171 THE RISE OF THE FATAL ENEMY
The room fell silent as everyone turned to Sakema. Her voice carried the weight of resolve, and her eyes gleamed with purpose.
"This is not something that most spies or infiltrators can handle," Sakema continued. "If Court la Mood is guarded by forces beyond human comprehension, then only I can unravel its secrets."
Chantrieri studied Sakema for a moment before nodding slowly. "Very well. But be careful, Sakema. Lilleo Gullee is no ordinary adversary."
-----
[In Court la Mood]
"Young Master, may I ask why you've suddenly taken an interest in our shield formations?" Kasshyek asked, his tone curious as he studied Leo.
"Our enemies are growing stronger. We're no longer in a small city like Gomora. We need to enhance our soldiers' combat capabilities," Leo replied firmly.
Kasshyek nodded, grabbing a large sheet of parchment and quickly sketching out a detailed diagram.
"What's this?" Leo asked, leaning in to examine the intricate drawing.
"This," Kasshyek began, pointing to the diagram, "is our current magic formation. The shields our soldiers carry is imbued with this array magic."
Leo's brow furrowed. "And what exactly does this array do?"
"It amplifies the defensive strength of the shields when the formation is maintained," Kasshyek explained.
Yun-Yun, who had been silently observing the exchange, stepped closer to scrutinize the diagram. Her eyes glinted with interest. "This magic array has potential, but it could be improved," she said thoughtfully.
Leo turned to her. "How?"
Yun-Yun tapped the diagram. "Why not integrate a unified shield into the formation? It would significantly increase their defensive and offensive capabilities."
Kasshyek frowned slightly. "That's a great idea, but our soldiers lack the magic needed to sustain an array this complex."
"In the Cloud Mountain Sect," Yun-Yun countered, "we use specialized devices to store magic. These devices can release stored energy as needed and are powered by creature cores."
Leo's eyes narrowed, his mind racing. "Magic Batteries!! Interesting. If we could acquire those magic-storage devices, we might solve the problem."
Yun-Yun nodded. "The devices aren't easy to come by, but with the right resources, they could revolutionize the way our formations work."
Leo smirked. "I'll check with the Assassin Workshop. If anyone knows about these so-called batteries or how to create them. We might be able to enhance not just the shields, but our entire combat strategy."
Kasshyek looked at Leo and Yun-Yun, his expression contemplative. "This could make our soldiers nearly unstoppable in formation. But testing and implementation will take time."
"Then we'd better start now," Leo said decisively. "Strengthening our forces is no longer optional—it's essential."
Suddenly Petunia appeared, "Did anyone talk about batteries?"
Leo saw Petunia and added, "Right, why didn't I think of you."
-----
[In the ruined cathedral, ruin of Sodom]
Suddenly, the heavy cover of the coffin creaked open. A figure emerged, grumbling and cursing under his breath.
"Who in the hell puts fucking nails in my coffin? Spent all my strength just climbing out of this cursed thing," Agathae complained, his voice echoing through the abandoned cathedral.
As he dusted himself off, an ethereal being materialized before him, swaying as if caught in an unseen wind.
"Congratulations on your resurrection, Agathae," Sway the Handler, greeted him with a bow.
"Dammit! It cost me one of my Pills of Resurrection. That damn Lilleo Gullee—I swear, I'll kill him for this," Agathae growled, his fists clenching with barely restrained fury.
Climbing fully out of the coffin, he scanned his surroundings. The cathedral was eerily silent, littered with decaying bodies. Bogarth's remains and a few others lay scattered, their features barely recognizable.
"How long was I stuck in that stupid coffin?" he demanded.
"More than a month," Sway replied calmly.
Agathae groaned, "I need to get the hell out of here."
But as he took a step forward, a sharp, searing pain shot through his abdomen, bringing him to his knees. A bright crimson glow erupted from his body, the energy coursing through him, igniting every nerve with raw, untamed power.
"What the hell is this?" Agathae shouted, clutching his sides as the overwhelming energy surged.
"This is the power of a demon," Sway explained, his tone grave. "The strongest in this realm—Bael."
Agathae's eyes widened. "What are you saying? Am I possessed by Bael now?"
"Yes," Sway confirmed. "Bael's demon soul, at least a small part of it has latched onto your soul."
"Will he take over my body?" Agathae asked, his voice rising with anger and fear.
"In time, if his magic grows unchecked. For now, he is dormant. But meanwhile his strength is yours to wield," Sway replied.
Agathae's fists tightened as he felt the raw, demonic power simmering beneath his skin. "You're telling me I can use the power of a demon?"
"Yes, but I caution you—use it wisely," Sway warned.
A wicked grin spread across Agathae's face. "Lilleo Gullee, you better watch out. I'm coming for you."
Suddenly, a glowing message appeared before him, hovering in the air:
"Would you like to designate Lilleo Gullee as your fatal enemy?"
"What the hell is this?" Agathae asked, glaring at the mysterious prompt.
"This is a System option," Sway explained. "It binds you and your chosen enemy in a fatal rivalry. Only one of you will survive in this realm."
"Perfect," Agathae snarled, slamming his hand onto the glowing "Yes" button.
"Fatal enemy confirmed: Lilleo Gullee."
"Your time is up, Gullee," Agathae muttered darkly, the crimson glow in his veins flaring brighter. "This fucking realm isn't big enough for the both of us."
----
Suddenly, a group of powerful undead stormed into the cathedral, startling Agathae. His breath hitched as their menacing presence filled the sacred space. "Do not kill me, please!" he pleaded, his voice trembling.
"I was just revived, and now I'm going to die again? What kind of luck is this?" he muttered bitterly to himself, clutching his chest as fear took hold.
The undead demon mages formed a tight circle around Agathae. Their hollow eyes glowed with dark magic as they chanted ominous incantations.
Then, a figure emerged from their ranks, his commanding presence impossible to ignore. By his regal attire and air of authority, it was clear he was the chief shaman of the demons.
"Yes! The Lord is here!" Argun, one of the demon mages, cried out, his voice echoing with reverence.