In the end, the Old Deus Gagras sealed his divine core, and Jibril even added several of her own seals. The divine core is the very heart of an Old Deus. If the Artosh had his core extracted, he would die all the same. With Jibril's seals added, Gagras fell into complete slumber. Whether he ever awakens will depend on Riku's decision.
Compared to being destroyed, eternal slumber was the best possible outcome.
Afterwards, Sonia announced to all the vampires that Riku would be their new leader. No one objected after all, this was the will of their creator, and they could only obey.
Even if any were dissatisfied, they could only swallow it. Riku was the one who defeated their creator anyone thinking of resisting had better think twice about their own strength first.
"Um, Master, could I please suck a little of your blood? Just a tiny bit…" Sonia hesitated as Riku prepared to leave, but in the end, she couldn't help asking.
"Little bat, are you getting greedy the moment you become master's retainer?" Jibril remarked meaningfully. For vampires, the quality of the blood they drink determines their power if a vampire regularly consumes a strong person's blood, they can grow very powerful; on the other hand, feeding on ordinary humans or just sweat will make them abnormally weak.
"That's not what I mean. It's just, as your retainer, it's better if we have a special contract." Sonia explained calmly, noticing Jibril and Schwi watching her with sharp eyes.
"I see. So, where do you want to bite?" Riku nodded and asked. He didn't plan to use a contract card on Sonia, while vampire powers are useful, they don't meet his standards.
"Finger is fine." Sonia met Riku's eyes directly, making it clear she had no other motives.
"Alright." Riku stretched out his index finger and relaxed as much as he could. His body was so tough that if he didn't intentionally lower his guard, even a vampire's fangs would have trouble piercing his skin.
Bite—!
Focusing on his finger, Sonia's cheeks flushed pink. She took Riku's hand in both of hers, opened her mouth, revealed her sharp little fangs, and gently bit into his finger, sucking his blood.
Apparently, Riku's blood quality was extremely high; even with Sonia's willpower, her face turned crimson as she instinctively showed a look of enjoyment.
You could say… this was pretty suggestive…
Watching Sonia's blissful face, Riku's eyes flashed with emotion. Still, "fang bite ding," Sonia's bite somehow felt even more…
Riku's mind was suddenly filled with odd images, and he hurriedly stopped himself from imagining any further.
At that moment, a small blood-red magic circle appeared, establishing a strange connection between Riku and Sonia.
It was almost like a blood contract, but Riku held the dominant position. Sonia's life and death now depended on his will, and she couldn't resist any order from him without suffering unbearable pain.
Such determination.
Admiring the girl before him, Riku shook his head slightly.
"Thank you for your gift, Master." Sonia stepped back, her cheeks still red after feeding on Riku's high-quality blood. She was noticeably stronger, and she bowed respectfully.
"Mhm." Riku glanced at his now wet finger, a strange expression on his face.
"Ara, already getting master's favour the moment you become a retainer? I've never even gotten to interact with master like that." Jibril suddenly cut in.
"Ahem… well, Sonia, we'll be going now. I'll call on you if I need you." Riku shook his head and took his leave.
"Safe travels, master." Sonia bowed slightly.
Riku nodded, then teleported the three of them back to Zhuralis's back, and with another use of Teleport, they instantly vanished from that place.
"To serve master for life, huh…" Sonia returned to her room, hugged her panda plushie, and murmured absentmindedly.
…
Elsewhere, high above the werebeast village, a human, a dragon, a Flügel, and an Ex Machina suddenly appeared, startling all the werebeasts.
Especially Zhuralis, her overwhelming presence almost made the werebeast leap out of their fur. After all, they didn't know about Riku's dealings with the dragons.
But when they saw Riku, Jibril, and Schwi, they were stunned, then ecstatic.
It was clear their Lord Riku had once again subdued a top-tier race. Dragonia, no less! An existence even above the Flügel!
Leaving a rather gloomy Zhuralis behind, Riku, Jibril, and Schwi teleported back to their room.
"Husband, did you succeed?" The moment Riku appeared, Fia hugged him tightly around the waist, her voice filled with joy.
"Of course. If I make a move, it's guaranteed." Riku patted Fia's head, grinning.
"Hehe, little one, master didn't just win over the dragonia, he beat Reginleif too! And then made the Old Deus Gagras willingly seal his own divine core, taking command of the vampires too." Jibril listed Riku's achievements with a mischievous smile.
"Husband…!!!" Hearing this, Fia's eyes went wide with disbelief as she stared at Riku.
This was just too terrifying. In such a short time, he'd defeated even Reginleif and an Old Deus.
She'd always known her man was strong, but this was on another level.
Even Think, who was serving tea on the side, nearly dropped the teapot. She too, was left speechless by Riku's progress.
She had already accepted that Riku was a monster in human skin, but she never thought he'd reach the point of beating an Old Deus… Not even in her wildest dreams.
"…I did have to put in a lot of effort. It wasn't as easy as Jibril makes it sound." Riku rubbed his face and shook his head.
"Husband, I suddenly feel unworthy of you." Fia let go of Riku, happiness and worry mingling on her face.
Once, they'd been equals, but in less than half a month, Riku had grown strong enough to defeat Reginleif and an Old Deus, while she'd barely improved at all…
-----
"What's with all the silly thoughts? Fia is Fia the girl I love, and that's enough," Riku said seriously as he stroked Fia's head. "From now on, don't overthink things. Or else you'll face the family rules."
"...Okay." Hearing this, Fia wagged her tail and nodded slowly, her face turning red at the mention of "family rules." Family rules sounded like a death sentence, but actually...
"Oh, Fia, I have two things to give you." Riku suddenly remembered and smiled.
"...?" Fia tilted her head in confusion, but even though she didn't know what Riku would give her, her heart was filled with happiness.
Jibril also looked at Riku with curiosity.
"This is Shambhala, a space-type item..." Riku first took out Shambhala from his storage and explained its function and usage.
Now that he had Jibril's "Heaven's Step," this item was no longer of much use to him. But even so, it was a precious spatial artifact with high value, and giving it to Fia was a great choice.
"So the master's previous space ability was actually with this item!" Jibril was the first to react, staring at the small formation in Riku's hand with curiosity.
Schwi wasn't surprised she'd known all along.
As for Think Nirvalen, she watched in silence, her eyes fluctuating as she stared at Riku. A space-type item being given away so easily?
"Riku, I can't accept this. It's the most useful thing for you," Fia said, moved but also serious.
"Don't worry about it. I already have a better space ability, so just accept it. Otherwise, I'll have to throw it away," Riku shook his head and stroked Fia's head gently. This girl always put him first, no matter what.
"If that's the case... then I'll accept it~" Fia hesitated for a moment before taking Shambhala, her face flushing red.
She decided that tonight, she would let Riku do as he pleased... Even those things that used to be too embarrassing, she'd try to endure. After all, her husband was so good to her, she couldn't refuse anymore...
"And finally, here's your wedding gift." Riku suddenly grinned confidently.
"Huh? Isn't this it?" Fia returned from her daydream and said dazedly.
"This is good, but as a wedding present, it feels a bit lacking in sincerity." Riku replied seriously. "I promised to prepare the most suitable gift for you. So, take this."
Riku took out a glass vial from his storage space. Inside was a deep red liquid, exuding a powerful aura.
"—!" The moment Riku took out the item, Fia's eyes were glued to it, and her body instinctively entered "Bloodlust" mode, as if she was about to snatch it away.
Then Fia shuddered and snapped out of it. She looked at Riku in a panic and quickly explained, "Riku, I just..."
"No need to explain. I understand," Riku gently stroked Fia's head.
This was Beast God's Blood. He didn't know which Beast God it came from, but it was definitely not an ordinary item. As a werebeast, Fia being instinctively drawn to it was only natural.
In fact, the fact that she could snap out of it so quickly and was so afraid of misunderstanding made Riku feel touched.
"Master, what is this thing? Even the little pup almost attacked you for it," Jibril asked, eyes full of curiosity, staring at the vial.
"You could say it's a high-grade bloodline that helps werebeasts evolve," Riku explained after a moment.
To call it a Beast God was a bit awkward, as it wasn't from this world's pantheon.
"I see." Jibril and Think Nirvalen both looked enlightened. No wonder Fia, who always put Riku first, had reacted that way.
Especially Think Nirvalen, she could relate. Just a word of disrespect toward a human, and Fia had nearly killed her...
"Riku, this is too precious..." Fia said, full of internal conflict. She wanted it, but didn't want to waste resources.
Riku chuckled and flicked her on the forehead, making her reflexively cover her head and look at him pitifully.
"Seriously, I told you, don't overthink things." Riku smiled. "This is useless for anyone but a werebeast. That's why it's the perfect gift for you."
"Thank you, Riku." Fia's face turned even redder.
"Tonight, I'll serve you well. I'll satisfy any request," she whispered in Riku's ear, face burning, voice as soft as a mosquito's.
She couldn't help in other ways for now, so this was all she could do to express her feelings.
"Heh, that's a promise," Riku's eyes sparkled in anticipation.
"Now now, Master, what are you two whispering about?" Jibril teased. "Can I join in?"
Her words startled Fia, who quickly backed away. She'd forgotten there were other girls here and had just done something so intimate...
"But before that, Master, aren't you going to give me a present? Isn't it unfair otherwise?" Jibril purposely put on a resentful look, staring at Riku.
"Don't worry, the perfect gift for you is coming soon." Riku raised an eyebrow, giving her a meaningful smile. Jibril always made trouble; she needed some discipline.
"Uh..." Jibril laughed awkwardly.
As for Schwi, she just hugged her plush toy tightly. She'd already received her present.
Think Nirvalen, for her part, quietly watched the others and felt a hint of envy.
"Fia, drink this," Riku said, handing the vial over.
"Okay." Fia's expression became serious, all her embarrassment gone.
As Fia drank the Beast God's Blood, a surge of wild energy exploded from her body. Her blue hair instantly turned blood red, and red markings appeared all over her body. She had entered the 'Bloodlust' state.
Feeling Fia's increasingly intense aura, Riku exchanged a glance with Jibril.
In the next moment, Jibril immediately understood Riku's intention and cast a barrier, enveloping Fia inside.
If they didn't do something, the entire house might collapse.
As time passed, Fia's aura grew so strong that even a Flügel couldn't compare. But after reaching a certain point, it finally stabilised, as if her body was being transformed.
Watching this, Jibril was full of amazement. It was truly hard to imagine a werebeast reaching such a level.
But with Riku's help, Fia had completely shattered the limitations that had bound her race for so long.
"As expected of Master," Jibril murmured, glancing at Riku beside her.
On the other side, Schwi's eyes sparkled not with envy but determination. She was determined to become the Ex-Machina's acting commander.
Meanwhile, Think Nirvalen had fallen completely silent. Fia's transformation filled her with envy. Maybe if she'd had a better attitude at first, she could have entered his heart without any barriers... Think Nirvalen sighed to herself. Her pride had ruined things.
Far above, Think Nirvalen watched the house with surprise. Although she was shocked that a werebeast could achieve this level, when she remembered that Riku was inside, her surprise faded, replaced by simple curiosity.
"Looks like it'll take quite a while," Riku observed, watching Fia's transformation carefully. This was a slow process of bloodline enhancement, not something that would be finished quickly. It would take days for her to fully absorb and complete her transformation.
It seemed that tonight, his hopes of continuing to 'develop' Fia's positions would have to wait. Still, Riku wasn't worried. With Fia's personality, once she said something, she would never go back on her word.
"Riku, I have something to discuss with you," Schwi suddenly said.
"What is it?" Riku was a little surprised, turning to look at Schwi. It was his first time seeing Schwi actively wanting to discuss something.
"I want to leave for a while," Schwi said quietly, but her tone was firm.
"Why?" Riku frowned, looking serious.
"I want to return to the Ex-Machina and become the acting commander," Schwi said, meeting Riku's gaze. "That way, I can really help you."
"…" Her words moved Riku. He opened his mouth but said nothing because the determination in Schwi's eyes was unmistakable, nothing like her emotionless past self.
"Schwi knows Riku wants to act together, but Schwi also wants to become stronger, not just rely on Riku for everything," Schwi said again.
"I understand. But don't do anything reckless if you run into trouble, you have to tell me," Riku said at last, patting her head.
"Mm. I will," Schwi smiled a rare, truly human smile and nodded firmly.
"Then, I'll go," Schwi said, and then used her spatial ability to disappear from the room.
"Master, is Schwi really an Ex-Machina?" Jibril finally couldn't hold back her curiosity.
The Ex-Machina had bug-level abilities, but their entire race only ever acted defensively, unless provoked, and always acted as a collective, without personal will.
Yet Schwi's actions kept breaking Jibril's understanding. Now, it was even more so.
"Of course, she's Ex-Machina. But Schwi already has a complete 'heart'," Riku said, gazing up at the sky.
"A 'heart' huh…" Jibril murmured thoughtfully.
"Anyway, I'm going to take a bath." Riku shook his head and stood up. With Fia transforming and Schwi leaving to help him, things had suddenly gotten a bit lonely.
"Master, let me serve you," Think Nirvalen suddenly said, rising to her feet.
"Hmm? Okay," Riku replied, giving Think Nirvalen a slightly odd look. He had never really felt much for her, mainly because she'd never had a servant's awareness. Still, he didn't overthink it and just nodded.
"Oh my," Jibril said, also glancing oddly at Think Nirvalen. When did this proud Elf get so obedient? Had Master finally tamed her?
The two of them left for the hot springs. Along the way, Think Nirvalen seemed very conflicted.
This time, she was very diligent. Although clumsy, she did things like help Riku scrub his back quite seriously.
After cleaning up, the two soaked in the hot springs.
Think Nirvalen noticed Riku wasn't even looking at her, he just closed his eyes as if lost in thought. She felt a faint sense of grievance.
No matter what, she wasn't any less attractive than the other girls; in fact, she was quite well-endowed, so why did he ignore her? Did she really have no charm?
But then, Think Nirvalen froze. Was she really thinking like this? Yearning to be someone important to him...
"Master, I have a request," she said after a deep breath, her voice respectful.
"Hmm? What is it?" Riku opened his eyes, his tone calm.
"I want to go back and lead the elves," Think Nirvalen said, biting her lip, nervously. "At the moment, the elves are of little use in the coming war against the Old Deus. If we can create a few more 'Void Zero Barriers', we could be much more helpful. But only I can guide the creation of those."
"Of course," Riku nodded calmly.
"Thank you for trusting me, Master." Think Nirvalen was stunned for a moment, then happily bowed.
"When do you plan to leave?" Riku asked.
"The day after tomorrow," Think Nirvalen said, a bit nervously.
Her face flushed as she said quietly, "Because... before I go, I want to serve Master properly."
"…!" That made Riku finally look at her properly. This proud elf, when did she develop such awareness? She'd even considered the difference in their physical abilities.
With the difference between them, if they actually did that, especially since it'd be her first time, Think Nirvalen wouldn't be able to get out of bed for a day, even with healing magic. So she'd scheduled her departure for the day after tomorrow, to give herself a day to recover...
Riku instantly understood.
"Alright." At this point, Riku had no reason to refuse, especially with Schwi gone and Fia transforming, he was feeling a bit bored.
"Thank you for your favour, Master," Think Nirvalen whispered as she moved closer, resting on Riku's shoulder. "It's my first time, please be gentle."
Riku's lips curled in a smile, and he took action.
In an instant, the hot spring splashed and echoed with waves and melodies of another kind.
Eight hours after soaking in the hot spring, Think Nirvalen's weak pleas for mercy echoed through the air.
To be honest, she was on the verge of breaking down. At first, it was painful, but soon became overwhelmingly pleasurable, to the point she became addicted. After several hours, following one climax after another, things went downhill fast her entire body felt hot and raw, and she simply couldn't take it anymore.
Now, she was completely exhausted. Their difference in physical constitution was just on a whole different level.
Because of this, Riku could only reluctantly stop and let Think go.
"Life really is as lonely as snow," Riku sighed, watching Think stagger away in her kimono, clinging to the wall with shaky steps.
With his current constitution, even Fia would be no match for him, at least before her transformation was complete. He actually looked forward to seeing if the new Fia would be able to go toe-to-toe with him.
As for Think Nirvalen, after what happened, she probably wouldn't be able to get out of bed. Whether she'd be able to leave on schedule tomorrow was up in the air.
And why tomorrow? Well, because it was already close to two in the morning, after all, their 'battle' had lasted eight hours.
"Well, soaking in the hot spring alone is pointless anyway. I've had enough," Riku said, towelling off and summoning a fresh kimono.
"Next time, maybe I should try this special hot spring experience with Fia, too," he thought with satisfaction, humming as he made his way back to his bedroom.
However, when he entered, he found someone already waiting for him, and his eyebrows rose in surprise.
"Jibril, what are you doing here so late?" Riku asked, staring at her.
"I was just curious, Master, why does it take you so long to bathe with your maid in the hot spring?" Jibril's bright eyes sparkled mischievously as she spoke.
"Master, you promised to give me the present I wanted most, remember? You should already know what it is," Jibril said, her voice dreamy, eyes filled with longing. "Now that I'm back to normal, you can do whatever you want to me."
"Jibril, you really do need to be disciplined," Riku said, smirking as he reached out to stroke her wings.
"But Master, isn't that just the way you like me?" Jibril replied confidently.
"I should've prepared more toys," Riku said regretfully. "A maid who likes to reveal her master's thoughts must be properly disciplined, after all."
"Mmm, I'm looking forward to it," Jibril tilted her head, her expression still playful.
"Actually, what I'm most curious about is whether Flügel can even get pregnant," Riku said with a wicked smile.
"That's a good question. After all, we Flügel don't have males, and we've never reproduced with other species," Jibril said, tapping her cheek thoughtfully. "So, Master, would you like to try and see if it's possible?"
"Heh, so bold, Jibril. You're going to regret teasing me," Riku said with a laugh, pulling her close.
The rest needed no words; their music played on deep into the night.
The next day, at noon, Riku lay alone on the rooftop, staring at the dim, blood-red sky, feeling a little bored.
And why? Because Fia was still in the midst of her transformation, Think and Jibril were both resting, Schwi had left, and Zhuralis had gone out exploring (after all, staying in the air all the time was boring, so Riku gave her some time off). It suddenly felt quiet again.
Of course, Riku had also gone to check on Couronne, adding a few more defensive barriers to the human settlement, so there was no need to worry about their safety.
A while later, an elderly werebeast appeared on the roof, bowing respectfully to Riku.
"Lord Riku, there's news from the dwarf race. Regarding the alliance, the dwarves would like to meet with you face to face."
"Hm? Looks like I finally have something to do. I almost forgot about the dwarves," Riku muttered as he stood, stroking his chin. He'd been so busy lately, he almost forgot his original goal.
"They want a face-to-face meeting? That's fine," Riku nodded. The dwarves had a platinum chest he wanted, so now was as good a time as any.
"Understood. I'll take my leave. Please rest assured, I won't let anyone approach Fia. If anyone tries, I won't let them off lightly, no matter who they are," the elder said nervously.
Although Jibril had set up multiple barriers, you could never be too careful.
"I understand," the elder replied, shivering under Riku's gaze.
How could he possibly disturb Fia? It was obvious she was in the midst of a transformation, thanks to Riku's help, growing ever stronger.
"Good," Riku said with a wave, disappearing from the rooftop with Heavenly Shift.
"Lord Riku is getting scarier and scarier. It's a good thing we had that duel. If not for Princess Fia's marriage to Lord Riku, our people wouldn't have things so good now," the elder said, wiping away imaginary sweat, sighing in relief.
Meanwhile, out on her stroll, Zhuralis suddenly felt a presence land on her back, prompting her to instinctively release her aura before realising who it was and reining it in.
"Lord Riku, don't suddenly appear on my back like that, you'll scare a dragon!" Zhuralis said with a huff.
"Sorry, sorry. I need you to take me to the dwarves," Riku said, waving away the apology before getting to the point.
"Dwarves? Understood," Zhuralis replied, surprised for a moment before nodding.
With that, she carried Riku as they soared towards the dwarf territory.
Along the way, Riku collected three more chests: one bronze, one silver, and one gold.
The bronze chest yielded a "Bad Luck Talisman," which was useless to Riku now, though it might be fun for pranks. The silver chest contained blueprints for a mecha, based on the IS world's design, but improved. This gave Riku some ideas.
The gold chest, however, gave him a new ability: Super Regeneration. For a gold-tier reward, it was an outstanding power, something that would make an ordinary person nearly impossible to kill, and for Riku, it was a key to an even greater boost in power.