Little Garden 171-175

Title: Wasteful, Truly Wasteful!

“Great, AI-chan is very satisfied with this Gift.”

Algol put away her small mirror, looking at Aslan with eyes full of enthusiasm. “So, can AI-chan get beauty treatments every day? I’ll agree to any request you make.”

Hearing this, Aslan couldn’t stop the corner of his mouth from twitching.

Any request sounded tempting, and Aslan admitted he was slightly tempted, but he restrained himself.

“No way. Once a week at most, no more.”

(Did she think maintaining the Spark was cost-free? Was a Star Spirit’s physique that easy to modify? Helping her with one beauty treatment already required massive consumption, got it?)

A great power that could be used to create worlds was being used by Algol for beauty treatments. Aslan could practically hear his Spark wailing.

“Once a week is fine too.”

Algol muttered softly, her tone still showing slight dissatisfaction. But she also knew now wasn’t the time to push for more. She looked at Aslan’s face with a hint of greed in her heart. Once she was free, she’d definitely tie him to her side and make him give her beauty treatments every day.

After all, since her failure in challenging the gods and Buddhas across three thousand worlds, Algol had stopped caring about almost everything. Aside from her appearance, nothing else mattered to her.

Somehow, Aslan felt a chill down his spine, as if someone with malicious intent was targeting him.

Aslan looked at her suspiciously and asked, “Algol, were you just thinking something not so nice?”

“Hey, Aslan, how about I tie that ugly woman Athena to your bed? Can you change the frequency to every three days? Every five days would work too.”

Algol cleverly dodged Aslan’s question and tried to negotiate.

Once a week was too long; she was a bit impatient to wait.

Her demonic instincts told her that beauty was the best way to deal with Aslan. And for seducing with beauty, no one was better than Athena. Her status was noble, her power strong, and she had widespread popularity. Aside from being less beautiful than Algol and a bit petty, Athena was perfect for seduction.

Hearing this, Aslan was left speechless.

How many drinks had Algol had? Was she drunk? He had to stop Algol’s madness. If she kept spouting nonsense, who knew what other filthy words she’d say?

“You’d better wait until you’re free and regain your power.”

“And for the beauty issue, once a week, no more.” Aslan said with a hint of firmness.

Hearing his non-negotiable tone, Algol waved her hand boredly.

“Fine, so be it. But is it really non-negotiable?” She still wanted to push a bit more.

“No way. Don’t think this ability is easy to use.”

Though it was nominally said that the beauty ritual was created for his Spark, in reality, it was an advanced application of the Spark developed by Little Garden’s Central Core with Aslan’s assistance. It was a stage after Aslan fully mastered the Spark’s creative power—the power of evolution that drove world evolution.

After all, a Star Spirit’s physique was extremely difficult to alter. Star Spirits were beings born by gathering the possibilities of stars from infinite worlds. They were born with a Star Body exclusive to Three-Digit beings.

The evolution of stars is very slow, making the growth of Star Spirits equally slow. Changing a Star Spirit’s physique is even harder. Insufficiently sophisticated powers couldn’t even affect a Star Spirit.

For Algol, ordinary beauty products were no longer enough to make her more beautiful. Only persistent treatment over thousands of years might slightly change her appearance.

That’s why Algol was so interested in Aslan’s beauty treatment ability. After all, it was truly unique in Little Garden. How could she not be tempted? It saved her thousands of years.

“Alright, it’s time for my mask. AI-chan’s going back for her beauty treatment.” Seeing Aslan’s firm, non-negotiable stance, Algol lost interest.

Hearing this, Aslan, expressionless, watched Algol’s figure disappear. “By the way, are there masks in Athena’s seal?”

Aslan sank into thought. With the Demon Star’s permission, he shifted his gaze to the Demon Star on his wrist. He saw a mask production line, demons used to produce various cosmetic raw materials, and various machines transformed from demons.

Aslan was speechless.

(My goodness, can Demon Authority be used like this? It can only be said that it’s indeed Algol.)

(She put in so much effort, modifying demons, altering the environment, just to produce cosmetics for herself.)

Aslan couldn’t quite comprehend Algol’s thinking.

Seriously, could Algol use all that? Why not just sell it?

Wasteful, truly wasteful!

[…You’re no better!]

Little Garden’s Central Core silently observed the interaction between Aslan and Algol. The corner of its mouth couldn’t help but twitch.

How could these two be so unexpectedly compatible? Both were equally abstract.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

After discussing with Algol, Aslan calmly looked around at the prisoners in the Prison Barrier.

“So, how about it, my lab rats?”

The prisoners in the Prison Barrier stared at Aslan with lingering fear. They didn’t even dare move.

They were terrified that if they moved, their bodies would give birth to those demons again.

“Don’t be scared, friends. I just messed up the experiment earlier. Don’t worry, next time, I’ll definitely succeed in turning you into demons.”

What, there’s a next time?

Instantly, the Prison Barrier became even quieter than before.

“Kill me, just kill me!” A nobleman with a top hat shouted in despair.

Feeling that twisted, chaotic creature, not of this world, gestating in his body and tearing through his chest had caused irreversible damage to his soul.

“Hmm… looks like this lab rat’s soul has some issues?” Aslan looked at the nobleman, seemingly a dragon-slayer descendant, and showed a gentle smile, like a responsible doctor. “In that case, let’s restore his soul too.”

A snap of his fingers, and the nobleman with the top hat returned to normal.

“Alright, who else has mental issues? I can heal them all at once.”

Aslan showed a very responsible, gentle smile, but seeing that smile, even the prisoners with strong mental fortitude felt a chill run through their bodies.

At this moment, they vaguely suspected—how many times had this happened?

“No escape, no way out. This is truly hell…” A captivating woman slumped on the ground, showing a foolish expression.

She was a descendant of the Third Primogenitor, Gigliola Ghirardi.

“Have you given up on unnecessary struggles?”

Aslan spoke gently to the remaining prisoners still holding on, including Aya, who hadn’t undergone the experiment.

However, Aya didn’t dare move in response to Aslan’s words. She didn’t even dare breathe. Meanwhile, Gigliola, who had just collapsed in despair, immediately shifted to a kneeling position and said in fear, “Please, let me go. I’ll give you anything you want!” She began removing her clothes, like a sow whose soul had crumbled.

At this moment, Aslan slightly raised his eyebrows and said calmly, “You’re a descendant of Giada?”

“Yes, yes. I’m a descendant of Her Excellency Chaos Bride’s confidant.” Gigliola, as if seeing hope for survival, quickly tried to establish a connection. “Do you know Her Excellency Chaos Bride?”

At this moment, Aslan said in a cold tone, “You’ve disgraced her.”

The pleasing smile on Gigliola’s face froze. A gentle breeze blew, and time seemed to stop flowing, frozen in place.

Aslan, holding Natsuki, turned and looked at the last person, Tokoyogi Aya.

Seeing her, Aslan smiled. “Alright, the unimportant people won’t move anymore. Now we should be able to talk properly.”

After saying that, Aslan paused, as if suddenly remembering something. He lowered his head and looked down at the prison. “Almost forgot, they haven’t been dealt with.”

He referred to the prisoners whose souls had been shattered, even though Aslan had restored their physical condition after they gave birth to demons. After saying this, he raised his right hand and snapped his fingers.

Instantly, time began flowing backward, returning to the moment Aslan had just turned the Prison Barrier into a Magic: The Gathering card. But time still didn’t flow, frozen at that moment.

Aya watched everything with cold eyes, still acting as if it had nothing to do with her. However, deep in her heart, she couldn’t help but mourn for her fellow prisoners. They might never escape this prison.

“A bit troublesome, but no matter. The talk can officially begin. I assume you have no objections, right?”

Aya’s eyelids twitched as she looked at Natsuki, who seemed slightly nervous, then at Aslan, holding her. She said without a change in tone, “No objections.”

“Very good.”

Aslan hugged Natsuki tighter and smiled at Aya. “My purpose in seeking you out is simple.”

“I think you’re pretty decent, and my house lacks a maid.”

“So… be my test subject or my maid.”

“A very simple choice. Pick one?” Aslan looked at Aya, showing her a friendly smile.

“So you mean?”

Aya’s heart sank to the bottom.

-

Title: Bullying Everyone Equally

Aya stared at him, her eyes like a tranquil, deep pool.

The man before her was holding Natsuki, dressed in a simple house dress, who appeared to be in a coma.

His unpredictable methods, absolute control over the Prison Barrier, and a power she couldn’t sense at all—Aya saw no chance of successfully escaping.

In fact, she suspected Aslan wanted her to resist. Like a child poking an ant nest with a stick, the ants’ panic and resistance brought rare amusement to the child. The man before her was that kind of person.

Resisting was pointless. It would only bring endless torment upon herself. The fellow prisoners around her were already a lesson for her.

Before her true desire was fulfilled, Aya rejected all forms of death. Being imprisoned by Aslan in this Prison Barrier and turned into a lab rat was even more tragic than death.

Aya let out a soft sigh, glanced at Natsuki, and slightly bowed. “As you wish, I have only one answer.”

The Witch lowered her noble head, declaring her submission.

Aslan looked at the classically dressed beauty before him and slightly curled the corner of his mouth. “You’re much wiser than I expected.”

He had anticipated Aya would likely resist and attempt to escape. That way, he could “discipline” or educate her properly. Because of Natsuki’s presence, Aslan wouldn’t make things too difficult for Aya, but some torment was inevitable.

Aya glanced at Natsuki, who seemed to show a hint of glee on her face but quickly hid it.

No joy, no anger—just a faint calm. She didn’t consider herself a subordinate at all. If there was a chance, she would definitely try to break free from her shackles. This was the tacit agreement between Aslan and Natsuki.

For Aslan, Aya’s role was merely to amuse Natsuki and, at most, to be pleasing to the eye. Her presence or absence didn’t matter.

Aslan certainly wouldn’t reuse someone who surrendered just because they lacked strength.

He looked at Aya, who had lowered her head. “Alright, lift your head. For the next few days, just follow us and be an apprentice maid.”

“I understand.” Aya said in a calm tone.

At that moment, Aslan lowered his head, looking at Natsuki, who was sleeping peacefully in his arms, and the corner of his mouth curved into a slightly wicked smile. His mischievous hand slapped Natsuki’s round, jewel-like backside.

“Natsuki-chan, how long are you going to pretend to sleep?”

Natsuki glared at him with a look full of annoyance, embarrassment, and anger.

This man followed the rules when he shouldn’t and surprised her when he was supposed to follow them. Truly wicked.

“No plans to keep pretending to sleep?” Aya said coldly from the side.

“Natsuki.”

“Aya.”

Natsuki showed an awkward expression. She had thought she could stay calm facing Aya, but she miscalculated. After the Prison Barrier’s Authority was transferred, she chose to pretend to sleep, opting to avoid the situation.

She didn’t know how to face her former friend.

“So that’s how it is. All this was for me?”

Aya now saw Natsuki’s expression, noticing the hard-to-hide embarrassment and anger on her face, but no strong rejection. She suddenly guessed a few things. She was part of Aslan and Natsuki’s game…

Aya looked at the empty Prison Barrier beneath her feet and sneered. “I didn’t expect you’d come to destroy the Prison Barrier for me and choose to submit to someone like this.”

“That’s not it!” Natsuki instinctively retorted.

It was clearly Aslan who got information from who-knows-where, saying there was an extraordinary beauty in the Prison Barrier and wanting to take her back as a maid.

“Right, that’s how it is. Natsuki-chan says no with her mouth, but her heart says yes.” Aslan said with a smile, ignoring Natsuki’s murderous glare.

After Aslan finished speaking, Natsuki reluctantly glanced at Aya. She jumped down from Aslan’s arms and stomped hard on his foot.

“I told you not to talk nonsense!”

How could she admit that she still hoped she and Aya could return to how things were before?

Aya had abandoned her desires, and their relationship could go back to when they were kids. She really couldn’t say something like that. And even if she did, what was the point?

Since Aya planned to use the vitality of Saikai Academy’s students to activate the Grimoire and destroy Itogami Island, they could never go back. A faint loneliness, hard to conceal, flickered in Natsuki’s eyes.

Perhaps this was the final fate of a Witch. Born not human, abandoned by parents, used, losing friends, teachers, and family, and ultimately alone until old age… Aya was her only good friend in the past, her only family.

Seeing Natsuki reveal such a vulnerable side, Aya laughed—not mockingly. “Hehe, I didn’t expect that after all these years, you’re still as soft and weak as ever, Natsuki.”

And it was exactly this soft and weak Natsuki who gave her a chance to live, spared her from torment, and allowed her to fulfill her true desire.

“By the way, as a reminder, Natsuki has violated the contract. Are you ready?”

As the key to the Prison Barrier, she allowed it to be controlled by someone else and even let others torment the prisoners inside. Perhaps the Guardian was already on its way to execute punishment.

Almost the second Aya finished speaking, something strange appeared on Natsuki’s body. A faint golden light gathered behind her. Then, a knight in golden armor slowly emerged in the air.

“Rain Gold.” Natsuki didn’t need to turn around; she already knew who was behind her.

The Witch’s protector, and also the Guardian. When a Witch violated the contract, it was the executioner who came to punish.

Aya showed a mocking expression. “If you have a backup plan, use it quickly. Otherwise, your Guardian might be killed by the Witch’s loyal protector.”

At this moment, Aslan, who initially had no intention of interfering in the old friends’ reunion, spoke with slight surprise. “You’re worried about her?”

Aya suddenly stopped talking. She stood in place expressionlessly, like an icy beauty, observing with cold eyes.

Seeing this, the corner of Natsuki’s mouth twitched. She was a bit at a loss for words.

But one thing was certain—she and Aya shared the same attitude: Aslan was a great guy in every way, except for his loose tongue.

As Natsuki fell silent, Rain Gold reached out and grabbed for her head.

Aslan turned and glanced at Rain Gold.

Rain Gold halted its movement. Then, amid the creaking sound of gears, it silently withdrew its arm and knelt on one knee before Aslan.

Aslan had studied Guardians too. Otherwise, what was he experimenting with earlier? Unfortunately, the Cleansing ritual was incomplete, with no way to fully transform them into Devils. Instead, it birthed a bunch of lesser Devils.

But that didn’t mean he couldn’t control Devils. Both Algol and the Mother of Evil God Ahriman were ultimate big shots on the evil side. They had significant achievements in Devils. Though Aslan hadn’t specialized in it, he had made considerable progress under their influence.

How could he not make use of the “old grandma” by his side? This was personal guidance from a Two-Digit big shot. Plus, Aslan was a Young Creation God, with top-tier talent. With the right teacher, his expertise in life viruses skyrocketed.

He just hadn’t yet figured out how to construct a Divinity of life; otherwise, he’d have already done it.

“Become Natsuki’s true protector. In return, I’ll grant you true Devil Divinity.”

Rain Gold was a Familiar sent by the Devil after a Witch signed a contract with it, not a true Devil. True Devils didn’t exist in this world. What existed were magical aggregates resembling Familiars under equivalent exchange rules. Only after a Witch’s soul was devoured by the Devil and fell would it transform into a true Devil. That was a Devil’s privilege, and protectors naturally got nothing.

Rain Gold lowered its head silently, kneeling on the ground, banging its head against the floor, as if declaring submission.

“Good, Natsuki-chan’s issue is settled.” Aslan smiled gently and said to Natsuki.

Rain Gold’s figure behind her slowly faded. Only an illusory shadow paused briefly behind Natsuki before disappearing.

“Next, it’s your turn.” Aslan looked at Aya and said with a smile.

Aya didn’t speak. Though she sensed the desire in Natsuki’s eyes and knew this was Aslan’s condition for recruiting her, she still chose not to give in. She still had her true desire to fulfill, even if it meant using any means and paying any price.

Seeing this, Aslan didn’t force Aya. Instead, he turned to Natsuki. “Let’s go, Natsuki-chan, time to head back.”

Natsuki looked at Aya, who followed behind Aslan and seemed to notice her gaze, showing a faint smile. She felt a headache coming on.

She suddenly felt that letting Aya become a maid might be the worst decision of her life.

After all, these two were clearly going to team up against her.

Wasn’t this like finding two “live-in dads”? Natsuki suddenly felt her mood sour.

-

Title: Who’s Crazy About Men!

In the bathroom, Aya turned off the shower, put on a bathrobe, and opened the door.

In the living room, adorned with luxurious furnishings, Natsuki sat quietly on the sofa, holding a cup of black tea, glancing awkwardly at Aya. Because of that mischievous man, she truly didn’t know how to face Aya now.

Although Aslan was the one who first mentioned Aya, and all of this was orchestrated by him, if Natsuki herself didn’t have such desires, she wouldn’t have let Aslan do it. Aslan had merely forcibly arranged something she secretly wanted.

“Want a cup?” Natsuki raised the black tea in her hand, asking hesitantly.

“It’s surprising that you chose to wait for me here alone.”

While drying her hair with a towel, Aya looked at Natsuki with her glowing red eyes and spoke in a cold tone.

“Is this an order from my new master? Or are you preparing to let me go and allow me to destroy Itogami Island?”

“I really don’t get along with you.” Natsuki muttered, sipping her black tea.

Couldn’t this woman be more straightforward? If Aya could communicate openly with her, perhaps many things wouldn’t have happened.

“I don’t know where that guy went. He said he wanted to give me a surprise and then suddenly disappeared.” After saying that, Natsuki took another sip of her tea and gave a faint smile. “It’s been seven or eight years since we last had black tea together. I miss it.”

Aya didn’t respond. After a few seconds of silence, she said calmly, “You’ve changed a lot.”

In the past, Natsuki would never have considered letting her go, let alone showing such a spoiled attitude toward someone else. “Was it that man who brought about this change in you?”

Natsuki’s face stiffened, and she said with dissatisfaction, “Don’t use such easily misunderstood words.”

“I don’t think there’s any misunderstanding here.” Aya glanced at her, sat across from Natsuki, took a teacup, sipped it gracefully, and said calmly.

“You…” Natsuki glared at her angrily, but the next second, she seemed to give up. “Fine, misunderstand all you want.”

She gave up arguing. After all, her relationship with Aslan now was something she couldn’t break or fix. Even she didn’t understand her own mindset toward Aslan.

Aya glanced at Natsuki, who had a resigned attitude, and said with a hint of mockery, “So, when can I attend your wedding with your man?”

Natsuki froze for a moment, her face flushing with embarrassment as she stammered, “What wedding? I think you’re the one crazy about getting married, Aya!”

“Heh, don’t tell me you’re not even the third party?” Aya seemed to have uncovered the truth and asked Natsuki with a gleeful smile.

Natsuki was completely speechless. Third party? She couldn’t even be considered the fourth party.

“At least I’m better than you. At least I’m not single.” Natsuki shot back with a provocative glance.

Due to the contract with the Devil, a Witch’s fate was singular: her soul would eventually fall, her body would become a vessel for the Devil, and her soul would be taken by the Devil. This meant that despite being mysterious, powerful, noble, and beautiful, no one dared pursue a Witch.

Being single was fine. Living alone in the mountains for a lifetime was normal. Whether third, fourth, or fifth party, at least she wasn’t single, and someone wanted her. In this regard, she was better than Aya.

An old, unwanted aunt… Aya read that meaning in Natsuki’s eyes.

Facing Natsuki’s provocation, Aya stared at her expressionlessly and said in a cold tone with a hint of hostility, “That’s better than being crazy about men like you. Are you even worthy of being called a Witch if you’re obsessed with a man?”

“Who’s crazy about men, huh?!” Natsuki shot up from her seat.

“Why are you so emotional? What I said is the truth.” Aya said teasingly. Seeing Natsuki angry, she couldn’t help but smile.

Hearing this, Natsuki opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but ultimately swallowed her words. She sat back down.

She was out of arguments. She couldn’t think of words to retort.

“Um, I can testify. Natsuki-chan isn’t crazy about men.”

Aslan pushed open the door and entered with a girl carrying a hint of hope.

The air froze instantly. Due to Aslan’s interruption, the atmosphere became extremely awkward. The three stood stiffly in the living room for dozens of seconds. Finally, Natsuki was the first to break.

With a flushed face, Natsuki asked, unsure if she was angry or annoyed, “When did you get back?!”

“Maybe when you asked Aya if she wanted black tea?” Aslan recalled, the corner of his mouth curving uncontrollably as he looked at Natsuki. “I’m so touched that Natsuki-chan acknowledged our relationship.”

The corner of Natsuki’s mouth twitched.

(Doesn’t that mean he heard everything?)

Aya glanced meaningfully at Aslan and Natsuki, speaking softly in a tone that was unclear whether it was mockery or envy. “It seems your relationship is deeper than I thought.”

She genuinely hoped she could have someone she could truly rely on, like Natsuki did.

Natsuki flushed and glared at Aslan with slight anger.

“Why are you eavesdropping at the door if you’re bored?!”

It made it even harder for her to face Aslan.

“I was curious about what you and Aya were talking about.” Aslan said confidently.

Nothing was more interesting than two women arguing. Of course, that was as long as it didn’t involve him. If it did, it wouldn’t be an argument—it’d be a Shuraba.

Hearing Aslan’s words, Natsuki’s eyebrows couldn’t help but twitch. “If so, just come in! Why eavesdrop at the door?”

It wasn’t something that needed to be hidden.

Hearing this, Aslan said very calmly, “If I were there, you might not be able to fully express your feelings.”

Hearing those words, Natsuki covered her head in despair, burying it in the sofa, trying to escape reality. She no longer knew what expression to use to face Aslan.

Seeing Natsuki trying to escape reality and not knowing how to handle it, Aslan just smiled and ignored her. He clapped his hands and called toward the door.

“Yuuma, come in.”

This was the surprise Aslan had prepared.

A short-haired, slightly tomboyish girl, but with a face strikingly similar to Aya’s. She was also the DNA and Clone Ritual Aya left in the LCO (Library of Criminal Organizations) to help her escape prison. At the same time, she was one of LCO’s executives, the Blue Witch.

“Natsuki-chan, look at the surprise I prepared for you—a living, grown-up niece.”

Aslan took Yuuma’s hand, pulling her to Natsuki’s side, then patted Natsuki’s back, waking her from her ostrich-like escape from reality.

Natsuki looked at Yuuma, who stood somewhat awkwardly beside her, in shock.

“Whose kid is this? I don’t remember any close friends who have kids.”

The people she could call close friends were few. Aya was one, and Sasasaki Misaki was another.

Could it be…

Hearing Natsuki’s question, Aslan casually shrugged and pointed at Aya, who stood with an angry face in front of him.

“Who else? Of course, your former best friend.”

Natsuki stared at Aya with disbelief, her eyes filled with shock, confusion, and bewilderment. Aya’s daughter, really?

But since when did Aya have a kid?

Aya had a teenage daughter. Did that mean she was truly an old aunt now? Even Aya was married, while she was still single…

No, she couldn’t be called single, but she didn’t know what her status was either, and it felt bad.

“Don’t scare me. Is this really Aya’s daughter?” Natsuki looked at him in confusion, hoping Aslan could give her an accurate answer.

“Of course. Look at her face and those glowing red eyes. Aren’t they like they were carved from the same mold?”

Natsuki carefully observed Yuuma, her eyes darting back and forth between Aya and Yuuma. Finally, she concluded that the more she looked, the more Yuuma resembled a young Aya.

“Aya, what’s going on?” Natsuki asked Aya, whose face had paled.

Because Yuuma and Aya were so alike—not just in appearance but even in their magic—it gave Natsuki a bad feeling. It couldn’t be what she was thinking.

“It’s as you suspect. She’s just a useless tool to help me escape prison.” Aya said coldly and cruelly, without the slightest hesitation. She didn’t even look at Yuuma, her own daughter.

Hearing Aya’s words, Yuuma struggled to accept it and was confused. “I… I’m just a tool?”

Yuuma slumped to the ground with a vacant stare, muttering.

To save her mother from the Prison Barrier, she had worked tirelessly since birth, studying magic, fighting various Witches and Attack Mages, and training. Only then did she earn the reputation of the Blue Witch and become an LCO executive. But all she got was the word “tool.”

-

Title: No, You Really Want an Oyakodon?

“Oh, right, I almost forgot. Le Bleu is still with you.”

As if just remembering another tool’s presence, Aya slowly turned and looked at Yuuma calmly. But it was only a glance, not lingering for even a second longer.

“Le Bleu, return.”

Aya spoke calmly. The next moment, the figure of a knight in sky-blue armor left Yuuma’s back. As the Guardian departed, Yuuma’s Witch powers also vanished.

After all, the Guardian was the guarantee of the contract a Witch signed with the Devil, as well as the embodiment of that contract. All of a Witch’s magic stemmed from the contract with the Devil, so naturally, once the Guardian was gone, her powers would disappear too.

Yuuma felt her body weaken, and she collapsed helplessly.

Releasing a Guardian wasn’t a pleasant experience for a Witch. Natsuki, who cared for her niece, immediately helped Yuuma stand.

However, the greatest sorrow is a dead heart, and Yuuma was almost at that point.

But before Natsuki could say anything to Aya, Aya paid no attention to Yuuma’s current weakness. She spoke in a tone that was almost commanding.

“You’re free, Yuuma.”

“Wherever you go, whatever you do, it’s up to you. You never signed any contract with the Devil. You were only using the power transferred from me.”

“Your purpose was solely to save me, and now that I’m out of the Prison Barrier, your existence no longer has meaning.”

“Aya, your words are a bit too harsh. Even though you’re Yuuma’s mother, you can’t say that to her!”

Natsuki deliberately emphasized the word “mother” reminding Aya that there was still time to mend her relationship with Yuuma.

For her niece, Yuuma, though Natsuki was shocked, she felt more joy. She also hoped Yuuma could soften Aya’s cold, solitary, and sharp-tongued temperament through her role as a daughter.

Of course, looking at the current situation, such a thing was basically impossible. It would be good enough if Aya didn’t kill Yuuma with her own hands.

After all, a clone with genes and magic identical to Aya’s was a significant risk. If someone used Yuuma’s hair to cast a curse, there was a high chance Aya would be cursed too. With Aya’s personality, she wouldn’t allow herself to have too many weaknesses. A daughter’s weakness was too obvious.

However, Aya hadn’t expected that Yuuma, whom she painstakingly created to help her escape, would lose her purpose now that Aya was free. If Aslan hadn’t brought Yuuma, it was likely Aya would have destroyed her remotely.

Never underestimate the power of the Witch of the Notaria, who had nearly memorized all the Grimoires in the LCO. This was also why Aslan brought Yuuma.

Aya rolled her glowing red eyes, looking at Natsuki with a frown of displeasure. “Natsuki, you’re meddling a bit too much.”

Even when they were very close in the past, neither interfered in the other’s personal life. Let alone now, when she and Natsuki hadn’t reconciled.

This was her personal matter. What right did Natsuki have to interfere?

So Aya’s accusation was bold.

At that moment, Natsuki, feeling guilty, quietly elbowed Aslan’s waist, reminding him that the child he brought home was his responsibility to handle.

“Auntie, it seems you’ve misunderstood. Yuuma is my war trophy.” Aslan said to Aya with a half-smirk.

“She’s the war trophy I personally acquired by storming the LCO and defeating countless Witches and Attack Mages.”

The LCO, or Library of Criminal Organizations, was an internationally notorious criminal organization composed solely of high-level Attack Mages and Witches. It was named so because it held numerous Grimoires.

They collected Grimoires from around the world, classified and sealed them, and only lent books to select individuals. Not for developing magic or maintaining world peace, but merely to satisfy their own desires.

But their strength was mediocre. Aslan defeated them with ease. They surrendered far faster than the prisoners in the Prison Barrier.

Aya’s face immediately turned ugly, but in front of Aslan, she could only suppress her anger. “You should’ve heard, I’ve already given this child her freedom.”

Hearing this, the vacant eyes of Natsuki and Yuuma suddenly lit up with a different spark. Aya didn’t seem as cruel as she appeared on the surface.

Taking back the Guardian was only to prevent it from harming Yuuma for failing to fulfill the Devil’s contract. Yuuma could fully sign a new contract with the Devil and obtain her own Guardian. Taking back the Guardian would only weaken Yuuma for a few days.

As Aya’s clone, Yuuma’s talent was no weaker than her mother’s. Aya genuinely intended to give Yuuma true freedom without any shackles.

At that moment, Aya seemed to realize her tone was off, and her face grew cold. “However, if you wish, you can use this tool as you please.”

At this point, Aslan said something deeply hurtful. “Including dressing her up to look like you and using you both together?”

(What should I do? It’s kind of tempting.)

Aya froze for a moment. She hadn’t expected Aslan to be so shameless.

Natsuki, standing nearby, was stunned and instinctively blurted out, “Hey, hey, this is my niece!”

Aslan shrugged nonchalantly and said, “But she’s not my niece, right? Who said she’s your niece? Yuuma could also be your sister.”

After all, cloning ethics weren’t fully established. Yuuma could be considered not just Aya’s daughter but also her twin sister, an avatar, or something else.

(Those words aren’t wrong, and I can’t argue back…)

Natsuki gripped her folding fan angrily, her expression like that of a wife watching her husband enter a massage parlor.

“If you’re pleased, go ahead.” Aya said coldly.

She feared losing her composure momentarily and attacking the man in front of her. If that happened, she and Yuuma might die on the spot.

Instead, by staying icy and placing her hopes in Natsuki’s integrity and conscience, Yuuma still had a good chance of surviving. At the very least, Natsuki wouldn’t stand by and watch someone try to “eat an oyakodon” and would do everything to stop it.

Seeing Aya so angry she wanted to hit him but unable to move, only able to console herself, Aslan curled his lips playfully. He lowered his head and reached out to pat Yuuma’s head, who was greatly weakened from losing her Guardian.

“Do you think this child is like the embodiment of a Witch, exploited since birth?”

Aya’s face suddenly turned extremely ugly.

“That’s right, the one exploiting her isn’t anyone else—it’s you, her mother.”

Aslan’s smile was like a thorn, piercing deeply into Aya’s heart. “How does it feel? The feeling of going from a victim in the past to a perpetrator now, the feeling of becoming the evil dragon to a dragon-slaying hero?”

Aya’s face paled. She stood in place, speechless, her figure so unsteady it seemed a breeze could knock her over.

“Do you remember the Devil’s contract you signed?”

Aya seemed to recall something. She slumped onto the sofa, not even noticing her loose bathrobe slipping slightly.

“The contract I signed with the Devil was to create a world without the tragic fate of Witches, to cleanse the Devil’s tragic desires.”

To that end, she was willing to create a real world without magic. Without magic, there would be no Devils, and no Witches to be oppressed and exploited.

“Aya…” Natsuki looked at Aya with a hint of empathy.

Just like how she was born, forced bit by bit by those who wanted to exploit her to establish the Prison Barrier and become a Witch.

In the beginning, the Witch of the Notaria, Tokoyogi Aya, was merely a tool created by the LCO Witches to record dangerous Grimoires. Since when did a victimized Witch become one who victimized others?

Natsuki let out a deep sigh, then said while looking at Yuuma, “Give this child some attention. At least don’t let her end up like we did.”

“Do as you please.” Aya said coldly. Then she stood, preparing to leave the room.

At that moment, Aslan suddenly said, “Aya, what if I make your daughter your colleague?”

“You dare!”

The moment Aslan’s words came out, Aya knew what he was thinking and instinctively turned, glaring at him fiercely.

“See, didn’t she panic right away?” Aslan said to Yuuma with an infuriatingly smug expression.

Though Yuuma was very weak at the moment, seeing Aya like that, she couldn’t help but let out a small laugh.

Natsuki also glared at Aslan fiercely.

(No, you really want an oyakodon?)

Aya didn’t respond. She merely turned her face, looking at the confused Natsuki beside her, and showed a mocking expression. “Natsuki, you can’t even control your man anymore?”

(You think I don’t want to control him…) The corner of Natsuki’s mouth twitched uncontrollably. She tugged at her hair in slight frustration.

At that moment, Aslan lowered his head, summoning the power of the Eleventh Beast Vassal. While healing Yuuma’s injuries, he asked, “How do you feel?”

“I’m not sure how to describe it.” Yuuma said with a shy smile.

Being suddenly captured and meeting her mother, who was supposed to be imprisoned, the shock of their first meeting, the panic of being abandoned for the first time, and now the joy of realizing her mother didn’t truly abandon her but had hidden reasons—Yuuma, having experienced such drastic changes in one day, just wanted to rest and calm her emotions.

Aslan nodded slightly, rubbed his chin, and said, “Rest well. Stick with Aya for the next few days.”

“I don’t think Aya would feel at ease if you were placed elsewhere.”

Hearing Aslan’s words, Aya only snorted, her arms crossed over her chest. Her attitude remained cold. But Yuuma could sense a slight warmth from her mother. Of course, that warmth was only for Yuuma.

For Aslan, Aya’s face would only grow sourer.

Not just Aya—even Natsuki’s gaze toward Aslan held a hint of wariness and scrutiny.

“Mm.” Yuuma nodded slightly. She looked up at her mother with a bit of hope. “Mother, can you take me to rest for a bit?”

“Such a hassle.” Aya said coldly. Yet her actions completely contradicted her words. She immediately took her daughter from Aslan’s hands and led her to the room Natsuki had prepared for her.

-

Title: When You’re Suspected of Having a Weapon of Mass Destruction, You’d Better Have One

The Japanese Parliament was holding an emergency meeting. The entire chamber was in chaos. Every parliamentarian was furious, waving their hands vehemently and shouting angrily.

Around them, numerous reporters pressed their camera shutters, their faces filled with excitement as they captured a moment destined to be recorded in history.

Not long ago, the Itogami Island Management Corporation in the Pacific Ocean suddenly declared its independence, aiming to establish its own Night Empire. This abrupt event shocked the world and was a direct slap in Japan’s face.

Although the true rulers of Itogami Island were major global consortiums that jointly built the artificial island to harness the power of the Cleansing, nominally, Itogami Island was under Japanese jurisdiction. This was mainly because the artificial island wasn’t highly productive, and its material resources couldn’t sustain itself.

Japan fully controlled the supply of materials to Itogami Island, using it as a means to dominate the artificial island.

But who would’ve thought that this island, which seemed perfectly secure in every aspect, would suddenly seek independence?

How dare they?

In Parliament, every member condemned the Itogami Island Management Corporation. Facing such separatist forces, it was only natural for parliamentarians to voice their condemnation. This was true political correctness.

Amid the parliamentary chaos, Japan’s top officials were also holding a private meeting.

“Night Empire? Wasn’t the Blazing Banquet just held? Why are they establishing a Night Empire so quickly?”

In the Japanese Cabinet, a heated discussion was underway. The Chief Cabinet Secretary, assisting the Prime Minister, reported the specific situation, and after his report, the Prime Minister shouted in anger.

“What is the Lion King Agency doing? Why wasn’t the completion of the Blazing Banquet and the emergence of the Fourth Primogenitor reported earlier?”

Itogami Island, where the Blazing Banquet was held, and the Lion King Agency, its organizer, were both Japanese entities. In any case, Japanese officials should have been the first to know about the birth of the Fourth Primogenitor and attempt to control their power.

However, no one expected to see news of Itogami Island declaring independence and establishing a Night Empire on TV.

“Trash, they’re all trash!”

“Who is this Fourth Primogenitor? What’s their name, their personality, their governing philosophy? Don’t tell me you don’t even have this information.”

“Hontouni Sumimasen!”

The minister responsible for intelligence bowed deeply with his large frame, shouting an apology with well-practiced movements.

“Get out! Just get out!”

No information about the Fourth Primogenitor?

There was only a report about Itogami Island declaring independence. Beyond that, there were no reports of large-scale amnesia incidents worldwide or mass transformations of ordinary people into vampires.

Was the Blazing Banquet truly held? Maybe?

But a Fourth Primogenitor who hadn’t performed Intrinsic Time Stacking might not be that powerful yet, right?

Instantly, the Cabinet members, previously furious, restrained their expressions and showed excitement.

If it were a Fourth Primogenitor in their prime, with twelve Calamity-Tier Beast Vassals, they wouldn’t dare say a word.

But if it was a Fourth Primogenitor who hadn’t absorbed enough memories or accumulated significant magical power, then there was no need to worry.

Thinking this, the Chief Cabinet Secretary pondered for a moment and said, “We don’t know what powers the Fourth Primogenitor possesses. Their existence is only a legend.”

“But even if it’s the Fourth Primogenitor, I don’t think they can take on an entire nation.”

The Chief Cabinet Secretary’s words made the surrounding Cabinet members nod.

A Primogenitor might be very powerful, but could they fight a nation?

If they could, why had the First, Second, and Third Primogenitors stayed in their corners for thousands of years, living only in their Night Empires, letting imperial forces protect them? If they were truly that powerful, wouldn’t they have unified the world already?

It could only be said that humans didn’t understand the true meaning of a Primogenitor’s existence or their power. Even the weakest Primogenitor, if willing to unleash their full strength and unopposed by another Primogenitor, could easily wipe the earth’s surface clean.

Every Primogenitor was a true monster capable of destroying a nation. The low-profile demeanor of the other three Primogenitors gave humans the illusion that Primogenitors were strong but not as formidable as imagined.

“Itogami Island doesn’t receive external materials. We just need to cut off shipping routes to Itogami Island and establish a no-fly zone. With Itogami Island’s material reserves, they’ll collapse on their own within a month.”

“Itogami Island’s total population is only five hundred sixty thousand. The total forces they can mobilize across the island are about a thousand.”

“The only ones to watch out for are the Witch of the Void, Minamiya Natsuki, and the Fourth Primogenitor, who hasn’t shown their face.”

“With Japan’s national strength, crushing Itogami Island is a foregone conclusion.”

“The only thing we need to worry about is the Cleansing on Itogami Island.” The Chief Cabinet Secretary voiced his concern.

Regardless of any comparison of strength, Itogami Island couldn’t withstand a single attack, yet it still sought independence. It was hard to believe this had nothing to do with the Cleansing. These Cabinet members, as true elites ruling the nation, couldn’t possibly fail to understand this.

“If that’s the case, it’s even better. This shows two things. First, the Cleansing is nowhere near as powerful as we imagined.”

According to legend, the Cleansing had the power to change the world and end the war between humans and Deva. They also knew the technological level of ancient Deva. This meant that if the Cleansing was truly that powerful, they wouldn’t need to struggle—just wait for death.

“Second, don’t forget the truth about Itogami Island.”

The Altar of Cain. Itogami Island itself was a massive magical weapon of mass destruction. They could fully use someone else’s knife to kill.

“The Sanctuary Treaty nations absolutely cannot allow a magical weapon with such destructive power to become independent.”

“At that time, the Sanctuary Treaty nations will surely invade Itogami Island. And the incomplete Fourth Primogenitor and the Cleansing…”

The Prime Minister tapped the table, and the secretary beside him quickly recorded the meeting’s contents.

Every Cabinet member here showed greed and excitement.

After all, they had studied the Cleansing ruins for so long, and the level of the Cleansing was more or less understood. But that didn’t mean there were no gains. Rather, only a Cleansing at this level might fall into Japan’s hands instead of competing with major powers.

Japan had an absolute geographical advantage—Itogami Island was in Japanese territory. Now that Itogami Island had proactively declared independence, this was Japan’s best opportunity, as the island was nominally theirs.

After careful analysis, the Cabinet members saw this as a war they were certain to win. The advantage was theirs.

“Send people to the Lion King Agency. Inform them that this incident involves Japan’s territorial integrity.”

“Per our agreement with the Lion King Agency, they must send sufficient combat personnel to assist us.”

“We must capitalize on the fact that the Fourth Primogenitor hasn’t completed Intrinsic Time Stacking and capture them.”

“Oh, and don’t forget the Astrology Bureau. We must ensure the Fourth Primogenitor falls into our hands.”

Many Cabinet members saw the Prime Minister acting flawlessly. They all put on serious expressions and bowed.

“The Prime Minister is wise.”

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

The Whispering Garden, a separate dimensional space accessible only to Sanctuary Treaty nations, major powers, and Night Empires, was a meeting place for leaders of various great powers.

Led by the three Night Empires and Primogenitors with veto power, supported by other nations, its purpose was to avoid armed conflicts through negotiation. Now, due to the announcement from Itogami Island’s official TV station, the Whispering Garden had descended into controversy.

“Everyone has received the news, right?” someone wearing a mask said in an aged voice. “As the cursed territory of Cain, Itogami Island is a magical weapon of mass destruction not permitted by the Sanctuary Treaty.”

Around them, the atmosphere grew heated. Representatives from the major powers participating in the meeting joined the dispute.

“Of course. A magical weapon of mass destruction like this must be eliminated!”

“So our proposal is to send troops to destroy Itogami Island!”

“A sinful altar like Itogami Island shouldn’t exist in this world!”

The others weren’t fools either. They could naturally guess what Japan was thinking. The Fourth Primogenitor hadn’t fully completed the Blazing Banquet. At least in terms of magical power, they surely weren’t as strong as the three ancient Primogenitors.

This was their chance. As long as they captured the Fourth Primogenitor, they could fully control this strongest vampire. Of course, they all tacitly avoided mentioning their true ambitions, only talking about destroying Itogami Island.

After all, the Whispering Garden was established by the three Primogenitors. What if they exposed their ambitions for the Primogenitor’s power?

As everyone suppressed their excitement and discussed forming an attack force, on a high platform unnoticed by anyone, in the central position reserved for the three Primogenitors, a new chair had appeared at some point.

“You’re just watching them discuss how to attack you?” Giada propped up her delicate face with interest, asking Aslan curiously.

“What’s the big deal?” Aslan shrugged casually, looking at the representatives of various powers below, their faces flushed as they competed for troop deployment quotas.

The corner of his mouth curved slightly, as if he were watching a flock of sheep discussing how to fight a butcher.

“Besides, these achievements are a bit insufficient. I still owe Central Core a lot of merits.”

When you’re suspected of having a weapon of mass destruction, you’d better have one.

Coincidentally, Aslan did have one—and he was the weapon itself.