Chapter 4: The Sorceress Slave and New Challenges
The ruined great hall, now my temporary base, remained cold and permeated with the scent of desolation. I stood in the middle of the room, Elara still unconscious on her makeshift bed, and Lilith standing a few paces away, her amber eyes subtly watching me. Three Demon Servants scurried about, clearing debris under my supervision.
"System," I thought, focusing on the interface. "Open Shop."
[SHOP UNLOCKED!]
A new interface appeared before my eyes, divided into several categories: Items, Skills, Equipment, Subordinates. I scrolled through each tab, my eyes lighting up.
Items: A variety of healing potions, essences, materials... Skills: A long list of dark abilities, from offensive and defensive to supportive. Each skill had its own level and required different amounts of Demon Essence. Equipment: Armor, weapons, accessories... all seemingly more powerful than what I currently possessed (which was just Azazel's tattered Demon Lord robe). Subordinates: This was the category that interested me most. There were various types of demons, from low-tier to mid-tier, each with its own cost.
"Good," I muttered. "Now I have the tools to truly rebuild."
I checked my current Demon Essence: 150. Not much, but enough to get started.
"Lilith," I called, my voice pulling her from her thoughts. "Tell me the situation outside the fortress. Who attacked us? And what has the human alliance done since my imprisonment?"
Lilith immediately focused, bowing her head as she replied. "My Master, after you were defeated by the Alliance of Angels and Heroes, control of this land fell to Lady Seraphina, a Light Knight. She has consolidated her forces and is actively purging the remnants of the demon legions. As for the alliance..."
She hesitated for a moment. "Rumor has it they disbanded after their victory, but several factions are still active. In particular, the Kingdom of Elara you mentioned earlier, they have become a formidable power, supported by powerful light mages and knights."
I frowned. Seraphina, the Light Knight. Sounds like a worthy opponent. And the Kingdom of Elara... indeed, my quest objective.
"Alright." I looked down at the unconscious Elara. An idea sparked in my mind. "Take this sorceress to the bathing chambers. Prepare hot water and clean clothes for her. Then, bring her back here."
Lilith's head tilted slightly, her amber eyes flashing with a peculiar surprise, but she quickly bowed. "Yes, My Master."
She gestured to a Demon Servant, and they carefully lifted Elara away. I watched Elara's retreating form disappear, then turned back to Lilith.
"What do you think I'll do with her?" I asked, my voice laced with hidden meaning.
Lilith paused for a moment, then replied softly: "I thought... you would turn her into a sex slave, My Master. As you once did with many others."
A smirk played on my lips. "I am Azazel, but I am not entirely him." I glanced at the Shop interface, specifically the "Subordinates" tab. "Elara will be a useful tool, not just for carnal pleasure. She is a sorceress. Her mana, and her skills, will belong to me."
Lilith's eyes widened slightly. It seemed she hadn't expected this thought from me. She was used to the old Azazel, who only saw slaves as toys.
I offered no further explanation. Instead, I walked to a corner of the room, activating the system interface again. I needed a new skill to solidify my power.
"Buy Dark Fortification (Level 1)," I decided. This was a defensive skill, enhancing my endurance. Cost: 50 Demon Essence.
[Skill purchased: Dark Fortification (Level 1)! Demon Essence remaining: 100.]
A cold yet potent energy surged through my body, fortifying every muscle and bone. I felt stronger, more resilient.
When Elara was brought back, she was conscious. Her golden hair was neatly combed, and she wore a thin, black silk chemise that accentuated her soft curves. Lilith stood behind her, her gaze a hint displeased. Clearly, Lilith had chosen the most "revealing" attire to "serve" my implied wishes.
Elara looked up at me, her blue eyes still holding a touch of fear, but now also a resigned acceptance. She had been brainwashed by Soul Command; her will was broken.
"Master..." she whispered, her voice frail.
I looked at her, a feeling of power surging within me. She was beautiful, alluring, and now, completely mine.
"Come here, Elara," I commanded, my voice low.
She trembled as she took shaky steps towards me, each movement heavy as lead. I reached out and lifted her chin. Her eyes were tear-filled, but there was no longer any resistance.
"You are mine, Elara." I whispered, lowering my head. My lips lightly touched her neck, then slowly moved down to her pale shoulder. I felt her warmth and pure scent, a stark contrast to the surrounding smell of blood and decay.
Elara shivered, but couldn't push me away. I wasn't forcing her with brute strength, but with the absolute control of Soul Command. Every breath I took felt like an affirmation of ownership.
I lightly licked her skin, tasting the salt of her perspiration and the faint fragrance. She was a light mage, a symbol of purity, yet now, she lay in the hands of a Demon Lord of darkness. This contrast excited me in a strange way.
"You will be my eyes," I whispered, my voice hoarse. "You will use your magic to serve me. And in return... you will live, Elara. Live under Azazel's protection."
I released her, stepping back. Elara remained standing, her body trembling, but her eyes now held an acceptance of her fate.
"Yes... Master..." she whispered.
I turned to Lilith, who had been observing with a complex gaze. "Lilith, from now on, Elara will be responsible for mana recovery and magical research for the fortress. You are tasked with overseeing her and ensuring she works efficiently."
Lilith nodded, her face unreadable. "As you wish, My Master."
My new quest was to conquer the Kingdom of Elara. And I would need everything I had, including a beautiful sorceress turned slave. This ruined fortress would be the beginning. And then, I would let the world know, Demon Lord Azazel had returned, stronger, more brutal, and more desirous than ever before.