My Living Shadow System Devours To Make Me Stronger Chapter 985 - 987: Suspicion

The Grand Duke's tone carried unyielding firmness and resolve. Put bluntly, Damon's actions were far too risky. Even with their critical strategic value, the peril remained overwhelmingly high.

"Calm yourself, Grand Duke, and consider this rationally. The entire mission—along with far greater stakes—hinges on it," the Emperor's voice transmitted via the communicator, steady and aloof.

"Easy for you to claim. It's not your grandson out there," the Grand Duke shot back, his jaw clenching while fingers gripped the table's edge tightly, etiquette cast aside.

"For the moment, let's hear Seras's thoughts," interjected another voice, belonging to Xander's grandfather, composed yet resolute.

"Consider this: we now have an insider in Trace. We've never managed to infiltrate that city before. Events inside Trace remain unconfirmed by our side. The place is shrouded in secrecy. All we truly know is that entry is barred to us, and every spy dispatched gets captured effortlessly."

A short hush fell over the group. Multiple eyes turned toward Seras.

"Hmm. Sounds viable." Seras drummed a finger softly on the communicator while pondering. "Damon shouldn't have entered as a human, but he somehow did. Maybe their magical barrier has a weakness..."

"Or perhaps they permitted his entry," the Grand Duke interrupted abruptly, raising his head.

"Maybe it's that devilish luck of your grandson. He excels at achieving the impossible. This could be another of his feats," the Emperor remarked, his voice resonating evenly from the communicator.

"Regardless, Ashcroft Fragments exist there, and locating, securing, or eliminating them forms a key mission element. This is just one aspect."

The Grand Duke's face grew even stormier amid their persistent arguments, his gaze dropping as shadows deepened under his brows.

"You surely grasp the importance. Securing the Ouroboros Coil is essential. You above all know the immense sacrifices we've made over the years merely to learn of it. Countless millions perished for this grand scheme," declared Kadelas, the Elf King.

They figured this would sway him.

Then the Grand Duke responded once more, his words measured this time.

"Even billions of lives wouldn't outweigh my grandson's single existence. I refuse to yield. My position stands firm."

Seras let out a soft breath through her nostrils. She comprehended his viewpoint fully. Convincing him to let Damon venture to the demon continent had been an uphill battle. No one matched Damon for this expedition. They'd argued his elusiveness to capture and superior street savvy over other prospects.

Moreover, the Temple had demanded Damon Grey's participation. A Hero-titled figure was required for the mission.

"I stand with you. Then why not reach out to Damon directly and get his input?" Seras proposed, her hand already moving to the communication array. His prior tone suggested he felt at ease in demon city Trace.

She proceeded to add Damon to High Command's communication channel.

"Seras, Seras, you must be thinking of me constantly, calling so frequently..."

"Damon. Damon. You're addressing High Command," she interrupted swiftly, sitting up straight to prevent further embarrassment.

A momentary silence came from Damon's end, accompanied by the clear splash of water.

"Ooooh. Got it."

That was his only response. A leisurely sigh escaped him next, as if settling deeper into soothing warmth.

"So, what's the matter?"

Seras shut her eyes for a second.

That wasn't proper address for High Command.

These were the world's sovereigns. Commanders of battles and intrigue. Each had reached Seventh Class advancement. An ordinary soul would perish repeatedly from such lax informality.

"I see you're unchanged," Kadelas Moonveil's icy voice resounded through the communicator.

"Naturally, father-in-law. Your presence reassures me," Damon answered casually.

A loud crack echoed from Kadelas's side, like a stone barrier struck hard.

"Damon Grey, reports confirm your entry into demon city Trace," the Emperor's voice declared, firm and observant.

Damon's face stayed neutral.

'They're suspicious.'

Naturally. Everyone but his grandfather harbored doubts. That elder adored him enough to dismiss any reality where Damon turned demon as mere deception.

The rest differed.

Luckily, Damon held a ready fabrication. Seras had inadvertently aided him by noting how humans and goddess races couldn't enter Trace.

"Yes, Your Majesty. Balrogs escorted me, alongside odd war trolls and redcap goblins. They hail from a distinct demon continent area. Exposure to Ashcroft Fragments seems to have altered them," he explained deliberately, with caution.

"In what manner?" the Emperor inquired.

"I'm unsure yet. Still investigating. But the Snake Temple likely plays a role. They've collected Ashcroft Fragments, aiming to replicate something. It's a covert endeavor. Success would vastly empower demon races."

He invented it entirely.

What could they do? Verify with the Snake Temple?

Out of the question.

By sharing this intel and seeming endangered, he appeared profoundly devoted.

Silence gripped the line as they conferred privately.

"A fresh evolution path... Catastrophic, like Ashcroft spawning Lesser Demons."

"Is this their war pretext?"

"Paimon orchestrates this. Possible trap."

"Ashcroft Fragments corrupt indeed."

Damon tuned in absentmindedly.

He lounged in his tower's vast bath, water lapping at his chest amid rising steam.

"That fails to clarify your city entry," Kadelas pressed, doubt thick in his tone.

"Are you conspiring with demons?"

Damon fell silent.

His next words came icy.

"Your Majesty, Elf King, I get that you despise me. But accuse me so basely again, and I'll sever both hand and tongue. Or have you overlooked my parents' death by demon hands? My hatred for them eclipses your scorn for me."

"Kadelas, you dare slur my family?" the Grand Duke growled, voice turning lethal.

A beat of quiet.

Kadelas breathed out.

"My regrets. Suspicion seemed justified. No one strolls into Trace casually."

"True enough. How accomplished you that? We might replicate it for reinforcements if needed," offered the Magic Academy's Headmaster.

Damon exhaled gently, water swirling nearby.

"Replicating my approach would prove challenging. Divine energy from my Holy Pool immersion shielded me and my companions. It drained me heavily. The balrogs trailing me might have concealed my presence. That's my hypothesis. Other elements may factor in. Likely just sheer fortune."

His cover was locked in.

"Hmm. Divine energy proves scarce. Even the Temple struggles to wield it. If that individual awakened... No. Risk outweighs gain."

"Thus, you stand alone."

"Choose: press on with this perilous task or retreat to Seras's blade."

Damon hushed. He drew a deep breath.

"You know my nature."

Translation:

'What's my compensation?'

"Tax exemptions for guild activities, unrestricted mining access, vast independence for your enterprises in all goddess race territories."

Damon paid close attention.

'Tax cuts?'

Since launching L.A.Z.A.R.A.K, he loathed the state's profit skim most.

"Agreed. I mean, as a goddess race member, duty calls. If not me for the inferno, then who?" he replied, smirking faintly.

This handed his group immense influence.

Yet it fueled their military-industrial needs too.

Ideal mutual gain.

"Your immediate orders: preserve your cover, climb demon society's ranks. Earn demon lords' confidence."

"And the Ouroboros Coil?" Damon questioned.

"Prime goal. We'll endure decades for the theft opportunity."