Jaekiel wouldn't be any different.
If he were to come into direct contact with demonic energy, it would be
extremely dangerous.
However, Jaekiel had a way to avoid direct contact with demonic energy.
He encased the demonic energy he absorbed inside ice, handling it without
being consumed by it.
Of course, whether he could develop this further to activate the demons'
magic was another issue. But for now, it was fine. This was enough.
"Husband, you're already handling demonic energy…!"
Akne's eyes widened in surprise.
The reason demons could unite strongly was because they all shared the
common trait of handling demonic energy.
However, before her, a human, not a demon, was handling demonic energy,
risking death. It was a scene that could only make one think he had
affection for the Demon Realm.
"A human handling demonic energy…"
"Isn't it okay to let go of your doubts now?"
The demons who had gathered due to the attention now realized what they
needed to do as soon as their doubts were set aside.
The Spider Goddess and her husband stepped out onto the street.
Proper etiquette was their priority.
"Spider Goddess, my Lord, may this city prosper…!"
"I'm touched. Truly touched…!"
"I can't believe I'm seeing such a scene!"
Several voices echoed, and they all had one thing in common: they were all
positive assessments of Jaekiel.
"Han Shin, is this enough of an answer?"
Jaekiel confidently faced Han Shin.
His opponent was a strong demon who had received the title of Demon
God. If they fought at full strength, victory was not guaranteed.
However, Jaekiel had proven himself well, and with Akne by his side, not to
mention the support of the people, he knew that Han Shin would not make a
move easily.
As Jaekiel had expected,
"…I will keep an eye on these petty tricks of yours."
Muttering that, Han Shin turned his back, taking his subordinates with him.
It was fortunate that many demons had witnessed it. For the time being, no
one would bother Jaekiel.
The task of surveying the city resumed.
Of course, Akne was beside him, arms tightly crossed.
"We now share the common trait of handling demonic energy. Does that
mean our connection will be even better?"
Her voice was extremely excited.
It was an expression that couldn't hide her affection for Jaekiel.
"I told you that if your cold and my demonic energy combined, it would
create an amazing masterpiece… You remember that. I'm so moved. I'd
even lick the soles of your feet."
Her gesture of licking her lower lip was incredibly lewd. Jaekiel
deliberately ignored it and responded.
"I want to examine the Dimension Gate up close."
"The Dimension Gate… There are many wonderful places in Atra. Why are
you only interested in the Dimension Gate?"
"Of course, I plan to inspect everything, but the Dimension Gate is the
priority. Don't misunderstand."
"Hmmm…"
"Ice crystals work when every side is finely carved. The same goes for my
city's blueprint. We must examine every building in detail."
Of course, there was a major reason why Jaekiel was focusing on the
Dimension Gate.
'Yesterday, I definitely sensed the Emperor's presence.'
It was a key to returning to the continent, and since he might sense the
Emperor's presence again nearby, he had to go.
"You're really making an effort…"
Jaekiel had only said that to justify going to the Dimension Gate, but Akne
truly looked moved.
"Not just with handling demonic energy, but with the city blueprint as well,
you've thought so much about me… The desperation you had when you
tried to save me back then still touches me…"
And then, in the next moment,
Akne's hand moved at an unbelievable speed. Jaekiel, thinking it was an
attack, quickly tried to erect an ice barrier.
"…"
Fortunately, it wasn't an attack.
She simply grabbed Jaekiel's hand and placed it on her chest.
"Um, husband…"
Her sunset-colored eyes were softening, and she was breathing heavily
while looking at Jaekiel.
"So, can you examine my body and design it today? Every place your hand
touches will become my erogenous zone. Surely…"
She rubbed the tip of her breast with his hand. Her lust was so intense, it
was almost overwhelming.
'Am I really going to be devoured at this rate?'
Jaekiel thought to himself. To soothe this lust, he'd probably have to deal
with it for at least three days.
In any case, he couldn't just indulge in it right now.
"Not yet, let's visit the Dimension Gate first."
Knowing that further conversation would be pointless, Jaekiel simply
started walking. After all, Akne followed him like a magnet.
'I hope I can sense the Emperor's presence again soon.'
In truth, Jaekiel was concerned.
He was worried that those who cared for him might launch a reckless rescue
mission, which would only cause more damage.
But if the Emperor had arrived, things would be different.
It wasn't because he liked the Emperor.
Jaekiel's feelings toward the Emperor were complicated, mixed with
bitterness toward Akne. However, he knew that this was the best way to
minimize the number of victims.
The Formless Verd, an entity who could be considered the greatest force on
the continent, would likely finish things without creating unnecessary
human casualties.
While thinking this, Jaekiel arrived at the entrance of the Dimension Gate.
"I want to focus alone. Stay here."
"Yes, my husband."
The biggest concern was how to shake off Akne, but surprisingly, she
complied easily. It seemed that the earlier emotional response had a major
influence.
Jaekiel quickly approached the Dimension Gate and began to examine it.
It was called a "gate," but in reality, it was an architectural structure so tall
that an entire city could fit inside. The technology and size were truly
monumental.
'I could send an entire army through this.'
If the Demon Realm used it, it would be an enormous threat, but if the
continent were to use it in reverse, it could become a very powerful
weapon.
Jaekiel continued to closely examine the usage method, structure, maximum
capacity, and other aspects of the Dimension Gate.
Suddenly, he asked the demon guards who were nearby.
"How is this Dimension Gate typically used?"
"Ah, my Lord, we greet you."
Perhaps because of the couple's attire received from Akne, the guards
immediately adopted a respectful attitude.
"Due to its massive size, it's not just used to transport living beings. Entire
cities can be moved through it."
"A city?"
"Yes."
The guard nodded politely.
"For example, we once moved an entire city of elves from the Great Forest
into the Demon Realm. It was ordered because the city was so beautiful."
'Stole a whole city just for its aesthetics?'
It was like picking a flower you liked and keeping it in a vase, except it was
an entire city taken by force to the Demon Realm.
The method of usage was as absurd as its size.
"So, what happened to the elves in that city?"
"They were either killed or used as slaves. There are different types of
slaves. The males are used for manual labor because they're fast, while the
females are used for sexual purposes."
"Tell me the name of the city."
Jaekiel's tone became very serious.
While Akne's actions were far from reasonable, she didn't treat evil acts as
a form of amusement.
However, what he had just heard was different.
Wasn't this blatant exploitation of other species just to satisfy personal
greed? He couldn't stand by and let this happen.
"It's Han Shin's city. He enjoys collecting, so he handles not only elves but
also other races in the same way."
Han Shin, it was Han Shin again.
It was the same Han Shin Akne had mentioned before. He used humans as
slaves for construction.
But after hearing it from the guards, the reality was even more brutal. Han
Shin's city was made by piecing together cities from different races on the
continent, creating a grotesque patchwork, like making a pizza from pieces.
'I must punish this one for sure.'
It was when Jaekiel was thinking this.
His thoughts didn't last long.
"…!"
He felt an overwhelming energy.
Jaekiel hurriedly looked around, but the guards remained calm. It seemed
that this energy had been masked so only Jaekiel could sense it.
There was no way he couldn't recognize it.
It was the same presence he had felt yesterday.
But today, it wasn't just the energy he could feel.
The sound of a low, resonating voice accompanied it.
-Tomorrow, I will personally come.
At last, the day of the Emperor's arrival had been set.