Kaeltharion stood up from his throne, his towering figure casting a commanding presence over the grand throne room. His golden hair shimmered under the light of the stained-glass windows, and his crimson eyes glowed with authority as he addressed his loyal guardians and maids.
"You have all done well in maintaining Babylon in my absence," he began, his deep voice resonating through the hall. "Your dedication and loyalty have not gone unnoticed."
Selene, the Phoenix Queen, stepped forward, her molten hair flickering like living flames. She bowed deeply, her fiery wings folding gracefully behind her. "My lord, we are not worthy of your thanks. It is our duty and honor to serve you."
Kaeltharion nodded, his expression softening slightly. "Your humility is commendable, Selene. But now, we must focus on the future. Babylon has been transported to a new world, and we must tread carefully. I have spent time in E-Rantel, the capital of a human kingdom in this world, gathering information. While this world appears pathetically weak on the surface, it is vast, and there may be entities that could pose a threat to us."
The guardians exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of curiosity and determination. Kaeltharion continued, his voice firm and resolute. "That is why I have decided that we will not act recklessly. We will gather more information, assess the strengths and weaknesses of this world, and then… we will rule it."
The throne room erupted in cheers and exclamations of joy. The guardians and maids, their loyalty unwavering, celebrated their lord's declaration with fervor. Selene's fiery eyes sparkled with admiration, while Lucifer, the Fallen Monarch, smirked with anticipation. Even Hamsuke, standing nervously beside the throne, let out a happy squeak.
However, Azazel, the Chains of Judgment, stepped forward, his flaming chains coiling around him like serpents. His golden armor gleamed as he pointed a gauntleted hand at Hamsuke. "My lord," he said, his voice echoing with a hint of disdain, "what is this lowly creature doing beside you? It seems… unworthy of your presence."
Kaeltharion glanced down at Hamsuke, who shrank under Azazel's gaze. "This," Kaeltharion said, his tone calm but firm, "is my pet. He has proven his loyalty and helped me during my… adventurer play."
The guardians exchanged confused glances. Lucifer, his six wings folding gracefully behind him, raised an eyebrow. "Adventurer play, my lord? What do you mean?"
Kaeltharion smirked, his crimson eyes glinting with amusement. "I have been gathering intel by posing as an adventurer. I took on the name 'Kael' and used a different form to blend in with the humans. It has been… enlightening."
Selene stepped forward, her molten hair flickering with concern. "My lord, there is no need for you to undertake such a task yourself. We can assign one of the guardians or maids to gather information. You are the only one who remains of the Supreme Beings. We cannot afford to lose you." Her voice trembled slightly, and tears welled up in her fiery eyes.
Kaeltharion's expression softened. He stepped down from the throne, his massive frame moving with surprising grace. He knelt before Selene, reaching out to lift her chin with a single finger. Gently, he wiped away her tears, his touch surprisingly tender for someone of his imposing stature.
"Selene," he said, his voice calm and reassuring, "I am not going anywhere. And as for the other Supreme Beings… I believe they will return in the near future. Until then, remain strong and united."
The guardians and maids watched in awe as their lord comforted Selene, their loyalty deepening at the sight of his compassion. Selene's tears dried, and she nodded, her fiery eyes glowing with renewed determination. "Thank you, my lord. We will not fail you."
Kaeltharion stood, his towering figure once again commanding the room. "Good. Now, let us prepare for the challenges ahead. Babylon will rise to greatness in this new world, and we will pave the way for the return of my friends."
Kaeltharion returned to his obsidian throne. The golden banners fluttered gently, and the stained-glass windows cast colorful patterns across the grand hall. His crimson eyes swept across the room, and his deep voice echoed with command.
"Azazel, Valdrak," he began, his gaze settling on the two guardians of the Surface, "you will scout the area outside Babylon's perimeter. Ensure that you are not spotted. Gather information on the surrounding terrain, any nearby settlements, and potential threats. Report back to me immediately."
Azazel, the Chains of Judgment, stepped forward, his flaming chains coiling around him like serpents. He bowed deeply, his golden armor gleaming. "As you command, my lord. We will not fail you."
Valdrak, the Iron Sentinel, nodded solemnly, his steel-scaled form radiating strength. "The surface will remain secure, my lord. We will return with the information you seek."
Kaeltharion gave a curt nod, his expression firm. "Good. See to it that you do."
He then turned his attention to the rest of the guardians, his voice carrying the weight of absolute authority. "The rest of you, return to your respective floors. Maintain high alert and ensure that Babylon remains impenetrable. I will not tolerate any lapses in security."
The guardians bowed in unison, their voices echoing through the hall. "As you command, my lord!"
Kaeltharion's gaze shifted to Drakthar, the Iron Custodian, who stood at the forefront of the Celestial Battle Maids and Overlord Maids. "Drakthar," he said, his tone calm but firm, "take Hamsuke to the surface. Have him train with the fighters there. I want him to grow stronger and prove his worth."
Drakthar stepped forward, his amber eyes sharp and calculating. He bowed deeply, his voice resonating with loyalty. "It will be done, my lord. I will ensure he receives the proper training."
Hamsuke, who had been nervously fidgeting beside the throne, puffed out his chest and squeaked, "I will not disappoint you, Master! I will train hard and become stronger!"
Kaeltharion smirked, reaching down to pat the giant hamster on the head. "See that you do, Hamsuke. I expect great things from you."
With a final nod, Drakthar led Hamsuke out of the throne room, the giant hamster scurrying to keep up with the imposing figure.
As the throne room emptied, only Selene remained, her fiery wings flickering softly as she stood before Kaeltharion. Her molten hair shimmered like liquid gold, and her fiery eyes glowed with unwavering loyalty. "My lord, what would you have me do?"
Kaeltharion leaned back on his obsidian throne, his crimson eyes glinting with a mix of curiosity and authority. "Selene," he began, his tone measured, "tell me about the state of the guardians' relationships with one another. Are there any tensions or conflicts I should be aware of?"
Selene straightened, her fiery gaze meeting his. "My lord, apart from Asmodeus and Lucifer, the guardians maintain a harmonious relationship. They share the same cause—to serve you and protect Babylon. Asmodeus and Lucifer, however, have a… competitive rivalry. They often clash over matters of pride and dominance, but it has not escalated beyond minor disputes."
Kaeltharion raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. "Asmodeus and Lucifer, huh? As long as their rivalry doesn't interfere with their duties, I'll allow it. It might even keep them sharp."
Selene nodded, her molten hair flickering like living flames. "Understood, my lord. Is there anything else you require?"
Kaeltharion's expression grew thoughtful. He reached out mentally to the system, his voice calm but probing. System, can I establish a magical call in this world?
The system's mechanical voice echoed in his mind. [Yes, Lord Kaeltharion. You may establish a magical call using your mana.]
Good. Connect me to Azazel and Valdrak, Kaeltharion commanded.
A moment later, a shimmering magical interface appeared before him, displaying the images of Azazel and Valdrak. Azazel's flaming chains coiled around him, his golden armor gleaming under the sunlight, while Valdrak's steel-scaled form stood tall, his molten gold eyes scanning the horizon.
"My lord," Azazel said, his voice echoing with respect. "We have scouted the area as you commanded. There are no signs of villages or kingdoms nearby. Babylon is well hidden, surrounded by dense forests and rugged terrain."
Valdrak nodded, his deep voice rumbling like distant thunder. "The surface is secure, my lord. No threats have been detected."
Kaeltharion's smirk widened. "Excellent work. Return to the surface and await further orders."
"As you command, my lord," they replied in unison before the magical interface faded.
Kaeltharion turned his attention back to Selene, his crimson eyes gleaming with purpose. "Selene, I have a task for you. Assign a group to extend the walls of the surface and build more houses. We must ensure that Babylon is prepared for any future expansions or arrivals."
Selene bowed deeply, her fiery wings flickering with determination. "It will be done, my lord. I will oversee the construction personally."
"Good," Kaeltharion said, his voice firm. "You may leave now. Report to me once the task is underway."
Selene nodded, her molten hair shimmering as she turned and exited the throne room, her footsteps echoing softly against the grand hall's marble floor.
Once alone, Kaeltharion stood from his throne, his towering figure casting a commanding presence. He stretched slightly, his golden hair shimmering under the light of the stained-glass windows. "Now," he muttered to himself, "time for a little relaxation."
With a flick of his wrist, he activated a teleportation spell. In an instant, the grandeur of the throne room vanished, replaced by the serene ambiance of the 7th floor's hot pool section. Steam rose from the bubbling waters, and the air was filled with the soothing scent of minerals and herbs. A few maids were present, their movements graceful as they tended to the area.
The maids immediately noticed Kaeltharion's arrival and bowed deeply, their voices soft and reverent. "Welcome, my lord. How may we serve you?"
Kaeltharion waved a hand dismissively, his smirk returning. "At ease. I'm here to unwind. Prepare the pool for me."
The maids nodded and quickly set to work, ensuring the water temperature was perfect and laying out towels and refreshments. Kaeltharion stepped into the hot pool, the warm water enveloping him as he leaned back, his crimson eyes closing in relaxation.
Kaeltharion leaned back in the hot pool, the warm water soothing his muscles as steam rose around him. His crimson eyes remained closed, but his mind was far from idle. He began to ponder his next moves, weighing the pros and cons of his current approach.
Should I stop playing around with this adventurer persona and just conquer the world outright? he thought, his smirk returning. Or should I continue with it a little longer? It's been fun, but I don't want my NPCs to think their king is doing something foolish. They might start worrying, and that's the last thing I need.
He opened his eyes slightly, his gaze distant as he considered the implications. Then again, he mused, every move I make is a calculated one. Even if it seems like I'm playing around, it's all part of a larger plan. But how do I ensure they see it that way?
Curious, he reached out to the system in his mind. System, what's your take on this? How should I handle the perception of my actions among my NPCs?
The system's calm, mechanical voice responded almost immediately. [Every action you take, Lord Kaeltharion, is a chess move that considers the far future. Your NPCs are deeply loyal and will trust your judgment, even if they do not fully understand your methods. However, maintaining their confidence requires occasional displays of your strategic brilliance and unwavering authority.]
Kaeltharion's smirk widened. Nice. So, as long as I keep them convinced that I'm always ten steps ahead, they'll follow me without question. But how the hell am I going to keep up with the act—
Suddenly, he paused, his smirk turning into a full-blown grin. Wait, I have the system. If things ever get out of hand, I can just ask it for guidance. Problem solved.
Satisfied with his reasoning, Kaeltharion relaxed further into the pool, his crimson eyes closing once more. But after a moment, he decided he wanted some company. "Eve," he called out, his deep voice echoing through the steamy room.
Almost instantly, the door to the hot pool section slid open, and Eve, the leader of the Overlord Maids and Kaeltharion's personal attendant, stepped inside. She was a vision of regal elegance—an angelic woman with long, flowing dark hair cascading like a midnight river down her back, framing her serene gray eyes that shimmered with quiet devotion. Golden accessories gleamed faintly against her skin, complementing the intricate blue and gold dress that hugged her form. Her large white wings, pristine and radiant, unfurled slightly as she moved, their feathers catching the soft, steamy light of the room. Her expression was confident yet tranquil, a perfect balance of grace and submission. She bowed deeply, her voice a melodic whisper laced with reverence. "You called, my lord?"
Kaeltharion glanced at her, his golden hair glistening like molten sunlight under the gentle glow of the hot pool area, droplets of water clinging to the strands. His crimson eyes flickered with a mix of authority and amusement as he leaned back in the steaming water. "Yes," he said, his deep voice cutting through the humid air with casual command. "Get naked and join me in the pool."
Eve's serene composure faltered for a moment. A flush of deep crimson spread across her cheeks, her gray eyes widening slightly as the weight of his words settled over her. Yet, true to her unwavering loyalty, she didn't hesitate. With trembling fingers, she began to undo the golden clasps of her dress, the fabric slipping away to reveal the smooth, alabaster skin beneath. Her wings twitched nervously as she set the garment aside, her movements graceful despite the evident shyness that gripped her. Now bare, she stepped toward the pool, her blush deepening as she instinctively moved to sit on the opposite side, seeking a sliver of distance.
"Next to me," Kaeltharion corrected, his tone firm but laced with a subtle warmth, his crimson gaze locking onto her.
Eve froze mid-step, her breath catching. She nodded quickly, her dark hair spilling over her shoulders as she obeyed, sliding into the warm water beside him. Her body trembled faintly, her wings quivering as she sat close, the heat of the pool doing little to calm the nervous energy coursing through her. Her cheeks burned a vivid scarlet, and she kept her eyes lowered, unable to meet his intense stare.
"Relax," Kaeltharion said, his voice softening slightly, though it retained its commanding edge.
"I-I'm sorry, my lord," Eve stammered, her voice barely above a whisper as she tried to steady herself, her hands fidgeting in her lap beneath the water.
Kaeltharion chuckled lowly, the sound rumbling through the steamy air. Without warning, he reached out, his strong hands encircling her slender waist. With effortless strength, he pulled her onto his lap, her back pressing against his eight-pack. Eve let out a small, startled gasp, her wings fluttering as she settled against him. His fingers began to explore her body with a deliberate, teasing touch—brushing over the soft curve of her breasts, tracing the delicate lines of her waist, and grazing the sensitive edges of her wings. He tilted her head slightly, his lips finding the tender skin of her neck, kissing her there with a slow, deliberate intensity that sent shivers down her spine.
His arousal pressed insistently against her, a hard presence against her private warmth beneath the water, and Eve let out a soft, involuntary squeak, her blush spreading down her neck. Kaeltharion paused, his lips hovering near her ear as he murmured, "If you're uncomfortable, I can stop. Tell me."
Her breath hitched, and for a moment, she seemed lost in the whirlwind of sensation and emotion. Then, her voice emerged, shaky but resolute. "N-No, my lord… I'm not uncomfortable. Please… don't stop."
Kaeltharion's smirk returned, a glint of satisfaction in his crimson eyes. "Good," he murmured, his hands resuming their exploration with renewed confidence, his lips trailing along her neck as the steam swirled around them, cloaking the intimate moment in a haze of heat and desire.