Chapter 140: Give me a name
Elton could only stare at Norg, his expression heavy with quiet pity. He didn't respond immediately, merely watching the pitiful state the demon had fallen into.
Christy, however, wasn't nearly as reserved.
"Hah! That's rich coming from a trifling hobgoblin demon like you," she spat coldly. "You assaulted and killed countless innocents—especially women—driven by nothing but your perverse lust. I've heard all about you, foul cretin."
Her tone was frigid, her eyes narrowed with disdain. Norg, fused with the grotesque tree, trembled faintly. His withered mouth moved slowly, barely forming the words.
"You… foul-mouthed girl… I… didn't really… resort to such…"
"Not really?" Christy scoffed. "Not really?! Don't insult my intelligence. There was plenty of proof of your disgusting sins. The only thing shocking is that this tree didn't spit you out like poison."
As their exchange grew more biting, Shayleaf quietly stepped toward the base of the bloody tree. She knelt beneath its dark, looming canopy, legs crossed, her expression distant and unreadable.
"…I'm going to attempt my breakthrough here," she murmured, her voice calm yet faintly haunted. "There's… something calling to me."
Dark red roots slowly emerged from the earth around her, creeping like tendrils of fate. Thin vines with glowing veins slithered toward her, wrapping gently around her limbs and waist, binding her to the tree like it had accepted her as one of its own.
At that moment, Norg winced—whether from the sight, from pain, or something deeper, it wasn't clear.
Elton glanced at Shayleaf with concern, then turned to Christy. She gave a small nod of understanding.
"Alright, Shay," Elton said softly. "We'll guard you."
But just as he finished speaking, a large force suddenly emerged from the fog-choked trees, stepping into the clearing with purpose. Crimson-eyed warriors appeared with Magical vehicles rolling behind them. Prisoners in chains clanked in tow—many bloodied, some unconscious.
Elton and Christy's eyes narrowed as they shifted into defensive stances, prepared for battle.
But instead of hostility, there was reverence.
"Oh! It truly is a royal… One worthy of command," said one of the crimson-eyed leaders, staring toward Shayleaf. "Ah! And there is one blessed with the blood of the Master."
From the tree line and surrounding paths, more figures emerged—more Crimson-eyed warriors, also towing prisoners. Roots surged from the forest floor, stabbing into the ground near the captives. Vines slithered around them like snakes, causing yelps and gasps of fear.
Elton and Christy watched grimly. Even now, the forest consumed.
"hmm? You're…"
A young woman emerged from the mass, walking toward him with hesitant steps at first. But as her eyes locked onto his figure, something changed.
"You're… It's you… Benefactor!!" she gasped, her pace suddenly accelerating.
In a heartbeat, she closed the distance, seemingly intent on embracing him—only to be blocked by Christy, who stepped forward with a sharp look in her eyes.
"…You are not to touch Gege so carelessly," she said icily. "You could be an enemy… planning something against him."
The woman immediately halted and bowed her head.
"My apologies, ma'am," she said earnestly. "I was overwhelmed. His figure was the last thing I saw before I was reborn… I was on the brink of giving up, of ending my life after what those disgusting demons had done…" she spat, glaring at Norg's fused form.
Elton's expression softened with realization. "So… you're someone I once rescued."
She gave a small nod, her tone more restrained. "All three of you are my benefactors… But only you remain clear in my memory. You were the one I saw blasting away that fleet. Even if by chance, you saved me."
Christy tilted her head. "Eh? When exactly was this?"
Elton was also thoughtful, trying to recall, when the woman gave her answer.
"Your battle with Ramorous… and that giant beam of light."
Christy's eyes widened with slight confusion. Elton exhaled in quiet surprise.
"Oh! That time…" he murmured. "So there were survivors after all. Thank goodness."
He offered a gentle smile. "I'm glad you made it. What's your name, miss?"
The young woman gazed at Elton with eyes shimmering like crimson gemstones. If someone unfamiliar were watching from afar, they might have found her presence disturbing—especially given the faintly bloody aura that clung to her like a second skin.
"My name, huh…?" she murmured, voice soft and haunting. "Since my rebirth, I haven't found a name that suits me. The woman I was before died that day… as far as I'm concerned, she no longer exists. I pledge my entire life to you, my true master—outside of Master Farraleaf. Please… name me."
Elton looked at her carefully, taking in her features. A striking beauty—almost ethereal, with clear traces of both the Fae and demonic bloodlines. Yet, there was also a subtle vampiric essence swirling in her core, unmistakable. He had to swallow back a gulp. If not for the years spent beside Christy, Shayleaf, and Erica, this woman's sheer allure would have been overwhelming.
Christy, of course, didn't miss a beat.
"Gege!" she snapped with a pout. "Don't get all flustered now! You can't drop your guard just because she's pretty!"
Elton blinked, startled, and rubbed the back of his head, thankful his mask was hiding the sweat forming on his brow. "Ah, Chris, it's not like that… I just—uh—I get it, I do."
He composed himself before continuing. "I can tell… somehow, she really is completely sincere about this. Honestly, I've never been one for collecting followers, but… as a subordinate of sorts, maybe we can work something out."
"Yes, milord," the woman replied, stepping forward with confidence, her voice low and sultry. "Now please, give me a name."
"H-Hey! Why are you standing so close?!" Christy interjected again, visibly annoyed. "You don't need to press yourself up to Gege just to be named!"
Just then, a deep, mocking chuckle echoed in their minds.
"Heh. Oh woman of mine, hush now. Let the boy accept a fine subordinate like this one. Don't worry, you'll still be one of his three wives, yeah?"
That voice—the Inner One—cut through the moment like a blade, reverberating through Elton's and Christy's minds. Even the mysterious woman paused, surprised at the unexpected presence, but she didn't flinch for long.
"You again?!" Christy growled. "Why don't you vanish and leave Gege alone already?!"
"Hahaha! How can I leave myself alone? You know me better than anyone except the boy himself. Whether it's me or him in control… you're still mine, little Christy."
The voice's tone was arrogant and insufferable—and yet… painfully truthful. Christy's cheeks flushed, her indignation faltering. As much as she wanted to deny it, she couldn't. Not fully.
Elton, partially influenced by the inner presence, stepped forward and gently touched the young woman's cheek. His voice carried a strange echo—both his and not his.
"Tongsheng. A woman reborn of scarlet… the name Tongsheng suits you perfectly."
The woman—Tongsheng—blushed softly, her crimson aura pulsing as she looked up at him with reverence.
"Tongsheng… my name is Tongsheng now…" she whispered with awe. As the name left her lips, a faint light shimmered between her and Elton. A silent contract formed, and her previously bloody aura began to shift—softening slightly, becoming more refined.
Christy rolled her eyes and folded her arms. "Alright, alright, enough of the name games already—"
She suddenly paused mid-sentence, her head whipping to the side as her eyes narrowed.
"Gege… There's a large number of individuals coming here Fast! We've got trouble—and I'm pretty sure we're the target."
Elton sighed deeply, a sense of inevitability settling over him. "Of course… I knew peace wouldn't last long."
Tongsheng stepped forward beside them, her bloody killing intent flowing freely like a crimson tide.
"Worry not, milord," she said confidently. "I and the others will handle any fools who dare to approach. Just be sure to watch over Her Majesty while she undergoes her breakthrough."
Elton nodded slowly, gaze shifting toward Shayleaf still in meditation beneath the bloody tree.
"…Alright then. We'll count on you—for now."
And just like that, the stillness shattered.
A massive battle erupted.