Amidst the hallowed halls and towering shelves of the library, a curious sight unfolded—a group of demons pored over ancient tomes and scrolls with rapt attention. Despite their infernal nature, they seemed surprisingly at ease amidst the scholarly atmosphere, their demonic presence lending an air of supernatural mystery to the expansive space.
The library was a marvel of architectural ingenuity, its extravagant design and celestial infrastructure a testament to its creator's craftsmanship. Tall, arched windows allowed streams of light to filter into the room, bathing the surroundings in a soft glow. Ornate columns rose majestically toward the vaulted ceilings, their surfaces adorned with exquisite carvings that depicted scenes of divine beauty and wisdom.
The empyrean infrastructure of the library was evident in every detail, from the meticulously crafted bookshelves made of rare woods and adorned with celestial motifs, to the delicate stained glass windows depicting scenes of holy realms and celestial beings. Even the very air seemed infused with divinity, imbuing the space with an aura of sanctity and reverence.
Despite its heavenly allure, the library remained a bastion of knowledge and learning, its shelves lined with a vast assortment of texts spanning numberless subjects and disciplines. Here, scholars and seekers alike came to expand their understanding of the cosmos, delving into the mysteries of the universe and uncovering ancient truths hidden within the pages of dusty tomes and forgotten scrolls.
As the demons moved through the library, their exertion added an element of intrigue and danger to the tranquil atmosphere, their dark forms contrasting sharply with the heavenly domain. However, despite their occupancy, the library remained a sanctuary where knowledge reigned supreme and the pursuit of truth knew no bounds.
"Lumi'Nae," she drawled out, her voice slow and seductive as she first approached Lumi'Nae's wings, brushing them lightly before moving behind her and enveloping her in a hug. Lumi'Nae felt the warmth of Lucidia's embrace, yet her attention remained fixed on the disarray of books scattered across the table. Her hands moved deftly, rearranging them into a more orderly fashion, seemingly unaffected by the intimate acts.
As Lucidia lingered in the embrace, she leaned in closer, her lips brushing against Lumi'Nae's ear. Then she darted her tongue out and licked Lumi'Nae's cheek, leaving a trail of warmth in its wake.
Forever unfazed by the sudden and unexpected display of affection, Lumi'Nae simply flicked her wrist. With her void powers, she erased any trace of saliva from her cheek, leaving it pristine and untouched. Her expression remained indifferent as she opened a hefty tome and started reading. Diving into its pages, she seemed to have dismissed the antics as if it had never occurred.
Not discouraged in the slightest, Lucidia glanced over Lumi'Nae's shoulder at the celestial tableau before her. Her gaze lingered on the ethereal sights that seemed to weave within the pages of ancient tomes. The faint glow of starlight reflected in her eyes as she persisted, "You've been here for three centuries, buried in books. Why not take a break and have some fun with me? The omniverses offer more than just the pages of history; let us explore its wonders together."
Lumi'Nae's gaze shifted to the table before her, as if she noticed it for the first time. It wasn't merely a piece of furniture; it was a creation that seemed to transcend the bounds of reality. Each corner seemed to vanish into the air, leaving the impression that the table floated weightlessly. The chairs around it, though dusty from disuse, held an antiquated elegance, their frames seemingly carved from crystals. With a soft exhale, she finally tore her gaze away, turning to meet Lucidia's eyes.
"I've had an epiphany," Lumi'Nae admitted. "I've been cloistered in ignorance, isolated from the world for far too long."
Lucidia's eyes filled with hope as she waved her index finger. "I'll teach you everything," she promised, offering an enticing journey into the uncharted realms of knowledge and experience, with a playful challenge in her leer.
"Don't interrupt her studies. And please, don't corrupt her," came a clear request. Morgrath, the source of the benign voice, reached for one of the dusty chairs surrounding the celestial table. With a smooth motion, he brushed off the accumulated dust, revealing the elegant lines beneath, and settled beside Lumi'Nae. His actions exuded respect for her scholarly pursuits, and his grounded demeanour seemed to dispel the sultry mood that Lucidia had cast over the room. "Ah, Mythical Forges: Legends of Armament by Dr. Ophelia Raindancer," Morgrath recognised, his expression clouding with a tad of sadness as he spoke.
"I've read that one before," Morgrath interjected, his tone brief yet knowing. "Do you recall, both Lucidia and I have names for our attire?" Lumi'Nae nodded in acknowledgment. Morgrath accompanied his next statement with a sweeping gesture, as if tracing the vast expanse of the night sky filled with countless stars. "By mortal standards, Lucidia's age surpasses that of trillions of old hags combined," he remarked, emphasising the enormity of her age with a theatrical flourish. Lucidia shot him a scathing look, a silent threat simmering in her gaze, as if daring Morgrath to continue his commentary.
"But she wields power akin to that of a near-infinite number of them," Morgrath continued, undaunted by her glare. "And she appears youthful and powerful, a dangerous combination indeed. If she desires, she can manifest a legendary set of equipment through her monstrous energy. Though these outfits she creates herself don't grant her any particular special powers, they do bestow upon other entities who wear them a few of Lucidia's abilities. The outfits choose their wearer based on their worthiness and compatibility."
As Morgrath finished his explanation, Lucidia's hand collided with the table's surface with a resounding thud. The force of her action sent ripples through the fabric of her attire, causing her ample bosom to sway and bounce.
"Why do you still tarry in my realm?" she exclaimed, frustration evident in the sharp edge of her voice and the furrow of her brow. "Didn't you mention something about counselling kings from different omniverses?" Her scowl bore into Morgrath, a silent demand for answers. Then, with a disparaging gesture, she continued, "That giant lizard already left centuries ago after he couldn't convince Lumi'Nae to rid all existence permanently."
The mention of the giant lizard cast a chill over the demons in the library, their murmurs tapered off into an uneasy silence.
"I must inform you that disposing of me won't prove as straightforward as you imagine," Morgrath interjected, his charming smile flashing. "I've poured considerable effort into the creation of Lumi'Nae. Furthermore, what could possibly overshadow the importance of guiding a primordial?" He made a sweeping gesture, fingertips lightly resting on his chest before proceeding. "I offer valuable insights, unlike your pursuits and assets, which seem devoid of purpose. And concerning the holy kingdoms, rest assured, I have deployed doppelgangers strategically."
Lucidia perched herself effortlessly on a nearby table, her legs crossed with nonchalance. She was clad in an elegant vermilion attire, exuding both sophistication and allure, her lower half left bare to accentuate her graceful figure. The ensemble tastefully showcased her ample bosom, adding to her captivating appearance. Her lips curled into a disdainful sneer as she retorted, "Your persistence is truly remarkable, Morgrath. But spare us the sanctimonious lecture." With a movement of her bare foot, she lifted his chin, her gaze piercing from her elevated position, crimson eyes flashing with an intimidating confidence. "As if your insights could ever rival the wisdom of someone such as myself."
As she spoke, she unfurled her wings to their full span, the scarlet feathers stretching wide. Despite the library's incomprehensible size, her wings managed to cast a menacing shadow that extended far beyond expectation. Even in this vast space, her wings created a dark silhouette encroaching towering shelves and only fading into the distant corners of the library.
Morgrath gently moved Lucidia's foot away from his face and shifted his attention to Lumi'Nae. "Your Void-Cloaked Mantle should be the same," he remarked thoughtfully, his gaze scanning the uncanny design of Lumi'Nae's attire. "I say 'should' because I sense that it contains hidden energy that may exceed Lucidia's own." He paused, allowing his words to settle before continuing. "Typically, an outfit's static energy, which influences the potency of its abilities, is limited to about a third of the creator's latent energy. However, in your case, Lumi'Nae, it seems your creations defy convention. They possess a potency beyond conventional understanding, perhaps reflecting an unique aspect of your own power and essence."
"Your Lightlord's Regalia, you're not the original owner," Lumi'Nae discerned as she briefly glanced at the shrunken skull of Leviathan that hung on his robe, before returning her attention to the book and flipping another page.
Morgrath's replied, "Precisely. The creator of this outfit died a long time ago. Although, at his peak, his abilities and energies surpassed mine, that is no longer the case. Therefore, this outfit does not grant me additional powers; I've simply grown fond—" was abruptly cut short as he found himself lifted into the air, immobilised by an unseen force.
Lucidia's admonition rang out, "You've overstayed your welcome, lich." As her words fell, her attention drifted to the ruby sword pendant that was resting on her skin, her fingers instinctively scratching its surface.
Morgrath's voice resounded within the minds of those present. 'What's all this, Lucidia? Are we not comrades? I never realised you held such a keen interest in me,' he questioned teasingly and with apparent disbelief.
As his words lingered in the air, a tense silence gripped the room, punctuated only by the faint rustle of Lumi'Nae turning pages and the soft hum of Lucidia's titanic energy resonating around them.
'Consider this well: I am Death, and not to be trifled with,' Morgrath stated firmly, his words reverberating with a warning of grave consequences. As he spoke, tears streamed down from the eye sockets of Leviathan's skull on his robe, causing the room to become uncomfortably moist. The windows fogged up, droplets of condensation formed on surfaces, and even Lumi'Nae's book became sticky to the touch. Additionally, Lucidia's skin, from head to toe, appeared unnaturally moisturised, as if she had applied an excess of lotion. 'Trust me, you do not wish to witness the full extent of my power when I am truly focused.'
"Even Death can be extinguished with but a passing thought," Lucidia retorted with a smirk, her gaze still fixed elsewhere, as if acknowledging Morgrath directly was beneath her. Then, with a touch of dry humour, she added, "I neglected moisturising this morning. Your sudden helpfulness is quite unexpected. Shall I expect a full spa treatment next? Or do you dare to venture into more... thrilling territory?" As she spoke, Lucidia's energy intensified, causing Morgrath to let out a painful scream as he felt his bones being crushed under the mounting pressure. "Though, I highly doubt you possess the courage for such exploits."
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Sensing the weight behind Lucidia's threat, Morgrath wisely decided not to test her patience further—or so it appeared. 'I'll depart immediately. There's no need for violence,' he conceded, though a tad of insincerity tainted his words. Redirecting his attention to Lumi'Nae, he softened his tone. 'Lumi'Nae, I implore you to visit me when the opportunity arises. You know where to find me across the omniverses.' Lumi'Nae's response mirrored the calm surface of a tranquil lake, her gaze steady and resolute. A subtle shift in her posture hinted at her attentiveness, as if she were carefully considering Morgrath's words.
Then, addressing Lucidia once more, Morgrath couldn't resist a parting shot. 'And Lucidia, one more thing,' he began, his voice oozing with acerbity, 'it seems age has not been kind to you. But then again, it's no surprise for an ancient crone like yoursel—' His insult was abruptly cut short as Lucidia unleashed her Twilight Beacon, conjuring a massive holy pillar that struck Morgrath with implacable force. He let out a howl of agony as he was propelled upward, caught in the violent surge of energy. Some of Lucidia's demon followers, who had been utilising the library for their own studies, found themselves ensnared by the unmerciful power of the spell. Their cries mingled with the sound of crumbling stone and crashing debris. The force of the pillar not only struck them but also caused upward damage, ripping through the ceiling of the castle and extending into the sky. Its immense power was such that it shattered one of the moons within the Fallen One's Realm, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
Lumi'Nae withdrew her Empty Shroud, which shielded the chair she occupied and the table holding her selected books. With an unconscious thought, she tapped into her Void Genesis, meticulously reconstructing the damaged environment—the shelves, walls, and even the shattered moon in the sky. Lucidia, observing Lumi'Nae's power at work, inquired, "Are you intending to restore that filth?"
"No," Lumi'Nae replied calmly as her restoration work continued automatically. "We both know he isn't dead. He transferred his consciousness to one of his doppelgangers."
"Hmph, I'll spare that rat for now," Lucidia remarked, leaning in from her perch atop the table, her hand gently caressing Lumi'Nae's cheek. "Now, where were we?" She leaned closer, aiming for a kiss, but Lumi'Nae halted her advance, pressing a finger against her lips. Seated in a chair, Lumi'Nae sat upright, her posture impeccable, radiating elegance. With quiet determination, she shook her head, her attention briefly shifting to the nearby books, her thoughts already wandering. "My interests lie elsewhere," she stated, her gaze returning to the text before her.
"Why you...!" Lucidia exclaimed, her voice thick with ravenous hunger as she pounced at Lumi'Nae. Lumi'Nae's chair tipped backward, her wavy black hair gathered in a low ponytail, strands spilling across the crystal-clear, see-through floor, revealing the heavenly expanse beneath. Lucidia pinned her down, settling atop her.
In the next moment, Lucidia's long white hair fell around them like a silken waterfall, contrasting starkly against Lumi'Nae's dark locks. "You're but an extension of myself! A reflection; I know you feel the same way that I do about myself!" Lucidia announced, her tone tinged with possessiveness and self-assuredness.
During their scuffle, some of the eerie eldritch essence that occasionally dripped off Lumi'Nae's right stump splashed onto the pristine floor, shimmering ominously.
Lumi'Nae's expression remained stoic, her empty stare locked onto Lucidia. "Lucidia, I don't understand," she stated flatly. "Why do you persist in this possession? We are not the same. I am my own individual."
Tears welled up in Lucidia's eyes, her grip on Lumi'Nae faltering. "Even now, you don't comprehend, Lumi'Nae," she muttered, her voice trembling with emotion. "Maybe... it's inherent in me to love myself to this extent."
Lumi'Nae sighed softly, her wings fluttering slightly as she pondered Lucidia's words. "Lucidia, I don't harbour any animosity toward you," she murmured. "Perhaps instead of this, we could soar together in the open skies. Or maybe, we could sit down, share a cup of tea, and discuss things openly?"
Lucidia's grip tightened, her eyes pleading as she shook her head. "We've shared innumerable experiences over these centuries, Lumi'Nae," she confessed, her voice laced with longing. "But it's never been enough. My feelings for you... they transcend mere companionship. I crave the intimacy that only lovers share." She leaned in closer, searching Lumi'Nae's eyes for a sign of reciprocity. "Could it be that deep down, you harbour the same desires as I do, concealed beneath your facade? If so... I would find it more unbearable than unrequited love."
As the tension reached its climax, a fully armoured figure strode into the room. Clad in dark armour that seemed to swallow the light, the knight's presence demanded attention. A blue cape flowed behind her, adding a touch of regality to her formidable appearance. Despite the intimidating and heroic entrance, the knight was unmistakably a lass, her femininity evident even beneath the helm.
The dark knight straightened, her spiked flail levelled at the Annihilator of Stars, and her gaze unwavering as she addressed her. "Hey, Lucidia! Release her at once!" Her voice sounded majestic and rough.
With a defiant look, Lucidia scoffed at the knight's command, uttering a dismissive remark as she summoned one of her Celestial Scourge blades, a legendary god-slaying weapon of immense power.
The knight wasted no time, charging forward with her Tartarean Tower raised defensively, intent on forcing Lucidia off Lumi'Nae. As she advanced, she heard Lumi'Nae's encouragement. "Sathiel," she spoke softly. "You are more than your armour. You are more than the battles you've fought. Rise, Sathiel, Gehenna Guardian of the Void."
Meanwhile, Lucidia unleashed waves of devastating energy through her Celestial Scourge. Her legs and the lower half of her body were bare, cinching around Lumi'Nae, keeping her rooted in place.
Each energy wave from Lucidia's Celestial Scourge tore through Sathiel and her tower shield, rending them asunder. However, just as Lucidia's onslaught seemed unstoppable, Lumi'Nae's powers intervened passively. Without expending any energy, she restored Sathiel and reversed the devastation inflicted upon their surroundings. Despite enduring the ongoing cycle of destruction and restoration, Sathiel pressed forward without faltering.
With but a fleeting thought, Lucidia wielded her power to erase Sathiel's existence from reality. Time and again, she unleashed the Death Wish alongside the attacks from her Celestial Scourge, each assault followed by Sathiel being obliterated.
Yet, Lumi'Nae's power refused to concede ground. With every attempt to erase Sathiel from existence, the Void Genesis became more active on its own. It constantly recreated Sathiel back from the edge of oblivion. Sathiel's form flickered like a spectral mirage amidst the clash of opposing powers, her very essence casting an unearthly radiance. Undeterred, Sathiel used her singular power: the Bloodborne Blades. She commanded her proliferate scarlet essence to coalesce into ethereal greatswords, each thirsting for bloodshed. These demonic weapons, embodiments of her will, briefly hovered, drawing potency from the amassed damage she had endured across all her existences. Then, with unerring aim, they launched toward Lucidia.
As the threat of the Bloodborne Blades reached its crescendo, Lucidia's nipples hardened. With a star-shattering battle cry that pervaded through the battlefield, she ignited her Seraphic Frenzy. Her eight wings blazed with the vehemence of countless roaring suns, incinerating everything in her realm to cinders. Despite the destruction wrought by Lucidia's fiery wings, the surroundings and the Bloodborne Blades were recreated instantly due to the ceaseless power of the Void Genesis. She deflected the torrent of greatswords with beast-like agility, wielding her Celestial Scourge and flaming fist with chaotic manoeuvres. With each parry, she intensified her energy assault, relentlessly targeting Sathiel's very existence. A malevolent smirk adorned her lips as she observed more of Sathiel's accursed blood staining the air, relishing in the sight of her adversary's agony. Yet, despite the grievous wounds inflicted upon her, Sathiel endured without uttering a single scream. Lucidia couldn't help but ponder the knight's unnatural pain tolerance, her curiosity piqued by Sathiel's resilience.
Recognising Lucidia's brief moment of distraction, Sathiel acted with diligence. With a deft rotation of her flail, Gehenna's Grasp, she triggered Devil's Advocate, plunging the realm into an upside-down whirl, its environment spinning at a disorienting speed. Simultaneously, harnessing the formidable power of her shield's enchantment, Satan's Temptation, she exerted an irresistible gravitational force. This force pulled Lucidia away from Lumi'Nae and toward the lethal spikes on her infernal shield.
In a burst of acceleration, Sathiel lunged forward, leaving behind a series of afterimages. Her shield met Lucidia with a bone-jarring impact, hurtling her toward the first floor of the library, where she crashed into a colossal water fountain. Blood spattered along the trajectory, the collision sending shelves and their contents careening in all directions as Lucidia slammed into them. Some of the blood flew like bullets, piercing whatever it touched.
By chance, Sathiel's curse was invoked, transforming the splattered blood into a thirteen-headed hydra named Ere'Banth. Gigantic and covered in white scales, Ere'Banth leaked poisonous blood from the crevices between its scales, giving rise to parasitic serpents. Both the hydra and the serpents bore harmful curses in their bites. However, before the serpents could strike, they were incinerated by Lucidia's Seraphic Frenzy.
Emerging from the wreckage and soaked in holy water, Lucidia conjured the other twin blades of her Celestial Scourge, completing the lethal duo once more. Her eyes blazed with a volatile mix of fury and exhilaration, fueled by both retribution and the adrenaline of combat. With unbelievable agility, she vanished into a blur of motion, reappearing behind Sathiel with the twin blades poised to execute a decisive strike, aimed at severing her head from her shoulders.
"Stay dead already, you damned brat!" Lucidia's voice boomed with boundless rage.
In a pivotal moment, Lumi'Nae's Phase Shift intervened subconsciously, whisking Lucidia away and thwarting her impending attack. Lumi'Nae then erected a void barrier, sealing off the library from any further intrusion by Lucidia, thus safeguarding its sanctity.
After the Annihilator of Stars departed, three of Ere'Banth's heads appeared from various parts of the castle it had torn through due to its immense size. These heads, each bearing gnashing demons within their maws, fixated their gaze upon Lumi'Nae and Sathiel. Lumi'Nae remained laid out on the ground, seemingly unconcerned. Sensing something amiss about Lumi'Nae, one of Ere'Banth's heads lunged towards her. Just as it was about to engulf Lumi'Nae, eldritch tentacles emerged from her body, ensnaring the serpent's head. With a powerful pull, these tentacles assimilated Ere'Banth into Lumi'Nae, banishing him to her Realm of Nothingness.
Once all threats were neutralised, Sathiel lifted her helmet, revealing the gentle flow of medium light brown hair draping around her shoulders, along with her porcelain white skin. She released her helmet, flail, and shield, allowing them to crash to the ground with a deafening roar reminiscent of the detonation of hydrogen bombs. The weighty metals shook the Fallen's One castle, each impact leaving a crater in the floor, from which white clouds seemed to pour out. Simultaneously, the force of the impacts caused an earthquake of the highest magnitude, yet miraculously, it inflicted no major damage to the castle's structure.
Approaching Lumi'Nae, Sathiel extended a hand, lifting her from the ground with a careful yet firm grip. Lumi'Nae couldn't help but notice the scar tracing horizontally across Sathiel's nose, a stark reminder of their first encounter and duel when Lumi'Nae wielded her obsidian sword of nothingness, Quietus. Despite her origins as the Pestilence Incarnate, Sathiel's steely grey eyes exuded a blend of resilience and kindness.
"Lady Lumi'Nae, my amazing creator," Sathiel exclaimed with genuine warmth, her voice respectful, but contained roughness.
After clasping Sathiel's hand, Lumi'Nae nodded gratefully, her eyes reflecting the vastness of the ocean. "Thank you, Sathiel," she responded. "Your valour and steadfast devotion always serve as a source of aspiration for me."
Seated once more, Lumi'Nae carefully stashed away the books into her Omniversal Pocket. "The sheer scope of our world is more astounding than I ever realised," she reflected softly. Among the volumes were some popular shoujo mangas, each with beautifully illustrated covers and heroines sporting hopeful expressions. "Hope. There are so many things I have yet to understand. I have much to explore."
In the serene atmosphere of the library, Sathiel's approach was heralded by the gentle resonance of her armoured strides. She unfastened her gauntlets, the metallic clinks harmonising with the tranquil ambiance. Setting them aside with care, she gathered her hair into a practical high ponytail.
"Gotta keep it practical after all that action, right?" Sathiel remarked with a chuckle, her words dispersing the remaining tension like ripples on calm waters.