Chapter 10

Side Lucifer

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―35th Floor

Lucifer's heart raced again as she watched Luke kick away a massive, ferocious bull, which seemed to be the floor's master.

(He's so beautiful... How intelligent he must be...)

I whispered to myself, only able to take off my hat in admiration of Lord Luke's learning ability.

The flexible thinking to convert high-density holy magic power into a solid mass. Most notably, his keen "observational skills" to accurately predict the opponent's movements.

His ability to predict the next move from the slightest actions of the opponent and immediately act on it. It seems he has already mastered the overwhelming power of "Laundry."

The effect of the "water" given by Lord Luke was incredible. The holy magic power contained in that "water" must have endowed him with some form of magic recovery and physical enhancement.

(How competent...?)

I was speechless with admiration, but...

"Hmm... I always drink this, so I can't really tell. It just seems like regular water to me..."

Lord Luke chuckled, and I pouted a little, secretly disappointed that my admiration hadn't been conveyed.

Even when I told him that the holy aura was keeping the monsters at bay, he seemed a bit puzzled.

"Hmm... I've felt this way since the beginning, I think..."

It seems Lord Luke has no real awareness of his own greatness.

All I can do is marvel at Lord Luke's combat skills, but he kindly said with a beautiful smile, "It's thanks to Lucifer telling me about the possibilities of 'Laundry,' you know?"

But that's far from the truth.

The contrast between his gentle expression when he looks at me with his beautiful deep blue eyes and his brave expression when facing monsters is unbearable.

His slight change in tone during combat, his sharp gaze as he looks at the monsters while his lustrous silver hair sways... My heart is so loud it's unbearable.

I defied the command to "worship humans," but now I finally understand the true meaning of the gods.

(I would do anything for Lord Luke...)

Each time I whisper this in my heart, I feel a surge of anger towards the fool who planted the "darkness" deep within Lord Luke's heart.

(I don't know who you are, but I'll take care of you as soon as I find you. You worm who caused Lord Luke pain...)

As I burn with unangelic anger, Lord Luke turns and speaks.

"Lucifer, are you feeling any different? We're on the 35th floor now, you know?"

He tilts his head slightly, showing concern for me.

"No problem at all, thanks to Lord Luke!"

"Let me know if anything unusual happens, okay?"

(Ah, he's so beautiful... I shouldn't think this way, but he's so cute... I love him so much it hurts...)

"...Yes, thank you for always worrying about me..."

"It's only natural! You've been in the lower floors for a long time, so who knows what might happen when you suddenly ascend?"

"...Thank you... Still, your combat skills were amazing earlier!"

I recall how he narrowly avoided the massive bull's great axe and praise him.

"Haha, thanks! I can manage to dodge attacks... I've always protected myself... I'm getting used to 'Laundry,' but I still have a lot to learn! If I get hit even once, it could be disastrous..."

Lord Luke chuckles. Indeed, it seems 'Laundry' can only be used by getting close to the opponent. The constraint of "having to touch" is quite heavy.

"Lord Luke, you'll be fine! If anything, I'll be your shield!"

I spoke with the desire to be of some help, but Lord Luke stopped and looked at me seriously.

When our eyes met, my heart skipped a beat.

"Lucifer...? I won't allow that."

He said this with a slight hint of anger. Despite the gentle words, they carried a lot of weight. I could tell he was serious.

His beautiful face without a smile, his serious expression, and the forceful aura that wouldn't allow a "no."

I felt a chill run down my spine from Lord Luke's pressure. My heart tightened, and a warmth spread below my navel. Overwhelmed by the "pressure" that rivals that of the gods, I could only gasp.

"...Y-Yes..."

I could only manage a small response, but Lord Luke smiled at my words. I sighed in relief at his usual beautiful smile, but my heart beat again.

"Even as a joke, I'd be angry if you said something like that."

He pouted slightly. The fact that he values my life, even though I am a "sinner," made me want to cry.

Lord Luke noticed my reaction and said,

"Ah! I'm sorry? Did I scare you? It's okay, it's okay..."

He hurriedly patted my head.

(If, by any chance, Lord Luke is in danger, I will not hesitate to give my life...)

I made a resolve I could never voice, etching the feel of Lord Luke's hand on my body.

Next chapter: "Lucifer's Support"

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