"So… when you said 'become yours,' you meant turning me into a demon and making me your servant?" After listening to Kai's explanation, Utaha Kasumigaoka finally understood. Her eyes, however, grew complicated.
Does this guy not know how to speak like a normal person?
Kai, for his part, looked as if she were the one misunderstanding everything.
Though technically, he was right.
Now that she had become his servant, Utaha Kasumigaoka was officially under his command.
She took a deep breath. "Alright. I agree."
"You're agreeing that easily?" Kai blinked, surprised. "I was already mentally preparing to threaten or seduce you if you refused."
"That sounds pretty dangerous," Utaha squinted at him, then smiled. "But honestly, the idea of becoming a demon isn't all that bad."
"I mean, if cursed spirits and demons really exist in this world, then it's safe to assume other myths and legends are real too. Not knowing is one thing, but now that I've seen the truth with my own eyes, I can't just stay an ordinary human."
"Besides," she added with a faint smirk, "as you said, dear demon lord, even the weakest demons live for hundreds of years and stay eternally youthful. That's a dream come true for most people."
Kai: "..."
Logical. Well-reasoned. And kind of persuasive.
No wonder she writes novels. She figured all that out in a snap.
Still, keeping a straight face, Kai picked up the Queen piece. "Alright, I'll begin. It might hurt a little."
"Do it." Utaha nodded firmly, determination gleaming in her eyes.
However, after waiting for a good while without Kai making a move, she frowned in confusion.
"Ahem, this is… my first time, so I don't really have experience," Kai coughed awkwardly, finally starting the ritual.
"Wait, why are you lifting up my clothes? Are you that eager, demon lord?"
"Relax, it's just the edge. We'll be done soon."
"Hold on—slow down."
"Bear with it, just a little longer."
At last, the Queen piece fused perfectly with Utaha Kasumigaoka.
"That's… it? It's done?" she asked, clutching her shoulder, her voice quivering.
"Probably!" Kai replied, not entirely sure himself.
"…Huh?" Utaha's eyes widened, and the corner of her mouth twitched. "Are you sure this isn't dangerous, demon lord?"
"Don't worry. Absolutely safe," Kai said with conviction. "I guarantee you won't die."
"NOT the reassurance I was looking for, damn demon!" she snapped. But then, her body suddenly stiffened, and a subtle tremor passed through her limbs as she felt a mysterious power awaken inside her.
At the same time—
A deep crimson magic circle spread beneath her feet.
> [Source: +1]
Kai glanced at his virtual panel, eyes focused.
Come to think of it—
This was the first time he'd actually seen a rebirth ritual in person.
Every demon reborn through the Evil Pieces gained the abilities of the piece used:
King: The demon who owns the Evil Pieces, capable of turning others into demons.
Queen: Possesses all abilities of the other pieces—except King and Pawn.
Rook: Extreme offense and defense.
Bishop: High magical talent.
Knight: Exceptional speed.
Pawn: The weakest piece, but with the King's approval, can be promoted to any other piece and instantly gain new abilities.
Why did he give Utaha Kasumigaoka the rarest piece—the Queen?
Pure instinct.
Honestly, the Evil Pieces were just a fun bonus for him. Using one wasn't a big deal.
Besides, gaining a beautiful girl as a follower wasn't exactly a loss.
Yeah… he was shallow like that. Totally a sucker for a pretty face.
After a while, Utaha stood up—flushed and lightly sweating.
With a trace of distaste, she looked herself over and pulled off her stockings. Her pale, jade-like toes touched the floor.
Kai's gaze, almost reflexively, drifted downward.
"Had enough staring, demon lord?" she asked, curling her toes slightly, eyes locked on his.
"Oh?" Kai raised an eyebrow with a sly smile. "Maybe you should change how you address me."
Utaha gave him a strange look. "What about… 'Perverted Master'?"
"If that's a title of respect, I'm totally fine with it."
"I knew it, Master-kun. You are a pervert."
"Why, thank you for the compliment."
Kai took out his phone. "Let's exchange numbers. It'll make things easier."
"Demons use cell phones now?" Utaha mumbled, pulling hers out.
Once they'd swapped contact info, Kai handed her a few magical books. "Here. Along with the physical transformation, you should've gained magical talent. Browse through these in the meantime."
At his words, Utaha's eyes lit up with genuine excitement.
Magic!
Real magic!
Was she finally going to lift the veil on the true nature of the world?
Seeing her enthusiasm, Kai picked up one of the books and said:
"This one's magic theory basics. Start there. If anything's confusing, just ask."
"Mmhmm!" Utaha nodded eagerly and began flipping through the pages.
Kai left her to it, poured himself a cup of black tea, and sipped in silence.
But then—
His pupils narrowed.
He watched as Utaha slowly raised her hand—and a ripple of energy flowed outward.
He knew that feeling all too well: she was trying to use magic.
Fwoosh!
The room lit up as a faint, pale-blue magic circle appeared in the air.
Whoosh! Whoosh!
A soft breeze fluttered through the space.
So this is magic?
Utaha's expression sparkled with childlike wonder.
In that moment, she looked like a kid with a new toy, flipping through the book with gleaming eyes.
"..."
Kai said nothing.
So… his instincts were right. She was a genius.
But wasn't this a little too crazy?
Even if it was just a basic spell—learning it after reading it once?
He was pretty sure even Akeno Himejima, with all her special bloodlines, couldn't do that.