Word Count: 3.7k words!
(1st POV)
Half an hour later.
We were seated inside Azazel's apartment again… after fixing all the damage I caused.
I had also let Azazel erase the memories of residents…I was not heartless enough to leave them like that.
I sipped some freshly made matcha as I got comfortable in the living room. Reze sat beside me, her hand propped under her cheek, probably bored out of her mind.
Can't blame her, I dragged her into this, after all.
"So… what can I do for you, master?" Azazel asked, his voice as calm as ever.
After making the contract, I'd already used Enchain on him.
Being called "master" though…and by a guy? Yeah… I will pass. it felt weird, not in a good way type. I had rather have a hot woman call me master.
"Just be yourself, Azazel. And don't call me master or anything. I only want you to answer my questions."
He nodded once.
"What I want is a Sacred Gear… specifically a heat-type, if possible."
"Heat-type? May I ask why that in particular? Not that I have a problem with it, just curious." He inquired in curiosity.
I glanced at Reze. She met my eyes and nodded:
"It's about me," she said. "My explosions don't work when I'm wet. A heat-type Sacred Gear would be perfect to deal with that weakness."
Azazel stayed silent, processing her words. Then he put a finger to his chin, as if deep in thought.
"I see… well, you're in luck. One of our field agents has exactly what you're looking for."
Then his gaze shifted back to me.
"Extracting one isn't impossible, since it's not a Longinus… but it would mean our field agent would die…Are you okay with that?" His voice held a hint of hesitation.
I blinked at him. Confused. Was this supposed to make me feel bad? Why would I care about some random guy when my priority was Reze's safety?
If it meant keeping my loved ones safe…I was willing to do much worse.
I know it's cruel to think that way, but some sacrifices are necessary. Because at the end, cold logic wins over sentiment when your life depends on it.
I could probably resurrect that guy, but I didn't want to draw unwanted attention, not like when I brought Yelena back.
"Azazel… you seem to misunderstand me." I aaid while keeping my gazed fixed on him.
He seemed surprised but didn't flinch.
"…I couldn't care less about the life of someone I don't know. That's your problem. Deal with it. Do as I say, and we're done here." My voice was steady but it carried heavy weight
"…Understood."
I leaned back slightly. "On a second note, I also want every bit of information and research you have on magic , specifically magic used by humans."
This was what I really wanted. Magic was versatile. Once you have enough knowledge on the principles of the world, you could manipulate almost any phenomenon.
Paired with Gojo's Six Eyes? My mana manipulation would be so efficient, I could spam spells almost endlessly.
"I have no problem with that," Azazel said. "But I have to ask, have you ever used magic before? Or felt a supernatural current flowing through your body?"
I forze for a second, thinking through each word carefully.
"Nope. Can't say I ever used it. And by 'supernatural current,' you mean mana? I don't feel it… yet."
Azazel nodded, confirming my assumption. "Yes. Mana , the essential supernatural energy for magic, at least for humans…and you said you don't feel it?"
I tilted my head. Where was he going with this?
"Yeah, I don't. Is that a problem? Can't I just awaken it?"
He didn't answer. Instead, he stood up. That caught me off guard , but I stayed still. He was under my command, so he couldn't harm me even if he wanted. I was also on my guard regardless.
He stepped closer and placed his hand on my forehead. For a moment, it felt like he was searching through my body for something..
A few seconds later, he retraced his hand and sighed.
"As I thought… I'm sorry to say this, Aleks… you can't use magic."
"…What?" My mind went blank, like I'd been told something I didn't want to hear.
"Your body has zero magical energy. Likely because you don't possess any mana circuits."
Before I could ask, he continued as if he'd read my mind.
"Mana circuits are an essential part of the Thaumatology foundation. In simple terms: they let humans generate and channel mana to cast spells. Without them…you're just a normal human."
I didn't respond. My eyes stayed on my lap as I processed his words.
If he was right… my path to magic was already sealed.
This would change everything.
My fists clenched in frustration. Nothing ever comes easy, does it?
I'd planned to exploit Grigori's magic knowledge and at least have a decent proficiency before Kyoto mission. But now?
Once again…I was reminded how pathetic I really was.
Would I always have to rely on the Path of Human God?
I stopped overthinking and took a deep breath before finally speaking.
"Then how are those humans with magic different from me? How does one get mana circuits? Is there any workaround?" I finally asked.
Azazel sat back down, took a sip of sake, and answered:
"Mana circuits aren't something you obtain, Aleks. You're either born with them, or you're not. Think of them like a magical nervous system that determines your mana output and reserves."
"In this world, roughly one percent of humans are Homo Magi, halfies included. You…are not one of them. And since you're already past eighteen, I am afraid it's impossible for you now. Unless…" He let his words hang.
"Unless?"
He raised two fingers.
"You have two options." He continued.
"One, get a blessing from a deity related to magic, like Odin. That's easier said than done. Most gods are picky and too self centered. If you don't worship them, they won't even look at you."
He took another drink.
"Two , reincarnate into a different species. You can choose to be Devil, angel, vampire, whatever you want. If you do..your existence would be rewritten as one of them, giving you their innate supernatural energy."
"For example, if you reincarnate into a devil through Evil Pirces...you can use demonic energy for Magic. That's the more…practical option." Azazel leaned back, letting the word sink in.
Azazel's words snapped something in me I didn't know existed.
"…I'd rather die." I blurted out without putting much thought.
I realized I had a strong aversion at the very thought becoming something other than human. Was this… the Path's influence?
At my words both Reze and Azazel turned towards me, startled with my strong reaction.
"Are you okay Aleks-kun?" Reze asked out of genuine concern.
I gave her a small smile. "Yeah, I'm fine…it's just neither of the options Azazel proposed are to my liking."
And I had my reasons, worshipping a Magic God for their blessing of magic…it was practically begging in disguise. I have no faith in any so-called Gods in this world. Even if my life depended on it, I'd choose death any time.
Other thing was, this power gave me
something I'd come to call sort of Polymorphic Immunity. If any being tried to forcefully change me into another species, it would protect me from these forced transformations as long as I did not consent for it.
Most importantly, I had lose Path of Human God if my foundation stopped being a human. This was the risk I'd never take…or I had lose the biggest advantage I had in this life.
I could still evolve, gain countless supernatural enhancements, or even transcend into godhood… as long as my foundation remained human.
"Anyway, I wouldn't want to waste anymore of our times. So Azazel, bring that sacred gear guy here and lets be done with this." I said, my voice firm.
"As you wish." With that a magical circle bloomed above his left hand, and then he held it to his ear like a phone.
And like that an hour passed.
***
Around 1:00 a.m.
Reze's Apartment, Tokyo.
We had just arrived, after spending three days in Hokkaido. Our much-needed break was finally over.
It might not have been the peaceful date we had imagined, between the Eternity devil, Sebastian, and Azazel, we'd been pulled into more trouble than rest.
But maybe that was why we ended up even closer. It feels strange to say this but sometimes moment like this forces you into the best kind of closeness you could wish for…and I'm glad for it.
Now we stood at the doorway, the city surprisingly quieter than usual, as Reze unlocked her apartment.
CREEK
The door swung open, and she stepped inside while I remained outside, hesitant.
Realizing I was not following her, she looked back at me and let out a quiet sigh.
"Not coming in again, huh?" She said with disappointment in her tone.
"You know how she is… she told me to get back to her as soon as we arrived in Tokyo,"
"Reze…to be honest, I don't want you to be put in danger. Last thing I want is her yandere tendencies kicking in and making things worse," I confessed, my voice lower than I intended.
For a few seconds, she just stared at me in silence. Then, as if making up her mind, she stepped closer, her hands coming to rest lightly on my shoulder
"You know…these past three days, I've never had this much fun in my life," she said, her voice soft, almsot like saying it out lound would steal this happiness.
Then, her emerald-green eyes met mine. I could see it there, the sincerity and affection she showed when she was with me.
"Thank you for loving me, Aleks-kun," she whispered.
My heartbeat fastened, a surge of adrenaline rushed into me…her words actually meant a lot. I feel like the void in my heart was already healing…
Without thinking, I wrapped my arms around her. She didn't resist, she just leaned in and hugged me back.
After a moment, I pulled back just enough to speak.
"…Tomorrow at ten…do you want to go hunting for some stray devils? Maybe I can help you train your new sacred gear?"
Her green eyes locked onto mine with an amused expression. She broke the hug and tilted her head slightly.
"This is not just about training is it? You want to use that on them?"
"Yes…they are long lived species, they are perfect for my experiment.." I admitted, confirming her suspicions.
She smirked, leaning a bit closer, "You're so cruel Aleks-kun…"
I chuckled softly, and then glanced at a…Bomb themed clock mounted on the wall, "Maybe so…Reze I think I should get going."
She nodded, "Try not get killed by Miss Makima..alright?"
"..I will keep that in mind."
"Good night, Reze," I said, my voice low now, carrying a warmth only she can recognize.
"Good night, Aleks-kun," she whispered, a soft smile lingering as I turned and left.
***
I walked through the streets, the city quieter than usual. Wonder what's up with that.
Now, for the elephant in the room… I was going to see her again after three days. She always managed to catch me off guard with her unusual surprises. Last time, it had been her confession… I couldn't help but wonder what she had planned this time.
A few minutes later, I stood in front of her penthouse. I didn't enter right way. I waited and thought how should I approach her this time.
No matter what happens, I have to stay composed. I can't let her see any hint of weakness in me. The last thing I wanted was her to notice and…use it.
From inside, I could hear faint sounds from the kitchen. Maybe she is cooking something?
My enhanced smell picked up a pleasant aroma, rich and inviting. Whatever it was, it was definitely something delicious.
I reached for the doorbell but…
CREEK
…the door swung open before I could touch it.
It was Makima.
Her golden eyes met mine, calm and unreadable. And then… the apron. She had nothing but the apron covering her nakedness.It was so loosely worn that I could perfectly see through her breasts which were barely being covered.
"Welcome back, Aleks-kun. Do you like what you see?" Her voice was soft, controlled, and teasing.
My eyes widened, not because of shock, but because of seeing this side of her for the first time.
She looked drop dead gorgeous. I had to control myself before doing something I had regret later.
I blinked, heart thudding in my chest. "You…you're gorgeous, Miss Makima."
She smiled, a slow, knowing curl of her lips. "I am glad you like it. Come in, we have much to talk~" She said as she grabbed my hand, dragging me inside.
The door shut behind me louder than it should have.
I walked into her penthouse, taking in the usual meticulously decorated interior: the eccentric paintings, the shelves stacked with books I had rather not name..
She led me to the dining table in the kitchen, which was unusually…occupied. Several dishes and platters were laid out as if a gourmet meal awaited me.
"…What is all this?" I couldn't help but ask. It was midnight, and she had prepared food?
I mean I felt hungry, though, so I couldn't complain. The last thing I wanted was to upset her by not appreciating her efforts.
She turned to me, tilting her head ever so slightly.
"You must be hungry. I thought I'd prepare a special meal for you. I didn't eat all day so I could eat it with you, Aleks-kun~" She wasn't teasing this time, her voice carried genuine warmth.
I swear I felt butterflies in my stomach. And for a second…I forgot she was the Control Devil, someone I had to be vary off no matter what.
"Thank you… thank you for taking care of me, Miss Makima," I said, my voice carried both honestly and excitement. It was obvious to her I was totally looking forward to this.
She had a faint smile on her face, and then she leaned forward.
"Call me Makima when we're alone, Aleks-kun~"
"…Alright, Makima." I let the name slip without an honorific, feeling a strange thrill just from her permission. She was the type who wouldn't allow anyone to have that luxury unless she deemed them worthy.
A minute later, I sat at the table, my hands clasped for support, anticipation coiled in my chest as I waited for the midnight dinner with Makima.
Meanwhile, the woman in question herself moved with the calm precision of someone who had done this many times, placing the final dish on a plate.
Her bare back, the curve of her plum butt, the elegance in every movemen, it all felt like a trap, and I knew it. She was like a Succubus who wanted me to fall for her subtle seduction…and it was working. My desire burned hotter with every breath.
Inhale. Exhale.
Calm down, Rein. Take deep breaths. She wants you to react like this. Why else would she dress and move this way?
I tried to restrain myself. I really did.
But my legs betrayed me. They surprisingly felt heavier than usual. I stood up and made my way towards her.
As if sensing my movement, a flicker of surprise crossed her golden eyes, but before she could react further…
I wrapped my arms around her from behind. My hands tightly pressed against her body, my breath hot against her neck.
"…Makima…" I murmured, my voice low and rough, driven entirely by desire.
Her body stiffened slightly at first, then…relaxed.
"…What is it?" She asked in a low voice.
I nibbled her right ear and I felt her shiver, even if it was just for a second.
"You're making this hard for me, Makima. I can't control myself if you keep doing this…" I whispered as I gently cupped her hreasts.
She placed her hands over mine, urging me to continue rather than stop. "Don't keep yourself starved," she murmured, voice soft but deliberate. "You have my permission."
That was it… I lifted her gently, guiding her to sit on the platform so she could face me.
Our bodies were close, just inches apart, and I could feel the heat radiating from our bodies. She wrapped her legs around me, pulling me closer.
Our foreheads pressed together, breaths ragged . I leaned in, and our lips met. The kiss was slow, deliberate, but then it turned wild. Our tongues explored each others mouth, while we continued our sloppy yet lewd exchange.
He hands tangled in my hair, holding me close to her. This continued for what felt like an eternity, and then we
separated.
It seemed she wasn't quite done with me yet. She leaned in, pressing her lips against my neck and gently biting, leaving a hickey that burned beautifully on my skin.
"I think this is enough…for now," Makima said in a low voice, pulling back just enough to meet my eyes.
I straightened my posture slightly , taking a deep breath to calm myself. "Alright." That was a close one..if she hadn't stopped, I might have nearly lost it.
Makima's lips curved into a faint, smile. "Good. Let's not keep our dinner waiting, Aleks-kun."
***
"Say aahhh~," Makima spoke softly, her concentric golden eyes fixed on me.
"Aaahh~," I obeyed, opening my mouth so she could feed me.
Yes, she was feeding me like I was her pet. Not that I minded—being fed by her felt…strangely good?
I bit into the piece of…Beef Wellington? I mean it tasted like beef.
And like that, my eyes lit up. It felt like the best thing I'd ever eaten. It was tender, rich, and perfectly seasone…didn't know Makima was such a great cook.
"How is it? Do you like it?" she asked, leaning lightly on her left hand, watching me with that calm, calculated curiosity she always had.
"…Yes…this is incredible. I've never tasted meat like this ever before. Didn't know beef could be this good," I said after I finished chewing the savory meat.
Makima kept smiling, but this time there was a glint in her eyes that she always had when she was plotting something. . "Oh…you said beef?" she muttered, tilting her head.
I blinked. "Yeah…? What else would it be?"
Her tone dropped just a fraction, "You might call it beef, but…this is dragon meat, Aleks-kun."
My eyes widened, meeting hers. "Dragon…meat?"
Makima nodded, calm as ever. "Yes… it's the meat of a dragon I killed who challenged me in the past. Consider this a special treat I prepared just for you. Dragon meat is very valuable in the supernatural world… I wondered how you'd react."
I narrowed my eyes. Something about her tone was a straight giveaway something was horribly wrong.
Strangely, though, I wasn't recoiling at the thought of eating dragon meat…
What was happening to me? Why did I feel like this around her, letting my guard down completely?
"…Who was the dragon you killed, Makima?" I asked, hesitating.
She didn't answer immediately, only stared at me for a few seconds. Her faint smile never faltered.
"Alright, I will tell you… but it's a secret between us, do you understand?"
"Yes, ma'am," I replied, my voice tight.
Makima leaned back slightly. "It's the meat of a dragon named Tannin, one of the Dragon Kings by the title Blazing Meteor Dragon. When I was visiting the Underworld, he challenged me, and lost. He begged like a fool, pleading for mercy… but I wanted to know what dragon meat truly tasted like. So I killed him."
I was horrified. My stomach turned violently, a bitter churn that made my throat tighten. Words caught in my throat, refusing to form any coherent words.
I fell off the chair to my knees, trembling uncontrollably. I felt like puking…but nothing came out. My hands shook as if my body was rejecting what I had just eaten.
Tannin…he had been an honorable dragon king. The rare kind who actually cared about the well being of his species.
In the original timeline, he would have likely turned into a devil under Mephisto Pheles just to secure a territory in the Underworld where dragon apples cultuvated.
Dragon apples were something some species of dragons needed to eat to survive.
I had respect for beings like him. They were the last people I'd ever think of harming if they had done me no wrong. Yet here I was… eating his meat.
How could she be so… evil? I expected her cruelty, I really did, but experiencing it in reality… it made me hurt in a way I didn't want to acknowledge.
"What's wrong, Aleks-kun? Was the meat not to your liking?" Makima asked, tilting her head in confusion, her tone soft.
She was oblivious to her own misdeeds huh. As expected of the Control devil.
I was lost, angry and frustrated even. But most importantly, I was disappointed at myself for being affected this way.
I finally realized one thing…
When it comes to Makima… nothing good ever comes.
I couldn't supress myself anymore. I looked up, making sure she was looking at me.
"What the FUCK is WRONG with you?!" I yelled, voice shaking with disbelief.
Makima didn't say a word. She rose from her chair and knelt,and made eye contact with me. Her hand cupping my cheek.
"I am surprised by your strong reaction, Aleks-kun. Let me make this perfectly clear… in this world, the strong rule over the weak. The Inferior have no right to refuse the will of their superiors. This is simply the law of nature."
Then, almost gently, she pulled me into a hug, her warmth pressing against me. "If you didn't like it… I won't make you eat again." She muttered, her voice was almost soft enough to make me believe it was kindness.
Then her fingers lingered on my nape, her touch genuinely tender. "Come now…let's finish our dinner, everything other than that meat."
I froze in her embrace, my mind a storm of emotions.
God…I am pathetic. Even knowing what she's capable of… even knowing cruelty she hides behind that mask…I can't come to hate her, because…
…I still love her.
***
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Author's Note:
Those who think Makima is a perfect waifu candidate, reconsider lol. Man I love Fujimoto sensei's writing. That guy is a genius for coming up with such an interesting character 😏 😈
Anyway please vote if you wish to support me!