Vermouth had only just acquired Demonic Mask, so her grasp on the skill was still tentative.
Kaiser naturally stepped in to guide her.
But even for him, exploring Demonic Mask was like crossing a river by feeling for stones—one careful step at a time.
It didn't take long before they hit a challenge.
Kaiser's brow furrowed in concentration as he worked through the difficulty.
Vermouth trembled as if struck by lightning, yet she gritted her teeth and endured.
"Let me see the power of Demonic Mask again."
Kaiser prompted gently, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
Vermouth truly hadn't lied.
Otherwise, the breakthrough wouldn't have been this demanding.
Fortunately, he now had some experience and could handle it with composure.
"Yes, Master."
Vermouth's voice quivered as she activated the skill once more.
Her vast life experience supplied a parade of figures in her mind.
Kaiser's eyes brightened instantly.
Demonic Mask was profoundly versatile.
He could now confirm it: the ability offered one-hundred-percent replication.
From the sidelines, Shiho watched with an odd expression.
Everything before her felt like staring into a mirror.
Did this woman have some fixation on her?
She spent most of the time mimicking Shiho, after all.
"This woman is insufferable."
Shiho seethed through clenched teeth.
Yet she felt as if cursed—every ounce of strength drained from her body.
Hum!
A magic circle flared, enveloping her form.
Kaiser summoned her forward like an emperor calling a subject.
That familiar sensation of weightlessness returned as Shiho found herself plunged into an endless sea once more.
She flailed like a drowning soul, ultimately clinging to the false "Shiho."
By the end, she hadn't even the energy to struggle.
[Vermouth]
[Race: Devil]
[Master: Kaiser Lucifuge]
[Level: LV10]
[Skill: Demonic Mask]
[Demonic Mask: Freely alter appearance, voice, and even aura—perfectly replicate anyone.]
...
[Shiho Miyano]
[Race: Devil]
[Master: Kaiser Lucifuge]
[Level: LV13]
[Skill: Heart of Magic]
[Heart of Magic: No magic in the world holds secrets from you; mastery comes swiftly and naturally.]
...
Kaiser raised an eyebrow at their updated stats.
This leveling speed was remarkable.
Especially Shiho's.
It had only been a few days.
At this rate...
She'd reach High-Class Devil before long.
"And it's not like I gained nothing."
Kaiser murmured to himself, sensing the growth in his own demonic power.
The stronger Shiho became...
The more experience he received.
"I suppose I'll need to regularly help my servants grow."
At the thought, his gaze drifted meaningfully toward Akemi.
"M-Master, I just remembered something urgent!"
Akemi blurted out an excuse and fled the room.
She wasn't ready yet.
"..."
Kaiser blinked, then shook his head with a chuckle.
No rush.
She was already his servant.
There would be plenty of time.
Thanks to his Demon King physique, Kaiser felt no fatigue even after two intense sessions.
Still...
Glancing at the marks covering his body, he decided a shower was in order.
The sticky sensation was starting to bother him.
...
Later that day.
Dusk.
In the dining room.
Akemi yawned widely, picking at her food without much enthusiasm.
"Sis, did you have trouble sleeping?"
"All your fault."
Akemi shot her sister a resentful glance.
The noise had kept her awake all last night.
And then there'd been a second round this morning.
She couldn't even catch up on sleep.
Every time she closed her eyes, vivid, indescribable scenes flooded her mind.
It was pure torment.
"Oh my, I slept wonderfully."
Vermouth rested her chin on her hand, smiling brightly. "And now I'm full of energy."
She was genuinely surprised herself.
She should have been exhausted.
Yet now...
Not only did she feel refreshed—her power had surged dramatically.
Could it be because...
Her gaze drifted unconsciously to Kaiser.
"Vermouth, how's the situation with the Black Organization?"
"Master, there's progress."
At Kaiser's question, Vermouth replied, "I've arranged an emergency meeting."
"Renya Karasuma has confirmed attendance."
"Good."
Kaiser nodded, shoveling a few more bites of food. "Once everyone's finished eating, we'll move out."
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