The Fake Saintess and the Elf Warrior

"I feel like this is the right way to do it..."

Her instincts gave her a sense of "how this ability should be used." Though she couldn't quite articulate it, Naka had indeed mastered the specific uses of each ability. "Creation" was one such example. She tried separating a portion of her power from the others. Then, guided by her instincts, she merged a part of her "soul" into the separated power. Next, her soul and magic mixed to form a sphere of light emitting a strange glow, which flew from her hand and landed on the ground.

Dividing magic wasn't difficult, but splitting even the "soul" that constituted all of one's spirit in two was no ordinary matter. As the sphere of light flew out, a wave of intense exhaustion washed over Naka, almost causing her to lose her footing. At the same time, she felt as if something was missing from her heart. The separated part of her soul had taken something from her "spirit."

Why does "creation" require one to give these things? And what kind of results will these things create? Naka looked at the small light before her with anticipation. All the answers were in this.

When the light faded, Naka and Fan, who had come to witness it, were both stunned.

A naked infant lay on the ground, eyes closed, breathing steadily. It appeared to be sleeping. This infant's appearance was unlike any other monster's baby or cub; it was indistinguishable from a human infant.

That's right, just like Naka.

Naka slowly walked over and carefully picked up the baby. She discovered that the baby was a girl with a faint layer of silver hair.

That's right, just like Naka.

"Karenra, what's going on?"

Fane was completely stunned by this life that had appeared out of nowhere and ran to Naka's side for a closer look. But no matter how he looked at her, it was just a human baby. There was nothing unusual about it. However, when he tried to use the device he had developed to measure a creature's ability and race information on her, the usually reliable machine emitted an error message. The girl's ability values, level, race, and other information were all displayed as "?". This surprised him even more.

"What's going on? Is there something wrong with the machine?"

When he pointed the device at Naka again, it displayed the ∞ symbol that Fain had previously suspected was a sign of machine malfunction. The fact that it was now present proved that the machine was functioning correctly.

Just when Fan was in a state of utter distress, Naka spoke up.

"Fan...this child is the same monster we fought at the gates of the Demon King's castle back then."

"What?"

"The moment I used this ability, I understood everything... That lizard-like monster we fought back then, which was immortal, was a creature created by the former Demon King using 'Creation'. As long as we 'Demon Kings' live, this creature will never die. That's why no matter how hard we tried that day, we couldn't kill that monster. This is what 'Demon King's Power - Creation' creates."

"Huh? Is that how it is?"

They had planned to defeat the Demon King and then conduct their research, but when they returned to the gates of the Demon King's castle, they couldn't find any trace of the monster. Only the ice pillar that Naka had released remained, now completely empty.

Without samples, research was impossible. For years, Fane had regretted not knowing what the monster that attacked them that day truly was. But the answer to that question, the truth about this ability, had now naturally flowed into Naka's mind through her own experience. She looked at the sleeping humanoid monster in her arms. This was the only being in the entire country with the same face as her.

"This ability is really convenient. It can create such an unreasonable being. If it can't be killed no matter how you try, wouldn't it be the best weapon of war? If we send her to the battlefield, we can guarantee that we won't lose a single soldier, while the enemy will only suffer one-sided losses... Kalena, why not hand her over to some general and let him train her into a powerful fighting force for our army?"

"..."

"So this is how this creature was created. Is it true that all living things are like this? No matter what species, they are all born in such a small, immature state. That means we can't expect her to be useful right away. I wonder how long it will take for her to grow up... This power is really not very satisfying."

"Fan"

After learning about the species' unique advantages, Fane began considering how to utilize them more effectively. However, Naka disagreed. She rejected all of Fane's ideas.

"I will not let this child go to the battlefield."

"Eh?...So you're thinking of using her as a bodyguard, like the former Demon King, to come to your rescue when someone attacks the Demon King's castle? That's one way to use her..."

"No. I won't let her participate in the battle."

"...ah?"

"I've made my decision. She is my daughter. I will make her a princess of our country."

"What...what did you say?!"

The adopted daughter thus declared her intention to become a mother. This caused her adoptive father to gasp in disbelief.

"Are you kidding me? Karenla? You...you're going to adopt her as your daughter? And make her a princess?"

"Um"

"Why? According to you, this kind of creature shouldn't be used for combat, right? If she really has such an invincible immortality, wouldn't keeping her in the city be a waste of her potential..."

"I believe in the abilities of our Demon King's army. She won't need to go to the battlefield; she'll surely conquer this world for me. And don't forget, Father. I am Level ∞. I am not as corrupt and weak as the previous Demon King. I don't need anyone's protection. I will not be killed by anyone."

"Can..."

"My mind is made up. There's no need to say anything more."

"....yes"

Since the Demon King had spoken, Fan had no choice but to obey unconditionally. But even now, he couldn't understand why Naka, who was always decisive and efficiency-driven, would make such a decision. His adopted daughter also had a strange side that even her adoptive father, Fan, couldn't see or understand.

In short, from that day on, the Demon King's castle had a princess. Naka named her Mayera. This creature, who should have been the best meat shield and cannon fodder active on the front lines or near the Demon King, thus enjoyed a pampered life and grew up with meticulous and high-level cultural etiquette education.

Mayera looked almost exactly like Naka when she was a child. However, due to their different upbringing and education, she had a completely different personality and temperament. This gave Fain a sense of novelty, as if he were seeing "another possibility with an adopted daughter." And whenever Fain went to her room, she would sweetly smile and call him "Grandpa." This made Fain feel a blissful sensation, as if his bones were melting. He finally understood the meaning of the common saying "grandparents' love for their grandchildren."

He, who had initially opposed Mayra and Naka's decision, gradually softened his stance and slowly accepted the lovely child.

However, the truth could not be hidden from everyone's eyes. At first, Naka only said that the princess was her daughter, remaining silent about the Demon King's powers. When a high-ranking official asked who the child's father was, Naka simply remained silent. Eventually, the rumor that the "princess" was an avatar created by the Demon King using his magic spread among the executives.

The Demon King's clone is a being that lives and dies with the Demon King. When the Demon King dies, the clone also disappears. This means that Mayera cannot exist as Naka's successor. From the moment of her birth, it was destined that her lifespan would never exceed Naka's. All the upbringing and education given to her now will not contribute to the future of the nation. It only satisfies the Demon King's selfish desires.

Choosing such a creature as the heir naturally provoked dissatisfaction and opposition from the Demon King's army's high command.

Even so, Naka pulled through. And because of this, she is now facing a dilemma.

"Fan, maybe I'm wrong."

After giving all the instructions and dismissing the officials, Naka lay on her throne and spoke to Fan. Fan then asked...

"Why does Your Majesty say such a thing?"

"No Demon Lord would consider a 'Demon Lord's clone' as their own child. Only I am different. But she is ultimately a weapon for battle, and perhaps locking her up was a mistake. I only wanted to keep her, who looks just like me, by my side, but perhaps... this stifled her true nature. A 'Demon Lord's clone' is, after all, a warlike species..."

"This subordinate is unaware and dares not speak recklessly..."

"To be honest, I'm not worried about Mayra's safety right now. She's immortal; no matter where she goes or how strong her opponent is, no one can kill her. She'll definitely come back when she's had her fill of fun. What I'm worried about is what kind of trouble she'll cause out there."

"Make a mess?"

"Yes, Fan, think about it. What will happen when a child who has never left the Demon King's castle since birth comes to that colorful, complex, and chaotic human society... If her identity is exposed, it will be a completely unnecessary trouble for our army and our plans. Even if no one comes, no matter how many people come, they can't kill her, but if she causes a ruckus in the city and alerts the royal capital, it will be a huge obstacle for me and for Diaz's next actions... I must bring her back before things get to that point."

"Understood."

"well..."

Naka sighed and looked out the window. Several bird-like monsters landed on the edge of the bed, but quickly flew up into the blue sky together. Naka muttered to herself absentmindedly.

"I just hope she doesn't hurt anyone outside..."

"What's wrong, buddy? Is that all you've got?"

Mayella, holding her umbrella, twirled gracefully, her long dress billowing in the air—a truly breathtaking sight.

But her rival, Tatia, had lost all interest in appreciating beauty and romance.

"Huff...huff..."

She clutched her injured arm, gasping for breath. Blood streamed down her head. Her entire body was covered in wounds.

Having withstood her strongest attack, Mayera, who should have been dead by any standard, seemed completely unaffected. What should she do next? Tatia was at a loss. Therefore, in the ensuing battle, she was utterly powerless to resist, being relentlessly attacked by Mayera.

Her umbrella appeared to be an ordinary parasol. In reality, however, it possessed immense sturdiness, capable of withstanding any attack from "Elf Paradise." Furthermore, it had the ability to absorb and neutralize magic. After only a few blows from her umbrella, Tatia was already covered in wounds. And now, she pointed the umbrella at Tatia again.

"If you don't come, I'll go there myself."

She once again spoke with ill intent, striding towards Tatsia, completely disregarding her.

Even if the slash was useless, the feeling of being looked down upon was unbearable. Tatiana angrily raised her sword, intending to strike her.

"Hey yo"

But Mayera's movements were far faster. The umbrella, which had been open, was instantly slammed shut, transforming into a hard, long staff that struck Tatya's right cheek as she raised her hand. Then, Mayera thrust forward, the tip of the umbrella piercing Tatya's abdomen.

"Gurgle...!"

Despite the excruciating pain and the nausea that threatened to vomit her entire stomach, Tatsia held on and didn't collapse. After rubbing the pierced area, she raised "Elf Paradise" once more.

"You're still not giving up? I'm almost done playing around... It's time to end this, little brother."

"Don't just talk to yourself..."

"Hey yo"

Just as Tatia was about to respond, Mayera suddenly raised her parasol and hurled it at Tatia like a javelin. Tatia quickly turned her head to dodge.

This attack wasn't actually intended to injure Tatsia. She hadn't noticed that the U-shaped bend in the umbrella's handle was aimed directly at the sword in her hand. With a clang, her hand hooked onto the blade of "Fairy Paradise." An unexpected strength, far beyond what a girl of her size would possess, caused Tatsia to lose her grip on her weapon. "Fairy Paradise" slipped from her grasp and was carried away by the parasol hooked onto it.

"what!"

Tatia turned to look at the weapon that had been taken from her, and in that instant, she felt a sense of foreboding. Because in battle, turning one's back to the opponent was a cardinal sin.

When she turned around immediately, Mayera, who had been several meters away, had brought her nose less than a centimeter away from Tatia's. She smiled at the terrified Tatia.

"That's it, buddy."

Then, a violent shockwave erupted from her hand, which was already pressed against Tatsia's abdomen. Tatsia's body flew out like a kite with a broken string. When she hit the ground, her flesh made a crisp sound. Several bones had broken from the impact.

"Waaah..."

The intense pain nearly made her faint again. She bit her lip hard to stay awake. Just then, a green light appeared in her peripheral vision. Turning her head, she saw "Elf Paradise," with Mayera's parasol hanging on it, planted in the ground not far from her.

"My...my sword..."

She endured the pain and slowly crawled towards her weapon, stretching out her arm straight towards it, trying to pick it up again.

But by then, Mayera had arrived. She raised her foot, and the heel of her high heel pierced Tatsia's hand.

"Aaaaaaah!"

Even with her incredible endurance, the pain of having her hand pierced through caused Tatia to scream. After pulling the heel out, Mayera kicked her in the shoulder, sending her sprawling onto her back.

"What a persistent fellow. Don't you understand that even with this fun sword, you can't beat me? There's nothing here that can broaden my horizons anymore. How boring. I thought those three men were just isolated cases, but it seems all humans are like you, like them—lowly creatures who lack manners and resort to violence at the drop of a hat. I'm so disappointed. But..."

As she spoke, Mayera suddenly leaned down, placing her hands on Tatia's shoulders and pressing her entire body against hers. Not only that, she brought her face close to Tatia's, hissing as she sniffed.

This astonishing act terrified Tatsia, who screamed in a trembling voice that could no longer conceal her fear.

"What...what are you going to do!"

"Hmm...you smell much better than those three men. We're all human, but can our scents be so different? I really didn't know that."

"Taste...taste?"

"Yes. Although you have an earthy smell all over you, it can't mask the sweet fragrance emanating from your body... Hmm, this is the first time I've ever seen such a pleasant-smelling human."

"You...don't...want to..."

The other party recognized her scent, and knew she was a monster capable of swallowing humans whole without a second thought. Tatia understood her purpose. Her body began to tremble uncontrollably. Her teeth chattered.

Mayella, on the other hand, confirmed her idea.

"Of course I'm going to eat you! You've made me get some exercise after so long, and my stomach is growling with hunger. Can't I use you to whet my appetite?"

"you......"

"Alas, I truly meant well and wanted to save you, but you repaid kindness with enmity. I had no choice. You cut off my head to kill me, didn't you? If I weren't immortal, I would have been killed by you. When you tried to kill, didn't you ever think that you would end up in the same situation? You were so smug when you were killing, but you resisted being killed. Humans are truly selfish."

"..."

Was it because what she said made sense, or because Tatia was too terrified to speak? In any case, she didn't refute it. She just trembled uncontrollably beneath Mayera. A large amount of cold sweat soaked through her clothes in a short time.

I can't win... I can't beat this girl.

She was several times stronger than Oz, ten times stronger, no, much stronger... Her strength, speed, skills, and abilities were far beyond what Tatia could handle at her current level. Even wielding "Elf Paradise" and using every trick in the book, Tatia ultimately couldn't pose any threat to her.

I was too naive. I naively thought the Demon King's pampered daughter wouldn't have much fighting power. I believed that by using the invincible artifact left to me by my mother, I could easily defeat her and let the Demon King experience even a fraction of the pain I felt when witnessing the deaths of my hometown and loved ones. But the result was my own defeat, leading to this predicament.

Regret, fear, resentment, anger... all these emotions were fueling her survival instincts. She didn't want to die. She opened her mouth, trying to use her last bit of strength to shout for help.

but...

"Oh dear, that won't do!"

The instant she opened her mouth, Mayera waved her small hand, and the ground behind Tatsia instantly transformed into a dark magic circle. Several thick, slick, and slimy tentacles, as thick as wrists, rapidly emerged from the magic circle, tightly binding Tatsia's hands, ankles, knees, elbows, waist, neck, and mouth. The tentacles blocking her mouth rendered Tatsia unable to utter a sound.

Not only that, but all the tentacles were constantly contracting, constricting her flesh with all their might. Increasing pain emanated from every part of her body, and her already shattered bones seemed to groan in agony. With her trachea constricted, Tatia could no longer breathe. The imminent danger to her life made her stare in horror at Mayera, who had committed such an act.

Mayera could clearly see what was being said in her eyes.

"Young master, you're wondering what I want to do, right... It's a very simple matter. With your size, how could my small mouth possibly eat you all at once? Swallowing you whole in big gulps wouldn't be in keeping with a lady's elegant image. So, I'll have to cut you into eight pieces first, then eat you slowly. That's what I did when I ate those three people."

"....!"

Even her desperate struggles were futile. Tatya felt the excruciating pain of her body being crushed, watching that beautiful face—the most terrifying sight for a dying person—closer and closer. Mayera's small mouth once more approached Tatya's face. Her cool tongue gently licked her cheek. Then, she murmured words of "judgment" upon Tatya's life.

"Alright... I'm ready to dig in."

The Little Devil Girl's Unpredictable Mood

Since birth, Tatia has been just an ordinary child among her peers.