returned to the Assimilator, and Marcus began working on establishing a proper connection to the rest of his empire. 
   There was not that much he could do on his part as the infrastructure was outside the current reality and outside the time flow. All he could do was work on keeping the information flow stable by miniaturising the concept of Bifrost...
   Something akin to the fibre optics of regular society...
   Honestly, it was not that hard, considering the amount of energy he could spare and nothing else to do.
   But, like always, he ended up finishing it, and then there was nothing else to do!
   That was until he decided to play around with the unique energy samples they recovered from the world below.
   'I could make forms of stimulants. If I am to mix this up with evolution-related cells, I could technically rapidly create a creature of my desire.'
   Marcus pondered the possible uses of this material. The issue is that it's not a liquid but rather a solid material. However, this is not an issue as something like this could be altered to one's needs.
   "Erina do we have spare Triceratops?"
   "Spare? I mean, we got several hundred of them a couple thousand years ago. Before their numbers started dropping." 
   The Cherry blonde commented that they needed to start saving dinosaurs from dinosaurs as the sapient one started doing what humans did to animals of their times... reckless slaughter for food, material and space.
   "Good enough. Just give me a male and a female. I will do some gene tailoring." He asked her as he proceeded to mix a new serum.
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   "Okay..."
   As Erina was organising a couple of dinosaurs to test on, Aurora finished with translation as it was a little bit difficult to make sense of certain things...
   [Sir, I have a rudimentary understanding of what they are speaking.]
   "Show me."
   Marcus rewatched the video of how two guard dinosaurs tied the criminal one to the boulder.
   [The criminal one was screaming about injustice and something about the 'Ones who Watch' I believe these sapient dinosaurs know that we are watching them, and they are treating us like Gods of some sort.]
   The inventor stroked his chin as he rewatched it several times. He understood the gist of it. Now, he is interested in how they perceive his presence.
   "Interesting..."
   [Sir, another thing. I do believe I have an idea what they call themselves.]
   Marcus raised an eyebrow as he wondered what their name was. What did these people call themselves?
   "Well, let me hear it." He asked with a curious tone.
   [They call themselves the Klaxo or the people of Klaxo. The rest I do not know. We need to study them more]
   When Marcus heard that, his eyebrows went up; he heard that before!
   'Wait... as in... Klaxosaur... the blue people... with horns... in Cretaceous... strange energy from the planet's core...'
   'This world is of Darling in Fraxxx...'
   2
   He realised what this meant! And where he was! The world of Zero Two, the strange mechs, the soul-eating aliens and all that weird stuff.
   Marcus chuckled to himself as he realised where he was at the moment. It's so weird, to say the least!
   1
   ~~~
   For More advanced chapters (+10 chapters, 50k words) my pat: pat reon.com/DragonsFics
  
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   Chapter 110: God Emperor of Klaxia
   While such discovery gave him some idea of what to expect, the unknown factor of how they perceive his creation hasn't dulled down.
   The inventor wanted to see what these Klaxosaurians think! How do they see his Assimilator? Or do theyn't, but they have this feeling of being watched? What is it that affects them like that?
   He has no answers to all those questions!
   Marcus continued to ponder as he rewatched the video at least ten times before storing it away as the first-ever proof that Klaxosaurians have the means to communicate vocally.
   Well, it was his first-ever proof. They could have had means to communicate for hundreds of years if not thousands of years, but it's his first-ever video of them talking.
   So it has value to him.
   After storing it away, he went to find the triceratops on which he was going to use the evolution serum.
   "What is that?" Erina asked him as he was holding a needle with yellow serum inside of it.
   "Evolution serum, I want to see if we can turn these horned dinosaurs into prehistoric cows." He clarified to her what he was planning to do.
   "...Okay..." She understood why, but at the same time, experiments like that... umm...
   "What? Please, don't give me that whole moral stuff now. Considering how humans slaughter chicken, cows and sheep for food and stuff." 
   He rolled his eyes.
   "I know- I know..." 
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   After a short moral dilemma, Marcus did do it.
   "..."
   "..."
   "Nothing happened, " the chef girl said in a confused tone. She watched closely as the horned lizard behaved like nothing had happened!
   "Well, duh, it's evolution serum, not mutation serum. That means their children will be affected, not them. 
   The serum, for a while, will negate incest-based shortcomings until this new Triceratops variant has enough numbers." He explained to her as he handed away the needle. 
   "Oh..." the girl blushed in embarrassment for a second, thinking he would cause the animal to feel some sort of pain!
   "Oh, indeed. Now, let go and watch what our dearest Klaxosaurians are doing." 
   "Klaxo-saurian?" Erina looked confused. Did he name the sapient dinosaurs?
   "Aurora figured out their language, and they call themselves Klaxo or people of Klaxo. So I decided to add saurian as in the 'lizard'." He said to her that as they left the storage block of the triceratops, they took a Graviton shuttle to the main animal control area and then took the lift to the observation floor and the central command of the Assimilator.
   For now, they watched how the first civilisation rose from primitive tribes, the first clay or mud-like buildings, and the construction of first-like temples, which are shaped similarly to pyramids.
   This was similar to what Marcus remembers from Mesopatamians, but there was something else...
   And that is the monoliths similar to the one he left many years ago.
   That Monolith has left a genetic memory to these Klaxosaurians!
   Marcus smiled when he saw that, but just like everything, certain things come to an end-the fall of civilisation. The number of people living in the ancient city was too great, and famine struck. This led to the city's weakening and another city that was rising conquered it.
   The city ended up being destroyed by a lesser... less developed society.
   "So that's the fall of Klaxia." Erina looked sad to see a city that had existed for nearly a thousand years vanish like that.
   People scattered, and their achievements fell into the sea of time.
   When Marcus saw it, he realised how similar this was to human societies and the fall of empires.
   There are a large number of people, not enough food, questionable leadership choices, and the fall of roles in men and women-all signs of a failed society.
   "No worries, the city will live on in my archives." 
   He reassured her, and with a snap of fingers, a couple of knights entered the observation floor.
   "I want that city recovered and stored away." 
   "Yes, Supreme Commander."
   The pair of knights saluted before leaving the place.
   "How long do you think it will take for Klaxosaurians to recover the lost progress? We saw a high level of society, from priests to rich merchants, all of that in an early technological society where everyone lived in mud-like houses." She asked him as she saw how the ones who invaded lived in worse cities!
   "Give a couple hundred years. As long as the ones who lived in that city are still alive, the tales will remain with them.
   Eventually, the advancement will return and surpass. What's what biological life does."
   As he said, they continued to watch, and the number of Klaxosaurians continued to increase, the places where they lived spread out more, and the number of small civilisations continued to grow.
   With that, more wars popped up, and more destruction followed.
   Erina was both horrified and impressed by the ability to destroy and recover. However, with each fall of society, the next civilisation will be greater. 
   Eventually, a higher form of weaponry is introduced, like iron. With iron, greater defences, bigger walls, and bigger siege equipment are created.
   Of course, greater societal activities and distinctive languages followed by writing, mythos, and religion.
   "Let's go. It's time for us to get close and personal." He smiled as he noticed the first proper large temples.
   "Right. I do want to see what they are worshipping." 
   The pair descended into a far different world from what they remember last time.
   There are cities of marble and stone, klaxosaurians wielding weapons of metal, and buildings that look like large temples and fortifications similar to castles.
   Not only that, but there are domesticated animals, like variants of Hadrosoridae, which are used as mounts, and Cerapsidae, which are used as cattle for milk, leather, and meat.
   But what attracted their attention were huge towers in which large flyers were kept as flying mounts!
   "I am jealous," Marcus said as he realised what this was. 
   "You have an interstellar empire- no, an interstellar time and space empire, and you are jealous of species who don't have a rice cooker?" Erina joked with an eye roll.
   "I don't have flying mounts." He reasoned.
   "You can genetically create big birds. What's your point?"
   "And? I can create, not tame like they do. Honestly, our era is garbage. We don't have smilodons anymore, or megalodons or big snakes. Nope, the only thing we have is big whales." Marcus ranted at the injustice of his modern times.
   Compared to these guys! His era is boring as hell!
   "Well, because of T-rex and other large predators, it took them over a hundred thousand years to reach where they are. Even then, it's because you left your monolith." She reasoned with him. 'Cool' doesn't mean great for society.
   "Yeah, yeah, I know, but it's a boy thing." He shrugged before taking her hand and proceeding to explore the capital of this Empire.
   Erina looked around. It was strange to see a civilisation during the dinosaur period. If not for the fact that people of this land were blue-skinned and had dinosaurs for pets, she would have thought she was in a mash-up of antique and medieval times world.
   Eventually, her eyes perked up as they arrived at a marketplace. Constant shouting to sell stuff has reached their ears. The chef girl ended up pulling him towards the first merchant who was selling strange fruits.
   "They have raised their version of fruits. I remember much wilder ones I collected a couple thousand years ago. It is amazing what one can do after selective breeding is done properly!" The girl gushed as she was about to touch it, but then she stopped, as they were invisible for a reason...
   "Well, we can think of something." He said after seeing her stop midway.
   "I bet, but we can do that later. Let's go and explore first." 
   With a nod, the pair continued to walk around. Paying attention to the societal structure of this place.
   They did find that there is a high emphasis on martial prowess and talent for fighting, all of which are described in their building designs and activities.
   Where one usually would have a theatre play, one would have gladiatorial fights here.
   'So it's more like Rome than Athens.'
   Marcus could see similarities between this antique and medieval society, such as the way their leather armour was mixed with metal and the buildings being made from stone and marble, which reminded him of Rome or Ancient Greece.
   Wood is being used much less than he had imagined. Well, Romans used stone and marble; only after barbarians took over most of Europe did people switch to wood.
   Considering how warm it always is here, he can see the attraction of using stone or marble instead of wood.
   Eventually, the pair arrived at a grand temple on top of a pyramid. Honestly, it reminded him of Carthaginian or Babylonian in style. Something he can't get enough of.
   The pair floated to the top and proceeded to walk around, looking for paintings or something that would give them an idea of what they were still worshipping this time around...
   As they inspected the paintings, Marcus activated his holographic scanner and recorder to gain more insight with the assistance of his AI.
   "Mark... they still believe in the ones who observe... I think the religion is more advanced than before." Erina said with a strained smile.
   "They always watch us. Their invisible hands stretch through the infinite stars and guide us to a bright future." The cherry blonde read to him what she was seeing before her.
   The AI has fully translated to her.
   "How much did we interfere in their lives?" She asked him, considering that the single monolith was placed on the planet for these people a very long time ago.
   "Well, my UFOs have been collecting samples all the time so that they could have helped a couple of times." The Inventor shrugged at her. He doesn't remember any specific scenario where they interfered more than necessary.
   Marcus noticed something peculiar as they walked around: a metal acorn with "countless hands'.
   "Aurora, do we have any idea how they can see my Assimilator?"
   [There could be a specific phenomenon where gravity wells could be perceived at unique times, maybe... solar storms?]
   Marcus pondered for a bit before checking more of the murals. He could see these 'hands' and 'discs' maintaining the land, removing animals or even placing them, and then saving their cattle and other stuff.
   He is certain that only half of this is real. The other half is made up for the sake of 'religion'.
   After thinking for a bit, he had no idea what to do next. Should he embrace the god's status? He knew what would happen to Klaxosaurians in the future. They would die off fighting those soul eaters from space, permanently fuse with their mechs and leave only the Princess as the sole living Klaxosaurian.
   As he recalled the plot, he left the temple, sat down on the stairs, and looked at the city expanding in front of him.
   "So what now?" Erina asked him curiously as she walked over and stood behind where he was sitting.
   "Well, we can help them survive or let them die off." He said with a shrug.
   "Are you talking about the meteorite?" she asked him, wondering what he was hinting at.
   "No, and yes. These species will reach advanced civilisation status until they experience an invasion from alien species, " he said in a thoughtful voice.
   "Oh, so you want to assist them? Is that why you began to assemble your armies?" Erina realised why he had begun to mass produce his military.
   "Since you already started militarising, there is no need to hold back." She slightly shrugged at him. Since he started, there is no need to hold back.
   "I guess. But this will be a long project." He smiled slightly as he stood up. Since they already started, there is no reason to hold back.
   As Marcus said that, he pondered on an entry... maybe copy how Predators used to do? Landing on the top of the pyramids...
   Sounds amusing and interesting.
   "Long is a subjective word, isn't it? We have been here for a long time now." Erina snorted.
   They have been here since the beginning of the Cretaceous, which is close to 100 million years now. They collected quite an impressive list of animals and plants.
   They are quite close to leaving this place by all means and purposes, but that could change if Marcus decides to become these Klaxosaurian God...
   "True. I could set a few things in motion and watch things unfold." He said that with a contemplative look, he could make a miracle or two and let the religion spiral out into something...
   "Possible as well, but you need to remember that there is a threat out there for these people and maybe even to us to some degree." 
   The girl reminded him of what he said before.
   Marcus slightly smiled, hearing her concerned about something. He could understand why Erina was worried as she had never seen his faction in real action.
   "Don't worry, I have some ideas about what to do." Marcus' small smile morphed into a smirk.
   A smirk Erina is feeling is going to cause quite a commotion!
   ~~~~~~???~~~~~~
   It was time for prayers. The Grand Priest Dalulu gathered his followers in the Grand Temple of the City of Koria.
   "Today, we gathered here to pray for guidance and to ask our Great Observers to show us a sign that the tragedy of Klaxia and the famine that ended the great civilisation of Klaxia won't repay itself!" 
   The old priest continued to mumble about asking for guidance. Today, he asked for guidance on how to survive Famine, tomorrow for prosperity, and so forth. There is a list of thoughts on prayers.
   But then, a dense pressure descended on the whole city, and a golden ball erupted before the metal 'acorn' with many arms.
   It was a golden armoured being with golden red wings. Its aura makes people struggle to breathe.
   The Great Priest's eyes bulged out as his pupils expanded. 
   "Oh, Great Observer, is that truly you?" 
   Instead of saying anything, he raised his hand, and everyone in the hall saw images of the monolith and the huge acorn and what they had been doing here.
   The gathered people were made to understand the acorn and its purpose. Just revealing that it was one of many made their knees give up, as this being's faction was absurd, to say the least.
   He was the leader of an absurd faction, and just one of these beings was worshipworthy, but when they got the call answered by the leader himself, it made their brain stop functioning for a second.
   Instead, they were forced to see images of the future.
   "N-N-No! We can't die off!" They saw themselves becoming metal giants as they fought off the invaders.
   "Then do you follow me?" The armoured being asked, his voice was magnetic and deep, making them stick to each word like glue!
   "Yes! Bring salvation to our kin, oh great Observer!"
   "You may call me the Supreme Commander." 
   But that word was foreign to these people. They only had Rulers, like Kings, Lords, and Emperors. They used to call their celestials Observers, as they were beings who watched their struggles and, from time to time, 'assisted'. But this was the first time that the greatest Observer decided to answer their call!
   So they can't call him Observer anymore since he is interacting, not observing! They can't call him whatever he is asking as they don't understand what a 'commander' is in the first place, but they know what Supreme is.
   "Supreme Emperor! As you wish! We shall call you-"
   "GOD-EMPEROR! Grand Priest Dalalu, how can we call our great Observer a mere Supreme! It's a heresy to use such a mortal name! He can only be our God-Emperor!"
   "Yes!"
   "Yes!"
   "Yes!"
   "Yes!"
   The devoted followers proceeded to chant his new title, the God Emperor of Klaxia.
   The golden armoured being was out of words as he simply stared at what had just happened.
   'How did this happen?'
   Marcus and Erina, who were at the back, were staring at this development with bafflement.
   The inventor used a Psionic projection to make himself appear as a Dinosaur-like deity. Well, dragons are mythologically the closest thing to a dinosaur.
   "So, now you are god?" She didn't even sound surprised anymore. Hell, their current place has warped her common sense to the point that she is questioning what common sense is.
   "I guess..." He was not certain either way. But this was an important part of his future designs, which were to build up a force to face those space vampire spirit thingies.
   He won't throw his resources into this until Klaxosaurians are fully exhausted. 
   Hell, he finally has a civilisation that is going to follow him. The only thing he needs to add to this is a proper foundation that is obedient to him.
   'Yes, I think I got an idea.'
   His suit reacted as nanites proceeded to pour out from Diamond Heart Engine.
   At the same time, his projection raised his hand forward, making a declaring motion.
   "In that case, those who follow me shall be rewarded." A golden avalanche of 'energy' blasted from him.
   In truth, it was from his suit, from behind. A wave of nanites rushed and fused with the group of Klaxosaurians, giving them by all means 'supernatural' powers. The nanites will make them stronger, according to what Marcus desires. After all, he doesn't easily share power, especially those who are not cute girls.
   Not that he needs more 'soldiers'. He can make them, he can design them, and he can arm them. But this situation? One could say that this is a hobby. He wants to see how far this 'game' can evolve. Can these people impress him enough? Sure, he liked the new title, but they need to show him that they are worthy of being kept around.
   "I have given to you my blessing. The power of this blessing will depend on how strong your belief is. Worst case, if you disappoint me... the consequences will be severe."
   The gathered followers looked at their hands as they felt... lighter and far more vigorous! Whatever their new Emperor did has surely worked!
   One of them tried out. He took his sword and tried to bend it. 
   "Impossible!" the blue-skinned Klaxosaurian exclaimed in disbelief as he saw his sword bend awkwardly and his hand, which he had cut, heal up nearly instantaneously!
   The rest of them started to inspect their new power-ups!
   After a short while, the Klaxosaurians returned to kneeling before him, waiting for directives.
   "First, your kin has to unite the world. It's the only way to focus on a single enemy. Those soul eaters do not know that we know they are coming to us. We will use this to our advantage."
   The gathered people gushed at such an idea. In a martial society, a strategic advantage is something one can acknowledge and look up to.
   "With our new abilities uniting, the world conquest will be a child's play, oh Great God Emperor."
   "Then see to it." 
   With the golden bust, Marcus' projection and oppressive presence disappeared, making everyone feel much lighter!
   Instead of celebrating that their God had descended, everyone looked serious as they received their first true divine mission!
   ~~~
   "Aurora, you can remove the camouflage on the Assimilator; we no longer need it." Marcus watched as everyone started to organise and prepare for a coup and a revolution.
   [Understood, sir.]
   "Well, it appears the situation has become...strange." Erina chipped in as she saw the whole thing.
   "It is what it is. If they want to be saved, they need to do it themselves." He replied with crossed arms.
   "You are planning to help them either way?" 
   "I am planning to get rid of soul-eating aliens, yes." He said with a nod.
   "That's a broad reply with many possibilities." The cherry blonde, who already understands how he works, knows he can take many options in dealing with these aliens.
   "Precisely, I have no idea when they are coming, but we will have a while." He said while stroking his chin.
   'Since I am planning to keep this world, I do not care about the meteorite.'
   "Aurora, I want you to build an early warning system for the solar system." 
   [But sir... if we do that, the butterfly effect bar...]
   "Since we are helping Klaxosaurians, we need to accept that there won't be a humanity here." 
   'For Zero Two, I will need to visit an alternative version of this Earth,' Marcus thought, as he already had an idea once the highway was complete in outside time.
   [Understood, accessing the memory banks, locating blueprints.]
   "So much for that." Erina realised that he would be changing history fundamentally. Not that she had much opinion on this since she found this ancient world interesting, and it was not truly her world to begin with.
   "Come now. It's going to be interesting." 
   "I am not sad or anything. Since I knew something like this would happen, " the chef girl said with a knowing tone. She knew that Marcus was looking for a way to have fun, and now he had an entire civilisation to play with.
   "Ha. That's my Erina. Now, then, let's go. I need to create a 'research tree'." He joked briefly as the pair flew out from the Grand Temple towards the sky.
   By this point, people were pointing at the sky as there were highways and other constructs.
   ~~~~~~Meanwhile~~~~~~
   Quinella looked at massive constructs being assembled outside the Carboniferous Assimilator. The information relay, which was a huge communication dish, was already in operation, and Marcus had already sent a data package to establish a permanent link.
   By this point, she is already synchronising with other Assimilators and solidifying the comms link.
   "Mistress, we are getting strange data from two Assimilators." One of the officers notified the Assistant.
   "Hmm? What is it?"
   "The Jurassic Assimilator has an absurdly high Butterfly Effect percentage." the officer showed to Quinella.
   "At a global scale? What are they doing!? Those stupid bedwarmers!" The platinum-haired girl started to rant. She can't believe what they did after Marcus trusted them with a tiny bit of his power! And this is what they get?
   "Mistress, Aurora has updated the datalog. According to it, the maids fought among themselves for the privilege of collecting the top 3rd dinosaur in the list. It erupted into a battle. Mistress Sirin took control after and arrested them."
   "Oh? And of the dinosaurs?" Quinella had a feeling this was not a simple arrest but a power grab. The Herrscher was quite similar to her, after all.
   "Mistress Sirin collected all of the top entries in the bingo book related to the Jurassic period."
   "Fufufu... thought so." Quinella had an annoyed look. Such a competition is...concerning. 
   "And regarding the other matter, it's from Cretaceous Earth."
   "Marcus' Assimilator? What happened!?" The Assistant's expression morphed into worry.
   "Its not that... its the Butterfly Effect bar... it... broke." The officer was confused.
   "I am sure it's an error in the communication relay..." she tried to reason, but Quinella walked over with a small frown.
   "Impossible, we are working with quantum computers. The OS auto-fixes itself. Such fundamental failures are beneath us." The Plantinum haired assistant clarified that error is fundamentally impossible to them.
   "Then..."
   "What you are looking at is what is happening on that Earth."
   'What are you doing? Marcus. Is your new game more valuable than the humanity in that world?' 
   Honestly, as an Artificial creation, she doesn't have much attachment to the human race, but she cares because Marcus... used to care.
   "So, Supreme Commander, on purpose, is breaking the set events?" The officer came to the conclusion.
   "Precisely, now the question is, what is he doing? Are there any updates? Request an update if they need support. We do have a fleet on standby." She smirked as with Assimilator's impressive shipyards, building an armada is only a matter of time!
   "I will do so." The officer proceeded to send a message to the Cretaceous Assimilator.
   ...
   ...
   ...
   "Mistress, Aurora has replied to us. Currently, the Supreme Commander has encountered a sapient species of dinosaurs; he proceeded to tailor them to his needs." The officer needed to double-take what she was reading.
   "Sapient Dinosaurs?" Quinella asked, imagining a T-Rex reading a newspaper. She was having a hard time seeing sapient dinosaurs!
   "I see. Now, it makes sense. Why he is doing that." She concluded that Marcus would sacrifice modern society for something like that.
   'No surprise there. He is like a small child when he finds something interesting.' 
   The girl sighed to herself before continuing to exchange information.
   As this happened, technocracy continued to strengthen its presence outside time, and the Assimilators array dish's OS was constantly improved to ensure that the beams of energy reached the Assimilators.
   At the same time, the designs for Assimilators improved as nanotechnology improved the communication dishes. An extra piece was designed that would work as a receiver dish for lightning-fast communications.
   "Mistress, we received confirmation the fleet can leave."
   "Good. It appears Marcus is thinking of proper military action."
   'But I doubt he needs that much for a simple invasion of a primitive civilisation. No, there is something more there. Pity I can't leave this place and assist him.' Quinella pondered as she ordered the fleet to leave towards their first assignment. 
   With that in mind, sometimes she is annoyed that she has such a high status in Technocracy.
   'Maybe being a simple bedwarmer from time to time is not a bad thing.'
   A small sigh escaped from her lips as she returned to organise the Highway's creation and the Main Base's construction. The thing will be as huge as Mars! Considering that an Assimilator with all its parts in one place is a big USA...or Pluto.
   For now, she needs to make sure that when he returns, the base is in pristine condition and ready for the last part of the trip, which is the collection of talent for his school.
   ~~~~~~Meanwhile, Reality Away, in Jurassic Earth~~~~~~
   "No way! He is doing that!" Sirin, who finally learned what Marcus was doing, jumped out of her seat. 
   "He created a civilisation and is now overseeing it!?" The girl exclaimed with a jealous voice.
   As someone with a Queen Complex, having literal subjects who worship-or could worship-her is something she can't miss!
   "But, I thought we won't interfere with locals and all that stuff." Hisako frowned when she heard that.
   "Indeed, but the world he arrived in is different from normal. I can assume that it happened naturally." Sirin reasoned as she crossed her arms.
   "Any news about my Lady?" the chef girl asked. She hoped that Erina was at the base outside time and not Marcus...
   "She is with Marcus the whole time."
   "T-The whole time?" 
   'But that's close to a month!'
   "Yes." The Herrscher nodded before smirking at her. "What? Are you afraid she has fallen deeply for him? You know, as a master of biology and the human body, he could easily make her addicted to him and his touch." Sirin whispered like a devil to the assistant chef.
   Hisako imagined a couple of scenes from a questionable manga she had accidentally seen in a store. It made her cheeks heat up.
   "Y-You think he would abuse his powers on a simple girl?" Erina's Assistant questioned with concern.
   "Her? A simple girl? Someone with that talent can't be considered simple; she even has impressive looks." Sirin recalled Erina's burst size. That girl was created to be a mother. The Herrscher is even slightly jealous of those melons. They are as big, if not bigger than that red-haired teacher of Kiana or Raiden Mei.
   "...But still, Marcus has Goddesses going after him..." Hisako reasoned.
   "And yet he made me and all those ship girls. He follows a different set of rules regarding the status of Females." The white-haired girl brushed her hair before looking at the waiting guard.
   "Sent, a word, I want all those top rankers to be stored in my newest ship. We are leaving for Marcus' Cretaceous Earth." The Herrscher made up her mind. She can't allow that chef girl to hoard Marcus to herself.
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   If she is to wait any longer, they could develop a deeper bond. And she is well aware of what bonds can do!
   "Understood, Mistress."
   "We are leaving?" 
   "Yes. All the animals that were in the top 50 are secured. There are only stranglers left-" Sirin then realised something.
   "Oh, and Aurora, tell the troops that criminals should be moved to my new ship as well. I will present them to Marcus as a gift." The girl giggled as she stood up from her seat. She finished her tea and was ready to 'set sail'. The Jurassic Earth has been drained of all its valuables. She is certain they will return at some point, but the most valuable resource has been 'drained'.
   ~~~
   Meanwhile, Marcus watched closely how his latest experiment spiralled out of control.
   What he is watching is Klaxosaurians purging all the 'heretics'... the only spare ones are small children and females. Sometimes, even male children are slaughtered.
   Honestly, for a second, he forgot how ancient societies can be this hardcore. Such a slaughter from locals to locals is something he has not seen before. It's different when an invader does all the killing, but these are the locals who rose against their rulers and non-believers.
   "Isn't it a bit too much?" Erina exclaimed as she placed her hand on her mouth when she saw this.
   "Well... what can I say? A bit of power can take one far." He said with a strained smile.
   "...Yeah..." The girl looked down at her chest where the triangle device was.
   'If a simple boost from nanites can do that, then what about this?'
   ~~~
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   Chapter 111: Solomon-Class Super Dreadnought (R-18)
   As Marcus' technology progressed, it eventually reached the point that it can be called 'Arcane'. This means that the technology is so complex and powerful that it no longer makes sense to an outsider or that they can't see the difference between magic and technology.
   Apart from the Triangle suit device, the Assimilators, the comms relay Outside Time flow and the latest tech marvel to join the description of being to Arcane is the almighty Solomon Class Super Dreadnought.
   A five-kilometre-long juggernaut, technically capable of blowing up planets anywhere in the Milky Way galaxy if necessary, at any specific time, in the future or the past, with its Diamond Heart Engine-powered Time Engine. The main cannon creates a cosmic ripple effect, like a whiplash, from pure space, thanks to the installed Bifrost Engine.
   Such destructive power for the capital ship was not the only thing it could do. It has enough garrison to siege an entire planet or lay waste.
   And that is only a single spaceship. Twenty of them are coming with the fleet by request of Marcus. Oh, and he himself has thirty of them already and counting upwards as time moves on.
   "These specs... are we fighting some sort of cosmic gods?" Tirpitz asked Enterprise, as they were the ones commanding the ships to be delivered to Cretaceous Earth.
   "No idea; there is no specific intel who could be the enemy." The Carrier ship replied with crossed arms as she looked at the front.
   The Solomon-Class bridge is an enormous Hall, with a familiar throne as the pair onboard the 01 of the Solomon Class, Marcus' newest Flagship. 
   The crew of this ship is seated on three floors-well, more like three steps. With such a design choice at the throne level, there is nothing there to obstruct a complete 180-degree view of the front. 
   There is not much to see at the moment apart from the rainbow bridge, which the massive fleet is rushing on. The surroundings are green, with endless cloud-like thingies in all directions.
   "Still, to think that such main cannon exists." Tirpitz is a little bit worried about the potential of such warships.
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   "Well, we had it coming, no? Weaponising Bifrost." The silver-haired carrier showed a strained smile.
   "Just the ability to fly by using it is mythworthy, but now our creator decided to pull it up and weaponise it." The battleship commented as she looked at the Super Dreadnought stretching before her. It was so long that she needed to utilise her psionic powers to see the end of the warship.
   "True, but think how many battles we can prevent just by showing these warships?" Enterprise, which was created with the idea that it would never be used on the battlefield, could only hope it would work like that.
   But such an idea made Tirpitz grimace. What the carrier just described was her service record as a ship.
   "Yes... something like that." 
   The battleship was perplexed. On one side, battles can be cruel and destructive, something she doesn't want, considering how deadly this spaceship is. On the other hand, she can only imagine the spirit of this ship, desiring to have a chance to prove herself on a battlefield.
   ~~~
   "Is this truly a warship? This is a city!" Hisako said as they took a graviton train to the lift hall, which would take them to the bridge of the new capital ship Sirin had commissioned for herself.
   "It's a floating palace, but yes, for someone who desires to rule a vast expanse of cosmos and time, you should expect a large spaceship." The Herrscher was surprised at how big it was as well.
   Well, she saw the initial size and design. She even saw Marcus designing it in school a while ago. Now, she's inside it, and all she can say... it's far too large. It didn't give her the feeling that this was a mode of transportation... it was just that big.
   It was similar to the latest upgrade for the Daedalus-Class as well, but this time around, it's even more so. It's like they are in a huge palace or a city.
   "Yes, but... isn't it too big for someone of our stature? Humans are not big compared to this. It's hard to grasp the sheer scale of such a ship." The chef girl tried to reason about such a scale.
   "I suppose, but I am not the one who designed it." It meant nothing to her, even if Sirin agreed to what Hisako said. If she can build something like this, she will. After all, she is far too vain not to have it.
   It's just how she is. 
   "...Yes, I know." Hisako ended up sighting. She is pretty sure no one will care about her opinion. The girl can imagine herself asking Marcus about the sizes of ships, and Marcus would simply say 'okay' and then proceed to make it even bigger just to annoy her.
   "That is why we shouldn't question it." Sirin off-handily commented.
   "I intend not to." 
   "Good, for now, let's focus on the trip." 
   The trip to the lift hall took as long as the conversation lasted; the moment they stopped speaking, the train arrived.
   No doubt another perk Marcus' AI added to the warship. 
   As the pair left the train, they went to the lift and took a rapid one to the bridge. It lasted a few seconds. As they left the lift, they arrived at a combat centre, where military officers were discussing the last details before departure.
   When Sirin saw this, she recalled that the armies also had actual organic commanders. This made it slightly awkward for the chef girl as well.
   The pair swiftly passed all the officers who were saluting the pair.
   Once they left the command hall, they arrived at an even bigger bridge with enormous windows that gave them a panoramic view.
   "...Holy..."
   "Don't worry, those are not real windows. Windows like these would be structural weaknesses and prime targets for enemies. Instead, they are projections made through the Realitus crystal system." Sirin explained about the windows.
   "I know... but I am saying how big this is... it's tens if not more times bigger than the last bridge....
   It's almost as big as Assimilator's Command Centre."
   The Herrscher snorted when she heard that.
   "Not even close. What you saw in Assimilator was only one floor out of five. Each floor is dedicated to something, from animal collection to military management."
   "... That's Good to know," Hisako replied with a strained smile. She was happier not knowing that small detail.
   Eventually, the Solomon Class Super Dreadnought proceeded to move out, leaving the Shipyards for its maiden voyage.
   ~~~~~~Meanwhile~~~~~~
   For the first time in her life, Erina knew how Gods felt when they watched people below commit crazy things like, for example, genocide before her.
   Truthfully, she never in her life considered how deity would feel after seeing all of this.
   It was never her intention.
   "Relax~ it's fine." Marcus wrapped his hands around her waist and pulled her into a hug.
   "I am not stressed or anything like that. I have already gotten used to life and death since we watched the world change so much. What I am reflecting on is the difference between Deities and mortals."
   "Oh? Is my Erina becoming philosophical?" He asked with an amused tone.
   "No? I guess? All I am saying is that they are just people who watch things from the sidelines. At least you are doing something about it." She slightly frowned while saying that.
   "...I don't think comparing anything to my games is a good thing." This time around, he grimaced.
   "Yes. It may be a game for you. But, all this genocide will leave many years of stability for these people. They will have an eternal leader, no worries for resources, no more famine or natural disasters-"
   "...Only war when I call them." 
   She slightly turned around and looked at him.
   "I was giving an upbeat speech. Why do you need to interrupt it like that?" she eye-rolled at his interruption.
   "Well, you're painting me in a very good light. I started to feel my skin crawl up," Marcus honestly replied to her.
   "...Right."
   "Anyway, I have something for you~" he took her hands before turning her properly around.
   "Since you have been diligently learning magic and feeding me delicious food, I thought I would give you something."
   "...you do know, I already have this..." she pointed at her triangle device. This thing she is carrying is starting to 'weigh' more by the day after seeing how people can slaughter for basic power-ups. It has frightened her. If people figure out that she has a source of infinite energy and supernatural powers, well, it's a can of worms she doesn't want to open.
   Not that she realised that she wouldn't be able to leave Marcus' side after the trip in the first place.
   "Yes, this is a basic gift for exploration, not a personal one." As he said that, above his palm, a ring box appeared. 
   "Y-You...w-what are you planning!?" When she saw the ring box, her heartbeat went through the roof.
   "...Hmm, maybe to tie you up to myself?" He teased her, making her cheeks explode in deep red.
   "Do you know what this is?" He asked her in a teasing tone, making her sweat.
   She stiffly nodded at his question. She knew well enough what a ring box could mean to her!
   "Regardless, let me tell you what this is."
   With a mental push, he opened the ring box, revealing an exquisite golden ring. It was thinner than the ones he had and designed for a female finger.
   "This is Ring of Focus."
   "...Huh?"
   For a second, her mind went blank, and she looked spacey. Did she overthink!?
   "Are you disappointed? Did you think of something else?" He leaned forward and whispered into her ear.
   "This...well...I mean..."
   Erina looked away as she was thinking about white wedding dresses in a church and that kind of stuff... 
   Her cheeks were so red that it had reached her ears. Thankfully, her long hair could hide them.
   "You know, you could think it that way too." He whispered as there was a smirk on his lips.
   He lifted her left hand and made the ring float to her ring finger. 
   Erina's eyes bulged out as she saw the ring smoothly fit her finger. A wave of energy washed her over as she felt something had happened.
   "W-What is this ring?" She asked him. As for now, she ignored the fact that he either 'married' her or 'engaged' her.
   "A copy of one of my Solomon Rings, which assist in magic casting. As you practise the human type of magic, this ring shortens calculations and the deployment of spells. Giving you the same advantages as Devils." He explained to her as he returned to cuddling her in his hands.
   "...I see... this is a great gift..." She said while looking at the ring, it has a similar gloss to that of glass or, like a gem, it might look gold, but she doubts this is gold.
   "Indeed, It gives you...flexibility, I am sure you will find great use for it." He whispered into her ear as his hands wrapped around her waist.
   Erina's blush returned with force as she could feel his body heat. Not only that, but the ring was on her ring finger. That finger... especially on the left hand, is very special...
   "...It will..." She nodded at him before gathering the courage to ask about the meaning behind such action.
   "...But why...this specific finger?" The cherry blonde asked with a mosquito-like voice.
   "I thought we discussed those circumstances before. After all, Erina Nakiri belongs to me. This is like marking my territory." His right hand went from her waist and to her cheeks. His left hand went to her leg and picked it up, then he moved and made her lean against the wall.
   The girl realised that things were getting out of hand and she started to panic!
   "W-Wait... I understand. Thank you for clarifying this for me. I am very happy about this, and well..." She tried to think of words, but the longer she spoke, the less it made sense as she said whatever was coming to her mind.
   Eventually... she gave up...
   "...C-Can We do this in... an appropriate place?" She asked him as she looked around... They were on the observation floor, near the Command Centre, and Royal Guards were at each door... It's far too crowded!
   "Of course. Let me drown Erina in love...so that she wouldn't question such things again~" He commented before moving her to their shared suite.
   ~~~~~~Lemon~~~~~~
   Marcus laid the beauty on his bed. As his hand went to her triangle device, he casually removed it, making her clothes, made from nanites, simply retreat to the storage area inside the suit device.
   With a single action, Erina was naked like the day she was born. The girl slightly bit her lower lip as the suit device is powerful and saves time... However, it is extremely weak when it comes to Marcus; he can casually remove her clothes with a single action.
   'Not that regular clothes could make any difference' She can imagine him blasting her clothes away with his psionic powers.
   The girl looked at how he got close and joined in the fun as her body started to heat up. After doing naughty things so often, her body already knows what awaits her.
   Erina wrapped her hands around his neck and kissed him on the lips. Marcus answered back as the pair started a tongue wrestling match. At the same time, the girl could feel his thing starting to rub around her special place, as, just like her, he easily removed his clothes with a simple thought.
   "Ohhhh~~~" The cherry blonde softly moaned as she felt a familiar hot rod slip into her tender cave. It was so good that she stopped kissing and moaned into his lips instead.
   "Your moans are always music to my ears, Erina~" As he hotly said that, he grabbed her waist and smacked his hips forward, making his cock reach the deepest parts of her velvet cave.
   "NHHhh~~~" For a second, her lips morphed into a lewd smile as she felt fireworks explode in her mind. She nearly reached her first climax right there.
   'H-He made me into such a lewd girl~~~' 
   The beauty for a second thought how much she has changed on this trip. Her being here alone, all of his carnal desires fall on her, and because of that, she is very sensitive to any lewd things he is doing to her!
   With another smack, she forgot what she was thinking as pleasure erupted from her pussy. Slowly, the pleasure started to spread through her body as she wrapped her legs around his waist.
   The girl couldn't wait any longer; she wanted that seed in her womb.
   The lewd smacking sound spread through the bedroom as loud moans erupted from Erina's lips. With a powerful smack, he released his first load of the day.
   "Mhnnnn~~ yes, fill me up with your salad cream~~~" The beauty with lustful eyes commented as her body trembled for a second.
   Marcus smirked as he loved lewd Erina just as much as proud Erina.
   "Let's continue~~~" She spread her legs into M shape as she wanted to feel him more in her.
   "My thoughts exactly."
   ~~~~~~Later, Same Day~~~~~~
   After spending a couple of hours in the bedroom, Marcus took his girl to his Confiscator, where the water park was ready for use. He decided to spend some time there and bond with his darling Chef.
   Erina, dressed in a black two-piece bikini, looked around. The place was barely in use, and she felt that it was a waste.
   "Any reason why you want to use it now?" She asked him as she drank some juice cocktails available from the vendor.
   "That's because, Sirin, your assistant and my maids are coming here in... around 5 hours, same with my Ship girls. Since we have a little bit of time, I decided to spend it with you~."
   When Cherry Blonde beauty heard that, she blushed... hard!
   Her heartbeat went all 'doki-doki', and she could barely control herself.
   "I-I see; this is very thoughtful of you~!" She grabbed his hand and took him to the pool. She is going to make every second count!
   ...
   ...
   ...
   Marcus and Erina needed to leave the water park when Aurora notified them that the fleet from outside the time flow had arrived. Close to a hundred warships joined his already considerable size fleet.
   The pair went to the harbour, where they watched the new arrivals join the formation.
   "That one is my new flagship." He pointed at the leading ship. It was dull grey with golden graviton projectors, and the ten-ring symbol at the bottom hull stood out the most.
   "...I see." Erina didn't care that much as she hugged his arm. After their stay at the water park, she was like glue, with a dreamy look.
   The inventor looked at her with a small smile. Since she doesn't care, he doesn't need to bother with explanations.
   As Marcus' new flagship is flying to the docks, the black-haired inventor slowly walks towards the pier itself. He watched how the monstrosity's sharp end touched the very end of the docks and over twenty magnetic hands attached to the hull. After that, the anti-gravity sealed a portion of the ship, allowing the atmosphere to spread and allow people to enter or leave the ship.
   'Well, with how massive it is, I need to add more ramps and lifts to accelerate loading off and on.' He forgot that it would take a while for such a size.
   But then again, he is not thinking of removing the garrison. The ship can sustain all of its knights indefinitely. 
   As he pondered the upgrades, he walked towards the ramp. One of the first people he met was the ship girls he had not seen for close to a month!
   "Admiral!!!" Enterprise smiled, seeing him as she swiftly walked over, followed by Tirpitz, who was more restrained than the carrier ship.
   "Girls, thanks for bringing over my ships." 
   The pair slightly blushed when they heard the thank you. 
   "It's nothing. We simply came along, and the crew knows how to fly them." Enterprise played it down, as she was a humble warship, after all.
   They wondered what was going on with the chef girl, who was hugging his arm and ignoring them completely.
   "Regardless, my thanks. For now, let me help you two catch up on what's going on.
   ...
   ...
   ...
   "I see, so another war, but with an alien race." Enterprise hummed in understanding. She then told him some good news.
   "It's good because we are getting close to accessing the Golden Armoury." The silver-haired ship girl smiled as she was happy about getting back her ship self.
   "Oh? Isn't that interesting?" He looked surprised for a second before pondering on the consequences of this.
   "Admiral?"
   "Well, you see, Bismarck is already stored in the Golden Armoury." Marcus dropped a small piece of information.
   Tirpitz's eyes slightly widened.
   "Big sister already ready for deployment!?" The white-dressed girl looked happy to hear that.
   "Indeed, since I already have one Bismarck-class, fixing another one was faster than Belfast," he said with a small smile.
   "In that case, are you thinking of commissioning a biological model?" Tirpitz asked, almost begging him.
   "...Sure." Marcus looked slightly surprised to see her eyes glittering like that! He is not used to seeing his Northern Queen like that.
   "Thank you!" 
   "Regardless, I am surprised that the relay can already reach modern times." He changed the theme or conversation as he mentally opened his console and went to the option 'create', then 'Biological Model', then 'Ship Girl', and last, the latest one finished, and then selected where to create her. 
   "The highway system we are using, you copied the idea of using Bifrost to send information," Enterprise said with a small smile.
   "Quinella was impressed that you were able to come up with such a design choice. Information can already travel fast, as it's small and most of the time is energy but coated in space energy? That is hundreds if not thousand times faster." The carrier ship praised him. By this point, Tirpitz had a dreamy look similar to Erina's as she was thinking of hugging his other arm.
   "Well, information still needs to travel a distance, so why not make a special corridor? I was thinking like that." He shrugged before grabbing Tirpitz and pulling her closer. He felt her desire to do that.
   The Battleship looked surprised for a second before her cheeks exploded in crimson.
   "I am psychic, you know." He smirked before looking at Enterprise, who stopped whatever she was thinking and had a blank look for a couple of seconds.
   "Regardless, it will take a day for Bismarck to awaken, so let's relax and wait for Sirin to arrive; she has some gifts for me." He pulled his chef girl and the battleship back to his Observation floor.
   Enterprise nodded as she looked absent-minded.
   ~~~
   A single Solomon Class Super Dreadnought emerged from a Bifrost bridge as it moved towards the formation of starships and the main piece of the Assimilator, the so-called mothership above the prehistoric Earth.
   "That's a lot of spaceships," Hisako commented as she saw rows and rows of ships. Even if they are hundreds of kilometres away, she can see them taking up quite a bit of space!
   "Yes. It would seem that the fleet from outside the time flow has already arrived here." Sirin, with crossed arms, commented, slightly annoyed. The Herrscher wanted to be the first to arrive, but it seems that the Jurassic period is further away than she initially thought.
   "No wonder! What is he planning to fight with so many of them here?" 
   "No idea. But we are here to deliver what he requested of us."
   Hisako slightly nodded as she finally saw her Lady! It has been close to a month since she was made to leave with the maids!
   As the Super Dreadnought passed the warship formation, it docked next to Marcus' flagship.
   The pair walked down the ramp. The first thing they saw was rows of Royal Guards lined up, making way for them. Behind the pair were the handcuffed maids, who looked nervous.
   Especially when they see Marcus with his chef girl and his ship girls waiting at the end of the docks.
   That disappointed look... the maids can see from miles away.
   The first thing Sirin saw was the cherry-blonde chef girl oddly close to Marcus. Her woman instincts were telling her that something happened between them.
   'Shouldn't be a surprise... if Marcus was alone with her the whole time.'
   The Herrscher was extremely jealous when she learned that Erina had a chance to keep him for herself for close to a month-something she could not get! 
   But then, as she got closer, she noticed a golden ring around one of Erina's fingers! 
   For a second, the white-haired girl's mind went blank as she realised what this meant!
   'T-That human! What kind of sorcery did she use!? That's impossible! She has no powers to speak off! Whatever she got, she got while on this trip!'
   Sirin could not comprehend how a simple girl got Marcus to give her a ring. This chef girl had no power; she was a normal mortal before they took her on this trip!
   "Hmph!"
   She huffed the moment she was in front of him.
   "Hmm?" Marcus raised his eyebrow at her. He didn't expect such a reaction.
   "Nothing. I present you the criminals who destroyed the North American Continent in Jurassic Earth and nearly exterminated your entire Allosaurus family tree." The Herrscher motioned at the maids behind her.
   Marcus' gaze went on them.
   "I see. It appears my instructions are inadequate." His voice was soft, but that softness told them that he was simply disappointed and that there was nothing they could do to change it.
   There was a certain absolution in a soft voice which made their knees tremble. He doesn't need to be angry or show it on his face; simply telling them is enough for them to feel the pressure.
   Well, some hopefuls still think they can change something.
   "According to Aurora, Jeanne and Hippolyta started the whole thing." Marcus wanted to confirm how it started.
   "Yes." Sirin nodded, but before she could continue, she was interrupted.
   "WE only wanted to impress-" Warrior Queen couldn't finish her sentence as no voice came out of her mouth.
   "Only speak when you are spoken to." Marcus only needed to sharpen his voice, as his crushing presence made her incapable of speaking.
   The other maids started to sweat buckets as this was one of those rare moments when he was very serious. However, it had the opposite effect on Sirin as her cheeks turned rosy.
   "Continue." 
   "R-Right!" The Herrscher composed as she took a deep breath.
   "They decided to play a classic game of hunting, but the moment they found an Allosaurus, they went crazy and started to fight for it.
   First Hippolyta and Jeanne, then Le Fay and Atalanta, and lastly... Artemis tried to stop them, but she ended up getting involved." The white-haired girl honestly explained what happened that day.
   Marcus gazed at them, scanning for changes in expressions.
   "I see."
   "Aurora has saved the combat data and found some interesting developments from the suit performance," Sirin recalled what she saw from a distance. The girls achieved some strange Herrscher-like transformations.
   "I will check it later." He nodded as he continued to look at them.
   "I thought that you girls are more mature than this." The Inventor sighed.
   "B-But, Master..." Le Fay tried to explain herself, but his sharp gaze made her tremble from fright... and more.
   Her cheeks turned rosy...
   "...What? I gave you gifts! Suits which allow you to perform at peak conditions and make menial tasks effortless. I pampered your asses to the point that you became spoiled rotten."
   The more he ranted, the more they trembled, as they didn't want to know what would happen to them after this.
   "But... we wanted to impress you..." 
   "I only wanted to hunt." Atalanta sighed as she wanted to clarify herself.
   "I was involved in this as well. All I wanted was to measure the animal hut. Le Fay used magic to tie it down."
   The lioness tried to explain herself, but Marcus raised his hand.
   "Yes-Yes, all that, but you got swept away to fight either way." He looked at Sirin.
   "Only Artemis got forced into it?' The inventor asked his Herrscher.
   "Yes. You can say she did the least damage." The white-haired girl didn't lie to him. Honestly, she wouldn't mind them getting demoted to some even lesser tasks, but there is Aurora, who is watching her. Well, she watches everyone, so she can't lie here.
   "I see. I suppose for a Goddess, who is used to a considerable amount of power, the suit's abilities influenced her the least, isn't it right?" He asked the Goddess of the Hunt.
   "...Yes. I think the nearly infinite abilities of those suits made them... unhinged." It's not the first time Artemis saw someone get drunk on power. 
   The worst thing is that such a person could not simply run away with such power, as they were in a very alien world with no means of leaving in sight except back to where they came from.
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   "So it's my fault?" He raised his eyebrow, asking her.
   "...Umm...I am not saying that..." Like hell, she will tell him it's his fault! She doesn't have a death wish or something worse than death!
   He then raised his hands in defeat.
   "In that case, You four won't be getting gifts from me again." 
   At that moment, the four girls looked like someone had sucked their souls out. Thankfully, Artemis is not included. She took a deep breath. She dodged a massive mine right there!
   "W-Wait... can we..."
   "Nope, I am not in the mood." He motioned with his hand that the conversation was over. 
   "Send these four back to Grayfia. I want her to train them not to get drunk on power and to humble them. I am far too disappointed to care about the details." He said to one of his Royal Guards.
   "Understood, sir. We shall arrange a spaceship for the trip to the base outside Time Flow." The Commander of the Royal Guards nodded before giving orders to arrange another transport.
   Atalanta grimaced as she realised that she indeed messed up. Maybe that feline pride got in the way. She was certain that her position was well secured. However, it appears that this position can be threatened when the entire continent with HIS dinosaurs is endangered.
   "Master... It's NOT like your pets died or the continent is destroyed beyond saving! With Time manipulation, all of that was restored in just a few days! None of the Allosaurus were dead... Permanently!" Jeanne tried to reason with him.
   "Yeah, I know. All that is possible because of what I achieved. If my technology or power was weaker, IT COULD have been permanent.
   If you still don't understand, then think in money terms. Just because I am a Billionaire doesn't mean I will allow a MAID to burn millions, not spend but burn. I gave you a basic task, and you flopped, so now you are demoted to toilet cleaning for a considerable time." His eye rolled before motioning to get them away.
   "Artemis, you will be my only maid for a while, so I expect you to perform at your best." Marcus reminded the Goddess that she was the only maid in the whole Assimilator.
   'Ooof... Can he make another maid or something? Doesn't he know how much stuff there can be to do?'
   The Moon Goddess grimaced as she realised there was no one here to clean up nearly a month's worth of stuff.
   ~~~
   For More advanced chapters (+10 chapters, 50k words) my pat: pat reon.com/DragonsFics
  
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   Chapter 112: Teasing The Queen
   'This is ridiculous...' Artemis was walking through Marcus' Suite. It was like a manor inside the Assimilator, with all the accommodations, like a swimming pool and a Sauna. However, what got her attention was the mess...
   Sure, the kitchen is spotless, considering who Erina is, but what about the rest? Well...
   'With his powers, he could have easily cleaned everything, but... he doesn't because he has us!'
   "Sorry for the mess, but I was busy with sapient dinosaurs, gene tailoring and more gadgets," Marcus said to the Goddess, who was almost at the wit's end. 
   Sure, she might been a maid for a while, but she never had to clean such a mess before... from a mountain of dirty bed sheets, which smell like... sex, to food stains and all that stuff.
   Thankfully, he didn't blow up something, as she would need to clean the rubble. 
   'He has labour bots for that... why can't he make some cleaning bots too...'
   She knew that it was from sheer principle... and it would drive her mad if not for the fact if he got those, the maids wouldn't have a reason to be around...
   "It's alright. Though with how much to do, I won't have time to attend you." Artemis reasoned, which made him ponder.
   "Hmm, well, I CAN enlist another maid." Marcus got an idea while saying that.
   "Then do so." She agreed without a second thought.
   "Sure." 
   Without wasting time, he ordered Belfast pulled into Golden Armoury and the creation of Biological Combat Model Belfast, a.k.a. the royal maid. 
   7
   "You will get her in a day or so."
   After telling that, he took Sirin and Hisako to their new quarters.
   "It looks identical. I suppose I should customise my rooms in Assimilators, " the Herrscher said with a frown as she started to feel that she was living in a hotel.
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   "Because it is. Do you realise you can customise the walls, ceiling, and floor as it has Realitus crystals-infused flooring?" he said with a sigh.
   "So that is why our bedroom looks so different!?" Erina exclaimed with surprise.
   "Hmm? You had no idea beforehand?" He looked shocked.
   "Umm, no? I mean, there is a customise option on the console, but I never explored it before." She summoned her console window, which was still set to a basic one.
   Marcus deadpanned when he saw that.
   "Well, you can change the look of your console and your assigned suite." He got behind her hand and took it before guiding her finger to press on customisation.
   The chef's assistant looked at all of this with panic and horror as she realised that her Lady had been eaten by the big bad wolf!
   She can see that Erina is not even embarrassed by the amount of contact. Instead, she was very happy with what she was getting!
   Sirin, who was next to them, had her hands crossed. She realised another one was here for the attention.
   'Well, I got rid of the maids, but these ones are different.' 
   The Herrscher pondered how long they would stay in this timeline. Well, since they are playing Gods in this one, it could last a while.
   'In that scale, I should remind him that I brought his favourites.'
   "*Ahem* Marcus, I still have your Jurassic pets in my ship." 
   Marcus snapped out and looked at Sirin.
   "You're right. Let's go!"
   As he finished explaining to Erina, who looked dissapointed for a second, she looked at the white-haired girl with small annoyance.
   The pair looked at each other. Their orange-gold eyes met purple for a second, and some sparks flashed between them.
   Hisako, who understood this, smoothly got herself in between.
   "We should follow, Marcus, my lady." The purple-haired assistant smiled while saying that.
   "...Right."
   The group of four left the living quarters section of the Mothership. By all means, there are enough suites to fill an entire nation, but only a very small part are online.
   ~~~
   "Look at that!" Marcus exclaimed as he pointed at the beast in the container.
   "You can see the difference between Cretaceous and Jurassic predators just by looking at the spine. Both of them come from the same ancestor, but they split up in the Triassic. The clade to which Allosaur belongs has a lighter skeleton and teeth more similar to a shark than other therapods; they are meant to cut and eat someone while still alive and in the middle of a chase until the animal kicks the bucket and the beast can finish it off.
   You can see that these predators still have considerable hands, unlike T-Rex; that's because their skulls have lesser biting force and far greater cutting force.
   "... great... so what will you do with this one?" Sirin asked as she rolled her eyes at his nerding out. He was far too tame when it came to Permian and Carboniferous animals, but now he reminds her of a small child in a zoo for the first time.
   "Pet it, of course!" Marcus used his interface to open the container, making the Knight handler facepalm. 
   Erina instinctually apologised for breaking the rules again, this time in the docks and not the train platform.
   When the Allosaur emerged from the container, the beast smelled the surroundings. Eventually, it noticed the puny humans.
   Instead of roaring or anything, it took a step back, turned around and started to run...
   "..."
   "..."
   "..."
   "..."
   "Sirin, why is my dinosaur is afraid of us?" 
   "... that's..." For a second, she was confused, too, but then she remembered that this one could be the traumatised one.
   "Maybe it's the one which the maids traumatised." She considered.
   "...Right..."
   Marcus took a step and appeared in front of the therapod. The dino pulled his 'handbrakes' as he saw the monster before him.
   It took a turn and went in a different direction.
   "I am impressed by his running speed. It's around 50 kilometres." The inventor nodded in happiness. At such a speed, he could use this guy as his mount and use it on the streets!
   He then used his psionic powers, which made the animals float in the air. But this is when Marcus realised that the beast had given up; the dino had already experienced this. Marcus realised that his maids had traumatised the poor predator.
   It was horrible...
   With that in mind, the inventor appeared before the Allosaurus and pated the apex predator of the Jurassic Period.
   "There- There." He patted the scally head.
   Then, he used his psionic powers to 'mould' the dinosaur's mind.
   After that, he placed it back in his container as the theropod was getting cold and breathless, with a lack of oxygen, and the temperature was too low for him.
   "I wasn't expecting to get this specific one." Sirin was surprised at how crazy this dinosaur's luck was! 
   "How many did you collect?" Marcus reappeared next to her.
   "Well, enough to have a healthy population." She explained to him.
   "Twenty of each should leave enough gene pool for a healthy population," the Herrscher clarified as she looked at the beast being taken to the storage floors.
   "I see. Are the observations complete?" He inquired about the habitats and general behaviour patterns.
   "Yes, you can study Allosaurus, Stegosaurus, Tarvosaurus, Megalosaurus, and Ceratosaurus... the very top ones of the bingo book arrived with me." The girl explained, her tone getting prouder of her accomplishments.
   "Very impressive." 
   Marcus nodded with a satisfied look. His Herrscher performed perfectly.
   He then took her hand.
   "Come, we need to catch up." The inventor didn't ask for her reply as he took her towards the living quarters. There are many suites there. He can take his time to 'question' her!
   ~~~
   "Hmph!"
   Sirin crossed her arms as she was sitting on Marcus' lap. The girl looked away with a pouty look.
   "What is it?" He asked her as he found her pouting cute.
   "Nothing."
   "Hmph!"
   She puffed some more, but this time around, Marcus poked her cheek.
   "Tell me, what is bothering my Queen?" He asked with an amused tone.
   "What bothering!? Why does that girl have a ring!?" She asked him with an angry pout.
   "Oh? You want to marry me?" he asked in a curious tone, making Sirin's mouth open wide and then close. She didn't expect that!
   "W-Wife!? N-No w-w-way!" She pulled herself a little bit away.
   "What? You just asked me about the ring, and I answered. We can start practising being a 'proper couple'." His hand squeezed her thighs.
   The more he spoke, the more embarrassed she was. The guy continuously attacked her when her defence was shaken, making her flustered look get deeper and deeper.
   "H-Hold it! I-I-I didn't agree to that." The girl is pulling back. She is not ready to be Ms. Goldman! 
   "Hmm? But you are jealous of the ring. I can't just give you a ring and be done with that. There has to be a meaning behind it." Marcus played 'dumbly' as he didn't want this game to end just yet.
   "I-Is that so?" She slightly lowered her tsundere attitude.
   "Then... *Hmph!* I can accept a position similar to that of Goddess Athena! I can accept being your Fiance!" She said that with a 'tough' front while fighting her embarrassment.
   It was extremely cute to the Inventor, who couldn't stop smiling.
   "Hehehe, sure thing." He mentally accessed the closest Assembly line, which was the wardrobe, and ordered them to make him a golden ring.
   A short moment later, the ring box floated to his hand, and the Herrscher's eyes widened as she saw it. The girl immediately looked like a scaredy cat.
   "W-Wait! You can't justttt." She was trying to run away, but Marcus' hold was supernatural, like steel pincers holding her in place.
   "What do you mean? You want it, so you get it~" He chuckled as the ring box opened, and the ring floated out and started to spin.
   Sirin looked like she had just seen her judgement day.
   "I-I agreed, but you don't just do it like that!" She started to complain with raised voice.
   "Then organise your thoughts properly~" He teased her, as psionic force raised her left hand and the ring slipped on her ring finger.
   She slightly teared up, seeing this happen like that.
   "Ugh!!!" 
   The girl snapped, and her other hand moved to his wrist and started to squeeze with long nails.
   "Hehehe, you can't escape my hold. Now that I know what you want, we can start with our wedding arrangments~~~."
   "Noooo! Hold it!!!"
   Marcus continued to tease Sirin, whose heart was not ready for the next big 'thing'. It was hilarious how pure the girl is when it comes to all that stuff.
   Regardless, after getting over the 'horror' of a possible wedding, the girl had a silly look on her face when she realised that she had an engagement ring.
   ~~~
   "My lady..." 
   "What is it, Hisako?" Erina asked her assistant as she saw how nervous she was. 
   "...Marcus Goldman... how close are you two?" The girl asked the Heiress as she saw the ring on her finger... specifically on her left ring finger.
   "Close?" For a second, she pondered before elaborating.
   "You could say we are close. It was foolish to believe that we could expect some sort of return to normalcy, Hisako." The cherry blonde explained to the assistant.
   "...But..."
   "What? You assume that once we are back from this trip, we can continue like nothing happened?" 
   "...No, I mean..." 
   "No, it's impossible to escape or even try to return to how it was before. You do understand that this experience changed us beyond recognition." 
   "...I understand...but..." The girl tried to work in a way that prevented her from losing her head by accident.
   "But what?" Erina rolled her eyes.
   "For normal people, he is far too- developed?" The purple-haired girl tried to word it as nicely as possible.
   "Hmm, I thought the same thing at first, but after a while, I understood that he is simply dedicated to his craft, just as we are to ours."
   "...I am certain that there is more to that." Hisako showed a strained smile as she found it hard to believe.
   "I have been with him for over three weeks. I know what I see." Erina slightly narrowed her eyes while saying that.
   Hisako swiftly raised her hands as if she was giving up.
   "If you say, Erina-sama. You know it better than I do!" 
   "You better. I don't want my assistant to have a misconception of what my Marcus is."
   'Did she just say 'my Marcus'?' Internally, Hisako's mouth opened in disbelief.
   She recalled what Sirin said about his ability to seduce females.
   "I understand." 
   "Good. For now, let's forget about this. Show me what you learned while you were in Jurassic period with those maids."
   The assistant snapped out and slightly smiled.
   "You should try out Stegosaurus ribs!"
   "Sounds interesting. Barbeque is something Marcus likes as well."
   The smile disappeared from Hisako's lips as she started to realise that her lady was obsessed with the Inventor...
   "...Yes, he would." 
   The girl joined her Lady. He decided to watch her over and try to mitigate the obsession levels. She needs a new hobby or something! Maybe the data banks have some manga for her to read? That could help!
   ~~~
   Marcus stroked Sirin's back as the girl hugged him closely. The pair needed to 'catch up', so the inventor made sure his little darling Queen got all the love she needed.
   After a fulfilling several hours, the pair ended up in his bed.
   Since she doesn't want him to go, he decides to check what data she brought over from the Jurassic Period.
   According to Aurora and Sirin, the maids transformed into strange uniforms similar to Herrscher's suits when the fight got heated.
   The AI extracted the logs from the Triangle devices.
   Now, Marcus is reading through the data.
   'It appears the devices responded to the need for power. Jeanne wanted to face Hippolyta, and the redhead was a Minor Goddess. The leap in power was immense. Jeanne's raw power went from around mid-class right to the Ultimate in an instant.
   The suits were not designed to unleash huge amounts of raw power. 
   Unless special apps are installed, like what I did with Sirin's suit. 
   But it would seem the suit's AI adapted to the requirements and released energy through the nanites, creating an equivalent to Herrscher state.
   Wait...'
   Marcus' eyes widened slightly. Through the nanites in the body, the suit can read memories and desires what the wielder needs!
   'That means Jeanne saw Sirin's suit could do, and the other suits created their variants to counter. Since Jeanne's power needed to increase by several leagues, a Herrscher equivalent is possible.'
   The inventor smiled slightly as he realised what this meant. His devices are opening doors to incredible new plateaus!
   The suit-up could be equivalent to the Power Ranger dress-up, so they need mechs or versions of Zoids.
   Or maybe like Shikai and Bankai from Bleach... something like that.
   With a smirk, he went through the logs to find out what he wanted. He then checked where his devices were.
   All of them are within the range of his Aurora Network, which is great. That means he can install the 2.0 software to improve and provide proper measuring.
   But first, he used the Network to access Jeanne's device.
   'Hohoho... I knew it!'
   He found logs that indicate exactly what he thought. The power-up is based on specific memory. The girls knew the suit was very strong, so they tried to access it. Since they saw Sirin use it, they tried to access something similar.
   So how to do? They subconsciously based a transformation based on Herrscher's suit.
   'So let's make it something official.'
   Marcus mentally proceeded to fill up an extension to the OS.
   Not only that, but he added a sub-extension. The suit will continue to gather data, so he will create an evolution magic circle based on the data he gathered from all the trips. In other words, the suits will have hundreds of millions of years of evolution to base the power-up.
   Once done, he pressed execute, and all the devices for a second turned off and rebooted. No one even noticed, as the suits don't just turn off. There are procedures to it, so a simple OS restart only lasts a couple of seconds.
   "Hmph! I thought you wanted to cuddle. Why are you programming?" Sirin's pouting voice brought him from his smirking.
   "I just boosted the suits."
   "Hmm, fine. But are you done?"
   "Yep~"
   Marcus dismissed the windows as he went back to cuddling his darling Queen.
   ~~~
   Meanwhile, the Klaxosaurians, empowered by the Nanites, rushed through the city, slaughtered all the opposition, and collected extra followers. Their strength was supernatural, enough to make people believe in the Great Observer and the God Emperor.
   Just like that, in a single evening, the rebellion exploded, and the Emperor who ruled from the Palace was captured and brought before the Great Priest, who recovered his youth fight before everyone.
   "You stand in the path of Great Observer. He requested us to unite the world against the great threat."
   Great Priest Dalulu said in a deep voice. His voice became much more magnetic, and he could pull in people. The Emperor, who had known the Great Priest all his life, needed to do a double take as he could not believe that this man was the same old man who controlled the rites and marriage ceremonies.
   "Dalulu... what happened?" 
   "The Great Observer descended! Showing our doomed future, he asked us to join him if we wanted to overcome it. We agreed, and he shared his power. As you can see, I regained my youth, and my power is beyond simple people!"
   The Emperor was blown away as the priest spoke in a fanatical voice.
   What the hell!?
   Are the myths and stories about the Observers real? Is the Monolith of Knowledge real, too!?
   It is said that their people became smart because the ancient villages were built around it, but this didn't last. As the fighting for its control spiralled out of control, and the area became inhospitable for living, their ancestors had to leave. Because of that, the Great Observers left them without their guidance.
   But if it's true... that one of the Great Observers gave them a second chance...
   "If it's true... then it's only natural my Empire will join! There is no need for mindless slaughter, Dalulu!"
   "Emperor Bakalu, all heretics have to be killed. We can't have dissidents!"
   The Great Priest walked over and pressed his finger on his forehead, and the images of what he saw were transferred to the Emperor.
   The Ruler's eyes bulged out as he set a series of images. What he saw was their future, followed by who the Great Observers were, the golden figure that visited them, and the deal they had.
   At that moment, the nanites from Dalulu spread out to Bakalu.
   Slowly, the Emperor felt the power of 'Divine' appear in him.
   'T-This is!?' 
   The Klaxosaurian was in complete disbelief as he felt this 'power' surge in his body.
   "You saw it, didn't you? We have a divine mission to protect our people from the monsters from the beyond the stars." 
   The Emperor dumbly nodded before snapping out of his shock and becoming serious.
   "You are right! We can't allow these monsters to succeed. We shall protect our people, and the future we see shall be averted! Mark my words!"
   Sure enough, the Emperor, with his new-found power and the complete help of the followers of the Great Observers, was able to purge the heretics and enemies of the Royal Family.
   The Emperor Bakalu's grip on his Empire was unshakable after all that.
   A day of cleaning up followed after a day of fighting as the followers gathered in the main Grand Temple's Hall.
   "Oh Great God, Emperor, we have gathered here to humbly ask for guidance. How should we progress after consolidating our strength?"
   The Emperor and his followers were still sceptical as the Grand Priest bowed alongside the zealots. While the power was incredible, the Priest could have gained it from somewhere else.
   But then a crushing presence descended, and the next second, a golden ball of energy exploded and became an armoured man with wings.
   When the Emperor saw it, he collapsed on his knees, followed by his family and his followers.
   It was an unbelievable sight for him.
   "Begin mobilising your troops. I shall bless all your soldiers." After saying that, the being disappeared, followed by his crushing presence.
   The newcomers gasped as sweat was rolling from their foreheads.
   'S-So this is the God Emperor! The Greatest Observer of them all!'
   The man slowly stood up, his hands continuing to shake from the realisation of what he had just met.
   "You heard our God-Emperor! Send a word to mobilise! We shall bath the world in our enemy's blood!"
   The man snapped out of his shock as he barked out the command.
   ~~~
   Marcus observed the world from the observation deck. He watched the Klaxosaurians gather from small towns and villages toward a single place outside the capital city.
   "I am dissapointed that I missed such a chance to see a civilisation being born," Sirin said to him as she walked over with crossed arms.
   "Since when do you care about civilisations?" He asked with a joking tone.
   "I may despise humanity, but this is different!" The girl huffed at him while looking away.
   *Snort*
   "After observing life for more than 200 million years, I can tell you with certainty that humanity and Klaxosaurians are almost identical. They have different ancestors and developed at different times, but they are nearly identical. They are a biological life, and even a self-aware one, is still driven by two factors.
   Just like any life, they are driven by food and preservation through procreation."
   "...you saying humanity is all about food and... sex?" She looked both disgusted and embarrassed.
   "There is no need to be disgusted. I don't mind such a truth. My faction is built on the fact that I was afraid to die. Thus, my desire for ever-lasting monuments.
   Even you, when I brought you over, why didn't you run away?" 
   For a second, Sirin was surprised at how casually he admitted his childhood trauma... but then she got annoyed when he mentioned the fact about her.
   "...Isn't it obvious? You were far more dangerous than anything I had met before. How could I leave!?" She huffed with an annoying look.
   "Indeed, thats life preservation, and as a woman, you decided to embrace your nature and join my faction to preserve your life and continuous existence.
   It's basic biological preservation.
   You can observe the intricacies of biological life far better when it's self-aware, like these Klaxosaurians.
   Just look at all those layers they have to hide basic biological life needs.
   You have vanity projects to worship gods, us, as they believe that we will assist in their desire to improve and protect their lives."
   He scoffed at such a thing.
   "Do you see familiarities between humanity and these Klaxosaurians? How 'selfish' they are?" He smirked while saying that.
   That smirk made Sirin pout at him.
   "I get it. There is no need to mock my 'hatred'." She rolled her eyes before reflecting on what he had just said.
   "...I would prefer you didn't tell me how simple we are..." The girl sighed with resignation. Now, she sounds like a simple one-cell organism who only cares about self-preservation and procreation.
   "Hah. The only difference between simple and complex is self-awareness. Do you realise that creating something self-aware is extremely difficult? I know that quite well." He shook his head while saying that. It's quite sad how Sirin doesn't understand such a thing.
   "...Don't look at me like I am dumb! Okay? I understand well enough! It's that my pride doesn't allow me to accept such mundane things!" The girl looked annoyed for a second before deciding to brush the whole thing aside and instead talk about things before her.
   "So what is going on?" Her gaze went down on the world below.
   "This?" He motioned with his gaze.
   She nodded at him.
   "World domination." He said with a small smirk.
   "Imagine conquering the whole planet in a medieval-like era. The amount of time we will have for technological advancement will be considerable until the date of modern ages, " he said with crossed arms.
   "...and the reason for that?" She asked with a confused look.
   "Alien vampires who eat souls will be invading in modern ages." 
   "..." Sirin looked seriously at him. She wondered if he was making this up, as enemies like that sounded as farfetched as one could get.
   "What? Your world was invaded by non-living materials which want to erase humanity according to society's technological levels. Do you think soul-eating vampire-like creatures sound absurd?" He asked with a raised eyebrow.
   "...true..." she sighed.
   The pair continued to look, but mobilising like this would take days to weeks, so they used Time slips to accelerate events.
   Not long over eighty thousand strong have gathered. 
   'Cretaceous don't have that much landmass, so these numbers are not bad, though one of the first things I should teach them is better boat-building methods. Supremacy over water is important.' 
   Marcus continued to watch the whole thing. He saw the Emperor sharing 'the truth' with his top vassals, and they shared it with their men, and so on. Not long after, the whole army had his nanites. 
   Still, he decided to 'reveal' himself at a critical time, as world conquest is hard, considering opposing factions will join together.
   "I do wonder how far they will go." The Herrscher asked him in a curious tone. Part of her was amused to watch this. Her Queen complex is getting stroked, watching 'mortals' struggle and trying to impress them...
   Marcus simply smiled as he realised she was amused by all of this.
   "With nanites in their bodies, they could fight armies three to five times their size, and that's when they have a bad tactical advantage." He said it with crossed arms as he used time to slip into the first fight.
   "...You gave them nanites? Then this is over." The girl realised this would be boring; she wanted them to struggle.
   "I wouldn't be that sure. You tried world conquest yourself. You know better."
   "I tried to destroy, not conquer. But I see your point. Do you know the political landscape of this society?" She asked him.
   "Aurora, show us the Political map."
   [Displaying borders according to the data I have gathered.]
   The map appeared in front of them.
   "This is only a local area!" Sirin complained to him.
   "Well, yeah, do you think they have GPS or the Internet to know what is happening in other continents? Considering they are only three continent species." He shrugged at her with an amused look.
   "...So then this is easy. They will conquer one continent. The other two could have different cultural values and technological advancements." 
   "True, but I expect some competition." He said with a small smirk.
   "Competition?"
   "Well, yeah. Other empires do believe in me as well." Marcus reminded her that his religion is a continent-size thing.
   "You think after fighting a couple of times, they will conclude that you are helping?" The girl asked with a sceptical frown.
   "No, I made Assimilator visible. It's only a matter of time before I am a global phenomenon."
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   'I should come with a global system to pick up 'preyers' and stuff.'
   The inventor started to ponder a system. He got a couple of ideas based on a global barrier system. Considering he has a barrier around the whole planet thanks to his Assimilator, he can terraform with it. Making it pick up something like prayer and getting energy out of it is easier than other options.
   "...Hah... so you are not putting all the eggs in one basket." 
   "Indeed. If this empire fails, there are others." He shrugged.
   "And here I thought you are playing for one team." 
   "I am more of a sports guy overall. I don't root for one team in general but the whole sport. If one team fails, the others win, " he clarified to her.
   Sirin snorted when she heard that.
   "If you say so."
   But then she realised how much it tells her about his personality. The guy would rather create a pantheon to believe in instead of believing in already established beliefs.
   "What? You don't believe me?" He asked with a frown.
   "No, I do. I am surprised you are interested in something you didn't create yourself."
   "Hmm, 'interested' is a strong word. I would say I am casual when it comes to such a thing. I do turn on TV when there is World Cup finals or NBA final game." He said while stroking his chin.
   "Sounds about right. So what do we do after the continent is taken over? You will help with the navy?" She asked him as her eyes were on the map of the world. There is a lot of water on this Earth.
   "Yes, well, a strong navy is necessary for this type of world. I will expand on it. I already have a 'research tree' prepared for the Klaxosaurians." He nodded at her, and a bright smile appeared.
   'I have this feeling that he is treating this like a video game.' The girl was slightly concerned but then shrugged it aside, not caring after her initial realisation. Like he said, if they were close to humanity, then there is no need to care.
   "Right... as long as you are having your fun." She slightly smiled back.
   "Don't worry about me~." He pulled her closer as he returned to look at the approaching conflict. He wanted to see how well his nanites would work.
   This world is quite a great place for experiments. Social tests when exposed to 'divine' or superior beings, test runs for his nanites, cultural observations and stuff like that.
   'I should observe more primitive societies.' Marcus slightly smiled as he got several ideas of what he could do in such worlds.
   But first, he needs to consolidate in this world.
   ~~~
   For More advanced chapters (+10 chapters, 50k words) my pat: pat reon.com/DragonsFics
  
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   Chapter 113: Bismarck and Belfast Awakening
   10
   Thousands of leather and steel armoured Klaxosaurians were moving towards to face another large group of similarly equipped blue-skinned people.
   The armies lined up in their respectful formations. The Emperor Bakalu was riding his trusty mount. A domesticated distant member of the Hadrosaurae family.
   The animal was similar to the duck-like mouth reptile, which runs on strong hind legs. It is quite a different kind of animal compared to the horses Marcus is used to seeing in medieval movies.
   Regardless, the first conflict is about to start, and the Inventor wants to give his followers a 'boost' in morale.
   To do that, he 'descended' on the side of his army.
   Supernatural pressure descended on the gathered armies. Men had a hard time breathing; a golden burst of light condensed into an 'Avatar' of a golden armoured being with wings.
   The being pointed his hand at the enemy.
   "T-Thats a Great Observer!" The opposing soldiers looked like they were in the wrong place and at the wrong time! Like hell, they could face a 'deity' of all things!
   Some of them had already dropped to their knees and started to beg.
   "Oh, Great Observer, mercy!" 
   But at that moment, a beam of light erased the core of the army, creating a tunnel to the opposing Emperor and erasing the whole command structure and hierarchy.
   With a single move, Marcus made sure his minions won the opening fight.
   As this happened, the soldiers and the nobility on his side stared at Marcus's huge form in disbelief at his power.
   They have never seen anything like this! They were certain he was their size, but this time around, he was like some sort of titan animal they heard about from distant lands.
   Marcus' avatar turned around and looked at his minions.
   He pointed his palm at them, and golden light surged at them.
   At that moment, the soldiers didn't see, but nanites surged from the ones who had into the ones who did not, spreading through the whole army.
   With this, he had enough of a bedrock to infect the whole race.
   "This is my last free help. If you wish to ask for more, you will need to offer me things in return." After saying that, he burst into golden particles and disappeared. The soldiers and nobility, by this point, were on their knees, worshipping their God-Emperor.
   4
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   "What should we do, your Majesty?" The nobles looked perplexed. After seeing what he could do, they had high hopes, and their fear of the 'divine' was slowly starting to overtake them.
   "We must discuss once we consolidate our new lands." The Emperor slowly nodded as he was thinking about what kind of exchange they could offer to their Deity.
   ~~~
   "You will take blood sacrifices?" Sirin asked with a baffled tone.
   "I don't think so. Not Marcus style." Erina replied as she watched the whole thing as well.
   The Herrscher looked at the chef girl as she swirled the ring around her finger. Her jealousy is somewhat satiated. 
   "I guess it's a pointless loss of resources."
   "Indeed. Considering he would lose time resurrecting the said person." Erina said with a confident voice.
   'Damn this girl, how certain is she with his actions!?' Sirin realised that Erina understood him better than she did! 
   When Marcus opened his eyes and turned around, he saw the pair gazing at each other like predators about to face off in territorial battles.
   "I would say they could give me stuff, like weapons and stuff; I could store them in my vault, " he said with a shrug.
   "Maybe some talented people I could use in my S.P.B.A."
   "You want outsiders for your Knights?" Sirin almost gasped when she heard that.
   "Not directly per se. But more people for the leader pools. I could 'recycle' them after using them." He said with a considered voice.
   As Marcus has a complete understanding of how the life cycle works, he could easily reincarnate the 'used' material. 
   "...Right... you do control the afterlife, but that's in your homeworld; in here, I doubt it even exists," Sirin recalled the war's purpose when she awoke.
   "Well, then let's make an afterlife." He said without beating around the bush.
   "...Sure."
   'I can't believe we had a conversation to decide the afterlife like that.' The girl slightly groaned internally. Part of her misses how simple her life was before this... all she ever did was destroy stuff. Nothing as crazy as this.
   "Anyway, for a couple of days, there won't be anything to do, so we can relax and make some improvements... oh, and wait for an awakening of Bismarck and Belfast." 
   "... more girls?" Sirin, for a second, narrowed her eyes. Her territorial tendencies are getting stronger with a ring around her finger.
   "Indeed. Artemis needs a maid, and Bismarck is a flagship of a navy, so she has commander traits."
   "...Wait... a maid warship?" The Herrscher needed to double-take what she had just heard.
   "Yep. British Navy."
   "...What does that have to do with anything?" Not understanding his reply, she asked.
   But all Marcus did, he simply shrugged. He won't question his Gatcha Gods on their decisions. He is a simple man who loves his waifus.
   "...You should listen less to your video games..." Sirin already knew why he shrugged like that!
   "Can't do. You are here because of those very same reasons." 
   "..." The white-haired girl sighed, and she gave up. She appears to be trying to balance him out, as his fiance is a hopeless affair. 
   'Now that I think about it... the chef girl doesn't even try... ' The Herrscher looked at the girl beside her. Erina didn't raise a single opinion against him making more females.
   "Anyway, I will be doing some work. You have your assistant back, so you two can keep your company." Marcus said to Erina.
   But Erina slightly pouted at him this time around.
   "But I want to spend some time with you." 
   "Then come to see me around dinner in a couple of hours." He quickly adjusted after seeing that pout.
   "I will, don't worry." Her pout quickly disappeared when she heard his quick reply.
   'Hmm...' the white-haired girl observed the whole thing with an interested look.
   'It appears her tactic is very precise, almost like cooking.' The girl recalled this as she compared it to the times when Raiden Mei used to cook.
   The girl would allow Marcus to say what he wanted to say, and then she would attack with precise and 'powerful' strikes.
   The group spread out to do their things. Erina went to improve her cooking alongside Hisako, while Sirin decided to do her research as she had joined an 'elite' group of Marcus finances.
   Now, she needs to 'consolidate' her power and find out what her true advantage is in all of this. Athena is an intellectual, Erina is an incredible chef, and Marcus has great chemistry with her. Sirin's advantage is her status as one of his creations. But it's not as solid as one could get, as he can replace her with another creation.
   What she could work on is chemistry between them and maybe learn how to cook.
   'To become the Queen of his family... yes, that could do it.' For a second, she had a wicked smile as she walked to her suite. 
   ~~~
   Marcus looked at the holograms in front of him. The synthesised memories were done and are being uploaded to Bismarck and Belfast. 
   His two new Ship Girls are about to awaken in the prehistoric world of Cretaceous Earth.
   He would never consider any of this a while ago. Figuring out resonance and gravity are two of his greatest discoveries. They were like the taming of fire or lightning for humanity.
   For Marcus, it was stepping into the plateau of arcane, commanding fundamental forces of the universe. Miracle stuff, and now he is making waifus in the dinosaur era.
   'Honestly...'
   He took a deep breath and calmed himself. He is about to meet his favourite maid and a hot blonde commander-his first blonde creation!
   "How is it looking, Aurora?" 
   [Everything looks stable, sir. The synthesised memories of the maids took a while to acquire, but the triangle suit devices had all the memories needed for a perfect maid.]
   Belfast will be the most unique creation so far, considering she would have synthesised memories of all the maids, including Grayfia.
   With so many memories of cleaning, maintaining, cooking, and etiquette, the ship girl will be in a league of her own.
   Marcus wanted to put it to the test. He also needs to improve his creation arts, especially since his understanding of biology has improved to... insane levels now.
   He has close to 300 million years of biological evolution studies, from animal adaptation to how animals fill up ecological niches, all of which go to his future creations.
   'Well, I need to consolidate that experience in some form...'
   The inventor realised that he now had a 'huge library'. Accessing all that data could be annoying, as he would need to sort it out with his AI help.
   So why not...
   'Make something like an evolution index?' 
   'Streamline it? Make it into a magic circle for easier use?' 
   As he accessed all the data and started to spread it throughout the workshop, an idea popped into his mind. He then started sorting all of it like pages of a book.
   [Sir... what are you trying to do?]
   The AI sounded confused.
   "Index... something like master control based on all the data I have on evolution. Using Lilith's power as a bedrock, I can make it into a magic circle, allowing a simple control over controlled evolution." 
   [That would severely simplify biological evolution.]
   The AI realised what this would mean.
   "Yes. Imagine all the machine nerds throwing a hissy fit that their machine fetish is no longer supreme. They used to complain so much in strategy games that machines are superior to organics because organic evolution is slow.
   Now, I can easily show them the middle finger by casting this circle." Marcus smirked while his fingers were moving through paragraphs of data.
   [Sir... did they beat you in a multiplayer game?]
   "...We don't talk about that Aurora."
   [...]
   The AI realised that it was a sour spot for him.
   A while later, Erina invaded his workshop as it was time for food. For now, Marcus had to take a break. After that, he ordered some upgrades for the warship in the Golden Armoury. Since that place is outside space and time, the work was instantaneous for people outside the armoury.
   'Honestly, I should have placed an Assembly Line inside the armoury. But, the linkage would be a hassle to figure out.
   It would work as a weak point as well. I don't want people to figure out a frequency to access the armoury.'
   The inventor weighed the pros and cons of a constant link between the Golden Armoury and the outside world.
   'Yeah, I will keep it like this since the exact location of Golden Armoury is in a data centre.' 
   Marcus realised that if someone figures out the frequency and enters it, they could exit on the other side as well, meaning they would appear in the heart of Technocracy...
   'I need to upgrade the security of that too...'
   Although bypassing layers of barriers with resonance is not the easiest thing to do, he considers that an easier method than attacking his barriers directly around his country.
   With the discovery of a new 'loophole' in his security, Marcus left a note on his console before moving to Bio-chambers, where two girls were floating inside the liquid.
   The first one to comment was Sirin, who was already there when the inventor entered the room.
   "So that's Bismarck and Belfast." Sirin looked at them with crossed arms.
   "I am surprised that you made a blonde." She joked as the girl noticed blonde hair on one of the ship girls.
   "A call back to German roots from Norse and their Vikings who loved blonde hair," Marcus explained to her.
   "...I thought it was a random choice... but you put some thought into it." The Herrscher was surprised to hear that.
   As the pair were talking, Tirpitz and Enterprise walked in and looked at the pair of girls.
   Their eyes slightly sparkled as they saw more of their 'kin'. With these two girls, their numbers will double!
   Tirpitz quickly found her older sister, as she simply knew! Yes! There is a special feeling there.
   "You can feel it, right?" 
   "...Yes. there is this feeling in me." The Queen of North nodded her head.
   "That's because your ships are nearly identical. I took the liberty to upgrade them before these two will awaken."
   "...Upgrade?" Enterprise looked interested.
   "Yep, the warships have the latest advancements installed."
   "...How?" The Carrier girl asked with disbelief. When? How? She didn't sense a thing!
   "I requested them to be pulled out in our new base outside the flow of time. The nanite-based assembly lines are installed, including time engines, Bifrost, and diamond heart engines."
   "...Admiral..." Enterprise, for a second, had no idea how to react to that! Her carrier ship can now fly through space and time!
   "Isn't it too much?" Sirin looked perplexed by giving that much power to girls again!
   "Not at all. These are my creations, unlike those..." He looked away with a frown. His opinion of 'outsider' girls has dropped considerably.
   Erina, who listened to this, slightly frowned internally. It appears she needs to improve his opinion of outsiders; otherwise, her homeland can suffer when they return.
   "Admiral, we won't disappoint you!" Enterprise clenched her fist as she wondered where she could blow up her Admiral's enemies to prove that his decision to upgrade her warship was the right move.
   "I know you won't. It's not part of your design." He smirked before looking at the two girls floating in liquid.
   He snapped his fingers, and the pair opened their eyes for the first time.
   Tirpitz's eyes trembled as she could finally meet her older sister in this form! It was one of the first things she wanted to do when she learned that Marcus had Bismarck's wreckage.
   As the water was drained out, the glass container opened, and the pair of girls ended up standing with their naked feet on the cold floor.
   The pair had extremely long hair, and Marcus was already itching to cut them like he always did with his creations.
   "Admiral..." 
   1
   "Admiral..." 
   2
   Both of them spoke at the same time. Marcus responded by simply raising his hand, and the pair immediately dried up.
   "Welcome, you two." He took a step forward.
   "Do you know where we are?" He enquired them, as this time around, he packed their brain with quite a bit of information.
   "...yes, I have a general understanding." The blonde warship nodded seriously as she looked at Marcus with an intense gaze. She was 'carving' his image into her memory several times over. The Battleship would only serve one Admiral and this time around, she wouldn't sink just because she had bad odds.
   Not with the powers she is given. No, something like losing a fight is not in her dictionary anymore. 
   "Same as well. Admiral, should I call you Master? Since I am classified as a maid as well?" Belfast curtsy bowed to him before asking.
   It looked quite strange, considering she was naked, but even then, she was extremely professional. The warship had close to a thousand years of maid experience. 
   "Depends on you, Belfast. I answer to both." He shrugged at her.
   "Then I shall call you Master when off fighting duty." The silver-haired ship-girl maid said with a small smile.
   "Fair enough." He then motioned with his hand, and a pair of triangle suit devices floated to their hands.
   "Dress up. I shall give you two a haircut shortly."
   The pair slowly nodded and placed the devices on their considerable assets. Soon enough, they were dressed in their uniforms. Behind them, Marcus looked at the newcomers with an array of emotions.
   Erina and Hisako were especially reeling after seeing Marcus create life right before their eyes. These were proper, functioning individuals with considerable powers. 
   'To think this is how he creates them! It took him no time whatsoever to create them!' Hisako was extremely spooked at how quickly he could create people! It was worthy of Godly status! Didn't Supreme Deities created like this?  
   Sadly, Hisako didn't realise that the soldiers she saw constantly pop up were similarly complex, just like these two girls...
   ~~~
   Marcus looked at Bismarck and Belfast with a small smirk, especially when the maid placed a collar with a chain on her neck.
   The girls looked at him with a strange look.
   "What? It's her style. She dresses how she wants." He complained with crossed arms.
   "I don't think we believe it," Sirin said with a questioning look.
   "You designed her from scratch." She added more to the heat.
   "This represents that I belong to my Master." It didn't help that Belfast proudly told them that she had a collar and that it had a deep meaning.
   "As a Warship and Maid." The girl puffed her impressive chest.
   Bismarck looked at her curiously as well.
   "Since this is the case, should I get one too?" The Battleship questioned loudly.
   "That would not be necessary." Sirin took a step forward as she decided to elaborate.
   "Your uniform already represents that." She motioned towards her impressive black and red uniform, which reminded her of a German uniform from the Second World War.
   "It's nanite and energy-based." She added some more to make sure she didn't question it.
   "...It depends on my Admiral." The blonde didn't give up easily. Her desire to listen to him is far greater than at any time before. As a sunken flagship, she desires redemption.
   "It's fine, Bismarck. Let's get those haircuts." He motioned for them to follow him to the 
   "Understood."
   The crazy show of loyalty made Enterprise and Tirpitz straighten their backs as they were impressed by the Battleship!
   'As expected of my Older sister, her words are like steel!' The other Battleship had stars in her eyes.
   ~~~
   Instead of going to the barracks, Marcus still went to the kitchen area, as it was a tradition for him to have a haircut for the girls in the canteen, even though the barracks on Assimilators were as big as cities with huge facilities for the knights.
   They took around five minutes to arrive at the officer's quarters and the canteen.
   "Take your seats~"
   The inventor motioned them to sit as two chairs and a table floated to make a makeshift barbershop.
   The ship girls didn't question his orders and took their seats. 
   While Marcus walked behind the fridges and into the actual kitchen, seconds later, he had a whole back of hairdresser set.
   "After my initial creations, these hairdressing sets are in every single kitchen across my Technocracy." Marcus proudly said that as he opened the set and took out the tools.
   "You will never know in what kind of vessel I will create another Biological model."
   "Hmph!" Sirin huffed at the back as she took her seat after taking a plate of strawberry cake from a fridge.
   There is no way she will simply watch the whole thing without doing anything.
   She learned this the last time Tirpitz awakened. Back then, she was uncertain of her place in the Technocracy, but now she is much more secure in her position.
   As the white-haired girl was eating her cake, Marcus proceeded to cut Bismarck's hair.
   Erina and Hisako looked closely. They never expected to see the inventor do such a thing by hand, no less. He has so much tech and raw power that he can do this with thought alone, but instead, he is doing it in the most mundane way possible with scissors and a hairbrush.
   The first one to get her hair done was Bismarck. Marcus smiled the whole time he was cutting her hair and making sure her bangs were just the way he wanted them.
   "...He is quite good at this, " the chef girl's assistant commented in a surprised tone.
   "Genetic augmentation. I experienced the same thing." Sirin replied as she took a bite of a cake in a leisurely motion.
   "His genes are altered, and he rapidly adapts to whatever he needs. You can call it his unique power, " the Herrscher explained as she checked her hair. 
   It was too early to get a haircut...
   ...
   ...
   ...
   "Beautiful..." Marcus placed a black hat on Bismarck's head after he was done.
   The blonde battleship had waist-long hair, and the shipgirl stood up from her seat and looked around before looking at her admiral.
   "Many thanks, sir. Is there something I can do to repay all your efforts?" she asked with a straight face. Her words made the chef girls and Sirin blush a little.
   'What's with such blunt wording!?'
   "Y-You! What are you saying?" The white-haired girl snapped out and swiftly stood up. Some cake was on her lips.
   "Are my words confusing?" The Battleship looked confused.
   "The way you worded!"
   "...Sirin..." Marcus pointed at his lips. The girl's eyes widened as she swiftly cleaned herself up with her hand before getting embarrassed.
   "As I was saying, you need to word it better!" The Herrscher repeated herself.
   "...What for?" The warship's confusion only increased.
   "So that people wouldn't get a wrong idea!"
   "...But, my words are simple and direct. There is something that could confuse?" The blonde moved her head to the side.
   "What Mistress is saying to you, Bismarck, is that a girl shouldn't say such things to a man." Belfast clarified as she was elegantly sitting on her chair with closed eyes.
   "A male could get the wrong idea and do things only couples should do." 
   "..." The Battleship looked perplexed for a second before replying with a straight face either way.
   "I do not mind. I was given a female form for a reason. If Admiral wants me as a woman, then I will gladly do my duty." 
   "..."
   Sirin's mouth opened and closed before he looked at Marcus with an annoyed look. It would seem he was being naughty by making females like that!
   But he simply shrugged at her annoyed look. 
   He has not designed her with that intent, but other character behaviour patterns led to such a conclusion.
   "Mistress, you shouldn't look like that to our Master. It's only natural that everyone wants a piece of him." The Light Cruiser spoke in a professional voice, making Sirin's eyebrows tremble.
   'Just because you are a perfect maid doesn't mean you can tell me what to do!'
   "Well, then, Belfast, you are next."
   "I will be in your care, Master." 
   Marcus smiled as he started by cutting excess hair before working on the edges. Like Bismarck, her hair is long, reaching her waist.
   Once done, he worked on her bangs, as Belfast's style was a little bit different.
   "What do you think?" Marcus asked after bringing a mirror in front of her.
   "As long as you like it, I am fine with it." She smiled at him, her smile close to a seductive one. After all, more than 90% of her memories are of Grayfia.
   And the devil maid has a thing for Marcus. So, it's natural that Belfast, who inherited synthesised memories from the devil maid, has a natural attraction towards her creator.
   But even without them, as a warship, she desires to perform better than last time; the echoes of the time when she was a ship are at the forefront of her consciousness...
   "Good~" He smiled as he finished with her hair.
   The maid immediately stood up and straightened herself up. She slightly bowed at Marcus.
   "Many thanks, Master." She softly spoke before her smile morphed into a smirk.
   "I'm ready to repay you in any way you want~ as a maid. I do everything~" Belfast slightly leaned towards him as she wanted to see his expression.
   "W-What are you saying! Right in front of his two fiances!" Sirin popped right in between Belfast and Marcus.
   "And... how is it wrong?" The silver-haired maid asked with a confused look.
   "W-What?"
   "I am his maid and his warship; I was designed to be his, " she said with an obvious look as if asking which part of what she was saying was wrong.
   "...E-Even so! As his Fiance's w-w-we get priority!" Sirin said that while looking at Erina as if wanting her to join her side.
   But Erina didn't move as she knew this was pointless. 
   "Priority for what, exactly?" Belfast looked at her as she wanted to understand what she meant.
   "...D-Do you want me to spell it out for you?" Sirin replied with a growing blush.
   "If Master wants me to be around, he will tell. Everything depends on him, after all." The warship maid explained with a certain voice.
   "Ugh..." The Herrscher trembled as she looked at Marcus with a pouting look.
   "Come now, relax, Darling Queen of mine. Belfast is only teasing you. The more you play into this, the more she is teasing you." Marcus joked as he looked at the blushing Sirin.
   "Hmph!"
   "You better!"
   She pointed her finger at him.
   Belfast slightly smirked when she saw Sirin's reaction. The maid understood what had made this girl a stuttering mess.
   ~~~
   With the new addition to Marcus' group, Belfaste joined Artemis in cleaning, and Tirpitz dragged Bismarck away to show the military and the spaceships.
   Sirin ended up sneaking away to study cooking while Erina and Hisako returned to their testing.
   It only left Enterprise...
   "Admiral, may I stay with you?" the carrier ship asked him with a bashful look. Her right hand was holding her left hand's side as she didn't know where to look after charging into his workshop head first. The girl behaved like a reckless command, charging in first and thinking of a plan second.
   The holograms in the room dimmed as the seat with Marcus turned around and faced her. 
   The Inventor smiled, seeing her being this embarrassed and bashful all of a sudden.
   "What happened, Enterprise, I thought you were with Tirpitz and Bismarck?" Marcus asked her curiously.
   "...Well, I had this feeling that I was a third wheel and was getting in the way of their sisterly bonding moment." The carrier ship explained this while trying to be serious while explaining it to him.
   "Hmm, I see your point. Besides, they are battleships, and you are a carrier ship. I think there is a dynamic there." He nodded at her explanation while thinking that the ship classes have a role to play there.
   "Maybe even the factions which build the ships have to play a part there." The black-haired inventor chipped some extra into his theory.
   "Could be, regardless, what do you think?" She asked him as there was an eager look on her face.
   "Sure. I can't say no to you." He motioned to come over.
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   The silver-haired shipgirl smiled as she walked over to his side. For a second, she thought that she would stand beside him like a sentinel or a bodyguard, but that was naive thinking. The next second, she was on his lap, and his hands held her in place while she was sitting on his lap sideways.
   "...A-Admiral! This is a bad position for you to focus on your work!" Enterprise was all panicky as she sought a way to escape this development!
   "It's fine; I am used to such a position." He smirked at her as he hugged her more, making her behave like a startled deer.
   Eventually, after a little bit of struggling, she stopped.
   "I-If you say so..." 
   "Indeed. Instead, check out my next breakthrough I have been working on." He looked at the layered holographic windows in front of him.
   "This is...DNA? Are you working on more ship girls?" she asked in an uncertain tone. The carrier girl knows that Marcus is well aware that it's not that difficult for him to make more ship girls...
   "No, I am working on more index... no... a Codex of Evolution."
   "....Codex of Evolution? As in library of some sort?" 
   "A definitive magic which controls evolution perfectly. It can be used for any of my technomancy."
   "Didn't you have a de-evolution beam before? I recall that our warships have those." Enterprise didn't see this as a breakthrough.
   "What you know of is an inelegant way of using energy in reverse. The codex of evolution, used as a medium, will allow the conscious de-evolution or further evolution of any life, even a silicon-based one.
   I have more than enough data to impact silicon lifeforms." 
   Her eyes widened as what she saw next made her gulp down.
   "...Y-You can do that!?"
   *Knock*
   At that moment, their time together was interrupted by a knock on the door.
   "Admiral, it's Bismarck. May I have a moment of your time?" 
   The voice of a serious girl reached the ears of the pair.
   "Sure, come in."
   The doors opened, and Marcus' seat once again turned to face the new arrival.
   Bismarck, dressed in a black uniform with a black and red cape and hat, moved in, dropped on one knee, and for a second, the Inventor felt like the Emperor and Bismarck as his enforcer...
   1
   "My younger sister told me that she participated in a war; I request a similar assignment." She said with barely hidden jealousy.
   She completely ignored the blushing Enterprise on his lap.
   "You do know that I don't have something like that at this moment. If I had, you would already be on the front lines." He said with a sigh as he stroked the silver hair of the carrier ship.
   "...Yes, I understand, but we are overseeing the development of lesser species. I am certain I can be useful there." The blonde said with a certain tone.
   "...You wish to do such a grunt work?" He asked with a raised eyebrow. Honestly, she could just order any of the bored knights to slaughter the more barbaric kingdoms and empires.
   He is thinking of cleaning the 'house' of those to ease the consolidation of power. He doesn't want such elements in his future army.
   ~~~
   For More advanced chapters (+10 chapters, 50k words) my pat: pat reon.com/DragonsFics
  
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   Chapter 114: Techno-Merge Evolution
   4
   "I do not mind. Let me show them your might. As your battleship, I was designed to demonstrate the might of my admiral." Bismarck's blue eyes glowed for a second as her mana surged for a short moment.
   "Hmm... since you are that eager, then I do have something." His seat moved when he looked at the rows of layered hologram windows.
   "Aurora, begin compiling my codex." 
   [At once.]
   He then continued speaking with Bismarck, who stood up and stepped forward to stand just right behind him.
   "This will be two birds with one stone. You will be testing out a new power-up." 
   The pair of ship girls perked up when they heard that.
   "...New... power?" Bismarck had a complex look on her face as she needed to be sure. Getting a new power without doing anything is not something she is thrilled about.
   "Yes."
   He then opened his command window, went through the update windows, and proceeded to install a new patch for the Diamond Heart Engines.
   "..."
   "..."
   The pair of girls looked at their chests as they saw the triangle device blink several times.
   "The codex has been installed, and Quantum computers are doing their calculations according to compiled data worth millions of years of evolution." 
   "...Isn't it a bit too much?" Enterprise asked with an uncertain tone as she removed her suit device and checked it out. Nothing changed from whatever update this was...
   "Not at all." He shook his head before he moved the seat to face Bismarck once again.
   "What you will be doing is called 'Bio-Merge Evolution' or, more precisely, the precursor to it."
   "What does this 'Bio-Merge Evolution' mean?" Enterprise asked him as she looked at her suit device.
   "Check the data. It should be uploaded by this point."
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   The pair checked their HUD as they swiftly read through the whole file.
   Bismarck understood the gist of it. The Codex of Evolution is like the 'mixer'; it takes things and merges them, and then, on top of that, it evolves.
   This is not all, as Evolution Codex is getting installed on everything that has Diamond Heart Engine or is connected to it.
   Once enough data is collected, evolution can happen. So, not only do his knights have the ability to adapt rapidly... but they also have the ability to evolve alongside their adaptation.
   Such extra ability to have is simply absurd, if not an overkill.
   "I understand. Shall I depart?" Bismarck finished reading the details and asked him.
   "By all means. I shall observe it as well." 
   "Of course, it will be an honour." She slowly nodded, but her gaze was already far away as the Battleship was thinking about her first assignment.
   ~~~
   It was just another average day when, out of nowhere, the core piece of the 'Divine Throne', as the Klaxosaurians called it, moved to be right above the City of Kurrsa, the Capital of the Almeri people. These people worshipped 'twisted' blood gods.
   Marcus noticed similarities between them and the Aztecs of Central America.
   They even dressed similarly and used obsidian instead of any sort of metal. 
   Quite twisted, one could say that with the reveal of the 'Divine Throne,' the Klaxosaurians would change their ways, but instead, they doubled down on their beliefs, and now more people are dying than necessary.
   So, if Marcus wanted to fix that, he might as well kill the barbarians and let regular tribes continue living on this continent.
   Bismarck understood her mission. 
   Marcus with Enterprise stood beside her before she descended to the world below.
   "Do suit yourself. The planet is still hostile to us." 
   "Yes, that was my intention." Nanites surged and spread out through the rest of her body.
   With a leap, she descended towards the city below her.
   It was a city dominated by stone and obsidian. Marcus is quite fascinated by how much obsidian they are using, considering it a rare material. However, being surrounded by semi-active volcanoes does make the material less rare.
   "Shall we?" He looked at the carrier ship.
   "Yes."
   The pair followed after Bismarck.
   ~~~
   The blonde battleship stopped falling as she was just above the city. People already noticed her as she became visible to the naked eye.
   The blue-skinned sapient dinosaur had a fashion of piercings and was half naked with tattoos doting their bodies. 
   Instead of being shocked or horrified to see one of the Observers, the tribe's men pointed their fingers at her and rushed to get their bows and other primitive projectiles.
   However, they stopped in their tracks when the space behind her rippled, and a twin-headed red and black dragon-like creature made from metal shimmered into existence.
   2
   *Metal Roar*
   1
   The beast roared, making the people below panic, but this was not all. An even bigger shimmer of space appeared behind her, and a much, much larger existence started to manifest.
   An enormous ship casting a huge shadow over the city appeared from thin air.
   1
   Bismarck's hand moved to her chest as she took the triangle suit device and lifted it above her head.
   The device, which had a soft white glow, brightened. As a battleship symbol with a red cross began to draw itself inside the device, a pillar of light erupted from it and rushed into the sky.
   Upon reaching a specific altitude, the light spread out and created a white magic circle, which changed its colour into a red one with a cross. 
   A metallic voice spreads the area, announcing what is about to happen.
   [Techno Merge Evolution!]
   The warship blurred and turned into a swarm of metal, as did the twin-headed dragon, as the two swarms fused and passed through the red circle. 
   A red and dark silver cacoon formed above the circle. It was huge, close to two hundred metres, thanks to Bismarck's size.
   Runes, like blood vessels, appeared throughout the shell of the metal cacoon. Like a beating heart, they blinked several times before massive wings erupted from the cacoon and then shattered completely. The shell pieces dropped on the city below, destroying buildings.
   The size of the cacoon shells easily crushed the stone building, erasing it. The Klaxosaurians had no chance to scream as the weight and force of the fall turned them into a cloud of blood upon impact.
   As barbarians died just from evolution alone, the massive creature revealed itself from the cacoon.
   [IRON LEGION TECHNO DRAGON] metallic voice announced what came out from the cacoon.
   It was a massive dark grey Western dragon made from glossy metal. Its wing span easily covered the entire city as the living machine-like creature opened its mouth and roared for the first time in its life.
   *Deep Metallic Roar*
   The sound of the beast caused the closed people who were lucky enough to survive the falling shells to end up dead as the sound of the roar caused their heads to explode.
   The ones further away lost their hearing or, worst case, passed out.
   "W-What is that thing!?" Enterprise, from a distance, observed the evolution. Her HUD was going haywire.
   [Strength: Unknown]
   [Type: Uknown]
   [Power Output: Unknown]
   "Even Aurora doesn't know!? Isn't that dangerous? " She asked Marcus, who was looking at the metallic creature with the excitement of a small child.
   "Don't worry; the evolution is hard to predict. Let the AI do her initial observation before relying on the data, " he said after snapping out.
   "...Still, it merged with the Battleship, which had Bifrost, Time Engine AND Diamond Heart Engine! That thing could blow up the planet if it gets angry!" 
   "Don't forget it had an M.T.M reactor. With all those factors, the Techno Dragon is a one-of-a-kind creature." He smirked as Bismarck gazed at her 'weapon'. This dragon is part of her, and she is part of the dragon.
   That is why she knew the limits of what the evolved weapon could do.
   "Let's go. We need to cleanse the land of all of these barbarians," the blonde softly said under her breath. With such a powerful asset, she could erase them with minimal effort.
   The dragon's red eyes glowed as its power surged. The body moved, and the dragon's 'scales' moved, charging hundreds of black and red beams, shooting in all directions, blowing up everything in its path.
   In the second flat, the whole city was gone.
   "...There is more; we shall burn other cities, and none of them will survive."
   The blonde floated on the dragon's head before flying away at absurd speed, leaving behind Marcus and Enterprise.
   "...Isn't it... a little bit too much?" Enterprise looked at the sheer scale of destruction with a complex look.
   "It may look like that, but if we didn't stop them now, for the next 200 hundred years, they would have killed millions of Klaxosaurians.
   It's better to remove the disease now instead of allowing it to fester, don't you agree?"
   "...I understand, but what I am saying is that we are using a nuclear bomb to kill a chicken. As a carrier ship, I find it... hard watching how a Battleship is fighting a rowing boat." The silver-haired shipgirl grimaced while saying that.
   1
   "Yeah, I guess, but if Bismarck wanted to do this, I can't say no." He shrugged before flying forward towards the big pyre of smoke.
   ~~~
   [Recalibrations are done, and I can access the data for the new lifeform.]
   Aurora replied to Enterprise and Marcus as they watched Techno Dragon release a breath attack. He considers it the... cosmic breath?
   Is it a mix of time, space, and sheer destruction? The beam erases what the dragon wants and allows the rest to remain. It's a fascinating piece of evolutionary power.
   [Sir... I am confused by what I am reading from it. The engines of the battleship are gone. They became organs. This dragon is a proper living being with organs powerful enough to level objects at a cosmic scale.]
   "...Interesting, the Codex of Evolution worked its wonders."
   [...Sir, I prefer that you allow me to run my calculations first before allowing such dangerous things to happen without precaution.] The AI complained to him.
   "Well, you do have a kill switch if they rampage..." He tried to reason.
   [It depends, sir. They are living beings, and living beings want to live.]
   "And we included all that in our initial calculations regarding temporary evolution." Marcus pointed out.
   [Indeed, but things like these can derail when actual evolution is added into the equation, as warship parts became organs. I didn't consider that.]
   "Hmm, same, but the safety net is that the dragon is linked to Bismarck at a spiritual level, regardless of what it will follow her." 
   [That is precisely why I need to finish my tests before you risk the last safety net.] The AI sharply pointed out, making Marcus grimace for a second.
   Well, he wanted to see Digimon-like evolutions! Okay! One simply can't stop when he is that close!
   "...Right, then continue with your calculation; there won't be any more evolutions before you are done." 
   [Understood, dedicating processing power.]
   The AI focused on its calculations and Realitus simulations while Marcus watched how Techno Dragon continued with the rampage.
   ~~~
   "What is that?" A sailor pointed at the clouds in the distance. A trade ship was moving towards the continent. 
   The sheer chaos the dragon caused made practically everyone notice it. Even on other continents, the explosions and their raw power were felt. The beast was a menace, Marcus' most dangerous creation to date. It's only a single creation-well, a mix of two-but the point stands that it can cause so much chaos on a planet's surface.
   "It feels like a monster is on the loose, " the other commented as the large ship continued to approach. The trade ships are huge, and they use their size to deter large carnivore animals.
   That is why trade only happens with large vessels. No small ships move between continents as they are not safe, and weather is not the only reason for the size of the boat. The majority of animals are carnivorous, like the entire Mosasauriae family, the biggest aquatic predators in the world.
   As the large boat was getting close, a massive blur appeared above the trade city.
   It was a massive metal creature with a large forked tail and glowing red lines for eyes. The beast's surface was like glossy luxury material, yet it was metal, not a gem.
   The flying animal's mouth was full of sharp, saw-like teeth. As it opened its mouth, it released a stream of energy at the city below. The stream of energy was like the night sky; it erased everything in its path.
   "W-What is that thing!!!"
   "L-Look on its back!" The other one pointed his finger.
   The sailors had pure horror on their faces as they saw a person riding this thing!
   "The way it dressed... a Great Observer!?" 
   "Quickly turn around the ship!" The captain descended from its cabin, which looked pale.
   "They can't know we have slaves for the Almeri!" He said with panic. He didn't want to be caught!
   "...But we don't know if Great Observers care about such a thing..." 
   "It doesn't matter! As you can see, they will cease to exist, and I don't want to be on the chopping block! Now turn around!"
   The sailors scrambled to turn around the large boat while the massive dragon in the air gazed at the ship.
   "Relax, they are not our prey. According to the satellites, there are still a couple of cities left for us to burn down," Bismarck said to her dragon.
   Techno Dragon slowly nodded before flying away as it knew where those cities were.
   The ship turned around as the pair flew away and sailed back to their previous port. They needed to tell what they had just seen.
   But at that moment, a pair of armoured beings landed, one of which was a golden one with wings. The sailors who saw this could not believe what they were seeing! The golden one was the God Emperor!
   Next second, a crushing presence descended, and all of them dropped to their knees.
   "Let the wider world know what happens to those who worship fake gods and pretend to represent them. The barbarian Almeri are gone, and those who follow their beliefs will suffer the same fate as that city." The Golden is pointed at a location where a city with a bustling population existed less than 5 minutes ago.
   After saying that, the pair flew away; moments later, the crushing presence was gone.
   The sailors, who were holding their breath, finally were able to breathe. They collapsed on their knees and hands while gazing at the wooden deck with primal fear in their eyes.
   'Their presence alone made me feel like dying!'
   ~~~
   Bismarck looked at her triangle device with fascination, as she could see the red cross symbol with the battleship glowing. With thought alone, the techno-merge evolution was undone, and the dragon in front of her turned into a cloud or more like a swarm of metal. It separated into two and then glowed, reforming the battleship and her twin-headed metal dragon with cannons.
   "So that's how it works..." The girl gazed at her 'weapons' before looking back at the device. She could see it was recharging in some shape or form... or more like adjusting to improve the evolution for the next time.
   "Impressive, so this is the third fundamental force we can control now." The ship girl realised that what she could control was a lesser form of a fundamental force called life. Using time and mana could have accelerated growth in what she just did with the device in her hand.
   With her assignment done, the girl swiftly returned to the Core piece of the Assimilator.
   As she landed in the hangar, she saw Sirin slam into Marcus like a missile.
   "I want one! I wanna, I wanna, I wanna!" The girl was hugging him like a koala.
   3
   'What is with her? That's not how a Fiance of the strongest being should behave...' The Battleship frowned to herself as she slowly walked over to their side. Her clothes shifted into her regular uniform instead of the suit.
   "First, you need to tell me what you want." Marcus sighed, holding the white-haired girl in his hands.
   She immediately looked at Bismarck. "I WANT a dragon! Just like hers! You remember my Benares, don't you?" She said with slightly narrowed eyes.
   "Oh, then you should have said so from the very beginning." 
   "I am doing it now." She said that while looking at him.
   "I guess, fine. It's not like it's difficult." He pulled her closer. The girl smirked as she leaned forward and whispered into his ear.
   "Fantastic, I will make it worth your time~" Sirin whispered with growing blush.
   Marcus chuckled as he noticed how she was becoming naughtier by the day. Being dressed in her Herrscher clothes all the time added to that naughtiness.
   The girl will never admit that. Of course, she will always come with some sort of excuse.
   "Good, then let's go."
   As the group walked deeper into the Assimilator, Sirin remembered something.
   "Wait, before that, let's visit the Observation deck." The white-haired girl looked at Marcus and then at the main lift.
   "Sure, did something happen?" He asked curiously. 
   "You could say that." She looked with a pout at him.
   "...C'mon, I haven't even seen it, and you're already giving me that look." The inventor groaned as he rolled his eyes at her. She was treating it like it was his fault...
   "You will see!" The girl puffed her cheeks as she looked away.
   While she puffed, I liked that it didn't change the fact that he was carrying her the whole time...
   On a short trip to the Observation floor, the Herrscher used her HUD interface to show a familiar city.
   "That's Koria." Marcus immediately knew what city it was.
   "Yes. Look at this." She zoomed in and showed the Royal Palace.
   They could see gathered carriages. Quite a bit of people have gathered.
   "...Are they celebrating the recent victory?" Enterprise asked as she slightly frowned at this.
   Part of her was dissapointed in how quickly these people turn to celebrate a minor achievement.
   "No. It's something else. Look." Sirin zoomed even more, bypassing the walls and showing what was inside.
   They saw nobles and their families, the nobles showing their daughters to the Emperor.
   "...is the prince getting married?" Marcus looked curious for a second. He had not seen the courting culture of this world in action before.
   "No, what you are seeing is a collection of offerings to... you!" She squeezed his cheek with all her might while saying that.
   "...hah?" 
   "Yes! They will gather a hundred maidens and offer to you. I can assume, either to kill themselves or prepare a new temple priestess or something of that kind." The Herrscher explained with a growing annoyance.
   "...Well, that's... something I missed." He said with a small surprise that he had never considered that route. Simply because they were dinosaurs and he was a human, cross-species stuff never popped into his mind.
   "Hmph!"
   "I never considered it. Do you realise that the DNA difference is more than 7%?" he said with an eye roll.
   "As if that will stop you from having your way with them." Sirin huffed at him.
   "True." He didn't hide it. A Blue-skinned, silver-haired girl has an exotic feel to it.
   "See! You can gene-alter them and make them compatible with humans!"
   "Yes, that's the easiest part; the hardest part is finding an interesting one to entertain me." He shrugged at Gene's part. By this point, he didn't even consider it a hurdle. What is the difficult part for him to find a girl who could entertain him? It's one of the reasons why he is making his own waifus.
   Erina is one of the few who are interested in him enough to make her a fiance.
   But the majority... well... boring.
   "...So... you will just accept this madness!?" Sirin narrowed her eyes at him.
   "Rich comming from a Herrscher." He joked about hearing that.
   "Ugh! Not with that again!" The girl smacked her hand into his chest. 
   "I prefer if they don't just start killing them in hoping that their souls will reach my 'throne'." He said with a sigh.
   "Can't you just send them away!?" The white-haired girl hopefully asked him.
   "Well, we do need a link between us and the Klaxosaurians. I could gene alter them to be something like prophets." He considered the routes he could take with this.
   "..."
   "Well, you and other girls could manage them." He extended an olive branch, immediately calming her down.
   "Fine. I will do that. I WILL make sure they behave and know their 'mortal' place." The girl snuffed, but she was serious.
   "Good, but I am not leaving you alone. Others will join you." Marcus knows that if Sirin is left alone, she will turn those poor girls into slaves.
   That is why others will join. He can trust Erina and Athena more when it comes to this.
   "...Fine..." 
   The girl huffed again. It is better if several people are between these sacrificial pawns and Marcus.
   Who knows whatever 'grand idea' he can come up with?
   And so, Marcus 'prototype version of his 'Crystal Palace' started. It's only the beginning, but in the future, his 'harem' of dedicated girls to join a special 'organisation' will become a global and then interstellar phenomenon, where girls around the cosmos want to join his 'Crystal Palace'.
   1
   Where kids used to dream of becoming doctors or policemen, in this case, girls will want to become Marcus Goldman's 'assistants', and guys will want to join the army.
   Marcus dreams of changing...everything is slowly starting to take shape.
   ~~~~~~Kitchen~~~~~~
   "My Lady..." 
   "Yes, I saw it."
   "I am starting to think that he isn't just planning to conquer one world... but all of them..." Hisako said with a small realisation. 
   "You only now noticed that?" The cherry blonde smiled. Her smile was a little bit strained.
   "...Isn't it bad? I mean... that's what a..." she leaned forward and whispered."...villain does." 
   "In a way... yes. But..." The chef girl looked away, gazing at somewhere.
   "In normal people's eyes, we can be classified as the bad guys. But that's because of here and now. All that kill you saw now is like removing an infestation. It is painful, and one will suffer and be bedridden for a while, but then he will recover and be better than ever.
   Same here. That dragon killed a twisted barbarian culture. If he hadn't, then those things would have killed for generations, dwarfing the number of people killed by that dragon.
   We are capable of seeing into the distant future thanks to our time abilities. Normal people can't understand what we see."
   "..."
   The purple-haired assistant simply gazed at Lady. While her face was not expressionless, her eyes were trembling from disbelief. Erina would normally never speak like this. She might have a twisted perception of food, but never of life.
   What she is looking at is a completely different person.
   "...Then..."
   "I am sure Marcus will spread his influence to other continents, allowing his followers to spread worldwide. The distances between continents are not as large as in our times." The Chef girl already brushed aside all those millions of deaths that happened a few moments ago. 
   Instead, she is already looking towards what will happen next.
   "...I see..." 
   'It appears I am the only one with some common sense around here...'  Hisako told herself, but then again, she wondered if it was true. She can control time flow, use her mind to lift things, and even wield magic... none of that sounds normal.
   1
   'Oh, how can I forget I was taught things by the Goddess of Wisdom and received her blessing.'
   The girl realised that she was a hypocrite.
   ~~~~~~Meanwhile, Outside the Flow of Time~~~~~~
   A Daedalus-class support warship left the green clouds of time and entered the Bifrost highway, which rapidly brought them closer to the massive station-like base being constructed.
   Several Assimilators are supporting the mammoth project. Hundreds of thousands of Nanite swarms are building the hull and bridges that will connect the Assimilators into a single massive mother ship. This is Technocracy's secret base. Its purpose is to manage alternative realities and timelines that technocracy will rule one day.
   While not 'the Capital', it is the hub of the military and the storage place for all the stuff Marcus has collected from his trips.
   In a way, this was 'Marcus' secret tree house base', where regular guys collect figurines. Marcus builds a base outside the flow of time and places living dinosaur specimens instead of said figures.
   1
   Because he already has figurines in his room! So he needs something better!
   Regardless, as the place gets assembled, the warship docks away from the rest at an Assimilator. This one is the command tower, where Quinella is with the maids.
   As the warship docked, the ramp lowered, and a group of Royal Guards brought out the maids towards Quinella, who was waiting with three maids.
   "I have heard what four of you did." The Assistant showed a wicked smile.
   "I only wanted to impress Master!" Hippolyta complained. It appears no one wants to hear what she is saying.
   "And how does that translate to you two blowing up nearly an entire continent? Thankfully, we have technomancy in place if you bring the Jurassic period to its end with magma traps erupting in China." 
   "Last time we checked, one of the reasons the Assimilator is there is to learn the precise boundary of the end of Jurassic and the beginning of Cretaceous," Atalanta said with a matter-of-fact tone.
   But all Quinella did was a shrug.
   "Yes, well, you won't be learning it for a while. I will tell you once I learn myself." The assistant showed her a bright smile.
   "...You are enjoying this, aren't you?" Jeanne said after seeing the exchange between them.
   "You have no idea how long I wanted for you girls to flop." The assistant slightly shook her head, acting like she cared about them.
   "Only the best are allowed, my creator. You four failing like this, at such a basic task no less, proves that you don't belong in serving him."
   "...so what now?" Le Fay was more interested in learning what would happen to them. She is thinking of ways to get out of this situation, but for this to happen, she needs to figure out what will happen to her now.
   "You four are in luck. Now that we have an extensive collection of 'items', you all will be maintaining them, like, for example, taking out their dung." Quinella smiled brightly while saying that.
   2
   "..."
   "..."
   "..."
   "..."
   The group of maids looked at her with horror and disbelief. Especially Atalanta! She is a half lion! Her nose is especially sensitive!
   "...But... the handlers...and isn't the process automated!? I am certain Master made it automated!" The Huntress started to panic.
   "For you four, I will flip that switch off, and you will be able to take care of Sauropod dung." The platinum-haired assistant brushed her hair while telling them how big of service she was doing!
   2
   "Sauropods!?"
   The four imagined a mountain of shit left by the long neck Titans... and the handlers giving them regular shovels...
   1
   "Can we discuss this!?" Atalanta almost begged the assistant.
   "Hmm, considering we were Master's ex-favourite pet a while ago, we could arrange something else." Quinella placed her right-hand index finger on her chin while looking at the hangar's ceiling.
   1
   The lioness cringed when she was named his ex... it was more hurtful than expected.
   "I could use your hunter experience and use you like a workhorse." The girl didn't hide her desire to use Atalanta.
   Not that the huntress cared about that. She knew that the moment they did something against Marcus... Quinella will stop pretending to be nice.
   "...As long as I don't need to work with dung." Atalanta grimaced while saying that.
   "Good. Then you will be training the handlers and working with animals that are arriving from the Mesozoic era."
   "...Fine by me. It's what I wanted in the first place." The Huntress showed a confident smile while saying that.
   "Do remember you can't hunt them. They are pieces of collection." The Assistant sharply reminded her.
   "I know."
   "A-And us!? I am a witch! I am good at research! A-And I know magic!" Le Fay took a step forward.
   "I only offered an alternative to Atalanta because she was forcefully involved in the fights, not that you left it midway like Artemis." Quinella slightly narrowed her eyes while saying that.
   "Yes, well, these girls are upstart baby girls, which made my hand itch." Atalanta looked at Le Fay and Jeanne. If not for the suit devices, they would have kissed the ground and eaten primitive grass by force.
   "...Sorry to burst your bubble...senior." Le Fay sarcastically replied with a barely visible mocking smile.
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   "..."
   The Lioness' hand twitched for a second.
   "It appears you little ones need some discipline training. Being spoiled by Marcus was a mistake, it would seem." The platinum-haired assistant looked at them with a dissapointed and slightly angry expression.
   Her pride can't allow such spoiled brats anywhere near her creator. This place doesn't have that much for females with big heads.
   'Why does he even like such annoying girls in the first place? It must be his twisted sadism...'
   Quinella pondered as she motioned for her Integrity Knights to get rid of these troublemakers.
   As the four were taken away, the assistant returned to her command post and continued to observe the incoming data from the Assimilators in different periods.
   "...What in the world..." 
   Her eyes widened when she saw the latest update from Cretaceous Earth, and what she got was mindboggling!
   "To use evolution in such a way... he made Digimons into reality? Or more like the method of evolution." The girl stroked her chin while pondering about the power-ups this could give.
   "It appears he made his Ship girls into his most powerful pieces." 
   The assistant realised that each and every single one of his ship girls had the potential to be destroyers of a multiverse in the sheer power department if she believed the data she was looking at.
   ~~~
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   Chapter 115: Build-up For Invasion
   "To think there is something that a Quantum Computer is struggling to fully calculate." Quinella conteplated the data before her.
   The data concerning Techno Dragon has finally reached the Base outside the Time Flow. What she got were rough estimations of the beast's power.
   However, one thing is certain, and that is the purpose of these monstrosities.
   Marcus' faction's power has reached 'adequate'. She could see the shift in the data. Mass production of soldiers, ships, and gene-alteration of the dinosaurs for weaponisation has begun. In other words, her creator is starting to feel confident in shifting from passiveness to aggressiveness.
   'Well, our technocracy has achieved means for rapid expansion...'
   '...but...'
   The girl pondered how this would happen. Marcus never clarified to her how the conquest would happen. It was always there, a subtle thing in his behaviour patterns. But he never told her or even Aurora... there was no major project, except for Project Eden, which has been altered a bunch of times with constant advances in their Technomancy.
   'I can consider the Mesozoic era worlds as free for all territory grabs, but once we reach worlds with actual sapient lifeforms, will he attack all of them?' The girl was curious how he would act when he was aggressive with his expansion. She is a little bit... excited to see that.
   "But this is impressive..." Her eyes ended up on the stats of the dragon.
   [Iron Legion Techno Dragon]
   [Species: Iron Legion]
   [Type: Silicon-Based Lifeform]
   [Projected Raw Strength: Solar System to Multiversal]
   4
   [Traits: Continuous Growth Perpetual Motion Engine]
   [Fundamental Force Insights: Space, Time, Destruction, Gravity, Life (Evolution)]
   [Extras: Kinetic Energy Absorption]
   "Aurora, what does 'Iron Legion' stand for? Don't tell me Marcus was feeling like it's time for him to pay his respects to Marvel's Iron Man?" The Assistant sarcastically asked the AI with crossed arms.
   1
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   [Incorrect. The term is selected because It will be used on all of the species created via Techno-Merge Evolution of the warships used by Ship girls.]
   "...oh, I see, and other types of evolutions?"
   [Unknown; I haven't received data yet. Once the device is triggered and evolution is initiated, I can begin naming.]
   "...Can't you access and simulate such a thing?" 
   [I can't bypass certain safety nets, Quinella. The suit devices and their Quantum Computers are stored in a different space. All I can do is download and upload data. Only the Supreme Commander has all the clearances and master control over those things. Same with Diamond Heart Engine and Time Engine.]
   "...hoh..." the Assistant looked surprised for a second. It appears he has some precautions.
   'Then again, those things could be dangerous to us if they are to fall to people with different intentions.' Quinella took the triangle devices from her chest and looked at it.
   Even one of these could propel a civilisation into interstellar powerhouse status.
   "So, when can I get an evolution?"
   [Unknown, I am still compiling data.]
   "...Hah... I thought you could easily calculate such a thing..." 
   [I do have very little to work with. The Codex of Evolution is one thing, but predicting all the outcomes is another. My programming doesn't allow half-baked answers, and what is requested of me is almost the same as inventing everything from nothing, with a single direction being the codex.]
   "No need to get offended. I can wait. It's not like I will be charging into battle anytime soon." The Assistant sighed as she looked at the other data she got.
   It appears Marcus is slowly becoming a God-like figure, with the entire civilisation offering their daughters to him. 
   Well, she could use them. If she is to train them, she could have them as actual assistants. Pilling all the 'paper work' to them while she ends up spending more time with her darling creator.
   "Fufufu~~~ that could work~~" The platinum-haired girl stroked her lower lip as there was a wicked smile. This could work, and she could use them to satisfy her ego. Her creator is finally getting what he always should have gotten, in her opinion.
   Lesser beings, like the so-called pantheons of bygone eras, used to get offerings of shrine maidens and virgin princesses for their weakling gods. Her creator, who mastered fundamental forces and learned the secrets of life, should have gotten even better!
   At least, in her opinion, she will not tell that to the face of certain individuals.
   'Though I should. Once Project Eden is on the way, I could take the initiative and slaughter a couple of pantheons on my own.'
   "...Hmm..."
   Quinella stroked her chin as she pondered on the actions she should take.
   "Heh, I should visit this Cretaceous Earth and see this Klaxosaurian civilisation myself." Mentally, the assistant opened the DNA folder of the collected samples of the blue-skinned sapient dinosaurs and checked what they could offer her.
   She found it interesting that they were nearly identical to humans, with only a small difference in DNA composition. With some gene splicing, they could be compatible with humans.
   But that's for later. Quinella is certain that Marcus will play around with their kind to create a perfect composition for future Klaxosaurians.
   'I should finish with the base and then visit that Earth.'
   ~~~~~~Back with Marcus~~~~~~
   "What do you think?" Marcus motioned toward Sirin, and the hologram image of a white dragon rushed towards her.
   The girl 'caught' it and looked at the design.
   "...Amazing... are you certain you didn't check my memories?" For a moment, she was awed before looking at him with narrowed eyes.
   "No need. I remember the dragon quite well." He shrugged at her before wondering how they should carry their pets around.
   "...I see... so can you order its creation?" She asked him after inspecting the design.
   "One second, I have something in mind." He opened another project and drew a sphere before adding a button in the middle. The upper part turned red, and the lower one was white. Then he hollowed out the inside of it and added graviton and space projectors and interactive magic circles. Then, he based another circle on Codex of Evolution.
   "...Damn... compressing all that...wait! Nanites... sure..." He mumbled to himself as he reworked the insides of the sphere.
   By that point, Sirin walked over and looked at what he was doing.
   "...Is that a Pokeball?" She asked dumbly.
   "Yeah, I already had prototype ones when I captured Typhon and Lilith. But this is the real deal, and it does what it is supposed to do." He made it spin around and open with a finger motion, showing the interior. 
   "...Then I can keep Benares inside of it?"
   "Precisely the reason why I designed this." He nodded at her question.
   "Great, then make one in white and yellow." She asked without beating around the bush.
   "Sure..." He shrugged before commenting on the pokeballs. "Though... I am shocked at how complex this was. I was only able to make this after grasping fundamental forces, adding magic and using nanites, but Professor Oak was able to make this with average tech..." Marcus commented while creating a blueprint for custom pokeballs.
   "...You do realise that it's an anime meant for kids. I doubt the creators cared if it was possible in the first place." The girl replied with a deadpan look.
   "...Yeah... whatever, Aurora, do run your tests. I don't want these balls to implode or become miniature black holes." Marcus finished with his design as he pressed on execute.
   [One moment...] 
   The AI sounded slightly tired...
   "You should let her rest..." Sirin picked it up as the AI was working on several projects, one of which was literal evolution.
   "I guess I can focus on something less complex." He dismissed the hologram and focused on the Herrscher next to him.
   "Hehehe, sure~~~" 
   The white-haired girl ended up on his lap as she knew what he meant.
   ~~~
   The expansion and changes to Klaxosaurian society are happening at a rapid pace. The revelations of the divine have changed the whole mindset of the people.
   For better or worse, people felt an injection of energy in their daily lives, something akin to children who desire acceptance of their parents.
   However, such dependence diminishes their desire for independent thinking. 
   Marcus realised that early on, which is why he went with the 'research tree' idea and created an entire system for interaction with his new minion race.
   Such a thing doesn't require in-depth research and processing power; he already has the Assimilator in place and the network surrounding the planet.
   So, he started to work on smoothing out. Since the nanites are spread from person to person, he can easily access what they are thinking and their prayers.
   Marcus decided to work on that, as well as the whole idea of using the priestess as his middleman.
   He waited for the inauguration of this whole thing. His girls waited eagerly, too!
   They can't wait to place them under their heels...
   However, Marcus was more interested in the project as a whole as he could imagine a much bigger picture!
   Like designing their robes and clothes, how the temples will look, and their roles in his faction! All that stuff! He was, after all, a creator, and just making doesn't mean a thing! It has to be perfected!
   "What are you doing now..." Sirin sighed as she saw him grinning like a small boy who was designing a makeshift bomb or something... 
   The girl walked over to his side again and saw girl clothes... oddly enough, they were not perverted or revealing.
   "What are those for?" She asked him. They looked like uniforms for the military...
   "These are clothes of my assistants." 
   "...for those dinosaur girls?" The Herrscher raised her eyebrow at him. She is feeling a little bit jealous that he is spending so much time on females that he won't even be learning their names.
   Not to mention even speak with! Or at least that is what she is thinking.
   "Not just that, I am thinking of spreading and merging with my maids, make it more official and make it into an organisation of sorts."
   "...Why? I mean..."
   "Sirin, how many homes do I have now?" He questioned her all of a sudden.
   "...your parents' home, your underground home under the river... do these Assimilators even count?" She stopped midway before asking him.
   "My parents' place, my base, the current Assimilator, the base outside the Time Flow, and the upcoming base on Titan-in other words, their sizes will be huge, and instead of having a few maids, I will have an entire branch of pseudo military to maintain them for me.
   On top of that, I will be able to develop them, like cooking, dancing, and all that stuff." As he explained that, Sirin realised what he was doing!
   "You just want to have an 'Official Harem'!" The girl huffed as she grabbed his ear. The girl is copying what Raiden Mei used to do to Kiana.
   "And?"
   He replied with an eye roll, ignoring the pull completely...
   "..." 
   *Hmph!*
   "Are you saying you are not satisfied with me?" She asked with crossed arms.
   "Not at all. I mean, I can leave all the houses and places and leave the maintenance to you; with your superpowers, you could maintain them." 
   "...Hmph!"
   "You could easily automate them, but you are leaving it for females to maintain them." 
   "Yep, I do need to make sure you and my other girls don't die from overexhaustion." He showed her a guilty smile; after all, sometimes, he bedridden them too much.
   His reply was like a hammer to her gut. As she grimaced, the guy had an absurd libido as his body altered and adjusted to whatever he wanted.
   "...Ugh... fine whatever... it's pointless to argue with you!" She huffed one more time as she looked away.
   "Well, if you don't want any of this, I can always strip all your military ranks and confine you to my living quarters where you could live like a simple fiance."
   For a second, her eyes bulged out, and her mouth opened wide.
   "H-Hold it! I didn't mean that! Ugh!" She almost stomped her foot from frustration.
   "I thought you meant that. With all this complaining, I thought I had given you too much power, and you can't handle it."
   She slightly narrowed her orange-golden eyes at him. She knew well enough that he was messing with her! 
   "Fine, fine, I will zip it..." Her shoulders sunk as she gave up. It appeared she was stupid enough to try to challenge him to keep his harem in check. It was a silly idea to think she had enough confidence to do something that even Athena couldn't do.
   "Sure, we can always discuss this if you have something to offer."
   'Offer? This guy...'
   He doesn't need to point that out... what could she offer? A reality?
   At that moment, her eyes bulged out.
   'Yeah! I Could do that!'
   "I could, but I would need an Assimilator and a fleet." She smiled slightly while saying that.
   "Hmm? You have something in mind?" He asked her, his curiosity piqued.
   "To prove my status as your fiance." She said that while brushing her hair. For some reason, her competitive spirit is ignited.
   "...What?"
   "Precisely! Erina is your homely future Empress, Athena is the intellectual, it leaves me, I shall be the conquering Empress you always needed." The girl puffed her chest while saying that.
   "...You want to conquest for me? Where would you even go?" He asked curiously.
   "Honkai, my homeworld, I shall add it to your sphere of influence. It has everything you like." She said with a smirk.
   "...Huh... you want to get back at Honkai, don't you?" He said that with a pondering gaze, he is starting to think how to get several birds with one stone... like testing her out and all that stuff, and let her use his dinosaur army, too... this looks like a good idea...
   "That too! But, what I need is to even out the playing field." Sirin said with narrowed eyes.
   "...You females are too complex for no apparent reason." He sighed while saying that. He stood up and stretched out.
   "But if you want to conquer, you can do that. However, the Honkai-verse is something I want to explore as well. So it's quite a moot point.
   "...You want to meet those girls on the battlefield and chain them up?" She commented with an eye roll.
   "...That too. It's far too fun to let you do it alone."
   "I see. So you decline it, then?" she asked in a nearly pouting tone. She looked like a neglected hamster that had been hurt in some way.
   "..."
   She continued to gaze at him with a growing pout.
   "UGH... fine. You can invade the Honkaiverse, but you will invade the previous era. The one Kevin came from has some interesting tech I could integrate into my Technocracy."
   He said, with a faked resigned tone, that he could give away the previous era but not the modern times.
   "Fine, I suppose you want to add Kiana yourself." She sighed as well.
   "I don't trust you when it comes to her." He slightly smiled at her.
   "Oh? I am that dangerous? Here, I thought you could handle your angel of death." Her sigh morphed into a cold smirk, showing him that she might have gotten soft recently but was still a Herrscher. She is still capable of blowing up continents and dropping meteorites.
   "In a way, I still consider that you have a bone to pick with your other self."
   "In a way, I do. I might have lost the fight for that body supremacy, but the current game is different." She placed her hand on her waist.
   The game has changed, and the situation is way, way different this time around. She is not some baggage but a person of her own! She has an army now, a fleet, and a mothership capable of altering continents and terraforming worlds! Simple 'friendship' won't save Kiana Kaslana!
   "...That's why I am telling you to visit the previous era world and not the one you came from." 
   "...Fine, I will do. I will bring you gifts." She smirked as she walked over next to him. 
   Marcus was gazing at the world in front of him. This Earth is quite unique. It's still interesting to gaze at the moon when it's that close to the planet.
   "You better, after all, you are using my 'credit card' for this trip." He joked with a chuckle.
   "Aurora, send a word to the base outside time flow. I want a fleet and an Assimilator ready for her."
   [Understood, sir]
   Sirin smiled while hearing that she would finally get her revenge on Honkai!
   But then her eyes sparkled. Sure... she might not be able to visit her modern times, but what about the modern times of the timeline she is going through now?
   Yes!
   Her smirk went up several levels. She will have her revenge!
   1
   "For now, you will stay with me for today. I will make sure you begin your adventure with extra spring in your steps~." Marcus spoke in a bright tone, making her smirk drop. She could feel a cold shiver pass through her spine. The girl is feeling a threat!
   "H-Hold it; I have been your constant companion since I returned from Jurassic! There is no need to exaggerate things!" Sirin said with a nervous tone.
   "Exegerate? How did you come to that conclusion? I just gave you a fleet, army, and a mothership capable of achieving solar system domination.
   Are you saying that Sirin is incapable of doing her fiance's duties?" 
   She grimaced when she heard that.
   "No, I am saying that I have been doing my duties already!" The white-haired girl puffed at him.
   "Yes, and now I gave you more than any other girl to date, so you should pick up the pace and answer back with more passion~" He wrapped his hands around her waist.
   'I-It maybe was a mistake to take that ring! Forget my revenge! I won't be able to leave the bed! What's the point of all this godly power and influence if I can't even leave the bed!'
   The girl realises that if she wants to use his toys and resources, she needs to be as hardcore as her future husband.
   'I need to drop him on Erina and get the hell out of here!'
   1
   "S-Sure..." Sirin showed him a forced smile, but her body was already heating up!
   ~~~
   "Quinella."
   Marcus' hologram manifested next to his Assistant as he looked through the massive windows at the mega construct being assembled at a rapid pace.
   "Master, it's good to see you; it's a pity that you're only a hologram." The girl gave him a beautiful smile before looking dejected.
   "Yes, well, I thought it would be a good time to test the communication lines and check out the progress." He smiled back at her before looking at the project before him.
   "Is the Mega Shipyards online yet?" He asked her.
   "Almost the core features are online, but we are still figuring out the kinks of the mass production of the size of dwarf planets," Quinella smirked while saying that once Marcus gets into high gear and wants to dominate the multiverse, the base will start printing those Assimilators at factory speed!
   'Speaking of cheat code called Nanites.' Internally, she licked her lips. Even she didn't see the true might of those little buggers but now? After building all of this in a matter of a few weeks... well, time here is a bit weird as they need to make their own time flow, other their base would be finished long ago or not...or whatever... 'It's still confusing.. ' 
   Quinella thought to herself, Thankfully, they make their own time flow and synchronise with their Assimilators; otherwise, they would go nuts.
   "Good enough. I want Sirin's Assimilator been done in a day."
   "Don't worry, we already figured out how to streamline and build those efficiently." The Assistant assured him with a confident look.
   But then she had a curious look.
   "But why are you giving her Assimilator and fleet? Is she doing something?" The Platinum-haired beauty asked him.
   "Well, I am fulfilling her dream. She is to invade her world of origin, or more specifically, a timeline of it." 
   The assistant frowned for a second. She was feeling slightly jealous. Sirin is getting the entire Fleet to her name! Even she only had a Flagship! Sure, she could make something right now, but there is Aurora, who is categorising and assigning everything. The AI could overwrite, but Marcus would know, and he would strip whatever she ordered.
   "That is why I want you to start mapping out the flow of time." 
   "...Excuse me? You want to map out... Multiverse!?"
   Quinella asked with a gobsmacked tone.
   "Please, you know better than to believe that the dish we build is not just for communication between Assimilators."
   "...I had this feeling, but if we send a specific ping through the very fabric of time, we could get the attention of Cosmic beings we don't want to interact with." She said with a slightly concerned tone.
   "I understand the issue, but I have a specific frequency in mind to map it out."
   He said with crossed arms as he turned towards her.
   "The frequency will be embedded in the time flow itself. The concept is similar to how humans use oxygen, but they don't see it.
   Some beings may or may not pick up on that, but that is why our base is outside the time itself. If they had understood how time flows, they would have already left the time flow and ventured somewhere else."
   The platinum-haired beauty was slightly relaxed when I heard that.
   "I suppose you are right, but just in case, I will boost up our defences." She said with a serious tone.
   "Indeed, just follow the protocol."
   "...Hilarious, coming from you." Quinella joked when she heard him talking about protocol! The guy breaks it several times per week with some crazy ideas!
   Like evolution and the disregard for the safety mechanisms!
   "Yeah, yeah. I leave that stuff to you. I am sending you the extension plans for the communication relay. We will boost it into an Observation, Location, and Sensor Array."
   Two pop-ups appeared on Quinella's HUD. When she opened them, she saw the extra pieces that would be added to the already huge communication array.
   "That's a big construct..."
   "I designed the way that the two could combine." 
   With a hand motion, a hologram appeared, showing how the Array would dock with the Headquarters, creating something akin to a dagger-shaped station.
   The array will be more than 60% of the entire base.
   But... with such a size, even the Assimilators would look small!
   "... You are not messing around now that you are not confined to Planet's surface..." 
   Quinella didn't know if she should be amazed or slightly concerned about regular lifeforms. If such a monstrosity were to leave the area and enter a solar system, it could change the rotation of planets.
   "Well, tech advancement doesn't wait, and I want this done as soon as possible. I want to test it out and see if I can find Sirin's world of origin." 
   "...It shouldn't be hard since we do have 'location' where you 'magnet fish' her soul." 
   "Yes, but she comes from a place where fundamental laws work slightly differently." 
   "...That's..." the Platinum-haired beauty looked slightly baffled, now that is interesting and somewhat concerning!
   How would their fleet behave in such a place? 
   But then she calmed down, realising that their newest ships have Diamond Heart Engines and Bifrost's. As long as they are in their influence, it should be okay...
   "Yes, that is why I want the OLSA to be booted up as soon as possible."
   "...OLSA?"
   "Observation, Location and Sentry Array."
   "...Better than SPBA..." Quinella 'poked' her at her creator.
   "Yeah, Yeah, very funny. I still remember your naughty behaviour in Underworld~" He reminded her.
   "..."
   Quinella turned stiff for a second.
   "...T-That was long ago!"
   "Not long enough for me to forget~"
   After that, his hologram disappeared.
   "Damn it! Aurora, did you remind him!?" 
   [I did no such thing.]
   The Artificial Intelligence turned human bit her thumbnail as she thought they were past that point already!
   "Oh, before I forget, send me an Assimilator, too. Since Sirin has one as a moveable base, I want one too!" Marcus reappeared for a second before he was gone... again, terrifying the assistant for a second!
   ~~~
   "Hisako! You are coming with me!" Sirin blasted into Erina's kitchen as she looked quite energetic... or more like pretended to be as her legs would tremble for a bit.
   "W-Where?" The chef girl looked pale when she heard that. The last time she went somewhere, the whole North American continent ceased to exist!
   "We will be invading my world of origin." She replied while brushing her hair with a confident tone.
   "... and why do you need me?" The assistant to the chef asked in a nervous tone.
   "Because you can cook food for me." The Herrscher said with an obvious tone.
   'I wish I could not at this moment.'
   "You should go, Hisako. More sightseeing is always better," Erina chipped in, slightly smiling.
   "B-But..." Hisako doesn't want to leave Erina with Marcus alone again!
   "Go. I will be fine." 
   Sirin grinned when she saw that, it appears the cherry blonde girl is picking Marcus over her friend. How... predictable.
   "...Fine..."
   "Good. Now that food is secured, I have peace of mind." The white-haired girl sighed in relief. 
   "How did this come to be? I thought we were waiting for those vampires to arrive." The chef girl asked Sirin; she didn't recall any military split-up.
   "I was given in expeditionary force. That's all I can say." Sirin crossed her arms while saying that to Erina. It's not like she would tell everything to a rival!
   Not that Erina sees herself as a rival to the literal Death Angel...
   "I see."
   ~~~
   After getting... more like forcing Hisako to be on the board, the pair walked to the docks where Sirin's flagship was waiting. 
   As they arrived there, the Herrscher stopped and waited for someone.
   "...Umm..."
   "Relax, Marcus has something for me before we leave. He said to wait here." Sirin calmed the nervous girl.
   "Oh, okay."
   As the pair waited, the dock's huge doors opened, and Marcus, accompanied by an entire legion of white gold Royal Guards, entered the docking area.
   The Herrscher's eyes perked up as she saw the custom Royal Guards painted in her colours!
   "...These..."
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   Marcus walked over while the majority of the Royal Guards started to embark on the flagship.
   "These are your person guards, I have customised them for you. Since you are my fiance and all that, you get your guard." He said with a smirk, making her blush quite hard.
   "Oh, before I forget, I got something which could interest you." He pulled out another ring box.
   "...you..." Her eyes widened in horror. 
   "Hah, that expression is just priceless." Marcus joked, seeing her reel away when she saw the box.
   "Not funny..." the girl calmed down as she recalled that she already sold herself. There is no way to do that again!
   "It is, but let's forget about that and let me show you this." He opened the case, and Sirin sensed a peculiar feeling in it.
   "...Space?" She asked with uncertainty.
   "Indeed, this ring is what I call a ring of space. With the ring of focus, you will be able to access space magic or, if you are lucky, grasp space at the fundamental force level. Considering where you are going."
   As he explained that, he took her left hand and placed the ring on her middle finger, next to her 'engagement' ring.
   "...I won't allow Honkai to touch me again. There is no way in hell!" 
   She huffed angrily, but Marcus ignored that and pulled her into a hug.
   "Okay, okay, but it's time for a hug and a kiss."
   The white-haired girl sighed as she quickly caved in.
   The pair hugged and kissed. The kiss was quite a 'lewd' one in Hisako's eyes as she saw their tongues swirling, and there was a little bit of moaning from the white-haired girl. Her eyes looked mystified.
   However, the Herrscher snapped out and pulled back after a couple of moments. She was breathing heavily and looking all flustered, and her legs were slightly trembling.
   She nearly gave in and let herself swept aside!
   "Regardless, dear, I have loaded some extras into your ship. Test them for me, okay?"
   "S-Sure, come Hisako, we are going!" The pair swiftly turned around and went to the escalators to take them to the ship.
   Marcus smirked, seeing her darling flustered like that.
   Not long after Sirin's ship left, Enterprise appeared next to him as if sensing that the coast was clear for her.
   ~~~
   "Let's see what he gave me." Sirin curiously used her interface to see what was loaded into her Dreadnought.
   "...Seek and Destroy units, Extermination units, fortification busters..." 
   The girl looked confused. These didn't look like the knight units she was used to seeing.
   A quick in-depth inspection revealed that these are dinosaurs! 
   "Of course he did..." The Herrscher sighed as she realised what it was. Well, it's fine enough; there is a certain amount of amusement in seeing her enemies being eaten by prehistoric monsters.
   "So where are we going?" Hisako got her out of her giddiness. The white-haired girl dismissed her interface and looked at her.
   "To the base outside the flow of time. Over there, I will pick up my fleet, and then we will embark on the journey like no other." Sirin explained to her.
   "All you need to worry about is cooking for me. You can leave the rest to me~" Her orange-golden eyes slightly gleamed with giddiness as she was itching to return and cause chaos!
   Knowing what was going to happen, Hisako could only show a strained smile. She knows she is walking with the devil, but what could she do? She is not a fighter. Hell, she was shocked to see all the stuff that happened in the Jurassic. It's one thing to hunt a big animal and another to fight other humans.
   But where she is going might as well be a slaughterhouse with how advanced Marcus' technology...
   ~~~
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   Chapter 116: Short Visit in Star Rail
   4
   As a dagger-shaped vessel left the green clouds and floated into a black void, they were picked up by a Bifrost 'highway' and launched towards a dot in the distance.
   As the Dreadnought rushed towards this dot, their destination in the distance grew in size, and the people on the bridge began to understand what they saw.
   "... it looks like a station."
   "That's because it is. See those small marble-like objects around the top part?" Sirin pointed.
   "Yes?"
   "Those are Assimilators."
   Hisako's eyes bulged out as she finally understood its size!
   "...A-Are you saying that thing is as big as a planet!?" 
   "I guess? I don't know the specific diameters." The Herrscher shrugged without care. The girls eventually saw small dot-like objects floating around the top part of the station.
   Eventually, they realised that those were spaceships!
   Seeing the difference in sizes was a bit humbling even for the arrogant and proud Herrscher, who kept on staring at the station, which was getting closer and closer.
   The girl wonders how many soldiers this thing can produce. What about ships? Or even mass produce Assimilators! That would be... insane!
   But those thoughts quickly came to a halt when her flagship passed the massive station, and she saw her fleet! Leading the front was a white and orange-gold Assimilator, painted in her colours.
   "...wow..." The girl's eyes sparkled. This was her... toy! No doubt about that! 
   She has seen before that Marcus uses similar colours of white and gold, but this peculiar orange gold is the same colour as her eyes! 
   "...It appears he even painted it like that for you." The chef girl commented as she realised that the mothership was painted like that on purpose...
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   "Indeed he has~." 
   As the warship flew over, it docked at one of the spots prepared for her.
   The pair disembarked and went to the control room.
   The very second they arrived, a hologram flickered to life. It was Quinella.
   "We are still setting up the coordinates for your destination. The time flow scanning is on its way."
   "...You guys are mapping it out?" Sirin sounded surprised. Didn't they just enter some coordinates...and boom?
   Not that she cares. As long as there is a world to conquer and it has Honkai in it, it is good for her.
   "We are doing it now; after all, Empires do have to have borders. We are doing that with timelines and the cosmos." Quinella explained that a large hologram window appeared, which looked like moving lines in a cloudy river or a nebula.
   She saw many of them. Several are more or less bound together and highlighted in golden colour.
   "This is our current 'territory'." The assistant pointed at the golden strand. 
   "We are still developing more in-depth observation; it will take a while, but we will eventually have precise knowledge of where our 'fortifications' are in the timelines."
   "...I see, and do we know where the world I am supposed to travel to?" Sirin asked about the more important stuff. The territory and all that stuff she can leave to Ship Girls, the assistant who is speaking to her right now and Marcus himself, who likes to play conqueror and expand his 'lands'... well, more like timelines...
   "That's the thing. You originate from a world where some of the fundamental forces work differently." 
   Quinella zoomed out and showed 'blobs' in the flow of the time stream. These blobs were like islands in rivers, detached from the main flow, or more like they had their own unique flow.
   "What you are looking at is the blob you came from." The Assistant joked as she looked at the black stain on the map. It's black because they cannot perceive it...yet.
   "...Do you have to say it like that?" Sirin sighed while looking at the blob.
   "Are you sure it's here?" She asked with an annoyed frown.
   "Indeed, it's here. We used your soul's 'taste' to locate it." 
   As Quinella spoke, the blob started to lose its intensity and slowly became transparent. What they saw was a tree rising from the sea.
   'That's Sea of Quanta and the Imaginary Tree!' The girl twitched for a second. She had located her home reality right there!
   "It appears you know what this is." The assistant noticed Sirin's change in expression and behaviour.
   "I do. But do we have a better understanding of how to enter this place? At a specific time?" the Herrscher asked with growing fervour. She wanted to go there!
   "Leave it to our Creator; he is the one working on this as we speak." 
   The white-haired girl slightly blushed. She wanted to run away from Marcus to get her revenge, but even now, he was helping her.
   'Don't worry! I will bring something for you! A gift worthy of all the hard work you are putting into this!' 
   Sirin clenched her fist as she promised to find something unique for him!
   After a couple more minutes of waiting, the hologram zoomed in on the branches. The Herrscher realised that Marcus knew where to look, and sure enough, they were observing a branch.
   It was Earth, with technologically advanced cities. Monsters made from white material, with purple-like veins inhabited the lands. Soon, they saw girls fighting these monsters. There were no guys, just girls. Eventually, they settled down on a specific timeline...
   Sirin... saw herself...
   "It appears your specific timeline was found."
   "...Yes."
   "That's Good to know. We will keep it safe in case Marcus needs a replacement, " the assistant teased her.
   "Hmph... as if I will fail to the point that he would need to replace me. I am nothing like those maids." Sirin exclaimed with barely controlled anger.
   "Ha. Maybe, maybe not. But you are ambitious and proud. You will never know with people like that."
   "Do you ever look in the mirror?" the Herrscher exclaimed. She nearly looked baffled. A proud one calling another proud? The sheer thickness of this hypocrisy!
   "Unlike you, I know my designation and how I was designed. My parameters never exceed the predictions placed on me. In other words, I am permitted to be arrogant because that's how I was designed." 
   "...Hmph... then check it again. Last time I checked, the same could be applied to me."
   For a second, the pair looked at each other, and the chef girl behind Sirin looked nervous. They won't start throwing attacks big enough to be compared to the nukes, will they?
   She saw enough in Jurassic-period Earth! One could say she has a bone to pick with Marcus, who is handing strong devices to all the females, like candies!
   "I don't need to, regardless. Don't mess up and break the protocol. You don't want to end up in a brig and for the troops to conquer the land in your stead?" Quinella teased her as she recalled that joke situation with Serafall.
   Sirin in question furrowed her eyebrows, recalling what the assistant just meant.
   "That won't happen." After saying that, she walked to her throne and sat down.
   "We have everything we need, don't we? We can leave?" The Herrscher asked the crew.
   "One moment, Mistress, we are calibrating Bifrost and diverting energy for the final steps before the launch."
   "Fine."
   Seeing that Sirin is ignoring her, Quinella turns around and disappears. She still has a bunch of things to do, and there is no time to play with her junior. Not that she will admit that if Sirin is to marry Marcus, the white-haired girl will have the illustrious title of Empress...
   'Wait, wait, wait for a moment!'
   'Do we even have a title next to Supreme Commander!? Hmm...'
   The assistant pondered this: They really need to adopt a monarchy or pantheon-based structure. With Marcus at the top and then a bunch of girls next to him, she would, of course, sneak herself into those ranks.
   After checking the database, there is nothing! It was obvious that Marcus never considered things like marrying and having kids. The guy dreams and subconsciously does everything he can to live forever and leave forever-lasting monuments behind.
   'We do need to address this.'
   As Quinella returns to her work, Sirin checks if she has specific tasks or objectives in this expedition. Eventually, she checks the protocol which she has to follow; otherwise, her forces will brand her as a traitor if she flops somewhere midway.
   'Thankfully, I am not planning to give the command to someone like Kiana Kaslana...' 
   Eventually, her eyes perked up when she saw something interesting.
   'This timeline is given to me to conqueror in one shape or form. My arrival point is the previous era, but it doesn't mean I can't make it to the modern times I come from.'
   A wicked smirk slowly appeared on her lips. One way or another, she will get back at her goody two-shoes side. She will enslave honkai and collect all that is valuable in that place! Only then can she get rid of her past and move forward.
   "Bifrost is fully charged. We can leave at any time, Mistress." The commander of Sirin's Assimilator told the Herrscher, who snapped out of her deep thoughts.
   "Then let's go." 
   "Send the word to the fleet. Begin synchronised construction of the bridge! We are leaving."
   The comms officers contacted the fleet, and the ships started to move and face the green moving clouds. The graviton projectors on the hulls of the ships and the mothership glowed brighter and emitted light in front of them, creating a bridge that moved towards the green clouds. Once it became solid enough, the whole armada rushed forward and disappeared into the flow of time.
   As this was happening, Quinella aboard the base looked at it with an indifferent look.
   "Do you think she will succeed?"
   "With the military might master provided, I doubt she could fail, " the head maid replied in a similarly indifferent tone.
   "Not that. I don't doubt the success of the conquest. What I am saying is if she will succeed in the trail behind this expedition."
   When Grayfia heard that, her eyes widened for a fraction of a second.
   "I see... so after the failure of those four, he wants to test his possible future wife if he has the chance?" 
   "Precisely, who wouldn't? One timeline is more than enough to have an interstellar empire or just rule Earth as a petty King or, in this situation, a petty Queen. With the amount of power and resources she got, she could dominate the cosmos if she wanted to do so on that specific timeline."
   "...True... I see your point. A conquest of the entire timeline disguises this test of character."
   "Indeed."
   'Don't disappoint me.' 
   Quinella slightly narrowed her eyes. The assistant felt kinship with the white-haired girl, who was ambitious and proud, and his creations; on top of that, she didn't want to lose such a... family member. Something like that!
   ~~~~~~Meanwhile~~~~~~
   "Here is your tea, Master." Belfast placed a mug on the table. The silver-haired light cruiser had a beautiful smile on her lips. She could finally serve her Master now that the greedy Herrscher was no longer around.
   "My thanks, Bell." 
   Her eyes gleamed with happiness that he was calling her with such a nice nickname!
   "Don't mention it, sir. I exist to serve you; that is my purpose." She smoothly explained to him. It was so natural that no one even considered that what she said sounded very hardcore to a normal person.
   Thankfully, only Enterprise and Belfast were with him at the time. His other two ship girls were doing...something he hadn't checked for a while. He is quite busy with the whole mapping out thing going on, and on top of that, his Sirin was jealous and horny, so she took a chunk of his time too.
    But now... his hands are free, so he took his tea...
   "Ohh, this is good, very good." He praised his ship-girl maid before returning to gaze at the map. 
   Mentally, he zoomed into the Honkaiverse, trying to look for Star Rail and Genshin. He found the main storyline, considering this is where Sirin came from. He could check it out himself, but for that, he is planning a proper invasion, so he needs to wait.
   But then he stumbled upon a frozen world...
   "...This is..."
   He recalled a frozen world from Honkai Star Rail... that had a Bronya and Seele variants.
   "Oh, two birds, one stone, indeed." 
   Marcus pressed on the world and zoomed in to confirm. Over this world, he located a single struggling city, which reminded him of early 1900s tech and architecture... 
   After checking it for a while, he confirmed that it was what he was looking for.
   'I could test my terraforming and land sculpting on this world and get Bronya for my collection.' He stroked his chin before saving the coordinates.
   After that, he checked the data he had on all the construction going on, and then he checked out what the Klaxosaurians were doing.
   Honestly, those guys are slow. Instead of thinking about taking days, they take weeks for them. He could use a time slip, but a time slip is not designed for week-to-week slipping but for a year at minimum. 
   'Well, if they take that long, I will simply have some fun in that ice cube of a world.'
   "Admiral, did something good happen?" Enterprise asked him.
   "You will see. Since these guys love taking their time, I will visit a place to kill some time." He stood up and walked over to the window and gazed at the world below him. He loved watching the planet's curvature and gaze where the atmosphere ends and the void of space begins; it was like being at a boundary.
   "...Should we come with you?" 
   "Indeed. There is no need to stick around. I can leave Bismarck and Tirpitz to watch for anything..."
   He said, smiling. He could leave things to Bismarck and her Techno Dragon; she is the one being he has confidence in protecting everything.
   With that much power, she could face entire civilisations alone.
   "Okay!"
   After setting things in motion, Marcus went to see Erina. He needed to tell her that she was coming with him. He did need his chef...
   ~~~
   Marcus and his small group of females looked at the emerging Bifrost bridge and Marcus' personal Assimilator 'sliding in' into the atmosphere of Cretaceous Earth.
   It was white with golden graviton projectors. The ship was personalised just for him.
   "Once you want one for yourself, we can paint one in your colours, " the inventor said to his fiance.
   "...I don't think I have use for something gigantic like this," Erina replied with a strained smile.
   "Well, it will always be available for you." He shrugged as his Flagship started to fly towards his new mothership. Now, this is what he can call a 'Divine Throne'. 
   A few minutes later, his Dreadnought docked in the hangar, and the hangar doors sealed behind it. Marcus and his small group disembarked and went to the Central Command. Everything was identical to the previous Assimilator, so the girls knew where everything was.
   "I have sent the coordinates, so begin the preparations for departure," Marcus instructed the Mothership's crew.
   "Understood, beginning to power up the Bifrost." 
   "How long will it take?" 
   "A couple of days, the way these 'blobs' of time are is a little bit different from the regular flow we deal with. For us, a distance like this would take several weeks to reach since we are returning from prehistoric times.
   This is if the timeline has a normal flow, but we are going into a tree, not a river. The time flows are different, almost stagnant compared to how it flows for us, " he explained to them.
   "So what takes us quite long is reaching the blob. Once inside... well, it won't take much at all." He slightly smirked. He sees this as similar to rivers and islands in the rivers. The islands are never bigger than the rivers, and just like water and outside water in the open air, the fundamentals work differently. This is why he is slightly concerned.
   A fish doesn't work that well outside the water, and the same could be applied to him and his fleet, but that is where his Diamond Core Hearts and the suits come into play.
   The nanites could alter them, once they make into the 'island' their bodies would adjust to the new fundamental laws. He would be more concerned if he didn't delve into biology and nanite tech... but now? He is more than confident that he could visit any reality.
   'I should create some sort of gates that could alter upon entry...'
   "Okay, so we have some time. I could prepare a good dinner before we arrive there." Erina nodded slightly as she considered what they could eat.
   "Take your time. We will have a couple of days at minimum. In the meantime, I will tinker a little bit. I have a couple of things I want to do."
   "Yes, then I will see you in a couple of hours~~," the cherry blonde said. She walked over to him and kissed his lips before walking away to her kitchen.
   Yes, her kitchen. Aurora Bots brought all of her stuff over and is now setting up in the exact same place on the exact same floor and room.
   Erina took her role as Marcus' fiance like a fish to water as someone who was living a rich life; switching into what she has now was very easy for her.
   Maybe too easy...
   ~~~~~~
   High above a frozen world of Jarilo-VI space ripple, and a rainbow bridge erupted from it, creating a tunnel from which a mammoth of an object emerged.
   This was Marcus' Assimilator, which had arrived at its destination.
   Inside the Command Centre, Marcus was sitting on his throne, gazing at the world below.
   "It's so white... it looks like an ice cube. It's strange how the water isn't frozen solid, only the land," Erina commented as she gazed at the planet below.
   "Indeed, the conceptual powers of this place are unique, to say the least," Marcus commented as he closed his eyes and spread his psionic range to the planet below-time for him to meet the Heiress.
   His senses reached the only settlement on the whole planet, rapidly scanning all the people until he found the one he was looking for. 
   A girl with ash-coloured hair and ash-coloured eyes was working in an office.
   The inventor focused his powers on her, making her feel an urge to leave her room. 
   ~~~
   Bronya Rand stood up from her seat and looked around. She could feel that she needed to move. It was alien, and she could not resist it. It was as if she was being guided by a puppet master.
   As she took the stairs, she eventually arrived at the roof and opened the doors, exiting the building into the freezing outside.
   Her gaze scanned the surroundings, ending up on a person standing at the edge of the roof and gazing at the sprawling city before him.
   "Even such a frozen landscape has its beauty, don't you think?" 
   His voice reached her ears. It was like he was speaking directly into her consciousness.
   "...Are you an Emanator?" She asked with a guarded tone.
   "...Hmm, in your terms... I would say that I am closer to being an Aeon than Emanator." He stopped staring at the sprawling expanse of the city and looked at her.
   The girl's eyes trembled when she heard that statement. She didn't want to believe it, but the presence she could sense could not be underestimated. She was certain that this person was not a human. He might look like one, but he was something else entirely.
   "So, what is it you are going to do?" He asked with crossed arms.
   "... Are you here to gain followers? It is a fruitless effort as everyone here follows Preservation." She exclaimed with a confident tone.
   "...Not at all. I am here to strike a deal with you."
   His response confused her as she wondered what he meant by that.
   "What kind of deal?'
   "To terraform Jarilo-VI." 
   Her eyes bulged out, Terraform!?
   "...Who are you, really?" Her eyes slightly narrowed as she looked at him critically 
   "Relax, if I wished any harm you would be experiencing by now, but as you can see, we are having a civilised conversation." He raised his hand, trying to calm her down.
   "Then tell me, terraforming is something not easily achievable. To my knowledge, Eternal Freeze won't easily let up, and only our walls are keeping the coldness away from our home." She explained her perspective of things.
   "True, the conceptual power is holding its grip on this planet, Bronya.
   But first, I need to introduce myself. As an introvert, one could say I find this part the most awkward." 
   Even though he said that she could feel his endless confidence and power in his words, it even sounded like a joke to her, but maybe what he was saying was true... to some extent. Otherwise, it would sound like a joke.
   "I am Marcus Goldman, Supreme Commander of Technocracy, God-Emperor of Klaxia, the Successor to Solomon and Father of Technomancy."
   'And he calls himself an introvert when he has that many titles!?!' 
   The Heiress to the Supreme Guardian deadpanned at him. The guy is either a lunatic or the most impressive person she has ever met.
   Being called a God and Emperor at once gives her the vibes that he has the power to back up his claims.
   "Now, with that out of the way, we can discuss the proposal." 
   He slightly smiled at her.
   "One of my motherships is in orbit and ready to change the planet, but since you are the future leader of the only settlement in the whole world, I am inclined to ask you first." He dropped the news, which made her turn stiff; her eyes went up.
   The sky was muddy like always, so she could not see a thing.
   "Oh, that... let me help you with that."
   He looked where she looked, and the skies cleared with a snap of his fingers.
   The girl's eyes widened as she saw the starry sky for the first time. But it was quickly overshadowed by the object she saw in the orbit.
   "...That..." 
   It was a huge white object with glowing golden lines.
   'It's the real deal...' 
   Whatever he said was at least partially true, not that there was a reason for him to lie. So, is it completely true? It was far too fresh in Bronya's mind to make some sense of all of this.
   "My proposal is simple: I wish to terraform an ice world, something I have never done before. There are a few things that I wish to test."
   "...And what is my part in all of this? With your might, you can easily do whatever you want." The girl realises that Marcus Goldman is the leader of his civilisation; she doesn't know its size, but she does know that they worship him like a god.
   Something like that, odds like that, she would never be able to beat. That leaves a question: Why bother seeing her? If he needed a leader, he could have seen her mother. 
   But, then again, with how distant she is and how much Bronya does right now, it is better to see her...
   "Hmm, well, I am a Conqueror too. The best kind of conquest is when the opposition joins me without raising their weapons."
   "...If you think we would surrender without a fight!" The girl got all serious.
   "Not what I meant. I don't want you to surrender. I want you to join me."
   "...Huh?" For a second, she became confused. Why would...
   This guy makes no sense to her...
   "Very simple... really." He pointed at her.
   "I want you. Once you are mine, you will get all the resources you need from my Technocracy. In a matter of weeks, your world will be how it was before the Eternal Freeze." He took a couple of steps forward and got closer to her.
   "You want..."
   "Hmm... let me explain in a more 'divine way'. Because if I say something like 'political marriage', it sounds cheap and mundane. 
   I am inviting you to join my 'Pantheon'. This way, this world would become part of Technocracy without losing its independence because you would continue being its Supreme Guardian."
   The girl's brain shortcircuit for a bit as she tried to understand what he was saying, for any of that to make sense.
   "W-Why? Belobog is a small city by cosmic standards. You could find someone better..." The girl panicked and got anxious at the same time. The sheer idea that made her all skittish, only her training as the next Supreme Guardian, is making her not have a panic attack.
   "Hah... Do you think I care about status? That is the least of my concerns. After all, I am the one who decides something like 'status'. All I care about is your drive." He scoffed at the idea of getting someone of 'status'. He made goddesses into maids and simple girls into literal future goddesses. By all means, his Erina is a future Goddess with her ability to wield time.
   "...Drive?" 
   "All of your counterparts, including you, have the drive to achieve greatness. You could say that is what excites me the most because I am just like you."
   He smiled before looking at the city.
   "I started my faction from my father's garage. I know better than anyone about limits one can achieve." After saying that, he looked right back at her.
   "I am giving you time to decide your and your people's future; until then, I will come to see you in person." With that, he turned purple and shattered like glass.
   Bronya's eyes widened as she realised that he was just a projection of some sort.
   Regardless, her mind wandered off to what he said, and she started to recall what he said.
   For a while, she just stood there and thought, but then a golden light was cast on her city.
   The girl looked up and saw a massive spaceship floating above her home.
   "..."
   She swiftly left the roof, and her guards came to see her.
   "I know; let's go and greet our guests." Bronya grabbed her rifle before leaving her office.
   But then she thought about dropping the weapon, but at the last moment, she changed her mind. With the weapon in hand, she felt more secure.
   Moments later, more Silvermore guards joined her.
   "Lady Bronya. What is going on?" The Captain of the guard asked her. He was a blonde guy in a white uniform.
   "Gepard, we have guests from space. I already spoke with the leader, who contacted me from a distance."
   "...That's..." Such a reply was not what he expected...
   "Anyway, let's go to an open space." The ash-silver-haired girl ordered her troops as they walked to one of the wider city squares. Since it was evening, there were not many people who could get in the way.
   Before long, they saw three shuttles arrive. One by one, they landed and revealed the same person Bronya had just spoken with a few minutes ago.
   Now that she could see him in person, she could honestly tell that there was something about him that made her feel pressure. He was legitimately powerful, and there was strong power under a tight leash as the air around him was heavy.
   There were two silver-haired girls behind him as well. They were not simple, either. One of them was a maid, or at least that is what Bronya thinks, while the other one looked like an officer.
   "Stand down. They are not here to cause problems," Bronya instructed her guards as she walked to the front. She was followed by the captain of the guard.
   As the trio left the shuttle, the other three were tall and heavy-armoured men dressed in golden armours, wielding pikes from pure energy and large tower shields.
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   These guys dwarfed her guards just from sheer size...
   Bronya looked at him for a bit. What should she say? He only gave her a couple of minutes to think!
   "I expected more time to think." She said after a moment of silence. There was a small pout on her lips.
   "Relax, you can think more later on." He replied with an easy smile as he looked around, behaving like a tourist.
   "...I need proof; otherwise, there is no need even to consider your proposal." 
   She said seriously while looking directly into his eyes.
   "Oh, intriguing. It appears Admiral has found someone interesting, and we have only been in this world less than an hour." The officer-looking girl looked intrigued while looking at Bronya.
   "It should be expected; it is our creator, after all, " the maid girl replied with a proud smile.
   'Creator? As in... he created them!?'
   The guards and the city's heir looked in disbelief. It only lasted for a moment, but it left an impression.
   "I won't be solving all of your issues at once. It would give you less of a reason to accept my proposal, that is why-" he turned to one of his creations.
   "Enti, if my memory serves me right, my mothership has standard issue loadout."
   "Yes, the Assimilator is loaded with troops, not research and exploration." 
   "I see. In that case, deploy the troops. I want the entire continent we are on to be cleared of all monsters and any other hostiles you can find." 
   Enterprise's eyes widened for a second before they started to glister.
   "C-Can I join? It has been a while since I did anything strenuous!" the carrier ship asked with a hopeful tone. After seeing Bismarck do her thing, she was a little bit jealous!
   "Fine by me, Bell is enough." He nodded while looking at Belfast which was just standing there with a small smile.
   "Wonderful! Then I will be going!" With that said, she... flew away.
   The guards and Bronya just stared at how the silver-haired girl just flew away. 
   ~~~
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   Chapter 117: The Previous Era
   2
   Silvermane guards watching the walls could only watch with growing terror as the transport vessels kept bringing armoured soldiers and dropping them outside the city walls.
   They just kept on coming and coming, like a well-oiled machine, but then the sky brightened in red as meteorite-like objects started to fall and land in explosive fashion, creating clouds of rain as it was melted snow.
   From the clouds of water, sounds of robotic joints moving spread through the icy wastelands. War machines started to move out.
   These were upgraded versions of Spider Walkers and the Yaegers. With Marcus' faction officially entering the interstellar phase, all the war machines were upgraded.
   3
   They were bigger, more complex and much more durable. 
   Even the most expendable, the Yaegers, had a durable version of graviton armour. The Motion to Magic and Kinetic to Magic systems were revamped to produce more energy, as graviton armours require a constant flow of energy into the Sacred Gear alloy.
   The trick of graviton armour is that energy flows to the metal, and the metal releases the energy in frequencies, creating gravitation fields.
   Powerful AI software is introduced to ensure that such armour doesn't mess with or interfere with the planet's actual gravity fields.
   Every single Yaegar has quantum computer chips to assist in graviton energy fluctuation. The same principles apply to Spider Walkers, as these monsters wield the same technology.
   Marcus made sure his toys were up to date with his latest scientific achievements, including recent nanites and even upcoming self-evolution upgrades.
   Nothing is going to stay between him and the ever-expanding expansion and research to make better stuff!
   "Isn't it beautiful?" Marcus asked the ash-haired girl as they took the stairs and looked at the endless-looking army beneath the city walls.
   Bronya's eyes widened to an absurd level as she saw rows and rows of orderly lined-up Knights of G.A.T.
   "... H-How many did you bring of them?" she asked him. The girl was slightly worried that if she denied his request, these men would turn on her city.
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   "These are men from the Mothership, not my Flagship. So it's not even 20% of the available troops." He explained with a smirk, as he loved just gazing at his knights and mechs!
   "...Then?"
   "I have enough manpower to run over the entire solar system from a single mothership." He clarified.
   "If you think that I brought these soldiers to threaten your city, then you are mistaken. These men are simply part of my entourage." 
   "...Your...Entourage? Like bodyguards? Or show of force!?" She tried to grasp the sheer numerical difference.
   "B-But the logistics! The resources! Food...and!" She tried to comprehend this stuff before her eyes started to spin from overthinking.
   "Irrelevant." He replied without breaking his gaze from his knight, who started to march... in all directions. If Stellaron and Fragmentum think they can overrun the wilderness, then they are mistaken. First, he will clean the planet's surface and then the underground.
   "...Irrelevant!? You don't care if they die!? They are your men! AND Your automaton out there!" 
   "You misunderstand what my Master meant." The maid spoke from behind Marcus.
   "My Master is a creator. He would never ask other people to fight for him. Only a weak individual would do that," she said with a slight smirk.
   "...Weak... Invidividual...then..." Her eyes bulged out as she realised that all of those armoured individuals were... his creations!
   "So you understand, they are equipped to fight to win and to die if need be. The mothership works like an afterlife.
   If an unknown enemy kills one, his consciousness will be transferred, and he will be reborn in the most literal sense." 
   Bronya slowly moved her head and looked at Belfast. One could see how gears were spinning in her mind. The girl had several flashbacks about attending the burials of brave Nevermore Guards who laid their lives for the city.
   If she had soldiers like these, who were created for this specific purpose, no more men would need to die on battlefields!
   "That's very convenient. But what about their maintenance? Weapons?" she asked with growing curiosity. The city's heir is growing intrigued by his creations.
   "Their armours have nanites, miniature automata, that produce things by converting kinetic energy into matter they can use. As long as they move in some way or form, they will have infinite energy."
   "...That's not fair..." By this point, all she could say was that this was unfair to the enemies who needed to face these unfair soldiers.
   "War always was and always will be unfair. The one who is the most advanced will always win." He explained to her what he thinks about 'fairness in war'.
   "...True... I won't deny that."
   Bronya didn't argue, as it made sense. She eventually moved her gaze on him. Now that those 'doors' were opened, she looked at him as her most likely future... husband.
   Her gaze scanned him from several angles. She was trying to take in all the details she could before he said anything.
   "Do you still need more proof that I have what it takes to change your city's situation?" he asked her without even looking or caring how she was observing him. The inventor was already used to how his girls were looking at him.
   "...I..." 
   She snapped out. Her thoughts needed to be rearranged for a second. She looked down at her shoes for a moment before lifting her head and looking at him.
   "I will agree. I agree with terms that I will be in charge of my city even... when... I marry you if this is what you want." She fought back her blush masterfully.
   "Hmm, I understand. We will discuss what you wish to implement in your city. What you will get will depend on how well you do your duties as my future fiance."
   Her eyes hardened for a second. She realised that it was not simple! In other words, she couldn't get everything after a simple ceremony.
   "What? You thought I was that easy?" He joked, making her shake her head in denial.
   "No, I understand, and I was not planning to neglect my duties." 
   When she said that, Marcus smiled. He knew that was the case. That is why he is helping in the first place; he knows Bronya is a good girl.
   "Good, now then, let's go to your office." He motioned to walk with him.
   Bronya looked at the moving army in the distance, huge spider walkers walking and smaller mechs alongside them.
   If he had such a system for soldiers, then what about regular people? What can he do for them?
   ~~~~~~Meanwhile~~~~~~
   On another branch of the Illusionary Tree, Sirin's army arrived in Earth's orbit. 
   The first thing that greeted them was the debris from the space station.
   "Doesn't look that different from our earth." Hisako looked around. She expected a slightly more alien world. She had enough time to think about what Sirin's world would look like as the white-haired girl had unique eyes, which added to that 'alien' effect.
   "Hah, let me take you to the moon. You will see what I mean. This civilisation had colonies on the moon and in the depths of oceans." 
   The chef girl slightly nodded. She was not THAT impressed. Her sense of wonder had slightly dulled after living in the same household as Marcus.
   "Regardless, we can explore things once Technocracy's flag is raised above every single government-related building." Sirin stood up from her throne and walked to the large windows overlooking the planet below and the warships in orbit.
   "Begin the invasion, kill every single honkai monster, capture every single colourful person, conquer cities, kill all people who have weapons, and leave surrendering people alone.
   Are my orders clear?" The Herrscher said with a sharp tone.
   ""'YES, Mistress!"" The officers almost giddily replied as they swiftly relayed the orders to the fleet.
   Hisako paled when she heard that. This was her world, and she ordered a total war?
   'Just how much she hates it?'
   "Is it... necessary?" The pink-haired girl asked with discomfort.
   "It is. Because Honkai won't stop, I will disarm people, destroy the army and take over its place.
   I will kill a couple million to save billions," Sirin replied with crossed arms while watching the armies start to deploy.
   "I am a failure as a Herrscher." She turned her head and looked at Hisako with a pained smile.
   "Well, it shows that you are a human."
   The pink-haired chef tried to raise her morale, but all it did was make the white-haired girl grimace.
   "Don't do that. I am supposed to destroy humanity, not join it." Sirin shook her head while saying that.
   Hisako blinked a couple of times. Where did she hear that!? But then she got a flashback of magma world!
   "...Star Wars reference?"
   "...You don't look like someone who watches sci-fi..." The Herrscher commented while looking at her.
   "I have my moments."
   "I see..."
   ~~~
   The war against Honkai was in full swing. The Sixth Herrscher was killed without much hassle, but then IT happened: The Fire Moth task force in Australia was destroyed in pyres of flames. One of the captains of the task force became the Seventh Herrscher, the Fire Herrscher. It was nothing like the Fire Moth had seen before. In mere moments, cities burned to the ground, and the fire spread rapidly, so it wouldn't take long for humanity to lose the entire continent. 
   So the Fire Moth proceeded with a very risky experiment: they were thinking of fusing Honkai monster DNA with their best soldiers.
   To make them into Super Soldiers.
   However...
   "Ma'am! Ma'am! We have a big problem!" An officer ran into the blue-haired girl's office. The office was a mess, full of research papers, holograms with DNA strands, and other stuff related to genes.
   "What is it?" The blue-haired girl had glasses and a high ponytail. She was dressed in a lab coat, not that it could hide her well-developed assets.
   "W-We are being invaded!!!"
   "...What? But the early honkai-"
   "Not that! There are spaceships above cities! Aliens are invading!"
   For a second she had a blank look on her face, before snapping out and checking her computer.
   Her eyes bulged out, seeing tons of messages from all over the world.
   "...What in..."
   She could see pictures of dagger-shaped and rectangular spaceships with strange lights being emitted throughout their hulls. These spaceships were dropping something on the cities below, and she could see shuttles being launched from the hangars on the sides of these warships.
   It was a full-scale invasion, and it is happening all over the world!
   "...Call everyone back, we need to fortify! The base can't fall!" 
   'What of Honkai? What happened to Captain Himeko?'
   The blue-haired girl swiftly checked the data, and to her surprise, the fires in Australia stopped! 
   'What did they do?"
   Her eyes bulged out. How fast did they deal with a Herrscher!?
   "Mei, what is going on?" A white-haired man's face popped in a hologram. 
   "Kevin! We are under attack." The girl said with a panicked voice. Dealing with Herrschers and Honkai is one thing, but alien invasion? That's another! The Earth is not organised in that way! MOTH more and less absorbs the military to assist in dealing with the Honkai threat.
   "But we are-"
   "It's not Himeko! Aliens are invading, Kevin!"
   "..."
   "Check the news!"
   Kevin needed a while to realise that Earth was being invaded from two angles now. One could say that his eyes had hardened as he slowly started to feel despair creeping into his mind.
   But then the news stopped as the signal was interrupted.
   Seeing this happen, MEI rushed out from her office and towards the surface as their base was underground.
   Kevin followed after her as he needed to make sure that nothing happens to her.
   The pair eventually meet at a corridor interconnection. Kevin, the white-haired man, was to become the first Super Soldier, but he was undergoing his medical test before this.
   Now, that was out of the window as they rushed to the surface. The moment they arrived, they could see the MOTH soldier herding, panicking people inside for shelter. The pair ignored all that as they looked at the sky... 
   What they saw made their legs tremble. It was a huge spaceship floating above the city. It was enormous, casting a massive shadow over everything. It was one of the parts of the mothership...
   "..."
   "..."
   "Mei! Kevin! We need to get in! I heard there is a massive army approaching our location!" 
   The pair snapped out and looked at the Pink-Haired girl, who was uncharacteristically serious.
   "Elysia?"
   "That's me! But for now we need to retreat and fortify!"
   She grabbed the pair and was about to pull them in, but at that moment, a female voice spread through the whole area.
   "You three won't be going anywhere."
   Elysia's whole body trembled as she, along with the other two, turned around and looked up. They saw a girl in white and black clothes descend from the sky. She had several lances floating behind her. Her orange-gold eyes gave her identity away.
   "...You are a Herrscher..." MEI spoke in a confused tone. But, there is only one Herrscher at a time and they wield a law and Honkai Monsters. Was she wrong?
   'But the data...'
   MEI was certain this was the case! 
   Though Kevin looked at the girl, he had this strange feeling. 
   Did he see her before, somewhere? She looks oddly familiar...
   "Indeed. But don't mistake me for the low intelligent creatures you were facing before." She spread her hands and introduced herself.
   "I am Sirin, Future Empress of the Cosmos, this world will serve me as a gift to my future husband. You all will be a gift to him."
   'What does she mean by that? A Herrscher who serves some sort of faction? Is that even possible? Don't Honkai mess with their minds?'
   MEI pointed her Honkai reader at Sirin, and tried to scan the amount of Honkai particles she had.
   But the reader didn't pick up a think.
   "Fufufu, to think that Raiden Mei is alive in this specific time. Hmm, I wonder, are you her reincarnation? No more precisely is she your reincarnation?" Sirin placed her fingers on her lips, there has a borderline cruel look.
   She can't wait to mess with her!
   'Raiden Mei? What is she talking about?' As MEI wondered Kevin got in front of MEI, protecting her from the Herrscher.
   When Sirin saw this, she had a flashback of Kiana protecting Raiden Mei in a similar fashion.
   That made her see red, especially since one of her last memories of Raiden Mei is when she betrayed her and Kiana, became a Herrscher, and joined an enemy!
   "So that's how it is~."
   Sirin snapped her fingers and the warship above them reacted. 
   The warship's section opened and launched several nail-like objects. Seconds later, they slammed into asphalt around the MOTH's base. The middle section of the nails rose and opened, revealing mechs.
   "Let's see how you fare against my mechs!" 
   A horned humanoid-raptor-like machine slowly stood up. The mech's eyes glowed as it showed its bladed hands.
   [M.T.M Reactor Online]
   [Combat AI Support Online]
   [Inniating Graviton Armour Support]
   [Inniating Purge Protocols]
   [T.A.M.I 'Yaeger' Online]
   Four mechs walked forward and faced the trio, but at that moment, MOTH soldiers rushed out from the base entrance with heavy weaponry and opened fire.
   But all the fancy bullets of their which are made to face Honkai, simply flew around the Yeagers.
   "...What the...!" MEI exclaimed with disbelief as she wanted to see how her weapon face against these machines.
   "The bullets flew around them?" Kevin looked shocked and confused.
   "It's like there is a force that makes them move like that." Elysia observed the whole thing with slightly narrowed eyes. She wondered what these people were; she couldn't even sense them! And she was a Herrscher!
   "...Gravity, these machines emit gravity waves," Mei stated with a serious tone.
   "Not bad. Mei, my future husband, has mastered gravity, time, space and life itself. All of that is reflected in his creations~." The floating girl bragged in front of MEI. The White-Haired Herrscher has this urge to brag in front of Mei, even if its not the Mei she knows, the girl is still a Mei...
   Her subconsciousness is making her do this. 
   "Now Yaegers, bring me those three to me, I shall keep them as pets before bringing them to Marcus." 
   [Roger, it shall be done, Mistress.]
   The machines dashed.
   "Quickly, you three! Get back! We will hold them as long as we can!" 
   The MOTH soldiers got in front of Kevin, MEI And Elysia.
   "Wait..."
   "Let's go, Kevin, Elysia! We need to fortify and find... something to get ourself an edge!" 
   The pink haired girl and Kevin nodded at the researcher as they dashed back into the base.
   "Fufufu, cat and mouse game? Fine by me. Sadly, these people have no idea that no amount of time will help them."
   Sirin chuckled as she watched how the soldiers were pointlessly trying to defend themselves.
   "Kill them all."
   With clear orders given, the mechs started to slaughter the MOTH soldiers.
   After quickly disposing of soldiers, they looked at the sealed doors, which had several layers of concrete and other materials.
   "If this is the case."
   The girl unclipped a small white and golden ball she had on her waist. She was using it as an ornament.
   "Come, Benares!"
   Sirin threw a ball, and her white Dragon manifested.
   "I want you to break those sealed doors! Use your Beam of Destruction."
   The white dragon was like a 'Pokemon' and its attacks work in similar fashion.
   The 'Honkai Dragon' opened its mouth, and a ball of black and red aura gathered before shooting a black and red beam. The beam started to melt the sealed entrance.
   "Let's see how long they will last."
   Sirin ordered more troops to her location as she watched how the entrance was being opened.
   ~~~~~~A Few Minutes Ago, in Australia~~~~~~
   The will of Honkai corrupted and turned the fierce Himeko into the Seventh Herrscher, the Herrscher of Fire. This transformation turned her into a monster of fire that indiscriminately destroyed everything in its path.
   But before this could get out of hand, warships entered the atmosphere and launched a full-scale invasion.
   The Star Destroyers and the support vessels launched their troops alongside the mechs.
   For a regular person, it looked like the end of the world, as the world was burning. Then, from the sky, massive machines descended, looking like flaming meteorites.
   As Himeko walked towards her next target, a large coastal city, armoured men with rifles and jet packs opened fire on her.
   They were shooting waves of energy, and while it did not damage the Herrscher, it did have an effect... that is, it dissolved bonds of Honkai particles. 
   Unlike other forces in this world, Technocracy is fully independent of any and all needs of this particle. That is why it can employ overwhelming power towards the very Honkai.
   That is what Sirin wants. It took her three days to arrive at this reality, and she used that time to develop anti-honkai ammunition. It's more complete and completely shreds bonds between particles.
   Aurora quite easily developed such a thing. It only needed a sample of honkai, and they got it the moment they entered reality. All of the space vessels quickly adapted to the new formula, and now their shielding takes care of it, making them free of the Honkai influence.
   The shots from the rifles caused the flames around Himeko to be slashed away. For outsiders, it would look like someone is taking large chunks of flames off her!
   *Inhumane Roar*
   The Herrscher, who was like a wild animal, felt a threat to its existence and lunged at the Assault Knight with a flaming sword.
   Several yellow nets slammed into her before she could deliver a swing, wrapping her in a tight bond. The nets swiftly removed Honkai particles from her, making her lose her Herrscher status and her inhuman looks.
   "Target secured."
   The squad of knights landed next to the knocked-out Himeko. 
   "Send a shuttle for pick up."
   "Requesting further orders." 
   [Enter the city; there are more targets inside its perimeter. According to the initial scouting, a famous idol has her concert in the city; acquire her.]
   The High Command sent pictures of this idol. She had velvet-coloured hair, amber eyes, and a considerable size burst.
   [There should be one of the living MOTH soldiers. Acquire her as well; she has blue hair and is talented in Martial arts.]
   "Orders understood."
   The leader knight motioned for them to split up. One group went to the city, and the other went to look for the downed soldier.
   ~~~~~~Meanwhile, all Over the World~~~~~~
   Spider walkers, with their metallic screeches, walked through the streets and blew up any resistance. The upgraded Mark II models were enormous machines that could rival small skyscrapers. They had improved and versatile main cannons, small beams that could shoot from a bunch of areas around the body, and missile pods on their backs. They were the main artillery that destroyed buildings and any defensive installations.
   They were followed by Yaegers, which can take down mid-size enemies and lastly, the elites, which didn't made their appearance yet, the XC-02.
   The most upgraded units in the entire arsenal, after the invasion of the Underworld and the Afterlife, Aurora used the data of those conflicts to improve the specs and install the latest technological advancements.
   The AI turned these machines into butchers regardless of opposition. They were so potent for conflicts that Sirin decided not to use them, as the war would end before it even started.
   Even now, it's already looking like humanity has nothing to offer, as Honkai has drained them to the point that the invasion was like a punch to the gut and made the entire civilisation gasp for breath.
   As the world is rapidly conquered, a pink-haired girl with a katana is rushing through the streets towards her home.
   "...Damn it..." She swore under her breath as she saw knight-like individuals scouting before her. There were four of them, and they had pikes from unknown metal, and their tips were some sort of plasma.
   These guys were dangerous.
   'I have no choice.'
   Her speed dropped as she grabbed a stone and threw it into the trash can in the alley.
   The sound of stone crashing into metal attracted the knights.
   However, it had a different effect than she had expected.
   The knights looked at the trash can and then looked towards her location.
   The four knights separated into pairs and started to explore two locations.
   "Target located. "
   The girl with long pink hair looked at them with wide eyes.
   'What is with that vision!? Are those helmets equipped with thermal sensors?'
   Seeing no choice, she pulled out her sword and lunged at the incoming knight.
   An energy pike collided with an Honkai-imbued katana. The honkai on the sword's tip started to melt as the blue-and-white-dressed girl jumped back and looked at her katana with a frown.
   'They are equipped to deal with us as well,' she thought, quickly realising that this invasion was not random.
   An curious thought appeared in her mind as she realised that these aliens could have sent Honkai as some sort of advanced vanguard! Now that they were losing badly, they decided to do a full-scale invasion!
   "Damn you all!"
   She proceeded to use the katana as a decoy before gunning for the energy pike in the knight's hand.
   However, as her hand went for the knight's hand, her eyes bulged as she saw that she couldn't reach it! It's as if there is an invisible force field around the knight's body!
   "What are you, people!?" She exclaimed with anger as another knight swung his pike's blunt side at her.
   The girl dodged with a backflip, then tried to approach them in a different way, after several close calls she realised that they were not trying to kill her!
   A small smirk appeared on her lips as she became fearless and proceeded to lunge at them with her whole body.
   Her eyes gleamed with mirth as she was able to touch their armours.
   With a successful approach, she wrested the energy pike from a dumbfounded knight.
   The girl swiftly rolled off the knight and stood up. With a new weapon in hand, she took a couple of swings.
   'Impressive. It barely weighs anything!' She realised she didn't need too much force to deliver devastating blows.
   "Give up, Sakura. Your resistance is futile." Other knight said to her as he took a fighting stance.
   "Hah, we shall see."
   The girl lunged at the knight, but at that moment, the knight moved much faster, and her eyes bulged out as the blunt end of the pike ended up in her gut.
   Sakura coughed up saliva as she struggled to breathe. She took several steps back before turning around and dashing away.
   "...Target is leaving the vicinity. What are your orders?"
   The knight didn't chase her as he asked for instructions.
   [Let her run and lead to other targets. A squad of seek-and-destroy units are to be tested out for the first time.]
   For a second, the knight didn't say a thing as he simply gazed at the distance.
   "Poor thing, she should have not resisted."
   ~~~~~~Meanwhile~~~~~~
   ***Tremble***
   "They broke through the last heavy-duty doors." Dr. MEI said with a heavy tone.
   "You know, we could just try to have a civilised conversation." A green-haired girl asked with a small smirk.
   This was Dr Mobius, who was very, very excited to hear that there was a Herrscher who could speak and hold a proper conversation.
   "You just want to do your research on her, " another doctor, Su, said with a sigh.
   "And you don't? Before the network went down, all of the Honkai levels started to fall drastically around the planet. Do you realise what this means?" Dr Mobius spoke with a serious tone.
   "It could be that they are the ones who unleashed Honkai in the first place," Kevin said with a deep frown. Honestly, he wouldn't be surprised if this is the case.
   Before they could speak, more strange animal sounds spread through the base. 
   ***Rumble***
   ***Rumble***
   "...The earth is trembling?"
   ***Roar***
   A heavy roar of beast spread through the deepest level of the bunker.
   Before long, the last mid-sized heavy steel doors shattered as people could see that it was a mace... on a tail?
   "...Is that..."
   "A dinosaur?"
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   For a second, everyone was baffled to see an Ankylosaurus on the other side of the doors.
   "Fufufu, my hubby's toys are useful, don't you think?" Sirin, with a jovial tone, got everyone's attention.
   "Little by little, I got all of you captured." 
   She said that as she pulled out a tablet and showed it to them.
   "Himeko, Pardofelis, Kalpas, and all of your other little soldiers, which look interesting enough. I have them all captured." Sirin giggled, loving the look of disbelief in their eyes.
   "...H-How on Earth did you capture Kalpas?" Kevin asked with disbelief. That guy was too angry to be knocked out.
   "We used tranquilisers meant for large lizards." The Herrscher said with a careless shrug.
   "..."
   "..."
   "..."
   "..."
   "Can we discuss this?" The green haired girl dressed in lab coat asked Sirin as she walked forward and through the destroyed doors.
   She looked around and saw larger-than-men feathered dinosaurs guarding all the exit points. Apart from them, there were white and orange-gold heavily armoured knights with tower shields.
   Oh, and some less armoured ones with rifles pointing at her...
   Totally...not overkill for whatever is left of her group...
   "Discuss what?" Sirin moved her head to the side and looked at her curiously.
   "We could work on this together. Your faction has the means to dissolve Honkai, which means you have a complete understanding of what Honkai is! We could help you with your research!" The green-haired scientist said with an excited tone; she could barely hide the madness behind her voice.
   "It appears you misunderstood something..." Sirin slightly moved her chin up, showing a very arrogant smirk.
   "?"
   "You WILL be coming with me either way. This world and all of its inhabitants shall be under my Technocracy's banner." 
   "...Oh, then I surrender. As long as I can do my research, I do not care." The green-haired scientist raised her hands, showing that she was surrendering.
    
   Making her allies, her helpers, and everyone else look at her with a range of emotions.
   "Dr Mobius, you can't be serious! We don't know if they are responsible for Honkai in first-"
   A sublance nailed one of the scientists by his coat against the wall.
   "Do not speak nonsense, you filthy human! Honkai has brainwashed my mind and manipulated my emotions! It was my future husband who saved me and brought me to his world!
   There are three things that I hate in the whole multiverse! Honkai is one of them! I shall stamp that filthy particle out of existence! If I can't do that, then I shall enslave it to do my bidding to the end of times!!!" 
   The girl's orange-gold eyes glowed as supernatural pressure erupted from her. The entire base started to tremble as she could barely control herself.
   "... Well, that explains her relationship with Honkai," Su said to Kevin, who slowly nodded his head. This is a good development, but...
   He has no plan to be someone's slave...
   "Do we have a clear understanding?" Sirin took a deep breath as the shaking stopped.
   "Then can we talk about our surrender and how people will be treated?" The pink-haired girl clapped her hands in the most friendly way possible, making Sirin look at her as if she had no idea what was happening! Or something is wrong with her head...
   ~~~
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   Chapter 118: From Fire Chasing to Behind Bars
   "Hmm, it depends on how bearable you are." Sirin looked at the pink-haired girl; she felt a small urge to choke her to death. That over-the-top friendly voice was making her cynical heart twitch from displeasure.
   "Oh, we will behave~ now that Honkai issues are dealt with. We can relax." Elysia smiled, but Sirin's eyebrows twitched for a second.
   She looked at one of her Assault Knights. She motioned with her chin.
   The knight shot balls of light at the over-the-top, friendly, pink-haired girl.
   Elysia's eyes widened for a second. She was in disbelief as, the next moment, she collapsed on the ground.
   "Elysia!!!"
   "Don't move!" Sirin got snappy. The people from MOTH stopped in their tracks.
   "Her voice started to bug me, so I knocked her out." 
   "..." They looked at her with more caution. They thought that something like this wouldn't happen after Mobius' surrender.
   "Now then... according to protocol..." Sirin looked at her knights.
   "You know what to do."
   "Yes, Mistress!" The Knights sharply nodded.
   They all proceeded to shoot at the group. 
   5
   The people from MOTH looked with disbelief as one after another got knocked out.
   "...That's... over...the top..." Mobius mumbled as she could not keep her eyes open. She collapsed on the hard floor.
   "Rules are rules," Sirin mumbled under her breath. There is one thing for sure: she won't break the protocol. The girl doesn't want billions of soldiers; she has to turn on her. 
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   It would be embarrassing to return to Marcus in chains. Hell, he could even break the engagement. Now, that makes her whole body tremble from fear.
   "Separate them. I want Mei and this pink-haired girl; the rest can go to the storage units."
   She wants to learn more about Mei and this... pink thing. She has this weird feeling about this girl.
   Sirin walked over and grabbed Elysia's hair; she narrowed her eyes and sent her nanites into her.
   Moments later, she saw the biometrics of this girl.
   "...Hahahahahaha.... Now this... is hilarious!" 
   The Herrscher learned who she was!
   "Does this make her a traitor to... both sides?" 
   For a second, she wondered, but that is something she can learn after interrogating her. 
   "The rest of you collect all the research data and any valuable materials." The girl got over her laughter and then instructed to ransack the whole place. While the tech here is primitive compared to Technocracy, the smallest thingies found here could help Marcus invent or improve something.
   "Understood."
   ~~~~~~Meanwhile~~~~~~
   "Haaah-Haah-Haah." Sakura, who has been running for god knows how long, looked around. 
   Behind her were feathered creatures with big and sharp claws. They looked like oversized chickens. But what made her skin crawl from fear were those armours they were wearing. 
   The claw extension they had allowed them to cut through everything she had been throwing at them.
   "Shit... what are you!? I thought you wanted me alive!" She said with a sweaty forehead.
   *Screech*
   *Growls*
   The group of animals barked and growled at each other in some weird sounds. They separated and surrounded her from all sides.
   The animals proceeded to circle her.
   Sakura felt like a prey to these things.
   'Damn, I need to get out of here, I need to get to Rin as soon as possible.'
   She looked around nervously, looking for means to escape these raptors.
   But a couple of moments later, the sounds of flying objects got her attention. She looked up and saw flying shuttles or, more accurately, gunships.
   "...This is just great... they sent a whole regiment after me. I am feeling touched." The girl sarcastically said to herself.
   One of the shuttle's sides opens, revealing more knights.
   'Just great! It feels like there are millions of these guys! Where do they come from!?' Sakura grimaced as she saw many... countless of these guys on the streets! 
   One of the knights pulled out a large rifle with glowing lights, and the gun barrel started to transform, spreading out to reveal something akin to a net.
   'I see! These chickens are for pinning me down! In that case...'
   Sakura waited for them to start shooting, and the moment they shot, she dashed at the closest raptor. 
   Behind her, several nets hit the ground. She got behind a raptor, and one of the nets hit the raptor.
   Seeing friendly fire, the beasts started to growl and screech at the gunships. 
   'Now, this is my chance!'
   The pink-haired girl flipped over and dashed into the street alleys.
   Without wasting time, she continued to run, eventually arriving at a wide street.
   Her eyes bulged out, and she saw huge machines walking in the streets, with their projector lights scouting the roads.
   'Holy... they already took over the city!?'
   Sakura swiftly leaned against the wall as she hid from a light. But the light stopped on her anyway.
   'Damn it all... why they are this advance!?'
   ***Metallic Screech***
   "Oh crap..."
   She swore under her breath as she decided to 'fuck it' and started to dash towards the massive spider walker.
   But at that moment, flying knights arrived and proceeded to circle her.
   "Sakura, surrender at once. There is no point in running away."
   "Don't tell me what to do! I WILL escape!" She said that while pulling out the pike she stole from a knight, she discovered that the weapon was very versatile and that she could holster it.
   "Suit yourself. We will capture you by the orders of our Mistress! For the sake of Technocracy and our Supreme Commander!" The knights proceeded to shoot balls of light at her, and Sakura showed them why she was one of the best assassins for Cocoon, the secred branch of MOTH.
   However, her exhaustion started to slow her down, and more knights arrived, either by foot or by shuttle.
   One of the balls of light slammed into her side, shaking her whole body as she realised that it was high-voltage!
   'Damn!!! DAMN!!!'
   The girl swore under her breath as one of her legs gave in as she dropped on one of her knees. At that moment, other knights shoot nets into her, wrapping her tightly.
   "Sakura secured."
   The flying knights notified the command as they saw the girl pass out on the ground.
   ~~~~~~On Other Branch of Illusionary Tree~~~~~~
   Bronya looked at Marcus as they were in her office. The Inventor's maid poured some tea for the pair. The Heir wondered where this maid was keeping her stuff as it just magically appeared in her hands.
   "Tell me what is on your mind." Marcus blew some steam away as he took a sip of his tea.
   "Hmm~~~, this is amazing, Bell." He praised his maid before looking at Bronya. The silver-haired maid slightly bowed at his praise, but she didn't say anything as, at this moment, she was allowing Bronya to speak.
   "...I do not know what to do, or more precisely what to do. I understand the general idea of what is expected of me, but I do not know if my norms are similar to yours." The girl tried to explain in the most normal possible. She has no idea how to interact with a being that she believes is some sort of self-made Deity.
   "The most astute observation, as expected from someone who is genius one way or another."
   "I am no genius..." She replied the very next second.
   "Hah, it's quite amusing. I say the same thing when someone calls me 'genius'. But I am just a guy who loves to tinker in my father's garage." He shrugged while closing his eyes and taking another sip of his tea.
   "..."
   "I suppose my comment has ended the conversation. Let's return to what you just said." He returned to the previous conversation as Bronya took a relieved sigh. She had no idea what to say to the earlier comment.
   "The best thing right now is to spend time together." He slightly smiled at her.
   "We should explore your city. You can show me around." Marcus suggested to her.
   Her eyes slightly widened when she heard that.
   "I can do that... But are you sure? I doubt my city-"
   "Bronya, don't decide on what I like by using your definitions. I come from a place with great winters, and I like them just as much as I like summer."
   'Summer... that's a word I haven't heard for a while...'
   "Very well. Then we can explore tomorrow." 
   "Indeed, for now, I shall take you onboard my mothership. It's time for you to meet one of my fiances."
   Bronya's brain stopped for a second when she heard that.
   'One of!? How many does he even have!?'
   "H-How many you have?" She asked with a gulp, with how many she would need to share her future husband!? Honestly, now that she started to think it made sense that someone of this calibre has a harem of some sort... But it makes her feel slightly annoyed.
   "You are forth. My first one is a Wisdom Goddess. Second is one of the greatest cooks in my homeworld. The third one is something similar to Eminator from your reality."
   "...I-I see."
   "My cook fiance has arrived with me. She is not a great fighter, so she stayed in the mothership while I descended to see your world in person." 
   He explained to her while finishing his tea that Bronya still hadn't taken a sip of it, something he had noticed.
   "Do drink your tea, darling. My Bell worked hard to make it." 
   "R-Right!" Bronya swiftly took her cup and took a sip. Her eyes widened in small surprise as she looked at the cup. 
   "This is amazing! What is this tea?" She asked them with an excited tone.
   "Hehehe, that is my Bell. I created her using memories of several maids. One of them is close to a thousand years old. As you can imagine, she has a lot of experience when it comes to making something like tea."
   "Oh..." How Bronya looked at Belfast changed as she never expected this maid to be that... experienced! Who knows what she can do! Maybe she is even stronger than that other officer girl! 
   "Master, you do not need to praise me this much. I am simply doing what you intended to make me do." Belfast said with a sigh.
   She then looked at Bronya, who was observing their interaction closely and trying to learn more about them.
   "Miss Bronya, my creator, tries to downplay his achievements quite a bit. What you witnessed was him slightly showing off, but most of the time, he downplays many things." Belfast explained in a single breath.
   "...I see..." The Heiress to the last human settlement on the planet slightly nodded at what the maid said.
   But Marcus shrugged at those remarks.
   "Is it?"
   "Yes. Us visiting this place is proof." the ship girl deadpanned.
   "I guess." 
   "Indeed. For example, my existence is another proof." Belfast raised her hands and brought them closer to each other. Nanites rushed out of her body and formed a small model of a warship.
   Once completed, she brought it over and placed it on the table close to Bronya.
   "Do you see this? This is my 'true form', " the silver-haired girl said with a mysterious smile.
   "....what do you mean by your 'true form'?" 
   "Exactly what I just said." Belfast then looked at Marcus, who rolled his eyes at her in small annoyance. He wanted to reveal stuff little by little and not make Bronya go insane or something. But then again, he had no idea how to start slowly. Maybe revealing millions of soldiers at once is not the best decision.
   "Originally, I was a sunken warship at the bottom of a channel. There was a global-scale war in our homeworld. It became extremely popular as time went on; many forms of media reviewed it, and historians liked to retell the stories from this war.
   Eventually, Master rose to power and visited the world's oceans to collect several of us." Belfast got into a storytelling mood as she recalled a couple of things.
   Bronya dumbly stared at Belfast as she wondered how the metal vessel became a being of flesh!?
   "Once he recovered the wreckages, he fixed them and then upgraded with his latest technology and lastly... creating us." The ship girl slightly smirked as she liked the look she was receiving.
   "But... but... does it make you a robot? An automata?" Bronya asked, but then Belfast got closer to her, grabbing her hand and placing it on her left chest.
   "Can you feel that?"
   "Umm..." Bronya didn't know where to look...
   "Can you feel my heartbeat? Hmm?" The maid slightly teased the Heiress.
   "...Y-Yes..." She eventually focused and, indeed, sensed the heartbeat.
   Marcus looked at this with some curiosity. It appears his Belfast has her teasing side, too. 
   Eventually, the maid pulled back and got behind her Master with a small smirk.
   "It appears the memories of a specific devil show their fangs, Bell." The inventor commented.
   "I have no idea what you are talking about, Master~," Belfast replied with a teasing tone.
   "But I do love teasing this pure and innocent but very serious and responsible girl. She did sell herself to you." 
   The ship-girl maid said to him via telepathy, making Marcus chuckle.
   "...H-How then? How did you make a person from a metal ship?" Bronya got over her embarrassment and looked at Marcus with a questioning gaze.
   "Waves."
   "...Waves?" His response only confused her.
   "When something moves, it creates a ripple. Everything leaves behind a ripple, even time..." He replied to her question while gazing at something; it was as if he was looking past these walls and into something far away.
   "So I simply figure ripples the wreckage make, copying that and then applying to a physical human body," Marcus explained to her while looking at something before returning his gaze to Bronya.
   "...That is... how is that even possible? Where do you even start with something like that?" She mumbled to herself while looking at the table in front of her. 
   "See? What did I tell you?" Belfast chipped in from behind Marcus.
   "Why don't you tell her about your resource management skills, Master?" 
   "Bell, there is time and place for all of that. We need to allow Bronya to digest all she saw first before moving on to other things." Marcus didn't want to get into his resource 'management' yet. The beauty before him first needs to digest what is before her.
   "...What do you mean by what you said?" Bronya feels that something is going on here.
   "You should see how Master applies his technological advancements on resources," Belfast commented from behind Marcus.
   "Bell~, if you speak more than necessary, I will spank you," Marcus said, slightly annoyed.
   "Fufufu, sorry, but I simply want to help you, Master. That is what maids do~" The ship-girl maid giggled, her tone telling them that she is not afraid of 'spanking'.
   "...I am interested, please tell me! My city always lacks vital resources!" Bronya exclaimed with a curious tone.
   "Then we should go to the mothership." He sighed. Since Belfast mentioned this, there is no way to cover it up now.
   "Then let's go."
   There was no hesitation in Bronya's voice anymore.
   ~~~~~~Back with Sirin's Fleet~~~~~~
   MEI's eyes trembled as they slowly opened. The first thing she saw was the metal-like ceiling of an unfamiliar place.
   "W-Where am I?"
   "Well, you took your sweet time to wake up~." A friendly voice from the side got her attention. MEI knows this voice quite well. She slightly stretched out as she got one of the best sleeps she had in a while.
   "Elysia, where are we?" the blue-haired girl asked. She looked around and finally saw her glasses left on a simple table. 
   Once she got them on, the doctor could see her surroundings properly. She realised that she was in a prison cell!
   She saw Elysia on the other side of a corridor, in a cell in front of hers. The girl was sitting on the bed while hugging her legs.
   "As you can see, we are in a prison."
   "I can see that." MEI deadpanned with small annoyance. That doesn't help at all!
   "I woke up a while ago, and no one was here to see us or bring us some food. I am hungry," Elysia explained while simultaneously complaining.
   "..."
   MEI didn't comment as she stood up and walked to the bars. She tried to look at the corridor on both sides. On the right side were empty cells, and on the left side, the doors very close to them. The pair of them were the first prisoners in this prison. No doubt they were in a spaceship, not a jail on the planet's surface.
   After looking around, she returned to the bed and sat on the edge, trying to think of something. At the same time, she wondered what was happening with their home.
   A few minutes later, the doors opened, and the knights brought another prisoner!
   "...Sakura?" MEI knew the girl. It was an Assassin from Cocoon!
   "It appears we have a new friend." Elysia looked curious at the newcomer. She wanted to speak with her, but the girl was out cold.
   "Is there a chance we can speak with your commanding officer?" MEI asked one of the knights.
   "Mistress will speak with you at her convenience." One of the knights replied.
   "What happened to Earth?" MEI pushed for more answers.
   "It has been conquered, and our troops are sorting out the population." The knight replied as the other one laid down the knocked-out girl on her bed before sealing the bars. 
   "...Conquered...already? How long has it been?" The scientist girl looked horrified to hear that!
   "14 hours 32 minutes and 48 seconds."
   The MOTH scientist gulped nervously as she heard that the whole planet had been taken over in less than a day!
   "It's not nice to just invade like that. You guys still haven't explained why the whole thing happened in the first place." 
   Elysia asked as she was concerned with this whole thing. She already had an idea of how to solve the Herrscher issue, but then these guys appeared, shuffled the entire thing, and made it unrecognisable.
   "Ask Mistress. We are created to follow orders."
   "And you don't think that some orders are simply wrong?" Elysia tried to speak with the knights.
   "There is no such thing. We exist to fight and serve Technocracy, just like the sun exists to illuminate the world and how oxygen allows organic species to live. Our purpose is decided upon our creation."
   MEI's eyes widened as she realised these guys were not citizens of some alien society but created entities of some faction! If this is the case, then their logistics were way different from those of regular people!
   "That is quite the dedication you guys have. Who created you, then? I want to meet his individual." Elysia looked surprised before asking them.
   "Our Supreme Commander is the ruler of Technocracy and creator of everything you see around: technology, individuals, spaceships, and unique abilities of the commanding officers. He made it all, and you shall be part of it." The knight walked over and stood in front of Elysia's cell.
   "...and if we try to rebel? Not that we would try." She asked curiously.
   The knights snorted as they were about to exit the prison, and one of them stopped before replying to the pink-haired girl.
   "First, rebel against your basic needs, as it's easier to rebel against them than against our Technocracy."
   "..."
   "..."
   Once they left, Elysia finally commented.
   "It appears they are quite certain that we can't rebel."
   MEI didn't say a thing for a while before finally opening up.
   "There has to be a basis for their belief." She crossed her arms.
   "It means that their military might is so powerful that they believe that we have no chance of rebelling, " the scientist said in a calculating tone.
   "...There is some truth in that." Another voice said from the side.
   "...Sakura?"
   "Yes, Dr MEI."
   Elysia and MEI could hear the girl slowly getting up as she walked over and inspected the bars.
   "...Unknown metal... huh." 
   The girl tried kicking it, but she quickly realised it was very sturdy as she dropped to one knee and massaged her foot from pain.
   ***Painful Hiss***
   "You should not do that." Elysia chipped in after grimacing alongside Sakura. It looked painful.
   "...Yeah..."
   After a couple of moments, MEI decided to ask Sakura.
   "Do you have any information to share about these people?" The scientist asked.
   "...Well, their technology is extremely advanced. They can control beasts, their armour has force fields, and they share information at extreme speeds. I could barely hide from them, and the moment I revealed myself, all the surrounding armies rushed towards me." Sakura explained what she experienced while gazing at the empty cell, her eyes trying to dig through the metal walls.
   "...Those force fields you speak of could be actual gravity manipulation; we have similar technology, but not at this level." MEI slightly grimaced as she realised these guys could be a couple of hundred years more advanced than their civilisation.
   "...I wouldn't be surprised. The way they were flying defies any norms we are used to."
   "..." Elysia listens to them speak. She is creating a portfolio of these guys on her own. She wants to know why they are here in the first place. She finds it hard to believe they would invade to please one man...
   "Anything else?" 
   "Well, they did everything they could not to kill me. They tried to capture me alive. They avoided all the close calls." 
   "...Hmm..." Dr MEI found it interesting.
   'So they are collecting us in some fashion... but for what exactly?' The scientist tried to think of a reason but needed more information.
   "You are quite a stubborn one, aren't you?" A familiar voice spoke as the doors opened, and Sirin walked in. Her voice had lost its unnatural and inhuman Herrscher echo. Now, she sounded like a simple teenage girl.
   "You remind me of my Fiance's pet. Atalanta is similar to you with that drive." 
   "Are you comparing me to some animal!?" Sakura hissed angrily at Sirin.
   "Animal? Not at all. She used to be second in command in a Hunt of a Goddess of a Hunt. She is several thousand years old and is a hybrid between a lion and a girl." 
   To ensure they believed what she said, she summoned her interface and showed a picture of her in a maid uniform.
   "Whoa, they do look similar!" Elysia gasped slightly as she looked curious.
   "Indeed, I am sure my future husband will find your resolve interesting." 
   "...Why did you invade Earth?" Dr MEI asked the more important question.
   "There has to be something more important than please your future husband. I don't believe you would use such a large force for such a minor thing." 
   "...hah... I expected you to be smarter than this, Doctor MEI." Sirin, on purpose, highlighted her title in a sarcastic tone.
   "...What do you mean?" MEI didn't like it when someone challenged her intelligence in this way.
   "Technocracy is built by him."
   "Yes, but what about-" Her eyes widened in pure horror as she made a connection. Her face paled as she understood what she meant by that sentence.
   "So you understand."
   "...You want me to say that he is Technocracy? His whole faction exists to stroke his ego?" MEI asked with a growing grimace.
   Elysia's gaze snapped at MEI as she wanted to hear more.
   "That's precisely what I mean. He designed everything and built everything to satiate his hobbies." Sirin spread her arms, declaring in pompous fashion.
   "And like any other man, someone like him needs a wife, an Empress who would help him maintain his Empire, which spans the whole space and time." 
   "Ridiculous, what about other people? Their lives and their struggles." Sakura snorted in the distance.
   "What about them? If you behave, you and your sister will be fine. If we are satisfied, we could even bring your parents back to life, too."
   "!!!"
   "Bring back life!?" MEI exclaimed with disbelief.
   "Of course. Did you forget what I said to you a while ago? My future husband mastered fundamental forces through science and technology; one of them is death as we conquered the afterlife in a major conflict against Gods of Death." 
   "..."
   "..."
   "How do we know you are not lying?" Sakura asked with narrowed eyes.
   "Fufufu... You don't, but that's beside the point."
   The Herrsher snapped her finger, and the cells opened.
   "I will show you something else. Follow me. My forces shall enslave Honkai. You three will watch it next to me." She motioned for them to follow her, but at that moment, Sakura tried to grab her... only for Sirin to appear a few metres away.
   Sakura's eyes widened as she was certain she had grabbed her!
   "You can't defeat me; no one who is a three-dimensional being could even touch me." Sirin snorted in a mocking tone.
   "Oh yeah?"
   "Please... use your brain for once." Sirin sighed, disappointed at how similar this girl was to Atalanta. She knew that Marcus had broken the lion girl and made her into a pet, but he needed to humiliate her quite a bit before that.
   "Sakura, stop. If you continue, she could do something...bad." Dr. MEI said with a slightly nervous tone. If what she says about being a being from a higher dimension is true, then there is not much they could do to stop her...
   "Hah, you have some common sense and not just cold, calculating logic," Sirin said while looking at MEI.
   "..."
   The scientist version of Mei looked annoyed for a second, but she didn't comment back, knowing that this girl could easily be triggered and could do something to her.
   "You should pick on cute girls like that. We are girls here." Elysia chipped in from the side as she got between Sirin and Dr MEI.
   "I don't need to hear that from a Herrscher pretending to be a human." Sirin snapped at Elysia, making Dr MEI and Sakura look at Elysia with confused gazes.
   "So you didn't know? She has a Herrscher core. A Dormant one, but it's there. You are a Herrscher, are you not?" The white-haired girl smirked while saying that.
   "Moh! Why are you telling my secrets like that!" Elysia pouted at Sirin, making the Void Queen's hand twitch. She is starting to feel the urge to smack her.
   "...W-Wait! You are a Herrscher!? Why did you never tell us!?" Dr MEI exclaimed with disbelief. She looked hurt, and Sakura narrowed her eyes.
   "I could not. I needed a proper time for it," Elysia clarified... sorta... while looking at Sirin.
   "How did you figure it out?" The pink-haired girl asked curiously. 
   "My nanites are in your body. I could kill you any second." The Void Queen threatened her.
   "But you won't because we all are gifts to your future husband." the girl smiled while saying that to Sirin, the Void Queen clicked her tongue.
   "You should not reveal such cards so easily." Elysia began to tease her.
   "Don't test your luck." 
   At that moment, Elysia realised this girl was a tsundere-similar to Kevin! Then... she realised that she was a Herrscher too!
   *GASP*
   "Doesn't that mean we are like sisters? That is totally amazing!~~~" 
   Elysia clapped her hands in happiness, making Sirin take a step back.
   "What nonsense are you speaking!?" The Void Queen blushed while snapping at her with annoyance.
   "You are Herrscher, and I am one too! That makes us siblings!"
   'I think I am going to vomit.'
   Sakura looked away as if she was not feeling well. She had been fighting this world-ending threat with all of her might, but now the whole thing had turned around and become a comedy. It made her sick! 
   While Dr MEI looked at this with a calculative look, they could use Elysia to fight back in some way. But for this to work, they need to speak with this Supreme Commander of Technocracy. The blue-haired girl needs to see his character in person.
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   "Is there a way for us to speak with Supreme Commander?" Dr MEI asked the White-Haired girl who is fighting back those over the top friendly vibes of Elysia
   "Ha! you wish, he is realities away developing sapient dinosaur species for his amusement. I left for this Honkai infested reality which he summoned me from originally to get my revenge and collect some gifts for him." 
   'The way she worded... there is no Honkai in the worlds he is from?'
   "I see... so there is no way to communicate with him..."
   "Pity, I wanted to speak with big bad wolf." Elysia pouted making Sirin look at her with annoyance.
   "If you annoy me any more I will make you into a maid!"
   Instead of having any negative effect Elysia simply smiled at this proposal.
   "No worries, I been one before~."
   The white haired girl clicked her tongue while looking away.
   "Let's get this over with, I want you see my revenge become reality." Sirin looked away and began walking towards the doors.
   The three girls having nothing else to do followed after her. The first thing they saw was that there were a lot of knights and the place was simply enormous, there were trains going back and forth everywhere.
   They eventually arrived at the bridge of the warship. Elysia and Dr MEI noticed that the place was full of girls.
   "Oh wow... so many cute girls!"
   "...My Fiance's choice, he prefers looking at beautiful girl's while travelling the stars or realities. Don't ask me why..."
   "That's because he is a healthy guy no?" Elysia suggested.
   "...You don't even know half of it." Sirin ended up casually commenting while having a small blush.
   "OH... OHH..." 
   Elysia realised how naughty this guy was! 
   "I see! I see! You need to tell your sister how it is! I want to know the details!" All of sudden the girl got much closer to the Void Queen.
   ~~~
   For More Advanced Chapters (+10 chapters, 50k words), My Pat: Pat reon.com/DragonsFics
  
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   Chapter 119: Sirin's Battle Evolution
   1
   The Assimilator and its part moved away from Earth and slowly positioned to encase the area around the Moon.
   "Mistress, we are getting strange signals from the area around the moon, " one of the navigation officers said to Sirin.
   "It would seem Honkai knows that we are a threat." The white-haired girl smiled. Her smile was a sadistic one.
   1
   "Wonderful, we shall make that thing feel despair! I want the ships to assume battle formations!" She gave the orders before grinning.
   "Let it feel how insignificant it is! I want my flagship to assume a firing position. That thing should release Honkai beasts capable of space travel." 
   "...It's impossible. We haven't seen such monsters yet!" Dr MEI looked at her with horror.
   "Honkai reacts according to its enemy. Since we can space travel, it should respond in kind," Sirin explained with crossed arms as she looked at MEI before returning her gaze to the ship's captain.
   "I want to encase it and surround the moon from all directions." The Herrscher ordered as the rest looked at this.
   "...Mistress, we are picking up a single entity leaving the moon." The officer looked confused as it was only a single entity.
   "...Oh, so it's her," Sirin recalled what she saw via her time control abilities. It appears the Honkai wants to fight in THAT way!
   "...Who?" Sakura asked curiously. A single enemy? It should be strong, no?
   "The Final Herrscher." Sirin slightly smiled. Normally, she would be terrified to face an Honkai God, but this was fine. Her hand went to her triangle device; it was time to capture this... thing.
   1
   No doubt Marcus will be pleased with her if she captures this thing and brings it to his collection.
   2
   "I shall deal with her. I want to see what this 'Final' thing is." With that said, she turned around and walked away towards the double doors.
   "...Umm...is it fine? As far as I know, this Herrscher is like no other," Elysia said with a nervous tone. By all means, she was happy that the Honkai thing was under control. Honkai is a variable that is hard to deal with. In contrast, an occupation by aliens... familiar aliens-is a lesser evil of those two.
   "Don't worry. Supreme Commander ensured all of his ladies were always protected." The captain of the ship said with a small smile.
   At that moment, an image of this Final Herrscher appeared on the main bridge screen.
   'She looks like Sirin... why?' Dr MEI frowned, seeing the face of the Herrscher.
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   It was a carbon copy of Sirin, only with a crown of yellow energy and royal-like clothes. Why does this Herrscher look like that?
   As the trio watched what was happening, they saw Sirin fly towards the Herrscher of the End.
   ~~~
   "The more I look at you, the more annoyed I am," Sirin said with ever-growing anger. What she is looking at is the proof that Kiana is the protagonist of this place. It makes the white-haired girl more and more annoyed.
   Just because someone decided the girl is the protagonist doesn't mean she can do whatever she wants!
   'Like overcoming things through 'friendship!' Disgusting! What a nonsense! I have all the power I could want to deal with you!'
   "Today, I will have you in chains!" With a hand motion, pulses of void and time blasted towards the Herrscher of the End.
   The carbon copy of Kiana motioned with her hand, and purple shards blocked the blasts. They then morphed into spikes and rushed at Sirin.
   'She IS powerful!'
   The orange-golden-eyed girl created several dark purple cubes to intercept the attack and then cast purple and green lightning via her subspace lances, which appeared around the Herrscher of the End.
   The attack was a direct hit, as it caused an explosion, which sent the carbon copy of Kiana a considerable distance away.
   But she quickly recovered and then made a hand motion.
   "Hmm... Illusionary space? You want to pull me there?" Sirin realised that this 'faker' wanted to seal her away.
   'She doesn't know that I am Herrscher of Void?' It was a pleasant surprise as this Honkai entity can't perceive the true nature of Sirin, thanks to all of the protection from the nanites and graviton technology.
   The way she fights is different from Herrscher of the End. Sirin doesn't utilise Illusionary Space anymore. She wields space and time itself with no intermediate.
   Meaning that-
   With a sharp hand motion, Sirin cut the attempt and instead motioned with her hand to create a black box around the Herrscher of the End, trapping her inside. She then began to twist and turn with her hand motions. In the end, she snapped her fingers, and the content inside the box exploded in a multitude of colours, shattering in the process.
   "You are durable. It reminds me of her..." The Void Queen commented with ever-growing annoyance. She watched how the Herrscher of the End moulded back together like clay.
   "You are not of this world; you do not belong here." The Herrscher spoke in a monotone voice-it was Kiana's voice...
   Sirin eyebrows twitched when she heard it.
   "Wrong, this world belongs to me. I conquered it, so it's mine, and so are you." The white-haired girl pointed her finger at the fellow white-haired girl.
   "You will make a fine addition to our collection." Once again, space started to warp around the carbon copy of Kiana, who looked around for a second before trying to enter the illusionary space to escape. This time, Sirin grinned wickedly as she made a hand-crushing motion, and the space completely collapsed around the Herrscher of the End.
   Making the Honkai Deity gaze at what is happening with disbelief.
   "Impossible... such a thing should be impossible. How can you interfere with space itself? " the being mumbled in shock as the space around her shrunk, forcing her to use honkai energy to resist the effects.
   "Resistance is futile. I shall have my vengeance against you. Mark my words, Honkai!" 
   Sirin snapped her fingers, and the area around the Herrscher of the End turned into a shredder. It should have severed all of the limbs and tendons of the carbon copy lookalike.
   But dark purple energy surrounded her and erupted like a volcano, warping the space and shattering the attack.
   Then, in the next second, the Herrscher was gone, and space around the moon started to glow in dark purple energy.
   Sirin looked confused, but then she saw the honkai reading around the moon. It was off the charts. The amount of energy radiating from it was more than she had ever seen this world could produce.
   'Is she reacting to me? That is why Honkai is reacting like this?'
   Then... she was back.
   As an enormous version of herself!
   'What the hell!?'
   The Void Queen looked with shock and disbelief as she saw a giant version of a carbon copy of Kiana! The girl was big enough to hold the moon in her palm!
   "This ends here, outsider, don't interfere with my work." The Honkai being spoke, and the entire Earth Sphere could hear her!
   [I can begin with Honkai particle interference; I have already figured out how it works.]
   Aurora spoke directly to Sirin's mind via the suit's interface.
   'It's fine. I do believe that I can beat her.' The Void Queen smiled, saying that. Her smile was a bloodthirsty one, as she could feel that she could do it.
   'Yes, I do know how.' 
   At that moment, her triangle device glowed in several different colours, and a beam of light erupted from it.
   The light rushed upwards, creating multicoloured clouds. A multitude of lightning danced in them before they began to rush into a single point right above Sirin. Then, it turned into a pillar of light and slammed into the Void Queen.
   [Bio Evolution!]
   A synthetic voice 'declared'. The Honkai being, who watched the whole thing with a perplexed look, felt 'danger' and tried to interrupt it, but all of her attacks failed to reach Sirin as they simply passed through her!
   As the light consumed space itself, the warships and crews inside of them stared at the whole thing with confusion, as they were certain that 'Evolutions' were disabled for the time being!
   "W-What is going on!? Aurora! This should not happen! I am certain Supreme Commander turned it off until all the calculations are done!" The captain of Sirin's flagship exclaimed with some worry. She doesn't want to end up 'disabled' for failing to assist her Mistress.
   [No idea; the Quantum Computer inside the Triangle Device decided that turning on the feature was better.] The Ai said with a pondering tone.
   "What are you two talking about?" Dr. MEI asked as she heard 'Quantum Computer' mentioned.
   "Just watch. Once the light settles down, you will witness the byproduct of true combat evolution, " the captain said as the light began to settle down.
   What they saw was an 'angel' whose looks were similar to Herrscher of the end. Sirin had a crown of pure energy-well, it was more like a circlet-and a pair of wings that looked like they were carved from space itself. Her hair was glowing white with golden particles emitting while it was moving by itself.
   "...What happened to her!?" Dr MEI exclaimed with bated breath.
   'She was Herrscher before. Did she step forward towards something more!?'
   "Combat evolution, Supreme Commander's device she was carrying decided that Sirin needed help, so it caused her to evolve into the next stage," Captain explained before asking the AI.
   "I thought she needed a catalyst, like a Neo Gear or another arcane item." 
   [Those are for 'techno merge evolution'. From my understanding, items can merge to create synthetic life or an item with a biological entity or, in this case, a simple biological evolution without any extra ingredients]
   Dr MEI and the other two looked at what the pair were talking about.
   What they are talking about is some sort of miracle nonsense! An actual Evolution in the middle of a fight!?
   "...so it should not be as strong as that Techno Dragon?" The captain was relieved as she realised that.
   [Depends on what the evolution magnified...]
   The Ai wasn't certain.
   ~~~
   [VOID MONARCH, TIME EMPRESS!]
   Sirin could sense what kind of boost she just experienced as she looked at her hand. There was no need to declare what she can do now.
   "Shall we? I will make this quick~" she said to the Herrscher of the End in front of her.
   The Void Monarch's wings glowed as a halo of light manifested above her. She made the Honkai entity cease whatever movement she could perform.
   'I c-can't move!?' 
   The being tried to struggle, but at that moment, something extremely heavy slammed into her gut, causing her to lose her massive form.
   "All I needed to do was increase the gap between Honkai particles so you would lose your form. Sometimes, being huge can be counterproductive." Sirin lowered her hand as all she did was raise it beforehand.
   When the Honkai entity heard what just happened, it was absurd! This outsider can interfere with particle bonding!?
   "Now for the finishing touches." 
   With a single step, she appeared in front of Herrscher and delivered a single kick, sending her flying.
   Into the moon thousands if not hundreds of thousand kilometres away.
   All of that happened instantaneously as Sirin simply removed the 'distance'.
   'Amazing~' 
   The girl was gushing internally about how strong she was! 
   Still! She swiftly snapped out from this as she appeared above the crater where the Herrscher was.
   But what she was looking at was a bloody pulp of 'meat' recovering. The force of that kick deformed the carbon copy of Kiana into a bloody meat paste.
   Still, it was alive and enough for Sirin. She summoned one of the 'pokeballs' she had and threw it at the reforming Herrscher.
   The ball came into contact and opened, casting a red light on the 'meat paste' and sucking it in. 
   "And that makes it the third 'Pokemon'!" Sirin smirked at that moment. Her evolution was undone. 
   Disappeared like a poof of smoke. It was absurd how easily something like this could be stripped from her.
   She looked at her hand as she felt a massive drop in her abilities!
   "...pity..." the girl stroked the device on her chest. She could get used to such power!
   After collecting the Pokeball, she returned to her flagship and went to the bridge, where her 'companions' awaited her.
   "Impressive, isn't it?" Sirin opened the conversation, her voice smug, as she felt such a power-up suited her quite well.
   "Supreme Commander's genius is something else." Dr MEI begrudgingly nodded. Now, she wants to talk with him 'shop' as a fellow scientist and inventor. There is an array of things she wants to speak about.
   One of them is if he could release her MOTH companions. They, after all, have no idea if Sirin is acting on her own or if she found some sort of loophole in the system...
   After all, they have no idea about 'standard protocol' and what it entails.
   "He is. He was able to give me a second chance after I lost my fight for control." The girl smirked as she stood next to them with crossed arms.
   "Not only was he able to save me from dying, but he did that realities away from where I was.
   Once my revenge is complete, I shall gladly return to his side." As she said that, she looked at the ring in her hand.
   "...Hmm... pity, it appears your future husband has selected a handful for his future wife." Sakura jabbed at the Void Queen.
   Sirin's gaze snapped at Sakura. There was quite a bit of anger in her eyes.
   "What a mere human girl could possibly understand what Honkai does to one's mind to make them follow its will? The majority of your kin get a preferred treatment of dying quickly, but not everyone is as lucky as you humans are." Sirin ranted as she felt her anger growing.
   Elysia got between her and Sakura as she smiled at both of them.
   "...I understand enough. I can't say the same about you. Invasion of the entire world is not the answer to your issues." Sakura moved her head to the side, getting around the annoying pink girl.
   "...Ha. It was hilarious coming from someone who would die if I didn't invade. You were losing and will lose."
   "How do you know that we will lose?" Dr. MEI asked first, as she was very curious. She felt that this girl was related to them in some strange way.
   "Since I already rule this place, I have no reason to hide." The Void Queen smirked for a second, making the trio nervous for some reason.
   "I come from a parallel Earth 50 thousand years from now. I come from a remnant civilisation of yours. The war you just fought against Honkai will end in your total defeat, but a certain Dr devised a means to survive. The remaining humans went to a bunker, where they were frozen for years until they could restart a civilisation from scratch."
   "...So then..."
   Sirin interrupted as she continued.
   "I am the 2nd Herrscher, the Herrscher of Void." 
   Dr MEI's eyes widened for a second.
   The second Herrscher was Void of theirs, too!
   "It would seem it was not a total defeat as the way Herrscher's types descended was the same as yours, and we were not completely mad," Sirin explained to them.
   Elysia's ears perked up when she heard that. It appears her scheme worked in some way or fashion in that world.
   Dr MEI looked pale for a second. This news was bad, but thankfully, was the Honkai threat resolved in the future?
   "...Did you people win... eventually?" The nerd version of Mei asked.
   Sirin shrugged without care.
   "I am Herrscher persona. I died in a fight for control." 
   "...That means the girl learned how to gain control of Herrscher's powers," Elysia exclaimed with happiness. It would seem her plot indeed worked!
   "...I suppose she did..." The Void Queen gazed at Elysia. She was imagining how she could punch in this annoying pinkhead's face. 
   "...Hmm... It would seem the crucial factor was the appearance of the Herrscher persona inside the people." Dr MEI mumbled to herself as she began to think.
   "Let me entertain your train of thought as an ex-Herrscher." Sirin looked at Dr. MEI with some amusement. One could say there is a certain amount of satisfaction in seeing her realise how to do it, but she would never succeed as the threat is long gone.
   "Honkai targets the ones who have anger and distaste towards humanity as a whole. Once honkai finds one of these, it begins to spike negative emotions until one develops tunnel vision.
   Once that is in place, inserting a second personality loyal to Honkai becomes easy." Midway through the explanation, Sirin's eyes bulged out as she saw Realitus particles gathering in a platform meant for communication with someone in the Technocracy.
   She saw a familiar body frame. It only made her feel anxious when she saw Marcus manifest right there!
   The Void Queen dropped the conversation, dashed forward, and swiftly walked to her fiance.
   "M-Marcus! What can I do for you?" The white-haired girl with a forced smile asked him.
   Part of her is terrified! She wonders if Aurora explained to him how she plans to time slip to fifty thousand years from now. 
   Her plan is quite devious. She plans to force events to happen even without honkai just to see Kiana being born so that she can get back at her!
   It's petty of her, but she is a petty being, to begin with.
   "Why so nervous, Sirin?" Marcus asked her with a small smile. Before the Herrscher could answer, more people walked over and stood just behind the white-haired girl. 
   "Oh, new friends? It's only been a couple of days.' He commented as he saw SAKURA, Elysia, and Dr. MEI-quite the collection.
   "You must be the Supreme Commander. It's an honour to meet you." Dr. MEI Curly introduced herself. Internally, she was smirking from ear to ear. She wanted to meet this guy! But Sirin told her he was very busy with his sapient dinosaur project.
   It turns out they CAN communicate as it is!
   "...Raiden Mei... no, those glasses and coat; you must be Dr. MEI." Marcus looked at the person who introduced him; he was happy to see a new addition to his faction.
   'Raiden Mei? I suppose this is a girl who looks like me in the distant future.' The dark purple-haired nerd girl realised this was the second time someone called her 'Raiden Mei'.
   "Yes. That would be me."
   "And I am Elysia~" The pinkette poked her head from the side as she got next to Dr MEI.
   "Hoh... I see... Herrscher of Human Ego. Quite a pleasant surprise." 
   Elysia's smile faltered for a second. Both Sakura and Dr MEI looked at the pinkette for a breath moment. They finally learned what Elysia's domain was.
   "...Yes~, that would be me. I am more concerned that someone not even in this reality knows my deepest secrets! It's not fair for a maiden like me!" The girl placed her hand on her head as she shook it. She looked 'devastated'.
   "I have my means." Marcus ignored her as he looked back at Sirin.
   "I am calling you because I learned that you could evolve. I want that data sent to me via Aurora Network. With the security systems in place, a simple download from a triangle device is impossible, and you need to do it manually." 
   The white-haired girl sighed in relief when she heard why he was calling her.
   It was not about her plans!
   "I will send it over to you." The girl nodded at his request.
   "Good, then I will see you later.'
   He was about to leave, but there is no way Dr MEI and Elysia will allow that!
   "H-Hold for a second! C-Can you answer a couple of questions? " Dr. MEI asked him, with a serious scientist's face.
   He pondered for a bit before replying. He seemed willing to entertain her request, which made Dr MEI think about what to say.
   "Hmm... depends on what you want to ask." 
   For a second, she wanted to ask: 'Why?' but such a rudimentary question would only make him look at her as if she was stupid and annoying. She knows she can't resist Technocracy, so instead-
   "Is there a way for me to join the Technocracy?" She asked sharply.
   Both Sakura and Elysia looked at her with a small amount of disbelief. This sounds like a betrayal, but Elysia knows better. The Brain of MOTH knows that resisting is pointless and that working from inside is a far better alternative.
   However, Sakura wanted to beat the doctor for giving up so easily...
   "Haah... well, you are part of my collection. If you want a more active role, you would need to persuade me that it is worthwhile." 
   "What about me?" Elysia raised her hand, asking the same question.
   "Same requirements," Marcus replied with a nod.
   "Hmm, so the girl needs to seduce you, got it!" The Pinkette was not holding back.
   "Pretty much." And Marcus played along instead of blushing or commenting on her straightforward remark.
   "Moh... don't you have Sirin? You need more?" Elysia pouted at him.
   "The one who needs is you, not me." He shrugged at her.
   The Herrscher of Human Ego puffed her cheeks. 
   In the meantime, Dr MEI pushed her glasses up. It appears she was at a crossroads.
   "What will happen to all the people who were captured?" the dark purple-haired nerd asked as she wondered where Kevin and the rest were.
   "I am not part of the invasion fleet. If you have questions related to that, ask Sirin, " he replied while looking at the white-haired girl standing there like nailed to the ground.
   "...I see... then... when can I speak with you in more private circumstances?" Dr MEI tried to word it as nicely as possible.
   "...Leave that kind of stuff to me! Mei!" Elysia jumped first. She smiled at the dark purple-haired nerd.
   "That is assuming you have something to offer, Elysia." Marcus sighed at the pinkette's enthusiasm.
   "Dr MEI is more interesting as she is like me, a scientist." 
   "Moh! I could offer... things!" Elysia puffed her cheeks, feeling offended. 
   "Like?"
   He asked curiously.
   "First, I am super cute."
   "That's essential. All of my fiances are beautiful." He rolled his eyes.
   'Did he just say, fiances!? As in many!?' The trio looked at this...they realised... that it made sense. Now, everything made sense!
   Why Sirin would invade! She needs clout! Prestige against other fiances who are gunning for the top spot.
   'The whole thing is just to satiate their need to proof at the Interdimensional level! How crazy is this!?' Dr MEI's eyes trembled as sweat began to drop from her forehead. What she realised was insanity.
   But, at the same time... she realised the benefits of such an empire. She could destroy Honkai in every single reality with such an armada.
   However, now she wants to know the potential. How much does one of his 'lovers' command? Do all of them have moon-sized bases? What about the fleet? Is there a limit?
   At the same time, the nerd girl realised that Sirin would not allow her to get closer-something she needed to be wary of. Thankfully, Marcus saw them, and such a thing gave her an 'umbrella' from imminent danger.
   "...I will make you happy." Elysia pointed this with her second finger.
   "...You have no idea what makes me happy... Elysia." He replied with a strained smile.
   "But I do! All the guys have the same needs! Sure, you are super duper smart, but behind all that is still a guy who needs a cute girl in his life." The pinkette explained in an excited fashion.
   "Just like at your current Fiance, she must smile more to make you happy!" The girl didn't let up as her comment made Sirin want to kill her.
   "Watch your words! I am more than capable of making my future husband happy!" Sirin clenched her fist as her eyes started to glow in sinister orange-gold.
   "Maybe so, but you are far away from him~," Elysia countered smoothly. There is a reason why she is the 'Human Ego'.
   *Tsk*
   The white-haired girl clicked her tongue as she looked away. She doesn't want to admit it, but the girl was right on the money with that remark.
   "See~, you must be close to him for a healthy relationship. That is something I can promise wholeheartedly~ " the pink-haired girl clapped her hands excitedly.
   "...You..." Sirin's hand started to twitch. It appears she made a miscalculation as she was thinking of disposing of this pink menace.
   "So far, all I have heard is basic things." Marcus hasn't found anything worthwhile so far.
   "Hehe, and most importantly, no ulterior motives~" Elysia smiled as she raised her third finger.
   "..."
   Marcus looked... interested all of a sudden.
   "I know, someone like Sirin is plotting something. It is obvious she is using your limitless power for her revenge~" 
   At that moment, Elysia needed to dodge a subspace lance as Sirin attacked her.
   "...Sirin..." The Inventor looked with a deadpan gaze at his fiance.
   At that moment, the Royal Guards, who were standing motionless, came to life.
   "It will only be a second. I will deal with you in a flash. I only need a piece of hair and your soul; the rest can be restored in a new body, " the white-haired girl commented, looking slightly crazed. 
   That moment, the double doors of the bridge opened, and a squad of knights rushed in.
   "Mistress, cease with your hostilities. You are breaking standard protocol." 
   The pike knights pointed their pikes, followed by the Royal Guard, which towered over the rest of the knights.
   'What is going on? She doesn't have such great control over them after all?' Dr MEI looked shocked and intrigued; Elysia looked at this with interest as well. It appears she is safe, but then she sees some of the rifles pointed at her, too.
   'Or not. It appears it's targeting conflict itself. That means these guys will take down all of us.' 
   It was not the best solution. It appears she can't wage a woman-style war. If Sirin flips like that, Elysia will suffer as well.
   "..."
   Instantly, Sirin dismissed her subspace lance and dropped her murderous, crazed look.
   "...You are lucky. But there are other ways to make your life miserable." The white-haired girl's voice did a 180-degree change.
   She sounded very civilised and professional.
   "...I saw what I wanted to see." Elysia smiled and took a couple of steps forward.
   "Like I said before, I am willing to do everything needed of me, no strings attached." The girl smiled at observing Marcus.
   "Ha, you might pretend to be 'genuine', but you are covering for your nerd friend over there."
   "That's because a cute girl has to have minimal scheming to be considered a female, you know that, don't you?" The pinkette slowly pouted at him.
   "Otherwise, I will be all but naked!" She crossed her arms while looking away.
   "Maybe that is for the better. Who knows? Regardless, Sirin, I will be visiting your timeline in a few days. I am already on this specific 'island'.
   It will be only a matter of a few short days." 
   When Sirin heard that, her heartbeat accelerated. This was bad! With only a few days given to her, how would she set up the whole thing?
   "I understand. I will be waiting for you." The white-haired girl slightly nodded at him before the communication was dismissed.
   The moment it happened, Sirin looked murderous as she looked at Elysia.
   "Take them away! And find some work for them! Maybe cleaning dinosaur dung!?" The White-haired girl exclaimed in a sinister tone.
   "As long as they are alive, it doesn't matter what will happen."
   Dr MEI and Sakura's eyes widened in horror.
   'D-Dung!?'
   Elysia bit her lower lip as she forgot about assignments like these....
   "Understood, Mistress." The knights grabbed the trio and took them away.
   "H-Hold it. I didn't do anything!" Dr MEI said with growing despair.
   "I saw your calculating look, Mei. That is all I need to make you rethink your choices."
   She dismissed all three; it appears she misunderstood them. Well, they won't see how she will claim Honkai itself.
   "How long until we get into position?" Sirin asked with a relieved tone as she saw the trio leave.
   The girl nearly fucked up!
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   "At least 10 hours. There is some distance between Earth and the Moon, with pieces of Assimilator spread out as it is. It will take time." The captain of the ship said to the white-haired girl.
   "I see. Then, take your time. I will get something to eat." The girl waved her hand as she walked towards the bridge's door.
   The only thing in this situation which could make her feel better is food. Thankfully, she has a chef stashed away just because of this situation.
   Thankfully, Hisako didn't show herself before Dr. MEI and the rest. More information would only give more ammunition for that pink devil and that shrewd nerd version of Raiden Mei!
   ~~~~~~Meanwhile, Reality Away, Aboard Marcus Personal Assimilator~~~~~~
   "What was it? You look thoughtful." Erina asked Marcus as he walked to the dining room where the girls were waiting for him.
   One of them was quite stiff. Bronya is using 100% of her training not to panic in front of Erina and Marcus. This meal session... is- 
   Awkward!!!
   The girl is feeling like a third wheel, and it doesn't help that Erina is, for some reason, quite welcoming towards her!
   Something about talking to a fellow 'normal human' is great for her!
   Honestly, the whole thing is so weird!!!
   "Sirin... she used battle evolved mid-fight. I asked for data to be sent over."
   "...Oh... I thought that feature would be sealed for a while."
   "I thought the same thing." Marcus shrugged his reply, but it turned out that the quantum computers inside the suit devices thought otherwise.
   ~~~
   For More Advanced Chapters (+10 chapters, 50k words), My Pat: Pat reon.com/DragonsFics
  
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   Chapter 120: End of Threats and Beginning of Lies
   The Assimilator was something else; Bronya was impressed by the sheer scale of this construct; it was huge and full of technologies she couldn't wrap her head around.
   However, the amount of armies she saw made her knees get soft.
   Regardless, part of her tried to calm herself. These armies were not for her or her city! Not that it was easy, as she was constantly thinking about how to reply to their questions in the most courteous way possible.
   "You should relax. Being this stiff is not healthy," Erina commented as she brought some tea and cookies. 
   By this point, Marcus was gone as he was checking the data he got from Sirin.
   "I-I am sorry, I am new to this." Bronya showed a strained smile as she raised her guard against this cherry-blonde girl. For some reason, she is feeling 'danger' from her, even if she is just a 'simple' girl.
   Yep, the ash-haired girl can't believe that this girl is a 'simple'-nope! Not at all! Such unseen pressure makes her impossible to believe!
   "It's okay. A while ago, I was the same as you." Erina smiled as she recalled her first meeting with Marcus. It made her feel that her life was ending.
   In a way, it did. Her common sense was killed that day.
   "...Your first meeting with Marcus?" The Heiress of the last city questioned.
   "Yes! Back then-" the cherry blonde chef girl told the heiress her first meeting outside the airport.
   "...Umm..."
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   Erina expanded on how she ended up in that place in the first place.
   How Marcus threatened the whole world, and everyone rushed to his country to survive the upcoming world end.
   In the end, Bronya realised that Marcus is quite a villain.
   "..."
   "If you think he is mean, I would agree with you... initially."
   "... Initially?" The Future Supreme Guardian looked confused for a second. "Then you agree with such a forceful method?" 
   "You must understand that humans don't like change, especially when it comes to things they have and then have to lose, " Erina began to explain to her.
   "Especially rich ones who have much to lose. Your place has wealthy people, no?" The cherry blonde asked.
   Bronya slowly nodded at her.
   "So when someone comes over who can help the poor, to help that 99% of people but 1% don't like it?" 
   "...but that's not the case. You said that he would eliminate the entire civilisation with that move; only a small number of people would remain." At least, this is what she understood about this whole situation.
   "It depends, as Marcus' goal is to restore the planet that is suffering from human activities. You might not realise this, but too many people can be counterproductive."
   The Heiress slowly nodded. While she had never seen something like overpopulation yet, as people quickly died from the cold in her city, she understood the principle: A lot of people means a lot of food and resources are needed to make it happen.
   "Yes, I understand the fundamentals."
   "Then we can all agree that something needs to be done. With recent technological innovation, Marcus can move everyone from his world to new ones."
   'Or I think he will do that.' Erina thought to herself.
   "...True, but I need more information to agree on this. All I can understand is that he is quite... forceful?" Bronya, as a future leader of her people, needs to understand the whole situation fully before she can agree on something like this...
   "You can say that. One of his traits allowed him to achieve the greatness you see around you." Erina commented as her gaze swept through the massive hall. It was a biome-style room full of vegetation and life. There are small dinosaurs running around in this small forest, as well as other prehistoric creatures.
   The Heiress followed the chef girl's gaze and looked around as well.
   She is still trying to understand how this much greenery could be used for a menial purpose, like a resting area.
   "...Still..."
   "Well, think of it this way: He will give you everything you will ever need. For you, it's even better, as you could use those resources to help your struggling people. But in turn, you will have to give everything you can back to him.
   As well, he doesn't like failure." Erina grimaced slightly as she recalled what had happened to the original maids.
   "...I can understand that much just by looking around." Bronya forcefully smiled. She could imagine that someone of this calibre couldn't accept certain failures.
   "Yes, well, he is unique, you see. For us, it's different since we are to be his future wives; we get special treatment."
   The Heiress slowly nodded. She understood that, but it left her with a sour feeling, as she already preferred treatment as Heiress and future Supreme Guardian of her city.
   "I can see that you don't like that." Erina noticed that shift in Bronya, the cherry blonde, and noticed that she had developed some sort of sensory skill for emotions.
   "...I received preferred treatment my whole life while I watched how people died trying to protect me." The girl said that while clenching her fist.
   "I see..."
   "Then use your new status to change that." Erina proposed to her.
   "...That's the idea... yet, I feel bad for doing it." The Heiress looked annoyed that she would use Marcus.
   Erina observed her internally and was pleased by this girl's character. It was impressive.
   'it would seem Marcus does know how to pick them.'
   The Chef girl still wonders how he found her like that, in a whole wide 'island' of unique timelines.
   He singled her out from billions, if not trillions, of people!
   "Then work back if you think that you are using him." 
   Bronya grimaced when she heard that.
   "I would, but what can I do? I was taught to make decisions, lead a city, and wield a gun; all those are easily replaceable, " she explained to Erina in a slightly frustrated tone.
   "...Hmm, but he chose you anyway? So he finds something he likes. I am even more useless than you... I can cook... and that is about it. Yet, he chose me as his future wife."
   "...That is a good talent." Bronya still thought that Erina was better when it came to this.
   "Depends? He took literal Goddesses for maids."
   *Gulp*
   The Heiress gulped down when she heard that! 
   'Goddesses!? How does he operate!? And on what kind of value systems!?'
   "Precisely, that is why just do you think, that's how I did it." She said that while looking at the ring she was wearing on her finger, there was a smile on her lips.
   Bronya looked at it, wondering what this ring even meant...
   ~~~~~~Meanwhile~~~~~~
   In Marcus' new workshop aboard his personal Assimilator, the inventor was looking at the data Sirin had sent over. 
   "Look at this Bell, this is...insane." 
   Solomon's successor pointed at the DNA strand, which dissolved... and then reformed into something far, far more complex.
   "For a fraction of a second, Sirin's physical body ceased to exist. It reformed into a far superior version." In slow motion, he showed her at 1 million a second how the DNA is dissembled and then reformed.
   "What is the most insane part of this is that the whole form can be removed in a flash." He sounded very impressed by this.
   "...Impressive. but it sounds that it was not you who did it." Belfast slowly nodded but then asked as it sounded that it was not him who made this possible.
   "I only gave the tools to the Quantum Computers in the suit devices; the rest is them calculating and executing the combat evolution, " he clarified to his Ship-girl maid.
   "Oh... so it's like that." The maid slowly nodded as she understood how it was.
   "Indeed, now I only need to tailor the software more, like add three evolutions." Marcus hummed to himself as he is thinking how to improve it.
   "...Why three?"
   "Because that is how it works in Digimon. The classic three evolutions of Champion, Ultimate and Mega forms." 
   3
   He pondered before explaining more to her.
   "There are more, lesser ones, but I am only interested in the main ones."
   "I see. So what we saw from Sirin, defeating that Diety-like being, was her initial transformation?" 
   "Indeed, the next one would be augmented state of the first one, and lastly, the Mega form would be a complete recreation to reach unfathomable heights of power by all means and purposes." 
   "...When you say that, it makes me a little bit worried." Belfast grimaces a bit when her creator says it makes her slightly nervous.
   "Is it? Well, I made those devices capable of many things." 
   "...Far too many, but I trust the security of those items." Belfast touches the one on her chest. She could feel slightly warm energy flowing from it as if telling her it was fine.
   "You should. The Quantum computers on them have been state of the art for a very long time. Even IF I figure out a better means to calculate things, they will update by themselves. After all, they do have access to Aurora Network." 
   [I still think it's not fair that they can access my data while I can't access theirs.] Aurora complained to her creator.
   "It's for security's sake, Aurora." Marcus joked as he could sense her annoyance.
   [I know, but I do have the right to complain.] The AI complained some more.
   "Indeed."
   [HMPH!]
   Belfast, at the back, chuckled hearing that. It appears the AI is not immune to that stuff.
   ~~~~~~At the Same Time in Honkai Impact 3rd Verse~~~~~~
   'This is getting boring...' Sirin sighed as she watched the moon get closer and closer, but it took time.
   "We should upgrade these Assimilators. Their speed is horrendous when the net is spread out like this." The Void Queen commented as she used her left hand to hold her cheek. She was lazing on her throne.
   "Mistress, it was not designed to fly fast when the modules are spread out like this. The Graviton network can't be broken like this." The Captain of her flagship said to her.
   "Fair. In that case, the flotilla goes first and secures the area while we let the Assimilator take its time."
   "Very well."
   "Calculate if it's possible to collect all the pieces first and then fly to the moon, or is it faster like this?" 
   [Calculating]
   [It is faster to collect them and then fly to the moon]
   "Then do it."
   'It appears I need to make all the decisions... I suppose this is the downside of fully lab-grown personnel...'
   Not that the Void Queen will admit that it could potentially be her lack of commanding skills, as everyone is waiting for her commands.
   Sure enough, everyone scrambled to change things as the fleet moving towards the moon accelerated, and the Assimilator began to collect its pieces.
   Less than twenty minutes later, they were close to the moon, and white creatures similar to jellyfish began rushing towards the armada.
   "Honkai is fighting back after losing their trump card? Figures..." Sirin complained as she issued orders to attack... from all directions.
   "Fire, blow them up, leave nothing behind." 
   "Roger."
   The batteries on the warships picked their targets and opened fire. The anti-gravity turrets shredded the jellyfish honkai beasts like it was paper. 
   However, the issue was... the jellyfish were just too many of them.
   "...Ugh... charge the main canon and launch Starscream units."
   The Void Queen commanded as she was annoyed by this fruitless effort to break past the graviton shielding and the hull itself.
   "Charging the main canon." 
   On the main monitor, the radius of destruction appeared as Sirin could see how much they could blow up.
   [Suggestion: switch to shatter shots?] Aurora decided to assist the clueless white-haired girl.
   "...Why you didn't say it sooner?" Sirin complained as she rolled her eyes.
   "Switch to shatter shots!" 
   "Switching to shatter shots!" The gunners changed the loadout for the turrets, and sure enough, the jellyfish honkai beasts started to drop like flies.
   Soon after, the first Starscream units joined the fray and began to assist by removing whatever was sticking to the hull. 
   Quite a few jelly monsters stuck to the hulls and tried to break through, but it was like trying to open a can with a weed of grass. 
   In a few short moments, the fight switched from the Honkai overrunning the ships to the ship's fire rate shredding the Honkai beast numbers.
   "Main canon is ready for firing." The captain of the Flagship said to Sirin.
   "Find the possible location they are coming from and shoot there."
   [Calculating possible spawning points.]
   As the targeting system began to lock on, images of the moon and its orbit appeared on the screen.
   [There is a possibility that the main blast could damage honkai itself; do you still want to shoot it?]
   Aurora ended up locating where the portal to the place was.
   The warship began to position for the shooting.
   The barrel of the main canon was close to five kilometres long. It was in the centre and extended all the way down to the sharp tip.
   The sheer firing power of the flagship is... dangerous. Marcus designed this weapon to... end the conflict. After all, his ideology is that there are no wars, only his Technocracy cleaning up the stranglers. Nothing has changed since the time he took over the vampires with his first airship.
   1
   It only grew in size.
   "Fire, I do not care. We can destroy it here, and next time when we go with Marcus, we can capture it." Sirin waved her hand dismissively. She had cooled down after the whole fiasco with Elysia and Herrscher of the End.
   "Very well, firing the main canon." The Captain motioned with her hand, and the gunners pressed their buttons.
   A burst of light escaped from the barrel situated in the middle of the dagger-shaped dreadnought. The burst of energy was a weaponised version of Bifrost. A burst of warped space shredded everything in its path before slamming into 'space' as if there was a wall that opened up and revealed a purple 'planet' with a rhombus-shaped hole in it.
   The beam slammed into the planet, causing cracks to appear on it.
   Sirin and the officers watched the whole thing with a huge amount of curiosity. 
   They wonder if this will work. Could they potentially destroy Honkai's source?
   "Continue... how long we can sustain the power of the blast?"
   "For several more moments, as we need to charge it, " the captain explained as they watched the cracks grow bigger, but the planet began to respond.
   "Hmph..."
   Sirin snorted, seeing the response.
   "I want the star destroyers to open fire, too," the Void Queen said, increasing the tempo by ordering more firepower.
   "Relaying orders." 
   The smaller and just as deadly warship began to charge their main canons, too.
   Moments later, more beams rushed towards the purple planet.
   Shredding the honkai energy defences and slamming into the planet.
   Then, the flagship charged its second shot and blasted again. This time, the blast rammed into the planet and went through, causing a huge explosion.
   "Raise the defences." Seeing the massive explosion, the girl realised that this was bad! She swiftly ordered to respond to the explosion.
   "Shields at maximum!" the captain ordered immediately, and the gravity barriers rose at the front of the ships to tank the shockwave.
   [I do believe the moon will get destroyed.]
   Sirin grimaced when she heard that.
   "Then spread the Assimilator's net to catch the shockwave! Protect the Earth!" 
   [That could work, but the Assimilator was not designed to take shockwaves and explosion...]
   "It's built from Sacred gear metal, no? And powered by 5 Diamond Heart Engines? It should hold!" 
   [It should.]
   "Then spread it! We don't need the planet blowing up!" Sirin slightly panicked. She promised to conquer Earth, not blow it up!
   "Roger, sending the command."
   Sure enough, the recently reassembled acorn-shaped station once again needed to be spread out.
   Thankfully, the shockwave used most of its power to shatter the moon; the rest missed the blue marble.
   Still, the shattered pieces began rushing towards the planet thanks to its gravitational pull, but the Assimilator, which worked like a net, captured all of them.
   'Shit... what now?'
   The white-haired girl bit her nail as she looked at the mess she caused.
   'Right! Time beams!'
   "Aurora, can we shoot time beams to recover the moon?" Sirin asked with a hopeful voice.
   [Technically, it should be possible; we do have special area-based gadgets, but it will take time to deploy them.]
   "It's fine! Prepare those! We need to fix the moon! I want all of the warships to begin collecting the shattered pieces while the Assimilator returns to Earth and encases it."
   The girl swiftly gave her orders as she had enough manpower to get her scheme going and fix the broken moon.
   "...As you command." 
   The captain is certain that the Assimilator's commander is annoyed with the white-haired girl's constant commands to release the parts and then collect them. 
   Still, they can't complain as the girl has the highest access in the Technocracy.
   1
   ~~~~~~Meanwhile~~~~~~
   "..."
   "..."
   "..."
   The trio of Sakura, Dr. MEI, and Elysia looked at the clothes prepared for them. They were hanging in small wardrobes in a dressing room.
   "These are maid clothes..." Dr MEI commented. She is certain that working with dung requires appropriate clothing!
   "These are your working clothes." The knight said to them.
   "This has to be a mistake... one can't work with excrement while dressed like this!' The dark purple-haired nerd complained.
   "We do not have official clothes when it comes to excrement. It's an automated job, but since Mistress ordered, the automation will be disabled, and you will be doing it by hand." 
   When Dr. MEI heard that she looked ashen, the girl looked at Elysia, who was 'te-he-he' at Dr. MEI and the whole situation.
   "I won't be dressing in these." Sakura crossed her arms and declared that she wouldn't be doing this.
   "Your opinion is irrelevant. We will classify your action as rebellion and review it alongside the rest of your people."
   "!"
   Dr MEI looked horrified when she heard that as she looked at Sakura sharply.
   "Don't! She will dress in them!" 
   "?"
   The pink-haired assassin looked confused. What does she mean?
   The nerd swiftly walked over to Sakura and explained to her.
   "If you don't comply, they will treat it like a rebellion and deal with you and your family! AND people around you!" 
   Sakura's eyes widened in horror! She then looked at the knight.
   "Don't put my family into this!" 
   Dr MEI groaned internally when she heard that!
   "Rebellious elements will be dealt with in accordance with the Standard Protocol of Planetary Occupation. It's common sense for a stable subject society to work at maximum efficiency." 
   "..."
   "F-Fine... " Sakura grabbed the maid's clothes and went to change.
   Dr MEI and Elysia looked at this with nervous looks. It appears sympathy ends with Sirin, as the knights don't care...
   "Elysia... don't ever do that again. If you do, keep us out of it, " Dr MEI said sharply as she took her clothes.
   Not that Elysia said a thing; she was absent-minded while gazing at the wall in front of her. 
   She felt something was off... something...ceased to exist!
   'My Herrscher core... what just happened?
   The girl placed her hand on her chest. She couldn't sense any power from her Herrscher core. It's like Honkai doesn't exist anymore!
   'What happened? Did Sirin make Honkai cease to exist? Or did she seal it fully away? But even if it's sealed, there should be some remnant in the air, but this is different. It's like the energy lost its power.' The girl grimaced. In her opinion, this was far too insane to be true.
   'I Need to know...' 
   Elysia looked at the knight instead of going to change her clothes.
   "Did anything happen to honkai? Sister Sirin said that she will show us something." The pinkette asked the knight.
   "You can ask that yourself after you finish working here." 
   The knight didn't entertain them anymore as he left the room.
   The pink-haired Herrscher frowned as she looked at her maid clothes.
   'It would seem I will need to adjust to this if I want to succeed.'
   Well, it's not the girl's first time.
   ...
   ...
   ...
   The trio looked at the ceiling as a hole opened and a small mountain of dung dropped in front of them.
   1
   A heavy smell of shit assaulted their noses as the trio began to grimace.
   "..."
   "..."
   "..."
   "It's sad that I can't just kill you," Sakura commented as her hand twitched, pity that her sword had been taken away from her.
   She used her other hand to cover her sensitive nose.
   She wouldn't mind running her sword through the pink menace chest.
   "...I agree."
   Dr MEI slowly nodded in agreement. Her logical mind concluded that it was Elysia's fault. Since she can't beat Technocracy, it could only mean that it was Elysia's fault, as she provoked Sirin, that caused it to end like this.
   "Come now... it's not that bad!"
   At that moment, more wet dung had landed on top of the hill, which was already considerable. 
   "The dung has to be loaded into the carriages." A robot exited from a wall entrance and pointed at the rail-powered carriage.
   The trio quickly realised that the dung should have ended in the carriage by itself, but it was moved away, and the shit landed on the ground.
   In other words, it was intentional.
   Such realisation made Dr MEI and Sakura even more annoyed than they should have been.
   "Tehehe, then we should start."
   "Take the shovels provided." The robot pointed at the brand-new shovels leaning against the wall.
   "Damn her... she created this work just for us," Sakura commented with a disgusted frown. The smell was killing her from the inside out.
   "...Yes, it would seem so." The nerd version of Raiden Mei agreed with that statement.
   ~~~~~~Meanwhile~~~~~~
   Sirin looked at how Assimilator once again encased the whole planet into its hold.
   "How well can Realitus work on the entire planet?" Void Queen asked Aurora.
   [If it's a fully encased planet, then there are no limitations.]
   The girl's eyes sparkled.
   Then, I want to begin the particle dispersal and the simulation of time flow.
   [You wish to simulate until the timeline reaches your time?]
   "Yes. Is it possible?" The white-haired girl asked the AI.
   [It is possible. However, there is a selection of variables that need to be met before something similar to your time can be achieved.]
   "I know. I will be releasing some of the assets we collected." 
   Sirin looked at Kevin, who was resting in the cell.
   [While I don't agree with doing this, you are not going fully against my creator's wishes. It was a mistake on his part.
   Still, my programming agrees with your desire to experiment. It's a test, and as the main AI of Technocracy, I must assist you.]
   The Void Queen grinned from ear to ear.
   "My thanks!"
   [Don't thank me. I will report this when my creator asks.]
   For a second, her smile faltered, but she still nodded at the AI.
   "It's fine. Now I want you to do this-"
   The girl begins to explain how the whole thing will happen and how house Kaslana will be created. 
   Sirin began to play as the 'game master'... or a literal God to the people below...
   1
   ~~~
   "Kevin! Wake up! We don't have much time; The Seventh Herrscher is ramping as we speak."
   The voice of MEI brought the white-haired man to the land of awake, and his eyes snapped open. He quickly looked around, realising he was in MOTH's medical bay.
   He realised that the operation to become MANTIS was a success.
   'Though... I have this feeling that something was amiss.' He couldn't put his finger on what was wrong. Not that he had time to ponder as he has a Herrscher to deal with!
   1
   As he quickly got out of bed and dressed up in his uniform, he dashed out to find MEI.
   A few moments later, he found her in the command centre, where she was organising things.
   "Kevin, Herrscher of Fire, has burned close to half of Australia. If this continues, we will lose the continent."
   "I understand."
   "How are you feeling?" She asked him, with some worry.
   "...Better? And strange at the same time." He said while checking his hand.
   "Well, Parvati should give you power over ice." She explained while looking around, noticing that it was getting cold and some of the things were starting to freeze around him.
   Kevin noticed where she was looking.
   "Oh... this doesn't look good."
   "Yes, it appears it's a subconscious thing." She commented after having an initial observation.
   "I will learn to control it!"
   "I do not doubt it, but we have more important matters for now." She showed him burning Australia.
   "Yes, you are right."
   ~~~
   It would seem that Kevin's becoming the first MANTIS was the key to dealing with HIMIKO, who became the Seventh Herrscher. After him, there were others who became MANTISes, but 'Honkai' only became more dangerous, and the Herrscher grew in powers and abilities.
   Eventually, humanity was pushed to the brink, with only two cities remaining on the planet. 
   MOTH waited for the next Herrscher...
   Which turned out to be Sakura's little sister Rin. MOTH locked her up in the lowest levels of their base.
   But it was what 'Honkai' wanted as angry soldiers ended up killing the innocent girl. Her death was what triggered her to become a Virus-like version of a Herrscher.
   This virus spread through the base and triggered all the nukes, which destroyed the two remaining cities.
   Just like that, civilisation itself ceased to exist, but humanity was still fighting. 
   Eventually, Dr MEI found a way to seal the virus inside a box. 
   But it was too late for some of them as Sakura 'died'.
   The elite MANTISes lost their first elite leader, but the fighting only became harder.
   This was where Dr MEI began with her plans for humanity's survival and restart of the civilisation.
   Humans will be placed in cryo stasis so that they can restart civilisation once honkai settles down.
   ~~~
   "I can't take this anymore! I give up!" Sakura roared angrily as she threw the shovel away.
   The girl lost the count. How long has she been doing this? With her sensitive nose and constant throw up, she is feeling like killing herself right here and now.
   [Continue your work.] The overseeing robot demanded she continue her work.
   "No! I will do anything else but not this! I will be a slave if need be! I do not care!" The girl ranted as she collapsed on her knees onto the dirty floor.
   [In that case, I shall contact Mistress.] 
   The robot used his connection with Aurora Network to contact Sirin.
   Meanwhile, Elysia and Dr. MEI looked into this. Should they do the same?
   Honestly, MEI is quite proud, but this...
   For a second, she bit her lower lip, frustration rising in her gut, but eventually, she dropped her shovel, too. She already is a 'slave' anyway. Her world is conquered, the organisation she works for doesn't exist anymore, and the enemy she fought against is defeated. 
   What is her purpose anymore?
   "Me too, I give up, do whatever you want with me." 
   "...In that case... I give up, too!" Elysia dropped hers as well. But the robot looked at her.
   [You will continue with your excrement cleaning.] 
   "B-But..." Elysia pouted, but the machine didn't care about her pouting.
   "...Can't she do proper Maid's work? I am sure she could be more useful." Dr MEI proposed to the machine.
   [One moment.]
   The machine acknowledged the request and contacted the AI and, in turn, Sirin.
   [Mistress has accepted your proposal.]
   At that moment, Sirin's hologram appeared next to the robot.
   "So..." The white-haired girl appeared with crossed arms; she looked very smug about this situation.
   "You give up?" 
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   "Yes. Anything but this." Sakura nodded with a disgusted but resigned tone. It will take hours to remove all the dung from her long hair and maybe years to lose the smell, as people say the phantom smell will be with her for a long time.
   The same is true for Dr. MEI and Elysia, as they have long hair as well. They all want showers, long showers, and baths.
   Sirin defeated them...with dirt.
   "Ha, in that case, you will be maids, but this is your last chance. Next time, I will think of something worse." Her expression morphed into a wicked smirk. She was thinking of worse things to do, to torture them.
   The trio slowly nodded. Elysia decided to hold her tongue and wait for an appropriate moment to comment.
   More precisely, they will wait for Marcus to arrive. They are certain that at least half of the entire day has passed! Probably, as they don't have a clock here.
   That means they need only suffer for a couple of days against this woman. They want to 'transfer' under Marcus' care. 
   Not realising what this could entail, though, Elysia and Dr MEI have some idea what to expect. 
   Well, only Sakura doesn't care; she just wants to get away from dung! From the smell!
   "Fine! Just let us out! Please!" 
   "Fufufu, fine. Go get a change of clothes and showers~~ once you do that, let me show you what I have been doing~~~." 
   For some reason, the trio felt a chill going down their spines. What did she do?
   There was a sense of horror, not realising what Sirin had been doing with their home world.
   "Thank you."
   Sakura swiftly walked away, almost dashing towards the doors she was dreaming of leaving through. She could finally do it!
   It was the same with MEI and Elysia as they walked towards the doors as quickly as possible. 
   'Hmph... let me show you three what I did to your world~~~' Sirin grinned from ear to ear.
   ~~~
   For More Advanced Chapters (+10 chapters, 50k words), My Pat: Pat reon.com/DragonsFics
  
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   Chapter 121: Another Piece for the Collection
   6
   Marcus hummed 'Brave Heart' while walking through the wooden walkway built inside the prehistoric biome inside of his inner parts of the Assimilator.
   1
   The construct was so large that he had literal forests inside it as he converted large sections of 'living' areas into real relaxing areas and not Realitus simulations.
   That left him expanding Knight handlers' jobs as they were handling creatures with teeth and now forests, too.
   When he designed this thing, he was thinking along the lines of a colony ship and a 'king's escort'. In medieval times, when kings used to go on hunting trips, it was an enormous deal, with hundreds if not thousands of people going on such a trip alongside their king.
   They used to have everything from entertainment to cooks, even blacksmiths.
   Marcus was thinking along those lines when he created the monstrosity known as Ouranos-class Planetary Assimilator, which can do all he wants. At the same time, he explores the cosmos for interesting things and always has all the people he needs with him.
   Eventually, the inventor saw the wooden terrace where Erina and Bronya were having tea.
   Part of his bim swelled with happiness seeing the ash-silver-haired girl. He wanted to cuddle her right now! The same with Erina. He likes using those assets as pillows; they are simply amazing.
   3
   All in all, he was living the dream, being realities away from home and having these two around is the best.
   Of course, his other girls are important.
   However...
   His thoughts went to Sirin...
   'What a naughty girl.' 
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   He frowned, knowing what she was doing. One simply couldn't use his tech and think that he didn't know what she was doing.
   Still, he will let her do it, and when the time is right, she will face 'the music'. 
   Marcus walked into the terrace, and the pair immediately stopped talking and looked at him.
   "Did you finish inspecting the report?" Erina asked him as she took a free cup and poured tea into it. 
   One of the perks of controlling her time for Erina is that she can keep all of her stuff in optimal condition.
   It's probably the most exciting power, in her opinion.
   "Yep, already improved the software and reuploaded into the network. The devices should auto-update in the next few minutes." He sat down and motioned for the tea to fly into his hands.
   The set-up on the terrace was a square glass table with black leather couches surrounding it. The leather was the real deal from one of the Hadrosiradae he collected from Cretaceus. It was nice-looking, so he decided to harvest it for the furniture.
   "Great. That means you can spend some time with Bronya as I have my cooking to return to." Erina smiled while motioning towards the city's Heiress, who was sitting quietly and observing him.
   "Of course, that's my idea in the first place~." He smiled at Bronya, who didn't respond but just looked at him. Her gaze reminded him of those curious animals who meet a human for the first time.
   "Great! Then, if you excuse me~" Erina stood up and swiftly left the terrace.
   Bronya looked at this with confusion.
   What kind of Fiance leaves her future husband to another woman?
   Of course, the next Supreme Guardian had no idea Erina was looking for Allies for the 'fight'.
   When Marcus took her on this trip, she panicked, as it was, once again, just like their trip to the Cretaceous, where she needed to keep his 'hunger' in check.
   But this was good; she has an ally now she can rely on.
   'He should brought more maids over. I do wonder when he will eat Belfast. That girl looks eager.'
   Erina pondered as she left the terrace area and entered grey corridors that reminded her that they were in a space station capable of space travel.
   ~~~
   Marcus looked at Bronya, who was, in turn, looking at him. She had this certain look on her face. The inventor didn't read her mind; he was far more interested in hearing what she would say.
   "...I learned several things from Lady Erina." Bronya began their conversation.
   "Oh, and what is that?"
   "...That you are quite... villainous." She tried to sound not as judging.
   "Depends."
   "She said that there is a project you are working on that will affect a lot of people." The ash-silver-haired girl didn't expand much on it as she didn't want Erina to end up in a bad situation.
   "It's how you two meet, I am right?" The Heiress added two bits more.
   "Hmm, Project Eden. Yes, apparently, I am evil because I wish for my world to continue to support life."
   Bronya slightly grimaced as she had no reply to that.
   "Yes, but is there no other way?" She asked him in a calmer voice.
   "My homeworld is experiencing a thing called 'extinction event' where species of animals are going extinct because of human activities. All I am doing is fixing that.
   How I do that will depend on the people who want to manage this event.
   If you care that much, you can do it." He shrugged at her.
   Bronya's eyes widened for a second. She understood what this meant. He doesn't care that much about the details as long as it's done! That means she can accomplish this in any way she wants!
   "I see. I do apologise if I overstepped my boundaries." The next Supreme Guardian slightly nodded at him.
   "It's fine. You are just an honest girl trying to do the right thing." He smiled at her before expanding on his explanation.
   "But I do look at the big picture. Reckless population growth will be humanity's undoing. If people had tried to do something properly instead of constantly trying to profit, this wouldn't have happened. 
   I do need to send a message, Bronya." He said with a resigned sigh.
   "...I understand." 
   The girl decided that she would be there to manage the fallout and ensure that as many people survived as possible. But for that, she needed to be close to him, something she needed to work on.
   According to what Erina said about him, the better their relationship, the better her situation, and the more resources she can get to work with.
   Some of his creations, with which he is the closest, have entire invasion fleets to work with. Well, she won't invade anything, but she will help her home city prosper.
   But at the same time, she is steeling herself to make this happen. After all, the girl has zero experience when it comes to relationships. She is clueless, and she never considers and never puts emphasis on such a thing.
   "Well, we are together for a considerable future. We should do something, Bronya." His voice was full of teasing, as he wanted to see her blush.
   "...Umm..." She looked around. The girl couldn't see her maid, either. 
   "...Where is your maid?" The next Supreme Guardian asked with a nervous voice.
   "Busy, she is preparing a place just for you aboard my Assimilator. It will take a while, as it takes time when one is adding a bit of a personal touch." He explained the lack of a ship-girl maid.
   "I-I see."
   Marcus stood up, walked over to her, and offered his hand.
   "Now come, let me show you a couple of things. Think of this as our first date."
   Marcus smiled while offering his hand.
   Bronya didn't hesitate as she took his hand. The inventor smiled as he pulled her up, making her slam into his embrace as he effortlessly moved her.
   "Hmm~ you are very beautiful~~." His comment made her blush as she looked away from him.
   "...Your fiance and your creations are far more beautiful than I am." She tried to brush aside his comment.
   "Hah~~ that's quite the response." He whispered into her ear.
   "But, my dear, it is I who decide who is beautiful to me, yes?"
   His reply made her eyes widen in horror. She felt that she had overstepped her boundaries again!
   "I-I am sorry! I am not used to such things!" The girl tried to explain herself, but that moment Marcus' hands went to her waist and hugged her, he made her lean into him properly, as he was able to feel her assets deforming at his chest.
   "In that case, accept my compliments. As my future wife, you ARE gorgeous; it's as simple as that." He quite arrogantly said that. To him, it's natural; they all are gorgeous. If someone disagrees, they should bring their army and let their armies 'discuss' what is right and wrong on the battlefield.
   1
   "O-Okay... can we stop discussing this? Instead, let's talk about something else?" Bronya asked him as she gathered her courage and pushed down her embarrassment.
   "Sure~~" he smiled as he looked down. Her face was kissing distance away.
   The girl's face started to heat up, as she could sense that he wanted to do 'things' to her.
   "Not that. We should do such things at an appropriate time." The Ash-silver-haired girl tried to divert the conversation into a less steamy situation.
   "True, but I will keep holding you close~" He didn't let her go and diverted the conversation to something Bronya wanted.
   "We can go to the manufacturing wing. Do you want to know how I can help your people?" he whispered into her ear, making her tremble from the warmth of his voice; it was tickling her.
   "Y-Yes, please."
   With a nod, he let go of hugging her. Instead, he switches to holding her hand. 
   He motioned for her to follow him. The girl sighed in relief; he hadn't done anything naughty to her! Yet! Regardless, she needed to follow after him.
   "We will go towards a place called Automated Assembly Lines." He began to explain where they were walking.
   "From the name, I can assume that it's some sort of creation facility that it's done by itself?" The ash-silver-haired girl reasoned.
   "Indeed, it's the cream and butter of my faction; it's one of the first things I created several years ago." For a second, he had a flashback when he was working under his father's garage with a certain devil next to him. 
   For a second, he wondered what Serafall and Latia were doing, but then he recalled that not even one day had passed for those two. So, he relaxed, having some peace of mind.
   "I see..."
   "You see, my faction has three cores that started it: Alchemy, which I inherited from my predecessor; engineering, which I made myself and inherited from my predecessor; and programming, which is something I delved into myself. 
   Everything can be traced back to this." 
   "...I see... so this advanced technology is something you inherited..."
   "-made myself." He instantaneously replied, making her realise that it was a minefield she didn't want to enter.
   "My predecessor created initial theories on certain things, but he lived when people were still playing with dirt and clay. The concept of technology was something that only the deities of my world had some idea what it is.
   More like it was magic for them, not technology." He clarified to her as they walked out from the Terrace area and into the grey corridors of the Assimilator.
   "I see..." 
   She slowly nodded at his words. Accepting what he was saying to her without any reservations.
   "You see, we come from a different reality. We don't have Emanators or Aeons like you do. Your reality powers are heavily influenced by the way your reality is structured. The Illusionary tree and sea of quanta constantly compete with each other, causing things like the Eternal Freeze and things like that."
   Her eyes widened for a second. She didn't imagine getting answers related to how her world functions!
   "It is possible to overcome such things?" She asked with a hopeful voice. Getting away from this would make her world prosper! 
   He smiled at her before stopping walking and facing her.
   "Of course, you can take your world with you if you want~." 
   Her mouth slightly opened wide. Did he just say to take her world with her!? 
   "C-Can you repeat what you just said?" She asked with a nervous gulp.
   "You-can-take-your-world-with-you." He repeated it in a much slower fashion.
   "...Is that even possible?" She asked with growing excitement and giddiness.
   "If you want, I can make it happen. We can even decide what kind of solar system you want your world to be in. I can arrange that." He explained to her, making her almost jump into this proposal, but then she stopped and controlled herself.
   "I see... and what it would cost me?" She asked him in a neutral tone.
   "No idea yet. We can decide such things based on our dates. It might be a big thing to you, but it's only a minor hurdle to me." He continued to walk as he slightly pulled her closer to himself.
   "I am more excited to have one of my Bronya's with me."
    "...One of..." She recalled what he had said before about other Bronyas he knew!
   "...Will you get into contact with my counterparts?" She asked curiously, wondering how such a meeting would happen. At the same time she wants to know about their worlds and how they grew up...
   "It's only a matter of time, Sirin. One of my fiances is leading an invasion in one of the worlds where your counterpart should be born in 50 thousand years or so. She went there at a very early date."
   She looked with disbelief. This girl was invading another world, and he was speaking with such a casual tone!? Just how...
   Bronya took a deep breath, trying to relax.
   "You know that I am a future Supreme Guardian of a city. Hearing that someone is invading an entire planet makes me... nervous, " she said in a stressed tone.
   "I see. In that case, I won't mention that again. Instead, let's continue with our trip." 
   They continued to walk, arriving at a large lift that would take them to another floor in the centrepiece of the Assimilator.
   "...Are you planning on courting another Bronyas?" She asked him as they were standing in the lift, which was taking them to floors above.
   "No idea. Depending on that initial meeting, when I saw you, I had this feeling that I needed to follow." He said with a thoughtful look.
   "You could say I follow my gut feeling. It's one of my most powerful 'powers'. So I will know when I will meet them."
   His explanation made some... sense to her, but apart from that... well, she wasn't that happy.
   "Aren't you afraid that the girls will unite against you?" She asked with a raised eyebrow.
   "...And then what?" He asked curiously.
   "...I would say... get angry?" she tried to get an idea across. 
   "You can. It is your privilege. But I can get angry, too. And unlike you girls... my anger affects more than the immediate room."
   For a second, she wondered what he meant. But then she realised that all those soldiers, machines, and warships... those troops all follow him, not the girls.
   "I understand that all the soldiers and machines follow you, but I am talking about personal peace."
   "That is not an issue, too. Sirin is my creation, and so is my fiance. If I want, I can make someone who won't get angry at me." He said with an eye roll, making her take a deep and very nervous gulp.
   "..."
   "I see. Sorry for asking such a stupid question."
   Bronya realised how seriously bad her situation was. She would need to throw herself at him if she wanted anything done!
   "You are not the first one to ask it. Some of the Goddesses asked it, but my Goddess of Wisdom never did as she knew what this meant. Still, you will understand once you live with me." He explained with a small smile, making her stiffly nod at him. It appears her competition is very stiff.
   ~~~
   When they arrived at the location, Marcus pulled Bronya in front of him as she hugged her from the back. They looked at what was in front of them. It was an empty, windowless room full of glowing golden letters with swarms of black metal flying in strange but synchronised patterns.
   "This is the Automated Assembly Lines. There is no gravity inside these rooms, making the nanites float inside without any resistance. This helps in the rapid construction of ANYTHING you would ever want." he highlighted the 'anything' part.
   "...Wait..."
   "And I mean, anything, food, people, machines, resources, metal, wood, anything." He explained, making her tremble as her brain finally realised what such a room would mean to her people!
   "...I-I see... no wonder you said that before..." Bronya realised that what Marcus said a while ago was right! If he had shown this several hours before, she would most likely have passed out or just collapsed from disbelief.
   "Indeed, so relax and process what this would mean to you~~~" he teased her as he whispered into her ear.
   ...
   ...
   ...
   "But how is this possible?" Eventually, she asked him as she looked at the moving swarm. She finally saw that this moving method meant something. There is certain... magic to it. 
   "Hmm, come with me~~~." 
   He took her to one of the maintenance corridors. Where she saw fully metallic humanoid machines doing some sort of maintenance on cables, or were they pipes? These machines saluted them when Marcus passed them. He took her to a room where she saw the letters up close and personal.
   "What you are looking at are runes that impact the space itself." He explained as he took her hand and brought it closer to the letter. She could feel it being warm, and something else was there, some sort of pressure behind it.
   "The core of this is something called M.T.M."
   "M.T.M?"
   "Motion to Magic. Everything and anything that moves leaves energy behind." With his other hand before her, he used his psionic energy to project a 'paper' and a small ball moving on it.
   "As you can see from the weight of the ball to simply moving on the paper, it leaves something behind. This is where my runes absorb it and convert it into energy, which is used to create anything that you want." he dismissed his creation after showing it to her.
   "...But... even then... there are many layers you need to consider... how do you even start with something like food?" Bronya was still at the miss! What he showed was already absurd!
   "That is easy. You go at an atomic level." With his free hand, he motioned for a hologram to appear and then, through several windows, he showed small balls connected to each other.
   "This is atomic level. My databases have billions of these stored away. All we need to do is follow one of the blueprints... and look at this~." 
   The black swarms rushed, and sure enough, things started to 'magically' appear!
   Bronya saw...apples, a lot of apples!
   "Nice, right? Do you want me to send these to your city?" He asked her as his hands returned to her tummy. 
   The girl ignored his actions as she looked at magic before her!
   With all this, she will never need to worry about anything in her city!
   "...Yes...please..." The girl snapped out and swiftly nodded her head several times.
   "Alright. Aurora, why don't you organise for these to be sent to her city?" Marcus asked his AI.
   [Relying orders]
   "Wonderful, why don't we keep on exploring?" He asked the girl in his hands.
   "Yes, of course!" She was several levels more excited now.
   ~~~~~~Meanwhile, In Honkai Impact 3rd timeline~~~~~~
   As she stood under falling water in one of the showers, Sakura closed her eyes. Finally! Her awaited shower is here. 
   It was the same with the other two, who were enjoying their showers.
   Yet...
   The girl started to rub herself with a sponge, the smell... was not disappearing!
   Or maybe it is, but she can still imagine it being here! It made her mind go blank with annoyance and frustration. She wants this smell gone!
   "Ugh!!!!" The pinkette assassin exclaimed with frustration as she slammed her hand into the wall.
   "Are you okay? Sakura?" Elysia asked from a shower next to her.
   "I am not! Because of you, I had to suffer like this!" Sakura exclaimed with a deep anger in her voice.
   "The last time I checked, I was not the one who tried to attack her," Elysia said with a pondering tone.
   "...my assault meant nothing! You targeted something far more important to her!"
   As the pair were arguing, Sakura raised her voice, and Elysia spoke with her usual tone. The third person was silent the whole time.
   MEI realises that the only way to 'Win' is to have Marcus Goldman on their side-not that this could be easy. The girl is important to him, but MEI understands that he is looking for people who are like him: scientists, innovators, and engineers. 
   The people who make and design things. She is part of that category.
   'It would seem I will need to sacrifice myself for my world.'
   The girl's expression morphed into a sad one as she realised what this would mean to her.
   Eventually, around an hour later, the girls were out of their showers and went to dry up. They expected this to be a long one, but the technology in this place was a marvel.
   'Must be girls complaining how long it takes for their hair to dry, so he created a solution.' 
   MEI thought to herself as she watched how water droplets were leaving her hair and floating upwards.
   The other two watched this with curious gazes, too. 
   "it appears he is using gravity manipulation...for hair drying?" Elysia commented as she saw MEI's hair dry up on the spot.
   "Yes. It would seem so." The Nerd version of Raiden Mei realised just how advanced their technology is when it comes to gravity control.
   It was centuries ahead of her world!
   There is no competition...
   "...Come, we can't let her wait any longer. What if she gets angry and sends us back to that place?" MEI commented with a strained look.
   Her comment made Sakura tremble as she swiftly went to dry her hair, too.
   The group swiftly dried up, dressed in a set of maid uniforms, and walked to meet Sirin, who was on the bridge, standing at the edge of the 'window' gazing at the planet below them.
   Something was odd about the planet...
   MEI immediately noticed rapid-moving clouds and many layers of Aurora Borealis! 
   "W-What is happening to the world?" MEI asked as they walked over to her.
   "Oh, this? It's the flow of time. I made it flow rapidly." 
   The trio of girls gazed with disbelief.
   "W-Why?"
   "Kiana Kaslana. I want to face her again! I want to crush her!"
   "For this, I made your boy's toy experience 50 thousand years, to make the world just how I want it. Of course, I left quite a bit of people down there, too. To make it more realistic as possible."
   "Y-You... are mad!"
   Sirin snorted after hearing that.
   "I am a Herrscher who saved your world from Honkai. Not that the people below know it." She said the last part with a small smirk.
   "But was there a reason to continue making people despair against Honkai?" MEI asked her.
   "Oh, please, if you care that much, I can erase their memories of such events." Sirin rolled her eyes at the whole 'despair' thing. They have no idea how she felt being turned into a slave of Honkai.
   The most important part has already been done. Honkai is gone, and Technocracy has assumed total control. What she is doing is not their business.
   [Approaching the 15th century, the Supreme Commander has highlighted this period for Kallen Kaslana.]
   When Aurora mentioned that name, Sirin got a flashback of that girl inside a simulation back when Kiana was part of the Valkyrie school.
   It was a Kaslana with braided hair, the holy maiden-like girl.
   "Oh... does he want to acquire her?" 
   [Collection purposes. Just like Raiden Mei types.] 
   Everyone looked at MEI, who eye rolled at such a comment it makes her feel like some collectable!
   "In that case, collect her." 
   [Understood.]
   After giving orders, the group just watched the planet below. But it started to feel monotonous, so Sirin decided to spice it up.
   "You do know, this girl is your distant descendant?" 
   MEI's eyes snapped at her as she looked with disbelief.
   "Aurora concluded that you would mix your genes with Kevin...- Kaslana to create a child which would give him a purpose to push forward to continue living after your 'death'."
   'What is with this AI?' 
   MEI grimaced as she realised that this AI was right. She would pick such an option.
   "Then it makes you her descendant, too?" Elysia pointed that out. Now that she looked closer, if she gave this girl blue eyes, she would pass as Kevin's little sister.
   Sirin frowned before acknowledging with a stiff nod.
   "I do possess her blood." 
   "So what is with-*muffle*muffle*" MEI placed her hand on Elysia's mouth.
   "Ignore her. I do wish to know the details. As one of the brightest of my era, I could assist with your project, " the nerd version of Raiden Mei said with a small smile.
   "Do not worry. Everything is under control. All you need to worry about is explaining your things to Marcus if you dream of having a future with Technocracy."
   When MEI heard that, she frowned in annoyance, she understood the hidden message in those words!
   "It was you who took my DNA and used it to make a descendant!"
   Sirin shrugged without a care before replying.
   "It was a high probability you would do that anyway..."
   "...Ugh..." MEI wanted to bang her head against a steel beam.
   "What about my sister?" Sakura asked with crossed arms.
   "Don't worry, people of high interest are in stasis. We shall wait to see what Marcus will do with them." Sirin explained to the worried pinkette.
   The pinkette Assassin sighed in relief, hearing that Rin was not part of this madness.
   "Relax, I only need one thing from all of this. The rest, I do not care."
   Sirin's smirk grew several times before she looked at the world below. She summoned her console and looked at the retrieval parameters.
   It appears they will be able to collect Kallen at her execution.
   The girls saw an image of a medieval society, with a white-haired girl being taken to a wooden pyre. What the trio saw was absurd.
   It appears that society was truly reset!
   'Did 50,000 years truly pass? This is absurd!' It's hard for MEI to accept such a change in a matter of a day! Her society was gone!
   ~~~
   Kallen accepted that she would die today. It was for the best. If people accepted it, she would accept it as well.
   As the soldiers of Schicsal brought her over to the pyre and tied her up, she looked at all of the angry people.
   As the preparations were being made, she looked at Otto, who looked like he wouldn't accept this.
   'He was always like this.' The girl sighed as she closed her eyes and waited for that end. But, instead, all she got was screaming!
   Her eyes snapped open as she saw white monsters rampaging in the ground.
   'Those are!'
   "Kallen! Quickly, let's go!" Otto walked over to her side as he got her out of her binds, ready to make a getaway.
   But this was not her style. She will help the innocent!
   Instead, she jumped down from the pyre and began to assist the civilians.
   However, midway, when she pushed a child away from the incoming attack, one of the monsters rammed its claw through her gu,t impaling her.
   *Cough*
   The girl coughed blood as her vision started to darken. Last thing she saw was someone descending from the sky. It had orange-golden-like energy wings and white hair...
   'Is that an angel?'
   ~~~
   *GASP*
   Kallen gasped as her eyes snapped wide open. What she saw was a dull blue ceiling made from unknown material.
   The girl tried to move, but something was holding her in place.
   "Good. You are up." A female voice said from the side.
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   "Is this... heaven?" She asked with uncertainty.
   "To you? Perhaps." She saw a finger approaching her forehead. 
   For a second, she wondered what the purpose of this was. But then vivid images started to bombard her. Kallen learned who the girl was, how she appeared here, what her purpose was, what the purpose of the world was, and what kind of faction she was part of...
   Then she saw him...
   A man sitting on a throne, the images zoomed out, and she saw countless armoured men marching forward, towards...everything, void, stars, worlds everywhere...
   His hand stretched out and cast a shadow on everything.
   His power is unmatched...
   ***GASP!!!***
   Cold sweat erupted from her forehead. Her whole body started to tremble from fear and disbelief.
   Kallen realised her existence was nothing more than a side effect of Sirin's experiment!
   It was horrifying to learn that everything happening in her world was just a simulation of what would happen in the future.
   "Now you know." 
   Kallen could finally move.
   "W-Why you showed me all of this!?" The girl exclaimed as she was feeling sick.
   "Not to waste time and for you to have some sort of hope that you can wiggle yourself away from us."
   Kallen Kaslana finally turned her head to the side and looked at the source of the voice.
   When she saw white hair and orange-golden eyes, she realised that this was the girl she had seen in the images. She explained who she was through the images.
   "...You are... his Fiance...right?"
   "Indeed."
   ~~~
   For More Advanced Chapters (+10 chapters, 50k words), My Pat: Pat reon.com/DragonsFics
  
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   Chapter 122: The Awaited 50 Thousand Years
   ~~~~~~Meanwhile, with Marcus~~~~~~
   The Inventor brought Bronya over to a massive room full of glass containers.
   Some of them had people inside of them!
   The girl looked both intrigued and horrified by the sheer scale of this place!
   There were thousands of these things here!
   "What are these?" She asked him with a nervous tone.
   "Bio-chambers. These containers can manipulate biological lifeforms to the smallest of things. It can create life or heal anyone who is made from flesh. You can call this the cauldron of life."
   Her eyes widened when she heard that! The last room she saw could make any item...even a person, but this one could make the literal life of her choice!
   'His faction... are like gods...' 
   The girl realised that the titles that he has... are real! Why is he embarrassed to call himself by them!?
   "Then..."
   "If you want these in your city, we need to establish some rules, " he answered before she could ask.
   But Bronya understood that she needed to perform her duties before she could ask for such miracle things!
   "I understand."
   "That's Good. I will prepare a schedule for you. The special baths inside these will improve your performance and survivability," Marcus told her with a small nod.
   "..."
   "It's the same thing I gave to Erina. I do want you to be around me for a long time, though by this point, I can manipulate time itself." He said the last part to himself.
   "C-Can we continue with our... date?" 
   The moment she mentioned 'date' the moment he 'returned' to her.
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   Such a response made her realise that he likes these small things. But his powers are so vast that it made her realise how contradictory this guy is.
   "Of course~~, let's go." Once again, he took her hand and let her out of the room and back to the main corridors.
   "Next is the armoury. I will show you some of the things which you could use if you want." Marcus commented with a smile as he imagined some of the rifles he could make for her.
   But then he recalled that he would need to give her a ring.
   "That reminds me, I need to give you a ring."
   "Ring?" Bronya immediately remembered Erina looking at a ring on her finger.
   "Yep, engagement ring." He sagely nodded.
   "I could give you a symbolic one, but only after taking your first altering bath will you see actual use for it."
   "...What kind of use?" She asked him with a slightly weary tone.
   "Relax, it's only access to magic, and make it easier to use," he joked as he saw how she was acting. 
   "...Magic? I can use magic?" She asked with disbelief in her voice.
   "Of course. Leave such a thing to me, and I could make you an esper, too." He smirked once more.
   "...One thing at the time, please."
   "Alright."
   ~~~
   The pair arrived at a place that was finally familiar to Bronya! She could see weapons on racks all over the place.
   There are bulky armours behind a glass wall and other gadget-like tools on the tables. All of these items are made from materials unknown to her.
   Curiously, the girl strolled over to inspect a rifle placed on a table. It looked exquisitely built from metal, and it had no ammo cartridges of any kind. There were glowing parts, too, which made her nervous. What are they for?
   Before she could touch it, an invisible force field blocked her from touching it.
   [You are not permitted to touch these weapons; ask the Supreme Commander to lift the restrictions.] A translucent window with a warning sign appeared before her. 
   Bronya slowly lowered her hand. She was about to speak, but Marcus was already standing beside her.
   "Give me a minute, and you will get your access, but first-" He showed her what he was holding in his hand, lifting it to show her. 
   It was a golden ring with small snowflakes carved into it.
   "This is your engagement ring~." His voice was quite excited as he showed her the design of the ring.
   "Look at these snowflakes. They look gorgeous, especially from the different angles when you look at them." Marcus showed the snowflakes from different angles, as depending on the source of light, they have different colours.
   "...Yes." With small awe, she looked at the ring in his hand.
   A few moments later, he lowered the ring and looked directly into her eyes.
   "Now, shall we~?" 
   Bronya turned stiff for a second. For some reason, this decision carries quite a bit of weight.
   Not that she can turn back now...
   The girl offered her hand, but Marcus shook his head. "Your other hand." With a silent nod, she offered her other hand, and the inventor placed the ring on her right hand ring finger.
   The moment the ring smoothly settled in, a unique feeling washed her over.
   "I put several protections on this ring." He explained to her as he saw her curious gaze on the ring.
   "For now, this will do, as I will give you something better later on~." 
   Bronya grimaced slightly as she started to feel the pressure descending on her. As someone who is taught from a young age to pay back her favours, the person before her is the worst kind of person to own any sort of favours.
   Oh, she knows that things like favours should not exist when it comes to romance, as they make a relationship a farce. But the issue with that is that she doesn't want to be a vase, which needs to be taken care of.
   "Heh... I can read that expression ~ why don't we go to the city and you spoil me? If you think this was bad for you?" He pulled her closer as his hands wrapped around her waist.
   "...O-Okay..."
   The next Supreme Guardian bashfully nodded as she thought about what she could possibly do...
   ~~~~~~Meanwhile, with Sirin~~~~~~
   The white-haired girl looked at her supposed, very distant relative. Kallen looked nervous as those vivid images she saw terrified her very soul.
   She realised the playing field had reached the heights she can't even fathom. She might have been the best fighter of her faction, but she doubts she could even grace the bottom tier of this void travelling faction!
   Hell! Her being here was an extra! She understood that her world was nothing more than some strange simulation! All of it was for the girl before her amusement! It was simply insane!
   "So, here she is, Kallen Kaslana." With crossed arms, Sirin pointed with her chin at the fellow white-haired girl next to her.
   Kallen looked at MEI, Elysia, and Sakura. The pinkette assassin frowned as she saw how Kallen was looking at her.
   Was that...infatuation?
   "You do know that you belong to Marcus," Sirin commented with a frown, making the Saint girl tremble from fear.
   "I-I understand."
   "I hope you do. My punishment style originated from Marcus; these three can attest to how cruel they can be. I hope you realise what the price for your life is." 
   The trio trembled the moment she mentioned 'punishment'. Kallen noticed that, making her realise that whatever they did was bad.
   "I-I understand." Kallen nodded seriously this time around.
   "Fufufu, we shall see. Because the ship itself is watching you." Sirin shook her head as she wondered why Marcus wanted a lesbian girl for his collection...
   But then she stopped in her tracks, realising that she, in a sense, was one too. But after what he did to her, she stopped having such thoughts.
   'Don't tell me... he is planning to 'straighten' her out?' Her lips twitched from that realisation.
   "Hmm..." Kallen walked over to the trio as she decided to restart introductions.
   "I am Kallen Kaslana." The maiden slightly bowed as she introduced herself again.
   "MEI."
   "Elysia, nice to meet you." The pinkette Herrscher waved her hand in a friendly manner. This left Sakura, who looked weirded out by this Kallen.
   "...Sakura." The pink-haired assassin introduced herself and looked wearily at the white-haired girl.
   "For Kevin's descendant, she is strange," Sakura said to MEI as she was not holding back.
   "...Kevin? Who is Kevin?" Kallen looked confused.
   "Your very distant ancestor. My guess is that it's been around 49 thousand years since that time," MEI said while pushing her glasses up.
   "...49 thousand years ago? You mean the previous civilisation?" The girl looked like she realised what this meant!
   These girls are from a previous civilisation! This made her feel several different emotions. First, she wanted to know all about their foods, and second, she wanted to know about their civilisation and how it ended.
   "Yes... sort of... you see..." 
   MEI looked at Sirin, who was standing some distance away and very close to the window projection.
   "She made time flow very quickly in the Earth below. She wants a certain someone to be born so that she could fight her... or something like that." The Nerd version of Raiden Mei explained from her perspective.
   "...I know, she showed to me." Kallen trembled while saying that.
   This makes the three realise that this girl had a flash course to catch up to them rapidly.
   "In that case, you know what you are dealing with." 
   The white-haired girl nodded. At the same time, Elysia looked closely at the maiden girl; she could see Kevin in her.
   "Ohh~~ but you are so cute!" Out of nowhere, Elysia hugged the girl.
   Kallen immediately blushed as she didn't expect it.
   "You can call me Aunty Elysia~ as I am a super close friend to Kevin~." 
   "Umm..." Kallen didn't know where to look as she got girlhandled by this pink menace.
   "Let her go, Elysia." MEI sighed as she looked at Sirin, who was ignoring them.
   But then, out of nowhere, the Void Queen turned around and began her instructions.
   With a hand motion, she said, "Cease with rapid time flow." She ordered the crew to send her orders to the Assimilator.
   "Exiting time slip." The Captain nodded at the command.
   "We are entering the atmosphere. I want my vanguard fleet to follow."
   The ships began to move.
   As several hundred of them began to descend.
   The maids looked with bated breath, hoping to see how the world had changed. For three of them, it was 50 thousand years, and for Kallen, it was 500 years.
   ~~~~~~Planetside~~~~~~
   "What is that?" Kiana looked at the sky in disbelief. One moment, they were preparing for Anti-Entropy's birthday, and the next, people started to panic.
   "First was this mysterious Herrscher with missing people. Next moment, there are constructs in the sky." Kiana commented even more.
   As she, alongside Seele, was shopping for products.
   "K-Kiana! What is that?" Seele, the blue-haired girl, pointed at something moving towards them.
   Kiana followed her gaze, and her eyes bulged when she saw a huge spaceship descend towards their location.
   Seconds later, city-wide alarms started to blare. It was not a test! This was the real deal!
   'An alien invasion!' the white-haired girl pondered in disbelief. First, they had Honkai to fight. Now they have this! Could it get any worse?
   "We need to return to the base!" Kiana swiftly said to the girl.
   "Y-Yes! You are right! Let's go!"
   The pair began to dash towards the base where Anti-Entropy is situated.
   But by the time they were close, they could see more spaceships-there were a countless number of them. It was... horrifying.
   "...We finally meet..."
   Kiana stopped in her tracks when she heard that voice.
   It sounded like her!
   The white-haired girl looked up. She saw... herself!
   "...You... are..."
   This girl was like her, but those clothes, that energy wing, the subspace lances, those eyes...
   She knows these well enough!
   "You are my Herrscher persona! But this is impossible! How can you be outside of me?"
   "Fufufufu- hahahaha! That look on your face! I waited for months for this!" The evil self of her began to laugh like a crazy woman.
   'Did she lose it? Wait! She CAN'T be outside me! I can still sense HER!' 
   Kiana immediately got extremely defensive. This made no sense to her, and it only made her feel more danger!
   "Who are you? You are not me!" The girl pulled out her pistols as she was ready to fight with Seele next to her as she summoned her scythe. Not that Sirin cared about the extras.
   "I am you. As disgusting as it sounds, I am a version of you that you defeated for control over Herrscher's powers." Sirin began to explain with a disgusted frown. Kiana could see how deeply annoyed the Void Queen was.
   "...Then you are from the future..." The white-haired Valkyrie said with a realisation. Such an answer made Sirin smile a bit.
   "Not quite, but close enough. I come from an alternative timeline. I was about to cease to exist when my future husband rescued me and gave me a new body." The Void Queen proudly showed her ring to Kiana, almost mocking her for being a failure in finding a husband.
   "...F-Future Husband!?" Kiana lost her serious visage and looked at her with a gawking gaze! No way! This pit of vipers is to be married!? Who? Why? How!?
   The Kaslana Valkyrie could never believe this without the proof in front of her!
   'She even has a golden engagement ring!' For some reason, she was feeling jealous, especially of her Herrscher persona. Kiana could feel envy and jealousy radiating from her other half.
   "Precisely! This time around, no amount of friendship power will save you, and no amount of bonding with your weakling friends will spare you from me! I have brought an entire planetary occupation force to deal with you!" 
   That declaration made Valkyrie realise that these spaceships and all of the knight-like soldiers she could see around were all for her.
   "In that case, there is no need to attack the innocent. Regular people did nothing to you!" Kiana gnashed her teeth while saying all of that. She can't allow other people to suffer in her place.
   "Hahaha, naive... how long do you think it has been?" 
   "...Hmm?"
   At that moment, buildings, roads, and even plants began to turn into glass-like particles and rise into the air.
   "...What is going on?" Kiana and Seele looked around; it seemed that portions of the city had ceased to exist. Some of the people even went *Puff!*
   "I conquered this world and Honkai 50 millennia ago. After the conquest, I simulated the next 50 thousand years of history to make sure you appeared."
   Kiana's eyes trembled, and she felt weak in her knees. 'What is this girl talking about?' This was all she could think of!
   "Don't look that shocked. As the future Empress of Technocracy, my future husband's advanced technology is at my fingertips."
   Sirin chuckled as she landed on the ground.
   "Shall we begin?" The Void Queen clenched her fist intensively to the point that her hand was trembling.
   "I am going to crush you. There won't be an atom left."
   "...Why? What did I do to make you feel like this?" Kiana grimaced. She felt powerless. Never in her wildest dreams had she expected this to happen. Something like an alien invasion is less than 1%, and what she is experiencing is even less.
   How is she supposed to fight the entire invasion fleet that has been waiting for her for the past 50 thousand years?
   "I was victorious the whole time until you started to believe that things like friendship and bonds give you power-ups!" Sirin exclaimed with frustration.
   "Why not? YOU are engaged to a man! Don't you feel a thing?" The Valkyrie exclaimed with her frustration.
   "Precisely why I am back! No amount of friendship and bond you have will surpass mine!" The triangle device on Sirin's chest began to glow as a beam of light erupted into the sky, forming a multicoloured cloud where lightning danced and condensed right above the Void Queen.
   "This is what real power looks like!"
   [Bio Evolution!]
   A pillar of light slammed into the white-haired girl with orange-golden eyes. Kiana blocked her eyes with her left hand because the light was too bright. Seele did the same, wondering what was going on with this strange situation...
   Once the light settled down, the pair of girls could finally see the aftermath.
   [Void Monarch, Time Empress!]
   "This is the power he gave me! Something you could not fathom!" 
   Kiana and Seele looked with a sweaty forehead at this new form.
   'Is this a Herrscher form? No... it's something else...entirely!'
   "Now, defend yourself!" The Void Monarch disappeared and appeared in front of Kiana. She was about to attack, but her evolution form, out of nowhere, got dismissed!
   Sirin's eyes slowly widened in disbelief as she slowed down considerably, making Kiana able to dodge the attack.
   The Valkyrie looked confused for a second, but then she opened fire on Sirin.
   The Void Queen clicked her tongue as her gaze alone was enough to rust the bullets away before they even reached her.
   After a short exchange, Kiana and Herrscher of Void made some distance from one another.
   'What is going on!? Why my evolution was dismissed!?' The girl looked worried for a second.
   'Did something break in the device?'
   But at that moment, she could sense that the device was offended that she even considered that!
   'Then why did you dismiss my form!?'
   "It appears your feelings for him are fake," Kiana smirked and began to provoke the Void Queen.
   "...You are asking for a torture."
   Second later, Sirin appeared next to Kiana, grabbed one of her pistols and yanked it away before delivering a kick to her gut.
   *OOF*
   The kick removed wind from her sails as the Valkyrie wheezed from pain, collapsing on the ground while holding her stomach.
   "Kiana!" Seele tried to assist. But Sirin scoffed at the attempt.
   "You are not necessarily extra."
   The Void Queen caught the incoming scythe with her hand before throwing it away the girl along with it.
   "Now that the nuisance is gone, I can begin with your torture."
   "...Oh...yeah?" Kiana slowly stood up. Her breathing was haggard, and that single kick nearly erupted her organs, but she could continue.
   However, at that moment, the pair were surrounded.
   Sirin looked around, seeing forward knights with their pikes and assault knights with their rifles.
   'Wait a second! Did I break the Protocol!?' 
   "Combat inside a territory designated for a project between two high officers is not permitted." the leading knight proclaimed.
   "..."
   "...Hah?" Sirin looked dumbfounded when she heard that.
   "What do you mean between two?" the Void Queen asked with a frown. This conversation confused Kiana, too. She thought these people were her enemies...
   "Review standard protocol if something you do not understand."
   Sirin's swiftly opened her HUD and skimmed through everything.
   For a second, she was confused and anxious! She was so close to dealing with Kiana, yet she was stopped!
   "IMPOSIBLE! WHY SHE HAS SAME ACCESS AS ME!?"
   Sirin exclaimed with deep anger. She looked pissed beyond reason!
   At the same time, Kiana looked around and saw all the knights standing there. None of them looked like they would attack her.
   'What is going on? Nothing makes sense to me.'
   At that moment, a heavy presence descended on the whole area, making Sirin stop her ranting.
   She looked pale. Her expression on her face showed that she knew who it was.
   It made Kiana curious as soon after, glass particles formed a tornado and merged into a tall...hologram of a male Kiana had never seen before.
   "M-Marcus..." The Void Queen lost her 'edge' as her voice returned to normal. The Valkyrie had never seen her this meak-looking.
   "I-I can explain myself!"
   'Explain what? Did she appear here without his permission? If she mobilised this many troops, the logistics behind them could be enormous." Now, she was interested in what would happen to her evil self.
   "No doubt you could. Do you know why I interfered at the very last second?"  He began to speak. His voice was everywhere; it was like he was speaking directly into her mind. It was soothing and terrifying at the same time, like a sweet poison that one wants to continue drinking even when knowing that it's poisonous.
   "...I went against your wishes?" Sirin replied with despair in her voice.
   "B- But that is because I needed to discard my past so that I could be with you!" She tried to explain herself.
   "You have been with me anyway, regardless of these things. If I didn't want any of it, I would have done your resurrection in a different way."
   His explanation made her bit her lower lip until she started to bleed.
   "It's not what I meant. I needed to improve myself to be worthy. The only way was to get rid of her." She pointed at the clueless-looking Kiana.
   "It appears you misunderstand something. Collect all your things and return them to your ship. We need to talk."
   Sirin's whole body trembled when she heard that! Even someone as 'sheltered' as she knows what 'We need to talk' means!
   "Oof..." Kiana grimaced as well.
   "And you. You are coming too." The big image of Marcus faced Kiana, who looked dumbstruck.
   "Me?" She pointed at herself.
   "Kiana Kaslana, you will come with her. There is nothing else for you to do but join my Technocracy." 
   "...B-But..."
   "Are you sure you want to decline that?" He asked with a small smile.
   She immediately understood the meaning behind those words.
   If she is to decline, a similar episode with Sirin will happen again!
   "What about Honkai?" The Valkyrie asked. She needed to double-check on that.
   "Ask Sirin. She will explain what happened." After saying that, his hologram disappeared, and all the knights began to retreat.
   "Damn!"
   "DAMN!!!"
   "DAMN!!!!!"
   With a hand motion from Sirin, an entire mountain chain in the distance simply ceased to exist as the burst of green light turned it into a cloud of dust.
   Kiana needed to take a step back. She didn't expect her Herrscher persona to be THIS strong!
   'What did he do to her to make her this strong?' The white-haired girl won't be going to lie, this kind of power...
   She would want to have it. If she had it, none of the bad things that had happened to her would have happened!
   "Of course! It makes sense! Fufufu..." Sirin calmed down as she began to giggle.
   "He wants to bring you with me so that he can show me that he can easily replace me." 
   ..."Umm... are you okay? Because you sound... deranged." Kiana is slightly concerned about her evil half; she sounds desperate and very dangerous.
   "OKAY-?" The girl seamlessly manifested before Kiana and was about to grab her by her neck, but she stopped a few inches away, her nails touching her neck.
   The Valkyrie looked spooked as this Herrscher Persona was way, way too fast! She couldn't even follow! That one time she was able to dodge was out of pure luck!
   And maybe because Sirin wanted her to dodge?
   "Hmph! Though I should not be this concerned, after all, it's you." Sirin's voice morphed into a mocking tone, making Kiana frown.
   "What is that supposed to mean!?" The Valkyrie snapped back in an annoyed tone.
   "What it means that you are incapable of pleasing him enough to make him forget about me." the evil self snorted back. She finds her show of 'fangs' amusing.
   "Why would-" Kiana stopped before asking in a more grounded tone. "Why would I try to seduce your future husband?" 
   "Why? Use your walnut-size brain, you simpleton. Because I won't stop, even if my rights to use his military are revoked, I will regain his support, and when that happens, I will return and end every single one of you."
   Kiana reeled back, looking horrified. What she just said made sense to her!
   "In that case, I have as good a chance as you do! We are one and the same! Besides, my old man taught me a couple of tricks!" The girl blushed slightly while saying that.
   *Snort*
   "He taught you to pick up girls, and even if you end in bed with him and most likely will, then what are you going to do? He has a harem with Goddesses, Devils, Heroines reborn and girls of his creation.
   Sleeping with him is a basic among basics."
   Kiana's mouth opened and closed as she had nothing to say.
   "Today, it can be you, and tomorrow it could possibly be your precious Mei." 
   For a second, Kiana's hand trembled as she was about to get snappy at her counterpart.
   "Don't speak of Mei-senpai like that!"
   "Or what? She will help you by leaving you behind. Hahaha..." Sirin shook her head in amusement as she turned around and began to walk away. At that moment, three gunships landed not far from them.
   The side doors opened, revealing Royal Guards.
   Sirin grimaced, seeing these arrive to pick her up.
   "Come with us." 
   The Void Queen raised her hands.
   "I won't resist." The white-haired girl said in a resigned voice.
   As she entered the gunship, she turned around and looked at Kiana.
   "Not coming with me? Getting cold feet?" 
   The Valkyrie frowned for a bit before slowly walking over.
   'What am I doing?' For a second, she wondered, but it was too late as the golden, bulky, armour-wearing knights surrounded her.
   She could feel dread radiating from them. Whatever powers or technologies they wield made her feel weak in their presence.
   "So...you have enough brain power to understand what is important."
   Sirin's comment made Kiana look at her.
   "Unlike you, I know boundaries. I am not insane enough to abuse the power given to me."
   The reply from the goody-two-shoes version of her made the Void Queen show a strained smirk.
   "That is why I want to stab you to death."
   Such a reply confused Kiana. She wanted to know what Herrscher's persona thought.
   "You don't like responsibility?" 
   "You jest; I do accept it. What frustrates me is your belief that you are a hero and need to rescue someone. It makes me sick."
   As they talked about the usual 'good vs. evil' issues, the gunships rose into the air and began to fly towards the flagship.
   Kiana's gaze went to the sides, seeing how they had left the atmosphere and the void had begun. It was not as empty as she initially thought, as it was full of spaceships. 
   "What? Never been in space?"
   These annoying mocking teases are starting to annoy the Valkyrie.
   "No, I haven't been there in person. As you can see, I don't have an intergalactic conqueror for a boyfriend."
   "Pity. I got used to being worshipped by countless knights." Sirin bragged for a second.
   "Until you got stripped away by doing unauthorised experiments with time." Kiana offhandedly commented as she saw the massive centrepiece of the Assimilator.
   All she can think is that this space empire is likely a huge deal.
   The sheer size of their creations humbles her. Eventually, she sees a huge warship they are flying towards.
   "And that is my flagship; I haven't decided on a name yet," Sirin commented as she saw where Kiana was looking.
   "...Not bad. But it begs the question if you will ever have a chance to name it." The Valkyrie 'stabbed' back.
   "Hmph."
   "If you are my rival in all of this, then I have nothing to worry about.
   After all, I have my ways to get out of trouble." She showed her ring.
   "I have beaten Goddesses for this." 
   "..."
   Kiana wondered what kind of 'things' Sirin did to win that guy over.
   "...I don't even want to know what you did to get that." 
   "Ha. You know better than anyone to pretend to be an innocent girl. I was part of you, after all." Sirin mocked her for pretending to be an innocent and pure girl. She knows what kind of ideas she used to have for her 'Mei-senpai'.
   "T-Those are simple ideas! What YOU did is different! You actually engaged with some space conqueror who HAS a Harem!"
   Kiana could only imagine things Sirin did to please him! 
   "...Hmm, you will see."
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   Eventually, the gunships arrived, and the middle one landed next to a wide red carpet. 
   There is always one ready when the commanding officer returns to the ship. However, this time around, a red carpet like this made Void Queen feel a certain dread.
   The amount of Royal Guards in the hangar indicated that Sirin's wings of Freedom had been plucked off.
   "Red carpet treatment?"
   Kiana commented as she exited the gunship, and her eyes scanned the hangar bay.
   Her lips started to tremble when she saw the size of this placr and the amount of weaponry on stand bay, from support craft that looked like jet fighters to mechs to rows and rows of silvery grey knights with pikes and rifles.
   This was the entire invasion fleet.
   'Does all of his fiances get a legitimate invasion fleet? This has to be a one-of-a-kind moment!' The girl was feeling... jealous. In her opinion, the guy loves this evil witch so much that he gives her an entire invasion fleet to play around!
   "Indeed. This is how we travel." Sirin casually motioned as if this was nothing. However, Kiana could read her body language. The girl was nervous, especially with how many golden armoured ones were around them.
   They were behind them, on the sides of the red carpet, and at the end of the carpet, a train was waiting for them.
   This was not an 'honour guard' but more like a prison guard.
   Or at least this was the vibes she was getting from them.
   The pair began to walk towards the train, which took them to the main lift that could take them to the bridge, Kiana kept on gawking at the tech in the trai,n but Sirin ignored her as she kept on thinking how to save her butt.
   Everything was on the table, from throwing her catch to selling Kiana as a pet!
   In the end, she decided to hand over everything as a gift. She collected an Honkai God, the Final Herrscher, the MOTH research data, and the Nerd Version of Raiden Mei. These things should interest him, right?
   ~~~
   For More Advanced Chapters (+10 chapters, 50k words), My Pat: Pat reon.com/DragonsFics
  
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   Chapter 123: Going Back to Face the 'Music'
   With a gasp, Seele pushed herself off the ground as she was feeling wobbly after that throw.
   'You are lucky you were not her main target.' 
   A colder voice said in her mind.
   'Yes... But to catch my scythe with bare hands...' Seele trembled at that thought!
   'She was not Honkai or anything like that. That Kiana looks alike was more like a supernatural entity.'
   'Like a witch or a dragon? From fairy book stories?' The girl nearly gawked at that idea, making the other girl inside of her grimace from silliness.
   'Fairy books aside, she didn't wield honkai but something else, making me think that she was supernatural of some sort.'
   Seele sharply nodded as she collected her weapon and looked around.
   "Umm, is it just me, or are the Siera Nevada mountains gone?" The scythe-wielding girl commented as she looked at the distance.
   'As I was saying... supernatural.' Her 'evil self' reaffirmed what she mentioned a moment ago.
   Seele nodded as she realised that Kiana and the armies were gone. All that was left behind was just sand... 
   However, she knew that these guys were not gone. That thing in the sky was still there, and so was the fleet of spaceships keeping its watch.
   'Return to the base. Maybe they know what is going on.'
   "Right!"
   The girl rushed back to the Anti-Entropy base. Instead of seeing the familiar airstrip, she saw an old derelict base that looked like it had been abandoned for many years.
   Military personnel looked confused as they tried to figure out what happened.
   Seele's eyes finally ended up on Bronya, sitting on a boulder and looking distressed.
   "Bronya!" 
   "...Seele? Where is Kiana?" 
   As Seele rushed over the ash-silver-haired girl, more Anti-Entropy people approached. A red-haired girl and a blue-haired tomboy girl walked over to speak with Seele.
   "There was an army of knight-like people who took Kiana! T-There was an evil-looking version of Kiana who did all of this! She was incredibly dangerous! She could transform into a more powerful version!"
   As the girl explained, the group started to ponder on what this meant.
   "More evil version?" Bronya mumbled under her breath, having a flashback at Schicsal base where Kiana's Herrscher form awakened.
   'But it can't be. Has she got a separate body?'
   "Any other details, Seele?" the red-haired glasses-wearing girl asked in a serious voice. It appears it went from Herrschers threat to planetary invasion... as absurd as it sounds.
   "Umm...umm..." The girl tried to recall. Immediately recalling a ring on that girl's finger.
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   "She is engaged?"
   "..."
   "..."
   "..."
   "No, I am serious!" Seele pouted for a second as no one cared or believed that Kiana's evil version could be engaged in all things!
   "She is engaged to some person who could have armies! And she said she is from a different alternative reality?" She tried to explain what she meant.
   "So, is the evil alternative self from a different reality trying to eliminate other versions of herself? This sounds like a cheap movie plot." The red-haired girl replied with a tired sign.
   "Tesla..." The tomboy girl reminded me to keep it serious.
   "I know, I know."
   "What is concerning is that Honkai ceased to exist when these armies appeared. It's troubling." A brown-haired man with glasses walked over.
   "Welt?" 
   "The Herrscher core in Bronya's hands turned into a regular stone. It was as if it was never a core to begin with." Welt Yang, the Sovereign of Anti-Entropy, commented as he looked at what Bronya was holding. It was a simple rock. 
   "...No way... that lady said that she was waiting for 50 thousand years for this... maybe it's related?"
   When Seele mentioned that, everyone looked dumbfounded. In a way, it made sense.
   "...Then..."
   "Are you saying that this evil Kiana waited for our Kiana to be born before she sprang into action!?" the redhead muttered in disbelief.
   "This sounds like a way worse version of a cheap movie!" Tesla grimaced at how crazy this evil Kiana sounded.
   "How does she look like?" Bronya asked after somewhat getting over that her powers turned into a rock.
   "Well-"
   What Seele described was exactly what Bronya remembers: golden orange eyes, energy wing on the right shoulder, subspace lances, black stockings, white short skirt... 
   'Exactly like Herrscher Kiana...'
   "What Seele described was Herrscher Kiana from the time Bronya saw her In Schicsal," Bronya explained to the group.
   "I see. This all seems to be related."
   As Welt said that, he looked at a warship approaching their location. He could see a smaller gunship leaving the warship and moving towards their location.
   It appears this faction has decided to attack after acquiring Kiana.
   ~~~~~~Meanwhile~~~~~~
   "Hahahahaha, it all makes sense... hahaha how cruel of you, world! I have lived in a fake world for the past 500 years!!!" A blonde man could not stop laughing as he realised everything he had built was for nothing!
   Well, nothing he built, invented, crafted, even exists! All of his technology, which was a faction he should have nurtured, was an illusion!
   He has no idea what is real and what is fake! Whoever did this is cruelty incarnate!
   What should he do now?
   Otto Apocalypse laughed as he looked around. The Headquarters of his faction, which should be in the air above the Mediterranean, is fake! It appears he never left the original headquarters location!
   Honestly... what is the point of all of this?
   Without wasting time, he decided to end himself right here; there was no reason for him to live anymore.
   ~~~
   Kevin was even more confused than Otto. Nothing made sense to him.
   His power, which he trained and nurtured over 50 millennia, was gone; he couldn't sense anything in his body.
   The remnant technology of his civilisation all of a sudden was back where it was supposed to be.
   Cities that should have been dust were back in their place. 
   'What is happening here!' He was feeling a certain dread as he left World Serpent's Headquarters and saw massive spaceships floating above the city. 
   "Those..."
   At that moment, he felt something inside of him was getting removed.
   That strange feeling he always had...
   Old memories like sledgehammer slammed into his consciousness very front.
   He remembers an invasion on the eve of the Seventh Herrscher fight.
   It's the very same invasion he is seeing now!
   But then he recalled the experiment, him becoming MANTIS! 
   "These Aliens! They used me! For what!? What was this!? What is the purpose of this!? Over 50 thousand years!!!" 
   He felt a massive amount of anger. He was utterly livid! Suffering for so long! For what!?
   With out-of-control emotion, he decided to look for answers!
   ~~~
   Raiden Mei looked at her trembling hand, unable to sense her power. It was like she never had one, to begin with!
   Nothing made sense to her! Who were these people? Why are they invading? Why did Honkai seamlessly cease to exist? None of that made sense to her.
   It's as if the world decided that it got tired of one thing and switched to another.
   "Hmm?"
   Her gaze ended up on a group of people flying.
   'Are those are knights?'
   For a second, she pondered, but then these people changed their direction and flew towards her.
   Warning bells in her mind began to ring as she was feeling growing anxiety.
   *THUD*
   *THUD*
   *THUD*
   One after another, these knights landed, and instead of their rifles, they pointed their wrists of their free hands at her.
   "Command, a priority collectable has been located. What are your orders."
   'Priority collectible? Are they speaking about me?' 
   Raiden Mei immediately realised they were most likely speaking about her status as Herrscher of Thunder.
   'Someone strong enough to collect Herrschers... wait! Kiana!!!' 
   The girl got anxious as she looked around for a weapon.
   [Supreme Commander has suspended all projects, collectables and research on this planet. For now, mark the collectable and let it go.]
   The dark purple-haired girl didn't hear the command as it was said directly to them.
   "Orders Understood."
   The leading knight shot something at Mei, who used her hand to try to block it, but whatever it was, it was formless and invisible.
   'I didn't feel a thing... '
   Before she can ask, the knights simply fly away.
   "W-Wait! Tell me where is Kiana-chan!" The girl loudly exclaimed as she looked at them, just flying away.
   "Damn! I won't give up that easily!"
   ~~~~~~With Sirin~~~~~~
   The first thing Sirin did the moment she arrived at the bridge was to find the captain.
   "How much time do I have before we arrive where Marcus is at?" The Void Queen asked with a concerned tone.
   "Three hours." 
   "T-That close!?" 
   'To think we were this close!' The white-haired girl reeled back as she needed to compose.
   "Yes, Supreme Commander is at the same 'island' as we speak. The distance is negligible." 
   As the pair were discussing, Kiana finally caught up as she was looking at everything with a curious gaze.
   She didn't expect the bridge to be something akin to a balcony with huge hall-size windows where she could observe the warship stretching out like that.
   "How much you can delay the arrival?" Sirin asked the captain of her ship.
   "The order is not strict. The Supreme Commander didn't ask for your immediate arrival, so I can extend it for a maximum of 24 hours."
   "Do it." The Void Queen immediately agreed to the proposal.
   "Very well."
   With her arrival delayed, Sirin looked at Kiana and then looked around. It appears her new maids are not on the Bridge.
   "Aurora, send a word to the maids. We are going to eat, and I want them to come as well."
   [Understood.]
   "And me? You won't be leaving me hungry, yes?" Kiana 'magically' appeared next to Sirin when 'food' was mentioned.
   Sirin used her hand to push Kiana's face away before explaining to her.
   "I won't. You can come with me. I do have a world-class chef who can cook anything I want."
   That is right, to Sirin, Hisako is a world-class chef! Not that she ate from one before, so her opinion is based.
   "What!? You even have a chef!?" Kiana gasped loudly when she heard that! Now, that sounds like royalty to her!
   "Indeed. Now follow me." The Void Queen motioned to follow her. She is feeling generous at the moment because of the mess she has caused.
   "...Can't say no to that~." The white-haired Valkyrie nodded as she began to follow her.
   The pair arrived at a floor that looked like a corridor in an apartment building. It looked quite comfy and not overloaded by sheer size like the other areas Kiana had seen before.
   No, it felt more like they arrived at a new building than a floor. There was carpet on the floor, small wooden coffee tables, and comfortable couches on the sides of the corridors. It was like you could just sit down and relax.
   The only indication that they were moving was a huge window at the end of the corridor; Kiana could see movement there.
   "...This place looks comfy, like a dormitory." 
   "Hmm, you can say that this is a private floor where only people I choose can stay." Sirin clarified this place's purpose before walking towards specific doors.
   Without standing ceremony, she opened them and walked in.
   "Hisako! I need some food!" The Herrscher loudly spoke, making Kiana slightly amused by the Void Queen's unqueenly behaviour.
   "Gah!?" The chef girl exclaimed in surprise. 
   Kiana's eyes landed on her. She didn't look older than her! 
   'But that bust!? What is she eating?' 
   The Valkyrie looked slightly jealous of those mountains! It's one thing to accept Mei's assets as she is older, but these? No way!
   "S-Sirin I thought you were busy," Hisako exclaimed before looking at the girl behind her. 
   "I-Is that a clone of yours!?"
   Instead of asking if Kiana could be her sister, Hisako is asking if she is a clone. That just shows how crazy her life is now.
   One could expect anything in this place.
   "No, but you are not far. This is my alternative self from this timeline. I am taking her to Marcus. In the meantime, prepare some food for me... her-" Sirin motioned with a dismissive hand at the girl behind her. "And the new maids."
   "O-Oh, okay! Do you have any preferences?" The pink-haired chef looked immediately happier the moment she heard that they were returning.
   This trip looks far shorter than she imagined.
   "Nope, just do your thing. I want some deserts, too." After telling her to do whatever she wanted, Sirin walked to the sitting area and sat there. The Void Queen immediately leaned into her seat as she, closed her eyes and started to think about how to save her butt from incoming danger.
   The issue with her situation is that she can lose all the favour she gained from this trip.
   The dinosaurs she collected, the way she disposed of those maids, all of that will be undone.
   'Well...'
   After pondering for a bit, she can only give away all she got in this invasion trip and then throw herself at him.
   As his creation, she does have perks, right? She bragged to Kiana that she would 'return', but she is not that confident about this.
   As Sirin was thinking about what came next, Kiana was looking around. The girl realised that this was like a super flat of some sort.
   Upon entry, there is a large sitting area. At the end of it, there are a couple of stairs that lead to something like a dining area. Then, there is an open kitchen on the right.
   On the other side is something like a huge TV, and further down, there is a huge window through which she can see space... or something like that. It looks like they are travelling on a huge rainbow bridge through rapidly moving stars.
   No doubt... she doesn't even know if she will ever return to her world.
   Something like that makes her nervous! Quite a bit, actually! Her boldness is bitting back at her bum!
   'But I doubt these are real windows. Won't that be bad for a warship? I am not an expert on this, but isn't it dangerous?'
   Regardless...
   The girl eventually ended up in the kitchen area and looked at the chef by the name of Hisako. 
   "...Soo..." 
   "Hmm?"
   "Are you her chef?" Kiana asked while pointing her thumb at 'resting' Sirin.
   "In a way? My lady is one of... Lord Goldman's fiances... I ended up making food for her when we were on trips." Hisako tried to explain herself in the simplest ways possible.
   'Lord...hmm...that guy is the real deal if people in this time and age calling him Lord...'
   The white-haired girl walked closer and asked in a whispering tone.
   "Is he that dangerous? Honestly, I have no idea what kind of situation I got myself in." The Valkyrie asked while looking around, thinking that whispering still works.
   "...I see... let's just say... if he wants something, there is no force in the cosmos who will stop him." Hisako, with a strained smile bluntly explained in a single sentence.
   "...That bad..." 
   Kiana slightly grimaced. That alone told her that this guy can do as he pleases.
   It explains Sirin's meakness. She never imagined that proud thing speaking in such a puppy tone. That Herrscher was genuinely terrified of him.
   "...Indeed. He is an inventor."
   "I heard that before." The Kaslana Valkyrie mumbled under her breath. Inventors are something she is familiar with. After all, she is a byproduct of one.
   "Hmm? Your world has a guy who builds a literal faction all by himself?"
   "...Umm, not that far, but close." Kiana felt that she was going from a wolf to a bear. Both are not good for her health.
   "I see. I don't know anything about the inventor of your world, but ours want the entire space and time under his control."
   'Definitely worse than Otto Apocalypse.'
   Kiana grimaced again, but if she went directly to him, could she stop or alter a thing or two? 
   It is worth trying. 
   'From trying to save the world to trying to save the entire space-time continuum.'
   It appears her mission just got far more grand in size.
   At that moment, the doors opened, and four more girls entered.
   The white-haired girl poked her head from the kitchen and towards the main doors.
   "Mei-senpai!?" 
   The moment Kiana realised who it was, she rushed towards the new arrivals but stopped midway as she noticed Mei's confused look and the fact that this Mei had glasses.
   "...You...are not Mei-senpai." 
   "Unbelievable. This is the third time someone has confused me with this...Raiden Mei!" The girl groaned from frustration, but it only lasted for a second, as she quickly composed herself.
   The pinkette next to MEI giggled, as this was new to her.
   "I am Dr MEI. I was the premier scientist for an organisation called MOTH. I am originally from a previous civilisation to your civilisation."
   Kiana gasped slightly, hearing that! This was someone from 50 thousand years ago!?
   "Yep, and I am Elysia, and this is-"
   "Sakura? And Kallen?" Kiana recalled these other two.
   "...You know me?" Sakura looked surprised for a second, and so did Kallen.
   "Umm, aren't you from medieval times of the Far East?" For a second, the white-haired Valkyrie wondered if this was THAT Sakura. But didn't she have bunny ears?
   "No. I am from the same era as Dr MEI and Elysia." Sakura pointed at those two.
   "...Oh... so there was another Sakura too, curious..." Kiana wondered if there was some sort of connection before looking at Kallen.
   Kallen was looking back at her. There was certain connection she could feel the pair had.
   "...You are Kaslana, like me, right?" Kallen asked her.
   "Yep! I am Kiana Kaslana."
   "I-I see, so we survived that long!" The other Kaslana was pleased to her that there were Kaslana's 500 years from now.
   "Of course you did. I made sure you did." Sirin from the side interrupted this happy reunion.
   "Now get inside, and don't stand next to the doors." The Void Queen instructed, and the five of them moved away from the doors.
   "R-Right!"
   "Okay..."
   The five walked deeper into the living quarters.
   "So why do you need us?" MEI asked. She wondered what was going on. Sirin wasn't done with her quest, right? As the nerd version of Raiden Mei could see Kiana Kaslana was the whole ordeal, right? That is why Sirin messed with time. Yet, they were flying somewhere!
   'Marcus requested to return? What for?'
   "We are flying back because Marcus wants to! End of story!" The orange-gold-eyed version of Kiana replied with a snappy tone.
   "She messed up, and her future husband saw through that and has demanded to return to him immediately," Kiana explained with a crafty smirk. She is interested to see how her evil self will pull herself out of this!
   'Oh, so she did act without permission. No wonder.' MEI nodded as she pushed her glasses up and looked at Sirin.
   "Oh, shut up! As if you understand what it means!" Sirin snapped with a pouty tone as she felt like shit, unable to do anything against these sharp tongues.
   She could send them all work with dung, but they can complain to Marcus once they arrive, and she doesn't want any sort of resentment towards her situation as it is.
   "Sadly, I understand well enough. He gave you armies to conquer the previous era, and you did. But then you wanted to get back at me and used time manipulation.
   He didn't give you permission, yet he figured out what you did, so now you are returning to him. That is why you are so nice to us." Kiana explained everything to the whole group.
   "..." 
   The Void Queen looked annoyed for a second.
   "I see, so it was like that." Dr MEI had the look of realisation as she was thinking around similar lines.
   "Oh, so it's like that." Elysia sagely nodded.
   "It's not nice to make your future husband mad like that." The pink menace raised her finger as if advising the Void Queen.
   "I don't need advice from someone who never had a boyfriend to speak of!" Sirin exclaimed angrily as a bucket of ice cream appeared in her hands, followed by a spoon. She used her time manipulation to get an ice cream.
   "Now, if you excuse me, go enjoy your food. I need to think in peace!"
   The group of five girls looked at each other with a set of different expressions.
   "Well, let's go~." Kiana began to walk back to the dining area; the rest followed her as they looked around. This was the first time they had seen living apartments in the massive Dreadnought.
   "You know... this is a bigger apartment than I used to rent." Sakura said to Elysia and MEI.
   "...Um, what is an apartment?" Kallen asked Sakura.
   The pinkette assassin looked at the white-haired girl.
   "Right... different era. An apartment is a large building where many people live at once, " she explained.
   "Definitely bigger than the dormitory I shared with Mei-senpai." Kiana chipped in, making Dr MEI grimace.
   "Who is this Raiden Mei? Everyone kept on confusing me to her."
   The Kaslana Valkyrie showed a nervous smile, realising that this version of Mei is colder and more calculating, like a scientist-type!
   "That is because you look like her." Kiana pulled out her phone and went through her Gallery showing picture of Raiden Mei and Kiana.
   "She truly does. This is so strange," Sakura commented as she never expected to see Dr MEI look alike like this!
   "Oh! This version is such a cutie!" Elysia found her extremely cute.
   Kiana puffed her chest for a second before pulling her phone away.
   "Yep, and she is 3rd Herrscher, the Herrscher of Thunder."
   "Oh!!!" Elysia clapped her hands when she heard that. Dr MEI looked shocked for a second. Now she knows why everyone is mentioning this girl! She was a Herrscher!
   "That reminds me, how was it with Herrschers in your time?" Kiana asked the people from the previous era.
   The question got the trio to have complex emotions.
   "Ha. You wouldn't like them." Sirin chipped in.
   "They had to deal with real Honkai while you were dealing with a simulation." The Void Queen explained with a snort.
   "What did you even do it?" Kiana asked curiously. How did it go from the real deal to a simulation?
   "I blew it up. The real form of honkai was like a cocoon or a planet with a hole inside it. I would say it reminds me of a seed of a tree. Maybe it was? We had honkai because our universe is structured like a tree. Such thing doesn't exist where Marcus originates from."
   Sirin explained as she was swirling her spoon like a weapon in her hand.
   "I see. But I thought you wanted to enslave Honkai to your will." MEI remembered what Sirin said a while back.
   "I did, but then I didn't." The Void Queen lazily waived her spoon.
   "When you have such a firepower, it becomes difficult to hold back and not want to blow it up simply.
   Besides, I will be back at my original timeline. I did promise Marcus that we would conquer it together."
   "That depends on him~." This time, Kiana teased her, making the evil counterpart's eyebrows twitch.
   "Shut it!"
   Sirin curled up on the couch like a cat and returned to eating her ice cream.
   ~~~~~~Meanwhile, With Marcus~~~~~~
   "Are you okay? You looked spaced out." Bronya asked with concern in her voice.
   "Hmm?" Marcus snapped out, and for a second, he shook his head.
   "I am fine. I just tried out a new form of projection. It was disorienting." He explained himself as he massaged his forehead briefly before fully recovering.
   "Are you sure?" She with uncertainty.
   "Don't worry. My superpower is adaptation. Something like this is temporary." He clarified with a smile before taking her hand.
   "Instead, you should worry about how to pamper me! We need to explore the city." 
   Bronya smiled slightly at him.
   "You know that I spent my whole life here? I know all the alleys and shortcuts like the back of my hand?" The girl told him with amusement.
   "True, that is why you are the best for this job." He motioned for her to lead, and the next Supreme Guardian nodded at his request. She began to walk slowly. Mentally, she was building a route for what she wanted to show him.
   However, she quickly noticed that no one noticed her. It was as if she were a complete stranger. People that she had known for years didn't recognise her!
   But then... the situation got even more embarrassing for her! People are talking behind their backs!
   "Do you think it was the right move to offer our next Supreme Guardian for this alien newcomer?" 
   People were whispering and talking about her and Marcus right in front of her and him! It's beyond embarrassing for the Heiress!
   "Umm... please ignore them! They are defensive about me and suspicious of strangers." Bronya defended her people as she got closer to him to keep his attention on her, not the people.
   "Don't worry; I know~~~. " He smiled at her, his voice full of a teasing undertone, making her embarrassed.
   "...Umm...why they don't recognise me?" She asked with an awkward tone. It was strange to her and even refreshing.
   "That is because Bronya is for my eyes today." He teases her even more, making her turn away with a heavy blush.
   "I-I see..."
   "Yep." He nodded in satisfaction as they continued to walk until Marcus' eyes ended up on trams moving through wider streets.
   As a self-proclaimed lover of trains, his attention was immediately perked up.
   "Do you need to buy a ticket to use it?" He asked her as he stopped and looked at the trams.
   "We can use one if you want," she suggested after seeing how he looked at them. She finds it amusing how he got interested in such a basic thing when it comes to his things.
   The guy has massive spaceships, but is he interested in them?
   "Then let's go." He pulled towards the closest tram station and waited for the next one to arrive.
   "...Where do you want to go?" She asked him as she looked at the map on the side of the tram stop.
   "I have no idea. You are my guide. I will go where you take me." He looked at the map alongside her. His eyes ended up on the entrance to the Underworld, the city under a city.
   "The Underworld. Do you want my troops to clean it up for you?" he asked her, turning his gaze to the side to look at Bronya.
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   She looked slightly nervous when she heard the question.
   "It's a sour spot for my city. We abandoned them. I have no idea what is going on there." The next Supreme Guardian looked ashamed to tell him that.
   "Like I said. I have more than enough manpower to fix that for you."
   "I-I know. It's just... I don't want to end up being useless." The girl eventually told him how she felt about this.
   "...Hah... what a classic reply." He shook his head as he had predicted this.
   "What do you mean?" She asked with confusion all over her face.
   "Well, I don't expect you to do anything in the true physical sense. A woman's true objective in a relationship is moral and spiritual support," he explained to her.
   "...I... don't even know where to start." To his remark, she was clueless. She was raised to be a guardian to her people, fight, lead troops, defend their homes, and make hard decisions.
   "...Hmm, how about this. Focus on one step at a time. For now, your only job is to be my date for today. We need to have fun."
   "...As you wish..." Her voice was full of uncertainty.
   "Sometimes, the hardest tasks require the easiest solutions. I know that from experience." He said this and pulled her closer to himself.
   "For example, ~ Bronya needs to cuddle to solve all of her issues ~."
   Her cheeks immediately heated up as she thought of something else. She didn't grasp the true meaning of 'cuddle' yet. To her, she felt something more intimate.
   "Y-You perv!" The girl exclaimed out of nowhere.
   Marcus looked surprised for a second.
   "As expected of a heiress, even holding hands and hugs are indecent to you." The inventor joked at the naivety and purity of the girl in his hands.
   When she heard that, there was a look of realisation in her eyes.
   "No. It would seem I misunderstood the meaning of this word." She explained while looking away, not daring to look into his eyes.
   "Hohoho, my Bronya is quite naughty!" the girl trembled in his hands as she turned around and showed him inflated hamster-like cheeks for thinking that she was naughty!
   "I am not! Like I said! I have no idea how this whole thing works!" The Heiress explained herself with ever-growing embarrassment. She can't believe she has to explain herself like this!
   "Hmm, well, that is why I am here to show you the ropes," he said with a small smile as one of his fingers poked her inflated cheeks. She looked gorgeous and adorable at the same time.
   His actions caused her to look away again.
   "Don't worry, we do it slowly~ letting you get used to hugs like these."
   Bronya frowned slightly when she heard that.
   "Do you always do this to your girls?" She asked with a curious tone.
   "Depends which ones. My created ones know that I adore them always, so I don't need to remind them constantly, but the ones I meet, I usually pamper in a similar fashion~."
   His explanation reminded her that Marcus is something else to have the ability to make real girls!
   "I see... it appears I need to try seriously." She said with a deadly serious tone.
   She turned around and slightly leaned into him. She was close to kissing him right there!
   "Oh~~ someone is getting serious~~"
   ~~~
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   Chapter 124: Two Sides of the Same Coin
   Bronya leaned forward and slowly kissed Marcus on the lips. It was awkward for her as she had never done this before. It was unexplored territory to her.
   But this was where the Inventor stepped in as he wrapped his hands around her waist, pulled her closer, and began leading her in the kiss.
   A while later, the girl needed to breathe, so she pulled back and looked at him with rosy cheeks.
   "W-Was it satisfactory?" She asked with a hopeful voice.
   Marcus chuckled. Hearing that, he pulled her head closer and whispered into her ear.
   "Relax, it's fine~. Look at the surroundings~." As he teased, the girl looked around. Her eyes widened as she saw the residence whispering how bold the girl was!
   'O-Oh... thankfully they can't recognise me!' The girl wanted to find a hole and hide! This was so embarrassing!
   "Umm..." Bronya pulled back as she looked for a way to get out of his grip! She embarrassed herself enough!
   The inventor kept her close as he looked at her face. She was trying to look everywhere but at him.
   "You know that it is normal? Right?" He chuckled while shaking his head.
   "Not to me."
   "But it is now." He slightly narrowed his eyes before looking for a place to sit. There was a bench, so he pulled her there and sat down.
   He made her sit on his lap as they continued to wait for the tram.
   Bronya tried to figure out how to get out of this embarrassing situation. An excuse is needed, but what? She could see that the citizens of her city were whispering around, wondering who this bold girl was. They had never seen the guy or the girl before!
   Who could they be?
   "Say... your hair. These drills are a hairstyle, right?"
   "Of course they are!" Bronya got all puffy and defensive. " Do you know how long I spend every day making sure they are like this?" The Heiress explained to him with a proud tone.
   "Amazing, as expected of the next Supreme Guardian." Marcus praised her." You would get along well with my sister."
   "Y-Your sister?" The girl got a sense of dread! She realised that she would need to meet his parents and siblings at some point! 
   She immediately wondered how these meetings would happen, what kind of personalities they had, and if they approved of her. 
   All of these questions began to circle in her head.
   "She is a hairdresser and a witch. Honestly, I am still surprised she hid that from me." He frowned as he recalled that shocking reveal.
   "A-A witch!?" Bronya immediately got an image of some evil-looking woman cackling in an evil laugh! Only on a much grander scale! With huge armies and hordes of monsters under her control!
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   If Marcus had his armies and spaceships, then his family would have similar stuff, right?
   "Relax, she is harmless, or I think she is."
   "...you think?"
   "Yep, you can say she is a part-timer in that regard. While my dad is a mechanic, my mother is a cashier."
   The ash-silver-haired girl turned her head and looked at him. She is trying to look for traces of joking because she doesn't believe they are normal!
   "What? I am one, too. I love tinkering." He shrugged at her.
   "And I work on machines when I am not busy with my experiments."
   "..."
   She could accept it as a hobby, as the facts point differently.
   "Oh, look!" Marcus looked at the approaching tram.
   "Let's go." He effortlessly picked her up and walked towards the transport.
   "I-I can walk! There's no need to carry me like this!" Bronya complained to him, as she was being carried like this, which embarrassed her!
   "I know, but I don't care~~. I want to cuddle my Bronya~." He squeezed her in his hands as he entered the grey tram. Now that he noticed, the texture of the city was quite bleak.
   It does make sense that to have colours, one needs colourful materials that come from an array of things, like animals or plants.
   'But then again... this is a video game world. Bronya's clothes contradict that.'
   As Marcus sat down, he had Bronya in his lap. He continued with his hold, and more people looked at him doing this. It was quite weird for them, to say the least.
   But he didn't care as he simply smiled back at them.
   "...Are you going to keep doing this?" The ash-silver-haired girl complained as she was at straw's end.
   His actions to her make no sense...
   "I wil continue until we are at our next stop." He clarified before getting somewhat disappointed. " besides, you should be happy with the attention." He leaned forward as he whispered a 'secret' to her.
   "As tomorrow Sirin, one of my fiances will arrive. She was naughty with the privileges I gave her, so I will be punishing her."
   Bronya wasn't expecting that! It came out of nowhere. When did he communicate with his troops or fleet?
   Then she recalled him spacing out for a couple of seconds! That was it?
   "See? Now you are starting to think! That's why you should just cuddle with me when you can." Marcus hugged her more, emphasising what he meant.
   "...R-Right..."
   ~~~~~~Later, In the Orbit~~~~~~
   A large magical circle manifested, humming with power as a dagger-shaped Dreadnought blasted out of it.
   Aboard the ship, the girls looked at the frozen world. It was a strange sight, as the land was frozen, but the oceans, seas, and lakes were not.
   It was a confusing sight.
   "Where are we?" Kiana asked, uncertain; this much snow reminded her of her past.
   "An alien world, that is for sure. The landmasses are foreign." Dr MEI chipped in as she looked at the world before her.
   "More importantly, look at the number of spaceships around this world," SAKURA commented on the other thing happening before them!
   There were hundreds of warships of all different shapes and sizes. Floating in formation, some of them were in battle formation, sending...beams of light into the world below.
   The girls were not too sure about this as they had no idea about the specifics of the technology of these warships.
   Were they attacking or sending something down?
   "Yes. It would seem he is busy." Elysia was looking at this with crossed arms. She wonders what is going on with this situation.
   Only Sirin was at the back, looking at this from a different angle. She doesn't want to be here at all.
   "Mistress, we have received orders from the command. Our ship is to join defensive formation next to the core module of Supreme Commander's Assimilator."
   The captain of the vessel said to the white-haired girl.
   "Then follow the command." She instructed him to do what the command wanted.
   "Of course." The captain nodded as she instructed the crew to begin to move the ship towards the formation.
   "...and...the command said that they will send a boarding party to pick you up." 
   Sirin trembled when she heard that. She tried to play it down.
   "I see..."
   She couldn't hide it well, as the rest saw through her poker face.
   As the ship got into the position, the girls walked to the hangar bay.
   Not long after three gunships arrived, the middle one landed at the end of the red carpet, revealing more Royal Guards. However, one of them had no helmet.
   "?"
   Sirin had seen many Royal Guards before, but this one... was new...
   As the heavily armoured knights left the transporter, they walked over to the white-haired girl.
   "I am Rex, Captain of the Royal Guards. Mistress Sirin, come with us. Supreme Commander is waiting for your arrival. You don't want to make him wait any longer." 
   The orange-golden-eyed girl's eyes widened for a bit. Does Marcus know that she purposely delayed her arrival?
   "I understand." Sirin stiffly nodded as she then turned around and looked behind her.
   "They will be coming with us as well. Supreme Commander wants to meet you all in person." 
   Dr MEI and Elysia smiled at that idea, and even SAKURA showed a small smile. This was great for them.
   Only Kiana looked at Sirin, one way or another... They are both the same individual, so Kiana is feeling nervous about what will happen to Sirin.
   If Sirin is to find out that, she would most likely throw up how naive her goody-two-shoes counterpart can be.
   "Then we shouldn't waste his time." MEI took a step forward.
   "Indeed, follow me." The captain motioned to get into the gunship that would take them to the Core module of the Assimilator.
   ~~~
   'It's huge... are we inside a city of some sort?' Kiana had never been in such an enormous construct before. She already considered that Dreadnought too big, but this is even worse.
   Why so much space? Why would a person need that much space?
   It's far too crazy for her!
   Eventually, the train that took them from the hangar arrived at a platform that had a lift.
   The group took this lift to higher levels.
   Eventually, they arrived at a floor that had double doors.
   Kiana looked at Sirin. She could see her counterpart was nervous, and it was extremely strange to see her like that.
   'Strange... the moment we left Earth, the evil self part in me stopped responding.'
   The white-haired girl was confused by this. Not that she asked anyone about the change. 
   As Kiana pondered this, Sirin stood in front of the door for a second before stepping forward. The doors opened.
   Revealing a hall. In truth, this was the balcony that observed the whole command structure of the fleet.
   On this floor, there was only a single piece of furniture, and that was Marcus' throne.
   As Sirin entered first, she was followed by the new maids and the Royal Guards. Among them was Kiana, who was feeling sort of... out of place.
   She has no idea what to expect from Marcus... Kiana knows that Dr MEI, SAKURA and Elysia are the maids, while Kallen is a random addition as she is a 'collection piece'.
   This leads to her question: What is her place in all of this?
   "...Sirin..."
   Marcus' voice spread through the hall as the throne turned around. Everyone saw him sitting there on the throne; he looked lazy.
   But there was another person standing next to him.
   'Bronya!?'
   Kiana's eyes bulged for a second. What she saw was Bronya. This Bronya was all grown up, tall and well-developed, and she had the aura of a leader.
   'Who is this girl!? She can't be Bronya!'
   The white-haired Valkyrie was not the only one concerned about this new girl; Sirin was the same! She was worried, and the moment she saw her, she knew this was her new opposition.
   "M-Marcus, I can explain-" She couldn't even finish as invisible pressure descended and crushed her, making her drop to her knees.
   Sirin couldn't even lift her head.
   "Do you know why I am mad at you?" he asked her. His voice was soft and did not express anger or annoyance. Yet, all of the girls could hear it perfectly, even if they were a considerable distance away.
   It was as if he was talking directly into their very souls.
   "...B-B-Because I-I-I used time manipulation?" The girl tried to resist the crushing force and reply to his question.
   "No, we had a promise that we would conquer the era you originated from. Instead, you already conquered it and nearly fulfilled your revenge, which we should have done together."
   Sirin's eyes trembled as she looked at the floor. She had messed up in an angle she didn't consider. Yes, now she did recall what Marcus said before she left for a version of her Earth.
   His reply was bad! What should she say?
   "...I...I did this so that I could focus on being your fiance! I needed to deal with my past!" 
   Kiana frowned when she heard that. Was she that bad? So bad that a version of her needs to kill her? In a way, this was a wake-up call to her.
   Sirin was dissatisfied with her to this degree? 
   'We truly are that different?'
   "I know. But as my fiance, your only concern should be me. Instead, you took my troops my technology and went to chase your past on your own.
   That is not how this works."
   Sirin turned pale when she felt a hidden undertone of anger in his voice.
   "You failed a basic test." 
   A gulp escaped from the Ex-Herrscher's mouth. She knows what happens when someone fails Marcus' test!
   "You know what my grandmother used to say?"
   1
   This time around, all of the girls turned ghastly. If Marcus puts his grandmother into the picture, it's not good!
   "If your future wife fails tests like these, then she is not worth the effort."
   "W-Wait! A Second! It was for the sake that I could be with you! I felt that I was not whole without dealing with my past!" Sirin gnashed her teeth and clenched her hand, not liking the idea of telling the truth in this kind of situation.
   "I know that I am not worth it when I am like this-" The white-haired girl had no time to finish when Marcus appeared before her, grabbed her by her hair, and lifted her head up to look at him.
   Sirin trembled in fear when she saw his glowing purple eyes.
   "You do not decide such a thing! Do you think you have the right to judge if my creation is worth me or not?" He was pissed beyond reason, but at that time, he remembered something crucial and dropped her.
   By then, Sirin had forgotten to breathe; she had never seen him that angry. Hell, an entire section of the station's personnel stopped breathing when he was like that.
   The pressure he generates subconsciously is unreal!
   "...However..."
   All of a sudden, everything calmed down, and he turned around and looked at his throne.
   "I realised that I created you with all of your faults."
   Sirin' slowly lifted her head and looked at him with disbelief.
   'Wait, does that mean!?!'
   "I am only stripping your access to the military; from now on, you won't leave my sight." He came to a decision, and her brain turned blank for a second.
   The girl slowly stood up, and a huge disbelief was written all over her face.
   It's amazing to think that she will survive this like that! The Ex-Herrscher expected to be reduced to a maid, but this is far better than she expected!
   "I-I understand... this won't happen ever again." Sirin nodded as she very seriously replied to his decision.
   "We will see. Actions speak louder than words." He then turned around and looked at other new arrivals behind Sirin. His attention was on them now.
   "I can guess that these are the gifts you brought from the world you conquered for me." 
   Sirin immediately knew this was her chance to start regaining his trust!
   "Yes! Doctor MEI, the head scientist and brightest individual in her world." The white-haired girl started with Raiden Mei's nerd version.
   "She could assist you in your scientific endeavours and ideas." Then she moved to the one next to MEI.
   "And the long pink-haired girl is SAKURA, the best assassin in their world." 
   "Hoh... not bad at all." Marcus nodded as he stroked his chin. He knew them already, but he was entertaining Sirin and her attempt to curry favours and regain her trust.
   "And the other one-"
   "I am Elysia~~" The pink menace waved her hand in a friendly manner before walking forward.
   "I am happy that you didn't do anything bad to my sister Sirin~." 
   Kiana coughed when she heard that! 'Sister!? Since when!?'
   "Sister?" Marcus was confused, too. The last time he checked, he had not created a second version of Sirin, who had pink hair and called herself Elysia.
   "Yep! She is- was, a Herrscher, so am I, so we are like siblings." Elysia explained to Marcus how she came to this conclusion.
   "Oh, so it's like that." The Inventor nodded to her explanation before beginning to walk towards them.
   The new maids and the pair of white-haired girls became alert, wondering what he was up to...
   Marcus quickly arrived in front of Kiana and Kallen.
   "Well, well... this is one of the best parts of these gifts..." 
   "Hmph!"
   Elysia puffed her cheeks when she heard that.
   "Are we not good enough?" She asked him.
   The inventor looked at her for a second.
   "You are good enough, but these two are amazing." He clarified, but his clarification did not improve Elysia's mood at all.
   "You see, when I created Sirin's body, it was from scratch. After all, she didn't exist in my world. 
   At first, I needed to draw her, then create DNA from scratch, followed by the body, age it properly, and ensure it matches the soul."
   Marcus, with deep passion, explained how he created Sirin's body.
   "Do you realise how difficult it is? Without DNA, she didn't exist in my world.
   However-" He looked at Kiana, nervously looking anywhere but him. She didn't realise how crazy this guy could be for her bad side!
   "Sirin was not the only possible inhabitant of that body. The other 50% was Kiana Kaslana." 
   The white-haired Valkyrie stopped fiddling and looked at him in shock.
   "...I was a possibility!?"
   "Indeed." 
   He used holograms to show her his drawings of her...
   They all had blue eyes and her classic Valkyrie uniform. This was indeed... Kiana Kaslana.
   "...Whoa..." Kiana was surprised to see that it was her! This was... crazy!
   "Precisely..."
   "Is this why her clearance is that high?" Sirin asked from behind him. She didn't even look angry. Nope, her opinion was no longer relevant. The girl was hiding her annoyance in her soul.
   "Look at this."
   [DNA Compatibility to Sirin 99.9999%]
   "If Kiana tried to order the knights without my interference, she could have done so. You two are the same person. Your plan to attack her without my assistance couldn't work even if you tried." 
   Sirin reaction to that was an embarrassed blush as she looked away.
   "To say it plainly as possible, you are doomed to fail from the very beginning." He clarified while looking at her before gazing back at Kiana, who was confused but somewhat understood what was happening.
   Yes, they originated from the same source: Sirin, the Void Queen. The white-haired Sirin and Kiana are two halves of the Void Queen, the Second Herrscher Soul. They are clones of the original Kiana Kaslana with the Herrscher Core of the Void Queen.
   So yeah, she gets the idea, but how did he create an exact body copy just from a drawing? She doesn't exist in his world in the first place.
   It was both... strange and... shock-inducing of his talent in creation.
   "HOLD IT!" Dr MEI exclaimed loudly as her brain caught up to all this information.
   "Are you saying that you created her body... from nothing!? No strand of hair or tissue...nothing!?"
   The nerd version of Raiden Mei looked with a gobsmacked expression as she understood what he meant by that!
   Kiana, Kallen, SAKURA, and Elysia's expressions tell Dr. MEI to explain what she is getting at.
   "Imagine... a puzzle with trillions of pieces, without hints of any kind. More difficult than secrets of life- way harder than life itself
   What he did create is a specific life, so precise that even her hair had to be specific to reach that 99.999%... to a person from another reality." 
   "Oh..." 
   Kiana's mouth opened and then closed. What Mei said... finally made sense.
   "...But how?" 
   The girl asked him.
   "A good question. Let's just say I really like girls~" he shrugged with a smile, making Kiana deadpan at him.
   "...Right..."
   "He is not wrong." Sirin chipped in from the back.
   "Let's just say that he knows of our world for a while. He observed them and found fascination with us." The evil version of Kiana commented specifically to Kiana.
   "I-I see... so..." The question was where this was leading to.
   "...What now?" She asked him, while trying to think where to look at. The girl was awkward when it came to these situations.
   "What do you suggest?" Marcus asked with a small smirk, making the girl even more self-conscious. This was almost like a confession to her. But, far-far more crazy than she has ever expected.
   'No wonder my evil self went on such a rampage! Even then, her punishment was the removal of her military rank! She could easily regain it and then let loose again! Involving other versions of me!
   This can't continue!'
   Kiana realised what she needed to do!
   A smirk morphed on the white-haired valkyries lips as she slowly leaned forward.
   "Same treatment as my other self? Since you are engaged to half of me, it's only fair that you engage to the rest of it~," the girl suggested, making others look at her with wonder. How did she come to such a conclusion?
   Sirin's eyes trembled. She could barely hide her fury. The goody-two-shoes is biting more than she can chew!
   "Hmm, that does make sense." Marcus nodded at Kiana's suggestion.
   "However, do you know what it entails? Engaging and all that stuff is fine, but you will have your duties as official fiance, " the inventor explained in a more serious tone.
   "I know~~~" Elysia from the side chipped in.
   "If she doesn't know, we can substitute her~" the pink menace commented with a bright smile.
   "Excuse me, but I am well aware! Besides, he is already halfway engaged to me." Kiana puffed her cheeks; she was offended by this girl.
   "Oh, but I thought you already had someone you like~" Elysia placed her index finger on the side of her lips while looking up as if she was thinking about the previous comments.
   Kiana trembled like a leaf on a windy autumn day. She looked like someone pulled a rug under her feet. Why is Elysia pulling that card now?
   'Does she want to take the spot from me!?'
   The white-haired Valkyrie doesn't realise it yet, but Elysia wants to 'save' Kiana and Dr MEI from Marcus by putting herself in front of him.
   Sadly for Elysia, Marcus knows all the little secrets of these girls.
   "But this different! This situation is far more important than my delusions!" The good version of the white-haired girl swiftly adjusted to attack from Elysia. 
   "Oh? Is Kiana a serious girl?" Marcus joked as he looked at nervous Kiana's reaction.
   "O-Of course I am!" The girl swiftly replied as she got jumpy and didn't want him to get the wrong idea.
   "I am no longer naive girl! After what my evil self did, I learned my lesson." Kiana dropped her gaze on Sirin for a second.
   "Well, you needed to learn that Honkai is dangerous," Sirin said her part, explaining what she was thinking while torturing the girl.
   "And that body was created for me, after all." 
   "...Right. mind games and torture sound about right!" The White-haired Valkyrie sarcastically replied to her.
   "Part of it, yes. You do realise that I am evil?" The golden-orange-eyed girl rolled her eyes while crossing her hands. 
   "...I know."
   "Then why are you complaining?" The ex-Herrscher sighed in annoyance.
   Kiana's eyes trembled from anger. She is feeling like punching her right about now.
   But she quickly controlled herself.
   "Hmm, you are right~ I think the situation with Marcus is far more important than silly me almost dying to you." White-haired Valkyrie took the inventor's hand and hugged him closely.
   Marcus looked at the girl. He realised what kind of game she was playing.
   Internally, he smirked. He wondered how far he could push her before she became a scared cat and ran away into the 'hills'.
   "Oh? I suppose Kiana wants all of the attention she can get?" He pulled her closer to his chest, getting quite close to her face.
   His actions made her blue eyes widen, and she felt that he was about to kiss her right on the spot.
   Internally, she started to panic! This guy wasn't playing around!
   "Shall we begin the 'initiation'?"
   At that moment, she started to see 'images' of what could happen to her.
   Naked bodies, in all sorts of positions, Kiana being dominated and filled up with Marcus essence. All of them were extremely vivid images.
   One could say she has experienced that already.
   "!!!"
   Kiana immediately pulled away from him. Her cheeks exploded in deep red, and her eyes darted from one side to another.
   "Umm...umm...."
   "What? Don't you want to be my fiance? Already changed your mind?"
   "N-No... I didn't... its just..." For other girls, it looked strange that she had pulled away like that.
   "Hmm?" Marcus got closer once again. He had a knowing look; after all, he was the one who fed her mind with memories of what he did to Sirin...
   "Did my memories of what I did to your counterpart spooked you?" He spoke directly into her mind.
   Kiana's eyes widened as she realised that it was Marcus who did it.
   "You realise you are trying to play with someone who keeps Goddesses as maids." 
   He showed more images of him conquering goddesses like Artemis and Hel. How he made Greeks, simply put... surrender.
   So one could say Kiana's game was a joke, something he could sweep with a simple hand motion, and he did as the girl quickly turned pale.
   "So what is it going to be? Darling?" Marcus appeared right in front of her face. His eyes were glowing purple, and lightning continuously flowed around his pupil. He showed her that he was an esper of a level she couldn't fathom.
   'Umm... can we take this slow...at first?'
   Realising that she was cornered and couldn't pretend anymore, she decided to give up and stop playing.
   'It's not that I am pulling out! It's that I need to get used to such changes.' 
   "I see... you two are very similar." Marcus hinted at Sirin, who was like that at first.
   But then he showed her how quickly Kiana had fallen in love with Raiden Mei; it was love at first sight.
   Kiana's eyes bulged out as she got cornered again! How does he know that!?
   "You do realise that you are not dealing with someone you can play around with."  He chuckled before pulling out from her mind.
   "Until you get your act together, we can postpone our engagement, Kiana." 
   Marcus' words were like gospel to Sirin as her eyes perked up!
   'Of course, it's not that easy! Kiana is in love with that Mei! Marcus won't accept such an easy camp switch!' The ex-Herrscher sighed in relief; she felt like a rock had moved off her chest.
   "For now, I will test you." 
   Kiana grimaced as she realised that Sirin's act touched her, too! Because her evil self messed up, she had to suffer, too!
   "You will be part of my entourage. Maybe even assist in some things." He shrugged before he finally looked at Bronya, who was a distance away.
   "Bronya, come over, darling. It's time for you to introduce yourself."
   'Bronya! She IS Bronya!'
   Both Sirin and Kiana looked at the Ash-silver coloured girl. The Future Supreme Guardian slowly walked up next to Marcus. 
   Even if she had no idea who these girls were or what their games/play/intrigue were.
   She behaved like a proper Leader and nobility with her head held high.
   "This is Bronya Rand. She is the Heiress and Future Supreme Guardian of the remaining city on this planet-"
   Everyone looked at her curiously for different reasons. People from a previous era wondered what was going on, and people who knew Bronya wanted to see if this girl had any similarities with Bronya they knew.
   "And most importantly... she is my Fiance." 
   "!!!"
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   "!!!"
   Kiana and Sirin looked stupefied by that revelation. They can't imagine that Bronya, the emotionless girl, would be his Fianc"e!
   But they quickly recovered, as this was different, Bronya. She didn't have that hollow look in her eyes. Nope, this girl is different.
   "...It's an honour to meet you, Sirin." Bronya cutesy introduced herself. One could say she ignored how Sirin lost her rank and Marcus' outburst.
   Yes, she is smart enough to ignore... certain things.
   "I have heard great things from Marcus about you." The Heiress slightly smiled, trying to hide her nervousness. She was terrified, too, when Marcus showed his absurd power.
   One thing that she will never do in her life is provoke him enough to show his absurd power.
   What she saw here is enough of an indicator of what he can do when he snaps.
   Yep, she will be as civil as possible!
   "...I hope... great things." Sirin nodded back. She was replying in civil fashion, too.
   "Yes, he said you were conquering land in his name. He was excited about that."
   "Indeed. I WAS." Marcus highlighted the word 'WAS'.
   "The planet IS under Technocracy control. Honkai doesn't exist anymore. There is no resistance left." Sirin ignored the jab and focused on her duties.
   "I see, but the damage of 50 thousand years has been done. The world is no longer how it was." He pointed out the issue.
   "...You can reverse it..." Sirin tried to argue, but she knew him enough that it was pointless.
   "I could, but it won't be the same." He rolled his eyes before taking Bronya's hand.
   He then looked at the new maids.
   "My maid Belfast will instruct you girls on your duties." He then looked at Sirin. "You can return to your room and relax, process what happened here." 
   Sirin bit her lower lips, knowing what it meant when she was being sent to her room. This was a total defeat to her!
   "While you two will be coming with me." Marcus finished with Kiana and Kallen. The Saint of Schnicsal was quiet all the time. She was far ...too terrified of Marcus' abilities to even speak unless spoken to her specifically!
   "...Understood."
   "Yes..."
   "Okay~."
   Sirin didn't say anything as she turned around and began to walk away.
   By the time she was in front of the double doors, they opened up, and Belfast walked in. She was right on time, like a proper supermaid!
   ~~~
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   Chapter 125: Hotel... in Space
   Kallen wonders if her distant relative has any idea how dangerous Marcus can be.
   'She shouldn't be that naive, Right?' The white-haired Maiden wondered to herself as she was following Marcus alongside Bronya and Kiana.
   He kept the three of them while sending the maids to learn the basics from Belfast.
   By this point, Kaslana wanted to be with the maids. She felt it would be better. Now she felt that she was under a magnifying glass and Marcus could do anything at any moment!
   "...So, where are we going?" Kiana asked as she saw them enter the lift again.
   "To my quarters." He smiled mysteriously at them. One could tell that he was scheming something. 
   To his blunt reply, Kiana's and Kallen's eyes bulged for a second. This was... far too direct!
   "W-What?"
   Kiana's expression was the most animated as she felt this was far too quick!
   "I-Isn't it too much!? T-Three girls!? At once?" She was hinting at something specific!
   "Heh. Your mind immediately goes to lewd thoughts. That's just cute!" Marcus joked as he looked at her with amusement.
   "T-Then what?"
   "To hog all the attention to myself." He shrugged his reply.
   "One of the perks of being me is that I can have someone like Bronya, who should be busy running her city, to have to myself as much as I want." As he said that, he pulled the Ash-silver-haired girl closer to himself.
   "Same with you." He looked at Kiana, then at Kallen. "And you."
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   "Both of your destinies are not the greatest." 
   Kallen slowly looked down at the lift's floor. Now that he reminded her, she is supposed to be dead. That thing pierced her gut like a hot knife.
   She was bleeding until Sirin saved her.
   "...I see..." 
   Kiana immediately calmed down, to some extent, but the images were very vivid. Being 'abused' in bed like that could shake even the most hardened girls.
   "But how does one translate to another?" The white-haired Valkyrie commented.
   "...What does to what?" Marcus looked at her.
   "Uhh... never mind." Kiana looked away as she couldn't ask that! It's too embarrassing!
   "Oh." However, Marcus read her surface thoughts.
   "Well, my darling little kitten." He leaned towards Kiana and spoke in a whispering voice, but everyone heard him.
   "I pulled you from that destiny, and now you are my cute little kitten. That's how it translates." The inventor clarified to her what he meant.
   This clarification made her blush. It was quite perverted when he said it like that!
   "W-Whatever!"
   Kiana looked away. It was funny how she would say similar things to Raiden Mei, but when someone said it to her, it was different!
   "Can't take the heat? Ki-ana?" He teased her even more.
   "S-Sheesh! E-Enough, I already! I get it! The big bad Conqueror of the Universe likes me!" She tried to resist all of the teases, but she failed miserably.
   "Heh, this is only the beginning. Still, I don't want you to pass out from all of the blood rushing to our head, so that I will pull back for now." Marcus gave Kiana some space as they arrived at a specific floor.
   "This is the terrace floor." Bronya saw the letter and number on the wall.
   "Indeed. Midway through making this floor, we realised we could expand on it." 
   "Expand how?" The Heiress asked curiously.
   "Like the hospitality sector?"
   "A what?" Bronya double-blinked at him. He is speaking alien words...
   "Don't your place have taverns? Hotels? Inns?" He asked her cautiously. The inventor is worried that her city doesn't have a concept of a resort... which is something he can understand.
   "Taverns we do have, but the others' words are alien to me. Taverns are where people consume alcohol. But what are other words?" 
   Kiana looked at Bronya. Part of her was concerned about what this girl had experienced.
   "We have inns... people who travel long distances stay in such places," Kallen added her two bits after realising that it was clear for her to speak.
   Bronya looked at Kallen.
   "I see, so it's related to travel. However, there is no such thing in my city. We don't have travellers from distant cities. Because there is only one city in the whole of Belobog."
   "...That's so sad... in my birthworld there are cities everywhere...or used too... I don't even know anymore with what Sirin did." Kiana's comment made Kallen ponder on her words as well.
   The pair realised that their world was some sort of illusion.
   The pair were from the Kaslana family. Their family is special! They are genetically engineered to continue fighting for the right thing. 
   This trait is something Sirin made sure all of Kaslanas had!
   So when they realised how bad it was, they wanted to fight it and make it right.
   It's not a normal fight. They can't simply beat up an enemy and make it right. Nope, it's something different.
   All of the answers they need are before them. Marcus is the one who will make it right!
   At that moment, something clicked in the pair of Kaslanas as they looked at the inventor seriously.
   "Oh? I see. I did hear that Sirin did something to cause Marcus to punish her." Bronya looked at Marcus for a second.
   Both Kallen and Kiana looked at him as well.
   'Right...punish...'
   'She ruined lives for billions, and all she got was revoke of military rank. Such treatment is the epitome of unfairness!'
   While it is unfair, they also plan to use it for themselves!
   The issue is that they need to reach a point where they can have his favour.
   "Yes, I did for a while. She will need to reflect on her selfishness if she wants to be my wife." He sighed his reply, but the inventor had mixed emotions when it came to Sirin. He designed her to be like that, but he is also annoyed by her actions.
   In the end, he needs to swallow that dissapointed. He allowed those failures, so he needed to accept them.
   "...Are you only concerned about that? What about her actions? All of the loss of life?" Kiana probed him about the elephant in the room.
   However, before she could hear his answer, her eyes widened as she saw forests and a blue sky, wind, and the smell of nature! They had just walked to the end of the corridor!
   And it was a forest!
   "N-No way! Aren't we in a space station!?" She asked him in quick succession. 
   "We are, but my tech is advanced enough to build an indoor ecosystem without much difficulty." He replied before motioning to follow him.
   The group of four continued to walk through walkways in the forestry area. 
   Kiana and Kallen continued to look around. Bronya did, too, but she was tamer than the other two. After all, she had spent a considerable amount of time here already.
   *Gasp*
   "Is that a dinosaur!?" Kiana stopped in her tracks as she saw a long-necked creature eat leaves from the top of a tree.
   "...Indeed." Marcus looked where she was looking. This was a Brachiosaurus.
   He has two of these in his indoor ecosystem; after all, these guys are so big that he can't have more of them.
   "B-But..."
   "I have been collecting animals for the last 320 million years of Earth's history." He clarified as he watched one of his pets maintaining the vegetation for him.
   His reply made her look at him as if he were an alien. Her eyes started to spin. She wondered if he was that old or something like that!
   "What he means is that he has been travelling through time," Bronya clarified as she saw her look. She had the same look as well... yesterday.
   "Oh..." Kiana immediately calmed down when she heard that he was not a million-year-old being but a time traveller.
   As strange as it sounds, it's better that way.
   "Indeed, my initial goal was to travel time and collect talent and pets," Marcus explained more as the group watched the big creature continue to eat leisurely.
   Only Kallen wondered what this was. Sure, the animal is big, but why such a reaction?
   As if knowing Kiana, she pulled closer to her and whispered what it was all about.
   "... I see... oh... wow..."
   "Now, let's continue." After watching for a bit, the group continued to walk. By this point, Kallen's gaze was on this creature for a bit longer. She was trying to grasp the idea that this was a creature from millions of years ago...
   After walking for a bit more, taking a turn, and passing an artificial tunnel in a small hill, they arrived at a five-story wooden building that looked like a...
   "Is this a Hotel?" Kiana asked as she looked confused and amazed.
   "A spa, hot springs and a hotel."
   "...Hot springs, you said?" Kiana's eyes perked up. Now, this is something she can get behind!
   "...What are hot springs?" Kallen asked them as she saw Kiana's reaction.
   "Special hot water from the-" Midway, she realised that they were in orbit around a frozen world.
   She looked at Marcus for an explanation.
   "It's hot water baths. We use a special mix of materials to give the water the exact same amount of content as if it came from a natural hot spring." 
   Kallen nodded to his explanation. She got some idea what this is.
   Only Bronya is still wondering what this is all about. She doesn't want to look like a clueless individual, so she listens in and tries to understand.
   "This is one of my fiance's pet projects." He clarified to the trio.
   "...Erina?" Bronya knew her already.
   "Indeed, she realised this after seeing the forestry landscape. I am happy that she is returning to her roots." Marcus smiled. After all, his darling chef is not just a chef but a Heiress of a family who runs hotels, too! The hospitality section is in their blood.
   "...When did she order this?" Bronya is confused. She is certain that Erina would have mentioned that she had something like this last day!
   "Last night?" 
   "Oh..."
   The ash-silver-haired girl nodded before snapping her gaze at him.
   "Are you saying this building is only several hours old!?"
   "Yes, nanotechnology is a fascinating piece of tech." He smiled at her as they entered the building. The double doors opened, and at the reception, there were a couple of pretty girls dressed in white and light brown uniforms-not military but hotel staff.
   "T-This is so strange..." Kiana realised that she was in another world! There was relaxing music in the hall, and there were vending machines, a pool table some distance away, and seating areas.
   She was in a legitimate hotel!
   "Supreme Commander, welcome to Forest Resort. The name is under revision, but for now, we are calling ourselves by this name.
   Would you like our VIP rooms?"
   The receptionist began talking when The Inventor got close to the reception.
   "A room will do." 
   The girls nodded as they began to arrange things. As they were doing their thing, Marcus looked around. He didn't add anything here; this was purely Erina.
   He was happy she got out of her shell and began utilising her privileges.
   Unlike Sirin, he is not worried that Erina will do something crazy with her desire to make the best food and hotel services.
   "...So this is a hotel. It's a place where you stay for a week or more, right?" Bronya couldn't contain anymore and asked him.
   Her question was nearly a whisper as she was close to him the entire time.
   "Not just a week, but even one day is fine. The whole model is to keep the customer in the building with an array of things to do.
   In this hotel, you have hot springs and a spa."
   "...What is a spa?" She asked, never heard of such a thing.
   "You will see." He smiled at her.
   "Supreme Commander, everything is ready." The receptionist girls slowly bowed at him.
   "The room is 501, on the fifth floor."
   Marcus nodded before motioning to give him.
   "...wristband and door card, please." He clarified what he meant. "We are here for the full experience and give Erina feedback at her first proper hotel."
   "O-Of course! One moment."
   The girls scrambled to arrange the cards and wristbands.
   "Do you even need those? This is your space station. As if there will be more guests," Kiana whispered as she looked at the receptionist preparing the cards and wristbands.
   "Shh, this is for maximum experience." 
   He placed his finger on her lips and made her stop talking. 
   The girl's eye rolled before accepting the whole play.
   Marcus quickly offered his right hand, and the receptionist placed a green plastic wristband before giving him a room card.
   Once he was ready, he motioned for the rest of them to get it, too.
   With another eye roll, Kiana followed and got her wristband and card, then Bronya and, lastly, the clueless-looking Maiden of Schicsal.
   "Do tell Erina that I am in the hotel. I expect the Swedish buffet to be one of a kind." After telling that, he took his girls to the lift.
   The receptionist bowed once more before scrambling to contact the 'manager'. 
   ~~~
   "Erina-sama. I know this is very sudden, but I prefer this place to the regular interior of the spaceship or the Assimilator." Hisako, who was already back with her miss, couldn't help but comment how... at home she felt inside a proper building in a forest...
   She ignored the part that this was inside the core piece of Assimilator.
   "Yes. I do feel the same way. For now, we should return to organising the menu before we can enjoy the hot springs!" Erina was extremely happy that she could just order the construction of a hotel if she felt she was missing hotels! 
   It took her a while, but she had the power to order such a thing.
   "M-Mistress! Supreme Commander just took one of the VIP rooms on the fifth floor!" one of the staff girls rushed into the hotel's kitchen.
   Erina and Hisako trembled when they heard the news! 
   The Nakiri Heiress quickly snapped out and began issuing orders to the kitchen staff.
   Since they have time manipulation, she doesn't care if she overcooks the amount of food. The most important part to her is the presentation.
   The midway girl realised that she could share her memories of cooking, hospitality, and management and create her version of 'soldiers' -a.k.a. hotel staff!
   From cooks even to cleaners, she can run hotels, restaurants, spas... all of that!
   Honestly, she could easily take over the world of hospitality!
   Midway through, Erina realised what she could do. Her secretary realised that Marcus was influencing her mistress far too much!
   She even mentioned 'domination' and 'world' in the same sentence!
   'By the time we return to our Earth, Lady Erina will be unrecognisable.'
   Hisako was worried about this... but at the same time, she knew that nothing could be changed. It was like watching the world burn around her, and she couldn't do anything to change it...
   "Hisako! While Marcus knows how good my cooking is now, we need to show him what Totsuki is good at! I want to show him what I can do in hotels and restaurants!' 
   'I don't think that matters anymore, Lady Erina...' Her Secretary thought to herself. Erina already achieved her goal... no overkilled her goal. She desired to save her academy, but what she got was achieving the greatest rank in Marcus' faction.
   By this point, it's no longer saving her academy but spreading it through space and time if she wants to...
   Sadly, Erina doesn't understand that yet or doesn't care anymore.
   All she wants is to show her future husband how good she is at her job.
   "Of course!"
   "With time manipulation, we shouldn't worry about sustainability. Instead, we should focus on image and smell."
   The girl begins to explain her plan for the 'all-inclusive' experience in a hotel in a forest inside a space station above a frozen world that is currently being conquered by an interdimensional time-travelling empire...
   When she realised the weirdness of this situation, Hisako had no idea what the theme of the dishes should be.
   ~~~~~~Meanwhile~~~~~~
   As the lift arrived on the fifth floor, there were not many rooms on this floor.
   With this being the VIP section, the rooms were bigger and had the best view.
   To see how it looked, Marcus used the card to open the door. What he saw was a living room with a balcony at the end of it with large windows overlooking the forest.
   The hotel is separated from the rest of the forest by steep but small hills. 
   He realised that he would need to ask for the land sculptors to work on this for a bit.
   It doesn't look that good. However, for now, he can pass this, as the hill is being used to protect against the large animals that are rooming in the forest.
   The animals were not genetically altered to ignore buildings except for a small area where the terrace is.
   "Whoa...I like the view!" Kiana rushed to the balcony doors and checked out.
   "I wasn't expecting this after I boarded that gunship." The white-haired Valkyrie commented on her experience getting here.
   To her words, Marcus, who followed her into the balcony, shrugged.
   "Well, you can thank Sirin for this. As I was not expecting to get a Kiana this soon." He joked back.
   "...Hmph! It sounds like I am collectable!" But then she realised Kallen's situation.
   "Wait! I am!?" She more like questioned herself than him.
   "In a way. I suppose I have the Void Queen, but you are not Flamescion yet. So it makes you that Ranger Kiana with a heterochromia costume." 
   Kiana had a flashback to achieving that form. She could tap into the Void Core for some of its power.
   But how the hell did Marcus brand it like some action figurines he needs to collect...
   'Ugh... this guy is so weird...'
   Her struggles with him are more action figures to put on his shelf!
   "Let me guess... you will be collecting more of me?" She puffed for a second.
   "Depends on your performance. I prefer one who can transform to all of them." He honestly replied to her question.
   "I see... It does make sense. After all, quality over quantity." She joined in, as this would definitely work in her favour!
   "Hmm?" Marcus was surprised how she accepted it, as she had complained less than ten minutes before.
   Instead, Kiana got close to him and leaned into his chest. A seductive smile was on her lips. Something had changed.
   'Her genes? Oh...'
   The Inventor realised that Dr. MEI's alteration of Kaslana's genes allowed her to focus on her objectives and keep fighting.
   'Wait, it's not Dr MEI...' Marcus realised that this was Sirin's scheme, so she followed his blueprint. If this is the case, then it makes even more sense.
   The way he tailored the genes does not make them hardwired towards Honkai, as there is no Honkai; instead, they become increasingly stubborn if they decide on something.
   That is why Sirin blew up the moon and almost ended life on that Earth. At the same time, she was increasingly stubborn about killing her good side.
   The same applies to Kiana's heroics. The girl will do a lot of risky stuff. 
   But now... once she decided on something like accepting this ordeal... 
   It made Marcus very curious about what the girl would do. He wants to see the limits!
   "Indeed, there are several choices of clothes I want to see you in~" He teased her as his hands went to her firm ass cheeks. The girl is slender, with long legs and a thin waist, and her bum just fits perfectly in his hands.
   One could say she was 'designed' to be this style of sexy... and yes, she was, you know... a video game character.
   "Hehehe, you want me to cosplay for you?" She teased back.
   "Depends. Are your Herrscher clothes considered cosplay?" he asked her. The tease continued, and soon enough, Kiana realised that it was not cosplay.
   No, he was thinking of giving her clothes that held power, just like it was with Honkai!
   Now, that is motivating!
   "No... not really." All of a sudden, she stopped with a teasing gaze and switched to a more serious one.
   "Then why do you think that I will lower quality?" He asked with similar seriousness.
   However, the lustful smile on Kiana and Marcus' hands bum didn't go anywhere.
   "... because it's an easier way out? Because it's more or less common sense?" She tried to give him a reasonable answer.
   "Well, that doesn't describe me at all." He shook his head at such an answer.
   "I figured that mid-sentence," Kiana commented with a pout.
   "Yes... let's start then, shall we?" His eyes gleamed, and he wanted to see her in more than just her skin-tight Valkyrie uniform.
   "Here?" Kiana looked around. They were on a balcony!
   "Of course."
   At that moment, he let go of her and stepped back. At that moment, a swarm of nanites moved from him and on her.
   The white-haired Valkyrie looked at her hand. This was definitely new! Her clothes changed before her very eyes, and there was no Honkai involved in this.
   Before long, she was wearing a jacket with a cape, grey denim shorts, a belt made from bullets, stockings and high-heeled combat shoes.
   "...These..." Kiana realised that she was wearing familiar clothes!
   "...One of the clothes I was wearing at St. Freya academy." The girl was pleasantly surprised by the change of get-up.
   "Indeed, these ones highlight your legs. Honestly, a 10 out of 10." Marcus sagely nodded at her clothes. As someone who used to have all of Kiana's battlesuits, he knows them well!
   "...I see your point. But don't these make my burst bigger, too?" The girl looked at her boobs. The jacked puffs them up!
   "I suppose. But that's not your most attractive part. Leave boobs to Mei." 
   She deadpanned at his honest words...
   "Don't be like that." He rolled his eyes at the way she was looking at her.
   "You are all about legs, ass, and armpits. Leave the rest for others." 
   "...You seriously treating this like some action figures or collectables..." The more she heard about this, the more she was certain that this was the way... 
   "Hmm, think of it this way. When you reach my level of technology and development, you will see things far worse.
   I could easily turn entire populations into simple numbers instead of giving basic decency." He shrugged at her observation. He won't be telling her that she is the main character in a gatcha game. Not yet, and from the way she acts, it would seem Sirin hasn't dropped the ball on that either.
   "No-No, it's fine! I simply need to become your favourite!"
   Kiana quickly clarified that it was fine. Truthfully, this was way better than what he had suggested! 
   From the firepower he has, he could easily treat every conquest as a number on a digital sheet!
   "True, with how many suits you have, you have a good chance." He shrugged at her. He isn't wrong. Kiana is one of his favourite gatcha waifus, with considerable character development.
   Her suits are the proof of that.
   "Oh~~"
   His reply made her eyes gleam for a second. One could say she got even more eager to become his prime Fiance.
   Kiana's single focus is a serious problem for other females. This girl could easily discard everything to 'save' the world.
   Giving her life for it. She is a Kaslana, a family of warriors or, if one feels dramatic, a family of heroes.
   Kallen and Kiana are very similar and have identical drives to do what is right.
   And in this situation...
   Well, if you can't beat the enemy, as the enemy is basically a cosmic force, then join it and lessen the damage it could do from the inside. 
   That is the solution. That is how Kiana can save her birth world from tyranny, how she can save other versions of herself from Sirin.
   She can do all of this by sitting next to him.
   "That is good to know~ like I said before, you are already engaged to half of me~." The girl's lustful smirk returned with force.
   The Valkyrie is ready to do some 'stuff' to put herself in a good position in his Technocracy.
   "Indeed. So why such a rapid change?" He asked her as he changed her clothes.
   Now, she was wearing a black uniform with orange parts. Her right leg had long stockings, and one of her eyes was orange. 
   And her hair got longer, reaching her bum.
   Kiana looked at her hands. Her clothes were familiar..., but just by looking at them, the girl's attitude changed. It was like a punch into the gut, making her much more serious.
   "...I realised that it's pointless to resist. There is no point in what you do when a tsunami hits or meteorite slams into the planet."
   She explained in a plain tone. 
   "Hah, so I am a tsunami or a meteorite now." Marcus chuckled. This was the first time someone had treated him like a cosmic force.
   Kiana shrugged before replying.
   "It's how it is. Instead of trying to resist it or fighting back, I am trying to do what is right." She said in quite a serious tone.
   "And that is?"
   "Becoming your wife. If I were your wife, I could minimise the damage done by 'meteorites' or 'tsunamis'."
   "And you are not afraid that I won't like such an answer?" She had an interesting answer to his question.
   "Well, my evil self likes you... a lot... I've never seen her that nervous. That means that I will eventually fall in love at some point, so I think that it is fine." 
   "...never heard someone say with such certainty that one would fall in love like that." By this point, whatever small annoyance he had that she was trying to marry into power is gone...
   Instead, he is baffled by her unshaken certainty that she will fall in love with him...
   "I am a Kaslana. That much I am certain of." 
   "True."
   He then returned to looking at her.
   "Let me guess, my legs and bum?" Kiana did a spin as he saw him looking at her slender legs.
   "And long hair." 
   "I see. I do have longer hair thanks to-" She realised that she had no Honkai, so how did she have such long hair?
   "...How?"
   "Nanites~" He smirked at her before snapping his fingers, and Kiana felt a surge.
   Her clothes changed into white and red. She had a long white cape, white stockings reaching her thighs, a white skirt...
   She was Herrscher of Flamescion!
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   "...This... what is this? This power..." Kiana looked at her hand. She was feeling power over... fire and space?
   How?
   "Not bad, right? This is your form after you beat Sirin, or more precisely, your evil self and achieve a completely different form with two elements."
   She looked with shock at his explanation. She was someone who had never achieved this form, yet it was surreal! What kind of ordeal did she need to go through to accomplish this?
   "And this..."
   He created a red sword, a big greatsword that looked quite familiar.
   "...This...weapon..."
   "Indeed." He handed it to her. She knew this was not truly it, but the sentimental value was there.
   "Now for the last one."
   "!?" Before she can even process this, he is already moving to the next one! "Wait for a second!"
   "What?" He was about to snap his fingers...
   "Which part of this do you like." The girl asked the most obvious thing to make him stop and not just switch forms.
   "Oh, this one is obvious, the special area." He walked over, placed his hand where the stockings ended, and reached for the skirt.
   "...You guys are so weird..." Kiana shook her head in disbelief.
   "Such things drive guys to do crazy things." He replied without any sort of shame. Nope, he was proud of this...
   "It's the same thing that makes Sirin extremely attractive too." 
   At that moment, Kiana recalled Void Queen's clothes, making her nod. She realised that it was the case.
   Weirdly enough, Marcus' explanation points at things she never cared about or even considered.
   "What do you like about her? I mean, she is evil, sadistic, mean, manipulative, tortured me... ugh..." midway, she realised how bad her evil self was.
   "Precisely why I like her a lot." He shrugged. "She is a tsundere. She wants to be loved. At the same time, she lashes out for what honkai did. At the same time, she is vain as she is hiding her pain through pompous acts."
   Kiana looked at him strangely. She is feeling jealous now!
   'W-What? Why!?'
   The girl realised midway that an ugly feeling started to surge inside her when he spoke like that about the evil she was!
   "And what about me?" She leaned the sword against the balcony railing and instead crossed her arms, highlighting her burst.
   "You? Oh, you want me to name the traits I like about you?" Marcus realised that she was getting territorial, which was the first sign that the girl started to claim the guy for herself.
   "Yes, if my evil self has that many, then I should have too!"
   The inventor chuckled at the obvious jealousy she was showing.
   The serious face was gone, and now she was showing a girl who desired acceptance.
   "Well, your drive, for starters, your forwardness, and your tsundere act when you are on defence."
   "I am not!" She quickly defended herself on the accusations about her tsundere act.
   "Well, you just confirmed it." He chuckled at her denial, making her blush.
   "W-Whatever!"
   "Then your desire to prove herself than you have what it takes."
   Midway, the girl realised he knew too much about her entire life history.
   "Umm... I think I know enough...say... how do you learn about me? I mean... found about my existence, about my world?"
   Honestly, her curiosity was very high, a bit too much... BUT! She needed to know!
   ~~~
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   Chapter 126: Concepts with Psionics
   "Hmm, why would I reveal everything all of a sudden?" Marcus frowned at Kiana. It was far too quick. He wanted to keep the mystery going as much as possible.
   He loves it when his girls are guessing and end up coming up with a bunch of ideas.
   "It's not fair. You know everything, but I know barely anything!" The white-haired Valkyrie puffed her cheeks at this injustice.
   "True, but this is your job. You need to figure out your hubby's identity and all that stuff. Otherwise, what else would you do?" He asked with a shrug.
   Kiana frowned. Internally, she thought that her job would be to save as many people as possible when he invaded all sorts of worlds.
   But then again, she realised that she needed to be close enough first for him to take her with him on his invasions. In other words, she needs to play an active role in these relationships... regardless of how big the empire is in the future.
   "Fair enough." She gave up before returning to the previous stuff they did, her clothes.
   "You said there is one more set of clothes you want me to try." 
   "Indeed." With a snap of his fingers, her clothes changed. The girl realised that these clothes were quite revealing. Her legs were barren, and most of her arms were, too.
   She was dressed in greyish, almost white clothes with a few pieces of purple.
   "Herrscher of Finality, your most powerful form." 
   "...Space? And something else..." For now, Kiana ignored her clothes and instead tried to understand her powers.
   "Well, you are Honkai Goddess in this form."
   "...A Goddess!?" 
   "Yep, chained to the moon, most of the time and stuck in time." He said with a shrug. He kinda stopped playing after that, so... he doesn't have the faintest idea if she returned to being normal at some point.
   But he is doubtful.
   "...Oh..."
   At that moment, Kiana realised that she most likely sacrificed herself to keep Honkai in check; that is something she would do.
   "...Yep, instead, this time you will have to deal with being mine instead of chained to a Moon." He smirked at her as he walked over, inspecting her from different angles.
   "...Hmm, I gladly accept such a change in responsibilities." She pretended to think before smiling at him.
   "Good to hear."
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   Kiana smiled at his nod before doing a spin for him in her new clothes. She noticed that she had some strange wings floating around her and a small sash around her waist. She realised that her clothes were a bit sexy.
   "So... what is your favourite part of this? I assume my legs and... armpits?" She still struggles with this... but can see this stuff with other Valkyries. Mei's burst... Rita's maid uniform... and Durandal... well, she is that heroic girl? 
   All of them had their kink... even Bronya... she is like that... what was it... Kuudere? Right!
   Thankfully, Kiana read enough material to understand the culture, but she never compared it to her world. Being realities away makes her turn back and look at it from a different angle.
   "Yep, Finality opened new 'doors'." He chuckled as he ended up looking at her from different angles.
   "...Right..." Kiana deadpanned for a second before crossing her arms.
   "So? Was it good enough?" The white-haired girl asked him. Seeing that he was liking what he was seeing.
   "There was never the question that you would look bad in these clothes."
   "That's not my point! The point is if I clear the needed requirement!" Kiana complained to him.
   "You want to be my fiance?" He asked curiously.
   "Precisely!" She swiftly nodded at his words.
   "I guess since you are that eager and have a valid point about Sirin being a one-half of one being. However, you do realise what comes with such a role?" He smirked as she recalled vivid images of what he does to Sirin when they are alone.
   "I-I know..." She looked away for a second before gazing directly into his eyes. Her purple star-shaped pupils are quite cute, especially when she is blushing like that.
   "And you still want it?" 
   "Yes."
   Marcus chuckled for a second. He didn't expect that she would cave in this quickly. But then again... she is the heroic type willing to sacrifice herself quite easily.
   He both likes and is annoyed with these types. One of the reasons why he wants to tease and test her is that the girl stroked his sadistic tendencies... all the time.
   "In that case, tonight-" moved closer and whispered into her ear.
   "I will test your dedication to being a wife; the most important part is to see how compatible we are." 
   Kiana saw a couple more images of what would happen to her.
   "A-And what about the other two? Bronya and Kallen?" She didn't mind, but at the same time, she was baffled that he would do this with two more girls in the same room! This is...just...
   "Relax~ they could assist you in your quest to become my fiance."
   He joked even more as her cheeks got even rosier. The girl was at her limit, as she had no idea what to say and was getting self-conscious far too much!
   Without saying anything, she dashed out of the balcony. Midway, the nanites left her. She ended up stumbling for a second, but then she quickly recovered and ended up moving next to confused Kallen.
   ~~~~~~Meanwhile~~~~~~
   Dr MEI was intrigued to see a legitimate maid like this. This was not an acting job, but a most legitimate thing! It was... something else!
   "...So you are a real maid?" Elysia asked curiously. She had pretended to be one a while back, but this was different.
   From the looks of it, this was not a given job... but something more to this girl.
   "I am. My name is Belfast. I am a ship girl. My classification is a light cruiser. On a battlefield, I serve as one of the ship girls, a one-man army, and when I am off-war duty, I am a full-time maid." The silver-haired maid explained in a professional tone.
   "...I don't understand... What is a ship girl?" Dr Mei was confused. She understood that she was a creation of some sort...
   "Hmm, think of it this way: a while ago, around 60 years ago, there was a global war. In that war, there were big metal ships that battled, and some of them sank to the depths of oceans and seas.
   When my Master and Creator found these sunken ships, he collected them, bringing them back to his base, he fixed them and then gave them... souls."
   The trio had a look of realisation! At that moment, they felt they were standing in front of something huge made from metal!
   They were talking to a soul of a warship! 
   'That guy! He even has such beings in his army!' Sakura's hand trembled as she realised that this was worse than those towering spiders that destroyed everything in the cities, worse than those predator chickens that chased her through the alleys!
   "So I see that you understand. However, don't think too much..." Belfast placed her index finger on her lips.
   "I am just a light cruiser. There are battleships and Carriers bigger than my ship." She winked at them for a second before showing them their living quarters.
   "For now, we are issuing regular rooms with all the necessities. As of this moment, the maids are going through a restructuring, and new uniforms are being designed." Belfast opened the doors, showing a room that easily passes as a mid-to-high-class flat. There is a living room connected to the kitchen, and there should be a bedroom somewhere as well.
   'This has to be a joke... even maids get such treatment. The more this goes on, the more I realise that Technocracy is far better than anything the previous society can offer.'
   To Sakura, the only thing she needs is to get her sister back, and she is ready to sell her soul to the Supreme Commander after seeing what kind of place she could be living for the remainder of her life.
   This was the best solution for an Assassin who was hiding her job and trying to put bread on the table after her parents died.
   "...Hmm, these are quite nice~." Elysia hummed in satisfaction after seeing one. She then looked at the corridor, which was expanding quite a bit. There could be tens, if not fifty, maids living here.
   But this is only one corridor; there are more... like much more, from the way she understood how this T-shaped structure is built.
   "But what we will be doing?" Since they are the first, Elysia wants to establish her territory quickly, and so are the other two.
   "You will see, for now, choose your rooms, and then I will show you the schedule." Belfast smiled at them.
   The girls quickly went to the adjacent rooms while Sakura took the one Belfast showed.
   The girls quickly saw holograms manifest before them.
   Since they knew what this was, the trio quickly realised that these were personal computer terminals they could use!
   The girls quickly took to the whole consoles like fish to water and quickly found out about the maids in the Technocracy.
   'Belfast is second in command. There is a Head Maid that is in the Base outside time... 
   But these girls...'
   Dr MEI realised that being a maid... was a bad position! Her competition is legitimate Goddesses, a Devil, and a dragon that took human form!?
   How is she supposed to outperform them!?
   'No-No! I need to change my position! Immediately!'
   The nerd version of Raiden Mei looked at Elysia, who was thinking a similar thing. She looked at the command structure. It turns out that the living soul of a warship was the least of her worries.
   After a swift check, she returned to stand next to Belfast. The silver-haired maid already saw through the nervous-looking scientist.
   She saw what kind of windows they looked at in the console.
   "...Since there is a structure of command, I can assume that people can be promoted. Is it merit-based?" Dr MEI asked, pretending to do so casually.
   "Not quite." Belfast shook her head, giving the purple-haired scientist a growing despair.
   "We are maids of Supreme Commander. We have a single job, and that is to serve him and whatever he desires. He is the one who decides changes in the structure." The ship-girl maid clarified.
   "Before your invasion, there was a lion girl whose only job was to be his pet. She would laze on his lap for hours and do nothing.
   That is all she did before she messed up in one of the expeditions." 
   Dr. MEI calmed down when she heard that. It appears to be quite lax. All she needs is an opportunity, and she could potentially leave the maids!
   "I see, so it depends on Marcus." 
   "Precisely, you must understand that everything is built around him. Technocracy IS Marcus. Something you should never forget regardless of how grand things are." 
   "Isn't it... quite self-absorbed?" Elysia chipped in, wanting to understand the person she would serve.
   "Hmm, one could say that. However, who decides when one man's work is no longer his but instead belongs to everyone?
   Doesn't that sound quite arrogant and self-absorbed?" Belfast countered.
   "...Well..." The pink girl had no answer to that. She is used to everyone fighting that one threat. It never came down to something like one man's faction...
   "I thought sharing benefits like that with everyone is a way forward."
   She tried to reason with the maid.
   "You should ask Master such things. But he is picky about things like sharing his inventions."
   "Let me guess, he doesn't mind sharing with a cute girl, right?" Elysia smiled while saying that.
   "Indeed, after all, all the cute girls will be in his harem." Belfast smiled before expanding on that. " Instead of thinking of this as a faction of many people, you should rather think of this as a household, with Master being the head of this family." 
   The trio pondered this as Sakura returned to the group, and she heard the whole thing.
   "That does make things... less complex." Dr MEI pondered on her words. What she said made it less oppressive; she didn't need to worry about a faceless hierarchy separating her and Marcus.
   Such a way of thinking helped her calm down.
   "Indeed it does!" Elysia nodded multiple times in quick succession.
   "Glad to hear that you understand." Belfast smiled before motioning to walk again with her.
   The group quickly arrived at the changing rooms. MEI quickly found the iconic maid clothes, but then she saw... uniforms were hanging there, too.
   "...What are these for?" 
   "Oh, this is the next step. As technocracy expands, the role of maids also expands. Master's intentions are that upon conquering the world, interesting girls will be added to what will be known as 'Assistants'."
   "Oh, like harems of ancient times?" Elysia chipped in, making MEI look at her. 'When did she learn all of that?'
   Truth be told, Elysia studied most of her free time until they reached Marcus Assimilator. 
   The chef girl was more than happy to show her how to access the console; she simply pretended when it popped up before her. But she is certain that AI already knows that.
   "In a way, after all, as Klaxosaurians branded him God Emperor, there are thousands of girls who want to follow him. We are simply giving them a way to serve him."
   'And in the process, It will make the rest aware of what happens if they mess up.' Sakura imagined that if someone messed up and were demoted to one of thousands of 'faceless' girls, it would be extremely hard to get back into his good graces without an opportunity.
   It's a simple but effective way to get rid of nuisance without looking too villainous.
   "Isn't it a bit too much?" Though Dr MEI can't comprehend how this could work... the ratio of male to female will be absurd. 
   "How come? Weren't your experiments a bit too much? Thinking of injecting silicon-based lifeform genes into a human?"
   "...that's completely different. We had no choice; we were losing against Honkai," the nerd version of Raiden Mei defended her actions.
   "Depends on perspective, doesn't it?" 
   She frowned when she heard such an answer. It's easy to say such a thing without being there!
   "The situation is different, is it not? We were at war, but this is not war." Dr MEI rolled her eyes as she pushed her glasses up.
   "True, when you are desperate, you will do anything. Humans do crazy things in such situations. Their preservation instincts are quite something else." Belfast said with a look as if she was on a memory trip recalling something.
   Hearing her speak this way made them remember that even if she looked like a human, she was definitely not one...
   "Organic life will do anything it can to self-preserve. Regardless, you didn't answer my question." Dr MEI pressured the ship's maid.
   "If you are that interested in my Master's collecting personality, then ask yourself why he wants a harem. Don't ask me. I was not designed to answer your questions."
   'So it's like that.'
   The scientist girl had a pondering look before 'retreating'. 
   "I understand. When I have a chance, I will ask him." 
   "Do that." Belfast nodded before looking at the other two.
   "Change into newer models of the uniforms." The silver-haired maid motioned to move on.
   ~~~~~~Meanwhile~~~~~~
   "So you three are finally giving up?" Quinella looked at the haggard trio of ex-maids.
   "W-We give up! Mercy! Oh, great, Quinella!" Jeanne slammed her head into the floor as she did dogeza, one of the classic Japanese means to beg for forgiveness.
   "Amusing, and you two?" The Assistant looked at Hippolyta and Le Fay.
   "W-We asked for leniency, but we realised that we were far too greedy." The blonde witch slowly bowed to the platinum-haired AI-turned-human.
   "Fufufu, even if you ask for forgiveness, you shouldn't do that to me. As you three know, you didn't offend me, but our Master." 
   "...I understand, but first, we must make amends with you before we can ask our Master's forgiveness." Le Fay spoke in a more diplomatic tone. By this point, she is willing to sell her soul to get as far away as possible from sauropods dung.
   "I see. As expected from a witch." Quinella expected something like this from the witch.
   "And you two?" 
   "Yes, please forgive us!" Jeanne once again smacked her head into the floor while Hippolyta similarly was bowing her head.
   "Hmm... well, I CAN remove you girls from dung duty. What do you think, Head Maid?" Quinella looked at the silver-haired devil standing next to her.
   "As long as they are not maids, only Master can return them to their old positions," Grayfia said her part.
   "Hmm, true. For now, you can be handy girls for the rangers who maintain Master's pets."
   'Yes! Finally away from the shit!' Le Fay sighed in relief, and she nearly cried tears of joy! The past several days... or weeks... or something, were like torture! She would rather return to the medieval period where she was discriminated against than this!
   It was so horrible that she couldn't distinguish how much time had passed. Working in a place where there is no sun, windows, or anything to distinguish the passage of time has messed with her perception of things.
   "Good, now that is out of the way, you three can go." Quinella motioned for them to leave.
   "O-of course!" The trio swiftly left the command centre of the base, leaving the Head Maid and the Assistant alone on the balcony overseeing all of time flow.
   The pair turned away from the trio and looked at the huge hologram that was the map of their Empire.
   "It would seem Master is invading something on his own." Grayfia noticed a new dot in the Honkai 'island'.
   In some sort of frozen world, they can see that Assimilator's drydocks are operating at maximum speed and printing the warships as quickly as possible.
   "Yes, he said nothing to us!" Quinella began to pout as she was feeling left out!
   "He did request that we should send him an Assimilator. It should have been obvious that he is planning to go somewhere." The Head Maid reasoned with her.
   "Yes, and he is clearly looking for more females to warm his bed." The Platinum Haired Assistant saw a new entry in at the top position no less! Another Fiance!
   "What about females warming beds?" another voice said from the side. The pair turned to the side and saw a brown-haired woman with glasses walk in.
   "I was gone for a bit, and we have an Empire that conquers timelines?" Athena walked over with crossed hands. She was only away for a bit, but things changed quickly!
   "Oh, Goddess Athena, you are quite late." Quinella has completely forgotten that there was a Goddess aboard the Base.
   "It took me a while to find this place. I am quite amazed at the speed of our growth." The Goddess looked around, seeing the sheer scale of things outside the base. 
   There are rows of Assimilators and warships waiting for orders.
   "It has been a considerable amount of time since we arrived here." The Assistant replied to the Goddess of Wisdom.
   "I assume I was away for less than a year." Athena fixed her glasses for a second. "So it's not that long ago, and besides, there is no time flow here."
   "We do have synchronised time flow. To make sense of it." Quinella replied.
   "Oh, even so, it was not that long ago." The Goddess shrugged without caring about the lost time; instead, she focused on the present.
   "Instead, tell me what is going on. What did I miss?" 
   "Well, we have claimed the Mesozoic era. Master found sapient dinosaurs in the Cretaceous Period. They worshipped him like a god, and Sirin began her conquest in her birth reality while I was busy building infrastructure outside the flow of time." Quinella explained the whole thing in a couple of sentences.
   "...Figures, we went to collect pets, but somehow we ended up conquering time itself." The Goddess sighed. This was just like the war in the underworld.
   Marcus wanted to help devils but ended up conquering the whole of Underworld and Afterlife.
   Similar situation, but the scale...
   'Ugh...'
   "Something like that. I am simply following his orders, so don't question me." The Platinum-Haired Assistant shrugged.
   "Right, anyway, what is next? What are we doing now?" Athena sighed as she brushed the issue aside.
   "My objective is to finish assembling the fleet for the conquest of the Cenozoic. Once that is complete, we can focus on human periods and human eras, which is insignificant if I do say so." 
   "...so we are almost done?" Athena realised that they didn't have much to do now.
   "In a way, yes." Quinella looked at the multiverse's map.
   The Goddess followed her gaze.
   "Oh..."
   "Yes, we might have conquered several Earth's timelines, but those are just our closest realities; there are billions of other Earths." 
   "...yes, but do they hold some sort of value? These are not mines; we can mine them. We have to consider that we don't need resources." The Goddess reasoned.
   "Precisely, by this point, for us, resources are unique people, their powers and interesting fundamental forces of other universes." The Platinum Haired Assistant looked at 'islands'. There were two dots on this special tree.
   "...Makes sense, when we can join Marcus?" 
   Quinella looked at all of the preparations.
   "Soon, I am nearly done with the preparations." The beauty smiled. Her smile was... something else. What kind of sadist doesn't like unleashing an invasion on a bunch of timelines?
   "Good, then tell me when we can leave. I am feeling...annoyed that I missed this much." 
   Athena realised that she had returned to her old habits of hibernating in the Library. Thankfully, it was not some magical formula, as those can take years to digest. This time, it was simple data about evolution.
   After reading all of that, she would want to slam the data into her father's face for claiming that his creation, Pandora, was superior to whatever Earth could produce.
   "Sure, I also want to see him soon." 
   Quinella seriously nodded at the Goddess. There is something they can agree on without any hassle.
   ~~~~~~~Meanwhile, Back in Honkaiverse~~~~~~
   After that tease, Kiana grabbed Kallen and went to explore the hotel. The white-haired Valkyrie decided that she needed to retreat and regroup.
   That left Marcus and Bronya alone in the VIP suite.
   "Those two are very interesting people. Are people outside Belobog like that?" She asked him after seeing the pair run away from the suite.
   "In a way? Kiana and Kallen are Kaslana. Their ancestor was designed to fight their version of Stellaron. So, his descendants are unique, too.
   You could say they are very stubborn, and their stubbornness develops uniquely."
   Broyna slowly nodded as she realised Kiana's flippant behaviour was because she was designed that way.
   "Though she looked like she knew me." The Ash-haired girl recalled how Kiana looked at her.
   "That's because Bronya of her world is her teammate." 
   "...Why you didn't say anything?" The girl pouted at him.
   "Because she will ask something like that by herself, why should I do that?" His reply made her calm down.
   "I suppose..." She sighed before realising that she had him all to herself!
   The girl quickly walked over and took his hand.
   "Since they left to explore, we should do so too!!" The Heiress exclaimed with a spirited tone. The girl realised how bad her situation could be with so many females around him. 
   So she will use whatever opportunity she can with him! Like now.
   "Of course~ let's go~" Marcus smiled, seeing her acting far more assertive after seeing what Kiana did.
   The pair soon left the room and took the lift to the ground floor. Their first location was the restaurant that was closed.
   "...It says that there are three times for food: breakfast, lunch and dinner." Bronya, read what is written in the post.
   "Oh, so you can read this." Marcus noticed that the post is a hologram, so it adjusts to the language of the reader.
   'She is quick to use my technocracy's achievements, ' the inventor thought to himself. He needs more girls who have their specific cup of tea, like Erina, who is in the food and hospitality sector.
   He does have Dr. MEI, a scientist-a real scientist-while he is an inventor. The combination of those two can be terrifying in a proper setting.
   'However, she needs to pass some of the tests first.'
   Marcus is well aware of Dr MEI's achievements. Some of them are questionable, but that is because of the circumstances.
   Because of that, he is willing to see how much of a genius she is and if she will be useful to him. There is a difference between being useful to Technocracy and being useful to him. 
   If she is great, then he will keep her close. If she is not self aware, then she will delegate her to lower tiers, as he is planning to do with Fallen Angels.
   But then again, he is willing to see how well those crows will perform.
   'By this point, I have literal planets I can delegate to specific work.'
   Marcus doesn't need to keep everyone close to him. 
   'Well, we should keep all the cards close before playing any of them.' 
   He hummed to himself before looking at Bronya.
   "Yes, it is my letters. Can you read them?" She asked curiously.
   Now she wonders if her letter and language are the same! 
   'How are we talking to each other!?'
   The girl's eyes bulged for a second. She is confused! 
   "I am an esper. I pick up intent before using my psionic energy to converse with you." 
   "...Esper? What is that?" She looked curious. This was a new thing to her. One could say that the longer she was with him, the more curious she became.
   It is quite similar to other Bronyas.
   "Let me show you instead." He faced her and placed both of his hands on her cheeks. Then he brough his face closer to hers.
   The girl watched as his face got closer. She closed her eyes and expected a kiss, but what she got was his forehead touching hers.
   That moment she got embarrassed! As she was expecting a different thing!
   Still, she quickly forgot that as she began to experience things!
   'I-Is that...' 
   She saw a woman teaching her first words, then learning in some sort of school, then conversations... a lot of conversations... in this new language!
   'H-He is teaching me...languages!?'
   The girl quickly realised that she was skimming through experiences rapidly!
   Not only that, but she saw different cities, places without snow, and lots of greenery...
   Before she even realised it, she had given herself to these experiences.
   ...
   ...
   ...
   "..."
   Bronya's eyes refocused as she looked around...
   "This the hotel... oh..." The girl mumbled before recalling where she was.
   "...See... now we can speak properly." He smiled at her. 
   "...Yes..." The Ash-silver-haired woman smiled at him. She was speaking the same tongue he was speaking, and it was coming naturally to her as if she had tens of years of experience.
   "I can guess that you gave me memories related to languages, making me experience them." Bronya reasoned as she recalled.
   "Indeed, what an esper is someone who can wield mind as a weapon, using energy generated by it to do things." For a second, he lifted her from the ground, then lowered the next second.
   "It's the natural evolution of a human. Our minds are the most advanced. I simply unlocked the latent potential." He explained this to her, making her curious about it.
   "Would that work on me?" She asked.
   To her question, his hand went to her hair, and he elegantly got one of her strands.
   "Aurora, if you would."
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   [Certainly, sir.]
   A hologram projector was used to show the restaurant times changed. Instead, it became a hologram scanner.
   The girl's hair was quickly scanned, showing the DNA strand to him.
   His eyes scanned her for a second before checking the irregularities.
   "Interesting composition. It would seem that Preservation impacts you not just mentally but also at the DNA level. You are far more durable than regular people." Marcus was curious about the irregularities.
   "Aurora."
   [Already analysing for possible mass production for our Knights.]
   The inventor nodded at his AI before looking at his darling fiance.
   "You could potentially have a unique combination of use with this."
   "...You mean, some sort of mental fortitude?" Bronya asked with growing curiosity.
   "Could be. I can predict that you could cast something akin to psionic walls." 
   He lifted his hand, and a purple wall appeared on their side.
   "Something like this, only on a grander scale and less effort. It's easy for me because it's me, but that could be your talent." He explained while Bronya touched the wall. It was solid! Like... stone or steel.
   It appeared instantaneously! If what he is saying is true, then she could do something like that just by thinking!
   "...I see... then... does it mean anyone from my city could perform similar things?" She asked, making Marcus shake his head in amusement.
   "First, you, then we can discuss your city and its residents."
   Bronya smiled slightly as she showed him her ring.
   "In other words, should I use my privileges if I want something like that?" the girl smiled while rotating her ring around her finger.
   "Indeed, however, this is not THE ring of Fiancee, yet." Marcus made her smile slightly falter. She quickly recalled that this was temporary. That memory was buried under an avalanche of new ones.
   She feels far more adjusted to this new life thanks to these new memories.
   "Then we should not waste any more time." Bronya smiled as she hugged his arm once again.
   She is already thinking about how to seal the deal and be done with that phase.
   ~~~
   For More Advanced Chapters (+10 chapters, 50k words), My Pat: Pat reon.com/DragonsFics
  
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   Chapter 127: SPA... in Space (R-18)
   2
   After checking the closed Restaurant, the pair walked towards double doors that led to an open area.
   Bronya frowned as she saw a bunch of light brown chairs that looked like beds, and on top of that, there were a bunch of large umbrellas!
   By the time they approached the area, she saw a huge...bath!?
   "...Is this a bath!?" She asked with a confused look. She had never seen this much water used so irresponsibly!
   "It's a pool. It's used for swimming and playing." He explained while looking around.
   "Never expected that she would use beach set up here." Marcus clarified to her.
   "...Pool?" 
   "Yes, in warm places, people use these to swim and cool off."
   The girl looked at him with a weirded-out look.
   "So this is what people use when they are too warm... you know... it's a foreign concept to me. I have experienced some of your memories, but they are not about heat." She looked at these foreign things with a multitude of emotions.
   These things are so foreign to her that she has no idea how to act around them.
   "I know. I didn't share those memories with you for a reason. I want you to experience them together."
   Bronya blushed when she heard that!
   "...O-Okay..."
   After looking at the pool, the girl looked at the... beds.
   "And these?"
   "For sunbathing... Aurora, can you show her what I mean." 
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   [As you wish.]
   At that moment, the optimal conditions changed, and the 'sun' intensified.
   Bronya narrowed her eyes as it was too bright, and she immediately felt stuffy in her clothes.
   "When you are in the sun for a long time, your skin begins to darken as you could say you are starting to cook yourself in this sun."
   "I see... Can you return it to how it was before?" Sweat began to appear on her forehead, and she felt out of place. This was not for her!
   "Sure."
   The moment he said that, the temperature dropped, and the 'sun' dimmed.
   "Besides, it's too hot for my Brachiosaurus outside the hotel territory," Marcus joked as he looked towards the location where his ancient beasts were staying.
   "Then I can guess over there are the hot springs?" Bronya pointed at the section of the hotel that was sticking out from the main building.
   She could see an open section on the upper parts of the walls where steam was coming out.
   From the looks of it, the water is borderline booling there!
   "Indeed. These baths are from Erina's part of the world. Where volcanic activity is common." 
   "...Volcanoes... they are mountains that spit fire, right?" Bronya read about them in books about the time before the Freeze.
   "Indeed." He took her hand as they moved back into the hotel and took the corridor that would take them to the hot springs.
   ~~~
   "Phew! We escaped him!" Kiana sighed in relief as she looked around. From the looks of it, they were on the third floor. The girl could see rooms that start with digit 3, so it should be on the third floor.
   "...Why? We should be getting closer, not running away." Kallen was confused, and now she wondered why she had played along.
   "T-That is because he was thinking about doing lewd things to me!" Kiana got defensive as Kallen didn't take her side.
   "...Don't fiancee do such things? I don't see the reason why you are dodging him." The distant relative of Kiana replied with even more confusion.
   "...Yes...but...well... he was thinking of doing that with all of us in a single room!" Kiana blushed while saying that.
   Kallen pondered on her words for a bit.
   "Then why don't you find an opportunity when he is alone and seal the deal?" The Maiden suggested with a lazy shrug.
   Kiana stared blankly at her for a second.
   'Of course! That is his game! He is pushing me to do that! To actively play this game!' The girl clenched her fist. Kallen quickly realised that! Faster than her!
   However, Kiana doesn't realise that Marcus simply doesn't care if it's one or three girls; he can take them down regardless. He was already used to playing with two all the time...
   "You are right! I need an opportunity to strike!" the white-haired Valkyrie exclaimed invigoratedly.
   "Good, because it would seem you will have a challenger." Kallen pointed at the window.
   Kiana followed where she was pointing. Her eyes perked when she saw Bronya hugging his arm. The Heiress smiled as they talked about something related to the pool.
   'First, we were fighting over Mei's attention, but now this! Regardless of reality, Bronya will always be my rival,' The white-haired girl complained to herself, recalling her time before St Freya and even in the Valkyrie school, Mei would spoil Bronya from time to time.
   "Do you know her?" 
   "In a way, there is a Bronya from my time, but this is a variant of her from a far different world." 
   Truthfully, Kiana doesn't have confidence that she could 'beat' this far more refined and noble girl. It reminded her of Raiden Mei, who used to be a Heiress of a major corporation.
   But this one... this one has 'steel'. That is why she is not feeling very confident.
   Still, after that episode on the balcony, Kiana does not feel helpless, just as he said. She has her perks, and this Bronya most likely has hers!
   "...I see... but they have similarities?" Kallen doesn't fully understand all the world mumbo jumbo, but there should be core similarities.
   "Maybe. I haven't spoken with her." Kiana wasn't certain, as Bronya, she knows, stunted emotional growth and was experimented on. This one looks like everything was fine with her, so she could be vastly different.
   "Then you should wait for your opportunity. It's not like you need to do all of it in one night," Kallen reasoned with her.
   "...Yes, it would be simple, but Marcus only took one room for all of us." 
   When the Maiden heard that, she pondered for a couple moments before replying. 
   "Then leave it to me; I can double team with Bronya if need be." 
   Kiana's eyes widened, and she quickly asked.
   "W-Why?"
   To her question, Kallen simply shrugged.
   "Unlike you, I don't mind. I accepted that I would be his the moment I awakened aboard Sirin's ship. How it happens, I do not care." 
   Truth be told, Kallen wants to compete. She wants to show that she will do whatever it takes. She will rise from 'collectable' to the most valuable girl around through sheer dedication if need be!
   She is a Kaslana, and like Kiana, she wants to save her world and mitigate damage as much as possible.
   Sadly, the pair didn't realise that they wished the same thing.
   "...Y-You... is it because we are from different time periods?" Kiana exclaimed with disbelief. Is it because there are 500 years of difference?
   "...I don't think so. I mean, this is a duty, and one needs to do it." Kallen said with a frown. Before this, she had sacrificed to be burned at a stake because of her belief.
   This time, her beliefs and responsibilities don't clash, so she is eager to compete and do what needs to be done.
   "...responsibility..."
   Kiana's eyes hardened when she heard that. Kallen was right! So what if it's embarrassing? She has a steep competition!
   "You're right! I can't chicken out just because it's embarrassing!" 
   "I guess, just remember what I said. You won't need to embarrass yourself if you play it right." After saying that, Kallen began to walk away. She needs to come up with a plan of her own.
   If she plays this right, Marcus could gift her birth world. She already understands that these worlds don't mean too much to him.
   ~~~~~~Lemon~~~~~~
   Marcus looked at the male side of the hot springs. He could see a lot of Japanese touch! There were baskets for clothes..., and then an array of towels.
   Being a nerd, he played along and simply removed his triangle device. With the device placed in one of the baskets, he was naked. 
   With a towel in hand, he walked into the showering area. It was 100% Japanese, just like the animes he used to watch.
   There are a bunch of sitting areas where one can wash up before moving to the hot springs...
   "...umm..."
   Bronya's voice made him turn around and look at her.
   The girl was naked with a towel around her.
   "...I-I have no idea how to use any of these." She said that while looking away.
   It was a lie. Marcus doesn't need to be an Esper to understand what the girl is doing.
   But that was fine, as he didn't mind when a girl wanted to play such games; he had played them before with Sirin, Artemis, or Hippolyta.
   But this was Bronya Rand, the gorgeous heiress.
   "Of course~, let me teach you ALL about these things~~," The Inventor teased her as he walked over. The girl became a little bit self-conscious as she understood the hidden meaning behind his tease.
   He knew that she was lying, and he was playing along.
   "First, we are going to wash ourselves before dipping into the hot water." He walked over to her and took her hand. By this point, Bronya saw his tool; her eyes would go there, and then she would quickly return to look at his face.
   This would repeat several times in a span of a few moments.
   First, Marcus sat down on the wooden stool. He took a sponge and shower gel.
   "You start, clean me up. I want to see Bronya's abilities as a future wife~." 
   Bronya's eyes hardened when she heard that! This was a test, and she will ace it!
   The girl swiftly put some gel on the sponge and began to wash up his back. She did that with meticulous attention, rubbing him horizontally and vertically.
   A few moments into it, she was done.
   "If you are done, then do the front~" 
   For a second, she faltered but then nodded at him. But first, she washed up the sponge before preparing it again. By this point, the girl had removed her towel as it was in the way.
   The girl slowly crawled to the front, showing her naked body to him.
   "E-excuse me." The girl apologised before getting closer. Marcus smiled as he offered himself to get washed up by a beautiful Heiress.
   The girl started with his chest, then his arms, before starting to move down.
   Her eyes eventually ended up on his hardening tool.
   She stopped in her tracks and simply gazed at it. Her cheeks began to heat up as she realised that she had done it.
   "Umm..."
   "You know what a girl has to do when this happens?" He asked her as he saw where she was looking.
   "Y-Yes... I understand... if we do it, then... I will be officially your fiancee, yes?" Bronya needed to be sure that she would get the right ring and that the union was secured between them.
   "You already are. Only ceremonies are left." He knew that the girl was nervous and just wanted to be sure.
   "Then, once we do this, I want the official ring," she said, putting the sponge aside and getting closer to his tool.
   Truth to be said, she was just like the other two girls trying to compete and show overwhelming dominance.
   Sadly, the girls haven't realised it yet, but this was not Marcus's first time. He had literal Goddesses doing the same thing... each time.
   They try to compete and establish that they are the best. Sadly, it fails each time as Marcus is never 'wow'ed' enough. His body is special after all.
   So Bronya was marching into the hands of a wolf without even realising what he would do to the poor Heiress.
   First, the next Supreme Guardian brought her hands to his rod and touched it. Her eyes widened slightly as she felt how hot it was. She needed a second to get used to it before she slowly started to move it.
   As she was doing that, Marcus watched the pure girl slowly descend into the abyss of lewd activities.
   For a couple of moments, she stroked his tool, which had already become hard. She continued for a bit until she realised that nothing was happening.
   "You need to switch up. I do need more stimulation if you want me to reward you for your hard work~." He whispered into her ear, making her tremble as she was getting sensitive! 
   "H-How?" She asked with a hot breath.
   "Use your mouth and your breasts." He said that as his hand went to her head, he gently stroked her hair.
   "I-I see..." The beauty slowly nodded before leaning forward and trying to use her mouth. She already understood that she would need to use her tongue for this. It made sense to her.
   The girl closed her eyes and tried to use her tongue. She swirled around the tip of cock, then moved her head forward and back.
   The girl tried to resist the smell, but it did things to her. She could feel that she was heating up. Her special place, especially, is getting sensitive. The feeling is starting to become unbearable!
   "Ohh, not bad, you are a quick learner." Marcus slightly groaned as he decided to reward the dutiful future Supreme Guardian.
   Bronya's eyes widened slightly as she felt a twitch before sticky, thick stuff rushed into her mouth. 
   Tears started to swell in the corners of her eyes as she could feel how much it was going down her throat. The girl tried to swallow all of it.
   The more she did, the hornier she was. Midway, she began to rub her legs as it was becoming unbearable.
   *Cough**Cough*Cough*
   After swallowing all of his essence, the beauty pulled back and began to cough for air, as she had not been breathing for a while.
   'This... Is...' She tried to think how to word this, but she was feeling far too horny. The girl realised that she wanted to do this more.
   The moment she started the whole thing, her 'engine' roared to life, and she could barely control herself.
   "...Was it...to your satisfaction?" She asked hopefully.
   "Indeed, now come over." He pulled her into his seat as they switched positions.
   Marcus started to wash her up, but each time the sponge went through her back, she twitched. She was sensitive and wanted more than just a sponge touching her back!
   The Inventor smiled, seeing her all horny. These were the potent pheromones that he generated. The stronger his body, the more powerful it can be.
   There is a reason why he can do things to the literal Goddess and have his way with them!
   After washing her back, he went to the front. He saw Bronya sitting there with a bit of droll dripping from the corner of her lips.
   His hand went to her breast and gently squeezed the nipple.
   The girl's eyes widened as she twitched several times.
   "Ugh~~~~" the girl moaned from pleasure and pain.
   Seeing her like that, he leaned forward and whispered into her ear.
   "Tell me, darling, what is it you desire?"
   Bronya shivered as a soft moan escaped from her lips.
   "Please~~~ end this~~~ suffering~" The girl spoke in a heated tone as she couldn't take this anymore.
   Marcus smiled for a second as he grabbed her hand and made her stand up. He then took the shower head with his other hand and turned the water on.
   The inventor used water to wash all of the gel, and in the process, he made Bronya wet. He had never seen her like this, so it was quite the turn-on.
   "Why don't you lean against the wall?" he whispered to her. The girl didn't question as she moved and placed her hands on the wall.
   Waiting for the next command.
   Instead, his hands moved to her rear, and one of his legs pushed her legs to the sides, making her spread them out.
   The girl bit her lower lip as she knew what was coming next, as sure enough, she could feel something hard and hot rubbing around her special place.
   Then... it pushed inside of her.
   "Mhnnnn~~"
   Bronya moaned as she felt the intrusion that was spreading her special place apart.
   Her whole body trembled as she felt him invading her, reaching deeper and deeper until his tool arrived at her special place.
   The girl trembled as she slightly moved her head and looked at him.
   "Do it~~ make me yours~~!" The Heiress said in a heated voice as she couldn't take it anymore.
   She started to wiggle her bum, trying to make him move.
   Seeing such eagerness made Marcus stop holding back. He pulled and then smacked right back, making cock bypass her proof of maidenhood and reach the depths of her velvet cave.
   "Ohhh~~ Yessss~~~" Broyna groaned from pain and pleasure. Drool was leaking from the side of her lips. The girl had no idea what was going on. Heat, pain, pleasure all of them were mixing together and making her head feel light.
   Marcus waited for a bit before placing his hands on her waist and then started to move.
   At first, he moved slowly as it was the girl's first time, but she was extremely wet.
   After a couple of strokes, his thrusting picked up speed and started to move in and out from the tip to the base.
   A wet smacking sound began to spread through the men's shower rooms.
   "Mhnnn~~~"
   "Nhhnnn~~~"
   "Ohhh~~~"
   Bronya clenched her hands as she experienced a small climax. She tried to overcome it, but the relentless thrusting made her experience another climax.
   The pleasure kept on pilling up until her pussy squirted love juices all over Marcus' cock.
   "N-No~~~ I-I-I can't stoppp~~" The girl's legs began to tremble as she couldn't stand anymore.
   But Marcus already saw it a mile away as he grabbed her by the waist, turned her around, and made her lean against the wall.
   Both of her legs ended up being picked up, and then his cock slammed right back at her drenched pussy.
   Bronya's glazed eyes widened as she felt the heavy smack. Her mouth opened as a deep moan escaped. Seeing an opportunity, Marcus sealed her lips and kissed her while pressing on her.
   He continued to move in and out of her as pleasure kept on growing. Her whole body was shaking as it kept on growing until the inventor released his first load into her depths.
   The Heiress tried to moan, but his lips muffled all of her moans. All she could do was take his seed into her pure womb.
   ~~~~~~Meanwhile~~~~~~
   Kiana's whole body trembled as she heard sounds! Yep! Those were THE sounds!
   They were coming from the men's side of the hot springs. The girl wanted to speak with Bronya before anything could happen, but the Heiress went and did it! 
   'To think that she would be that bold!
   The white-haired Valkyrie bit the nail of her right thumb as she pondered what to do next.
   If Bronya broke the ice right now, they would be like love birds for the rest of their stay in the spa hotel.
   'How long will we even stay here?'
   Kiana stopped and tried to recall any times Marcus mentioned how long they would stay...
   Nope, nothing. She can't recall him saying anything!
   "MGHNNNN~~~"
   The girl grimaced as she heard Bronya moaning silly as the wet smacking sound continued...
   On..
   And on...
   And ON...
   The lovemaking just kept on going...
   Midway, Kiana started to blush, as this was nuts! She was certain that this should not last that long, but by this point, she wondered if this was as fighting, which can last for hours... if not days.
   Her thoughts even wondered if having several girls at once wasn't such a bad thing.
   After a while, the Valkyrie heard something that made her feel a cold chill.
   "...C-Can we rest for a bit?" Bronya's haggard voice reached her ears.
   The poor Heiress of the last remaining city on the planet spoke in a tired voice.
   "Since you asked~" 
   While Marcus sounded like he always sounded full of energy and confidence, 
   'N-No way! Is he like one of those main characters from those questionable mangas they sell in comikets!?'
   Kiana, all of a sudden, got cold feet. She can't approach him alone! The guy IS waiting for that!
   ~~~
   Bronya wondered what happened. She WAS thinking this would happen in stages. She wanted to do it first with her hands and mouth and then do the rest within the bed without the other two girls.
   'Besides, there is Erina here...' 
   The next Supreme Guardian knew she had to do it in a specific way as there was competition even in this place.
   But she never expected to get carried away like this! It's like she was on some strange substance the moment she started doing things with Marcus.
   The girl sighed as she sat sideways on Marcus's lap in the hot springs. After several hours of strenuous activities, she was able to stop.
   "...Do you think I will get pregnant after doing this much?" She asked after realising how bloated she was feeling.
   "Sadly, it's not that easy." He said with a sigh.
   "...You mean we are that different?" the girl asked, realising that they were from different realities, so it did make sense.
   "Not you, but me." He clarified as he hugged her with one arm.
   "Oh... because how powerful you are?" Bronya realised that with how powerful he was, it should cost a price...
   "Indeed. Let's just say that my essence is powerful enough to blow up the egg which it should inseminate."
   Her eyes widened for a second as she had a graphic image in her head, imagining his 'soldiers' trying to invade and merge with the egg. What happens is that the egg ends up shredded midway...
   "I-I see..." the girl commented as a couple of drops of sweat dropped from her forehead.
   "...It's a pity..." she softly replied, feeling...pathetic now. As his future wife, it was supposed to be her job to give him an Heir...
   "That is why you should undergo several gene-altering baths; they could improve your body; they would improve all of it.
   Giving you a greater chance." He exclaimed to her, giving the Heiress some hope. 
   While he has no idea about the numerical possibility of it happening, the gene alteration procedure technically should improve female eggs.
   The last time he checked the DNA make-up plan, it did improve... to his knowledge.
   "Oh, if this is the case, then I should do it!" Bronya felt invigorated after hearing that.
   "...Still, I wonder how I got this carried away..." She mumbled once again, thinking how she ended up doing it in a bath instead of a bed, how she envisioned. The girl never planned her first time to be in a bathroom!
   Just thinking about it makes her embarrassed!
   "Haha, like I said, power has a price." 
   Her eyes perked up as she moved her head to the side and looked at his smile.
   "...You..."
   She immediately realised that it was him! He made her like that!
   "You realise that I can keep Goddesses in check? Not in a normal fighting way..." He hinted at something that made her slightly pale.
   "...You mean... you do it until they submit to you?" She mumbled in a barely hearable tone.
   "Indeed. My body is strong, not in just normal physical sense." He whispered into her ear, making her realise that having helpers right about now doesn't sound that bad!
   "T-Then, how does it work?" She asked with a growing trepidation.
   "Well, you see. Men and women emit specific chemicals when they want to do certain stuff. Let's just say that mine one can even affect goddesses, so for a normal girl, it could be a bit too much." His explanation confirmed the growing nervousness in her gut.
   "...I-I see..."
   "But you shouldn't be that worried since I hold back." He ended up pulling her into his chest and placing his chin on top of her head. The girl's hair lost its classic drills thanks to all the water.
   "...O-Okay..."
   'Not okay at all! I can't be alone with him like this!' Internally, she began to panic!
   She even had a flashback of how Erina removed herself as quickly as she could! That girl knew it! Of course, she did!
   'She has been with him for a while. No doubt they did it!'
   Bronya bit her lower lip from that realisation!
   It was a set-up all along! 
   "Well, since you have rested enough, we can continue testing your compatibility with me; after all, we need to be sure." Both of his hands moved to her waist, and the girl realised what was about to happen! 
   "H-Hold it for just a moment! I-I am still sore! And my legs are still shaking!" Bronya tried to persuade him, but she felt warm energy flow into her from his hands. It spread through her sore muscles and relaxed her. At the same time, she felt her desire returning. 
   It was bad! Very, very bad! If she continues with this, he will turn her mind into mush, like a bunch of fruits placed in a blender and turned into smoothy!
   "Relax, this time around, we will do it slowly. I will make sure you enjoy all of it~."
   As he said that, his gaze slowly went to the side. He looked directly into a pair of familiar blue eyes. These blue eyes widened before running away. He knew well enough who it was.
   He made sure the person who was watching heard the heavy moans of the Heiress in his hands...
   "Nooo~~~ Mhnnnn~~~."
   ~~~~~~Meanwhile, in The Frozen Wilderness of Jarilo-VI~~~~~~
   Enterprise looked at the frozen valley below from the top of the hill. 
   The knights of Technocracy clashed with faceless creatures that looked like they were made from glass and ice. They were... strange to the Ship Girl.
   'Similar to what we know of Honkai monsters. Something like silicon-based? Not even that, they were like puppets.'
   She crossed her arms and continued to watch the clash.
   'Sadly, the so-called Stellaron is not dealing with a limited number, and they can't overrun with quantity.'
   Bit by bit, Technocracy's superiority was evident as their knights and mech support, alongside orbital bombardment, crushed these things.
   But then...
   'Of course, it's never that easy...' 
   Enterprise saw an avalanche rushing towards her troops. 
   If Stellaron can't beat the knights, then overwhelm them with mass.
   One thing that G.A.T graviton armour is weak against is mass. It was designed against bullets and anything smaller than armour size to hit them.
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   In other words, the armour is useless against something like an avalanche.
   "This won't do."
   The girl jumped high into the air, and her carrier manifested beside her.
   For a second, she wanted to use the batteries on the ship's lower deck to fight the snow.
   But then she recalled the new power her Admiral had given to everyone.
   She grabbed the triangle device and an image of a Carrier ship with an eagle symbol manifested on it.
   "Time to see how my ship looks when it evolves!" One thing that affects her and can make her jealous is things related to their ships, and someone like Bismarck, who is fresh out of creation pod, already has something like Techno Dragon, which makes her, his first ship girl, jealous!
   This can't go on!
   Her device began to glow in a multitude of colours, releasing a beam of light into the air, changing the muddy clouds into multiple colours with lightning dancing in them.
   The lightning continued for a while before the power condensed in a single spot above the aircraft carrier, and then a pillar of light slammed down.
   [Techno Merge Evolution!]
   The warship and aircraft shimmered into particles before they merged into a single entity encased in a cocoon.
   A Runic letter manifested on the cocoon, glowing like a beating heart a couple of times before the cocoon shattered like glass, revealing a titanic mech. 
   The machine was a silicon lifeform, a alive being that moved with the grace of a biological lifeform.
   [Iron Legion, Destiny Bringer!]
   The mech stood around a hundred metres tall, humming with power capable of shattering planets. Thankfully for the enemy, it wasn't ordered to do so.
   Instead, the living machine motioned with its hand, and the snow simply ceased to exist.
   After erasing the avalanche, Destiny Bringer rose into the air high above clouds and spread its hands. A golden blue halo-like circle appeared behind its back, and it began to gather power for an attack.
   In mere seconds, the light blinded a portion of a planet and then disappeared. The burst of light erased the ice, the coldness, the snow...the Eternal Freeze... all of it was gone from that side of the planet.
   Enterprise who looked at this could not believe how effortless it was...
   This improved Destiny Gundam with overclocked M.T.M and K.T.M reactors dealt with everything at a moment's notice.
   'I-I am certain that Bismarck had a better time controlling her dragon.'
   The carrier girl was slightly spooked at how the mech did all that with her simple suggestion.
   She was certain that Bismarck's dragon was under a tighter leash.
   "Still..."
   The girl appeared in front of her machine.
   "Let's go. We still need to deal with the other side of the planet."
   The mech slowly nodded as Enterprise appeared on the Destiny Bringer's shoulder and then... simply disappeared.
   Destiny Bringer's 'special power' is the overload of M.T.M and K.T.M reactors... Even the smallest movements of the mech generate a huge amount of power that can be easily discharged through space and time, making this evolution the strongest to date.
   And that is just the movement. With kinetic absorption, it could be even more powerful...
   There is a reason why Enterprise is feeling nervous: a wrong move could crack the world they are supposed to protect...
   ~~~
   For More Advanced Chapters (+10 chapters, 50k words), My Pat: Pat reon.com/DragonsFics
  
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   Chapter 128: Testing Girls With Food
   2
   Kallen was thinking that she could jump on Marcus the moment he returned. But she didn't expect him to return with sleeping Bronya in his hands. The girl looked tired.
   She didn't need to be a genius to know what had happened, seeing that he was not winded, tired, or showing any signs of exhaustion.
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   After seeing this... she knew... she knew she couldn't just pull him aside and use her body as some sort of leverage.
   'It makes sense... after seeing the list of women around him.'
   The Maiden realised that she was naive to think that something as basic as that would work.
   Bronya paid for it, and now she was fucked into sleeping.
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   "Well, you have me all alone, Kallen. Won't you try something?" He smiled after putting blanked on sleeping Bronya.
   "Umm..."
   "You knew my intentions?" She asked with an embarrassed look.
   "Went through this before. A certain Goddess of Hunt tried to keep doing it until she thought I couldn't live without her body." He said in a blank, almost bored tone.
   "It sometimes amuses me that girls can be that confident in themselves when they know I can make my dream girl any time of the day." 
   '...Right... that little detail...' 
   She looked down at her feet for a second. She glossed that part over... simply because his other parts were more dangerous than that!
   Crushing power for once, interstellar and time-travelling empire for another, massive armies...
   Midway, she forgot that if he doesn't like females, he finds he can just make one...
   "S-Sorry for asking." At that moment, Kallen felt that whatever confidence she had was gone.
   How is she supposed to compete?
   Instead of saying anything, he walked over in front of her, put his hand on her chin, and made her look at him.
   "You do realise that there is more to it than just warming my bed." He said with a raised eyebrow.
   3
   "...Y-Yes I know... but..." 
   How is she supposed to say it? Most of the people he showed interest in are females! So it's obvious that he wants to bed them!
   "But?"
   "I...thought that..." Kallen struggles to explain as she doesn't want him to be angry with her!
   "What?" He asked before leaning forward and telling what she was thinking.
   "That I only want to have my way with you?" 
   Instead of replying, the girl stiffly nodded at his response.
   "You are not wrong, but I like you more than just a body~." He wrapped his hands around her waist and pulled the maiden closer.
   "You are a talented fighter. That means that you won't just warm my bed~" he commented, but then he teased her.
   "Or do you want to stay in my bed?" Marcus curiously asked her.
   "...I-I wish to be more useful than a bed warmer!" She quickly explained herself as just a bedwarmer who feels like some brothel girl!
   "Indeed, you are Kaslana, after all. ~" He pulled his head a bit and looked at her gorgeous blue eyes.
   "Let's see if you can perform the duties of a lover~." 
   She looked confused for a second as the thing that came to mind was bed activities. As someone who comes from the 15th century, she doesn't understand what else there is to do.
   "But...you just said.. " 
   Seeing that she was clueless made Marcus smile, as he decided to show her.
   "Let's go to the restaurant, and then we can go from there." He began to pull her towards the doors, but then he realised that he needed to modernise her clothes, as the girl was dressed in golden white robes.
   With that intention, his nanites surged from him and went into her. Right before her eyes, she was dressed in a hoody, denim shorts, and blue sneakers. The girl's body type was exactly the same as Kiana's, so she was hitting all of the spots he liked.
   "Oh..." Kallen looked at her clothes. She finds them comfortable.
   "Are these the clothes that you'd like me to wear?" she asked him, thinking that showing off that much skin is a bit too much unless it's for a fight, as clothes can get in the way.
   "Of course, now let's go." He pulled her towards the doors, and at that time, they opened, revealing Kiana, who had been following him since the Hot Springs.
   "Umm..." The White-Haired Valkyrie looked around, trying to think what to say.
   "Well..."
   She thought for a couple of seconds before speaking.
   "Can I come with you?" Kiana said with a nervous smile.
   "Sure, we are going to get some food." The moment the word food left his mouth, there was a reaction! The pair trembled. Kallen tried to hide it, but Kiana looked like he was speaking gospel.
   "T-Then let's go!" She moved to grab his hand the same way Bronya did. The girl observed the previous interactions closely.
   "Sure."
   ~~~
   It was lunchtime, and the restaurant had been open for three hours. The buffet was arranged to reflect that it was dinner time.
   Not that the pair of Kaslanas paid attention to such a small detail. Instead...
   They looked at the selection of food with hungry eyes.
   Marcus decided to bring the pair here to see if they could overcome their natural inclinations and focus on their objective.
   Yes, he knows the objective from the beginning. These girls forget that he is an esper; he can read surface thoughts with a simple gaze...
   He hopes that future schemes can be more organised because adjusting on the fly is not the way forward.
   'Then again, they are hero types... the types which make their plans on the fly, and the plot helps them overcome it.'
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   As he was thinking about their plans, he took a plate and began to pick up his snacks, from pepperoni slices to several arrays of cheese. Truth be told, he isn't that good with buffet style. He would rather be in a restaurant and read through a menu and take something like 'steak', knowing that it will have salads, sauce, potatoes, and the steak itself.
   But unlike him, the pair were putting a lot of things on their plates.
   Chicken, beef, pork, sausages... 
   'Damn...'
   It was different with Sirin. He recalled her being self-conscious, but her other part was easily swayed by food!
   Regardless, he took some bread and decided to make sandwiches. He wants to see how this goes.
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   6
   ~~~
   "I forgot how amazing this kind of buffet style can be!" The white-haired girl said to her distant relative.
   Sadly for Kiana, Kallen never was in such a place; all she could think of was that she needed to eat all of it!
   "I don't think I will be able to eat all of this." Kallen looked at the tables in the front.
   She could see a bunch of chefs dressed in white clothes cooking something.
   There are a lot of them! No matter how big of an appetite she has, there is no way she can finish all of this!
   "You not suppose to! This is a buffet! You take what you want!" Kiana clarified to her.
   "...But so much food will be wasted!" Kallen complained to her that her food was sacred!
   The white-haired Valkyrie saw how her distant relative was looking at her. She decided that she needed to explain a couple of things to her.
   "I know, but remember where we are. Do you think they will discard this food if we don't eat it?" She clarified to her, making Kallen ponder for a second.
   "...I guess you are right." As she looked at the ground for a bit, her eyes widened, and she looked around for a second.
   Seeing that Marcus was alone, doing something at one of the tables.
   'Oh no!'
   The girl swiftly ended the talk with Kiana, turned around, and walked to Marcus.
   She forgot that he could potentially be testing her! The Maiden of Schicksal recalled what happened to Sirin; that whole thing was a test. She realised that after watching from the sidelines. No matter how easily he can make things, there has to be a catch.
   Sure, Sirin might have brought gifts, but those were 'bought' with his resources. It was similar to how parents do with their kids: They give them things and watch what they do with them.
   The whole situation with that invasion was like that. Marcus watched her, and after failing, he summoned her back and punished her.
   In other words...
   'He is watching and making sure luxury like this doesn't get into our heads.'
   As Kallen was thinking, she returned to his side. Seeing that he only made... a thing from bread, slices of sausages and cheese. 
   "Are you not hungry?" She asked him as she got closer.
   "Not really. I know you girls like your food."
   'So he was testing us!' For a second, she got cold feet.
   This guy is relentless!
   "Well, I got what I wanted. We should find where to sit..." Her gaze went to the countless available tables to the side. Honestly, if not for the chefs, the whole place could be creepy-how empty it was!
   "Fine by me." He looked for a bigger table and began to walk there. Kallen followed after him. She wondered how he had passed the test, while Kiana seemed quite clueless.
   The girl was going through the tables and continued to put stuff on her plate...plates!
   The pair walked over and sat down at the bigger round table, which had enough space for four people. 
   "Hmm..."
   "What is it?" He asked her as he saw that she was thinking of something.
   "...Your tests..." 
   Marcus raised his eyebrow when he heard where she was going. Well, she was not Kiana because Kiana kept things to herself... for a while until she became Flamescion. 
   And at this moment, she is not.
   "What about them?" He asked after taking another bite.
   "Well... I have no idea how to work on them." Kallen honestly told him.
   "I see. In this situation, your job is to show that you can take care of your 'hubby', " he said, looking at Kiana. Kallen followed his gaze.
   "As you can see, she is failing miserably." His words made the Maiden of Schnicsal tremble nerviously. Thankfully, she realised before it was too late.
   "Are you worried for her?" He chuckled after seeing how nervous she was.
   "...Of course..." she whispered under her breath.
   "Why?" he asked curiously. The Inventor already knew, but he wanted to hear how she would word it.
   "...It should be evident we have to be at the top of Technocracy to make sure our world is safe and people can live freely there." She said that with a serious tone.
   "I see. The Kaslana self-sacrificing trait, but if you think that small, then you will fail." He finished his sandwich and leaned into the chair.
   "..."
   Kallen gulped down nerviously. Should she keep that to herself?
   "If you were someone else and not 'Kallen,' then I would have demoted you to the lowest-tier maid." 
   When she heard that, her face paled; she remembered this 'serious' face when he was talking to Sirin. It was terrifying; it was like she was some small, insignificant lifeform in front of a force of nature.
   All she could do was watch and wait for her doom!
   "I said before, but you girls only have a single objective in all of this. What do you think you need to do? Do you know, tell me." He asked her quite seriously.
   "...Umm..."
   "Your objective and focus is me. Nothing else should matter. That is how a simple girl who can only cook will be my wife." He mentioned how Erina was able to achieve her status.
   "..."
   Kallen, for a second, looked at her food.
   "Hmm, I never thought that it was so difficult." He joked, recalling all the other times something like that happened. Artemis tried to make him addicted to her, and Hippolyta tried to make him her husband just for the sake of it. There was some underlying obsession there. Since she was a Warrior Goddess, she saw him like a trophy or something along those lines.
   Of course, there were other times, like Carmilla, the Vampire Queen, who tried to seduce him and use her beauty to secure and protect her Kingdom, similarly to Persephone, who wiggled herself to his side by using her body.
   He accepted them and gave them what they wanted, but because of that, they will never achieve more. Well, maybe that is what they want: those petty kingdoms they can rule.
   "...It's not..." She finally spoke. "It's that such a thing can easily be missed. Your... abilities and...achievement outshine such basic...things." She clarified to him.
   "If you say so." He shrugged back at her.
   "It is... I want to be worthy..." she commented while not looking at him. The girl felt shy about speaking about such a thing, but using fists was way, way easier!
   "I see. But the question is, who is deciding if you are worthy? You? Or is it... common sense? Or some sort of societal structure?" 
   Midway, he started to smile in a mocking way. It's absurd that one should use others' common sense and their beliefs in his Technocracy!
   For a second, her brain stopped, and she wondered who would decide if what she did was worthy of him.
   "...Umm... sorry..."
   Midway, she realised she was using the wrong methods to decide such a thing!
   "There is no need to apologise to me." He shrugged again as he looked at his plate. Now he wants another sandwich.
   She stiffly nodded before looking where he was looking.
   "L-Let me bring one for you!" The girl quickly jumped out of her seat and rushed to the buffet tables.
   When Marcus saw that, he chuckled. Kallen adjusted quickly. He wondered if this was permanent or if she would forget and return to how she was before.
   As he looked at her, his gaze went to Kiana. He understood that her change in actions was related to her desire to protect her world.
   In other words, it's her agenda. That moment, he recalled what Elysia said about the whole hidden agenda.
   'I wonder how they are doing.'
   He summoned his console and checked his three new maids.
   It turns out Belfast is having fun with the trio, showing all the little things. For now, they are in his quarters in the Assimilator.
   From how the bedsheets must be placed to checking if the fridge has everything he likes. Well, the fridge is quite easy as much of it is automated.
   'Wait a sec...'
   Marcus mentally recalled the hotel rooms. 
   'Erina didn't install any of the Assembly lines?' Mentally, he double-checked his memories. He recalled a classic wardrobe, classic fridge...
   They were basic without any of the perks of Technocracy.
   'Well, it's her choice.'
   The inventor shrugged. This was, after all, a test run. Internally, he was chuckling at the idea that when he conquered a reality, one of the first things that popped up over the conquered world was Erina's hotels...
   "Umm..."
   Marcus snapped out of his thoughts as he looked at an ashamed-looking Kiana. The girl had two plates of everything, but she looked like she had realised something. 
   "What is it?" He asked her.
   "...I can share some of my food if you want." She is trying to salvage the situation as it appears she realised something.
   "Only if you feed me, Kiana." He told her his condition, her eyes perked up at this idea! She quickly nodded at him.
   The white-haired Valkyrie quickly pulled a chair closer to him and sat down, taking a fork that was on the table.
   "There is no need to rush." He calmed her down, seeing her all nervous.
   "R-Right!" The girl calmed herself for a bit before offering him a piece of BBQ chicken. 
   "Here."
   Marcus took a bite.
   "Oh, not bad, as expected from Erina." He commented with a smile. The food here is top-class. The inventor knew that all of the chefs in this place were created according to her memories and experiences.
   Kiana quickly took a bite as well! Her eyes widened in disbelief.
   "W-Wow...this is amazing!" the girl commented in shock as she looked at the food she had brought.
   'T-This is dangerous! How am I supposed to focus on him when food is this good?' 
   The girl was struggling. The food is heavenly!
   After taking one bite, she was about to take another, but Marcus moved in, pulled her closer to his lap, and made her stop midway.
   "Don't get carried away, darling~" He whispered into her ear as his hands squeezed her waist.
   "You said you would feed me, so start with your task." He continued to whisper, making her blush and then slowly nodding.
   The girl refocused and began to feed him. Midway, Kallen returned, and she saw Kiana on his lap acting strangely.
   She had never seen such a thing before. Is this kind of thing a modern thing?
   From wasting food to feeding him like that... she feels like she is behind in understanding the culture.
   "Oh, my sandwich is here." Marcus turned to the side and saw Kallen bringing several sandwiches to him.
   Kiana looked at her. She realised that, once again, the Maiden of Schicksal was a step ahead of her, understanding the taste far quicker.
   As the girl walked over, she placed the sandwich in front of him. 
   "Well, Kallen, since Kiana started feeding you, you will do the same." 
   The girl slowly nodded to his request, but then she wondered how to do it.
   Marcus looked at her struggling behaviour while Kiana, on his lap, observed all of this. She wondered how this would progress.
   Switching from fighting for the world's survival to... this is something she didn't expect a couple of days ago!
   "Here, let me." He used his hand and knife to slice the sandwiches into smaller pieces.
   "Now, you can use these to feed me." He chuckled, seeing a realising look on the girl's face. Kallen quickly started to feed him.
   Midway, she started to smile as this was an... interesting experience for her.
   Kiana started to feel neglected, so she quickly joined, and midway, two Kaslanas began to 'compete' in this 'task'.
   +-+-+-+-+-+-You Are Reading 'It Started With Devils and Artefacts' Written by Dragon15681+-+-+-+-+-+-
   ~~~
   "Amazing! There is a forest inside a space station!" Elysia gushed at what she saw before her.
   "...The station is big enough, you need to think logically, so it's not a surprise." Dr MEI commented in a critical tone, befitting a scientist.
   "Indeed, however, Master had to redesign the interior as it was mostly flats, too many flats, so he changed into things like this forest park," Belfast added her part in the conversation as the group of four were walking to the hotel where Marcus was. 
   After going through a crash course, it was time for the maids to join their Master full-time.
   "...What are those?" Sakura pointed at gigantic lifeforms walking in the forests.
   "Those are sauropods. Lizards from the Mesozoic Era. They lived more than a hundred million years ago on Earth."
   "...You mean...these are dinosaurs?" Sakura looked shocked for a bit before nodding to herself. It made sense that he had those.
   'Then those armoured chickens who chased me were dinosaurs, too?'
   The girl felt a chill down her spine. She got chased by animals who should be extinct for a very long time.
   It made her feel goosebumps for a bit before calming down.
   "Did he recreate them or went to the past to pick them up?" Dr MEI asked the shipgirl.
   "Both," Belfast replied immediately.
   "All Mesozoic eras are under our control. We collect samples and then store their Data for future use. Like these Brachiosaurus, they are gene-altered for this specific forest, including the artificial sun and lack of space....
   "...lack of space... this forest is big as it is..." The nerd version of Raiden Mei looked around; she couldn't even see the edge of the forest...
   "Well, they need a lot of calories." The maid shrugged before they continued to walk the cobblestone walkway that led them to a small hill with a tunnel.
   Once they passed that, they saw a five-storey wooden building.
   "...A hotel? In the middle of nowhere? In a space station?" The blue-haired scientist tried to process what she had seen.
   "Oh gosh! Look at what it's saying!" Elysia pointed at the signs.
   "It has hot springs!" The pink menace clapped her hands in happiness.
   Even Sakura smiled for a second, but for her to feel happy, she needed Rin next to her. As for now, she felt that she was doing something bad without her sibling next to her.
   "...I can ignore the facts... for hot springs." Even Dr MEI decided to ignore the silliness of hot springs!
   "Fufufu~." Belfast chuckled, seeing all three of them agree to this.
   The four of them entered the hotel and saw the reception.
   It was fully staffed...
   "...How far does this go?" Dr MEI asked the ship girl.
   "You mean playing the part of the hotel?" Belfast knew what the nerd was asking.
   "Yes."
   "It's not an 'act' because it's a fully staffed building. Erina, one of Master's fiancees, is testing how well she can run the hotel as she comes from a family with hospitality experience.
   She is using her memories to create her version of chefs, reception, cleaners and so on." 
   'An...experiment! But it's so real that she even created people!' A few drops of sweat dropped from Dr MEI's forehead as this was a dream come true for someone like her!
   The girl imagined what she could do with such resources!
   For a second, drool started to drip from her lips, but she quickly controlled herself.
   The girl shook her head, needing to calm down sadly when Elysia saw that, the pink-haired girl slightly frowned. 
   'I need to get to his side as quickly as I can.'
   Elysia doesn't want Dr MEI to give herself to Marcus. She always found Kevin and Mei's romance sweet, and she was even jealous. That is why she wants to get in front of the Inventor and sweep him aside with her cuteness!
   Being a smart girl, she quickly found out how other girls behave around him. They all have hidden agendas, from wanting power to other things!
   That is why she targets him as a girl who wants him for herself; the rest will fix themselves! Honestly, it was similar to her original plan, where she thought about sacrificing herself to change Herrschers for future generations.
   If she becomes his perfect wife, she could be the best Empress in the cosmos. Marcus would conquer while she would bring salvation to the conquered worlds... under Technocracy...of course!
   However, her plan has bumps in the road.
   As the trio looked around, the maid walked to the reception and asked where Marcus was.
   After a couple of words, the group walked to the restaurant, where they saw Marcus and two girls enjoying their lunch.
   "Master~" Belfast walked over to the table.
   "Belfast, I can assume that showing around has ended." The Inventor looked at the ship girl on the side. 
   "Yes, the trio are ready to serve you." 
   Marcus nodded at her explanation and looked at the three girls who approached them.
   But then Sakura dropped to one knee. Her abrupt actions caused everyone to look at her.
   "Master! Please! Can my sister be freed? I-In return, I will do anything you ask! I will sell my soul to you if need be!" The pink-haired assassin girl sharply spoke in an almost begging voice.
   Her actions caused everyone to think about themselves, too.
   Since he had their world and people under his complete control, what about them?
   However, unlike Sakura, they don't have the courage to ask such things blatantly. A proper time is needed; after all, they all have 'grand' plans after seeing what Technocracy can do.
   "Sell your soul? Well, your soul is already mine, but I understand what you mean." Marcus looked at the kneeling assassin.
   "What I need at this moment is a pet; my previous one rebelled and was demoted to ranger duties at the base, outside the time flow."
   Sakura's eyes perked up when she heard that! It was exactly line, Sirin said! She could be his pet! It's like the best position! Forget about the wives or whatever! Pets stay close to their owner all the time!
   "It will be my honour! Master!" The girl immediately accepted, and the rest looked at her strangely.
   Did they just get tricked?
   "W-Wait a second! Didn't you call me your kitten!?" Kiana complained she was sitting on his lap right now!
   "You want to be my fiance and future wife, different roles." He clarified what they talked about before. His reply made her pout for a bit.
   "W-What about me?" Kallen from the side got his attention.
   "I do not have a position or role in your faction." She reminded him that she had no assigned role; simply being a 'collectable' didn't mean much.
   "True. In that case, you can be my pet too!" He nodded to himself as if something incredible had been decided.
   "Hmph!" Kiana puffed, but she didn't leave his lap.
   "What? You still need to beat your desire for food, as it is more important than your future hubby."
   Kiana turned stiff upon hearing that comment! It was a low blow, in her opinion!
   "I-I was carried away for only a couple moments!" She tried to defend herself.
   "Not the best track record~, " he teased her for a second. But at that moment, Dr. MEI took a step forward, and she felt that this was the best moment to address her case.
   "...Master Marcus." The nerd version of Raiden Mei got his attention away from Kiana. Her speaking made the Valkyrie look at Mei curiously.
   Seeing her with nerd glasses like that is still weird....
   "What is it, Mei?" 
   "...My talents lie in research, science, maths, and computer science, not housekeeping or cleaning. I request that you review my job position." The head scientist of the now-defunct MOTH organisation raised a valid point.
   Something Marcus was waiting for.
   "You do have a valid point. However, simply allowing you to tinker with my tech is a bit... dangerous."
   "I understand. I am willing to be tested as many times as need be to prove to you that I won't betray you." The girl pushed her glasses up as she spoke in an honest voice.
   "And your boyfriend?" He raised his eyebrow at the elephant in the room.
   Elysia and Dr MEI trembled for a second. They were a bit surprised to know that he already knew about Kevin and MEI. 
   'Just how much does he know?'
   "...well..." 
   Elysia stepped forward, getting in front of MEI.
   "Why don't you settle with me?~" The girl pointed at herself.
   "I can promise to do everything you could possibly dream about while you leave Dr MEI alone to her research, " the pink-haired maid said in a bright voice.
   The girl animately spoke, making everyone speechless, but at that moment, Dr MEI grabbed Elysia's hand.
   "What are you suggesting!?" 
   To be perfectly honest... Dr. MEI wants to research Marcus. She wants to know his secrets, how he achieved... everything and more! She is a very curious individual, and while she...adores Kevin, she can't see them being together!
   Even now, they are realities away!
   "...MEI..."
   "Read the room!" MEI hissed at the pinkette.
   "I am curious... Elysia." 
   Marcus 'smiled' at her. What he was hearing was a challenge! He likes those... A lot! Last time, Angra Mainyu challenged him.
   It went well for the challenge. Now, Elysia is telling him that she can substitute MEI.
   The girls, excluding Belfast, trembled when they saw his smile.
   "Yes! Just ask anything, and I will do it! Don't guys love cute girls like me?" She winked at him.
   "We do." Marcus gently pushed Kiana back on her chair, making her realise the pinkette was stealing his attention away from her!
   'Damn it!' 
   "However, you are not dealing with a simple guy." He walked over to her and gently stroked her cheek. He had a smile on his lips the whole time.
   "As you can see, Bronya tried to... keep me for herself, but it ended up with defeat and her capitulation." His comment made the maids realise that one girl was missing...
   Some sweat appeared on the pinkette's forehead as she tried not to look at him directly in the eyes.
   "...Umm... you won't torture a cute girl like me, right?" The girl was having second thoughts about what she just said!
   "Come now." He leaned closer as his eyes softly glowed in purple.
   "Why would I torture a cute girl?" He softly whispered as Elysia began to see flashy images of her being naked in a big bed. She could see how he would keep her in that bed for days...
   She would do all sorts of things, just like she asked, but she would never leave his room as she would never have the strength to do that.
   It would continue, for...
   "...Hehehe..." Elysia began to giggle. Her nervousness was evident.
   "...Can we discuss this?" She began to fiddle with her skirt, but she couldn't stop looking into his eyes as he continued to feed her with his intentions!
   "We can, as much as you want, in the bathtub or the hot springs, maybe in the throne room? I have several of those." Marcus said with a smile.
   "...Master Marcus, please don't listen to her. She is an airhead. I am more than willing to do my part in whatever you might desire." Dr MEI couldn't contain herself and interrupted Marcus's treatment of Elysia.
   The poor pinkette looked like a lamb before a huge direwolf, ready to be eaten.
   "Hmm, if you say so, Mei. I might test you first and then give you some things to tinker with." He looked away from Elysia and looked at the nerd blue-haired girl.
  
  
  
  
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