I apologize for the mishap with the previous chapter, I will be double checking all my sections from now on to ensure it doesn't happen again! Enjoy!
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2.8: Lucy
There had been well over 1,000 gold piled in the room, and we were still carefully analyzing the magical items as we walked towards the exit to the dungeon. The best find was a worn tome that had a variety of spells that were both powerful and deadly. Once we reached the edge of the City of the Damned, I had the others stop.
"So... I know things went a completely different way that I had anticipated and you didn't get to do as much fighting, but what do you guys think? You gonna keep playing?"
They each turned to one another before turning back to me.
"Even if we didn't get to kick as much ass as you... today has been absolutely awesome! I was saving up for a few new computer parts for my baby back home... but I'm going to spring for a N-Vision once we're done."
"I may not be able to afford a new one, but my friend was offering to sell me his for a reasonable price a few weeks ago. I'll check with him to see if he still has it. I agree with Blaine. Today was fucking amazing. Watching your character was even better than watching the demo. You really are a badass."
"Awww, thanks Tifa. Ghost, Areandra, what about you guys?"
"Well, I already own an N-Vision, so... this just confirmed that I need to get me a copy of Holy Damnation."
I smiled at the Dark Priest and turned to Areandra.
"You are a hell of a shot, it would be a shame to lose someone that awesome."
She blushed and nodded.
"I own an N-Vision too... and I actually have a copy of Holy Damnation. I just never played it before today. I was debating on returning it, but after today I'm definitely going to keep playing."
"I am so glad to hear that! I was worried that the whole army corruption thing was a bit boring for you guys. I- And now I'm rambling. What I meant to say was, how'd you like to join my clan?"
I sent them each a clan invite and they all accepted within seconds.
"Lost and the Damned huh... I like."
"Well, wait til you see our clan HQ."
I led them to the castle and they marveled at it from the outside. Going inside was like watching kids open up new gifts on Christmas day, and their excitement was obvious. Tesrif greeted me upon passing through the entryway, and I smiled warmly at her. Judas offered to show them around the rest of the castle after I requested a moment alone with my new general. I led her to our fully outfitted armory that had taken a large chunk of our clan's gold, and grinned at her with an excited smile.
"Tesrif, remove your armor. I have a surprise for you."
I could see the hesitance in her face and the fear as her hands trembled and I placed my hand on her arm.
"Relax."
That single word issued as a command took effect instantly, and I saw a wave of calm pass over her face. She removed her armor and placed it on the ground in front of her. Even through the chainmail shirt and leggings I could see the bright white scars that covered her skin. She flinched as I touched her bare arm and I gave her the same one word command.
"It takes a real sicko for someone to do that to his own sister."
I turned to face the person speaking and my face lit up as I saw Emelia. She ran over and embraced me, and I kissed her forehead softly.
"Judas filled me in on everything that happened. Tesrif, it's an honor to meet you. My name is Emelia."
She bowed deeply, kneeled, and saluted.
"The pleasure is all mine, Lady Emelia."
Emelia sighed softly and reached down to touch the warrior's arm.
"Stand. I am not your superior. While I appreciate the respect, there's only one demon lord in this room."
Tesrif stood and gave Em a small smile. Her blue hair had been combed so that it hid half of her face, and Emelia gently brushed the hair out of her face.
"You really are beautiful, Tesrif."
She pulled away from Emelia's hand and shook her head.
"No... my brother made sure of that."
I sighed through my nose and pulled away from my girlfriend.
"You are beautiful. Your brother could never do anything to take away from that. I am ordering you to accept that."
I could tell she wanted to argue, but the enchantment magic that enabled my Corruption ability was incredibly powerful and she nodded slowly.
"Did you bring me here to compliment me, or was there something else you required, Lady Allexus?"
I had half a mind to tell her to mind her tone, but the last thing I wanted was to do or say something that Mellic would have. Instead I smiled and pointed to a simple suit of armor that the blacksmith had included when we purchased the supplies for our forge and armory. Tesrif's eyes opened widely and she ran over to the armor excitedly.
"This is Hellforged Obsidian. The craftsmanship is excellent... Wearing this into battle would offer substantial protection."
"I'm glad you like it... because it's yours."
"Wha-but- I couldn't possibly accept this, my lady. It's too much."
I narrowed my eyes and folded my arms over my chest.
"You are the general of my army... you think I want you running around in anything less than the best? How would it look to my enemies for my general to show up wearing that metal hunk of junk you called armor?"
She thought about what I had said and nodded.
"Thank you so much, my lady. I will wear it with pride."
"Excellent. Now, equip it and meet Judas in the forge room. He's going to modify it to fit you better. I'm also going to be sending my enchanter along with you to cast whatever enchantments you think would make it better."
The look of surprise and excitement on her face grew as she equipped the dark-gray armor. I summoned my enchanter and ordered him to accompany Tesrif to the forge room and cast whatever enchantments she wanted on her armor that were within his capabilities. The two exited and I let out a huge sigh.
"Come on, sexy lady... let's retire to the boudoir for a bit."
"Wow... I'm online for 10 minutes and you already want to jump my bones..."
"If I had the energy for that... that sounds awesome. But using my Corruption ability as much as I did wiped me out."
"I thought you were supposed to be this indomitable demon lord with the sex drive of a thousand nymphs! Next you're gonna tell me you're not in the mood cause you have a headache..."
I laughed and rolled my eyes at her. I moved to scoop her up with a swift motion and my arms went through her incorporeal form. She giggled and jumped into my arms and I lifted her higher so that her legs were wrapped around my torso.
"Your new body makes it rather difficult to grab you, ya know..."
"Eh. You still love me. Oh um... I mean-"
"Stop. You're right... I do."
"Wait what? I mean... you do? I didn't even mean to say that... it just slipped out."