[Chapter 185: Private Personal Assistant]
The succubus felt as if it had been granted a reprieve, its blood-soaked body trembling violently. A thread of consciousness, faint and pink with streaks of pitch-black veins, drifted unsteadily toward Daniel. That was its most essential strand of source essence.
Daniel reached out, a flicker of clear light shimmering at his fingertips as he seized control of that connection. In an instant, a clear link was established -- one that could be severed at any moment to cause the other's collapse.
"I'll spare your life for now," Daniel said. "But that depends on how well you perform."
"Thank you, Master! Thank you for your mercy!" The succubus prostrated itself on the ground.
"Where does your true form reside?"
"I... I have no fixed physical form. I mostly dwell within data streams or the remnants of intense desires."
"From now on, attach yourself to this." With a shift in Daniel's thoughts, the image of the phone he had placed beside him in reality materialized within this spiritual space. "Without my permission, you are not to leave this vessel, nor pry into or influence my thoughts. Furthermore, you may not consume the vital essence of any living being on your own. The energy needed to sustain yourself -- I will provide small amounts of pure life force periodically."
"Yes, Master!"
The succubus dared not show the slightest defiance. Its bloody form shimmered, transforming into a streak of pink light that merged into the phantom image of the phone.
In reality, the casing of the phone beside Daniel flickered with a faint, nearly invisible pink glow -- then vanished.
...
In the Exorcism Room, Daniel slowly opened his eyes and picked up the phone beside him. A faint, docile, and strange sensation drifted from his fingertips.
"Come out and show yourself," Daniel said indifferently.
Instantly, a beam of light projected from the phone and landed on the ground. In the blink of an eye, it transformed into a peerless beauty -- just as Daniel had seen in the spiritual space.
"Greetings, Master!"
The succubus knelt on one knee. The movement was deliberate, causing certain curves of her figure to tremble and rise, captivating both eye and soul. She looked up, eyes coquettish.
"Master, do you need me to serve you? I guarantee you the most exquisite service in the world. Moreover, I promise not to drain a single shred of your life force."
Daniel admitted he was lustful; he would never refuse beauties like Anne Hathaway or Scarlett Johansson when they threw themselves at him. But he wasn't a man ruled by his lower half. He accepted them because he understood their backgrounds and knew they posed no threat.
But the succubus -- not human, though submitted -- made him uneasy. Still, he decided to refer to her as "she" for now.
Daniel said coldly, "No need."
"Oh! Yes, Master!" The succubus's tone carried slight disappointment.
"Show me the ability you mentioned." Daniel gestured toward the phone with his eyes.
A seductive smile spread across the succubus's face. "I've already checked Master's messages. Among those you contact frequently are Scarlett, Anne Hathaway, Amanda, Megan, and Miranda. But Master seems to have little time to handle their texts. Why not let me take care of them for you?"
Daniel paused. The suggestion was tempting. Usually, messages from these women were constant -- at least a dozen every day. He rarely wanted to reply. Having someone else answer wouldn't usually work, but if the succubus handled it, that might be different. Plus, her replies could be just as polished as his.
Daniel nodded. "Give it a try."
"Very well, Master."
The succubus waved her hand, and the phone floated up to rest in her palm. Then Daniel saw her operating five message threads at once. He wasn't sure how she managed it. Words flowed rapidly across the screens as she explained.
"Anne Hathaway's recent texts mention the script for Hitch. My reply: 'Accompanied by old papers late at night, don't forget the moonlight outside the window is worth admiring too. The soul you breathe into the character is far more precious than any line of dialogue. Rest well, and may your dreams bloom with roses and applause.'"
Daniel nearly blurted out, Holy crap! He'd never say something so cheesy himself. He wondered if Anne Hathaway would find it strange.
"Scarlett talked about her new movie. My reply to her is: 'I know you're setting off into a new story soon. That eagerness to try new things comes through even across the airwaves. Remember, the things you must control with ease aren't just your acting, but also your mood. Wishing you a smooth start. I await good news.'"
Damn it, Scarlett only left this morning, Daniel thought. Won't this seem too calculated?
"Amanda's texts mention working out and snippets of her life. My reply: 'I saw the sunset you described; your vibrant spirit brightens the mood even through the screen. Keep shining, but remember that the most beautiful shots are sometimes the quiet moments you reserve for yourself. Looking forward to hearing more stories.'"
Daniel struggled to keep his expression neutral, trying not to appear flustered.
"Megan's recent messages revealed a bit of anxiety and longing for the future -- as if searching for a lighthouse in fog. My reply: 'Heard your audition went well, I'm happy for you. No need to doubt; your unique temperament is the most eye-catching signpost. The road ahead may be unknown, but those who move forward with confidence are guided by starlight. Cheering for you.'"
Damn, what a smooth talker! Daniel cursed silently.
"In Miranda's messages, besides expressing her longing and urging you to visit more often to 'keep the engine running,' she also discussed some psychological topics. My reply: 'Recently tried the "emotional filing method" you mentioned, and it's been very helpful. Finding a balance between rationality and perception is an art. Thank you for sharing your wisdom; your knowledge and spirit enrich my life's scope. Also, the winter nights are cold -- please take care of yourself. I miss the time we spent together; your presence lingers in my thoughts.'"
'Damn it... am I going to social suicide over this?' Daniel muttered to himself, then asked the succubus, "Won't this sound too deliberate? I don't usually say things like this."
The succubus smiled. "Rest assured, Master. Absolutely not. Those who love you will feel cared for and valued when they read these words. They will sense your deep affection and only feel happy and excited."
Really? Is that true? Daniel doubted it but kept silent.
Ding! The phone chimed with a notification.
Daniel immediately reached for it, eager to see who had replied. But the succubus swiftly opened the message.
"It's from Anne Hathaway. She says: 'Oh my God, Daniel, when did you become so good with words? This is such an unexpected surprise. The exhaustion from studying the script late these past few days has completely vanished. I will keep fighting...'"
*****
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