High above, both Riku and Jibril were safe, standing together inside a pale blue barrier, though the scene was oddly bizarre.
"What is my husband doing?" Fia wondered aloud.
Hearing this, everyone just shook their heads, totally baffled. They'd all assumed the fight would end with one of them dead.
But then, Fia, Think Nirvalen, and the others widened their eyes in shock as Riku suddenly pulled little Jibril into his arms and began spanking her.
Why "little"? Because Jibril's body had, bizarrely, reverted to that of a child. "Jibril actually got her butt smacked. Serves her right," Think Nirvalen was the first to react, whispering gleefully.
She also felt a newfound respect for Riku, greater than ever. Who else would dare to spank a Flügel, and an Exemplar at that? Probably no one.
At that moment, Think Nirvalen had already forgotten she used to think of Riku as just a primitive monkey...
"My husband... really is a handful… Don't tell me he's thinking of..." Fia pouted, cheeks puffed out in annoyance, her crimson eyes occasionally darting to Schwi.
It was certainly possible whether it was her, or Schwi, or now Jibril, they all looked like young girls…
"Hmph. Such a pervert. My husband really is hopeless," Fia grumbled, stomping the ground so hard that cracks began to spread.
Noticing Fia's attitude, her werebeasts exchanged glances but sensibly kept quiet. This wasn't something they could get involved in.
"Hey! Don't go overboard! Just because you saved me doesn't mean you can spank me!" Jibril, still in the sky, clutched her sore backside, protesting angrily.
Just now, as the explosion was about to engulf her, Riku had reached her in the nick of time, saving her. His speed was terrifying. She wondered if, had he gone all out from the start, she'd have even had time to react.
"You're upset? Shouldn't I be the angry one? You chased me, then targeted those close to me. I told you I'd pay you back, you stupid chicken!" Riku rolled up his sleeves, giving Jibril's bottom another resounding smack.
"Ugh!!" Jibril grunted from the fresh pain.
"Hehe, but tell me, why did you save me? Are you really offering your body for research? Or are you just a lolicon, charmed by my current form?" As she spoke, Jibril giggled and nuzzled into Riku's chest, as if seeking comfort.
"Only in your dreams. I just thought letting you off easy would be too good for you," Riku said with a wry smile.
"Since ancient times, the winner takes all. Since you lost today, that makes you my spoils, you're mine now, understand?" Riku said coldly.
Jibril's potential was impressive having her as a servant would be useful.
"Hmm, if that's how it is, I suppose I have no choice. Losers are losers. In that case, I'll become your servant, free for you to play with however you wish," Jibril said, giggling in that signature, borderline crazy way that only she could manage.
"Idiot, don't make it sound so weird," Riku muttered, exasperated.
"But you submitted so quickly. I admit, I'm a little surprised," Riku continued, looking amused.
"Like you said, the loser belongs to the winner. If I'd won, I'd have dragged you back for research, dead or alive, no difference," Jibril answered, her eyes shining as she met Riku's gaze.
"I mean, I'm surprised you'd so easily abandon your creator, the God of War Artosh," Riku clarified, raising an eyebrow.
"Tch, that old man just sits on his throne all day pondering what it means to be strongest, so boring. I only respect him because he created me," Jibril replied, her voice full of disdain.
It was a shocking statement. Normally, all Flügel revered the God of War absolutely; to question him was to invite destruction at the hands of the entire race. Yet Jibril defied that with ease, doubting even her own creator.
That, too, was why Artosh tolerated her; he was curious about her potential and let her do as she pleased.
"Oh?" Riku's interest was piqued. "That's a pretty good reason, but I bet there's more to it. You realise what it means to side with me and abandon the Flügel, don't you?"
"Heh, of course. But before that, let me ask, what's your goal, Master?" Jibril smiled, looking up at him with infatuation.
"To become stronger, slay the God of War, become the One True God, and end this endless war," Riku answered without hesitation.
"I knew it. You really do have infinite potential, Master. I can see your blazing ambition in your eyes. That's more than enough reason for me to follow you, how's that for an explanation?" Jibril said, a crazed smile spreading across her face.
In three days, he'd gone from weakling to someone who could beat her head on. This terrifying growth was something she'd never experienced with Artosh.
"I see." Riku nodded naturally, a confident smile on his lips. "You made the right choice."
"Please take care of me from now on, Master," Jibril said sweetly.
At the same time, the geometric halo around her head shifted to the back of Flügel's gesture of loyalty.
"Yeah." Riku nodded, letting go of Jibril.
"Oh, right, Master, now that I'm your servant, you can do whatever you want to my body. After all, you love little girls, don't you?" Jibril said, grinning madly.
Smack!
Before she could finish, Riku gave her another firm slap on the butt.
"Idiot angel, knock it off."
"Master, I'm done! Please don't hit me anymore, it's already swollen!" Jibril whimpered, clutching her sore bottom, her face full of grievance.
"Hmph, serves you right for running your mouth." Riku raised an eyebrow, speaking calmly. Of course, he'd never admit that he was starting to enjoy it. After all, it felt pretty good.
"By the way, Master, the werebeast girl and the Ex-Machina are glaring at us… So scary~" Jibril's eyes sparkled mischievously as she lay against Riku like a lazy bear, saying it on purpose.
Riku couldn't help but feel a bit helpless. Jibril really never missed an opportunity to take advantage. He strongly suspected that this Flügel might actually sneak in to "attack" him at night.
To have tamed such an obsessive, lovesick Flügel, he couldn't help but feel that it was a bit troublesome...
But Jibril was right, they couldn't keep Fia and Schwi waiting any longer.
Thinking about it made Riku's head ache. He still needed to explain things to Fia about Schwi, and now there was Jibril as well. Plus, there was Couronne waiting for him, too.
This harem thing really wasn't easy. After all, girls weren't made of wood; they got jealous and emotional, and no matter how mature they were, that wouldn't change.
But no matter how much trouble it was, he had to face it. Riku didn't hesitate any longer and carried Jibril back to Fia and the others.
Why did he have to carry her? Because Jibril was putting on a pitiful act, saying she had no strength left.
Of course, he knew she was faking it, but he still had no choice but to carry her.
...
"Husband, I'm so glad you're alright. But her…?" As soon as Riku came down, Fia rushed to him, clutching his sleeve, first expressing concern for him and then staring hard at Jibril with open hostility in her eyes.
Schwi was fine, but as for Jibril, Fia really couldn't accept her.
"Riku, lolicon." Schwi also looked at Riku, quietly mumbling.
On the other side, Think Nirvalen and the other weakened elves also watched. They wanted to leave, but didn't dare. Now, seeing this scene, their faces were all strange.
Was this going to turn into a love triangle scene after the battle…?
But the fact that Jibril, of all people, had been so obediently tamed by this human…!
Think Nirvalen's eyes were still full of shock and disbelief, glancing back and forth between Riku and Jibril.
"Ahem, Jibril lost to me. From now on, she's my servant." Riku put Jibril down and gently patted Fia and Schwi on the head, speaking as gently as he could.
"Hmph, playboy." Fia muttered under her breath. Although she spoke quietly, everyone present could hear her.
Riku pretended not to notice, keeping his expression unchanged.
"Husband, I don't think she's trustworthy. If she learns where our base is and reports it to the other Flügel, it could be dangerous." Fia looked up, her face serious.
"Oh my, little werebeast, who are you calling untrustworthy?" Jibril smiled as she looked at Fia.
"Who can say for sure?" Fia retorted without hesitation.
"Alright, enough arguing." Riku, getting a headache, tapped both girls on the head. "Let's take care of business first."
As he spoke, Riku slowly shifted his gaze toward the elves in the distance.
Fia, Schwi, Jibril, and the other werebeasts did the same, eyeing the elves like wolves staring at lambs.
Although Jibril didn't know the full story, based on the situation, she could guess Riku's intentions, and she was very interested to see what her master would do with the elves.
"Riku...sir, what do you need from us?" Think Nirvalen finally summoned her courage, taking a step forward, her scalp tingling.
Now, they were like prey being eyed by predators, one wrong move would spell disaster.
"Husband, when I was negotiating with the elves, they were very uncooperative. Even after I saved them, they showed hostility. When facing Jibril, they didn't hesitate to throw me to the wolves, even though they could have helped." Fia stared hard at Think Nirvalen, her tone direct and blunt.
"In my opinion, they never intended to join us." Fia's face was expressionless.
Fia now had nothing but dislike for the elves. To insult Riku was a crime that could not be forgiven, and their attitude left her completely disappointed. Even if the elves joined, Fia doubted they'd ever be truly loyal.
"Oh? Is that so? How interesting." Riku's body tensed, his eyes flashed with killing intent, and his smile made Think Nirvalen's scalp prickle with fear.
"N-no, you're misunderstanding. That's not our intention," Think Nirvalen stammered, hurriedly trying to explain. But her words sounded dry because everything Fia said was true.
"You think you can fool a werebeast's senses?" In a flash, Riku appeared right in front of Think Nirvalen, looking down at her with a half-smile.
In that instant, Think Nirvalen was engulfed by the shadow of death, her heart full of terror, and she couldn't muster even the slightest resistance.
The other elves also looked on, full of fear, anger, and a mess of emotions, but not one dared speak up or move.
They had all seen just how terrifying Riku was. Any resistance would only mean instant annihilation, no question.
"Um, Riku sir, we really weren't thinking straight at the time. The situation was urgent, and we didn't have time to consider everything. Now, I'm willing to lead the elves in joining your alliance and fighting the God of War together." Think Nirvalen said bitterly.
In the past, she'd looked down on this "monkey"…this human. Now she could only lower her head, calling him "sir" with humility. Fate truly worked in mysterious ways.
She had doubted Riku before, after all, the God of War was the most powerful being. How could a human possibly oppose him? But after witnessing Riku's power firsthand, a sliver of hope grew in her heart.
After all, their own creator god had also been killed by the God of War, and they carried an unending grudge.
For their own creator gods, all these races felt a deep, sincere reverence. God of Forest, Kainath, had been killed by the God of War, his divinity devoured. The elves had thought about revenge, but the gap in strength was too great. Forget killing the God of War, just facing one of his subordinates, Flügel, was enough to send them fleeing.
Maybe that thing could really kill a Flügel, but to think of defeating the God of War was still just a pipe dream.
Yet with Riku's arrival, even though Think Nirvalen felt humiliated and oppressed, a small sliver of hope began to stir.
Just as Jibril had said, this human might truly possess infinite potential.
"Riku-sama, as long as you don't treat us elves as pawns to be thrown away at will, we will join your alliance and become a blade in your hand to help you slay the God of War." Think Nirvalen took a deep breath and spoke seriously.
"Pfft—!" No sooner had Think finished than Jibril burst into laughter, looking at her with blatant mockery.
Fia also pursed her lips slightly, looking at Think with disdain.
"Jibril, what do you mean by that?! What's so funny?!" Think's expression froze, her anger rising.
"Oh my, I just think you elves are a bunch of ignorant and arrogant country bumpkins," Jibril sneered, not showing the slightest courtesy.
"I think you don't really understand your situation," Fia said coldly.
"Huge difference in level," Schwi commented in her usual cryptic way.
"You—!" Hearing this, Think's face changed, and she became extremely uneasy, nervously looking up at the expressionless Riku.
"You elves seem to have misunderstood something. I'm not asking or inviting you to join the alliance. I'm ordering you," Riku said indifferently.
These domineering words left Think completely stunned.
The other elves were even more furious.
"Order... Isn't that a bit too much?!" Think bit her lip, and clenched her teeth. Being ordered to join the alliance was a total humiliation, a loss of all dignity. They would always be used as expendable pieces, how could she accept that?
"Everyone makes their own choices. The choices you make decide your fate," Riku replied coldly. "The power of the elves isn't necessary for me right now. If you won't accept my order, I won't force you."
"——!?" Hearing this, Think and the other elves froze. Even the werebeasts were stunned.
Only Jibril and Fia remained unfazed, with a hint of fascination, while Schwi's expression didn't change, just her eyes flickered.
"Lord Riku, do you really mean it?" Think asked anxiously. Something felt off. Could this man really be so easygoing?
"If you don't accept my order, that's fine. But to prevent you elves from stabbing me in the back, I might as well wipe you all out. Not a single one left alive." Riku's face was expressionless.
"What!!" Think's expression froze, falling from heaven to hell in an instant. This was pure tyranny, a dictator who gave no one a chance to live! This man would absolutely go through with it!
"Think-sama, let's fight him!"
"Who cares who he is let's fight!"
In an instant, all the elves couldn't bear the humiliation any longer and shouted angrily.
"Silence, all of you!" But Think snapped out of it and roared in frustration.
Her shout instantly silenced the elves.
"We are willing to join the alliance and obey your orders." Think said bitterly, her face full of resignation. For the sake of her people, she had no other choice.
"Think-sama!!"
"Think-sama, there's no need to fear him, we still have...!"
As soon as she finished, the elves grew agitated again, refusing to accept such humiliation.
"Heh, are you talking about this thing? The principle is a bit complex, but if we give it to Schwi's Ex-Machina, I guarantee they can finish it even better than you." Riku sneered and took out the incomplete Void Zero Protection from his inventory.
"That's the Void Zero Protection, how did you...?!" Seeing the giant glowing egg, Think's eyes went wide with shock.
The other elves turned pale as well. Their trump card was gone, what was left to fight with?
"Please forgive our rudeness, Riku-sama. We elves are willing to join your alliance with all our people and follow your orders, unconditionally." Think dropped to her knees, offering up her loyalty without hesitation.
"To obey... to submit." The other elves also knelt, faces full of despair, lowering their proud heads.
With their trump card gone, what was left to resist with... Just as Riku said, they really were expendable.
"Very good. From today on, you're the maid for me and Fia." Riku nodded without expression, placing his hand on Think's head and giving the order.
"I understand, Master..." Think's face changed over and over, finally going slack as she replied weakly.
"Good." Riku nodded in satisfaction, then turned and walked back to Fia and the others, leaving behind a group of elves who looked as if all their spirit had been sucked out, kneeling on the ground.
"Hehe, Master, so domineering and cool~! I'm totally obsessed. How about you punish me some more, too?" Jibril drooled as she giggled like a maniac.
"Hmph, Riku is my husband, you're just his servant, don't even think about seducing my husband!" Fia pouted, grabbing Riku's hand and staring hard at Jibril. "As my husband's servant, you're also my servant. I order you to stay away from him."
"Ara, I'm just Master's servant, I don't care about anyone else's orders. You little werebeast, you still have a long way to go," Jibril snorted.
Their gazes clashed, and sparks seemed to fly.
"Riku, I want to play a game." Schwi spoke up at just the right moment, making both Fia and Jibril eye her suspiciously.
Play a game? What kind of game, now that was a big question.
"Ahem, let's go home first. With all this spirit energy flying around, it's not safe to stay here," Riku coughed. If Fia learned the real "nature" of that game, she'd definitely raise hell. As for Jibril... well, she'd probably do everything she could to get in on the "game" too.
"Hmph!!! Stupid husband!" Fia pouted and grumbled! Her instincts told her it definitely wasn't that simple.