Abyssal Sovereignty

“Is it, as expected, something akin to an illusion?”

As the landscape around her gradually transformed, the young girl realized the true nature of the battlefield she had just been in.

“Yes, this is my skill. I’m responsible for the simulations in the training ground as well,” said Misako, her voice calm.

“So you really did hold back, didn’t you?”

During the recent battle, Misako had only used talismans for both offense and defense. Though the girl was not well-versed in this area, she could tell that these were merely basic techniques.

“Demonic arts are not the same as talismanic arts. The latter is just a minor branch of the former. It’s like how your magic includes basic spells like fireballs and water spheres, as well as powerful, unique self-created spells. Talismanic arts are those basic and versatile techniques.”

In fact, not only the black demon race but also other races have learned and passed down talismanic arts for various reasons. It’s no longer exclusively considered demonic arts.

“As for true demonic arts, those are unique abilities or original techniques possessed by each black demon. Techniques like ‘Star Shifting’ are examples.”

From this, it was clear how much Misako had indeed held back in the recent battle. She had refrained from using unique demonic arts, and her skills were primarily used to shape the battlefield. Given her performance in the training ground, she could have easily simulated numerous versions of herself to exhaust the opponent.

“You did hold back too, didn’t you? Although, it might have been forced…”

In contrast to Misako, the girl had also refrained from using many skills and fought mostly head-on. Based on the intelligence Misako had secretly gathered before, if the girl had fought seriously, it would have been difficult for Misako, regardless of the outcome.

However, the girl’s memory was still fragmented. Despite regaining some sense of her abilities, many tactics remained elusive, and she might have even forgotten the usage of her skills, relying only on the passive effects of a few abilities. This was also why Misako had murmured the latter part of her sentence.

Nevertheless, Misako acknowledged the girl’s strength. Combining her performance in the training ground and her past experiences, there was no doubt she was qualified.

“As the leader of the black demon race, I hereby announce that the black demon race will join your ranks.”

With these words, a surge of power flowed into the girl’s body.

The demon race, being one of the most powerful factions even in the Abyss, contributed a force greater than what the girl had ever gained from other monsters.

“...?”

“This is your inherent skill. Have you forgotten?”

“...I seem to have a vague recollection...”

The girl remembered something about challenging other monsters to make them submit to her.

“So, next…”

“Lady Priestess!!”

Misako was interrupted mid-sentence by a shout from afar.

Both turned their attention to the source and saw a throng of people rushing toward them.

“Lady Priestess! The training ground has been shut down! Are you alright?”

“?”

“Uh…”

Facing the girl’s expressionless face, which only slightly tilted in confusion, Misako displayed an embarrassed expression.

“…Didn’t I say I was responsible for the training ground? Because of the battle, the simulation couldn’t be maintained, so many people must have had their sessions interrupted abruptly, like the last time... Ah, no.”

Misako had never before halted the training ground’s operations. The sudden appearance of such a situation naturally caused concern.

“…Ah! Wait, now we…”

“Lady Priestess! You…!?”

Upon arriving at Misako’s side, the black demon race members saw her in her ‘battle-damaged shrine maiden outfit.’

The already short skirt now had holes, revealing the straps of her underwear underneath. The red and white shrine maiden outfit was partially burned at the edges, with the remaining part of her chest almost exposed, creating an alluring effect.

Those who came here felt their blood boil and, in the next moment, blood literally spurted from their noses.

Some with strong wills, though they didn’t fall, were drooling, almost compelled to lick her.

“Looks like there’s going to be a real bloodbath.”

It was a while before the medical team arrived with the news.

...

“Some minor interruptions occurred. Let’s return to our previous discussion.”

The girl, now wrapped in bandages, sat silently across from Misako, listening.

“There’s nothing more here to make you stronger.”

With the power gained from the black demon race, the girl’s strength now surpassed Misako’s.

“I’m probably the second strongest in this Abyss. Next, you’ll need to find the strongest one. By the way, let me tell you a bit about her.”

Misako produced a red scale, emanating an intense power.

“She is a dragon, one of the leaders in that war. Her strength undoubtedly reaches the peak of existence, and she is surrounded by many dragon guards.”

“However… don’t worry too much. I know her; she probably won’t kill you.”

‘Although, I’m not sure about the path to her… those dragons can be quite arrogant.’

Misako thought this to herself, but considering the girl’s past deeds, she gradually felt reassured.

“Hmm… That’s about it. The rest is up to you. By the way, I’ve been meaning to ask, what is that little creature of yours?”

“?…Puu!”

Misako looked at the small creature on the girl’s lap, which, sensing her gaze, waved its two tentacles as if greeting her.

“...I don’t know. I just happened to encounter it.”

The girl had forgotten about it after starting her training, but after the battle with Misako ended and she was forcibly taken to the medical room, it reappeared. Its voice seemed quite angry.

“Just happened to encounter and kept it with you…”

“?”

“No, it’s nothing.”

After a moment of thought, Misako spoke again.

“Does it have a name?”

The girl hesitated before shaking her head.

“You... sigh...”

Misako was surprised that the girl seemed to have lost all emotional connection, probably addressing the creature with just ‘hey’ or ‘you’...

“Since you keep it with you, why not give it a name?”

“A name?”

The girl looked at the small tentacled creature on her lap and pondered.

“…It keeps saying ‘Puu Puu,’ so let’s call it ‘Little Puu.’”

“Puu!”

Little Puu lifted several tentacles, making a sound that seemed pleased.

‘This... could it be...’

Misako looked at Little Puu and the girl, seemingly making a connection.

‘If it really is that, things might... get quite interesting...’