Faced with Kaiser's demand, Esdeath agreed without a moment's hesitation.
There wasn't the slightest reluctance.
Even without the deal...
Let alone the principle that the strong dominate the weak.
In his presence...
She was the weak one.
And with her worldview shaped by attraction...
Surrendering herself entirely to this devil felt utterly natural.
"Then from this moment forward, your soul and body belong to me completely."
A smile curved Kaiser's lips.
After all this effort...
He'd finally claimed this high-quality servant.
Esdeath nodded eagerly, curiosity sparkling in her eyes. "So what do we do next?"
"Another contract?"
Kaiser shook his head. "I'll perform a reincarnation ritual on you—turning you into a devil, my servant."
"Become a devil?"
Esdeath paused briefly.
Then excitement surged through her.
Would becoming a devil make her stronger?
She fixed her gaze on him. "I understand. But what comes next?"
A reincarnation ritual...
It sounded thrilling.
"First, remove your outer layers."
Esdeath blinked, a flicker of confusion in her eyes.
She was certain...
She hadn't misheard.
After a silent beat, she began to comply.
Seconds later, clutching her discarded coat, she asked, "This should be sufficient, right?"
Kaiser assessed her, nodding. "Good. Leave the rest to me."
With that, he slowly extended his hand.
N-no way...
Esdeath's cheeks warmed.
Was this the reincarnation ritual?
She wasn't prepared yet.
And they'd only just met.
Would he think her shameless?
Perhaps she should show some restraint?
Kaiser pressed his index finger, drawing forth drops of golden blood. "Esdeath, are you alright?"
She was acting strangely—overthinking again?
"N-nothing."
Esdeath's body quivered as heat flooded her face.
She'd completely misunderstood.
How mortifying.
Kaiser shook his head and let the blood fall onto her skin.
A searing sensation made Esdeath's pupils contract.
As he worked, arcane symbols glowed briefly across her flesh.
Thump!
Her body shook as her heartbeat thundered through the tent.
Something... surged within her.
Almost simultaneously...
Data materialized on her skin.
[Esdeath]
[Race: Devil]
[Master: Kaiser Lucifuge]
[Level: LV39]
[Skill: Absolute Zero]
[Absolute Zero: Mastery over ice reaches divine heights.]
...
"Level 39."
Kaiser nodded inwardly at the text.
As expected of Esdeath.
Freshly reincarnated—and already at the pinnacle of High-Class Devil.
Then he examined her skill.
"Absolute Zero..."
A gleam sparked in his eyes.
Regardless of specifics...
Anything tied to those words was bound to be extraordinary.
And in many ways, it fit Esdeath perfectly.
Most importantly...
With a thought, Kaiser summoned his own panel.
[Kaiser Lucifuge]
[Race: Progenitor Devil]
[Level: LV54]
[Authority: Progenitor Devil Transformation]
[Servants: Grayfia, Shiho Miyano, Akemi Miyano, Esdeath]
[Skills: Devil Contract, Devil Summoning, Infinite Demonic Power, Heart of Magic, Demonic Marksman, Devil's Pistol, Demonic Mask, Absolute Zero]
Subtle changes appeared.
Esdeath added to the servants list, Absolute Zero to his skills.
But crucially...
His level had jumped noticeably.
The value of a high-quality servant.
Meanwhile...
The ritual concluded fully.
Esdeath sat in a daze, sensing the gentle flow of new power within.
This must be the energy her master had wielded.
Additionally...
A faint itch spread across her back and tailbone.
Likely where her devil wings and tail would emerge.
Kaiser handed her the sheet he'd prepared.
"This is...?"
Esdeath took it instinctively, puzzled.
"Your status panel."
He explained its meaning briefly.
Esdeath nodded and studied it intently.
LV39.
According to Master, that made her High-Class.
Her strength ranked respectably among devils.
Determination flashed in her eyes.
With a goal in sight...
She would climb relentlessly.
Her gaze drifted lower to [Absolute Zero].
"So that's it—no wonder my control over ice feels even more refined."
Excitement stirred as she read the description.
Even freshly reincarnated...
Her power had multiplied several times over.
"Thank you, Master—for granting me this strength."
Esdeath dropped to one knee, gazing at him with reverence.
"You certainly have a strong drive to grow stronger."
Kaiser's smile deepened, an enigmatic glint in his profound eyes.
"In that case..."
"I have ways to make you even more powerful."
Esdeath's excitement peaked.
"Please, Master."
"Make me stronger."
No sooner had the words left her mouth...
Than Kaiser was suddenly inches away.
"???"
Esdeath blinked.
Wait.
Was something off here?
Mmm—
Her lips... sealed.
Esdeath felt herself melt like dough, completely enveloped by him.
Then...
Unfamiliar sensations overwhelmed her.
Hard. Burning.
Th-this...
Panic flickered in her eyes as intense emotions flooded her mind.
She forgot her own name.
Forgot where she was.
All that remained...
Was devotion to her master.
Fulfilling her duty as his servant.
Kaiser's expression grew solemn.
He poured his full effort into elevating Esdeath's level.
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