Chapter 17 - Master, I just remembered something urgent!
"Is that all?"
Cain glanced at the perfect duplicate of Shiho standing before him. "Vermouth, check your current state again. See if you picked up anything else."
"Yes, Master."
The false Shiho closed her eyes briefly.
A memory surfaced...unfamiliar, yet instinctive.
She raised one hand. Demonic power stirred.
Buzz.
A magic circle bloomed in her palm.
Soon, Wind blades formed.
"This is… wind blade?"
The real Shiho stared, disbelief written across her face.
Cain's expression cleared with understanding.
So that was the truly terrifying part of Devil Mask.
Not just appearance and aura, it could copy abilities too.
"Use it. Let me see the power."
"Yes, Master."
Vermouth as Shiho, unleashed the spell.
SNAP.
Cain shattered the wind blades with a casual backhand slap.
"Weaker than the original," Shiho noted and exhaled in quiet relief.
"True," Cain said thoughtfully. "But that's probably because Vermouth herself is still Low class. You're a Mid class now."
Which also meant…
As Vermouth grew stronger, she could potentially surpass the original in copied techniques.
"Try turning into me," Cain said curiously.
Vermouth focused instantly.
Light shimmered.
Nothing happened.
She opened her eyes, looking a bit puzzled. "It's not working. Is Master immune?"
Cain nodded inwardly.
As expected. Skills he granted couldn't be turned against him.
This is Safe.
Vermouth dispelled the transformation, but her eyes gleamed with calculation.
She'd achieved her goal...becoming his servant.
But her status was clearly the lowest.
Facing two sisters with natural synergy?
She had to take the initiative.
Without warning, Vermouth launched herself at Cain, wrapping both arms around one of his and pressing close.
Cain immediately felt himself engulfed in warmth.
"Master," she purred softly, "I've offended you greatly in the past. Vermouth is uneasy… please punish me."
Cain raised an eyebrow, amusement flickering in his eyes.
Playing it this bold?
He liked it.
Without a word, he scooped her up and tossed her lightly onto the sofa.
Shiho: "…"
Akemi: "…"
...
Vermouth had only just acquired Devil Mask. Mastery would take time.
Naturally, Cain had to help her practice.
He was exploring the skill's limits himself..
"Let me see Devil Mask again," Cain reminded gently, a smile tugging at his mouth.
"Understood, Master."
Vermouth's voice trembled as she activated the skill once more.
Images flashed through her mind—every person she knew.
Then Cain's eyes lit up.
Devil Mask was truly amazing.
He was certain now: it replicated everything one hundred percent.
Across the room, Shiho watched with a strange expression.
Everything in front of her felt like looking into a mirror.
Vermouth was obsessed with her, wasn't she?
Most of the transformations had been Shiho.
"This woman is infuriating."
Shiho gritted her teeth.
But her body suddenly felt boneless.
BUZZ.
A magic circle flared, enveloping her.
Cain summoned her with too.
That familiar sensation washed over her.
Shiho found herself pulled into hugs and kisses once more.
She felt like she was drowning...reaching desperately for something to hold onto.
In the end, all she could grasp was Herself.
Soon she didn't even have the energy to struggle.
[Vermouth]
[Race: Devil]
[Master: Cain Lucifuge]
[Level: Level 10]
[Skill: Devil Mask]
[Devil Mask: Freely alter appearance, voice, and aura to perfectly replicate any target.]
…
[Shiho Miyano]
[Race: Devil]
[Master: Cain Lucifuge]
[Level: LV13]
[Skill: Heart of Magic]
[Heart of Magic: No magic in the world holds any mystery for you; mastery comes extremely quickly.]
…
Cain studied the updated panels and raised an eyebrow.
They're leveling too fast.
Especially Shiho.
Only a few days, and she was already closing in on High Class.
At this rate, it wouldn't be long.
"And I'm not coming away empty handed."
He felt his own demonic power swell and murmured to himself.
The stronger his servants grew, the more feedback he received.
"Looks like I'll need to help everyone level up more often."
His gaze drifted meaningfully to Akemi.
Akemi stiffened. "Master, I just remembered something urgent!"
She bolted from the room in a panic.
She wasn't ready at all.
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