Chapter 681: The Prince

Succubus City, a vast tribal territory.

Within a building in this territory, a man was present.

The man was handsome, his features exuding a refined air and confidence, like a prince from a fairy tale, his appearance and demeanor the type that could make girls scream and dream of a passionate romance with him.

However, this handsome man was meticulously and carefully wiping a portrait, his eyes filled with longing, infatuation, and admiration.

If any girl were looked at with such eyes, they would instantly fall in love.

But this man’s eyes only saw the person in the portrait.

Looking closely, the portrait depicted a breathtakingly beautiful woman who could captivate any man.

Who else could it be but Shafney?

The man continued to clean and polish the portrait, surrounded by other portraits, all of Shafney.

This scene clearly showed the man’s infatuation with the person in the portrait.

Soon, a voice echoed in the studio.

“You’re still so obsessed with the Succubus, Gray.”

The one who spoke was a demon man with androgynous features and silver hair. Although not as handsome as the man in the studio, he also possessed an indescribable beauty.

This demon man appeared silently in the studio, but didn’t attract the attention of the man called Gray.

“Hart?” Gray continued to carefully wipe the portrait, smiling contentedly, and said without looking up, “What? Do you have another problem that needs my help?”

Gray’s words displeased the demon man named Hart.

“As if I wouldn’t come to you if I didn’t have any problems,” Hart said reproachfully, “We’ve known each other for so many years.”

Gray remained indifferent.

“I know you too well,” he said, picking up another portrait and wiping it, “If it were before, you would come to me for drinks even when you didn’t have any problems. But since you reached Legendary Level, became the Clan Chief of the Bi’an Clan, and even became one of Master Shafney’s executives, you no longer have such leisure, do you?”

“…Do you think I want this?” Hart’s expression turned serious, and he sighed, “If I could, I’d rather go back to the old days, adventuring with you all over the world, instead of dealing with all these boring matters every day.”

This, however, was met with Gray’s scolding laughter.

“Don’t give me that,” Gray said, amused, “You’re indeed someone who can’t sit still and definitely don’t want to stay in the settlement dealing with all these matters, but I don’t believe you would be willing to go back to the old days and leave this place.”

Gray’s tone was certain.

This was almost a certainty.

And the reason was simple.

There was a breathtakingly beautiful being here, captivating and driving countless people to madness.

Before, Hart hadn’t met her, so he could run around freely, not wanting to stay here.

But after reaching Legendary Level, Hart was qualified to meet her.

And after meeting her, Hart was completely captivated.

Therefore, he willingly chose this life, transforming from a restless adventurer to someone willing to stay in the settlement, in Succubus City, even becoming the Clan Chief and striving to become an executive.

All for the chance to see her more often.

“As expected, you understand me,” Hart laughed heartily, “But you have no right to say that to me, do you?”

Just as Gray understood Hart, Hart also understood Gray.

“If it weren’t for my invitation, and the chance encounter with Master Shafney, you wouldn’t have accepted my invitation, become a retainer of our Bi’an Clan, and stayed here,” Hart said cheerfully, “A Legendary-level expert from the Human Race, actually willing to stay in the Demon Realm, not returning to the Human Realm, but residing in Succubus City, how many people were shocked by your decision back then? Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten.”

Hart’s words made a nostalgic glint flicker in Gray’s eyes.

His decision back then did cause a lot of commotion and trouble.

There was no helping it.

“If you were still in the Human Realm, would that Aldia brat have become the strongest human?” Hart said disdainfully, “That boy’s rapid improvement was all thanks to your guidance. You’re practically his mentor.”

Hearing this, Gray shook his head.

“That boy is indeed gifted. After so many years, he’s probably close to Limit Level,” Gray said seriously, “In terms of potential, I’m not as good as him, so I can’t be sure how strong he is now.”

“Can he be stronger than you?” Hart said dismissively, “No one knows you better than me, old friend. Even in the entire Succubus Territory, besides that damned Stone Woman Liel, no one is your match. I don’t believe Aldia can be stronger than you.”

“What about you?” Gray glanced at Hart, “After all these years, you kept saying you wanted to surpass Liel and become the strongest in the Succubus Territory. How’s that going?”

Hart was speechless.

“It seems you’re still no match for Liel,” Gray said, amused, pointing out his friend’s lack of confidence.

“Hmph,” Hart snorted, unwilling to admit it, “If it weren’t for that Stone Woman’s ‘eyes,’ how could I be inferior to her?”

“Those ‘eyes’ are indeed terrifying,” Gray agreed, then changed the subject, “Alright, tell me, what do you want me to do this time?”

Gray’s tone indicated that he was used to this. After all, he was a retainer of the Bi’an Clan.

Many years ago, as a renowned genius in the Human Realm, he encountered Hart, who came from the Demon Realm to the Human Realm on an adventure. Since then, they formed a bond. Therefore, when Hart invited him to the Demon Realm, to visit the Bi’an Clan’s settlement, Gray didn’t refuse, showing their close relationship.

But that decision changed the course of Gray’s life.

Because he met her here and was captivated.

Since then, Gray decided to stay here, never returning to the Human Realm.

For this reason, he accepted Hart’s invitation and, after Hart became the Clan Chief, joined the Bi’an Clan as a retainer.

It was thanks to Gray’s help that the Bi’an Clan became the second strongest tribe in Succubus City, second only to the Stone Woman Clan. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be a match for the Stone Woman Clan, which had three Legendary-level experts.

Over the years, Gray had acted on behalf of the Bi’an Clan many times, his status second only to Hart, the Clan Chief, and he was the true strongest expert of the Bi’an Clan.

His strength was indeed much greater than Hart’s.

And Hart only came to Gray for help when he encountered something he couldn’t handle himself.

This time seemed to be the same.

That’s what Gray thought.

However…

“You’re mistaken this time,” Hart suddenly said, “I came to you because of something that happened recently in Succubus City, just to tell you about it. Otherwise, you’ll definitely blame me later.”

“Oh?” Gray didn’t seem to believe him, “I’d like to hear what could possibly make me blame you.”

Hart looked at Gray.

“This is something that’s been causing a commotion in Succubus City recently,” Hart said, “It’s said that a young human came to Succubus City and was personally invited by Master Shafney into the Succubus Fortress, even staying on the top floor.”

Gray stopped wiping the portrait.

Seeing this, Hart continued as if he hadn’t noticed,

“Everyone in Succubus City knows that the top floor of the Succubus Fortress is Master Shafney’s personal living quarters. Unless there’s some unavoidable major event that requires all the executives to gather, she never lets anyone enter the top floor.”

“Even us executives, besides Liel, can’t enter without being summoned.”

“Let alone stay there. Besides Master Shafney’s sisters, who else could receive such treatment?”

“Now, a random human kid has achieved this. Succubus City is in an uproar because of this.”

Hearing Hart’s suggestive words, Gray was silent for a long time.

After a while, he put down the portrait.

“A human… ?” Gray murmured, finally looking at Hart.

“Who is he?” He finally became serious.

“I asked someone from a weak tribe who had contact with him, and the Shajin young lady who led them said he didn’t reveal his identity,” Hart shrugged, “But a human being valued so much by Her Highness, many believe it can only be that person who reappeared after a thousand years.”

Then, Hart smiled mischievously.

“If it’s really him, then you have quite a connection with him, don’t you?”

“Am I right?”

“Former Prince Graykveil Mitra?”

Gray’s expression remained unchanged at Hart’s teasing.

“Let’s go,” he said, “Let’s meet him.”

At this time, Shien Buztout was still unaware that his stay on the top floor of the Succubus Fortress had caused a commotion in Succubus City, even attracting some unexpected individuals.

If he knew, he would definitely curse.

While others envied his treatment, Shien would rather not have it.

It brought him no real benefits, only endless trouble.

Including now, as he was dealing with a major problem.

“Boom!”

A loud explosion echoed from a training room in the Succubus Fortress.

Two figures were blown back by the force of the impact, separating them by a great distance.

The force of the impact was terrifying, enough to easily level a mountain outside.

But within this training room, several high-level barriers protected it, perfectly containing the commotion and aftershocks of the battle.

This training room wasn’t ordinary. Only executives could enter.

It was a training ground specifically for the Succubus Territory’s executives, including the two Rock Giants guarding the gate. If they wanted to spar or train, they would come here.

Now, it was being used by Liel, the strongest executive under the Succubus.

“Tsk…” Liel, holding her massive spear, clicked her tongue in frustration, looking at her unharmed opponent.

Unbeknownst to her, her opponent wanted to curse even more.

“Are you done yet, violent woman!?” Shien, holding his sealed Holy Sword, shouted, almost spitting in frustration, “How many times have we fought? Aren’t you satisfied yet?”

Shien was about to lose it. It wasn’t that he was overly stimulated, but this violent woman was too persistent.

“For two whole days, you’ve challenged me one hundred and twenty-five times. Shouldn’t you be tired of it?”

Shien felt like vomiting.

Unexpectedly, Liel wasn’t ashamed at all, her fighting spirit still high.

“I said two days ago, as long as you stay by Master Shafney’s side, I will challenge you until you admit defeat and leave,” Liel said, glaring at Shien as if he were a rival in love, wanting to tear him apart.

Shien almost spat out blood.

“Haven’t I told you countless times that I admit defeat?” he said with an exasperated expression, “I already said I admit defeat, and you’re still challenging me. Are you sick in the head?”

Liel ignored his insult.

“If you admit defeat, then why are you still staying on the top floor?” she said through gritted teeth, “That’s not a place for a man like you!”

“Then go tell your Succubus about it!” Shien shouted, “Tell her to let me go! I’ll leave immediately, alright?”

“No!” Liel refused without hesitation, “Master Shafney said she wants to know more about you, and she favors you. She can only feel at ease if you stay by her side.”

Liel’s tone was filled with jealousy.

Shien almost knelt. It was said that the Succubus’s charm could captivate all of Omnipotence, regardless of gender, and Shien, who didn’t believe it before, now had to. This violent woman clearly had dangerous thoughts, having feelings for her own mistress.

“Aren’t you the Clan Chief of the Stone Woman Clan?” Shien asked, his worldview shattered, “I heard that your Stone Woman Clan hates men, treats them coldly, doesn’t even have any male members, all of you being rock-type beings born from special environments, similar to golems, and you believe you don’t need men. So why are you…”

Liel’s reply was matter-of-fact.

“We, the Stone Woman Clan, indeed don’t need men. And Master Shafney isn’t a man.”

“I…” Shien wanted to curse.

Although her words seemed reasonable, he still wanted to curse.

“Cut the crap!” Liel raised her spear again, her fighting spirit burning, “Unless you defeat me, I won’t give up!”

Hearing this, Shien finally couldn’t help but curse.

“Dammit, I’ve already defeated you so many times, and you still haven’t given up…!?”

Indeed, Shien had defeated Liel more than once.

For the past two days, this violent woman had been challenging him constantly, determined to drive away this “homewrecker.” With Shien’s temper, he naturally wouldn’t indulge her.

Therefore, for the past two days, he had repeatedly defeated this level ninety-nine, strongest expert in the Succubus Territory, even deliberately making her clothes burst open a few times to feast his eyes.

But this woman seemed to be masochistic, silently leaving after each defeat, only to return full of energy and challenge him again, even sneaking into his room in the middle of the night, scaring him witless.

Shien truly felt like he was going to have a breakdown.

And Shafney, that witch, simply watched with amusement, not intervening at all.

“I have some matters to discuss with my sisters. I’ll tell them you’re here. Before that, just keep Liel company,” Shafney said with a smile, leaving them to their own devices.

Honestly, if he weren’t afraid of being captivated by her charm, Shien would have already attacked her.

He also tried to leave the Succubus Fortress and get away from these two troublesome women, but Shafney seemed to have anticipated this, handing him a note just as he was about to leave.

“If you leave, I won’t help you find your little Evil God darling, nor will I help you investigate the anomaly in the passage to the Demon Realm that day.”

What could Shien do?

He could only endure.

But after enduring so many times, he was about to break.

“I’m begging you, can you find someone easier to bully?”

“No!”

“You’re always being defeated by me. Is it fun being so reckless?”

“What’s it to you? I like it!”

“Aren’t you afraid I’ll make your clothes burst open again?”

“No. It’s just a shell. You can look if you want. After I defeat you, I’ll get my revenge.”

“…You also want to make my clothes burst open?”

“I want to gouge out your eyes.”

“…”

“…”

Shien took a deep breath, his frustration and despair turning into anger.

“It seems I have to show you what’s truly terrifying for a woman before you learn to be afraid.”

A fierce glint appeared in Shien’s eyes.

That glint made Liel’s heart clench. Recalling the numerous times her clothes were destroyed in the past two days, she felt a momentary flicker of fear.

But thinking of Shafney, a determined look appeared in Liel’s eyes.

“As long as I can protect Master Shafney and prevent this man from taking her away, any sacrifice is worth it.”

Liel could only comfort herself like this.

𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

So, Shien and Liel stared at each other, their gazes clashing like sparks.

Just as they were about to clash again, the barrier of the training room fluctuated.

“Hmm?” Both Shien and Liel’s expressions froze.

Then, one looked relieved, while the other became furious.

“Who!?” Liel shouted towards the entrance, “Didn’t I say this place is reserved for me, and no one is allowed to come here? Get out!”

Liel lost her temper.

But she was answered with a chuckle.

“You’re still so easily angered, Liel.”

As this voice echoed through the training room, two figures, as if teleporting, passed through the barrier and entered.

Shien looked over and was slightly stunned.

The newcomers were two handsome men, one beautiful, the other androgynous, like protagonists from a romance drama.

“Who are these guys?” Shien thought, his expression strange.

He had seen many beautiful girls since coming to this world.

But such handsome men, this was the first time.

Although Harvis, Danas, and even Limgir were considered handsome, they couldn’t compare to these two.

This wasn’t the main issue.

The issue was that, based on the perception of [Outer Awareness of Heaven’s Decree], Shien was surprised to find that the more beautiful of the two wasn’t a demon, but a human.

There was actually another human here besides him?

How interesting…