Chapter 203 – Eris’ Release
Perhaps, just like Kairos, I was a demon up until just now. The excess magic power turned my body into a berserking demon, which then ended up attacking Eris.
The demon Kairos that confronted me in the spiritual world may have been a reflection of myself in the real world.
I looked at my own reflection on the black sword. My eyes were still glowing red even though I had reverted back.
[Eris.]
There was no reply. I looked up at the sky and found countless black cubes. Is that the new Imperial City defense system?
It didn’t seem to be hostile at the moment.
That’s good, I thought to myself as I lifted Eris from the ground. But we’d better move to a place where we can hide safely.
I still couldn’t feel the signs of Roxy and Mine. It is unlikely that they would be late, so there may be some obstacles that hindered them.
[Dad…]
[Somewhere, anywhere is fine.]
『Fate, how about over there?』
Most of the buildings had collapsed. From the fighting with machine angels and sacred beasts… And by me, who became a demon. The buildings that were supposed to be the pinnacle of wisdom were in a horrible appearance.
Greed spotted one that was only half destroyed. The surface of the outer wall was severely cracked, but otherwise could still be occupied.
『She’s fine』
[What do you mean?]
『Always the clueless you… What I mean is, Eris sent Envy to the spiritual world, didn’t she? It was to provide you with a weapon since otherwise you’d be unarmed. However, to keep the link maintained, she’d have continue fighting the demon you.』
[Eris… forgive me.]
Did she believe that I will definitely regain my senses? But she’s not even that good at direct combat…
I noticed the dark color of the clothes. It was wet from blood that had slowly darkened. There may be considerable bleeding under the clothes.
『Quickly』
[I know.]
Slipping inside the building, I laid Eris on the floor. Then I swiftly changed Greed into his black wand form.
『I told you, didn’t I? She’ll be just fine.』
[Just do it.]
『Alright, it’s your call. Your status, I shall have it!』
The secret of Greed’s 4th form――Twilight Healing. This secret requires tons of stats to use. Perhaps because there’s no such thing as healing magic in this world, and thus this ability may have counted as something that contradicted the law of the world.
The black wand transformed into a terrifying shape as my strength was drained away. A flame normally burns, which leads to destruction. But the flame produced by this secret is the opposite. This flame could heal everything, though not to the extent of reviving the dead.
I released the white flame toward Eris.
『Of course. It can also be used for this』
[Yeah, this secret ability was the key to releasing Eris.]
[You used a secret ability, for me. You should’ve saved it for something more important.]
[You’re mistaken.]
Eris stared at me. And I also looked back at her.
[Because now is as important as ever.]
[…Fate.]
[We made a promise back in Tetra. I’m simply keeping that promise. Although it’s a bit late, and I ended up causing a lot of trouble… I’m sorry.]
[You are right. It was really troublesome! Never become a demon again.]
Apparently she could recall everything during the time Libra controlled her. After all, even as she was turned into a subservient doll-like being by the spell, her heart remained firm. Eris may have looked miffed, but her lips were smiling.
[I have caused a lot of trouble in the past as well, so we’re similar in that regard.]
[I suppose it helps to know that.]
[I guess so. Your hand, please?]
[Hmm? Like this?]
[Yes, yes. Just like that.]
[I can’t believe it, getting enslaved by Libra twice… What a blunder. To think that I’ve done a lot to research a way to counteract that… It’s all because Fate is such a bad boy. Never gave me any chances.]
[What are you talking about?]
[But that’s alright. Especially since neither Roxy nor Myne is here with us now. There’s at least a silver lining in this disaster.]
[Silver lining?]
[Yes, but I’m just talking to myself, pay it no heed.]
[Oy, that is… could it be?]
[The subordination collar.]
[But, why!?]
[This way Libra will not be able to control me anymore. The collar has a special characteristic where it cannot be overwritten once applied.]
[Nowaitwait! Does that mean.]
Eris smiled and threw herself at me.
[Obviously, now Fate owns me, literally and figuratively.]
[Ha.]
[It can’t be helped anymore. Now that the contract has been formed, I have to live with Fate all the time. Nothing to worry about.]
Eris hugged me and declared her newly formed inseparable ties with me.
Yosh, let’s do another Twilight Healing! I wanted to do that, but losing even more status now would be dangerous. But on the other hand I don’t want Eris to fall into Libra’s hands again.
[Fate, you now have my absolute obedience. What do you want me to do? I can do anything, if you know what I mean]
[Alright then… I have an order.]
[Oh oh.]
[Please don’t do anything that might endanger your own life.]
[…wow.]
[Oi!]
[Well then.]
