But because of her foolish strategy of trying to forcibly devour Him in one bite, it was now His side that had gained the upper hand.
"Women, the least trustworthy things in this world are those filthy men," said the Creation Demon, a resentful expression emerging on his face, "In the end, all the power you can rely on is not as important as your own strength."
"This is ultimately a world where the strong prey upon the weak."
Looking at the extremely weakened Ivyst, the Creation Demon really wanted to kill her.
Not only had he not eaten the three hundred thousand live human sacrifices needed to recover his power, but he was prematurely awakened by that fool Askin, bringing everything to the worst possible situation.
So for now, he must first deal with this foolish yet powerful woman.
And what demons excel in most are enticing humans into corruption through various wicked and cunning means.
Accompanied by a surge of invisible force, the demon with the voluptuous female form suddenly spoke with a voice full of temptation.
That voice seemed capable of stirring the deepest desires in a person's heart, fully capable of shattering one's remaining sanity.
"With your strength, I believe there must be a place for you among the future Divine," He wandered in the air, circling the struggling Ivyst holding onto the Wish Jar, "And I, once a High-dimensional Demon, have fallen to this state due to being hunted down."
"If you allow me to devour a sufficient number of human souls, then I can recover to my peak in an extremely short time."
"So, let's join forces."
"Don't you want to become the Empress of this country? Once the two of us have power that can destroy all order, that wish will simply be within reach."
"Then you can kill whoever you want, change whatever you want, and there will be no one who dares to defy you, I promise you."
As he spoke, the female demon floated in midair, tenderly embracing Ivyst in her arms.
This should have been an infinitely beautiful scene of sisterly love.
But the next second, a silent, crimson sword light decapitated the Creation Demon.
Moments later, the demon in the form of an enchanting woman reappeared.
However, this time, strong fury was evident on her face.
"Foolish thing!" The Creation Demon's face twisted, seemingly hysterical, "Even now, do you still refuse to let go of that ridiculous hope?!"
"Knowing that he has already boarded the train to the Imperial Capital, knowing that it is impossible for anyone to come to your rescue... why?!!!"
"Why do you still act insane enough to destroy your own body to stop all this?!!!"
Her shrill voice echoed within the vast underground relics.
The usually silent Ivyst finally spoke up.
Even though her face was pale to the extreme, and her body seemed to sway, a faint smile appeared on her face.
"All those things you're talking about... I... knew them a long time ago."
Day after day of despair.
Suffering various tortures in her slumber, the seemingly endless darkness offered no glimpse of an end.
There never was, and there never would be someone to lend her a hand.
No one would come to save her.
Ivyst had known these things for a long time.
Even now, she didn't harbor any of those ludicrous, fantastical thoughts.
The flicker of hope that remained in her heart was never about the present.
It was about the future.
Ivyst was well aware that she would suffer unprecedented trauma this time, and perhaps wouldn't wake up for a year or two. Her whole being would be tormented over and over by the Sealed Object's trait core until she broke.
But when she opened her eyes again, that guy who always created miracles might be by her side, boastfully showing her the big events that occurred over the one or two years like a child bragging about mischief.
She would be truly speechless with surprise.
Thinking of this possibility, for some reason, Ivyst suddenly felt a sense of anticipation for a future that should have been hopelessly dark.
Perhaps, amidst the endless torture and pain, as long as there was hope to cling to, no matter how fragile and trembling it might be, it was enough to keep her sane.
Humans are such contradictory and strange creatures.
She used to hate her duty as a mere tool so much.
But now, Ivyst suddenly hoped for the sleep to come quickly, even wishing to skip straight to a year or two later to see what the scene by her side would be like then.
Of course, there might be other possibilities.
For instance, after that guy returned to the Imperial Capital, he turned and joined the fold of another prince.
Although the outcome would surely infuriate her, upon careful reflection, it was an interesting turn of events.
When the time came, it could be like a cat-and-mouse play again, watching that lovable and infuriating guy kneel on the ground, crying and begging, "Master, spare my life."
After all, reality may be harsh, but the future was promising.
"Clack, clack, clack..."
The next second, accompanied by a dazzling red light reigniting on Ivyst's body, it was as if she was enveloped in a slowly blossoming rose.
Beautiful and powerful.
The Wish Jar in her palm had resisted stubbornly for far too long, but ultimately could not withstand her overwhelming force.
Along with a wave intermixed with black light, the human face on the jar let out a sharp screech of pain.
Then... it shattered with a thunderous crack!
The intense black light turned into a sea, exploding as if ready to swallow everything.
And in the center of this formidable force, a trait core composed of endless abstract symbols was finally exposed to the air!
This was the true power resulting from the fusion of the Wish Jar and the Creation Demon.
It was the sole purpose of Ivyst's mission.
She intended... to devour it!
In an instant, the power of the Creation Demon surged, plunging into the core trait!
At the same time, a resentful voice filled with endless malicious thoughts sounded again.
"If you want to devour, then I will let you have your fill!!!"
"But when that time comes... will you still be yourself? Hahaha!!!"
A level 0 Sealed Object was already extremely powerful.
What if it included a former High-dimensional Demon?
If this foolish woman truly intended to ingest this core trait, it wouldn't be the worst outcome.
Her body was an excellent vessel, capable of sensing a powerful and ancient aura, albeit its origins were unknown for the time being.
Though it might take a long period after being devoured by her, with the former standing of the Creation Demon, it was not impossible to completely erode the woman's consciousness.
By then... It would descend upon this world once more, in the guise of Ivyst Laurent Alexini!
Looking at the trait core speeding towards her like a shooting star, an imposing look suddenly appeared on Ivyst's pale face.
"I am always myself," she reached out towards the approaching meteor, "the Third Imperial Princess of the Saint Laurent Empire... Ivyst Laurent Alexini!"
Watching the core trait drawing nearer, and with her body and will on the brink of collapse, Ivyst felt an unprecedented calm.
It was as if she had a perceptual illusion.
In this instant, her gaze seemed to traverse unfathomable spans of time, catching a glimpse of a corner of her predetermined fate.
The magnificent hall, the Divine seal, the white-haired woman bound in chains, and her eyes, tranquil yet resigned, along with... a solitary and tragic end.
Somehow, Ivyst did not feel despair.
If this is my predestined path, then, I accept it.
Ivyst's red lips parted slightly, uncertain whom she addressed.
She slowly closed her eyes, serenely facing whatever was to come.
"Goodnight, Your Highness."
A familiar voice echoed in her ears, like thunder cleaving the darkness of doom.
Ivyst opened her eyes instinctively, her heart seeming to stop in that moment.
The figure, which should have already boarded the train back, stood in front of her as if in a dream, unequivocally shielding her.
"Furthermore, this is not your destiny," The boy's voice was very calm, "but... mine."
Before his words fell silent, he thrust out his arm and grabbed the vile, resentful Sealed Object trait core into his palm!