Little Garden 176-180

Title: This World Seems a Bit Too Urban

“Indeed, how could Merits alone be enough?”

Giada looked at Aslan with her green eyes and let out a soft sigh.

Just by hearing Aslan’s introduction and the pursuit of Merits by the Gods and Buddhas, she knew that Merits were the absolute hard currency in Little Garden.

Strengthening Spirit Status, enhancing Gifts, constructing Authorities… which of these didn’t require consuming Merits? Even the reason for holding Gift Games was to expand influence and gain sufficient Merits.

However, Giada was still fortunate. The three Primogenitors stood at the pinnacle of the world, ruling it together for thousands of years. They had almost become part of this history.

For Giada and the other Primogenitors, at least for now, they wouldn’t lack Merits. The Merits accumulated over thousands of years were enough for them to grow into Four-Digit beings.

But for Aslan, the pure Merits from the Fourth Primogenitor, the strongest vampire, and the Merits from observing the world were like a drop in the bucket. Even if he established the Fourth Night Empire, the total Merits he’d gain might not reach one percent of what he earned from saving the world last time.

After all, the Apocalypse world strictly belonged to Future Human History and was also part of Pan-Human History. Moreover, Aslan was deemed to have surpassed the Last Trial of Mankind once. In contrast, the Strike the Blood world was purely Other Human History, and the scale of Merits obtained was two digits lower than that of Pan-Human History, the Main Trunk.

If the three Primogenitors had become world-dominating Primogenitors for thousands of years, almost becoming part of history in Pan-Human History, they should have reached Two-Digit status after being observed by Little Garden’s Central Core, not merely Four-Digit.

But the Merits of Pan-Human History had already been divided up. Those who dared to meddle had long been killed. Aslan currently lacked the ability to snatch food from the table of Gods and Buddhas.

“So, I plan to bring true peace to this world.” Aslan yawned and said casually.

“This world seems a bit too urban.”

“Hmm???” Giada showed a puzzled expression.

What did he mean by the world being too urban?

Wasn’t urbanization a good thing?

Did Aslan want to return to the cave-dwelling era of thousands of years ago?

“Ahem, of course, that’s not what I meant.” Aslan waved his hand at her with slight exasperation.

He wasn’t an extremist. How could he seriously consider destroying the world?

It had to be admitted that this world’s technological level was quite advanced. After undergoing the Cleansing and developing again for thousands of years, their technology had returned to the level of the Deva back then. Aslan understood the principle that scientific technology was the primary productive force.

How could he abandon the Strike the Blood world, which was a great base camp?

“But, Giada, don’t you think this world is a bit too chaotic?”

Chaotic? No, right? Compared to ancient times, or even the prehistoric era when the Deva existed, the world now, after signing the Sanctuary Treaty, was quite peaceful.

Giada looked at him, showing deep interest. She was a bit curious whether Aslan had another new idea.

Aslan continued, “This world has too many small organizations behind the scenes and too many ambitious people.”

Why call them small organizations behind the scenes?

Perhaps because these organizations were too weak.

Although none of them could defeat a Primogenitor individually, they all dreamed of defeating one and ruling the world.

There were also those clueless ambitious people.

Even Aslan wasn’t sure where they got the courage to scheme against a Primogenitor.

Just because the three Primogenitors dominated the world, with experience, strength, combat ability, and technology capable of destroying it, and because they were fairly united, who knew how chaotic the world would’ve become otherwise?

“Besides, Giada, don’t you think over two hundred countries are a bit too many?”

As a Chinese person, Aslan had the idea of unifying the world. He was already the Fourth Primogenitor, so why not go all the way?

“Interesting. So this is your idea?” Giada put her hands behind her head and crossed her legs nonchalantly. “I think Juranbarada would strongly support your idea.”

As for herself, she wasn’t interested in such things.

Small and large countries stood tall on Earth. Although each had ambitions and often caused some chaos, these occasional pests were rare spices for Primogenitors like them, who had lived long lives, and topics for their occasional meetings.

Of course, they could unify the world. The reason they didn’t was that the cost was too high. The contradictions between humans and Demons were too hard to resolve. Even if they forcibly suppressed them, it would only lead to greater chaos.

Moreover, they had lived too long. They truly lacked that ambition and interest. Power and desire—they had enjoyed all there was to enjoy during their long lives.

Of course, Giada didn’t ask if Aslan needed help. That would be a bit insulting to him. Just three Primogenitors could subdue any superpower in the world with their Beast Vassals, let alone Aslan, who was almost godlike.

Instead of asking this, it’d be better to ask if Aslan needed the three Primogenitors to act, serve as stepping stones, or something else. The First and Second Primogenitors were very curious about Aslan’s true power.

As for her? Giada preferred to go to Little Garden, digest Merits, become a Four-Digit, and then challenge Aslan.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

In an ancient temple in Kyoto, Japan, two women sat cross-legged.

Both women appeared young. They wore kimonos and were currently sitting with their eyes closed, as if asleep.

“The Ministry of Internal Affairs has issued an order. It’s said to come directly from the Prime Minister. I think you already know, Koyomi!”

One of the two women sitting face-to-face spoke. From the outside, she looked young, like a cute little girl. But her manner of speaking was entirely mismatched with her age. She sounded like an elder, with a strong air of authenticity.

Kuraki Shirona, one of the Three Saints of the Lion King Agency. Of course, this wasn’t her real name but an inherited title of the Three Saints.

She had a dual personality with two consciousnesses. One was Kuraki, passed down through generations, a clan whose spiritual power and memories grew through inheritance. The other was her own consciousness as a vessel of Dark Power.

“I’ve received the order, Lady Shirona.” Koyomi said calmly.

“But what do you mean?”

Hadn’t the Lion King Agency long decided to take a side? They had even sent the next candidate for the Three Saints, Himeragi Yukina, who wielded Schneewalzer, to be an observer by Aslan’s side.

Seeing Shirona still unmoved, Koyomi was slightly disappointed. She couldn’t help but ask, “Is there a problem with my arrangements?”

The silver-haired girl spoke in an old-fashioned tone. “Your arrangements have a big problem, Koyomi.”

“Just one Sword Shaman isn’t enough to show the Lion King Agency’s sincerity.”

“Huh?”

The corner of Koyomi’s mouth twitched uncontrollably. She began to doubt whether the Lion King Agency was a matchmaking agency. Now she had no doubts. Seeing that both Shirona and her teacher, Endou Yukari, had the first idea of sending women when facing the Fourth Primogenitor.

This wasn’t just a matchmaking agency—it was practically a brothel.

“Yes, and Yukina’s progress is too slow. She’s been observing His Majesty for quite a while, but there’s been no progress in emotional matters.”

A voice with a hint of laughter came from outside the door. Along with the voice, an Elf in revealing green clothing entered. Yukari looked Koyomi up and down and sat cross-legged beside her and Shirona.

She winked and laughed mischievously. “Your foundation isn’t bad either, Hiina (Koyomi). You’d be very pretty with a little dressing up.”

Hard, her fist was hard.

Koyomi looked at the depraved Elf, her trashy teacher, in front of her and only wanted to kiss the other’s cheek with her fist.

No, was this something to joke about? Asking her to join in too?

“And Shirona too. That petite, baby-faced, big-breasted look is a favorite of many men. I think the Fourth Primogenitor might like your vibe?”

“Plus, with the knowledge and experience brought by your Dark Persona, using your actual age to perform seductive acts only a mature woman could pull off would surely yield twice the results with half the effort.”

“You might even compete with that Witch of the Void.”

Shirona nearly spat out water. She shared the same thought as Koyomi now—she wanted to punch this trashy Elf who only thought about seduction. She really didn’t know who started the nickname of the Lion King Agency as a matchmaking agency.

If it weren’t for this old Elf coming up with all sorts of crazy ideas, the Lion King Agency wouldn’t have earned the matchmaking agency nickname.

“Endou, you don’t look bad yourself, so why don’t you seduce the Fourth Primogenitor?” Shirona said angrily.

She wasn’t introverted and secretive like Koyomi. She didn’t keep all her thoughts inside.

Her White Persona was an honest young girl. How could she let something like this happen to her?

Yukari nodded thoughtfully. “Shirona, now that you mention it, I think that’s a pretty good idea too.”

“Hey, wouldn’t that mean we’re all acting together?”

-

Title: Loyalty That Is Not Absolute Is Absolute Disloyalty

Shirona and Koyomi were at a loss for words.

It could only be said that the mindset of someone who had lived too long was indeed strange. This Elf, rarely seen in the world today, had thoughts comparable to those of ancient vampires.

“Alright, no more joking. Let’s discuss serious matters.” Yukari suddenly put on a serious face.

“Koyomi, you should know what the Fourth Primogenitor truly wants, right?”

(So you knew the earlier talk wasn’t serious.)

Koyomi couldn’t help but grumble inwardly, but faced with Yukari’s question, she could only respond.

After thinking for a moment, Koyomi answered, “The Cleansing.”

After all, Aslan rarely appeared in public and stayed home every day, seldom seen going out.

Although the Lion King Agency had arranged for Yukina to meet Aslan, he didn’t leave the house. The Lion King Agency, that so-called matchmaking agency, couldn’t do anything even if they wanted to pair them up.

However, regarding his true intentions, Aslan didn’t seem to have any intention of hiding them.

Whether it was the three other Primogenitors sending him Kaleid Blood and Cleansing data or him placing Aiba Sensai as the Prime Minister of Itogami Island, it all undoubtedly pointed to Aslan seeking the Cleansing.

“You mean Kannawa Lake?” Koyomi seemed to realize something and spoke softly.

“Exactly, Kannawa Lake.” Yukari looked at Koyomi, nodded with satisfaction, and chuckled. “Koyomi, you can now be considered a competent Three Saints.”

Kannawa Lake, located at the western edge of Kanagawa Prefecture, Honshu, Japan, was a large artificial lake formed by dam construction.

It was also situated behind Kamioda Shrine. This tranquil lakeside in the mountains, in a certain sense, belonged to the shrine’s territory.

The place was publicly announced to seal a powerful Demon God. In reality, however, it was an extremely special location because it sealed relics related to the Cleansing.

Although the Lion King Agency hadn’t uncovered the true nature of the anomaly, they had assessed the danger of the relics. They were relics highly likely to trigger a world war.

There was also one crucial point: Japanese officials highly valued these Cleansing relics.

Koyomi’s heart stirred. She seemed to understand something and said, “Sensei, so what do you mean?”

“I mean, we can superficially cooperate with the Japanese government, but in reality, we must demonstrate the Lion King Agency’s stance before the war begins.”

“And do our utmost to increase Itogami Island’s chances of victory. It’s best to deliver the Cleansing relics at Kannawa Lake into the hands of the Fourth Primogenitor.”

As an Elf who had lived for thousands of years, Yukari was very clear about one thing: people who easily switch sides, betting on both, might seem like they won’t lose. But in reality, those who play both sides please neither and end up offending both simultaneously.

Since the Lion King Agency had always been a relatively independent organization, the Japanese government had long been dissatisfied with its autonomy. However, because the Lion King Agency had trained too many Demon Hunters for Japan, it had become too big to eliminate and was allowed to remain independent.

Given the opportunity, Japanese officials wouldn’t let the Lion King Agency continue its autonomy. They already had the Astrology Bureau, which could replace the Lion King Agency’s functions.

Facing the powerful Fourth Primogenitor, Aslan, Yukari could still analyze his nature. Beneath his carefree and slightly mischievous exterior lay an unquestionable dominance that tolerated no betrayal.

Loyalty that is not absolute is absolute disloyalty.

Aside from the Fourth Primogenitor, the Lion King Agency had no other choice.

Koyomi fell silent. She glanced at Shirona, who nodded subtly across from her, and knew that the other Three Saints, with a mental age of hundreds of years, agreed with Yukari’s words.

Though young Koyomi disliked these political matters, she understood that as the Head of the Three Saints, for the sake of the Lion King Agency, she had to act.

“I understand, Endou-sensei, Lady Shirona.” Koyomi finally nodded, agreeing to this all-in plan.

Seeing Koyomi’s agreement, Yukari felt relieved. She had been somewhat worried that Koyomi might be too emotional.

“However, the issues of Kannawa Lake and Itogami Island are major. If it really doesn’t work, don’t forget we can still use more subtle methods to resolve things.” Yukari said in closing.

(Why are you still thinking about your unreliable subtle methods!)

Koyomi and Shirona couldn’t help but grumble inwardly but didn’t voice it.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

The Aldegyr Kingdom.

In the palace, La Folia Rihavein, a princess with silver-white hair, clear blue eyes, and an ethereal appearance, was observing the debate between her parents and their subordinates.

“The Fourth Primogenitor has risen again and established a Night Empire in the Far East? Where did this information come from?”

“From a TV station, Your Majesty the Queen.”

“Critical information like this comes from a TV station? Should we consider replacing our intelligence agents with journalists?”

“And where did you get the specific information that the Fourth Primogenitor didn’t fully complete the Blazing Banquet?”

“Because there were no large-scale amnesia incidents or mass transformations of ordinary people into vampires.”

“It seems we really need to consider replacing our intelligence agents with journalists. Include the Think Tank too.”

“My apologies, Your Majesty.”

*WHAM!*

The conference table was struck hard by a large palm. Lucas, a Viking-like bear of a man who married into the Aldegyr royal family and was also the King, spoke in an angry tone. “Besides apologizing, what else can you do? Are you just eating dirt?”

“Or are you hoping the Aldegyr Kingdom will fight to the death with the Fourth Primogenitor?”

“We sincerely apologize!” The head of the Ninth Bureau, Aldegyr’s intelligence department, bowed with a self-reproaching expression.

Japan, in collaboration with the United States, a superpower, had rallied all human nations in the world under the Human Alliance Council, putting them on the fire.

They hoped all human nations would act together to crush Itogami Island, capture the Fourth Primogenitor, and seize their power.

The Aldegyr Kingdom, with its remarkable magical technology, was naturally a key force being pressured. The establishment of a Night Empire by Itogami Island had nothing to do with the Aldegyr Kingdom, and they had no desire to get involved.

But despite their advanced magical technology, Aldegyr was just a small northern European nation. Its sparse population and limited territory meant its national strength couldn’t compare to superpowers. Moreover, the major powers coveted Aldegyr’s Spirit Medium blood and magical technology.

“Alright, now’s not the time to argue.” Queen Polyphonia’s voice was like a bucket of ice water, calming Lucas down.

Lucas sat quietly, while Polyphonia looked at the head of the intelligence department. “Can you gather more information about the Fourth Primogenitor?”

“We can only try.” the intelligence head quickly agreed.

“Then hurry and collect information. Whether it’s Gozou Island or Itogami Island, give me all the information you can gather as quickly as possible.” Polyphonia ordered softly.

“Yes, ma’am!” The intelligence head promptly requested permission to leave.

In the room, only the King, Queen, and First Princess, La Folia, remained in the spacious conference room.

After about one or two minutes, Polyphonia sighed. She turned slightly and looked at her beautiful daughter, who was propping her chin with one hand. “La Folia, what’s your opinion on this matter?”

“Hmm?” La Folia looked up slightly, opening her clear blue eyes. “Mother, are you asking my opinion?”

“Yes!” Polyphonia nodded slightly and said with a smile. “As the First Princess of the Kingdom, you also need to learn to handle matters.”

The Aldegyr Kingdom indeed had a King, but true power lay with the Queen. This stemmed from the fact that the kingdom’s magical technology relied on the Spirit Medium abilities of the Rihavein clan’s women to operate, and certain critical magical tools could only be used by Rihavein women.

The beautiful princesses and queens of each generation, besides possessing strong combat abilities, were also quite benevolent. This led the people of the Aldegyr Kingdom to become accustomed to Rihavein rule. They even proactively protected the royal family and took pride in being their knights.

However, for La Folia, who would surely succeed the Queen, it was Polyphonia’s responsibility and duty to cultivate her abilities. Starting with this challenge facing the Aldegyr Kingdom wasn’t unthinkable.

Hearing this, La Folia gave her mother a sweet smile. “Then I’ll just…”

But before La Folia could finish, her innate Heavenly Maiden power, a revelation from Spirit Vision, made her see something ordinary people couldn’t.

In a room with an unclear view, a young man with black hair, black eyes, and handsome features suddenly looked up and said in surprise, “Eh? Nice Spirit Vision. Not a low Inspiration? You can actually see me?”

La Folia’s pupils contracted slightly. Tears streamed from her eyes, as if she had just stared directly at the sun. No, it was as if she had stared at the sun.

At this moment, Aslan had traced her back and seen this beautiful silver-haired girl. “You’re lucky it was me you saw. If it was Nyarlathotep, this wouldn’t be the extent of it.”

Aslan saw the true nature of La Folia’s ability. He touched her forehead with his index finger, sealing her Heavenly Maiden Spirit Vision. “You’d better limit this kind of Spirit Vision. If you see an existence you shouldn’t, you’ll regret it.”

As those words fell, La Folia’s eyes flickered, and she returned to reality. She couldn’t help but raise her hand to touch her forehead, feeling the lingering warmth there. With a flushed face, she muttered, “Fourth Primogenitor… Aslan?”

“Spirit Vision revelation?” Polyphonia narrowed her eyes, looking at her daughter’s face and the tears that hadn’t yet faded.

As the Queen, she naturally knew what her daughter had just experienced. Perhaps she had gained some information through Spirit Vision.

“Indeed, I just saw the Fourth Primogenitor through Spirit Vision.” La Folia’s face stiffened momentarily but quickly returned to normal. She spoke with a faint smile.

-


Title: Dystopia? When Is It Coming?

“Something’s not right. The Vampire System Tree in Little Garden must have an issue, and so does Leticia’s Spirit Status.”

In the former Prison Barrier, now transformed into a Cleansing research laboratory, after briefly sealing the Spirit Vision of a girl with high Inspiration, Aslan also fell into his own state of Inspiration.

As an Infant Creator God, none of Aslan’s talents were weak—or rather, they were exceptionally strong, perhaps so much so that he himself didn’t realize it.

Take his mastery of Spatial Divinity, for example. While there were some Four-Digit beings in Little Garden with Boundary and Spatial Divinity abilities, they weren’t particularly rare in the grand scheme of things.

Consider the battle against Azi Dahaka. When facing Avesta, didn’t others think of transferring people to another Outer Gate to escape Avesta’s capture range? It wasn’t that they didn’t think of it—they simply couldn’t do it.

In Little Garden, every Outer Gate was equivalent to a new world. The rules, worldviews, and even physical parameters differed slightly. These subtle differences were utterly fatal for Boundary Users and other Spatial Users.

Even Three-Digit beings who mastered Spatial Authority might not be able to transfer people to another Outer Gate as freely as Aslan could. This could truly be considered Trans-World Teleportation.

Aslan, who had acquired Spatial Divinity in just a few months, could do so perfectly. He could even redirect others’ attacks, including those of Azi Dahaka.

His talent in other areas was similarly exceptional. Naturally, his Inspiration was also extraordinarily high.

However, Aslan generally didn’t easily enter a state of high Inspiration.

Yet, high Inspiration, in a sense, represented foresight of the future or vaguely glimpsing some kind of truth. Now, Aslan had fallen into the latter state.

“The moral quality of vampires in Little Garden is indeed a bit too high, to an almost abnormal degree.”

The life structure of vampires in Little Garden bore a striking resemblance to the Deva life structure in this world. Both were humanoid Vampire races, so why was the moral quality of Little Garden’s vampires so high?

Aslan wouldn’t believe that a civilization composed of vampires who needed blood to survive would have high moral standards. Look at the Deva of this world: their instincts for preserving their race were weak, and their affection for blood kin was equally faint.

To survive, they even seized the Eastern Continent, a land from another world inhabited by the Dragon Race and Human Race. From there, they abducted countless Humans as food, raised them on Earth, and relied on advanced genetic technology to create numerous Demon Races to sustain their lavish lifestyle. They even suppressed the races they created in this world to unite and initiate the Cleansing to destroy the Deva of this world.

It could be said that this was the true image of a vampire—or rather, the image of a civilization composed of a blood-dependent race with long lifespans and immense power.

As for the vampires in Little Garden, Leticia had once told him about the technological level of the world where Little Garden’s vampires lived before coming to Little Garden.

To avoid sunlight, the Vampire Race in Little Garden migrated to an artificial satellite located at the equator. It was more accurately a true space city, using the satellite to block sunlight. Almost all vampires—or rather, the Human Race of that world—lived on this artificial satellite.

As for the level of this artificial satellite? It was a Star Beast represented by the Ophiuchus Sun Authority, with a mass comparable to a star.

The True Body Dragon of the Sun was the embodiment of the artificial satellite they relied on for survival—a megastructure comparable to a Four-Digit entity that could easily destroy a star. It was the crystallization of vampire technology in Little Garden.

This technological level far surpassed that of the so-called Deva. Yet, they hadn’t researched any genetic technology.

The reason? It was inhumane…

Huh???

When Aslan learned this reason, he was dumbfounded.

What? Just because it was inhumane, they abandoned all genetic research and gave up on addressing their race’s weaknesses?

And what about the technology they had accumulated?

Gone, not a trace left.

Simply because they could endure sunlight in Little Garden and enjoy peace and comfort, they spontaneously formed the Little Garden Knights to protect Little Garden and established the Floor Master system with abundant Martial Virtue.

Don’t say there was no Martial Virtue. Little Garden in its dawn era was chaotic. Back then, there wasn’t even a distinction between Upper and Lower Layers, and Demon Lords were everywhere.

The reputation of the Little Garden Knights was truly built on the corpses of countless Demon Lords. The Floor Master system was the same—a result of real battles.

In Aslan’s eyes, the vampires of Little Garden were almost the perfect race in his mind.

They upheld high morality, protected the weak, spontaneously maintained peace, and had advanced technology and immense power.

This level of morality, this awareness, wasn’t an exaggeration to call it a true Utopian civilization. To say nearly all of them were Saints would be an understatement. Before coming to Little Garden, the vampires must have truly lived in a Utopian society.

“Wait, Utopia?” Aslan felt he had grasped the real reason behind his Inspiration.

“Dystopia? When is it coming?”

Because he had thought of Utopia, and in reality, Utopia was often just one step away from Dystopia. Utopia and Dystopia were essentially two sides of the same coin.

For a long time, no answers came. Even Aslan emerged from his state of Inspiration. He let out a sigh of relief.

“So, why was I thinking about Dystopia? And it’s related to vampires.” Aslan gripped his chin, sinking into thought. “It couldn’t be that my weaknesses might be exposed in the future, and I’d need Dystopia’s help, right?”

Aslan felt he had realized some kind of truth. He wouldn’t believe his Inspiration came out of nowhere.

After all, Aslan currently held two Three Sun Authorities, three Another Cosmologies, plus his status as an Infant Creator God, and was under the protection of Little Garden’s Central Core.

With so many buffs stacked on him, to still receive such Inspiration—Aslan wouldn’t think it was an illusion or baseless rumor. Once he had it, it must be connected to his future.

“Still, if that’s the case, I’ll need to revise the plan again.”

However, Aslan wasn’t too discouraged. After all, this wasn’t far from his original plan. Now, he just needed to be more thorough.

The Strike the Blood world, besides being the stable base camp he needed, might have an additional function: a testing ground for attempting to revive Dystopia.

In fact, the Demon Lord Dystopia in Little Garden had died quite thoroughly. There wasn’t even a possibility of revival. The Last Trial of Mankind position caused by the Third Perpetual Motion Machine was taken by Absolute Evil, and Dystopia itself was surpassed by Canaria through the release of the Black Death virus. Dystopia was destroyed by altering history, reducing its probability of emergence to zero.

However, a probability reduced to zero didn’t mean Aslan couldn’t break through that zero.

Of course, this could only be called an attempt. Aslan also knew that what he was doing was merely giving Dystopia a chance. He could only try to build this world into a true Utopia and then pull it into Little Garden.

As for the actual revival of the Demon Lord Dystopia, that would depend on Dystopia’s own abilities.

Utopia and Dystopia were only a line apart. Both, overall, had abolished private ownership. The difference was that in Utopia, everyone collectively owned the means of production, while in Dystopia, an Ultimate Producer owned all the means of production.

It wasn’t that a fantasy-like place like Peach Blossom Spring was necessarily a Utopia. Nor was a harsh, oppressive, unjust place necessarily a Dystopia.

It should be noted that Dystopia in Little Garden, aside from gradually losing Spirit Status and becoming a no-former without a self, was a place where life didn’t need to be worried about, with no pressure or injustice.

The most critical requirement for creating a Utopia was the quality of the population. At the very least, it had to reach the average level of the Little Garden Knights.

For this, Aslan had a significant clue. The Vampire System Tree and life structure in Little Garden were the best reference points.

Aslan was certain of one thing: race determined the lower limit, and will determined the upper limit. Although there could be anomalies like a Succubus Paladin among Demons, and Saints among humans weren’t rare.

But one unavoidable fact was that the moral quality of most people couldn’t meet the requirements of a true Utopia.

Coincidentally, the average quality of the Little Garden Knights proved that their high moral standards stemmed from their race. Just like the Moon Rabbits, they were a race that seemed like a gift from heaven, embodying all virtues from birth. Almost every virtue could be found in a Moon Rabbit.

While Aslan couldn’t make their moral level reach that of the Moon Rabbits, achieving the level of Little Garden’s vampires was something he had some clues about.

-

Title: Hey, As the Fourth Primogenitor, Aren’t You Going to Do Something?

At the top-floor office of Keystone Gate, Itogami Island.

“Miss Aiba, you can’t go in!” Liana, dressed in a proper suit and clutching documents, stubbornly blocked an angry blonde girl.

“I’ll say it one more time—move!” Asagi looked furious, trying to force her way past Liana into the office.

“His Majesty is discussing important matters with Prime Minister Sensai. Miss Aiba, you can’t go in yet!” Liana grabbed Asagi, forcing her to stay in place.

“Hmph, I’m waiting for the moment he’s discussing important matters.” Asagi gave up struggling, crossed her arms over her chest, and huffed.

Although her physical condition wasn’t bad, she was still far outmatched by Liana, an aristocratic vampire modified by Aslan. With Liana blocking her, there was no way she could enter the office.

However, Aslan, inside discussing various governance matters like the administration of Itogami Island with Sensai and Natsuki, heard the commotion outside. Slightly curious about what was up with Asagi to cause such a ruckus, he didn’t get a chance to say anything before Sensai broke out in a cold sweat. “My apologies for interrupting, Your Majesty. I’ll discipline my daughter once we’re back.”

Aslan set down the documents in his hand, glanced at the door with an amused look, and said to Liana, “Let Asagi in. I’m also curious—did Asagi come looking for me?”

Since Itogami Island declared independence, Aslan’s workload had increased significantly, including Cleansing research, the feasibility of the Cleansing virus, and the Vampire System Tree and life structure in Little Garden. He hadn’t played with Asagi for two days.

Just a few days ago, Asagi still had a fairly good impression of him because he saved her mother. But after just two days of not seeing her, that good impression had dropped to zero?

“…”

Hearing this, Liana released Asagi and opened the door, revealing the blonde girl standing at the threshold, her back to Aslan, arms crossed, and refusing to look at him.

Seeing Asagi in this state, Aslan couldn’t help but get up from the sofa, walk behind her, and reach out to pat her head. “Asagi-chan, why are you so mad today? Is it just because I haven’t come to see you for two days?”

Asagi didn’t resist much, only letting out a cold huff as a faint blush appeared on her face. Because Aslan had saved her mother, she still had a decent impression of him. But now was clearly not the time to talk about such things.

“Although that’s part of the reason.” Asagi muttered softly without thinking, but the next second, her voice grew loud. “Itogami Island is facing a massive disaster, don’t you know?!!”

Since Itogami Island announced its independence and became the Fourth Night Empire, Asagi had seen plenty of online news about Itogami Island being a massive magical weapon of mass destruction. There were even reports about the Sanctuary Treaty Agency Army, in collaboration with other human superpowers, preparing to crush Itogami Island.

This wasn’t baseless fear. While the Sanctuary Treaty Agency hadn’t publicly announced it, the Sanctuary Treaty nations were making all necessary preparations. Especially from the United States, news of pre-war general mobilization had already leaked.

This time, Itogami Island was truly facing a massive disaster. Asagi didn’t believe a small artificial island like Itogami Island could withstand an attack from the Sanctuary Treaty Agency Army and the Human Alliance.

It was a fleet consisting of one amphibious landing ship, seven air battleships, fifteen escort surface ships, and two attack submarines equipped with Spirit Furnaces.

That was an immense combat force capable of annihilating a small nation overnight. Even a Night Empire couldn’t assemble such a fleet alone.

“Oh~, and then?” Aslan looked at Asagi with a smile, finding her anxious demeanor quite amusing.

“And then…” The corner of Asagi’s mouth twitched. As expected, she shouldn’t have placed even the slightest hope in this unreliable Fourth Primogenitor.

“Then, of course, as the Fourth Primogenitor, you need to properly take on the responsibility of being the King of Itogami Island!” Asagi shouted in Aslan’s ear.

Honestly, Asagi was truly at a loss for words with Aslan. In an instant, images of notorious, decadent kings from history flashed through her mind, gradually overlapping with Aslan’s figure.

If it weren’t for Aslan saving her mother, she’d really want to take her entire family on a vacation to Japan, leaving Aslan here alone to face the Sanctuary Treaty Agency Army.

“But fortunately, as long as you listen to me, it’s not too late.” Asagi crossed her arms, looking at him with a hint of helplessness but also a bit of confidence.

She knew this Fourth Primogenitor, who played games with her every day, was unreliable. He hadn’t done anything these past few days. As long as Aslan was willing to follow her arrangements, it wasn’t impossible to directly defeat the Sanctuary Treaty Agency Army.

“Asagi, don’t…” Sensai wanted to say something to stop her. Politics and war weren’t things a young girl could meddle in.

But before he could finish, Aslan stopped him. Looking at Asagi with great interest, Aslan said, “Alright, Asagi, ignore this old man and continue.”

(Old man…)

The corner of Sensai’s mouth twitched twice.

Who’s the old man? He was only in his forties, okay… A Primogenitor who’d lived who-knows-how-many years was calling him an old man…

Sensai couldn’t help but grumble inwardly, but as a seasoned politician, he still handled the surface-level work well.

Asagi couldn’t help but give Aslan a smug look. In the eyes of this rebellious teenage girl, this was her victory. Whether it was saving her mother or defending Itogami Island, she was far better than her unreliable father.

Asagi quickly pulled out her phone, deftly activated the projection function, and projected her plan onto a blank wall.

“Nalakuvera, a weapon created by the Deva. Once activated, it identifies hostile targets and launches attacks to annihilate them. It has self-repair, autonomous evolution, and information-sharing capabilities.”

“Its control commands have been cracked by me and Mogwai.”

“There’s also Magna Ataraxia Research, which was conducting illegal experiments on Itogami Island and was recently caught.”

“They tried to control the God-Slaying Weapon Leviathan, sleeping at the bottom of the sea, by manipulating Eguchi Yume, the strongest succubus heir in history, Lilith.”

Leviathan, the strongest living weapon monster from the Mythical Era. Roughly 4,000 meters long, covered by a Magic Barrier, its entire body equipped with Magic Cannons and countless powerful weapons like Biological Torpedoes and Anti-Ship Missiles. It had been sleeping soundly at the ocean floor for thousands of years.

As long as one didn’t approach Leviathan floating near the Dragon Veins, it wouldn’t cause harm.

“And now Eguchi Yume has been adopted by Natsuki-sensei. As long as we control Leviathan, the Sanctuary Treaty Agency Army’s fleet will be vulnerable.”

Aslan tilted his head, looking at Natsuki curiously.

Natsuki waved her hand casually. After all, Aslan had been researching the Cleansing in the Prison Barrier for the past two days. She wasn’t interested in interrupting his fun, and this wasn’t a big deal.

If it were before, she might have cared. Leviathan, with its 4,000-meter length alone, was enough for her to warn Aslan.

But now, having received the Spirit Status and Division Divinity bestowed by Aslan, she had truly become Aslan’s Beast Vassal. After becoming his Beast Vassal, she realized just how powerful she was now.

She could confidently say that, aside from Aslan and the twelve Beast Vassals within him, she was truly invincible in this world. Even other Primogenitors wouldn’t be her match in a single strike. Their Beast Vassals might not even defeat her Guardian.

As for the so-called Sanctuary Treaty Agency Army? Natsuki could take them on alone. Naturally, there was no need to report anything. She had briefly sealed Yume’s spiritual domination abilities and sent her to elementary school, asking Misaki to take care of her as well.

When she went to Little Garden, she’d bring her back. After all, Yume was an Ability User with spiritual powers reaching Five-Digit levels. It wouldn’t be good to waste her.

“I was planning to tell you after you finished your business.” Natsuki said.

“Thanks for your hard work, Natsuki-chan.” Aslan patted her head as a reward.

Natsuki closed her eyes slightly, comfortably.

Of course, Natsuki wasn’t currently in her age-appropriate onee-san form but had used magic to revert to her childhood state. Her stated reason was to experience growth again, as she was used to her previous body, and suddenly using an adult woman’s body felt a bit uncomfortable.

As for the real reason, who knows? Certainly not because she heard Aslan had a maid who could switch between loli and onee-san forms.

Aslan then continued listening to Asagi’s wild yet somewhat feasible plan.

“Of course, there’s also Kanase Kanon, who inherited the Spirit Medium blood of the Aldegyr Kingdom. We might be able to ally with the Aldegyr Kingdom through her.”

Nine out of ten companies on Itogami Island were involved in various illegal experiments. It could be said that all sorts of talents, young and old, gathered here, each with their strengths. Then, under Aslan’s will, they were all crushed by Natsuki.

Those who deserved punishment were punished. Those who needed to be detained were detained.

Of course, Magus Craft, which illegally researched Angel Faux, was also destroyed. Fortunately, the Pseudo-Angel experiments hadn’t started, so there were no casualties. Even the mastermind, Kanase Kensei, was only detained. Intriguing technology like Angel Faux naturally fell into Aslan’s hands.

“Asagi, anything else?” Aslan propped his head with his hand, looking at Asagi expectantly.

Honestly, if he followed Asagi’s methods, he might actually resolve the crisis facing Itogami Island without him or the other Primogenitors needing to intervene.

Asagi rolled her eyes at Aslan, speechless, and said, “That’s it. There’s only so much time. It was already tough for me to come up with this plan, okay.”

“Do you really think I don’t need rest?”

Aslan turned to Sensai and teased, “Prime Minister Aiba, your daughter is more suited for the Prime Minister position than you are.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.” Sensai lowered his head awkwardly. His daughter’s abilities were too strong, giving him a strong sense of frustration.

“So, Asagi, are you interested in replacing him as the Prime Minister of the Night Empire?” Aslan looked at Asagi and asked.

Honestly, he thought a beautiful girl Prime Minister would be quite interesting. Like Japan’s Prime Minister Fujiwara Chika (from Kaguya-sama: Love is War). If possible, Aslan really wanted to visit Chika’s world and make her Japan’s Prime Minister. That would surely be hilarious.

But Asagi didn’t catch Aslan’s meaning at all. She looked at him, slightly annoyed, and said, “I didn’t come to replace him as Prime Minister.”

“How about Chief Technology Management Advisor? Flexible hours, no need to clock in, just lend your name.”

Hearing this offer, Asagi, for some reason, was slightly intrigued.

“How’s the salary?”

“Up to you.”

-

Title: Something’s Wrong, What Was I Doing Initially?

However, Asagi quickly snapped out of it.

Was this really the time to discuss positions and salaries?

Itogami Island was in grave danger!

If the situation wasn’t handled properly, the entire island, along with its 560,000 inhabitants, would be destroyed.

“This isn’t the time to talk about these things.” Asagi said coldly.

She realized that Aslan didn’t care at all about the plan she outlined or the situation facing Itogami Island. Even now, he had the nerve to tease her.

That was a bit too much…

Aslan saw the cold expression on Asagi’s face and couldn’t help but smile. However, if Asagi wanted to play the hero, he didn’t mind letting her do whatever she wanted.

After all, in his view, Itogami Island’s situation was very optimistic. As long as he was here, there was no way the island would face any problems.

With that in mind, Aslan dropped his smile and looked at Sensai.

“Of course I know that, so I’m now appointing you as the Temporary Supreme Crisis Commissioner of Itogami Island. During the island’s crisis, your authority is equal to mine.”

“Prime Minister Aiba, remember to fully cooperate with all of Commissioner Asagi’s actions.”

The corner of Sensai’s mouth twitched.

Was the Fourth Primogenitor joking around with his own daughter? For some reason, Sensai also felt that Aslan wasn’t entirely reliable.

However, as a seasoned politician, he understood that all of Itogami Island was merely a plaything to the Fourth Primogenitor. Might as well join in joking with his little daughter.

“Yes, Your Majesty.” Sensai nodded respectfully. But now, he didn’t know how to face his own daughter.

He might have imagined that one day his daughter would surpass him. That was his confidence in her talent.

But he never thought that day would come so quickly.

His daughter was only fourteen years old!

This fourteen-year-old girl had suddenly risen to a height he hadn’t reached in his entire life. For some reason, Sensai felt a bit dejected.

“Right?” Asagi looked at Aslan excitedly.

As for her “stinky” father, Asagi threw him a challenging glance.

In the eyes of this rebellious teenage girl, she had now challenged her father and successfully defeated him in the field he excelled at most. This was a monumental event worth remembering for a lifetime.

Though this victory was inseparable from Aslan’s help, that didn’t matter—she won, didn’t she?

“Of course. Asagi, how could I lie to you?” Aslan used a coaxing tone, like speaking to a child, and went along with her thoughts.

While speaking, Aslan didn’t forget to glance at Sensai, signaling him to react quickly.

Sensai felt utterly helpless. He just wanted to cover his face and hide in his wife’s arms, but she wasn’t here.

For Sensai, who had navigated the political world for half his life, he finally set aside his pride and bowed his head to his daughter, Asagi.

“Hello, Commissioner Asagi.”

Seeing her father lower his head before her, Asagi felt a surge of pride.

Was this the feeling of victory?

Now, let’s see what right Sensai had to criticize her in the future.

However, Sensai looked at his smug daughter, and his headache grew worse. He felt her rebellious phase would only get more intense.

“So, Commissioner Asagi, I’m entrusting all of Itogami Island’s affairs and the safety of its 560,000 residents to you.” Aslan said, grasping Asagi’s hand with a serious expression.

Of course, behind that serious expression was a smile he could barely suppress.

“Yes, Your Majesty!” Asagi responded with great enthusiasm and volume.

In that moment, Aslan saw the resolute look in Asagi’s eyes, as if she were about to join a noble cause.

Indeed, kids Asagi’s age must have fantasized about becoming a world-saving hero someday. Now, Aslan had given her that opportunity.

Then, Aslan pushed Asagi into his seat, pressing her shoulders with both hands and letting her sit in the Emperor of Itogami Island’s position.

“Asagi, do well. I’m looking forward to the day you save Itogami Island.” Aslan patted her shoulder and left with Natsuki.

He left Asagi, brimming with enthusiasm, sitting in the chair, processing the unfinished documents Aslan had left behind.

After a long while, Asagi seemed to snap out of it. She looked at the stack of documents in front of her and muttered, “Something’s wrong. What was I doing initially…?”

Meanwhile, Sensai, seeing Aslan and Natsuki finally leave, let out a sigh of relief. Then he looked at Asagi sitting in Aslan’s chair and covered his face in distress.

(My foolish daughter, do you know how hard it was for me to get His Majesty to come and deal with government affairs?)

Itogami Island’s big and small matters were already numerous. Now he also had to clean up the mess from Asagi’s plans and arrange them sensibly. What kind of father gets played like this?

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

“Is it okay to tease Asagi like this?” Natsuki looked at Aslan with slight surprise.

“No problem.” Aslan said, lounging comfortably on Natsuki’s plump thighs, now reverted to her current age, and spoke casually. “Little girls like Asagi are the easiest to understand. Later, we’ll take her out for a day, have dinner, watch a movie, go on a date, and the issue’s resolved.”

“And what about me?” Natsuki lowered her head, looking at him with a hint of jealousy in her eyes.

“You? You’re pretty much the same.” Aslan said, noticing her slightly flushed cheeks and smiling.

“So, Natsuki-chan, are you interested in a date?”

“If it’s your request, I’ll reluctantly agree.” Natsuki nodded slightly, responding to Aslan.

However, her sparkling blue eyes betrayed her current mood. Aslan naturally had no intention of pointing it out. In his eyes, the slightly tsundere Natsuki was also quite adorable.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

In an alley rarely frequented by people.

A woman with long, straight black hair, deep red eyes, wearing a sailor uniform, and exuding a mysterious and cold aura stood hidden in the alley’s shadows, coldly staring at the gate of an elementary school.

Kisaki Kiriha, a member of the Priestess of the Six Blades from Japan’s special organization, the Astrology Bureau.

As a covert agent loyal to the Imperial Family, the Astrology Bureau was akin to a twin organization of the Lion King Agency, operating under the National Public Safety Commission.

The difference was that the Lion King Agency handled magical crimes caused by humans, while the Astrology Bureau focused more on monster-related disasters.

Of course, another distinction was that the Lion King Agency had greater autonomy and primarily dealt with international disputes, while the Astrology Bureau leaned toward protecting the Imperial Family—at least in name.

In reality, it was closer to protecting high-ranking Ministry of Internal Affairs officials who were nominally loyal to the Imperial Family.

In a sense, the Astrology Bureau could be likened to the Jinyiwei of the Ming Dynasty, with the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ high-ranking officials resembling eunuchs who held even more power than their masters.

“What a hassle. Why is my promotion test to become a Priestess of the Six Blades about taking a little kid out of here?”

Kiriha’s mood was foul, but there was nothing she could do despite her displeasure.

In the Astrology Bureau’s hierarchy, Priestess of the Six Blades was already a mid-level cadre position, akin to a team leader of covert agents. Naturally, such a position had many competitors. There were only six Priestesses of the Six Blades—how could the competition not be fierce?

She knew full well that many were eyeing the task in her hands. If she gave up, she’d feel relieved, but then she’d have to worry about becoming a private secretary to those fat pigs in the Ministry of Internal Affairs…

In fact, the functions of the Lion King Agency and the Astrology Bureau were similar, and their strengths weren’t far apart. But the treatment of their members was vastly different.

With considerable autonomy, the Lion King Agency mastered Vibration Wave Divine Techniques, which could theoretically kill a Primogenitor. Naturally, their stance was quite firm when dealing with those fat-pig high officials.

Though the Lion King Agency had the nickname of a matchmaking agency, why only a matchmaking agency?

The Lion King Agency only leaned toward introductions. To a certain extent, their members were still quite free, at least never forced to become private secretaries or mistresses to high-ranking officials.

There were often incidents where Shamanic War Dancers harmed the targets they were supposed to protect, but those were always covered up.

As for the Astrology Bureau… They were forced to endure due to brainwashing training from childhood and the implanted ideology. Many boys and girls from the Astrology Bureau were coerced into becoming mistresses or tools of those high-ranking officials. They simply had no choice.

If the Lion King Agency was a matchmaking agency, the Astrology Bureau was a brothel. A matchmaking agency was far better than a brothel.

“Ugh…” Kiriha sighed, speaking with a hint of helplessness.

Her mission was to take Eguchi Yume out of Itogami Island so the Ministry of Internal Affairs could control this special little girl who could command Leviathan. She was also to investigate who leaked the information, enabling Natsuki to take down all of Magna Ataraxia Research and nearly all covert agents on Itogami Island.

However, the moment after Kiriha sighed, a cold flash appeared at her throat. In the distance, a sniper rifle and various rituals locked onto her simultaneously.

Kiriha’s face paled. She raised her hands helplessly and said, “I surrender.”