Strawberry Devil in a Fantasy World

Sitting across a table with me was Lapis, Mera's best friend from childhood.

"Before we get started, do you want something to drink?"

"Ehh... Actually... Let me offer something to you!"

Strawberry wine, the Berry brand, was on its way to being commercialized! I couldn't possibly forget to advertise my own products.

I waved my hands, and poof! A glass of wine with the sweet aroma of strawberries popped into existence.

"Give it a try! Heheh." I grinned, gesturing her to a drink of friendship.

"Interesting."

She took a sip without a hint of hesitation.

What... She's not even going to question where it came from? Fearless little lady...

A few feet away, Mera was watching the scene with her jaws dropped. She nearly dropped her tray. Upon seeing her like that, I couldn't help but display a smug smirk on my face. 

Your friend has received my stamp of approval!

"Not bad."

"Only not bad? It was approved by Kanoko!"

She raised an eyebrow. "Who's Kanoko?"

"A friend... Never mind! Tell me about the fake guardian and how you pacified Mera so easily. There's no way the Mera I know would fold the moment I took my eyes off of her."

She chuckled and said, "She's always been on the stubborn and straightforward side. But, I know her only too well. You see my ability, [oracle], do you not? It was only recently that [foresight] evolved into that."

"Let me guess. You knew exactly where she'd be...?"

She nodded, "Exactly. I knew I would meet her soon so I made preparations to greet her at the destined location just a hop away. This time, I resolved myself to face my past and face her. You know about it too, don't you?"

"Yes, briefly, she recounted her past."

"We both had regrets. Here I am, a runaway, still in hiding, but I don't hate it. Changes are coming, I see it very clearly. This is my chance and my only chance. I cannot see your future but I know you're someone capable of changing the world."

"I hope she hasn't divulged too much?" I snuck a peek at Mera.

"Not at all. Anyway, you probably don't want to hear our reunion story so let's move on to your other question. For many of us here, the demon we have contracted with is an ancient one. From what I know, she has some authority within the Great Labyrinth of Daedel. By the way, that's the given name of this place. You've just been calling it a subspace, right?"

"Neat... Eh... Ancient demon..."

Perhaps understanding my concerns, she continued, "She's not an evil one. Unlike the younger generation demons who hunger for achievements and power, she acts more like administrators of this world. If it wasn't for that, I wouldn't have contracted with her."

"But why would you want to contract with a demon?"

"I have my own reasons just as Mera had hers when contracting you."

"Aww... I'm not a demon! I'm Kerry the Fairy! I'm a fairy, you hear? I'm different!"

"Let's end it on that note."

"Wait! Why? You haven't talked about the fake guardian."

She had a hand covering her mouth, "Oh dear, I wasn't clear enough I suppose. Playing the role of a guardian was one of her hobbies to pass time. Well, it could also have been one of her servants playing that role. Either way, it's to satiate her boredom, so to speak? So I rather you don't try to kill her."

"Eh? That's it? And Mera agreed!?"

"Yes. It was a mutual agreement. She killed my first love and in exchange, I asked her not to kill my benefactor. It's fair, is it not?"

I was left speechless.

I don't know... This sweet little elf is a bit twisted, isn't she? Wait... Isn't that ancient demon a bit too cunning or what!? What am I supposed to do now?

I turned to Mera with my flabbergasted expression, yet she only nodded innocently.

"I've been played..." I could only sigh wistfully.

"Now then, I should get back to work! Oh, by the way, I'd like to order three barrels of your... strawberry wine, was it? Thanks!" She waved at me, and left from her seat.

I feel stupid... I've been all worked up for nothing. I guess playing around is only natural for demons. What to do now...?

Minutes later, Mera walked up to the table I was fuming at.

"I'm sorry." She said apologetically.

"It's fine... And what should we do about our contract?"

"I'd like to keep it if possible."

"Why? You have no need for my power anymore, do you? Oh right, you're still searching for your fiancée. I can lend a hand."

"I found out where he is from Lapis. He's on Crescent Island. I'll be going there a bit later."

Crescent Island was an large chunk of land in the shape of a crescent moon situated northwest of the continent. Travelling by sea was too dangerous and travelling by air would be too expensive, hence it had remained unclaimed by any nations. In addition, that place, according to my knowledge, was mostly uninhabitable. To reach that place, Mera probably planned to use one of the teleportation gates within the Great Labyrinth.

"Then... Why do you still need a command? You're powerful enough."

"As for my last command, you are not to harm Perdix, the demon Lapis is contracted with."

"You know I don't have to agree with your command, right? Plus, isn't she causing trouble in your country? Elves across the world are being persecuted. Why would you go that far for Lapis? Is it guilt? Speak to me!"

Her eyes squeezed shut and her hands clenched tight. "Please, just be Kerry the Fairy and grant my wish."

"No, I refuse."

Mera's tension suddenly released and looked at me with disappointment.

"But, I'll consider your wish after I speak with this Perdia. No promises, okay?"

Her face suddenly brightened before replying with an affirmative nod.

On that note, I severed the energy link I had with Mera. Our contract ended.

After that, I left three barrels of strawberry wine to Lapis in exchange for some more information on Perdia and took my leave.

According to Lapis, there was only one way to reach where Perdia was. Aside from venturing out of the Great Labyrinth occasionally, this being normally resided within the innermost chamber of this subspace. That place could only be accessed via a select few teleportation gates at specific times. She also advised me that the inner chambers might have a different flow of time than the rest of the world.

Lastly, she remarked with a wink, "Perdia might not be a demon but you didn't hear that from me."

For now, demon or not, I'm not feeling well enough to visit an insidious person like that. Let's put it off for now. I need more preparations.

It was only a matter of time before my secondary core cracked into the inner chambers. No matter how much they scrambled the coordinates, I could swiftly navigate the Great Labyrinth of Daedel. The outer layer of the subspace was as good as mine if I disregarded the constant expansion.

On that note, I managed to track down Kanoko's sister, Kanobi. She was living the life of royalty in a luxury housing suite with a swimming pool attached inside this subspace. At the time I found her, one of her tails, serving as her minion, was giving her a massage.

No wonder she had that attitude... Living a more lavish life than me who's probably lower than a peasant to her.

Anyway, now that I knew where Kanobi was, I could take Kanoko here for a visit if she still wished to do so. I doubt Kanobi would disappear to anywhere soon.

In Rotask, the capital city of the Kingdom of Appalia, the grand battle between heroes and fey beasts had came to a conclusion.

It was expected though since two days had passed.

Not surprisingly, the seven heroes were still alive and well.

Then, as for the magitech airship fleet, several airships were anchored on the outskirts of the city. It seemed that the reptilians had no intent on a hostile takeover while the human nation was weakened even to this degree.

Well, frankly speaking, the Federation probably could have taken over the Kingdom of Appallia whenever it wished but lacked the resources to manage it. Hence, it opted for a beneficial business relationship for a long term gain instead.

Looks like I have no business here anymore. My strawberry business will have to wait...

Since Mae's weapon was enhanced by me in a way that could easily be abused, I withdrew my power from the sniper scope and destroyed that bullet. The magic swords weren't that strong and I would say they were on par with that magic bow so I spared them.

On the way back to Ataraxia, I dropped by the soul library and dumped some demon's memories there.

"Hey Oortez, I brought some souvenirs for you!"

"Boss! Come take a look!"

The hell is he on? Boss? Me?

"Sure..."

But I'm not interested in gadgets.

He led me into his techie laboratory.

"This! Isn't it amazing?"

He was speaking with his usual passion.

What is that thing supposed to do? Oh... I think I know.

"A teleportation gate?"

"As expected of milady!"

You're not trying to escape, are you? Just when I had you locked up somewhere nice and tight...

"Does it work?"

"It hasn't been tested, but you came at such an opportune moment. This must be fate."

"Heh? Me?" I pointed at myself with surprise, "Wait, you can't mean I'm going to end up your test subject, right?"

"Ah, it's like you read my mind. Whenever you're ready!"

His beaming smile was painful to look at, seriously.

"Hold on, you copied the teleportation gates from the Great Labyrinth of Daedel, didn't you? That's what you called 'ancient ruins', isn't it?"

"That's part of it, but indeed, indeed. Isn't that place just impressive? It's truly a fountain of endless knowledge and discovery."

"Not really. It's a collaborative work. I found out how it works."

"Oh?"

"I guess you weren't part of the inner circle of high level demons."

"Unfortunately not. I believe there was a rumor going around saying one has to be at least level 70 to meet the basic qualification. At the minimum it would a hundred years to reach that level."

"I see. That De Planck fellow was part of it, wasn't he? I saw him briefly but he ran off somewhere."

"That I am unsure. All I know was that he has a higher ranking than me in the hierarchy. If he gave an order, I would follow it." He shrugged disinterestedly.

"Didn't you say that demons normally worked alone? I had no idea there was a hierarchy involved at all."

"It's but a trivial matter." His hands were giving off the gesture for me to drop that boring subject.

"But..."

"Let's get to the important part! Now, tell me all about the secrets of the Great Labyrinth of Daedel! I'm dying to know all its secrets!"

Since he was overly enthusiastic about this absurd research topics, I surrendered a bit of my time to entertain him. 

You're too passionate for me... Please spare me. I'll look for your assistant next. She can be your test subject like she's supposed to be. Right, this matter can't be put off any longer.

I'm sorry Highlander Emperor. We might have to postpone our meeting...

Well, let's see how long it'll take to find his assistant first.