Endless Path : Infinite Cosmos-Novel

Chapter 2098: Reputation

Ignoring the awkward yet fervent gazes of the Chefs observing him, Vahn dutifully prepared his and Seraphina's meals while his main body kept the woman in question company.

Though they had visited one of the most luxurious restaurants in the 6-Digit Gates, the food hadn't suited Seraphina's palate. Fortunately, he had reserved the entire restaurant, so, while the Chef and his team were more than a little offended to learn their cooking wasn't up to snuff, it hadn't taken much effort to convince the owner to lend him the kitchen.

While that was going on, Vahn and Seraphina were leaning over the relatively small circular table separating them, their faces mere centimeters apart as they played with each others' hands. They weren't doing anything overtly sexual, but, from the perspective of others, the atmosphere within the dimly lit restaurant had become noticeably steamy. This was primarily due to the aura that was exuded from Seraphina's body. She was, after all, a Succubus.

"It's about time I had you all to myself. I'm not going to say I don't mind sharing you with others. In fact, it pisses me off whenever I see you playing around with other women. You better make it up to me..."

Restraining the urge to chuckle, Vahn maintained an affectionate smile as he traced his thumb over Seraphina's and said, "Your wish is my command..."

With a playful glimmer in her eyes, Seraphina brought her face a little closer to Vahn's as she asked, "Is that so~?" in a mischievous tone.

Drawing his face closer, Vahn's nose briefly grazed Seraphina's as he whispered, "Within reason..."

"Pfft...!"

Unable to contain herself, Seraphina covered her mouth in a vain attempt to stifle her giggle. Then, with a serious expression on her face, she resumed their previous distance and said, "I'm a Demon Lord and a woman. I don't do reasonable..."

Punctuating her words, Seraphina yanked on Vahn's tie before aggressively seizing his lips. He had dressed up for the occasion, so, rather than his characteristic dark grey tunic, sash, and trousers, he was wearing a stylish, rune-engraved suit. As for Seraphina, she was dressed up in a dress that was unsuited for appearing in public. It was remarkably transparent, and, though it had been enchanted to conceal all the important parts, it left very little to the imagination.

Pulling away after several seconds, Seraphina licked her lips in an overtly seductive manner before leaving Vahn somewhat taken aback as she said, "I want you to ravish me. Right here. Right now. I don't care if these insects watch. I want everyone in the Little Garden to know you belong to me..."

Had he been a normal person, Vahn would have gently chided Seraphina for making such a request. Fortunately, he was anything but. Thus, after a moment of consideration, he startled the pink-haired beauty by flipping over the table and pulling her toward him. This caused her pupils to immediately convert into hearts, a girlish "kyaa~!" emanating from her throat as they proceed to lay waste to the entire restaurant. As for the restaurant staff, they continued to stand in their original positions with slightly dull eyes, wholly unaware of what was taking place right in front of them...

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Like many of the beast humans inhabiting the Little Garden, Galdo Gasper used to be a relatively normal animal. His current appearance resembled a muscular man with tanned skin, pointed ears, sharp teeth, deep green eyes, and rows of sharp teeth. Several years ago, however, he had been little more than an ordinary tiger, one of many wild animals roaming the God's Playground.

After a chance encounter that allowed him to absorb a fair amount of spiritual energy, Galdo had evolved into what many referred to as a Weretiger. At that time, his body was even larger than it was in the present. He had stood more than 3m in height, possessed a tiger's head, and, as could be expected, his entire body had been covered in fur.

Though he could still assume his Weretiger form, the current Galdo appeared more human than beast. He had made a contract with a Demon Lord to drastically increase his intelligence while also enhancing his looks. These were two of the most important traits when it came to socializing with humans, so, despite caring very little about such things, Galdo did his best to present himself as a charming and charismatic individual.

In reality, Galdo was still the same brutal and ruthless creature he had been when he was a tiger. He only made an effort to blend into society because he was determined to claw his way up the social ladder and secure his place as the Leader of an entire Gate. He also had ambitions of ascending to Godhood in the future, so, even if it was only an act, he didn't mind putting on a smile and playing human.

Unfortunately, just as he was beginning to gain ground within the Gate his Community operated in, Galdo experienced the setback known as the Sage Dragon's Hearth. He was originally given the task of putting pressure on the surrounding Communities while simultaneously keeping tabs on the No Names.

In the beginning, Galdo had an easy time gaining influence. He was backed by the most powerful faction of Demon Lords in the entire Little Garden, the [666 Beast] Community. They didn't actively support him, but, just by using their name, he was able to cow weaker Communities into obedience. Those that resisted? He just needed to kidnap some of their children, blackmail their members, and then force them into a one-sided Gift Game. Everything had been incredibly easy.

Now, thanks to the Burgeoning Communities Accord, putting pressure on weaker Communities was next to impossible. You could try, but, the moment one of the weaker Communities made a request to the Sage Dragon's Hearth, your days were numbered. The most frustrating thing about this was the fact that Vahn wasn't even the Ruler of any particular Gate. He simply imposed his will on others without a care, and, no matter how powerful the Community he targetted was, it only took a single evening for him to either wipe out or cripple them.

If not for his Master informing him to lay low, Galdo knew his Community would have been among the first to be wiped out. It was common knowledge these days that the Sage Dragon Emperor had a soft spot for children, so, the moment a Community was discovered mistreating children, the lives of its members were effectively forfeit.

Due to their incessant whining and demands for food and water, Galdo had started killing all of the children he had purportedly taken hostage. By the time he had defeated the opposing Community in a Gift Game, it didn't matter whether or not they wanted the children released. They would have no grounds to make such demands. Rather, due to the terms of the Geass Scroll, the lives of pretty much everyone in the opposing Community would be his to dictate.

Though he didn't regret his actions in the slightest, Galdo knew he wouldn't be able to defeat the Sage Dragon Emperor in a fair fight. If his actions were made public, it would only be a matter of time before he was wiped out. Thus, when he was ordered by his Master to approach the Players the No Names were trying to recruit, Galdo was honestly apprehensive. Unfortunately, his contract compelled him to obey, so, with the best smile he could muster, he sat down at the same table as Jin, Black Rabbit, Yo, Asuka, and Izayoi.

At first, things seemed to be going smoothly since the No Names didn't really have anything to offer. They basically just wanted to piggyback off the success of others so Galdo was confident he could convince both the trio and Black Rabbit to join his Community. Unfortunately, the moment he began to talk bad about the No Names, Asuka used her Gift to force him to remain silent and keep still as she lambasted him.

To make matters exponentially worse, Asuka followed her harsh lecture by forcing Galdo to reveal the truth regarding the relative success of his Community. This included disclosing the fates of the children, so, in a last-ditch effort to silence them, he forced himself into his Weretiger form only to be placed in an armlock by the frail-looking Yo.

Though he was indescribably incensed by the notion that such a small girl could pin him, the thing that angered Galdo the most was the casualness in which everyone else present reacted. The only person that seemed even remotely concerned by the sudden escalation was Black Rabbit, who, after hearing what he had done to the children, glared at him with eyes like daggers. As for Asuka, Izayoi, and even Jin, they just continued sipping their coffee with relatively calm expressions on their faces.

Fortunately, Black Rabbit was still a Moon Rabbit. She couldn't condone violence, so, before things could get further out of hand, she suggested they settle things in accordance with the Laws of the Little Garden. This might have provided some relief to others, but, knowing how absolutely screwed he was the moment his crimes were made public, Galdo had no choice but to wager his Community against the silence of the other party.

"Those fucking bastards! I swear! Once this is over, I'll find a way to kill every single fucking one of them! I don't care how long it takes...!"

After returning to his mansion-like estate, Galdo ended up thrashing his office in a fit of blind rage. He had never been pressured like this since he evolved. Instead, it was always him putting pressure on others. After all, he was a predator and a carnivore. He wa different from the sheep and fodder that made up the vast majority of the Little Garden's population.

"You pitiful creature..."

Hearing a feminine voice tickle his ears, Galdo's right arm more than tripled in size as he swiped his claws towards the direction it had come from. To his surprise, his attack was casually intercepted by what appeared to be a little girl with golden blonde hair as she said, "You are too weak to serve as a proper test for those three. I will grant you a bit of strength so that you don't completely embarrass yourself..."

"Wha...?"

Before he could ask what the mysterious little girl was talking about, Galdo's world went dark as he was slammed face-first into the ground. Then, just as his consciousness began to fade away, he felt a sharp pinch in his neck. This was immediately followed by an intense heat, and, moments later, a feeling of power began to swell from deep within as the girl pulled away to remark, "Disgusting..."

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Though he could have reversed time to repair the damage they had caused, Vahn compensated the staff of the restaurant by handing out a few Gift Cards related to cooking. Seraphina simply loved extravagance, so, with Gift Cards being the most extravagant form of currency in the entire Divine Realm, Vahn didn't mind handing a few out if it would make her happy.

"Oh-hohohohohoho~! How daring! As expected of my husband~!"

Amused by the ingratiating behavior of the restaurant staff, Seraphina couldn't help laughing out loud. Parts of their ceiling were literally beginning to cave in yet they instantly adopted sincere and excited smiles the moment Vahn began to hand out Gift Cards. This was the 'beauty' of wealth, as, even if you inconvenienced people to no end, they would quickly forgive you so long as you gave them a few gentle smacks with a wad of cash.

Smiling wryly in response to Seraphina's outburst, Vahn snaked his hand around her hips before offering a curt gesture of farewell towards the befuddled restaurant staff. Then, under the envious eyes of countless individuals, he summoned a massive and luxurious airship to take them home...

... ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ꜰʀᴏᴍ N(o)vᴇl(ꜰ)ire.nᴇt

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(A/N: Alternate Titles: 'Seraphina has expensive tastes...','You deserve everything coming to you, cat brat...','Vahn be flexin...')