Chappy 486 – Under the Good Bad Guy’s Protection

The Nestmother approached Asterios and bowed respectfully. “You have my deepest gratitude for not just preventing an upcoming tragedy but also bringing back one of my precious pupils within good health. There’s also the matter of catching a vile criminal while doing so, and courteously holding yourself back from dispensing personal judgment on the individual. Overall, our nest keeps racking up debt from you, Lord Asterios, one after another. I don’t know how I’m going to ever repay you.”

He placed a hand on her shoulder and brought her back up. “The mutually beneficial agreement we have signed with our own blood is already paying me rather well. We are allies. Friends even. It’s only natural that I extend my aid whenever I can. This place getting assaulted would hurt my business too, in the end.”

“What happens when you aren’t around to protect us, though?” Hevial, one of her mates, asked. “I really mean no offense by this, but since your first involvement with our community, things have become only more dangerous each day. That prick wouldn’t have caught the attention of those True Dragons if he weren’t rushing to get here so he could interrupt your presentation.”

“Hevial!” Rhufija spun towards him with a reproachful frown.

“It’s alright. He isn’t wrong. That was kind of our fault.” Asterios chuckled, waving their concerns off.

“Then stop hiding and make things official,” Noir chimed in, crossing her arms over her chest.

“Official?” Abe, one of the other mates, tilted his head.

“We’ve been gradually building up this bold, cruel, unforgiving image of Asterios as he stakes his claim in this realm. The foundations have been pretty much laid down for his infamy to spread to other True Dragons. I’m not sure he wants Lesser Dragons to be careful about him too, or downright frightened considering their position, but you guys can alleviate that problem by explaining the truth behind this approach to your kin. It could even start with that bastard’s ward as they depart from here,” she explained.

“Truth?” Mortiz squinted at her, not fully trusting the Onyx Dragon yet. “And what truth is that?”

“That the thing I’m going to describe is just a cover for his compassionate nature,” the black-haired girl replied. “Being the powerful and sharp male that he is supposed to be, he would obviously not miss a hideout this big in his territory. But, considering his sadistic streak, he doesn’t want to just annihilate it and be done with it. That would be too dull. No, he allows the nest to function normally while its inhabitants live in constant fear of their next day being the final one, as they are obliged to offer sacrifices for the entertainment of their overlord. And he keeps their imprisonment under the wraps so that more travelling worms can continue to fly right into his claws, suspecting nothing.”

Everyone blinked owlishly at the scheme she had just come up with on the spot.

“I knew you were a wicked thing, but this idea just confirms it.” Mortiz snarled at her.

Noir scoffed, matching his glare.

“No, her insight is accurate. And very clever.” Rhufija inserted herself between them. “Even if we reveal ourselves and remain in the open, other True Dragons won’t be as willing to mess with us if they think we are his property, his favorite source of daily amusement. And if someone does show up at our doorstep, I can play the role of an obedient but defiant Slave, intimidating them by explaining what would happen if they lay a finger on us without his knowledge. That would buy enough time for someone from Lord Asterios’ retinue to arrive, or scare the insolent offender away.”

“This is ridiculous.” Hevial snorted to the side.

“Is it?” She met his gaze with a raised brow. “In my eyes, it gives us freedom that this settlement has never experienced before. Our people wouldn’t need to restrain themselves as much, locked inside their houses by the prospect of terrors they could meet by just peeking their heads out past the illusory arrays. The children could play on the ground, not just fly around the rocks that make up the majority of the landscape. Does that sound so appalling to you? When the price is practically non-existent?”

Her words silenced the trio of husbands as they knew she wasn’t wrong and they couldn’t fight her directly without appearing petty. It wasn’t a fool-proof plan, but neither were their current defenses. The new one, at the very least, had a chance of causing the invader to pause and think about his vile desires, while what they had now would stop working the moment the attacker went past the barrier.

Rhufija moved closer to Noir, making the shorter female tense up a tad. “I haven’t yet expressed my gratitude for your assistance. First, let me apologize for our rudeness and suspicions. Lord Asterios is the first True Dragon that didn’t instantly murder or enslave us on sight, and we are still adjusting. Thank you for what you did for our nest, Lady Nightmare, even if you weren’t intending on doing so, simply assisting your friend with his affair to participate in something exciting. Your valuable wisdom is a blessed gift for us too. If there’s anything you desire in return for your actions, let us know what, and we will provide. Within our reasonable limits, of course.”

Asterios had to admit, she knew how to appease the somewhat vainglorious True Dragons with her words. It must have come from years of personal experience and practice. Even he felt properly worshipped and revered as the superior being.

However, the genuine honesty could be felt in the woman’s words, taking the indifferent Dragon girl slightly off guard.

“Yes, yes, I’m glad you understand. But, don’t do that. I don’t care for your trinkets or even your lives. You are Ast’s property anyway, so I can ask him for what I need or want whenever I wish to, not having to bother stooping down to your level just to converse with inferior beings.” Noir looked aside tiredly, not even noticing she had shortened his name, then made a shooing motion in her direction. “Now, step back before I grace your dress with the vibrant remnants of my last meal. You stink. And that thing is even worse.”

She retreated a little with a wrinkled nose and brought out Ast’s handkerchief, putting it up to her face. One of the Nestmother’s mates growled, but the scarlet-scaled lady raised a hand to keep him in line. Rhufija didn’t respond further, just inclined her head submissively and backed away.

It was quite amusing to watch their byplay, everyone knowing that they were just acting, but their words and actions being a representation of an actual interaction that might be happening somewhere else at this very moment.

“Speaking of which.” Rhufija glanced down at the unconscious Jellal after his presence had been pointed out by Noir. “Take his garbage to the tower. As Lady Nightmare noted, it’s poisoning the air with its toxicity. She doesn’t wish to look upon it any longer.”

The sentries that had been watching over the order of the proceedings took the man under his armpits, received the leash from her, and dragged him away. Judging by their expressions, they weren’t going to be too cautious with their burden. He might wake up with quite a few bruises and scrapes.

“If it isn’t too much to ask for, I would also like to receive those peculiar bindings as they would play a key role in the sentence I have dispensed earlier,” the Nestmother added, turning to the fierce girl again.

Noir glanced at the woven strands or fibers in her grasp. Before she could respond, Asterios wrapped his palm around her fist, capturing her attention.

“These seem quite worn out, possibly used for generations. I think my capable subjects should be able to come up with a new and improved version if I provide them with this as a sample. Especially considering all the fresh materials we have recently gathered, and what I have learned about a few that I had access to but haven’t utilized.” He smiled warmly at both women. “May I have this?”

“Of course. It’s your spoils of war, My Lord.” Rhufija immediately conceded.

His draconic companion didn’t protest either, handing him the weird object. He stored it inside his volcano as she had taught him. It would be wise to practice that muscle as often as he was able to.

After that, the nest’s caretaker excused herself and her mates, leaving to handle the formalities of that day’s proceedings. They had a lot to do if they wished to go along with the sly ploy that had been discussed too. As such, only Asterios, Althea, Visenna, and Noir remained in the theater. Plus Keruvia and her friends who sat in the first row of the audience, still talking amongst themselves with hushed voices. The young female was most likely waiting to be taken away for her punishment.

“Finally, this matter can be marked as solved.” Asterios let out a big sigh. “I’m sorry for how things turned out, Visenna. You didn’t need all this additional discomfort after just stepping onto a new path in your life.”

“I’m glad I came.” The green-haired lady shook her head. “My heart is much more at ease knowing that Jellal is getting what he deserves. Informed of his penance, I don’t have to worry about his ruses anymore. I can fully focus on my future. And my… new mate.”

“We’ll get you back in just a moment.” He smirked, bringing out a fair blush onto her cheeks. “This has been an eventful day.”

“You changed.” Althea stepped closer, cupping his face with her graceful fingers. “We felt the waves through the bond. Did everything go fine?”

“Fine?” Noir huffed at her, glaring daggers at him. “I watched this freak’s Source of Nature evolve into a Source of Life. As if he needed another unimaginably strong core. Now he has Life, Death, and Vitality, though you knew them as Nature, Darkness, and Body, most likely. What’s more, they formed a trifecta inside his soul, charting space for every other affinity, if we aren’t wrong about it.”

“Fascinating. That’s why Tia has been so animated in the last few hours.” Ast’s mentor displayed a cordial smile. “He absorbed the Azure Hearts without an issue, then.”

“Yeah, and he has the capability to consume every single one across all realms too.” The Dragon girl shoved her hands into her jacket, kicking a nonexistent rock. “What kind of bullshit is that, I don’t even want to think.”

“No need to feel so envious. Look at it from a different angle. If he grows stronger, you do too. Isn’t that right?” Althea glanced at her.

It was clear that Noir was about to sneer, yelling that she wasn’t jealous of him, but froze, fully registering the other female’s words. She then studied Ast’s face while thinking deeply. Some of that contemplation must have touched upon more than just what their usual master-familiar and master-servant contracts were capable of as he caught her cheeks beginning to sport the briefest dash of rosiness before she turned away.

“You aren’t wrong. And we’ve been busy since the spar, forgetting to conduct some tests. I’m a summon now, so it should have brought some changes.” The feisty lady grunted.

“You are more than that. We are partners.” Asterios bumped his shoulder into hers. “That earns you a bit more, don’t you think? Feel free to use my energies freely.”

She snorted, giving him a light whack in response. “I’m most curious about your regeneration. But, I don’t think it’s a good idea to stain this place with my blood. I’ll wait until we are back to start sucking out all your essence. Now that you have offered, I won’t stop even if you smack me, so don’t think it will be easy.”

Althea let out a charming chuckle.

“What?” Noir spun at her.

Asterios snickered too. “You are lucky Grea didn’t hear that.”

Her brows drew together as she stared at him, then her face reddened as realization came, and she started barraging him with fists, which made him laugh even more. The other two watched him weave between her attacks with knowing smirks.

After a moment, a few found their mark, downing him with a groan. His assailant huffed and extended a hand to help him up. Yanking him to his feet stronger than necessary, she scoffed, flicking her hair indignantly. The ladies struggled not to chuckle, avoiding earning her ire too.

Soon after, they gathered up and walked off the stage to regroup with Keruvia. Noticing their approach, the young woman hugged her friends one last time and ushered them away, presenting herself prim and proper in front of her new superior and escorts. As much as she could be in her current state.

Asterios sliced into the fabric of dimensions and made a passage back to Althea’s lair. Keruvia promised to try and send some messages once in a while through the disciples if she would be allowed to, then stepped through. The others followed after her, the breach sealing shut shortly.

They were back in the cottage.

“It’s almost time for the early evening lecture, so let’s inform everyone about the new arrangement,” Althea said, leading them out.

As if on cue, people started gathering in the teaching spot located just next to her cabin. Phatru arrived first, listening to the story right away. The students filed in one after another, taking their seats. When Rusi showed up, greeting her colleagues, her eyes jumped to the purple-haired female, and she paused. The class turned silent as she snarled, marching up to the group by the pair of mentors with a sneer.

“What is she doing here?” Rusilthea growled at Keruvia, stopping right in her face.

Her mother firmly but gently pulled her back. “Listen first before doing something you might regret.”

And so, the older female explained in short. Her daughter was shocked, perhaps even somewhat sympathetic, but ultimately, she still scoffed at her old nemesis.

“I’ll be watching you.” Rusi squinted at her. “Don’t expect any pity from me until I confirm you aren’t just bullshitting them.”

“Rusilthea!” Phatru admonished her daughter.

“No, she has all the right to be skeptical,” Keruvia interrupted. “I’m sorry for what I did in the past. An empty apology might not mean much, but I’ll try to make it up to everyone. If they allow me to.”

“We’ll see.” The stormy girl watched her intently for a moment longer, then returned to her seat.

Keruvia exhaled heavily. “No one said this would be easy…”

“You can do it.” Asterios patted her on the shoulder. “You are a survivor.”

Not wanting to delay the lecture, Asterios and Noir took Visenna into the city since she was more interested in fostering her new connection, which was commendable. She was a full-fledged Lesser Dragon already, so no one would blame her for skipping the class she had opted in herself, feeling the desire to still learn more.

When the maiden-in-love separated from them, Noir turned to Asterios. “What now?”

It was clear that she was hoping he would come up with something that gave her an excuse to stay in his world longer. If he didn’t, she would most likely return home to continue working on his request.

“Since we are already here, let’s give the creators of your blade a visit,” Asterios offered, catching her eyes light up. “You’ll have full access to it while running those tests and experiments that you mentioned.”

They made it into a trip to the workshop, walking down the streets side by side, their hands in their pockets. Fifteen minutes later, they slipped into the establishment to the accompaniment of the welcoming bell. Imadil was with them in a flash.

“Ah. You are back. Not with a complaint, I hope?” The elf smith smirked.

Noir raised her hands. “No! Your masterpiece is amazing! I have nothing to—”

“Let’s move to the back so my daughter can hear the compliments too.” He chuckled cordially. “She can never rest properly without hearing back from the client when a commission this big comes in.”

Following the tall man, the group found themselves in the backyard. It was more spacious and protected with much more complex safety measures than the one Asterios remembered, but the resemblance was uncanny. This place looked just like the one where he had received his first Spellslinger.

Cynthia locked on them instantly, spotting the extremely serious face her father was making.

“Uh-oh. Was it that bad?” She paled a bit, chewing on her lip. “Don’t tell me it broke during its maiden voyage? I know his sword didn’t yet encounter many True Dragons, but it held out this long with his crazy methods, hadn’t it?”

Spying a crack in his facade, she scowled and tossed the handaxe she was working on at him, which struck the nearby wall.

“I hate you sometimes.” The elf lady glared at her father.

“You need to be confident in your skills or else your spirit will affect the result,” Imadil reminded her, dodging another handaxe. “For someone who crafted this many literal gems of military might, your self-doubt is way too strong. Isn’t it?”

When he turned to Noir, the Lady Nightmare nodded in agreement. “This greatsword handles unbelievably well. It feels like an extension of my soul. Which, considering the materials used for its creation, wouldn’t be that ludicrous of a claim. I slayed over ten enemies with its help, not even breaking a sweat. It’s a weapon of legends, rivaling the Five Mythical Armaments of the Divine Dragon God Emperor. One of them was even told to be capable of slicing through the very lineage, splitting it into multiple branches.”

“That sounds like high praise.” Asterios smiled while imagining such an artifact.

Cynthia hastily trotted up to her. “Gimme.”

The Dragon girl blinked at her a few times, gave him an inquiring glance, and summoned her blade when he gave her a nod. The lithe elf swiped it off her hands in a blink, making her jerk forward to help since there was no way the slender lass could uphold its weight. But, in the hands that had made it, the sword behaved like a docile feather.

Positioning it horizontally with just one hand on the grip, Cynthia closed her eyes and pressed her other palm to its scaly surface. Greenish mist seeped out of her fingers and into both the air and the weapon, spreading all over it. Lasting about a minute, the mystical smoke dispersed, bringing the female smith back to them.

“This is good. The blade complements your aura almost perfectly. You also know what you are doing. Even with your monstrous strength, you don’t forget finesse. It sings me songs of your firm but fluid guiding hand, and the conquests that its edge vibrates with excitement for in the future. Yes, I’m satisfied. You are worthy of this one.” She showed an elegant grin, holding the weapon out. “Treat it well and it will take care of you for centuries if not longer.”

Noir hugged it to her chest. “I’ll treat it better than I would treat my own sister! No, my own mother!”

Asterios chuckled, imagining it wouldn’t be too hard considering their strained relationship. But the elves didn’t know that.

“Can I take this as your permission to unlock its full potential now?” he asked.

“No.” She shot him down immediately. “This and that are completely different matters. I heard the artifact’s thoughts on her, but I haven’t seen her battles to judge if she is the right person to wield such power. Until I witness her character first, I’m not doing it.”

“Cynthia…” Imadil sighed tiredly. “We’ve already gone through this before… The very person is even present here… Do you still think he would work with someone bad after everything we’ve seen?”

“I don’t care.” His daughter metaphorically dug her heels into the ground.

“Well, as the original creator, she has the right.” Asterios shrugged lightly. “We can share our memories from the last few bouts. Or she can use the orb and get the full experience. That could be fun too.”

“Orb?” Noir tilted her head at him.

“A trinket that connects two minds and lets the person in control peek only at the other person’s fighting prowess and experience,” he explained. “I used it before they agreed to make me anything.”

“Then, I’m willing to follow the same path,” she agreed without a second thought. “As long as it doesn’t try to peer into other parts of my memories.”

Imadil was already bringing the magical sphere in as they finished the exchange, preventing his apprentice from refusing. After some back and forth between the two, Cynthia finally relented and sat down across from Noir. They dove into the spell while the others waited with bated breaths.

No more than three minutes later, she abruptly stood up, knocking over her chair. “No! Not in this or any future life will I ever let her use a Spellslinger! There is no way! It’s unnegotiable!”

“Cynthia…” Her father crossed his arms.

“If you think he is the bane of this universe, you should see how she fights! She is literal death, destruction, and torment! I almost threw up at the atrocities she committed on her enemies! Even in today’s battle!” The elf woman backed off as far as she could. “The Spellslingers were made to fend off things like her, not aid them! You want me to arm our greatest enemy with our own weapons? Maybe supply an entire army while we are at it? Invite those monsters back in through a polite letter saying we miss them, huh? Never!”

“I do scary and cruel things too. And she is a close friend. I can really vouch for her. If you don’t trust her, trust in me, who will make sure to keep her in check. I’m more than capable of doing that,” Asterios replied with a soft and reassuring tone.

“No!” Cynthia met his pleading gaze. “That’s my final answer! Accept it or get out!”

With nothing else working, he reached for one more tactic, one that sometimes did it for his mates and even his mother. Looking straight at her, he brought out his best puppy eyes. So innocent, kind, and sweet. His thin draconic pupils turned almost round, matching that of a cute cat peering at something they found just oh so lovable.

Met with such a powerful technique, she could only turn her face away.

“Oh, Treemother’s Sappy Cunt!” Cynthia cursed. “I’m not doing it! The chances of me changing my mind are as high as those of you somehow finding a way to travel back in time, save her from getting murdered by those bastards, and miraculously getting to fondle her tits!”

“Ah. There’s no problem, then.” A new, melodic voice joined them, making the pair of smiths flinch.

Everyone watched as beautiful motes of golden light appeared in the air and coalesced into a bigger shape, forming a clearly feminine physique little by little. After a few seconds, a gorgeous lady that only half of the onlookers knew by name stood next to them. And, compared to her usual shadowy avatar, this one conveyed every smallest detail of her original figure while still remaining of one color, the radiant soft yellow.

Save maybe for just one relatively insignificant aspect.

This ethereal projection was completely nude.

The new arrival turned to face the wide-eyed elf girl, a playful grin curling up her pouty lips.

“In the end, he already did all that.” Tia cupped her fair breasts, pushing them up a few times. “Save maybe for traveling back in time. He didn’t need it to save me. Which only works to his benefit, I think. Don’t you agree, my child?”

Cynthia gaped at the divine-looking being with her mouth hanging open, nothing else but strained and disrupted noises of disbelief and confusion escaping her throat.

“T-Treemother?” she choked out, connecting the dots even without ever meeting her goddess.

Then, her eyes rolled to the back and she fainted on the spot.