"So, what's the specific effect?"
"It greatly enhances my physical body, granting immense strength and terrifying recovery." Momiji explained.
In short, Monkey Princess was a unique skill that comprehensively boosted Momiji's abilities.
Combined with the magicule solidification from Damien, her attributes would become formidable.
Under this enhancement, any technique Momiji used would see significant improvement.
"That kind of ability?"
Hakurou said, "Looks like I'll need to train you properly, Momiji."
"Yes, Father."
"My training won't be easy."
"I'll do my best!"
Hakurou had already spotted the flaw in her unique skill.
Raw power was great, but failing to wield it effectively was a waste.
Fortunately, his Martial Master skill not only made him formidable but also excelled at teaching others.
"I look forward to your growth, Momiji." Damien said.
"Yes, my lord!"
Momiji's family had received Damien's grace.
This scene left someone restless.
Not Shuna or Shion, of course.
Their magicules, while lower than Momiji's family, were sufficient.
As mentioned before, between 100,000 and 1,000,000 EP, victory hinged on unique skills and mastery over them.
That someone…
"Benimaru, congratulations." Damien said, patting his shoulder. "With such strong in-laws backing you, you'd better take good care of Momiji-chan."
"I…"
Benimaru was panicking, really panicking.
A mere 100,000 EP small fry like him felt immense pressure before this family of powerhouses.
Truth be told, he hoped Damien would grant him more magicules.
But he knew his situation.
Consecutive breakthroughs in a short time would hinder his growth.
"Benimaru, you need to train harder too." Hakurou said. "For the next while, I'll be the one drilling you!"
Hakurou's tone, implying Benimaru's weakness, made him quiver like a frightened quail.
Hakurou's training was nothing short of hellish.
"I'll work hard with you!" Momiji said, slapping Benimaru's shoulder.
Her newly acquired Monkey Princess strength nearly knocked the air out of him.
"Hm, such youth." Kaede chuckled, eyes narrowing with satisfaction at her future son-in-law.
'Heh, looks like Benimaru's family status is set,' Damien thought, silently pitying the guy.
As Shuna served him, Damien sampled the Tengu's cuisine.
During the meal, he shared his earlier suspicions with Kaede and Momiji.
Now no longer an outsider, he could speak openly.
"No wonder!"
Momiji gripped Benimaru's hand, squeezing so hard he broke into a cold sweat. 'Ow, ow, ow!'
"Those damned bird people, scheming like this!"
"And those hawk faction fools…"
"Traitors, they deserve death!"
The more she spoke, the harder she squeezed.
'It's gonna break, it's gonna break!' Benimaru wailed inwardly, maintaining a calm facade.
He knew Damien was watching his predicament with amusement.
For the sake of male pride, he refused to cry out.
Crack!
Well, the bone really broke.
Fragile mage Benimaru meeting warrior Momiji... how could he not seem frail?
"Hm?"
"What was that sound?"
Momiji looked around, puzzled, but finding no source, continued, "My lord, leave this to us. We'll give you a satisfactory resolution!"
What resolution?
Killing them, of course.
Betraying the clan as turncoats left no other option.
Momiji didn't doubt Damien's suspicions, nor did it matter if they were mistaken.
She and her mother were now Damien's subordinates.
Whether to protect the clan or for their own interests, they had to bring the Tengu under Damien's banner.
Thus, the Tengu would become Damien's people.
If their lord doubted their loyalty, even if just to ease his concerns, the mother and daughter had to expel the hawk faction.
Otherwise, leaving that thorn would make it hard for Damien to trust the Tengu.
How could they gain prominence then?
"No rush." Damien said, pleased with Momiji's resolve. "I'm actually curious to see a Demon Lord's strength."
"Your meaning?" Kaede asked, surprised. "A trap within a trap?"
"Exactly." Damien nodded. "Let the hawk faction report our arrival to Frey."
"An outsider appearing suddenly... I don't believe Frey will stay idle."
The likeliest outcome was, to avoid complications, Frey would launch an attack on the Sacred Mountain with the hawk faction's aid.
"Even to expel the hawk faction, we need evidence." Damien said. "This is the perfect chance to confirm their treason!"
In the Harpy Queendom of Fulbrosia, Queen Frey's chambers.
"Lady Frey." A Harpy girl named Luchia, Frey's confidante, hurried in. "News from the Tengu's hidden village!"
"Movements from the long-nosed clan?"
"Let me see."
Frey took the report, her brow furrowing as she read. "Damien? Who's that?"
The Jura Forest was notoriously insular, and with Veldora's presence, Demon Lords tacitly avoided meddling there.
This left Frey largely ignorant of the forest's majin.
Moreover, Damien's rise was meteoric.
In just over a month, he'd built a vast foundation from nothing.
Though not yet a formal nation, his top-tier forces already surpassed what Clayman, Carrion, or Frey could fathom.
Of course, Frey was unaware of this.
To her, the Jura Forest remained a barbaric, backward region.
As for Damien…
"A random majin leader, boldly meddling in the Tengu's internal affairs." Frey muttered, shaking her head as the report turned to ash. "I don't know if he's brave or just clueless."
"But it's time to teach those Tengu a lesson."
***
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