Chapter 1728 Biding Time
Kayara began explaining the structure of Helenbora Coven and its hierarchy.
She also briefed him about the three main factions within the coven. Asmodeous' faction was one of the second strongest factions in the coven.
Eren knew a bit about the coven, thanks to the witches' memories he had extracted. He used Kayara'a information to fill in the blanks.
'Asmodeus... he has definitely messed with the cause-and-effect fabric of this world here to counter me. The pawns he has created across Labh Salem are just being lined up on their own to oppose me in response to his interference.
Is this what they call divine intervention? Or more like demonic intervention in this case?' Eren narrowed his eyes as he thought to himself.
'That means things changed after I claimed Aleph's divine throne. The Demon Prince of Lust stands against me, which also means that he'll tag-team with Samael to get rid of me as soon as he knows my location.'
Eren downed another sip of the wine slowly as he processed the events that had happened to him since he had landed in Labh Salem.
First, Leesha, who could use a Greater Skill related to Asmodeus at the cost of severe repercussions. Then Rivena, one of the den dwellers he had killed, was also one of the favored demons of Asmodeus. And finally, Kayara, who had access to a Unique Skill related to the Sin of Lust.
Eren knew what Argo, AKA Beelzebub, had done to meet him. He knew that it was also possible for someone like Asmodeous to interfere with the cause-and-effect fabric of the world to make certain coincidences happen.
Three of his devout followers crossing his path meant that the Demon Prince of Lust certainly didn't have good intentions towards the true inheritor of the Elder Ichor bloodline who had come out of nowhere and obtained Aleph's divine throne.
According to what Argo had conjectured, Asmodeous didn't want to obtain Aleph's divine throne like Samael. However, he was also not happy with someone else from outside claiming the divine throne. Certainly not some greenhorn like him.
'Asmodeus… Demon Prince of Lust. In some ways, he is even more powerful than the Demon Prince of Wrath. I heard from Argo that his domain has expanded a lot recently thanks to a few worlds where his influence is second to none.
Damn it. It will be very difficult for me to avoid the traps he has set for me. I would have been in a lot of trouble dealing with this redhead too if I didn't have my demi-god powers,' he thought to himself.
Eren didn't want to antagonize the Demon Prince of Lust. But he had to defend himself somehow in case the latter wanted confrontation.
'Hmm. Let's look at what I know and what I have. Asmodeus doesn't know that some of his followers have already made contact with me. That they are trying to recruit me.
He can interfere with cause-and-effect fabric to some extent but he can't control or keep an eye on each of his pawns. I can probably use that in my favor.
Of course, I need to be careful. If I kill too many of these witches, he'll start digging and focus all his attention on me. But… If I get very close and cozy up to them, my chances of being exposed will equally rise.
I don't want that. Not now.
The best approach for me right now would be to bide my time with Helenbora Coven– neither going against them nor standing beside them. I can use Kayara to stall time.
I'm sure they'll either eventually deem me less important once something of greater importance comes their way,' Eren made up his mind and smiled to himself.
In a few days, Eren planned to execute a plan that would shock all of Labh Salem. He was confident that once he initiated his plan, all the organizations active in Labh Salem would halt their activities and start searching for "him."
Earlier, Eren hesitated about spreading his faith in Labh Salem. He didn't know where to start or what actions to take. It would take him a few centuries to establish himself as a demi-god in Labh Salem if he went the usual route.
The butcher didn't want to become like other demi-gods who were mere puppets for the gods and demons in the celestial hall. Demi-gods who hadn't pledged allegiance to the Immortals were vulnerable targets if the Immortals ever decided to reveal themselves for fame.
On the other hand, those who swore allegiance to a specific pantheon were bound to be exploited by the Immortals for their purposes. Even if such demi-gods managed to ascend, their divinities would be shackled by the pantheons they swore their allegiance to. It would force them to become a minor god inside that pantheon and forever stay there.
Moreover, Eren didn't want to confine his divinity by presenting himself as a water deity. Even if he could gain significant faith by portraying as one, it was likely to limit him in the future when he claimed God Sparks related to other elements.
However, listening to Kayara's plight gave him confidence in his radical plan. It affirmed that he was right in devising a plan that would make him the primary enemy of almost all the Immortals.
Eren was already at odds with many of them by claiming Aleph's divine throne for himself. Thus, he was okay with providing them with a new reason to despise him. As such he couldn't help but widen the smile that was already blooming across his face.
"Why are you smiling like that?" Kayara asked, placing her empty wine glass down. She considered asking for a refill but decided against it for some reason. She felt strange talking with him so naturally after being branded by him.
"Because I'm excited. There's a new dawn coming for the people of Labh Salem, Kayara."
Eren said, standing straight as he gazed into the distance. "Not sure if it's 'grim,' though," he added with a chuckle.
Blitz. Swoosh. Thud.
Suddenly, lightning sparked in the inn room. Kayara's vision shifted abruptly. She discovered herself on the bed, staring at the ceiling. A second later, Eren was above her, gazing at her like she was his cherished possession.
"So we've got a lot on our plate, my dear witch. But that is all the more reason for us to enjoy ourselves tonight," Eren said to the auburn-haired woman, flashing a peculiar smile at her.
Before she could respond, he sealed her lips with his.
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