Chapter 34: The Succubus Skin Relic

Inside the Human Empire, within the office of the Grand Inquisitor, Viretta.

Viretta sat behind her desk, reading the confidential report in her hands.

She continued to review the frontline intelligence without ever lifting her head.

“Kayla.”

Her voice was cold, devoid of emotion.

“Has there been any reply recently from the leader of the Undead?”

The Sword Saint Kayla, standing behind her, immediately stepped forward and replied respectfully.

“Yes, Lady Viretta. There has.”

“Speak.”

“It mainly concerns the matter of providing resources to Ravena.”

Kayla’s tone was steady.

“Bane stated that he is willing to continuously supply high-purity magic crystals and sealed souls to ensure that she can restrain the Demon King on the frontal battlefield.”

“At the same time, he also emphasized that he hopes we can cooperate sincerely.”

Viretta remained with her head lowered.

She pondered for a moment before speaking again.

“There is… no news about the Hero?”

“No.”

Kayla answered decisively.

“Bane’s letter made no mention of her.”

Viretta closed her eyes and let out a soft sigh.

“In that case…”

“We can only place our hopes on ourselves.”

“We must not overly rely on those dangerous elements, otherwise the Empire’s survival will enter a countdown.”

She stood up and slowly walked to the window, gazing at the scenery outside.

She spoke in a measured tone.

“You must thoroughly investigate news regarding the Hero.”

Her voice was low and resolute.

“She is humanity’s only hope.”

“We must rescue her before the Demon King completely reshapes her, before she falls.”

“Otherwise, the Empire will enter a countdown to destruction.”

She paused, then turned to look at Kayla.

“Remember—Bane’s words cannot be fully trusted.”

“He may ally with us today, and devour us tomorrow.”

“He is extremely ambitious and deeply calculating.”

“Yes, Lady Viretta.”

Kayla lowered her head and replied respectfully.

Viretta studied her for a moment, then suddenly let out a faint laugh.

“Kayla, do you understand the situation we are in?”

Kayla was startled by the sudden question.

She quickly regained her composure and calmly expressed her thoughts.

“Lady Viretta, the situation is dire.”

“Although the Demon race has temporarily slowed its advance due to Ravena’s counterattack, our primary task remains the same.”

“We must find the Hero and awaken her.”

“Because she is the one most likely to save humanity.”

Viretta listened, the corners of her lips lifting slightly.

“Well analyzed.”

She walked back to the desk and spoke solemnly.

“I have a mission for you.”

Kayla immediately straightened her posture.

“Lady Viretta, no matter the task, I will carry it out without hesitation.”

“Good.”

Viretta nodded, a trace of approval flashing in her eyes before her expression turned grave.

“This mission is extremely dangerous.”

“And extremely difficult.”

She stared directly into Kayla’s eyes and spoke each word clearly.

“I want you to infiltrate the Demon King’s Castle.”

“Search for traces and information regarding the Hero.”

“If possible, bring her out.”

“But everything must be done with your own safety as the highest priority.”

“—What?!”

Kayla’s pupils shrank sharply.

She lifted her head instantly, shock flashing across her face.

But she quickly suppressed her emotions and returned to calm.

“Lady Viretta, infiltrating the Demon King’s Castle… I may be able to do that.”

“But searching for the Hero’s whereabouts, I fear, will be extremely difficult.”

“Let alone bringing her out.”

Her voice remained steady, yet carried hesitation.

“The Demon King’s Castle is heavily guarded.”

“The Demon race’s eyes and ears are everywhere.”

“To infiltrate as a human is extremely easy to expose.”

“Especially when searching for clues about the Hero inside the castle.”

“Even if I were lucky enough to find something, it would be nearly impossible to transmit information.”

“Once exposed, the mission would fail immediately.”

Viretta listened quietly.

Then she suddenly smiled.

She waved her hand dismissively.

“Kayla, no need to worry.”

“I will not send you in recklessly.”

“I will ensure you enter safely.”

Kayla frowned slightly, confusion filling her eyes.

“Could it be… that the leader of the Undead will provide cover?”

“No.”

Viretta shook her head with a smile.

She led Kayla through the end of a corridor to what looked like an ordinary wall.

She raised her hand and gently pressed one of the bricks inward.

“Click.”

A soft sound echoed as the mechanism activated.

The wall slid open silently, revealing a narrow, shadowy passage.

Viretta stepped inside, her pace steady.

Kayla followed closely behind, her gaze tightening.

As the Empire’s strongest Sword Saint, she had never known this place existed.

“Lady Viretta… this is…?”

“Come.”

Viretta did not turn back.

“There is something inside that can help you.”

“Help us.”

“And allow us to better investigate information about the Hero.”

They moved through the dark tunnel.

After an unknown amount of time, the space suddenly opened up.

A massive secret chamber appeared before them.

Viretta stepped forward and stopped in front of a wooden box at the center.

Her fingers brushed across its surface as she softly recited a spell.

“Click.”

The lock sprang open.

She slowly lifted the lid.

Inside lay a piece of leather-like material.

Kayla’s pupils contracted.

It was a complete succubus skin.

A少女-sized body, graceful curves.

A slender tail attached at the back.

The face was pure and adorable, like a well-kept noble lady.

“This is…”

Her voice was hoarse.

“A skin relic.”

Viretta replied calmly.

She gently unfolded it.

“It can turn you into a succubus.”

“It is also your only capital for infiltrating the Demon King’s Castle.”

“As long as you wear it, you will not be exposed.”

“No matter what magic is used to examine you, the result will always be that you are a succubus.”

Kayla stared at the skin, hesitation and discomfort flashing in her eyes.

She clenched her fists before finally speaking.

“This… it wasn’t taken from a living succubus, was it…?”

Viretta heard her resistance and let out a light laugh.

“To achieve a goal, some sacrifices are necessary.”

Her tone was calm, yet carried unquestionable authority.

“All sacrifices are worth it.”

“Just as antelopes are hunted by lions.”

“Using extraordinary methods to maintain the Empire’s operation is entirely normal.”

“Kayla, you are no longer a child.”

Kayla fell silent.

She murmured softly.

“Necessary…?”

“Take it.”

Viretta handed the skin to her.

“Put it on.”

Kayla looked at the skin, which seemed to faintly breathe.

A strange feeling welled up in her chest.

She reached out and accepted it.

The texture was cold yet flexible, almost as if it pulsed.

“Here…?”

Her voice, for once, carried a trace of shyness.

“Yes.”

Viretta’s expression did not change.

“Right here.”

“Time is short. There is no room for hesitation.”

Kayla bit her lip.

“You’re really just going to watch me…”

“I’ll feel a little… embarrassed.”

Viretta remained silent.

She simply stood there, her gaze firm as iron, devoid of emotion.

Seeing her cold demeanor, Kayla finally sighed helplessly.

“…Alright. Alright. I understand.”

She slowly removed her shoulder armor, bracers, belt.

One by one, weapons and armor were neatly placed on the ground.

Finally, she undid her fastenings and removed her clothing.

Her naked body was revealed—

Taut muscles.

Battle scars.

A flat, maiden-like chest.

All of it displaying the Sword Saint’s strength and purity.

She turned her back to Viretta and asked softly.

“Now… is it alright?”