The Hero Became a Succubus, and the Only Way to Level is to… What?!

With the Demon Three's Alliance secured, Kanae returned to Ehmvier with Artaggon demons and Queen-Mother succubi in tow. However, since they were all enemies until recently, those sentiments didn't just disappear. That was evidenced by the tagalongs that were tasked to help the Commonwealth fend off the Empire of Ortesia's initial invasion…

"Just remember your place in battle, Claudia. We all know you will just stand there and let yourself be mobbed like a fool. I have fought in countless campaigns across Artaggon. Lord Charron entrusted that I repel the imperial forces, and that's exactly what I'll do," Minestra taunted.

"The only thing that extra pair of hands is good for is keeping your mouth from spewing more shit, you four-armed freak. I'll end this war alone in the name of the Queen-Mother. Hehe… I can't wait… all the pain I can inflict on thousands— no, tens of thousands! Or better yet… All the pain they can inflict on me! Aaahhh~" Claudia shuddered in ecstasy from a fantasy of her own making.

Meanwhile, Kanae watched the two fools bicker. They were supposed to be the feared demon lieutenant Minestra Val'doun and Claudia, the Mistress of Pain. Right now, their respective armies were embarassed by them. Neither of them have stopped trying to one-up the other since departing from Highgreen.

On the other hand…

"Huh. You're telling me you bagged the succubus just because you treated her a little nicely? You sure it isn't just because she's a slut? This bitch gladly let bristle boars fuck her when we were in the Badlands! This langui that's pulling our wagon? She fucks him, too!" Aisha explained.

"I-I know Kanae's desires can get out of hand, but we really do love each other!" Mitty exclaimed passionately.

"Can you guys stop talking about my sex life!" Kanae went bright red and pouted. "We've been traveling for days, and it feels like I was made fun of every minute!"

"Hmm… What can we talk about if not about Kanae?" the hobgoblin woman asked.

They paused for a moment.

"Oh, Mitty! Aisha found a potential mate. You remember Will, the paladin? They seem like quite the item!" Kanae said, hoping to turn the teasing on Aisha.

"I remember Will! How did you two meet?" Mitty asked his sister.

"When Will's strength became known to me, I whisked him to his room and bedded him then and there. His skill in sex is remarkably above average, but humans have no stamina and can be so fragile. I might have broken his hips a few times. He cried out about running out of mana for Lay on Hands," Aisha recalled amusedly.

Hobgoblins were violent partners, it seemed. Kanae prayed for Nelly's safety. Hopefully, her daughters and Daya were doing alright away from home.

When the walls of Commonwealth's crown jewel came into view, patrolling infantry and guards were a much more common sight than caravans of merchants and travelers. The first signs of war. Many non-citizens must have already left. Blockades were likely being set up by Ortesian forces along the southern border. The Commonwealth only had itself to rely on now, that and their new allies.

"Kanae!" Manabe rode out the gate to meet them, but his languisteed whined and reared up when he saw the newcomers. "D-D-Demons and s-succubus… You really did it?"

An undead dragon landed, kicking up dirt and dust.

"Like we planned, Edina! We'll meet you down south soon," Kanae promised.

"Anything on them is fair game, right? I hear those stuck-up high elves like weighing themselves down with jewellry. Here I come, baby! Yahooooo!" Edina ordered the dragon to take off in the direction of the Ortesian forces.

Since the 'greatest necromancer in the world' was a mobile army generator, she was their best chance at slowing the enemy down and buying them a little more time.

"Will my forces and I go going with, Kanae?" Minestra asked, riding up on a devil mutt.

"You will stay back and watch like a good voyeur." Claudia flew down to nudge the demon back. "I shall go and deliver to them the exquisite taste of agony!"

"Quit pushing, you stupid pain-whore!" The herzulith grabbed her wings and arms, and they were soon in a full-blown wrestling match.

"Will you two stop it! We're all going together, but wait here. I need to get a few things in order real quick!" Kanae whistled sharply.

Together with Manabe, Chappy, Esta, Aisha and Mitty, Lapis, and Gretchen who personally guarded Kanade and Suvee, they entered the city in haste.

"So, is it really happening? We're going to w-w-war?" Manabe stammered.

"How many times do I have to tell you, yes! Ready a second force to mobilize at a moment's notice. Have Lilith and the Sisters in Black help you. Gretchen, from now on, you don't let Kanade and Suvee out of your sight. Aisha, I know Rosaline is an idiot, but help her speed up production on potions. Esta, Lapis, Chappy, and Mitty, you'll be coming with me. By now, word should have already reached Radevic that we're allied with Lord Charron and the Queen-Mother. I expected this since it really isn't something that you can hide, but we need to be fast before—"

A giant wizard's tower manifested and plopped into the middle of the city in front of them. They grinded to a halt. Most of them knew exactly who it belonged to. Kanae nodded for Gretchen to bring the kids to the castle.

"Kick some ass, mom!" Suvee pumped a fist, and Kanade followed suit with a clenched fist of her own.

The tower's door swung open. A flock of ravens flew out like a plague of locusts, flying circles around Kanae and her companions.

"Amethyst, Silver! Rumors are abound that the Commonwealth has aligned itself with Artaggon and the Queen-Mother. We've had to hear this second-hand hearsay from the mercantile guilds and adventurers. What is the meaning of this? Tell me it isn't true," Elizabeth Bedlam pleaded earnestly, her voice echoing from every raven in around them.

"I'm sorry, Eliza. You can give my apologies to King Turren and Grand Eye Analise, too. There was no way the Commonwealth survives without help, and we weren't going to get any from Radevic being neutral. I just hope you guys keep my kids safe like you promised" Kanae reminded the sorceress.

"I belong here." Esta guarded Kanae with the Dragonhead Greatshield. "I am firm in my resolve. Aidenhall and the Order of Colors has asked much from their colored knights, Eliza. I have given them everything in my years of service, so has my master. Yet when we knights need AIdenhall and the Order the most, all they can offer is silent prayer."

The ravens converged into a single point at the foor of the tower to form the master sorceress they knew as Elizabeth Bedlam. Her brows were knitted in disappointment. Her lips pursed into a frown. A sharp gaze flicked to Chappy, who was levitating right behind Kanae.

"Where's Lani?" Eliza squinted.

"Lani's safe. I just needed her to be a little complacent," Kanae said.

"Don't worry! If they did anything to my Lani, it's their ass on the line!" Chappy exclaimed, though not at all making the situation any less tense.

The staredown lasted for a minute. Esta only had her shield out, but her other hand was inching to the greatsword. Eventually—

"Ahhhh! Damn you two! Kanae, we were supposed to have a fun little journey ourselves. Didn't you promise me that? Also, how am I supposed to study at the Moonlit Avenue's university if it's destroyed?!" Eliza choked the air and sighed.

"We can still do all that! Just go back and don't do anything. Let me fight this war, and when I come out victorious, you can teach me all about magic. Aren't you and Radevic tired of having Ortesia breathe down your necks?" Kanae asked.

Eliza flicked something over to them. Kanae barely caught it. A tiny teleportation pellet rested in her palm. The sorceress turned around and paused at the door to her tower.

"It's attuned to Ehmvier. Don't go getting yourself caught now. If Ortesia calls upon Radevic to join them in war after discovering who you're allied to, I honestly do not know what the Grand Eye's answer will be. I hope you know what you're doing. For all our sake." Eliza entered the tower, and a few moments later, it vanished into thin air and left behind a giant imprint on the ground.

Kanae breathed a deep sigh of relief.

"We are blessed to have good mentors," Esta said.

"No kidding. Also, I want you to take this." Kanae grabbed the drakeling knight's hand and dropped the teleportation pellet into her palm.

"But this is—"

"You're pregnant. If at any point things are looking too dicey, I want you to use it and get out. Just promise me," Kanae implored.

"Very well, Master. I promise." Esta folded her fingers over it and nodded.

They proceeded to rendezvous with High Priestess Zadris and Sisters in White, who would be coming with to provide support magic in the upcoming campaigns. First Sister Lilith and her black-clad succubi stayed in the city to begin moving pieces into place. Once everything was in place, the army set off to intercept the Ortesian invasionary forces.

The lands between Ehmvier and Lograin mostly consisted of large swathes of farmlands. Rown Company's extension of the Imperial Span cut through the Commonwealth, with many small villages that popped up along the length. It reasoned that whoever controlled the highway, controlled access across the entire continent. Ortesia would definitely make a cautious move through the road.

"Wait," Kanae ordered, pulling Titan to a stop and raising a hand to give everyone behind her pause.

"What's the matter? My arms ache with desire to do battle! That necromancer shouldn't be much farther, right?" Minestra asked.

"Edina's job is to buy us time. Once they break through, they will definitely expect to meet us on the Imperial Span. I have a better idea. We're descending from the highway and moving a few kilometers west!" she shouted.

It took the entire day to build up an encampment and barricades. An army of approximately 400 succubus, 1000 mixed race demons, and 600 Commonwealth forces camping out would be noticed from leagues away.

Edina returned in the evening, looking battered and bruised but not defeated.

"Fuck! Pitting clerics against my undead ain't fair! Didn't stop me from doing a number on them though. They're licking their wounds right now. The force I saw was maybe 5000. Shaved them down to 4000 for ya," Edina explained, plopping down on the floor and gasping for breath.

"Good work, buddy. Leave the rest to me." Kanae patted her friend, then went back to the command table where the others were waiting. "Zadris, as someone from Ortesia, what do you think?"

"A paltry sum. They must be hiding the rest of their forces elsewhere. Or perhaps holding them back in Lograin. I believe this is a scouting party. A large one at that likely to test our strength," Zadris said.

Outnumbered two to one then…

"Why wait? I'll just go out there myself and take care of this for us," Claudia said suddenly.

"Wait, I think we really should be taking them—"

"You?" Minestra interrupted Kanae with a scoff. "I'm ten times the fighter you are. I even have double the arms! Sit back. A herzulith shall show you how to wage war."

"Excuse you! My succubus magic coupled with impenetrable defenses will show them how hopeless it is to face a Mistress!" the succubus fired back.

Both of them butted heads on the way out.

"Should we stop them?" Esta asked.

"No, let them find out the hard way." Kanae sighed.

Later at night, Kanae and Mitty were enjoying an intimate session in their tent to help her recharge. She rode him in the cowgirl position, slamming their hips together so hard that the bed creaked and groaned.

"Kanae, it's coming again!" Mitty squeezed his eyes shut.

"Good! Yes! Pound my pussy… ahhh! I can't get enough of your hobgoblin cock!" Kanae howled in ecstasy.

A thick wave of cum spurted into her womb. She shuddered all over. The white batter oozed where their hips were connected. She stradled him while they caught their breaths.

"Was it really okay to let those two go off on their own?" Mitty asked.

"Best case scenario, they win and save us a bunch of trouble. Worst case, I have one less Mistress and demon lieutenant to deal with. Actually, why are you thinking about other women? How dare you!" Kanae went down to start giving him a blowjob when Esta entered the tent.

"Master, a scout returned. Claudia and Minestra have been captured by the enemy forces," Esta reported.

Great…

Kanae licked Mitty's dick clean, then went to check the map on the table. Esta pointed to where the scout last saw them. 

"Are you planning to save them? I caution against it. There's no telling how many enemy are lying in wait," Esta warned.

A village closest to where the Ortesian forces were camped out captured Kanae's attention. 

"I have an idea. It's time to pull out a skill I haven't used in a while." Kanae switched on Human Form and gave her the appearance of a human woman by hiding her tail, horns, and wings.

"Infiltration?" Esta asked.

"It's worked a few times before. Find me a knapsack and fill it with as many mana-burning spore capsules as possible. Mitty, can you come with me? I need you to escort me there without bumping into any scouts," she explained.

"You got it!" Mitty hopped out of bed to get dressed.

In the dead of night, Kanae, a few white-clad succubi, and Mitty weaved an awkward path through fields to avoid being seen. Thanks to the goblin's Pathfinder skills to help them stay hidden, they were able to make it to the Tosker, a community of wheat farmers built off the bottom of the Imperial Span.

Unfortunately, the inhabitants had long fled deeper into the Commonwealth and more than likely became refugees in Ehmvier. Around here, the ground had been compacted from being trampleld upon. The barns and buildings had been ransacked, signs of being looted by the imperial army. They must not be camped far as evidenced by the many thin trails of campfire smokes visible from here.

"You simply wish for us to chase you into them, Queen Kanae?" a succubus asked.

"Yep, and retreat. Oh, don't forget to keep watch for my signal," Kanae implored.

If they suceeded, this would put the initial Ortesian force into disarray.

Dressed in a frock and apron, Kanae would pose as a fleeing farmer. Her succubi played the role of the villains, chasing her through the fields.

"You'll come back, right?" Mitty asked worriedly.

"You bet I will, but not before kicking their asses like Suvee and Kanade wanted." Kanae grinned.

After a few deep breaths, they put the plan into motion. Kanae ran full speed across the fields, and the group of five succubus gave chase. The camp was coming into view, as did all the Ortesian soldiers dressed in their gaudy gold and silver armor, banners displaying a gilded crown, and tall tents.

"Get back here, cattle!" one succubus growled.

"Help! Help me!" Kanae cried in panic.

"Stop right there!" A dozen high elven infantry poured into the field with their spears poised to attack.

The succubi stopped cold.

"Tch. The Ortesian forces are closer than we thought. Turn back and warn the queen! We have plenty of sex slaves already," the leader of them said, before tucking tail and flying off.

Kanae collapsed to her knees and gasped for air. The Ortesian soldiers surrounded her in an instant, pointing their weapons at her instead of the fleeing succubi.

"Who are you? If you came from that direction, you must be a citizen of the Commonwealth. Why were the succubus chasing after you?" A soldier whose regalia was more decorated than the others inched forward.

"I'm… Zadris… The succubus… they started drafting sex slaves into the army… When my village refused, they forcibly took us. They… They took my husband…" Kanae covered her face and faked tears, hoping they would take the bait.

"Hmph. We always knew succubi and demons couldn't be trusted. They tempt you into sin. You knew what you were getting into by living among them. Well, at least you will be useful. If you lived farther in, then you must have some information regarding the Commonwealth's movements. Sergeant Ored will want to see you. Follow me," the elf demanded.

Walking into the Ortesian encampment, Kanae couldn't believe how lavish they made it. Most of the tents were concentrated on the outer rim. Arranged within the ring were expensive carriages the size of small houses for the more important members of the army. Other soldiers lazed about, smoking from cigars and playing cards. They seemed ready for a vacation rather than war.

They came to a section of the camp that had been laid waist to. Soldiers were clearing away debris and raising tents again. A fierce battle must have taken place here. Well, at least Claudia and Minestra did some damage.

"Sergeant Ored, I have a report!" The officer stood stock still and saluted.

"What is it now? Can't you see I'm busy interrogating the captives?" A lanky high elven man in a long gold and blue robe turned around. His moustache was thin, curving up at the edges. His cheekbones were sharp.

However, it was the two captives that tensed Kanae up.

Trapped inside a bright golden cage of searing divine energies, channeled by several heavily armored clerics, were Claudia and Minestra. They both looked beaten up all over.

"Ah!" Both of their jaws dropped upon seeing Kanae.

Kanae glared them down from saying anything.

"This woman was just running from succubi. We scared them off, bless the Supreme One's watchful gaze. I brought her to you thinking she may know more about the lay of the land. Or why there is a herzulith so far south," the officer explained.

"I see. Good work, officer! You did right by… bringing her to… Hmm." Sergeant Ored stared hard at Kanae and reached into his pocket for a crumpled up piece of paper. His fingers clenched the side of the parchment, and his face turned white.

"Is… something the matter, Sergeant?"

"YOU FOOLS! SHE'S DISGUISED! YOU BROUGHT THE SUCCUBUS QUEEN DIRECTLY TO OUR DOORSTEP! CAPTURE HER!" he cried and tried to run away.

"Well, shit. I guess my face is too popular!" Kanae dropped her Human Form, then clamped her tail pussy on Sergeant Ored's face.

Ortesian infantry poured out of their carriages and tents with weapons drawn. Kanae reached into her knapsack. She flung the pouch of mana-burning spores at the clerics. As they recoiled in pain, their magic wavered. The divine cage imprisoning Claudia and Minestra sputtered out of existence.

"A second chance to redeem myself in Lord Charron's name!" Minestra grabbed two soldiers, bashed their heads together, and picked up their weapons.

"It's time to get out of here! Claudia, grab her! NOW!" Kanae couldn't charm the Ortesian forces on account of their anti-succubus magic potions, but she was able to compel Minestra, with whom she previously had sex with, to stand still enough for Claudia to grab her.

The herzuliths muscles tightened.

"Ahh, yes! Kanae's charm… it feels so good!" Minestra shuddered.

"Ugh. It's your fault we got captured to begin with. I'm only saving you because Kanae wanted me to!" Claudia lifted Minestra into the air.

They flew up when a golden light bathed the ground.

"Divine Smite!" someone boomed from before.

A bolt of holy energies tore through the sky and screeched past, mere inches away from hitting them. Down below, a knight dressed in shining golden armor and closed helmet was drawing the bowstring back to shoot again. A ranged paladin? Could that be—

Kanae hurled her knapsack, flinging the rest of the pouches all over the encampment. From the forest came a volley of firebolts. Only one of them needed hit. The blast exploded the mana-burning spores, showering all over the high elven encampment. The golden knight gave up shooting to erect a shining barrier that burned the particulates as they touched it.

They fled back to camp with Sergeant Ored as a prisoner. Kanae couldn't get her mind off that knight. Whoever they were, their strength was something else. If that Divine Smite had hit any of them, it would have knocked them out for sure.

Safe back home, Kanae had Claudia and Minestra on their knees.

"What did we learn?" Kanae folded her arms, foot tapping angrily in front of their faces.

"Not to rush off alone…" they answered dejectedly at the same time.

"Well, it wasn't entirely for nothing. We got something out of it." She finally releated the sergeant, and he dropped to the ground panting. 

Sergeant Ored's face was marked with the prongs from her tail. When he saw them, he panicked and crawled backwards into Esta. He slowly turned around, then went pale under her glare.

"Don't worry, Sergeant. We'll treat you really well here. If you're cooperative. For now, how about you tell me who that knight was? The one shooting the power of the sun at us?" Kanae asked.

"That bastard was the one who nailed us in a single hit," Minestra growled, rubbing the side of her bruised cheek.

"The pain he inflicted on me was not exquisite… It just hurt. There wasn't any passion in it!" Claudia frowned.

"Hehe… Haha! It doesn't matter how many succubus or demons there are. You face the Knight of Gold. It's over for— oouummph?!"

Kanae clamped her tail over his face to shut him up. When she glanced up, Esta held her gaze with worry.

"I have to see it for myself, but if what you say is true— that they fired arrows imbued with Divine Smite, then I can't imagine them to be anyone other than the Knight of Gold, the strongest among us in the Order of Colors," Esta said with respect and a tinge of fear in her voice.