Tenebrous Wolf

Briar's pleasant expression faded slightly, as if tasting something sour.

"What kind of stupid question is that? Are you making fun of me?"

"Ah, I don't mean it like that. There are plenty of demons that could have been summoned, right? Actually, I had no intention of summoning a succubus, or any demon, for that matter. Like I said before, I was just messing around with some book, and then you appeared in my room."

"I see. So you're asking why I, in particular, was summoned?"

"Yes."

A brief silence followed. It was because the demoness refused to speak further. Klaus nervously picked his ear and thought she wouldn't answer. Maybe she was uncomfortable with that question or perhaps she didn't know.

Just as he was about to change the subject, Briar let out a quiet sigh and muttered—

"…I don't know."

"What? You don't know?"

"That's what I said." Briar sat up straighter on the bed and flicked her tail irritatedly. "One moment, I was in the demon realm, minding my own business, and the next, I was forcefully dragged into this world. After considering the situation, I've deduced that whatever summoned me wasn't you. It was probably someone else."

Klaus stiffened. That was… concerning.

"You're serious?" he asked.

Briar rolled her eyes. "Why would I lie about this? If I knew who was behind it, I'd have killed them already. I hate being dragged around like some tool."

Klaus rubbed his chin. So she wasn't just some random demon answering a human's call. If someone else had summoned her and she had no idea why…

That meant there was a third party involved in this mess.

Suddenly, the demoness narrowed her eyes, causing him to flinch slightly.

"You did say I was summoned when you messed with a book, right? What exactly did you do to trigger the summoning?"

"Is that your first question?"

"Do you want to get beat up?"

"Alright, alright." Klaus rubbed the back of his head. "Well… about that…"

He hesitated for a moment before continuing.

"I was trying to open this strange book. No matter what I did, it wouldn't budge. I tried everything, prying it open, burning it, even pouring acid on it once, but there wasn't a single scratch. Then I figured, maybe it needed something more… unusual. So I used a knife, cut my hand, and let my blood drip onto the cover."

He gestured vaguely. "And, well… you know the rest."

Briar frowned. "A book that won't open? That's just ridiculous."

"I know, right?! I thought the same thing. But it's the same book that summoned you here."

She held her chin thoughtfully. "Hmm… That's definitely strange. Perhaps it's a relic created by a high-ranking being. After all, we're talking about something powerful enough to penetrate the world boundary and summon me here."

"The world boundary? You mean the barrier separating the demon realm and the human realm?"

"Yes. It's what keeps demons sealed away from the human race, preventing any direct interaction between our species. And let me tell you, that barrier is absurdly strong. There have even been incidents where groups of high-ranking demons attempted to break through, only to end up dead or severally injuried."

Klaus raised an eyebrow. "That bad, huh?"

"Bad doesn't even begin to cover it. And these weren't just low-level demons, either. They were all powerful in their own right."

"Haha! I guess that's to be expected. After all, the Emperor is the one maintaining the world boundary, so I'd be surprised if any ordinary demon could break through it."

Briar tilted her head. "The Emperor? You mean the ruler of humanity?"

"Not exactly. He's something similar. By the way, Is that your first question? My question was answered, so now it's your turn. Or are you planning on receiving information one-sidedly? That's not very nice. Is that what a noble demon would do?"

"You—" Briar clicked her tongue, looking annoyed but resigned. "Fine. Tell me about this 'Emperor' of yours. And while you're at it, give me a rundown of humanity's current era."

"Wait, isn't that two questions?"

"It's an extension of the first!"

'That's not how the game works, god damnit!' Klaus wanted to argue, but he figured he'd have to tell her eventually anyway. Besides, he didn't need to go into too much detail. Judging by her impatient expression, she wasn't the type to enjoy a long history lesson.

He decided to keep it short.

"Well, I don't know what to tell you. The current year is 2125, July 21st. It's usually around this time that summer break would end for most schools. But I'm sure you aren't interested in that.

In any case, we're currently residing in the Sanctuary. It's an artificial island constructed using humanity's most advanced resources, and it's about half the size of Tokyo. And if you're wondering what Tokyo is, it's the former capital of Japan, which was one of the most influential nations before the global collapse reshaped the world order. Tokyo spans approximately 2,194 square kilometers (847 square miles), so that should give you an idea of just how massive the Sanctuary really is."

He paused, gauging Briar's reaction. Her brows furrowed slightly, as if analyzing the weight of his words.

"As for the 'Emperor'... well, he's not exactly human, nor is he a simple ruler. The world today isn't governed by kings or presidents anymore. The Emperor is more like an overseer, an existence that maintains order in the remnants of humanity. Some say he's a machine, others say he's a god. Actually, that guy doesn't like being referred to as a god. Whatever the case may be, he possesses power beyond human comprehension, enough to sustain the Sanctuary and enforce his rule without question."

Blair said seemingly unimpressed. "Hmph. That just sounds like a self-proclaimed ruler of a dying race…"

"You're free to call him what you want, but without him, humanity would've fallen a long time ago."

A brief silence followed, heavy with unspoken thoughts.

"Alright," Briar said finally. "Your turn. Ask away."

"Hmm..." Klaus tapped his fingers against his arm, pretending to think. In truth, he only had two real questions for the succubus. While he had the freedom to ask anything even something sensitive, there was no guarantee she'd answer.

What he hadn't told Briar was that she had the right to refuse one question. Of course, he conveniently left that part out, not wanting to give the cheeky demoness an easy excuse to dodge anything important.

Technically, he could also order her to answer, but where was the fun in that? If he was patient, he'd get all the answers he wanted eventually. There was no need to rush.

More than anything, his goal wasn't to antagonize her, but to build a relationship. Besides, for a demon, she didn't seem all that bad.

Teasing her a little won't hurt, right? At that thought, Klaus smiled mischievously.

Then, with a smirk, he asked, "So how many guys have you seduced before?"

Briar choked on literally nothing. "Wha— ! W-What did you just say?!"

"You're a succubus, right? And like you said before, a succubus preys on unsuspecting men. So that means you must have some experience, yeah?"

Briar turned red. Her cheeks were so flushed that you would think her natural skin colour was red, not pink.

"You bastard. What kind of question is that?!"

Klaus chuckled. "You can refuse, but that'll be your only pass. And don't bother lying, I'll know." He raised his hand, revealing the etched into his skin.

The succubus flinched upon seeing that seal. It was the inevitable sign that she had been tamed.

She gritted her back teeth. Then muttered "Tch. Fine," while averting her gaze and looking away.

"…None."

Klaus blinked. "…Huh?"

Briar huffed. "You heard me. None. Zero. I've never seduced anyone."

"…You're kidding."

"Do I look like I'm joking?"

"I mean… don't succubi seduce people all the time?"

"What? You think succubi are just cheap hoes, huh?"

"Uh… kinda? Isn't that how it works?"

"Ugh! You...! You annoying little..." Briar, who was about to curse, paused and took a deep breath before rubbing her temples. "Listen. Succubi drain life energy out of necessity. It's like eating, we have to do it. But that doesn't mean we're all the same." She jabbed a finger at herself. "For example: me. So comparing me to those other cheap succubi is insulting!"

"Isn't that an arrogant thing to say? Are you some kind of princess?"

"Hah. If I were a princess, I wouldn't be stuck in this situation, now would I?"

"So, you do think you're better than other succubi?"

The demoness shot him a glare. "I didn't say that. I just know my worth, unlike those desperate, bottom-feeding temptresses who'll spread their legs for a whiff of energy."

"Sounds exactly like something a princess would say."

"Ugh! You're so infuriating!" Briar growled, her tail flicking violently behind her. "You really have no filter, do you?"

Klaus shrugged. "I'm just calling it like I see it. If you're not a princess, then what are you?"

Briar's lips pressed into a thin line. She looked almost… hesitant. But then she let out a small huff.

"It's none of your business."

"Well, that's a shame. By the way, it's your turn to ask a question."

Briar tapped her fingers against her thigh, deep in thought. "Hmm... What should I ask? Even with everything you've told me, my knowledge about the human world is still too lacking. Ah, I know…" Her eyes lit up with sudden interest. "What ranking system do humans use today?"

"Ranking system? You mean the one for Awakened?"

"Yes, that!"

"You seem pretty excited about that. Why?"

"Does it matter? Just answer the question."

Klaus sighed. "Fine. The Awakened are ranked as follows: Apprentice, Heightened, Inquisitor, Saint, and Emperor. Apprentice is the starting rank, while Emperor is the pinnacle of strength. At least, that's how the military categorizes it."

Briar, sitting crossed-legged, nodded thoughtfully. "I see… So that means you're just an Apprentice, huh?"

"Eh? Excuse me?"

"Mmm..."

"Why did you immediately assume I was an Apprentice?"

"Well... I can't say for sure, but you could call it instinct. Yes, that must be it." She tapped her chin in thought before continuing, "Perhaps because of the Soul Contract, I can sense your current level. Either way, I expected to be summoned by someone… stronger."

"Is that so? Sorry for not meeting your expectations," Klaus said dryly. "I only awakened recently, so that can't be helped. Are you dissatisfied?"

Briar tilted her head. "Dissatisfied…? Hmm. I wonder if that is the appropriate word. If someone is going to be my master, they should at least be strong and have a good character, yes?" She gave him a pointed look. "But instead, I got stuck with someone who shoved his giant cock into my ass without hesitation the moment we met. So what do you think?"

Klaus' eyebrow twitched.

Oh, he knew exactly what she was doing. She was mocking him, without a doubt.

And yet…

At least she acknowledged it was big.

Klaus kept a wry smile, unsure whether to be insulted or flattered by the oddly placed backhanded compliment.

After a brief pause, he decided the best response was no response at all.

He simply let out a slow breath and moved on.

"Alright. Since you've received your answer, it's my turn to ask a question."

Briar stretched her arms lazily. "Go ahead. Let's just get this over with."

"Good. Then tell me everything about this Master-Servant Soul Contract. Oh, and when I say everything, I mean everything. Don't leave anything out, okay?"