"Hmm..." I opened my eyes, letting waves of magic wash over my body, clearing my mind and getting rid of the hangover that even the Grail couldn't cure without activation.
A room appeared before me, but it was unusual, more like a dungeon. There were torture instruments, a table that, judging by the smell, had been used by many people... for some reason, mostly men.
"Hmm..." I twitched my hand slightly and noticed chains attached to my wrists, designed to restrain me. "Seriously?" I raised my eyebrows. "Simple chains? Me? That's not even funny."
"Ho-ho-ho-ho, you're overestimating yourself, sweetie." The door opened, letting someone into the room...
"My eyes! Your mother! May the Abyss take you all, what is this?" — I was sickened by the sight of a giant humanoid toad holding a tray of food and another set of torture instruments. — Fuck, fuck off!
"Now, now, there's no need to shout, we haven't even started yet." The monster put down the tray and moved towards me. I couldn't take it anymore, broke the chains, filled myself with the energy of sin, and bound the monster with barriers.
"What?! How could you destroy chains forged by Hephaestus?!" — growled (o), apparently a woman, but she was interrupted by my foot, which was pressed into her stomach.
"And now," I growled, pressing down with an aura of anger, helped by Ddraig, who liked the situation no more than I did, "you will tell me everything. Why am I here?
"You-u-u," squealed the creature in anger, "I am the captain of the Ishtar family! You won't get away with this so easily!" A blow to the head quickly silenced her.
"Did I ask you a question in a language you don't understand?" I crouch down, tightening the barriers around her body. "Either you answer me directly and without hiding anything, or I will sense your lies, and your soul will be sent to such dark places that even demons don't dare to go.
"I won't tell you anything! You're nothing! Ugh," she tried to spit on me, apparently a local Amazon, "I don't owe anything to a man.
"Wow, just wow. Apparently, your anger has atrophied your self-preservation instinct, or am I hiding my power too well? Let's do this... — I summon the artefact and pierce her forehead with the blade. "Red, quickly erase her memory, everything she knows about me. And tell her why you didn't tell her about what happened in the past world.
"You know I can feel the same things you do, so I decided to 'drink' with you, so to speak. And then the same thing hit me as it hit you. We shared our feelings. That's why I don't remember what happened. The dragon muttered, gutting the former captain's memory. After Mephisto, it was easy. The dragon exhaled after a couple of minutes of waiting.
"How interesting," I began to sift through the memory.
And this is what came up. Hermes and I, drunk to the point of insanity, stumbled into the red-light district. Everything had been planned in the tavern, so we were accompanied by Finn and Gareth, who immediately split off from our company and headed for a brothel they knew, as well as Bete, who, on closer inspection, turned out to be a normal guy, albeit a cheeky one, but he could get away with it because he was a strong local, well, for the locals anyway. But! The strangest thing was that Ottar came with us! That was unexpected, even though he didn't order a prostitute, but only watched us. So Freya sent him... Oh well. Further on, after several prostitutes, I lost Hermes, Captain Ottar, and found myself in a state where I married Hel, but thank God there were no unmarried goddesses here, and I didn't ask for the hand and heart of the brothel workers. And then there was that toad! She dragged me, asleep, into her dungeon and longed for me to wake up so she could satisfy her sadistic side.
"So," came the dragon's voice from the artefact, "shall we look for the god of trade, because we have to go back to Hestia? And what shall we do with Freya, why did she switch from Rabbit to you?
"She sees souls in their full glory," I switched to telepathy and left the room, going out into the corridor. "Most likely, she liked my soul much more than Bella's. And since she is an avid possessor and collector, she cannot let a unique person like me get away. The toad will strangle her, along with the hamster."
"What are you going to do with her?" asked Ddraig, poking the captain's soul with his claw, which felt like being pierced by a red-hot pole.
"What am I going to do with her? She can't stop me. So she'll seduce me. And as much as I don't 'love' the gods, because of my relationship with Father and the Abyss, adultery with such a charming creature... You understand."
"You're thinking of betraying them!" the red one reproached me angrily and sarcastically, "Your faithful angels, demons, and personal goddess of death, by the way?"
I was so taken aback that I lost my footing.
"What are you, an imperial nun, or something?" I said with an indescribable intonation.
"No, why, they can't, but you can? And anyway, who did you call a nun?!"
"First of all, I'm a demon, and we don't practice celibacy, just like dragons and angels (and don't give me that about the Fall, that was just the Bible's way of controlling natural population growth so they wouldn't rebel because of the loss of control. Controlling a bunch of people is problematic even for a god). Secondly, I may have encouraged their loyalty, but the initiative did not come from me (even if I am the one who is fully responsible and will take offence if anything happens), but no one demanded such an oath from me, because THEY themselves knew that all supernatural beings have a dogged nature, as their psychology is different from that of humans. And I am even more different, because I am a spawn of the Abyss. And we, if you don't understand, don't give a shit about the rules of the natives. We have our own problems, which sometimes even demons don't understand, and neither do we ourselves. Is that clear?" I deliver a speech that silences the dragon until I return to the surface. On the way, I didn't meet a single guard or family member. No one dared to enter the captain's dungeon.
"Tsk, okay, okay. I'm talking nonsense. You could have done without that long speech," the dragon turns away.
"You can, but I have to explain to you why I have the opportunity to sleep with anyone. But I'm not running around, I'm sorry, wanting everything that moves. Only when it's necessary or for business."
"Or desire," the red one chimed in.
"Or desire," I nodded, "I like her, I mean Freya, so why not make us both happy if she doesn't mind. I'm not a human being after all," I shrugged, wandering through the corridors. What's more, I'd forgotten the layout of the goddess Ishtar's mansion because I was in such a hurry.
"Where the fuck do I go?" I kick the table next to me. "No windows, no doors, just fucking corridors! That's it! I'll make a door myself!" I hit the wall next to me and charge ahead, destroying one wall after another.
"Who's so impatient?" A velvety voice reached me as soon as I destroyed another obstacle and entered a huge hall. "Ah, it's our hero from yesterday, who managed to wear out our most enduring Amazons. Didn't Phryne (the captain's name) take you with her? Usually, no one leaves after her."
"She can't leave her cosy little room in the dungeons after me," I smiled, baring my teeth, "Unless it's feet first. Ha ha ha."
"What did you do?" Ishtar frowned, putting her charm and subjugation powers to work. She concentrated. "I can't feel the connection! What. Did. You. Do?! Answer me!" She flared with anger and struck the armrest of the throne.
"Come on, my dear." I summon the artefact and begin to slowly approach her. "Your seduction doesn't work on me, because I can do the same, even if it is a curse." I cut down her slave who tried to attack me, causing the goddess to back away. "Stop." I frown. "Someone is watching us... What is that? What kind of magic..." I start looking around.
"You won't touch me! And if you do, everyone in this city will turn against you!" Oh, here comes the hysterics. Well, yes, her magic doesn't work on me, but using force could get me deported.
"Be so kind as to shut up. — I snort contemptuously at the goddess, allowing my disgust to show on my face, which makes her choke on the air. — So this is the infamous mirror of the gods that broadcasts the most interesting things to everyone?
She remains silent.
"Will you answer?" I tilt my head like a bird. "Make my fate easier by cooperating."
"Do you think you can take on the sin of god-killing?" Ishtar aggressively goes on the attack.
"Answer the question," I demand calmly, fixing her with my gaze.
"Yes," she spits out, realising that she won't get an answer from me. "Right now, all the gods of this city are watching you, watching us. The magic was activated the moment you entered the hall.
"Hmm," I drummed my finger on my chin. "I can't break this spell, the consequences in the form of a shock wave would be too strong. Why pour so much energy into tracking magic? Fine," I waved my hand. "Those were my thoughts out loud. Where was I? I look at the artefact in my hand, then at the pale goddess. "Ah, yes.
"Don't touch me! They won't let it go that easily," Ishtar began to scream as soon as I put her on her knees and held the sword to her throat. "They will hunt you down!
"Another god will come in your place. No holy place remains empty." I grin. "And you're not the first deity on my list." Her eyes widen in shock; it's not every day you meet a god-killer.
Slowly, savouring the moment and her emotions, I bring my sword closer to her neck, gradually revealing its full power and aura.
"How poetic, a goddess-whore meets her end on her knees. Ah, Slaanesh would have been delighted to 'end' like this." I snort at my own simple joke. The cold blade touches her skin, almost gently, causing her to flinch, but the excitement in the air is palpable. "Are you serious? At a time like this?" I sigh in disappointment. "Who would have thought you were a masochist?"
"B-but, I didn't know myself..." the goddess whispers dejectedly, lowering her head.
"Tsk, you ruined the mood. But," I grab her by the throat, "if I can't kill you, I can study you! And believe me," I whisper so that only she can hear, muffling the sound so that the observers can't hear, "death will seem like a reward to you.
Ishtar tries to break free from my grip, but alas, she is not as strong as she thought.
"Ladies and gentlemen," I remove the sound insulation and turn to the observers, "The concert is over. This... creature and I need some time. To be alone. And lest you think that we will engage in the debauchery to which this one," I nod towards the goddess, "is accustomed. Let me clarify. She has decided to help me with my experiment! Can you imagine, she has decided to help advance science. So we'll be gone for a couple of days. You don't mind, do you?" I squeeze her throat a little harder, hinting at a positive answer.
"N-no," she whispered. "I'll help."
"As you can see, it's all mutual consent." I chuckle. "Then let's go." I spread my wings, cast a reinforced Ddraig concealment spell, and disappear from the gods' radars.
It's time to win the argument.
***
Somewhere in a place unknown to Virgil.
"Wow," Freya sighed languidly. "I was right to choose him." She involuntarily stroked her thigh. "As soon as he returns, I will find him. I will find him and do what I want."
Her whisper became indistinct and her hand began to dance, eliciting even more moans.
Poor Ottar, standing behind the door, almost fainted from the divine energy emanating from his patroness.
"I don't know who to pity. Vergilia or the Goddess. They're both so strange. But one thing I know for sure — I don't want to be near Freya when she finds him, not with every fibre of my being. But I have to..."
The poor captain tossed and turned all night, but could not come to a decision.
***
"Do you still think he's normal?" Finn exhaled, looking at the divine mirror. "He could have easily killed her!"
"But she was saved by her own whorishness and hidden masochism," Loki snorted. "Come on, Finn, it's very difficult to kill gods. They all end up in the heavenly kingdom early.
"Even so," the captain crossed his arms over his chest, "he said he already killed a god. That should make you see sense! Don't you dare play with him!"
"No, something tells me it'll be interesting! And you won't change my mind." The eyes of the goddess of deception sparkled with excitement, sending shivers down the spines of everyone who saw them.
"Are you curious where he took Ishtar?" asked Riviera.
"He'll fuck her somewhere, that's for sure," Bethe grunted, causing Lefia to blush. For this, he received a slap on the back of the head from Riviera herself.
"No," Loki's smile disappeared. "Wherever he took her, we can't interfere."
"Why?" asked Aiz, who had been silent until then.
"If only because we won't be able to find him. As you can see, the mirror lost him and can't focus," the goddess chuckled, returning her usual smile. "He has to win the bet, doesn't he?" She looked at Riviera. "So he'll be back in a few days."
***
"Find him," Uranus ordered. "Use everyone. We can't just let such insolent behaviour go unpunished. To hell with Ishtar. Find the insolent man and bring him here."
"But why?" asked the leech.
"He's gone too far!
"What do you mean?
"Didn't you hear? He's going to study her! Study a god! That's unacceptable!" Uran roared. "Find him!"
***
I arrived at the church where Hestia lived. The sun had risen long ago, so I didn't think Bell would be home. But I could sense the goddess clearly.
Shaking off Ishtar, who was groaning from such "caresses," I headed for the keeper of the hearth.
"Hestia!" I tapped my knuckles on the doorframe, smelling the pleasant aroma of meat sauce. "Oh, is that stew, or are you just so happy to see me?"
"Huh?" The loli goddess didn't understand at first, but then, "Verg! We were looking for you until the divine mirror appeared. You're so harsh with her. But she deserves it, she was eyeing my Bell.
"Women in love are dangerous," I grunted, watching the blushing girl who realised she had said the last part out loud. "I'm leaving soon, so I'll ask where the rabbit is."
"He'll be back soon, he went to the market for herbs," replied Lolly, coughing into her fist.
"What's a tied-up girl doing here? A goddess? Oh!" They noticed me. "Hi, where did you go?
"Just walking around under the red lanterns," he said, noticing the blush on Hestia's cheeks. "But don't get distracted. Your training is about to begin!"
"Now?! But I'm not ready. What about provisions, armour, weapons?" the fair-haired man began to list.
"No, all you need is the room you showed me. Let's go." I beckoned him with my hand.
"What are you going to do?" asked Hestia, watching the ritual circle with demonic and angelic inscriptions being burned. And a couple of Scandinavian rune chains had found their way in there too.
"A ritual to gain power and eternal life," I wink at the goddess. "It's a long story, and I'm too lazy to explain. There's no time. So I'll make it short. You will sleep for three days while your body grows stronger. You will develop a real, normal magical core and knowledge of magic. You will gain eternal youth, and only violence can kill you. I promised, and I will deliver.
"Will everything be okay?" asked Lolly.
"The process is set up and automated. If something goes wrong, I'll come and fix it. Teleportation, or spatial transfer, as you call it. I'll be here the moment there's a glitch. You don't need to worry. In three days, he'll be as fresh as a cucumber. — I give her a thumbs up. — And you can rest.
"But I'm not tired..."
"Not up for discussion. Go procrastinate. — I gently push the goddess out the door and create a barrier. — And you lie down in the centre. — I nod to the rabbit.
He quickly complies and loses consciousness.
"Well, that's one thing done," I nod to myself.
"Time to study the local gods," the dragon growls bloodthirstily. "Are you going to devour her?"
"No, when I devour them, I get part of their essence, if not all of it." I lift Ishtar like a sack of potatoes and leave the church. "Just imagine if I become even more of a stud! Why would I want to devour the soul of a whore goddess? The potential disadvantages outweigh the advantages."
"I imagined it for a second..." The red one squeezes out, suppressing a laugh. "Poor, poor Akeno and Shuri."
"Damn you," I muttered good-naturedly, spreading my wings and flying away from the city to a place where I wouldn't be disturbed and where I could set up a field laboratory. "It's time for science."
"That's too sinister!" the red one laughed. "Ishtar will definitely 'like' that."
***
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