True to her reputation as a prolific figure in countless tales of intrigue.
Kaiser observed intently, offering his silent appraisal.
Vermouth remained on her knees, arms crossed modestly in front, subtly accentuating her generous curves.
"Master, what next?"
She'd switched to the title already—quite the quick study.
"I'll take it from here."
Kaiser smiled in approval, reaching out.
At the gesture...
Vermouth straightened eagerly, arching forward with unmistakable intent.
If she weren't kneeling...
It would have been a full-on charge.
Akemi: "..."
Shiho: "..."
The sisters' gazes sharpened in unison.
This woman had no sense of shame.
Akemi leaned toward Shiho. "Be careful from now on. She's no pushover."
"I know."
Shiho nodded grimly.
This witch was far too skilled.
She hadn't even fully become Master's servant yet, and she was already vying for favor.
An unexpected sense of crisis welled up within her.
"Or... maybe we could team up, sis?"
The words slipped out before Shiho could stop them, her face flushing scarlet.
What on earth was she saying?
"Huh?"
Akemi blinked, momentarily stunned.
Had her little sister evolved this quickly?
Completely unbound by human conventions?
Kaiser glanced at the exchange, then said calmly, "A bit lower. The spot needs to be clear for the mark."
"Y-yes, of course."
Vermouth murmured meekly, realizing her misunderstanding.
But...
What exactly did a devil reincarnation ritual entail?
"Is this better?"
She shifted her arms downward slightly.
"Good."
Kaiser nodded, letting the golden blood drip onto her skin.
Hum!
Light blossomed.
Countless arcane symbols flickered briefly across her flesh before fading.
Thump! Thump thump!
Vermouth's pupils contracted as her heartbeat thundered in her ears.
Something surged within her.
A new energy... flowing, awakening.
This was... demonic power?
At the same moment...
Lines of data materialized.
[Vermouth]
[Race: Devil]
[Master: Kaiser Lucifuge]
[Level: LV9]
[Skill: Demonic Mask]
[Demonic Mask: Freely alter appearance, voice, and even aura—perfectly replicate anyone.]
...
Kaiser studied the information thoughtfully.
Aside from Grayfia...
The other three reincarnated devils had all started at LV9.
It seemed his Devil Contract granted that boon.
Even ordinary humans reached the pinnacle of Low-Class Devil upon reincarnation.
Setting the theory aside, Kaiser looked down.
"Demonic Mask..."
A transformation-type ability?
His eyes gleamed.
It suited Vermouth perfectly.
And that "perfect replication" description...
Vague wording like that usually hid something extraordinary.
He checked his own panel next.
As expected—no major shifts, just the addition of Demonic Mask to his skills.
Kaiser jotted down Vermouth's stats on paper and handed it to her.
"This is...?"
Vermouth blinked in mild confusion.
"Your servant profile."
He explained briefly.
"Ah, I see."
Understanding dawned as excitement lit her features.
The gates to a new world had finally opened for her.
Without delay, she scanned the sheet.
Kaiser Lucifuge.
So that was Master's full name.
She repeated it silently, committing it to memory.
She knew her place.
As a servant, she had to start small.
Then her gaze drifted lower.
LV9?
It really did feel like a video game.
With a quiet chuckle at the thought, she reached her skill.
"Seems not too different from my disguise techniques..."
Murmuring to herself, she decided to test it.
Activating a skill felt almost instinctive once understood.
Hum!
In an instant, countless figures flashed through her mind.
Anyone she knew well—she could replicate.
The more details she possessed, the more flawless the transformation.
Finally...
Her eyes settled on Shiho.
A brief shimmer of light passed over her.
In a blink...
Another "Shiho Miyano" stood in her place.
She cupped her chest appraisingly, smiling in satisfaction. "Not bad. Though it seems I still come out ahead."
Shiho: "..."
This woman was begging for trouble.
Shiho gritted her teeth, glancing down involuntarily.
Damn it.
It really was... just a little bigger.
Kaiser examined the duplicate "Shiho," nodding subtly.
Impressive.
Indistinguishable—even the aura matched perfectly.
But was that all?
" Vermouth, sense your current state more deeply."
"See if there's any other power."
"Yes, Master."
The faux Shiho nodded, closing her eyes briefly.
A flood of memories surfaced.
She raised a delicate hand, channeling demonic energy.
Hum!
Light flared as a pale blue magic circle spread from her palm.
"Wind blade magic?"
Shiho's eyes widened in disbelief.
Kaiser's expression turned knowing.
As suspected.
This was the true terror of Demonic Mask.
Not just mimicry of appearance—it could replicate abilities too.
"Release it. Let me see the power."
"Yes, Master."
Vermouth complied, unleashing the spell.
Smack!
Kaiser dispersed the wind blades with a casual slap.
"It's... weaker than when I use it."
Shiho exhaled in relief.
"Exactly."
Kaiser mused. "Likely tied to Vermouth's own strength."
Shiho was Mid-Class now—far above Vermouth.
But that also meant...
Once Vermouth grew stronger, she might even surpass the original.
"Try transforming into me."
At Kaiser's command, Vermouth activated the skill again.
But...
Nothing changed.
She frowned in puzzlement.
The ability worked fine—why not on Master?
Kaiser nodded inwardly.
As expected.
Power derived from him couldn't be turned against him.
Meanwhile...
Vermouth reverted, her eyes gleaming thoughtfully.
Now...
She'd finally become Master's servant.
But...
Her position seemed the lowest.
Facing two sisters—with their natural synergy bonus.
She'd have to take the initiative.
With that in mind, Vermouth sidled up to Kaiser, wrapping her arms tightly around his.
He immediately felt himself enveloped in rolling waves.
Vermouth gazed up seductively. "Master, I was quite rude before."
"My heart is uneasy—please grant me punishment."
Hmph—sisters or not?
With Demonic Mask, she could become anyone.
Kaiser's brow arched as he regarded her with amusement.
So direct?
He approved.
In one fluid motion, Kaiser scooped her up and tossed her onto the sofa.
Shiho: "..."
Akemi: "..."
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