"Please let me serve you!"
Hearing Inukimi's resolute voice, Lynn didn't look surprised.
From the moment she followed him into the Underworld, it was clear where her heart leaned. After everything she had witnessed there, his overwhelming strength, the scales in her heart had tipped entirely in Lynn's favor.
Still…
Lynn wanted to confirm it once more.
"You've made your decision?"
"Mm!"
Inukimi's eyes burned with conviction.
The Western Lands were nothing more than a remote corner of the world. The Dog Demon clan? A small group at best.
At least, from the perspective of the broader world.
But she wanted more. She wanted to elevate the Dog Demons far beyond what their ancestors had ever achieved.
And with Lynn… maybe it was possible.
Thinking that, Inukimi's gaze grew fiery with determination.
Seeing that, Lynn smiled slightly.
"Then… congratulations on becoming my pet number two."
"…?"
"Why number two?!"
Inukimi puffed her cheeks, clearly dissatisfied.
As a noble royal of the Dog Demon clan, she had always been number one in everything!
Lynn gave her a subtle look.
That's what you're hung up on?
To clarify, he explained the current state of his Peerage.
When he mentioned Midori Fuse, Inukimi snorted. "Another stinky cat!"
Dog Demons and Cat Demons had always been natural enemies.
Lynn smiled wordlessly and reached out, rubbing her exposed belly.
"Uuh…"
Inukimi trembled and her cheeks flushed, but she didn't avoid his touch.
Instead, she turned her head away and bit her lip lightly.
She'd already chosen this path.
While still teaching her a lesson, Lynn explained the reincarnation process, including the part about the Evil Piece system.
"…Bare back?"
Inukimi's dog ears shot up as she stared at him in disbelief.
"Isn't this just Lynn's weird hobby?"
Her golden eyes sparkled with suspicion.
Lynn shrugged. "It's just the back."
…I see.
Wait, no. That's still embarrassing!
Inukimi felt like she'd been tricked into boarding a pirate ship.
She then hesitated again. "If I get reincarnated, will I still have my Dog Demon bloodline?"
She didn't mind becoming a reincarnated devil, but…
Her Dog Demon heritage mattered.
"Don't worry."
Lynn's palm rested against her fur as he replied calmly, "Reincarnated devils only purge negative states. Bloodlines that are advantageous will coexist with the devil's blood."
Just like how Akeno Himejima, a reincarnated devil, still retained her Fallen Angel bloodline.
After all…
Reincarnated devils from other races were essentially hybrid devils.
"…That's good."
Inukimi breathed a sigh of relief, then continued listening to Lynn's explanation. Her eyes grew brighter and her heart raced with excitement.
Special-Class Devil. Blessing System.
She took a deep breath.
Lynn may be a devil, but… he's practically a god wearing devil's skin, isn't he?
His system enhanced development potential, boosted stats, elevated levels…
An arsenal of divine abilities!
He was the key to reaching heights no one in her clan had ever dreamed of!
"Haa…"
Inukimi's breathing grew ragged.
She'd made the right bet!
With Lord Lynn's blessing, she could definitely lead the Dog Demons to greater heights!
So…
"Lord Lynn, please grant me your blessing!"
Lynn rubbed his chin. "You sure you want to do it here?"
Inukimi blinked, looked around, and quickly shook her head.
She had no idea when a devil might pop up in this place.
She didn't want her body to be seen by anyone other than Lord Lynn. Meidō Stone and poured magic into it.
"Let's leave first."
Buzz—
A dark radiance shimmered from the stone.
A crack large enough for one person to pass through split open in space.
On the other side was a lush, verdant world.
A path connecting the Underworld to the present world had opened.
Without delay, Lynn took Inukimi and stepped through.
Musashi Province, Kaede Village.
"…Where is this?"
Inukimi blinked curiously.
"It's the Peerage's temporary base," Lynn replied casually.
He had changed the coordinates when opening the gate, returning them directly to Kaede Village.
Boom! Boom!
As the two chatted, the land beneath Kaede Village suddenly shook.
Midori flew back using her wings and shouted toward the village, "Everyone! I've lured a big guy!"
Behind her, a giant creature like a mountain thundered across the land with heavy, earth-shaking steps.
"You wretched woman! How dare you humiliate me like this!!"
The monster roared in fury, its voice trembling the very air.
Its muscular body bulged with pulsing veins, and its six massive arms flailed wildly.
Two horns sprouted from its head, and its face was that of a furious oni.
However…
"Pfft—"
Utaha couldn't help but laugh.
The Earth Spider's ears twitched, and his rage exploded!
That cursed woman!
That hateful woman!
She shaved off his beautiful hair!!
"Wretched woman!!"
The faster he stomped, the more the ground shook.
The villagers in Maple Village looked up in surprise but didn't panic.
"Wow, he's huge."
"Just his steps feel like earthquakes."
Despite the commotion, no one stopped working.
A shimmering barrier glowed faintly above Maple Village.
With Kikyo and Midori Fuse reinforcing it, the barrier was now solid as steel.
This mere Earth Spider couldn't break through.
In fact, the villagers even began taking bets.
"How long do you think he'll last?"
"Maybe fifteen minutes?"
"Isn't he a Great Youkai? He should last a while."
"But…"
"The witches are terrifying!"
Life had become lively and strange ever since the arrival of Lynn's Peerage.
Inukimi nestled in Lynn's arms, her dog eyes wide in disbelief.
"That's… the Earth Spider!"
A well-known monster.
Even the Western Dog Demons avoided provoking him.
"They seem to be working well together."
Lynn watched Saeko and the others and nodded.
"Are they all members of Lord Lynn's Peerage?"
Having learned a bit about the Blessing System, Inukimi's eyes sparkled.
Were they using the Earth Spider to increase their stats?
They were using a Great Youkai as a whetstone?
Inukimi stared in shock before glancing over at Midori.
That woman gave her an extremely dangerous vibe.
Still, with her here, there was no need to worry.
And speaking of appearances…
Lord Lynn's Peerage really was full of beauties.
Was he also… the God of Lust?
"I finally get to kill something interesting."
Saeko licked her lips, eyes gleaming red as she dashed forward.
"Tch. You're also an enemy!"
Kisara refused to be outdone, charging toward the Earth Spider like a blur.
The Earth Spider sneered at the small figures approaching him.
But soon, his expression changed.
Slash—
Flesh split open and blood sprayed across the field, instantly corroding the grass.
The Earth Spider clutched his chest in shock. A massive gash had torn him open!
He howled in pain. "I'll crush you all!"
His six arms slammed into the ground, causing cracks to spider across the shrine near the village entrance.
In response, Midoriko threw three talismans behind her.
"Binding!"
Golden chains materialized and coiled around the Earth Spider's legs!
"GRAAAGHH!"
"Utaha."
"Got it!"
Utaha flipped through the Devil Tome. "Thunder Strike!"
CRACK!
A massive bolt of lightning descended from the sky, charring him on impact!
Just as he coughed up black smoke, another arrow shot toward him.
Whoosh!
"Demon-Breaking Arrow!"
It struck him in the knee with a loud snap, forcing him to one knee!
"GRAAAHH!"
The purifying power surged through his body, sending waves of pain!
The roar was like a trigger.
Mahiru spread her celestial wings and swooped in with a light-and-dark flash.
The others followed, attacking in unison.
With Midoriko leading the coordination, the Earth Spider didn't last long before crashing to the ground—dead.
Clap, clap!
Lynn applauded, drawing the attention of the Peerage.
"Very nice. You're all getting stronger and stronger."
Inukimi was stunned!
That legendary Great Youkai had been taken down so easily?
Her eyes swept across the Peerage members and her body tensed instinctively.
Lynn's Peerage was terrifying!
She'd made the right decision.
"Master!"
Utaha and the others ran toward Lynn, spotting Inukimi nestled in his arms.
They glanced at her curiously.
"Who's this… your new pet?"
As Utaha reached out to touch her, Inukimi bared her fangs with a growl.
Only Lynn could touch her!
"…Tsk. So fierce."
Utaha pulled her hand back with a pout.
Inukimi huffed and turned her head proudly.
Lynn just smiled and ruffled her head, making her squirm in embarrassment.
"Prepare a quiet room."
Kikyo glanced at Inukimi, her expression briefly flashing with interest.
A new Peerage member?
"I understand, Lord Lynn."
Kaede stared at the small white dog in Lynn's arms, itching to touch it.
Before she could, Kikyo tugged her away.
Outside the hut, Kaede looked up at her sister.
"Was that my brother-in-law's pet? So cute!"
Brother-in-law.
Kikyo's cheeks turned a light pink, but she didn't refute it. Instead, she patted Kaede's head lovingly.
Still… a flicker of concern crossed her face.
She didn't know…
Was Kaede qualified to become a member of Lord Lynn's peerage?
---
Inside the hut.
Inukimi muttered, "That was too simple."
Lynn rubbed her head. "Don't be picky."
Hearing that, Inukimi hesitated, then her body glowed with silver moonlight.
A noble, elegant woman stood in her place.
White hair trailing on the floor. A light purple kimono. Golden eyes, cool and composed, though her cheeks were flushed.
She glanced at Lynn with a complicated expression, then quickly lowered her gaze.
Lynn had explained the reincarnation ritual earlier. She was mentally prepared.
Still…
It was embarrassing.
Her heart pounded nervously.
But she had made her choice.
She slowly unfastened her kimono and turned around, exposing her flawless back.
Half-naked, her shoulders tinged pink, she spoke in a trembling voice.
"Lord Lynn… please grant me your blessing."
Without hesitation, Lynn summoned an Evil Piece and pressed it against her back.
"Uuh…"
Inukimi's breathing quickened.
Something strange surged within her.
Her demon blood boiled.
Her golden eyes turned red.
The reincarnation ritual activated the Dog Demon bloodline in her.
And then…
It was done.
The Evil Piece embedded into her body without resistance.
The demon blood fused seamlessly with her own.
The system notification echoed in Lynn's mind.
[Ding! You have obtained Inukimi of the Demon Dog Clan!]
[Ding! Your Peerage member Inukimi has been reincarnated as a Special-Class Devil…]
Buzz—
The window appeared.
Name: Inukimi
Rank: Ultimate-Class Devil
Class: Rook
Race: Devil
Master: Lynn Valefor
Stats:
Strength: i0
Agility: i0
Durability: i0
Magic: i0
Class Skill:
Body of Nature
Inherent Skills:
• Princess of Clouds – Natural deterrent to canines, applies racial pressure
• Dog Demon Blood – Enters a berserk state, increases all stats by 60%
• Royal Blood Protection – Upon receiving fatal damage, automatically banished to the Underworld for 3 seconds. Restores 30% max HP upon return
• Accelerated Agility Growth
• Accelerated Strength Growth
• Nether Moon Seal – Summons Dogs, Waning Moon Slash, Moonlight Form
Moon Eclipse Devil:
• Under moonlight, increases all stats by 80%
• Demon race special attack
• Lunar Eclipse Barrier – Lowers enemy agility rank by 1
• Devil Transformation – Gains False God power under a new moon. Enters weakened state for 12 hours after
Development Abilities:
• Boiling Demon Blood: A
• Nether Resistance: S
As expected, an ultimate-class devil.
But…
Lynn's gaze paused on one skill.
Moon Eclipse Demon.
Especially the line about "Devil Transformation."
"The power of God…"
"False, huh?"
Lynn's expression turned a little strange.
So she's already touched on divine power?
He opened his own panel and looked at the empty "Authority" slot.
…Well.
If it has 'false' in the name, then yeah, not quite worthy yet.
(To be continued.)
***
Junkdog's Note: Sigh, guys, it's a new week. First off, I want to thank you for your support and sticking around to read my work, even after all that. I mean, we were ranked around 25 last week, which is damn impressive, tysm.
But the grind isn't over it's a new week while I don't want to get as high as before to stay low. I wanna get back into T20 so do that for me and I promise to spoil you guys with bonus chps trust me xD.
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