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Chapter 15 - Chapter 15: The Demoness and the Dream

"This opponent is a bit too much for me right now," Eli Walker said as a bronze armchair appeared behind him with a wave of his hand.

He leaned back, one arm draped lazily over the armrest, and watched the one-sided teasing unfold on the light screen. The poor gentleman was being toyed with by a Demoness—perhaps, ironically, the exact opposite of what he believed was happening.

"This Demoness of Despair won't stay for long."

"I can also offer you more choices."

Silver subtitles emerged beneath the projection as Arrodes expanded the container selection. The list was no longer limited to Backlund.

Eli waved dismissively. "Forget it. Instead of running around, I might as well hide in this mirror and pick someone nearby."

"The one you provided is good. Since he has a connection with a Demoness, some things can be conveniently pushed onto her."

He had originally considered forging ties with the Moses Ascetic Order. The Hidden Sage, after all, was quite generous—among the more cooperative evil gods. But Eli's current condition was not ideal for that.

The Demoness Sect was a much better fit. Their angels didn't casually roam metropolises like Backlund. The Primordial Demoness had been severely wounded during the Pale Era and was still suspected to be slumbering. Besides, this particular Demoness had ties to the Church of Evernight, which could be helpful.

"Finally gone."

In the projected image, "Despair Nightingale" Panatiya turned away from the body on the floor, clearly having had her fill of entertainment. She didn't look back.

"Arrodes, set coordinates."

Eli snapped his fingers, and a vortex of silver opened up in front of him.

The moment Arrodes pinpointed the exact location, Eli's form turned ethereal. His spirit stretched and shimmered like dream vapor as he leapt through the portal—traveling via dreams.

...

Dream.

"Oh, my dear Panatiya, you are mine... You'll always be mine."

Eli's arrival coincided with an indecent scene: classic man on top, woman below.

He frowned, snapped his fingers, and the woman—previously blurry—suddenly wrapped her arms around the man's neck and whispered sweetly, "Bennett, will you stay with me forever?"

"Forever. We'll never be separated again!"

Bennett Maynard was caught in a tidal wave of bliss, completely unaware that the dreamscape was collapsing like a swamp around them. Even as he sank, his gaze clung to the increasingly beautiful face of the woman in his arms.

"A guy like this, spellbound by a Demoness... I don't even need to replenish my spirituality to replace him."

Eli sighed softly. There was no resistance at all—almost boring.

If he loved the Demoness, then let him drown in desire.

Eli wasn't a demon, of course. Although he replaced the original consciousness, he made some improvements to the Demoness's image quality. Win-win, wasn't it?

He waved, shattering the dream like glass.

...

The young man on the cold stone floor stirred. His eyes fluttered open, and he coughed violently.

The lingering scent in the basement was sweet and cloying—aphrodisiacal.

Eli winced, feeling heat in his throat and a sting in his sinuses.

"A cold? Or maybe residual toxins..."

"Spending a night in this basement would definitely make someone ill."

He didn't understand the twisted tastes of Loen nobles, but he didn't want his new body to die either. The filth clinging to his skin was unbearable—especially for an elf.

He staggered out.

Martin, his personal valet, appeared as soon as he heard the commotion. Upon seeing the young master's disheveled appearance, he rushed over in alarm.

"Young Master, how could this—? Ms. Panatiya said you were tired and needed rest, and she instructed me not to disturb you."

As Martin spoke, he reached for the service bell to summon help.

"Shh~"

"She was right. It's just... the bed collapsed."

Eli coughed, his tone dry.

He wasn't lying. The bed had collapsed—albeit from being kicked.

Martin paused and nodded with subtle understanding, shelving the idea of involving others.

"Young Master, I'll clean up the basement myself."

"You need to get cleaned up. Come, I'll help you to the bathroom. You look ill. I'll also call a doctor."

Eli leaned on him for support, eyes half-lidded. "Martin... I'm not as fragile as you think."

"Burn these clothes later. Also—buy a bottle of Sun Holy Water through our mystic channels."

"I heard it's good for purging minor illnesses and spiritual afflictions."

By the time they reached the washroom, Eli was already standing firm on his own.

A hot bath and a sip of sunlight-saturated Holy Water would suffice.

...

"Young Master, I'll take care of everything, but I still suggest seeing a doctor."

"I'll send someone to Cherwood Borough for a reputable physician."

Martin assumed the young master didn't want the family doctor involved.

After drawing the bath, he bowed and departed, quickly arranging everything.

"So useful, this Martin."

Eli didn't object to his attentiveness. After the valet left, he slipped into the hot bath and let his eyes close.

He later took the prescribed medicine for severe cold, washed up, changed clothes, and downed the bottle of Holy Water, rich with the Sun's divine radiance.

The sacred aura quickly dispelled the lingering chill from Panatiya's influence and helped cleanse the unnatural residue from the encounter.

"Martin, you've worked hard. Rest."

"If I need anything, I'll call."

Martin, looking both relieved and exhausted, bowed slightly and left.

Eli finally had a moment of peace.

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