I was a Warrior?

“Every day, I’m out there joyfully hunting for new research materials. And it’s a relief to see that you, Your Highness, seem unharmed as well.”

With a slight bow in response to Yuria’s formal greeting, Celene of the Four Heavenly Kings replied thus.

But her posture, though befitting an imperial princess, was far too casual and lacking in sincerity by normal standards.

That said, judged against the baseline of someone effectively abandoned by the royal family, this was actually quite respectful behavior on her part.

Moreover, given that her continued survival could arguably be credited to the woman before her, she was, objectively speaking, in an overwhelmingly subordinate position regardless of rank.

Though, to be more precise, their relationship could better be described as one of mutual cooperation – assuming, of course, that this suspicious demon’s interest remained consistent.

Realizing anew her own pitiful circumstances brought a surge of anger to Yuria, yet with practiced ease, she suppressed it without showing a hint and continued speaking.

“This time, I truly am grateful. Despite my sudden request, you managed to prepare everything I asked for just in time.”

“Oh, don’t worry about such trivialities. I never skimp on investments related to my research. Ideally, I’d like to offer more substantial financial support… but have your thoughts changed at all?”

“Of course not. While accepting your support might make my life materially comfortable, that would merely be a fleeting illusion sustained by reliance on your influence. Besides, rumors spread like wildfire within the palace. Rather than risk our association being discovered and drawing unwanted attention from my siblings… it’s wiser for now to keep a low profile.”

Looking down at her own shabby dress, hardly fitting for a princess of the continent’s strongest Demon Emperor’s Nation, Yuria smiled bitterly.

Meanwhile, leaning against a crystal wall with arms crossed, Celene listened to her words while occasionally casting sharp glances, then let out a small sigh.

“From what I’ve read in those letters, it seems you meant every word. Though I had some suspicions… seeing it with my own eyes now brings back memories of that day ten years ago.”

“When I first met you after hearing rumors of the imperial princess’ secret abilities, I remember those calm, crimson eyes filled with childlike curiosity looking up at me.”

“Though I never mentioned it, I saw something hidden beneath those eyes back then.”

“A still lake surface concealing deep, burning desires and thirst.”

“At the time when you succeeded where I had failed for ten years in controlling ‘that child,’ I admit I was skeptical. I thought even if you lasted, a year would be the limit.”

“But here you are, having survived all these years unscathed and now boldly stepping forward right at the ten-year mark when I had given up hope.”

“I thought perhaps you’d softened over time, but seeing you now… that inner desire buried deep within you remains unchanged from back then.”

Muttering softly as she recalled the past, Celene wore an expression of intrigue.

I didn’t expect you to be this much of a vessel…

To summarize, that was essentially the meaning.

And listening quietly to her words, Yuria naturally recalled that fateful day ten years ago.

The period when as a child, she accepted her differences from others, enduring endless scorn and persecution solely through sheer willpower.

While seeking ways to escape this hellish reality, despairing at the lack of light, came the unexpected visit of the high-ranking demon, Celene.

Back then, as one of the leading candidates for the next Four Heavenly Kings and renowned across the empire as a master of magical engineering, Celene was already a famous figure even to young Yuria.

When this illustrious person arrived without warning, bringing her to some unknown location without explanation…

A completely sealed space, chillingly cold enough to make one’s bones ache.

After descending deep underground through maze-like passages impossible to navigate, they finally reached a mysterious chamber.

There, in the vast empty center of the room…

A figure bound tightly by thick iron chains radiated an overwhelming aura of malice so intense it made her skin prickle even from a distance.

Just staring at it triggered an instinctive trembling fear.

Yet amidst that terror, she felt a strange sense of familiarity.

It wasn’t long before she realized the source – the same sensation she experienced upon first meeting her mother, the Demon Empress.

The terrifying killing intent directed at her daughter seemed almost incomprehensible.

Despite recognizing this ominous feeling reminiscent of that dark day, she did not retreat but instead focused intently on studying the entity before her.

Through great effort, she gathered several key observations.

Though partially obscured by layers of chains, the central figure appeared to take the form of a silver-haired girl.

This mechanical doll, resembling a human in appearance, seemed unconscious despite having its eyes open.

Why was this automaton, especially one shaped like a young girl, bound so securely?

No matter how hard she thought, young Yuria couldn’t begin to guess the reason.

One thing was certain: whatever it was, it was extremely dangerous and absolutely should not be approached out of mere curiosity.

However, Celene’s subsequent proposal directly contradicted that conclusion.

She would release the barrier and allow her to approach closely, using her powers to suppress the immense killing intent and gain control over the entity.

There was no pressure or expectation.

Celene’s expression revealed only mild curiosity, suggesting she hadn’t placed much hope in this attempt.

How exactly this renowned genius had discovered her hidden ability remained a mystery, but this was clearly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity presented by fate.

Possibly the only chance to escape this living hell.

Sensing this unconsciously, despite overwhelming fear gripping her legs, the young girl accepted the offer.

Moving step by painstaking step through the oppressive presence that threatened to overwhelm her consciousness…

Finally reaching near the mechanical doll, an unexpected complication arose precisely at that moment.

!!!

The girl suddenly twisted violently, emitting an intense aura seemingly aware of her approach.

Though quickly restrained by the sturdy bindings, the resulting motion caused the originally forward-facing gaze to shift downward toward the floor.

Since activating her power required direct eye contact, this created a significant problem.

She would have to physically lift the girl’s face with her hands – an extremely daunting prospect given her current state.

Even standing upright felt nearly impossible, yet now she had to touch this terrifying entity.

An unimaginably cruel trial.

Just as she instinctively took a step back, reaching her limit…

The reality of her situation and the inevitable horrors awaiting her if she fled flashed through her mind.

Either way, retreating here would lead only to an endless abyss.

If both paths led to hell, perhaps making one last desperate attempt was the right choice.

Summoning miraculous courage in her final moments of consciousness, she acted without hesitation.

Gripping the limp girl’s face with both hands, she forcibly lifted it to establish direct eye contact.

Activating her maximum power while gazing into those frozen features and unfocused crimson eyes radiating pure malevolence.

What followed was an interminable struggle.

An endless inferno of destruction and slaughter enveloped her instantly.

Crying out silently in unbearable agony, she regretted her decision.

Yet she never released her power.

Knowing full well that doing so would be the easiest way to relieve herself of this torment.

Having come this far, even if her mind burned away leaving her a vegetable, retreating was simply not an option.

Perhaps she had fallen into a kind of madness at that point.

If she could possess this overwhelming power capable of reducing everything to dust…

Then attaining that exalted position she had only glimpsed once might not be entirely impossible.

That dazzling throne bathed in radiant light, though surely unattainable…

Still firmly imprinted in her mind as the pinnacle of power.

Unbeknownst even to herself, her hidden and deeply rooted desires finally blossomed brilliantly amid the flames.

Her awakened true potential barely managed to subdue the flames at the last moment, and the defeated girl’s consciousness sank into a deep sleep awaiting future opportunity.

Everything began from that point onward.

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