Jaune's POV:
-"Did you rest enough?"
-"4 full days of recovery for someone like myself, don't you think that's too long already? And what the fuck is this?"
-"Well, a sandwich."
-"I can tell, thanks. But why is it 2 meters long?"
-"Simple, I'm hungry."
-"You're a demon, you don't get hungry."
-"I'm pretending to."
I won't ask more about this. Since that day and in this little time, I saw that she wasn't bound by common sense.
When she took me home, my servants were really startled by this sight. It was the first time they saw me in such a pathetic state, carried by a complete stranger who wasn't affected at all by the commotion that ensued. She didn't bother to explain that I needed some rest, and just squatted in a room and made herself at home. When my close aide ordered her to get out, she just went to the kitchen and prepared something to eat, without permission again.
The guards tried to take her, but it was a one sided massacre as expected. At least she didn't kill them. Even those two followed shortly after, my pal was knocked out in one strike, and my best fighter couldn't do anything except defend himself and was taken down by the sheer brutality of her hammerplay.
Yes, that's what she used against him, a warhammer, and even me who doesn't do melee combat could tell that it's not the best pick against a master swordsman. But it seems that she was also a seasoned fighter with weapons, not as proficient as him, but she easily fend him off by the power of her battlewill and the strength she exuded. An overwhelming victory, which engraved on all minds that someone who isn't a Primordial could actually compete with us. But it wasn't the end of the surprises she would pull out.
I would've wanted to see what kind of face they had when she suddenly offered to cook for them as an apology and a sign of goodwill. The tension gradually lowered, as they all saw that she would not do foul play, and she even prepared something easy to eat for me, as I had difficulty swallowing with my damaged throat. And it tasted somewhat decent, but I was still upset about my beating to truly appreciate it.
The rest of the time, she would wander in the castle, chill in her room, once she sparred with the guards and even gave them tips to improve. She somehow gained our trust, but I could see that all of us remained uneasy, some because of her abnormal aura and others due to her weird habit of sometimes touching people and holding them for a long time in the middle of a discussion. Some thought she was a pervert at the beginning (like me), but it appeared that she's just very tactile and does it without thinking about it, but it's very startling nonetheless.
-"Sup newbie, you emptied the storeroom again? Oh, m'lady you're awake?"
-"Yo, yeah I'm good now, don't wanna be stuck in bed more than necessary."
*Stare*
-"What? I have something in the face?"
-"... Now that I see the two of you side by side, I must say that you really look like sisters."
-"Wha?"
-"Eh? Whwhhw-what? Don't say something that stupid, you idiot, I'm not worthy of being called like that!" My pal stepped back and got all panicked. "I'm just a close servant y'know!"
-"Hey! I don't think of you as a mere servant!"
-"M'lady?"
-"Honestly, you're the only gal with whom I can do sick jokes and laugh my ass off without having the feeling that you're doing it just because you're a subordinate. You really have the same kind of humor as me, and you follow me through my stupid plans just because you like it. I can't see you as anything less than a friend, so don't belittle yourself too much!"
I said it. And that's not what she expected, seeing her restraining some tears. But I understand the turmoil that's taking place in her head.
Normally, no demon would think of anyone else as a friend. Even us Primordials have difficulty to think of us like that, and we're equals, so none of the others could ever dream of getting this kind of honor from us, not in a world where might make law, and in a race where hierarchy is central. And I just bestow this honor to her, acknowledging her as someone who I held in high esteem.
But, I think it's for the best. Since she came to me, I've really gained someone who could lift up my mood just with her bad jokes, who follows me through my recklessness and who talks casually with me without fear. Someone that managed to make my life funnier and whom I seek company when I don't know what to do.... Oh crap. I'm being sentimental now. What have you done to me you hag?
-"I'm*hic* sorry, I can't *hic*-can't control myself."
-"There, there. That must've been quite a shock." That hag came closer and patted her head. "You may settle down in your room, I've got something to do with your boss for now."
-"O-Okay, excuse me."
She's gone, trying not to burst with happiness. But the hag is right. Now that I'm finally healed, it's time to know what she'll do next.
-"So, you told me the other day that you would remain here as long as I needed rest, waiting for me to accompany you to the other Primordials. Now that I'm as good as new, we can go."
-"Perfect, and don't worry, I'll explain who I am after I've assessed their level too."
-"... I must admit that I'm curious to see how you will deal with them, don't wanna be the only one to be destroyed like that."
-"I warn you, I won't use that kind of spell again if I don't need it. It was only to force you to calm down, as long as they don't misbehave, they won't get the hard treatment."
-"It was you who insulted me first, you know?"
-"But you surely wouldn't have cooled your head if I was too gentle don't you think?"
-"Not fair..."
As promised, I led the way for her. The closest to our location being Violet, I thought about how she will respond to this absurd request of the newcomer, especially while dealing with the failure of her plan against Dagruel. Originally, I would have bullied her as much as possible, but now, I'll just pray for her that she won't do the brat and throw a tantrum in front of the old hag, or else, she may risk as much as me... Ironic isn't it? I never thought the day where I would pray for this brat's safety would come. This experience has changed me more than I want to admit.
When we arrived in front of Violet's castle, her old butler immediately came to us. His face tells me that she really is in a bad mood and won't react well at all with what will happen soon.
-"May I ask the reason for your presence today, lady Jaune?"
-"This fella here wants to have a duel with your master, tell her that I've deemed this one worthy of such a demand after having faced her myself. And don't worry about me, this time I'll wait here without doing anything."
As expected, he's astonished about that. It's a true event when a demon is recognised like that by one of us Primordials, and apart from fools, no one will ever dare to request a thing so outrageous if they want to live. Having me backing up her demand is surely a first. And me not causing a ruckus is another one.
-"I will bring your words to milady, but you must not expect any approval from her today. She's not really in the mood to entertain guests."
-"Yeah, whatever. Just tell her, we'll wait here."
-"Apologies, I'll be right back."
When he left, the hag suddenly materialized a sword and her hammer. What will she do, training? Not really the best time for this you know?
-"Okay, might as well prepare a gift."
-"What the heck are you saying? There is nothing out there, you should have planned this in my home if you wanted to give her something."
-"Don't worry, you'll understand soon."
Aaaand, she's gone. We just arrived and I'm tired already, can't she just do anything normal for once?
After a few minutes, the old man reappeared, quite nervous. Violet must have released some of her anger on him.
-"I'm deeply sorry, but Lady Violet has rejected your companion's request. You may have better chances another day."
-"As expected, but I don't know what this weirdo is doing. She said she wanted to prepare a gift and just left."
*Slash*
'What was that sound? If it's her, she's too loud. And she better be done fast with her gift, I won't wait all day'.
-"That dumbass, just come back here, it's getting on my nerves."
-"Don't worry, it's ready."
-"Huh? Where are you?"
-"At the base of the hill on your right."
-"What are you doing that far? And that sound, was it your work?"
-"Yeah, I needed a clean cut, now I'll deliver it promptly. I think she will reconsider with such a present."
'I have a bad feeling...'
*Blang*
"... No way..." Am I dreaming? Why is the hill floating? And it's going to the castle...
*Craaaash*
-"Milady!" Ah yeah. The old man was here too, witnessing an entire wing of his mistress's castle reduced to a pile of debris.
-"Phew, I surpassed myself with that one. It's the biggest gift I've ever made."
What kind of degenerate thinks of that as a gift? Even I would be called a dignified lady compared to her.
-"Scoundrel, how dare you?! Argh!"
-"Take it easy, elder. It won't do good for your health."
She subdued him straight off, one of the most ancient demons, with just a grasp. Even if we account for the surprise of her hidden strength, it remains quite a feat.
-"Urgh... What kind of brute are you?"
-"Hmm. You're pretty strong yourself if you are still conscious, I've even used some battlewill in that grip you know?"
-"Unhand me at once!"
-"I will, but you'll pass a message to your boss. If she doesn't want another gift like this one, she must come here and refuse the next sending in person. She has 10 minutes to answer before I make my goodwill rain upon all of you again. Understood?"
And without waiting for any response from him, she yeeted him into a window. Not really a mark of diplomacy if you ask me.
-"You don't show restraint, don't you?"
-"When I can use a fast way of doing things, why wouldn't I do it?"
Yeah logic. Violet will come here without wasting a second when she'll process this... Ah she is already here, let's the show begin. Good luck brat.
***
Violet's POV:
-"So, you're the fool who wanted to challenge me?" I met the bastard who destroyed my beautiful castle, not hiding my killing intent. "You couldn't wait to meet your end and decided to provoke my ire willingly with such a stupid act? Or is it that numbskull's idea?"
-"For once I got nothing to do with it. Even I think it wasn't nice. Have I ever reduced your little base to ashes before?"
-"... That's true, even you don't have a mind so primitive."
-"Hey!"
-"But you better hold your servant on a leash, I know those of your color are a bunch of warmongers but it will ultimately lower your standing even more, at least what's left of it."
-"Ah, sorry to intrude on your mutual greetings," that newbie raised a finger, interrupting me with a neutral face. "But I'll tell you that I'm not one of this disappointment's lackeys."
-"Eh? My bad I really thought... Wait, you just insulted her like that? You're maybe the stupidest demon I've ever seen, but I must say you got guts, and I kinda like it."
-"You like it because it's her who was insulted, don't you? It seems you're not really fond of each other." She said while pointing at both me and Jaune.
-"As you say. Well, it was nice knowing you, see you in your next life."
-"What do you mean?"
-"Do you really think you'll get to live another day by badmouthing Jaune in front of her? It's already a miracle that she didn't destroy you whole right away…" I paused before looking at the blondie. "Actually, why are you so calm? You should be infuriated about that, or do you let anyone joke about you now? Have you fallen that far?"
-"You'll understand soon enough, as for me I'll just remain on the side today." She waved nonchalantly. "Don't wanna be in the middle of the crossfire."
-"... You disappoint me Jaune. How can you call yourself a progenitor with that attitude? And you, why are you looking at me like that?" I turned to the newcomer, noticing her unpleasant gaze.
-"Well, I have conflicted feelings about fighting a little girl, I expected something more than... you. I prefer to not pass for someone who makes a child cry by hurting them."
-"Hey, Jaune! Is this one just suicidal, or does she want to break the record of foolishness for all eternity? And don't look at me with those eyes, I want to pluck them out!"
-"I'll just let you discover the true extent of her personality, you won't be disappointed I promise." The blondie raised a thumb, but didn't show much enthusiasm.
-"Tch! Why must everything go awry these days? But if you say that this one can entertain me I won't let a chance to calm my nerves flee. As for you, don't break too fast, I want to see you fight with all you got before you fall in the abyss of despair."
-"You want to play? I don't expect too much from a toddler, so I will just defend at first. Do your best, okay?"
-"You're dead."
What's with this bitch? Did Jaune bring her to mock me on the side? Just you wait, I'll torture her slowly, so that you see what will await you after. To hell with our rule of not fighting between us directly, this time you went too far and I'll take your head once and for all.
I released multiple spells of all types of magic, to see how she will react. Curses, poisons, ice and some others, let test your resistances to design a course fitting for you.
*Multiples explosions*
-"Yawwwn. That's all?"
Tch. Don't be stupid, I'm just beginning slowly to make you overconfident. But it seems I can go harder, she countered all of my attacks with her own spells and is still unfazed. How long will you be able to maintain that cocky face, I wonder?
-"Time to accelerate, will you be able to follow the rhythm?"
I'm launching another volley but with a twist. Some spells are hidden within others, waiting for you to destroy the first to unleash the second. And I've used stronger poisons that stick to the body and remain in the air, ready to eat your stamina bit by bit until you collapse defenseless.
*A second round of explosions*
-"Gotcha! You couldn't see that coming, you shrew? Where is your apathetic look from earlier?"
As expected she fell for the trap and the poisons met their target. Now you're doomed.
-"You really like poison a lot, throwing at me 15 different variants in less than a minute. Too bad they're this weak."
Ahhh?! Don't tell me she feels nothing, any other demon would begin to waver after being hit with all those spells. Not even an arch demon can remain unaffected by such a wicked mixture.
-"Don't fuck with me! You think that because you look like a gorilla you can play it cool? You would be a good bride for this shitty giant, let the muscle heads be together and rot in this ruin he calls his home!"
Yeah, she reminds of him with that bulky physique and stupid look in her eyes. I can't release my anger against him for now, so I will just do it with her as a substitute.
-"Okay I'm over my conflicted feelings now." She cracked her joints. "Prepare yourself for your punishment, brat."
-"Just die already!"
I flew around and continued with an endless barrage consisting of all curses and poisons I could think of, but she countered or deflected them without breaking a sweat. Not that it's important, my objective lies elsewhere. In my deadly web.
If I can't beat you with common spells, I'll just use my deadliest weapon in my arsenal. I'm laying threads all around the battlefield, and when my trap will be ready, I will make them converge on her, wrapping this idiot in an unbreakable cocoon and then... Really it's too easy, she didn't move a bit, even if she said she would punish me. What an idiot, having such a big mouth when you can only defend yourself.
-"It's the end for you now. You're entangled in my web. Nihilistic Vanish!"
-"Oh really? You better look around."
*Boooom*
-"What? How is that poss-haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa?"
Why am I the one entangled? How did she-
-"When you want to lay a trap, at least don't make it too obvious. It was easy to track down those webs because you delayed your attacks a little when you setted them up. I just needed to cause a stampede with some traps of mine to make you lose control over it."
That's absurd! I didn't see anything! She truly put this kind of explosive spell as traps from where she stood while defending against my attacks, all at the same time? It require an absurd accuracy to do it. It's bad, I didn't thought she was powerful and skilled like that, and now I'm tied up.
-"You managed to piss me off, brat. I did say you'll get a punishment, so you better prepare to apologize, and do it well."
-"You dream you bitch! Never I will... Hey, where are you touching? Don't undress me! Lemme go, pervert!"
*Slaaaaaap*
Hiiiii! Don't! Why a spanking? It's the most humiliating thing I've ever faced. Stop it! Stop!
*A few minutes later*
Urgh! Finally she stopped. I couldn't free myself from her grasp and endured such a degradation. My pride took a heavy blow, I swear I will take my revenge in a way or another.
-"You had enough? I'm waiting for an apology, so go ahead."
-"DIE YOU PIECE OF SHIT! I WILL NEVER SURRENDER TO A STINKING PIG LIKE YOU! SHITHEAD! SAGGY FAT MOUNTS!"
*Crraaaaack*
-"Oh? You want to do it this way? I would have let you go even with just a little 'sorry', but I think you need to understand your current situation with something more... spicy."
Whatever, I won't give you this pleasure, I still have dignity. Erk, what is this foul smell? And this glowing? What no-
*SPPPAAAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNK*
IIIIIIIIIIIITTTTTTTTT HUUUUUUUUURRRRRRRTTTTTTTTTS!!!
-"Did you like it? You better, cause I might take my time with your reeducation. Savor it, and give me your opinion afterwards about my Corium Spank, I would like to see if any improvement is needed."
*Less than a minute later*
-"Wahhh! I'm sorry! I'm really sorry, so stop it please! Stop destroying my butt I beg you!"
-'Ahh! You see when you want. Okay I'll release you, here you go!"
Huff,huff... My butt is sore, I'm feeling it in the foundations of my body. I won't be able to move for a while. I may have conceded, but if it allows me to preserve what little of my dignity is left...
-"Now, time to heal you before the burn spreads to your whole body."
-"Huh? What are you saying? Something like that can heal by itself, I remain a top demon you know."
-"Ho, you didn't realize it? It's not just magic or aura, I've used some nuclear physics reinforced with one of my Skills to make it like a poison even to a spiritual being. Because I could also do it. Do you think a mere passive regeneration will handle it?"
-"Urgh... What a pain in the ass..."
-"You don't say."
-"...Fuck! Okay, heal me quickly, before it gets worse."
-"And the magic word?"
-"Please! You're happy?"
-"That's better. Now relax a little, you'll feel a little discomfort inside."
-"Inside? What will you... Nonono, don't do it, don't break my dignity even further, I won't survive it. Stop!"
*Plop*
'Ah, I've been defiled.'
-"Good, now let it work for about an hour and you'll be able to sit and walk like it never happened."
That's a nightmare, please tell me I'm just hallucinating...
-"So Violet, you do understand what kind of anomaly this one is?"
-"Say Jaune, did you face anything like this because of her?"
-"..." She looked like she could relate to my pain, I don't like it. "Well, I received a proper beating and nearly died. Needed to rest for 4 days."
-"... Do you know what she is?"
-"She will explain when she'll encounter the two others. Maybe we will see them being trampled, it will be a consolation prize if it happen."
Yeah, it would be good to see that, but in a way, I also hope that one of them could emerge victorious against this walking disaster. Please you two, let the Primordials honor shine for another day.
***
-"You were right Noir, this is truly astonishing. We must remain cautious about this one."
-"Indeed. I was quite lucky the other day to have one of my men wandering close to those ruins, witnessing Jaune's defeat. I'm still disappointed to not be the first one to meet with this individual, but we're gonna get our turn soon."
-"You're not upset to see those two being defeated like it was nothing? They've put to shame our status as the apex of our race."
-"They are the most inexperienced of us four, even if we account for the surprise of facing such a strong opponent it was a predictable outcome. And I'm sure this one didn't reveal all of her secrets."
-"A freshly spawned demon who already demonstrated her superiority on two Primordials, the balance of the world will be broken if we don't take measures."
-"Fufufufu. Are you so scared of losing your status?"
-"Sure, this is no concern for you, you don't give a crap about power. All you're interested in is your quest to the 'truth'."
-"As you say. And this one may be a hint for that. I'm eager to see what awaits us".
-"This time I'll accompany you, I want to ascertain her strength and her motives. But be assured that if she is a menace for us, I won't hesitate to call all of my servants to put an end to this farce."
-"Don't worry. If she truly is too dangerous, I will help you to take her head. After all, if it comes to the worst I can always directly extract all the data her soul conceals."