Takashi Kuroda chose not to directly use the Ruination's power to forcibly dominate his opponent because his current self wasn't the Ruined King at his peak with an endless supply of Ruination energy.
He couldn't guarantee how much Ruination energy would be consumed by forcibly controlling a heroic spirit or living being, nor whether it would disrupt his plans.
Therefore, the cautious Kuroda never used this Ruination-draining method to forcibly control anyone—whether it was Kirei Kotomine earlier, Kariya Matou, or now the Assyrian Empress—preferring instead to have them willingly accept his power.
This minimized the drain on his Ruination energy.
"Host, I didn't explain this point earlier because I was considering your interests," the System said. "I'd prefer you complete all villainous acts in whatever way you enjoy. Be domineering when you want to dominate, take it slow with step-by-step seduction when you prefer that. Ultimately, everything should align with your true nature. Free and unrestrained."
"Conversely, I don't want you racking your brains just to maximize villain points. As you once told Kirei Kotomine—don't become a slave to villain points. Besides, if anyone's going to be your slave, it should be me! I'm your adorable little System slave~" The System giggled playfully.
"Heh, I almost lost myself there. You're right, System-chan. I'll just do things my way." Kuroda nodded. He had to admit—this System of his really understood him. He definitely hadn't made a mistake choosing to bind with it.
"Assyrian Empress, how do you feel?" Kuroda turned his attention to Semiramis, who currently couldn't open her eyes. The black-gowned queen lifted her skirt slightly and inclined her body toward him. "Just as you promised, Master—better than ever before. Also, you may address me by name directly."
At this point, Semiramis understood the price she'd paid. While her soul hadn't been completely bound, her mind had been influenced by that power. Under this effect, feelings of respect and trust toward Kuroda would continuously grow within her.
Yet Semiramis had no intention of resisting. Even knowing she couldn't counteract this influence, she chose to accept it. She considered this a fair transaction—both sides got what they wanted. She obtained the power she desired, while he gained her loyalty.
Semiramis knew that if he wished, her open-hearted self could be reshaped into anything he desired. For instance, molding history's famously beautiful empress into a lowly slave—his personal plaything. The thought held undeniable appeal.
Yet this man hadn't crossed that line. He didn't want her body, only her loyalty and trust. This unexpectedly improved her opinion of her Master even further. Though given the constantly growing affection within her, her opinion was already quite high.
If measured in affection points, the Ruination's power had locked the Empress's affection at a baseline 60. Now it had undoubtedly risen another 10 points beyond that.
"Trust and loyalty? Heh... After a lifetime of suspicion and paranoia, to feel this way is... strangely refreshing." Embracing these unfamiliar palpitations, Semiramis straightened her posture, awaiting her Master's commands.
"Very well, I'll address you as such in private then. Semiramis, your current task is to prepare our territory defenses. As for your Noble Phantasm, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon... I'll find ways to gather materials for it later. No need to rush that now." Kuroda instructed.
"Understood. Though regarding the magical defenses, I should warn you—the more expensive materials you provide, the better the final results will be." Semiramis noted.
Without hesitation, Kuroda produced the spoils taken from Souren Araya's estate. "This is all for now. I'll supplement anything else you need later."
'I should try some regular draws too. While they won't give immediate power boosts, they provide plenty of rare magical materials. Perfect for Semiramis to utilize. With her EX-ranked Territory Creation, she'd better make full use of those advantages.' Kuroda thought to himself.
...
After arranging matters with Semiramis, Kuroda could finally rest.
"Master, you didn't think today's events would let you off so easily, did you?"
"Hehe, Master~ You were staring at that new woman for so long. Do you really prefer those big-breasted, wide-hipped types?"
Seeing his manhood mercilessly trampled by the delicate pink soles of two goddesses wearing terrifyingly kind smiles, Kuroda realized his rest would have to wait a while longer.
"Hmm? I actually thought my Master was quite a serious man... Tch, all men are the same." Meanwhile, a certain Assyrian Empress arranging magical defenses naturally noticed the activities in Kuroda's room and snorted disdainfully, glancing down at her own "excess baggage."
"To think Master's tastes were this peculiar—he actually prefers flat-chests. Heh, this is the first time I've ever been considered less attractive." Unbeknownst to her, something called jealousy had taken root in Semiramis's heart.
"Still... Master does have his masculine charms. Hmph, might as well enjoy this little show. Consider it entertainment after all my hard work." Though essentially peeping, Semiramis observed everything with shameless appreciation.
"Stheno (I), that newcomer is spying on us. Shouldn't we conceal ourselves?" However, Semiramis's magical eavesdropping couldn't escape the goddesses from the Age of Gods. Euryale maintained her footwork while telepathically communicating.
"Ehehe, dear Euryale (I), isn't this perfect? Let her watch all she wants. Let her fully understand the gap between us and know her place. What's a drop of divine blood compared to true goddesses?" Stheno curled her toes mischievously, her lips quirking upward.
"Speaking of which, how much longer is our foolish little sister going to hesitate? Must we order her before she makes a move?" Euryale frowned slightly, glancing at the obedient Medusa guarding the door.
"Hmph, that stupid little sister never changes. Always regretting things after it's too late. Don't worry—once she sees Master taking more women, she'll realize how idiotic her hesitation was. Then we'll mock her mercilessly."
"Wait—this bastard plans to take even more women?"
"Euryale (I), my naive Euryale (I), men are inherently insatiable creatures. Their desires are like Sisyphus' boulder—once it starts rolling, there's no stopping it. Blame ourselves for not being able to drain all his desires. But we must secure our position as the main wives. We can't let those latecomers climb over our heads." A bewitching glint flashed in Stheno's eyes—her mind already made up.
A silent war had begun.
While Japan was shrouded in night, Europe was bathed in sunlight. In a church in France, a golden-haired girl was deep in prayer as part of her daily routine. She was a devout believer, and though her life felt directionless at times, her unwavering faith always guided her forward.
But today, as she prayed, a beam of white light inexplicably pierced through the church's stained glass, striking her back with a searing pain. In an instant, she collapsed into unconsciousness. Yet, just before her mind succumbed to darkness, she faintly heard a voice—something like the words of "God."
[Correct this world… Judge the ■■…]
"Laeticia! ... Laeticia, what's wrong?!" The girl's sudden collapse startled the church matron, who had watched her grow up. She quickly helped her onto a pew and called for an ambulance.
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