Chapter 15: The Demonic Spirit Puppet’s Awakening

Puppeteers were a common combat profession in the current world. They utilized their own magical energy to drive puppets into battle.

A puppeteer’s strength depended not only on their own power, but also on the might of their puppets.

Among the myriad of puppets, Demonic Spirit Puppets were undoubtedly the paramount existence.

These legendary weapons, crafted personally by Fisk, the First Holy King of Ophelia, surpassed ordinary magical puppets.

While the Heavy Combat Puppet series was also Fisk’s creation, their quality could not be compared to the Demonic Spirit Puppets.

After all, the Demonic Spirit Puppets were Fisk’s magnum opus, forged only after he had ascended to the Heavenly Realm.

Even a millennium later, none had managed to surpass them.

There were ten in total, each having reached the fabled Heavenly Realm.

The First Holy King, with just four Demonic Spirit Puppets, had conquered vast territories and established the Ophelia of today.

Following Fisk’s demise, the ten Demonic Spirit Puppets were passed down to his descendants.

Alas, after a millennium and a civil war three hundred years prior, most Demonic Spirit Puppets were no longer under Ophelia’s control.

Had it not been for this, Theocracy would not have fallen into such decline over the years.

Nevertheless, Theocracy still retained three Demonic Spirit Puppets.

****

Staring at the oppressive black coffin, You slowly inquired, “Is this one of the three puppets?”

The cherry-haired maiden nodded repeatedly. “Yes, this is one of them. Unfortunately, this one… it might be broken…”

“Broken?”

“Yes, otherwise, why would a Demonic Spirit Puppet in the Hall of Treasures remain uncontracted? It has stayed in its original state, perpetually slumbering within the black coffin. My father, the King, believes the same.”

“Master, are you suggesting I possess a damaged puppet?”

Xiamiya retorted with a hint of displeasure, “What do you mean, damaged?”

“According to the top puppeteers of Theocracy, this puppet cannot be contracted because the Contract Array on the black coffin is incomplete. That’s why it can’t be contracted or activated.”

“Incomplete?”

“Yes, we don’t know when it was damaged. In any case, the First Holy King’s Contract Array is incredibly complex. Even the most skilled puppeteers and array scholars today cannot decipher or repair it.”

“Therefore, it’s only temporarily classified as damaged, alright? But this refers solely to its Contract Array. The puppet itself is perfectly fine!”

“Are you certain?”

“Uh, probably…”

[-_-]

Xiamiya averted her gaze, feeling a pang of guilt under You’s somewhat sharp stare. “Uh…”

“W-well, anyway, anyway! This is what I believe is the most, the most suitable body for you! A Demonic Spirit Puppet crafted by the First Holy King is definitely stronger than those others you’ve considered, You!”

“The Demonic Spirit Puppet’s body is said to be forged with Dusk Steel, the rarest and most powerful metal in the entire world! It’s absolutely superior to those flesh and blood bodies!”

Furthermore, if the possession target was a Demonic Spirit Puppet, it would at least ensure You’s subsequent form would be humanoid.

Unlike Heavy Combat Puppets, Demonic Spirit Puppets always took on a human form.

“Trust me, there’s absolutely no mistake!”

You met Xiamiya’s eyes with considerable doubt, despite her enthusiastic words.

After all, based on a year of experience, Xiamiya was not exactly a reliable master in You’s eyes.

From the perspective of the Calamity Demons, she was, in fact, an utterly unpredictable master.

Nevertheless, with a glance at the black coffin, You eventually nodded in approval.

Perhaps, this time, Xiamiya’s decision would prove correct.

“Very well, Master.”

You had naturally gained some understanding of Demonic Spirit Puppets over the past year.

Their formidable physique and a foundational strength of at least the Heavenly Realm indeed made them an excellent choice.

Even if the puppet was damaged, You was confident he could repair it with his own power.

Moreover, combat puppets should have a rather intimidating appearance, shouldn’t they? After all, they were built for battle.

Recalling the two combat-oriented Heavy Combat Puppets he had dealt with earlier in the Holy Sanctuary, You couldn’t help but make this assumption.

“Then, this Demonic Spirit Puppet will do.”

Xiamiya nodded excitedly, seeing You’s lack of objection. “Great! Shall we try it out quickly?”

Faced with Xiamiya’s sparkling eyes, You nodded helplessly.

“Understood, Master.” As his words faded, You’s energy body abruptly disintegrated, transforming into a myriad of dazzling silver energy particles.

These energy particles then surged through the black coffin’s exterior, flowing towards the puppet within.

Seeing this, Xiamiya clenched her small fists, watching the black coffin with bated breath.

“Erm, is it… going smoothly?”

****

Thus, time slowly drifted by.

Amidst ripples of silver energy, the runes began to undergo subtle changes, gradually shifting from their initial dullness to a radiant golden glow.

As the golden light reached its zenith, circles of unknown incantations abruptly manifested.

“Click…” With a crisp sound, the triple locks on the black coffin sprang open.

Immediately after, under Xiamiya’s tense and expectant gaze, the black coffin’s lid slowly opened.

Wisps of misty white light gently overflowed from within, and cradled by these luminous tendrils, a slender figure slowly rose from the coffin.

!?!? In an instant, Xiamiya’s rainbow-colored eyes constricted sharply.

She involuntarily clapped a hand over her mouth, a gasp escaping her lips.

A multitude of emotions—surprise, astonishment, excitement—intertwined in her gaze.

“This… is this… a Demonic Spirit Puppet?”

In Xiamiya’s rainbow eyes, reflected not a mechanical doll, but an exquisitely beautiful “human” maiden.

The maiden possessed a lithe and slender figure, appearing so delicate that a mere breeze might lift her.

Her skin, subtly gleaming, was as fine as frosted glass, radiating a beauty not of this world.

More strikingly, the maiden’s face seemed a masterpiece, meticulously sculpted by the Goddess of Creation herself.

Her soft, full crimson lips, her delicate, exquisite nose, her graceful, smooth cheeks, a complexion so flawless it seemed it could break at a touch… every line perfectly showcased her refinement and elegance.

Above this perfect countenance, her radiant eyes were undoubtedly the most captivating feature.

The maiden’s eyes were a pure silver-white, shimmering with an extraordinary light, deep and luminous, as if capable of perceiving the innermost wisdom of hearts.

Her golden hair, soft and lustrous, reached her ankles, naturally transitioning to silver-white tips. It was like the gentle convergence of dawn’s first light and the soft glow of the moon, appearing both mysterious and utterly enchanting.

The maiden was clad in an elegant white gown.

A millennium had not diminished the dress’s luster; it remained as pristine and dazzling as ever.

The gown, exquisitely designed and elegantly textured, resembled a wedding dress, symbolizing both nobility and purity, making her appear more like an emissary descended from the heavens.

Its off-shoulder design gracefully revealed her snow-white, smooth shoulders and neckline, adding a touch of softness and feminine tenderness.

The entire gown contoured her figure closely, flowing seamlessly from bust to waist, showcasing flawless proportions and intricate craftsmanship.

The skirt featured a layered design, each tier as light as a cloud, the soft fabric swaying gently with her every movement, as if it could float away at any moment, exuding a dreamlike beauty.

The next moment, the puppet maiden slowly stepped out of the black coffin, her slender, elegant legs moving gracefully.

Even this simple action exuded unparalleled nobility and poise.

Gazes at such a perfect maiden, Xiamiya almost held her breath.

Her brain seemed to have crashed from overwhelming shock.

“Heavens… oh, heavens above…”

Although Xiamiya already knew Demonic Spirit Puppets were humanoid, this… this was simply too human-like!

Was this truly a puppet?

As Miss Evil God stood dumbfounded, the puppet maiden’s gaze slowly fixed upon Xiamiya.

After taking in Xiamiya’s wide-eyed, foolish expression, the puppet maiden spoke softly.

Her voice was clear and melodious, like a celestial song.

“Master.”

To be called ‘Master’ by such a perfect maiden filled Xiamiya with an inexplicably thrilling excitement, her cheeks flushing faintly.

Alas, this spark of excitement was short-lived, abruptly shattered by You’s next words, dripping with disdain.

“Your expression is too exaggerated. You look like an imbecile, disgracing the image of an Evil God. Minus one point.”

“Wait?! Huh??… What?! How can you say that?!”