Chapter 909: The Goddess's Counter-Tease
As if foreseeing its doom, the black kitten struggled frantically in her arms, but even at its peak it was no match for Wolbach, let alone in its current state where it could do nothing.
A crimson magic circle erupted beneath Wolbach's feet, seemingly one used for rituals. Within that circle, the black cat abruptly stopped struggling, its body gradually dissolving into particles until it completely merged into Wolbach's being.
"Haa..."
Dismissing the magic circle, Wolbach let out a soft sigh.
The aura around her suddenly doubled, an overwhelming presence that made one feel as if submerged in an ocean. Only after a long moment did this imposing pressure gradually fade.
"You're much stronger than I imagined."
Wolbach examined Eiji with a peculiar expression.
Even under her uncontrollable surge of power, Eiji hadn't moved an inch, his complexion unchanged, standing firm as a rock and steady as a mountain.
Just how strong is this guy? Wolbach felt somewhat uncertain in her heart.
"Anyway, thank you for helping me recover my other half."
Wolbach expressed her gratitude to Eiji.
Though this bastard had some personality issues and was a bit crazy in the head, at least he kept his word.
After reclaiming her other half, her faith would continuously grow along with her power. The stronger her power became, the more power her followers could borrow, naturally attracting more believers.
"As for Serena, let her continue her missionary work."
Immersed in her fully restored power, Wolbach spoke indifferently.
Though this wasn't truly complete restoration - having been labeled an evil god, her current faith was far inferior to ancient times, and her present power paled in comparison to that era.
"Is this all the thanks I get?"
Eiji furrowed his brows tightly, his face showing clear dissatisfaction that seemed to say "is that all?"
"What else do you want then?"
Wolbach hesitated for a moment but ultimately acknowledged his point.
She had only helped Eiji put on an act with minimal difficulty, yet recovered her crucial other half. The exchange of favors between them was indeed unequal.
"Should I help you deal with Asuoke?"
After some thought, she made the suggestion.
With her power restored to this extent, she was no less than Asuoke. If the two joined forces, pulling that Great Duke of Hell from his throne wasn't impossible!
"Dealing with that kind of trash, I don't need help."
Eiji waved his hand, his face full of indifference.
That... kind of trash?
Hearing this, Wolbach nearly failed to maintain her expression.
Come on, it's the Great Duke of Hell!
A powerhouse who's been warring with celestial gods for centuries, and in your mouth, he's just "that kind of trash"?
However.
If it's this guy, he might actually be able to do it.
For no particular reason, such thoughts emerged in Wolbach's mind.
Though they had only met a few times including the hot spring incident, Wolbach surprisingly found that her impression of Eiji was remarkably profound. This guy possessed an extraordinary charm that always deeply attracted the attention of those around him - not just in terms of appearance or physique, but more in a fateful sense.
It's just that he's a bit crazy in the head, otherwise he wouldn't be a bad perfect partner.
"Bam!"
With a loud bang, Wolbach found herself dazed and pinned against the wall.
"Didn't I tell you earlier?"
His face suddenly captured her entire attention, wearing a knowing smile.
Confronted with that face dominating her entire field of vision, Wolbach felt her heart betray her by racing uncontrollably, momentarily forgetting how to speak.
"You're quite the beauty, Goddess."
"...Targeting a goddess? Interesting."
With her chin provocatively grasped, Wolbach revealed a wild smile, actively extending her slender fingers to trace Eiji's collarbone.
Huh?
This goddess seemed off - had she transformed somehow?
Given her herbivorous personality, shouldn't she be blushing crimson, pushing him away, and fleeing in embarrassment?
Why had she turned carnivorous instead... Oh right, she just fused with that black cat!
That black cat was the embodiment of violence, symbolizing Wolbach's wild side!
When provoked by a woman, it's always unacceptable to back down.
Since the goddess seemed willing, there was no need to hold back!
Eiji showed a confident smile, lifted Wolbach into his arms, and strode like the wind toward the Demon King's bedchamber.
....
"Kazuma, what are you looking at?"
The group had just returned to Axel and were currently shopping at the town's market.
After days of bland meals at Megumin's house, their taste buds longed for delicacies, so they unanimously decided to treat themselves tonight.
Along the way, Kazuma stopped before the guild's bulletin board, remaining silent for so long that the others looked over discontentedly.
"You're not thinking of dumping the shopping on us while you slack off, are you?"
"Darkness, Darkness, come look at this."
Kazuma ignored Aqua's provocation and beckoned Darkness over.
"Look at this."
"Th-this wanted poster... Why is Chris on it!"
Darkness widened her eyes in disbelief, staring at the top of the notice.
A certain silver-haired thief girl's name was prominently displayed beside her portrait!
Had she stolen something important and been discovered?
Darkness's mind was in turmoil, unable to think straight.
"Calm down, this isn't a wanted poster - it's looking for someone."
Kazuma calmly pointed out the difference between this and other wanted notices.
"This is a recruitment letter from Prince Justice. It seems he wants to find Chris for important matters and needs to speak with her personally. Apparently he couldn't locate her, hence this method... But there's a five million eris reward for information! Let's sell Chris out!"
"You idiot! Chris is my only best friend! If you dare do that, we're through!"
Darkness glared fiercely at Kazuma.
"Just kidding, just a joke! Don't be angry!"
Kazuma quickly apologized with a laugh.
"But this might not be bad, right? The kingdom's prince is looking for her? Maybe he's taken a liking to Chris and wants to make her his princess? Though his taste is... questionable."
Actually, Chris was quite pretty, though the scar on her face was a drawback.
And her chest was very small.
So in Kazuma's evaluation, she's relatively average—at least compared to true beauties like Megumin and Darkness.
What, you're asking about Aqua?
Heh, who even sees her as a woman? Doesn't everyone just treat her as an idiot?
"Why would Lord Justice be looking for Chris? Those two shouldn't have any connection... It's still hard to say whether this is good or bad."
Darkness calmed down. As long as it wasn't a warrant, there was still room for recovery.
"I'm going to find Chris and confirm the details!"