Chapter 590: When Opponents Meet Their Match, Spirit Soars; When Generals Encounter Talented Rivals, Stories Multiply

Mia swore.

When she and her "dear dear" have children someday and carry on the Padrich family's glorious legacy, she must add one rule to the ancestral code—

Beware vampires.

Especially the Corin family's vampires are utterly untrustworthy!

Of course, dear little Luo Yan is an exception.

Without the Embrace, one isn't truly of the Corin bloodline; the vampire lineage differs fundamentally from humanity, and he, raised in the Temple, is as pure and spotless as a white flower!

It must be said that even after graduating years ago, Mia still harbors a strong filter of affection for that once "weak and helpless" human.

Back when she was at the Demon King Academy, she indeed toyed with that person as if they were in the palm of her hand, just as Professor Lilith had demonstrated.

Whether or not there was any daydreaming involved, at least in her own memory, that's how it was.

Vivian, who hadn't gotten any blood, and Mia, who also hadn't gotten any, traded petty blows for a while, ending in mutual emotional breakdowns.

Vivian finally realized that even mosquitoes drank more blood than she did—she was a complete failure as a vampire.

Mia also realized that as a succubus, having her home stolen by a vampire was an unprecedented disgrace in Padrich family history.

Especially since she had once mistaken her for her own sister, never realizing this lunatic would become her rival.

What an utter disgrace!

Yet the Demon King, sipping tea beside them, thought this war was utterly unnecessary: "Can you two even produce a result? Or are you going to slice me up with knives?"

Why not all sit down and make dumplings… uh, pies?

Luo Yan silently rejoiced that it was Mia who had come.

If it had been Erin or Ophelia, today would've been impossible to resolve.

He hadn't yet decided how to continue fabricating his story, and those two—one bold and cheerful, the other brilliantly clever—were both hard to fool.

As for Karin… she wasn't much of an issue.

The dear Holy Maiden would probably happily make dumplings with the two visiting demons, and the atmosphere would be far more harmonious than it is now.

"Desecration" and "not desecration" are just lies to fool outsiders; she's an exceptionally clever girl, clever in a way different from Miss Ophelia, and behind closed doors, she wouldn't waste time on such nonsense.

Unless someone deliberately asks her to speak.

After a chaotic flurry of noise, the Demon King's garden finally regained a semblance of the calm befitting respectable people. Taf, who had been eagerly watching from the second floor, sighed in disappointment: "These youngsters are so weak—they didn't even fight! It's enough to make a dragon angry."

The three moved to the parlor.

The fox-eared maid stepped forward with light steps, placed steaming black tea on the tea table, then hurried away nervously under the suspiciously possessive gaze of the suspected mistress.

By Baeyeli's name, the Demon God bears witness: Prince Corin is a man of principle—he never lays a hand on his servants.

Though this is also a pity for demons.

The Jeffrey faction is still too weak in the labyrinth; altogether, they're barely equal to half the strength of Mixi or Youxi.

But precisely because they're weak, Luo Yan feels perfectly at ease.

Factions aren't the problem—the problem is uncontrolled factions. The Demon King is a master of balance; his labyrinth is as orderly as the Corin estate's garden…

Of course, this refers to yesterday's garden.

The rich aroma of tea drifted through the air, slightly soothing the tense atmosphere in the parlor and relaxing Mia's nerves a little.

After freshening up in the restroom, she had changed into a neat, clean casual dress, hidden her restless peach-heart tail, and once again donned the elegant, noble lady's mask.

Though she was suspicious about why Luo Yan's home had clothes so perfectly fitted to her, he easily brushed it off by saying Lady Antonie sometimes visited with her husband, Duke Edward.

When esteemed guests arrive, you can't make them bring their own pajamas.

Lesser nobles use their old wardrobes to entertain guests, while powerful nobles always keep wardrobes ready for distinguished visitors.

For instance, the Padrich estate always kept clothes in Luo Yan's size—this was perfectly understandable.

Though Mia didn't know it, the dress she wore wasn't made for Princess Antonie—it was tailored to the Holy Maiden's measurements… even though the Holy Maiden herself had never yet visited.

The two were unexpectedly evenly matched.

Mia gracefully sipped the refreshing, tranquil Snow Bud milk tea, while her sidelong glance sharply pierced the "Miss Corin" sitting beside her, pretending to be well-behaved.

To prevent further conflict, Luo Yan opened the conversation.

"By the way, you haven't answered me yet—what's the reason for your sudden visit?"

Mia's expression grew subtle.

She had no real business—or rather, whatever it was could've been settled in a letter; there was no need for her to come in person, let alone in disguise.

She came purely because she learned of Vivian's leave of absence, and the vampire's "final move" had shaken her composure.

As for how Lady Padrich knew Miss Corin had taken a leave of absence—of course, because she watched daily the opening date of the Demon High Academy and the Demon King Administration's teleportation array usage logs.

If that one went and never returned, what could possibly be done?!

The Padrich family's exclusive possession—how could a Corin family glutton steal it?

Of course, Mia would never admit that the esteemed Lady Padrich would personally come to play "catch the adulterer"—such a low-class act.

"Of course… there is a serious matter."

Mia set down her trembling teacup and resumed the composed, impartial demeanor of a superior officer—as if the woman who had screamed in the garden had merely been a dream from last night.

"Actually, besides visiting you, we have another important matter. You know, the Demon King Academy's graduation season is approaching, and a large number of outstanding juniors and seniors face the grim reality of unemployment after graduation…"

"Hehe… how laughable. Has the Padrich family run out of other excuses?" Vivian covered her bright red lips with her small hand, wearing a malicious fake smile, her mocking expression identical to Taf's.

Will the Demon King Academy's demon second generation be unemployed?

She had never heard a funnier joke!

Mia shot her a furious glare, but ultimately chose not to quarrel with the brat, maintaining her outward elegance and continuing:

"Professor Lilith asked me to convey her greetings to you. Also, Chancellor Evan Kruger wants me to ask you: are there still openings in the Lei Ming County labyrinth? The young demons of the Demon King Academy are desperate to launch a counteroffensive to the surface—please assign them the most dangerous posts… Of course, I suggest you just hear him out; you know, undead liches have even weirder heads than vampires—just give him a token nod."

Vivian flew into a rage, her canine fangs glinting with dangerous silver light, but remembering she was pretending to be well-behaved, she swallowed her fury.

"That's a good thing."

Luo Yan set down his teacup, smiling warmly: "Lei Ming City is full of opportunities right now—it's exactly the time to hire talent. If they're willing to come, I'm certain these young demons will find new purpose here."

This speech hit Luo Yan's sweet spot perfectly.

As the influence of the Grand Cemetery in Lei Ming City grows daily, the pool of usable talent under his command is becoming scarce.

Though the players are hardworking and creative, most only care about their own amusement; few truly help him shoulder burdens.

"Then thank you very much."

Mia smiled, her voice melodious as she continued:

"Actually, this isn't just Chancellor Evan's idea—it's also the recommendation of the Demon King Administration and the personal wishes of many juniors and seniors. Rather than becoming a Demon King themselves, they'd rather come here to train. You might not know, but you're quite popular at your alma mater."

Luo Yan nodded with a smile.

"No problem. I'll do my best to assign my lovely juniors and seniors safe, fun tasks."

Seeing Luo Yan agree so readily, Mia's lips curled slightly upward, and beneath her skirt, her tail flicked with a barely noticeable cunning.

Though what she said was true, her inner calculations were clicking loudly.

Since it was Lady Mia who decided who got internships, she would carefully screen them—she couldn't just let anyone into Lei Ming County's labyrinth.

Strength was one thing, but the most crucial factor was "knowing their background."

Not all demons at the Demon King Academy are demon second generation; most are still minor hangers-on of great families.

Especially succubi!

Weak succubi are born with bloodline reverence for the Padrich family; even if given ten lives, they wouldn't dare steal Mia's "prey."

But for Vivian, this vampire, it would be a disaster.

Once these succubi, awed by the Padrich family's authority, flooded into Lei Ming County's labyrinth, they'd form a massive "Padrich faction," squeezing out the isolated Vivian and pushing the "Corin faction" into the corner!

This was using quantity to dilute the opponent!

To counterbalance this overconfident vampire, Mia felt she was exhausting herself with effort.

At this moment, Vivian still hadn't grasped the seriousness of the situation; she merely frowned slightly, muttering to herself:

"Demon King Academy graduates? What use are those useless wastes?"

It must be said that the Corin family's young master had excellent instincts.

Demon second generation are specialists against goblins—excellent at handling goblins, but weak against humans.

Only when riding on goblin backs can they match the Ost Empire evenly; once separated, each is just a worm.

But the elder brother shouldn't mock the younger brother—what about humans?

Even now, the empire's knight lords ride on serfs' backs to match demons who ride on goblins.

Once separated from each other, they won't instantly become worms—but they'll surely team up with demons.

For example, the fallen citizens of Lei Ming City.

If anyone told them about conquering Hell, they'd laugh and point them toward the labyrinth:

"Buddy, this way!"

Luo Yan, however, disagreed with Vivian's concern, a deep, unreadable smile curling on his lips.

"Vivian, remember what I told you: there are no utterly useless wastes in this world—only people who don't know how to use them."

For example, assigning succubi to stand on street corners in the labyrinth would be a gross waste—but if you reassign them as idols, isn't that perfect alignment?

Don't know how?

The players may be bad at everything else, but they know how to do this!

As for fear demons… assign them as jailers. Human prisons can also collect fear energy—just sideline the human jailers entirely.

They won't harm Lei Ming City's security; instead, they'll greatly improve it. Anyone who's experienced Lei Ming City's prison will never want to enter again.

The Demon King's thinking is flexible—he even assigned fire demons to steel factories and kitchens.

Of course, demons from Hell still can't openly move about. He must sign agreements with all interns, just as he did with the players.

All demons must conceal their identities and operate under human appearances.

The Grand Cemetery will only provide them with toilet paper—not wipe their asses. If they cause trouble, they can explain it themselves to the Holy Light Mace.

Prince Colin will intervene personally!

Vivian scratched her head; though she couldn't fathom what use those useless fools were, she instinctively trusted her elder brother to handle everything properly.

Say no more—just learn from him.

Though seemingly mischievous, Vivian studied diligently, carefully jotting down everything she learned in her little notebook, determined to one day land a successful ambush.

For example—

Arrange for some "True Colin Kingdom" vampires to enter the Lei Ming District Labyrinth; after all, his elder brother knows how to use them.

At this moment, Mia did not know that Vivian, for no rational reason, had already matched her moves and become her worthy opponent in this game of strategy.

The "Padric Faction" and the "Orthodox Colin Faction" within the Lei Ming District Labyrinth were destined for a bloody conflict in the distant future.

But none of this concerned the two original instigators at present.

After settling the intern matter, Mia's mood improved noticeably, and she immediately raised the second agenda item.

"Ahem! There's another matter—actually, a good one. After evaluation by the Demon Lord Administration, the Lei Ming District Labyrinth's metrics have met the standard for stable operation. According to Hell's laws, you may resume tribute payments to the Demon Capital!"

Upon hearing "tribute," Luo Yan's smile grew even brighter.

To most people, tribute implies one-sided exploitation—a sign of dominance.

But Luo Yan, well-versed in Hell's rules, knew this was a guaranteed profit-making deal, even tantamount to the Demon God Temple "buying off" the Demon Lord's forces.

The reason is simple: the Demon Capital's control over Hell's various factions is far weaker than the Holy City's control over human nations.

On one hand, the labyrinthine underground environment raises communication costs; on the other, Hell's races are simply too numerous.

The only way to make the hellish dwarves of Disaster Fortress bow to the Demon Capital is to have them offer rat tails, then have the Demon God Temple return gold in exchange.

Thus, Hell gains face, the hellish dwarves gain gold, and both the dwarves and goblins work harder with greater cheer.

Hellish dwarves typically tribute rat-human parts or dwarf body parts; the labyrinth's tribute consists mostly of adventurers' body parts.

This requires no personal expenditure from the Demon Lord—just package and ship the "loot" left behind by adventurers who died in the labyrinth.

Broken armor, shattered blades, bloodstained robes, even unused potion bottles from adventurers' pockets—though trash in players' eyes—are treasures in the eyes of the Demon God Temple, showcasing the demonic race's martial virtue.

Occasionally, the Demon God Temple displays them and rewards the most outstanding Demon Lords with honorary titles—non-territorial honors.

"No problem. This is both my duty as a Demon Lord and my honor."

Luo Yan agreed as readily as ever.

It was literally a gift from heaven. Though he wasn't short on money, who would complain if their treasury grew too full?

Besides, Demon Lord is merely one of his many titles. Since he enjoys the rights, cooperating with the Demon Capital for appearances is only proper.

Still, there is one small technical difficulty.

The Lei Ming District Labyrinth's reputation is now too fearsome; nearby adventurers are terrified and dare not step a single foot inside.

There are capable adventurers, yes—but without the labyrinth creating major incidents or nobles or organized citizens posting bounties, they won't risk themselves for E- and F-class tasks… the risk bears no relation to the reward.

This has led to a humiliating situation: adventurers within the labyrinth hesitate to act, even trading with the demons inside, naturally producing no "loot" of broken gear.

Of course, this posed no challenge to the Prince who understood human nature.

Luo Yan thought briefly, and a plan formed in his mind.

What can't the factories of Lei Ming City produce?

If no wild adventurer gear can be scavenged from the labyrinth, then simply order it from Princess Erin's new industrial zone.

Not just order—it can be bought outright.

Lei Ming City is currently undergoing industrial transformation; many adventurers have switched careers and left their gear gathering dust at home.

If he sets up a collection point in the city to buy back old swords, shields, and torn robes at scrap metal prices, he'll surely gather mountains of "loot."

Then he'll simply transfer the contents from his left pocket to his right, exchanging them with the Demon Capital for heavy bags of gold or magic crystals.

Either one is excellent!

Watching her elder brother's smiling face, the obedient and well-behaved Vivian's expression turned rapturous, her crimson eyes gleaming with sickening ecstasy.

No wonder he's the Demon Lord—he smiles so wickedly!

I must learn this too!

The honorable Councilor Luo Yan will never know what exactly Vivian wrote in her little notebook—mainly because he's too polite to ever read someone else's diary.

Having finished discussing worldly matters, the topic quickly turned to the Demon Lord's most vital interest—the fear energy collected by the labyrinth crystal.

In truth, it was nothing but faith energy.

Though Luo Yan no longer relied on such meager income, the labyrinth's expansion and maintenance still required some.

Especially since he'd recently been pondering how to transform the labyrinth into one of Lei Ming District's "wonders," consolidating his title as Demon Lord of Lei Ming District and permanently fixing the fatal flaw: that if the labyrinth's core were destroyed, the entire labyrinth would explode.

Then there would be no faith crystals to submit; the Lei Ming District Labyrinth would become something like the Lei Ming City Clock Tower.

"... According to Hell's regulations, after deducting daily maintenance and expansion costs, all fully charged faith crystals must be submitted to the Demon God Temple."

Luo Yan gazed thoughtfully at Mia and continued.

"Is there any way to keep those crystals?"

Hearing this, Mia's lips curved into a seductive smile, delighted that little Luo Yan had finally shown need for her.

She gently brushed aside a strand of pink hair beside her ear, crossing her legs to display the poised elegance of a Padric family heiress.

"Rest assured, though the Demon Lord Administration nominally oversees all labyrinths, it's merely a secondary department under the Interior Force. For the Padric family, its threshold is no higher than our backyard."

"So is there a way?"

"Of course!"

Mia smiled confidently—but the bait she'd just hooked was immediately tossed aside by an immature angler as mere chum.

"I'll just speak to the director. As long as the Demon Lord Administration issues a report stating the powerful Lei Ming District Labyrinth is still developing and must retain strength to counter human invasions, the faith crystal output can legitimately be classified as 'construction loss' and retained—no problem at all."

Faith crystals are strategic materials; other Demon Lords are also trying to hoard them.

But they must bribe multiple levels of demons—unlike Padric's lady, who could arrange everything with a single word.

Just look, dear student Luo Yan.

Weak, helpless humans are utterly powerless in the Demon Capital—better to submit to the Padric family quickly.

Her tail swayed gently as Mia sank again into her unrealistic fantasy. The filters of her student days ran too deep; she'd completely forgotten that someone was no longer the weak, helpless human he once was.

Still, seeing the kind-hearted Mia, Luo Yan smiled warmly and said sincerely.

"Thank you very much."

He knew Mia lacked security, so he gladly accepted her kindness. Accepting friendly favors—or asking for small, inconsequential help—is a form of social strategy: yielding to advance.

Yet Mia was delighted—while a true family member was not pleased, her fangs grinding with jealousy.

"Tch."

Vivian finally couldn't hold back, crossing her arms, her crimson eyes brimming with contempt for "PY deals."

Or rather, with hostility toward a specific individual.

"Such a trivial matter—how dare you show off before the Colin family? Padric people are always so slow, so sluggish."

As she spoke, the little tyrant of the Demon Lord Academy lifted her chin, wearing an arrogant expression: "I could do it too."

It wasn't boasting—she truly could get it done.

All she needed was to ask a subordinate for the Demon Lord Administration director's family tree, pick a demon child around her age, and punch him into submission.

Even if he complained to her grandfather, he'd have to show up with gifts, bring two boxes of her favorite Minotaur blood plasma, smile and praise her for the excellent beating, and inwardly thank her for giving him the chance to reach the heavens.

Demon Lord Administration?

What kind of cookie from what cookie box?

Vivian knew well: the Minister of War was her grandfather—General Caesar Colin's subordinate!

She wasn't truly foolish!

Luo Yan lowered his head and sipped tea, offering no comment.

Using violence to solve problems is the Colin family's tradition—this is why the Colin family, famed for producing lunatics, holds a seat in Hell's cabinet, while the more refined "Legendary Lover King" Roxey Colin is less favored.

But he never commented on allies' family affairs, just as he never lectured fallen demons about the Demon Lord's own problems.

Mia's smile froze on her face, her eyebrows twitching slightly, yet she maintained the elegant poise of a mature woman, refusing to quarrel with this child barely grown.

Calm down…

Just endure this brat for now!

Once the Padric faction holds absolute authority in the labyrinth, she'd make this savage blood elf understand what civilized bullying truly meant.

No—

The straightforward succubus grew angrier by the moment, her chest heaving, until she finally couldn't hold back and spat out a sarcastic remark.

"Miss Colin, this is how adults handle affairs—I doubt someone as immature as you, with no hair grown yet, could possibly understand."

"Huh? Who's got no hair grown?!"

Vivian instantly bristled, glaring back without backing down.

"You… kitchen succubus!"

Now it was Mia's turn to explode—her entire face flushed crimson, lips trembling, heart-shaped pupils blazing with murderous intent.

"Y-you don't go too far! I'm not you—I—I—I'll get there soon enough!!"

Luo Yan: "...?"

"Kukuku! Caught you off guard! Today, this great one won't bully anyone but you—Padric's kitchen succubus, hehehe!"

Seeing her opponent enraged and in her favorite comfort zone, Vivian stuck out her tongue, pulled her lip with her finger into a grotesque face, then leapt onto the sofa and danced a likely Tafu-style "Lizardman War Dance."

Don't accept it?

Go out and train, huh?

Even a brat who could unleash a flying kick at a three-year-old wouldn't hesitate to use force against a Gold-Rank warrior.

Kukuku, wait till she tears this dress apart—then see what this fox spirit has left to wear!

A wicked grin spread across Vivian's face as she rummaged through every wardrobe in the manor's main building; clothes of this size were rare.

Of course, as clever as she was, she wouldn't strike first.

She had absolute confidence: as long as she didn't move first, her elder brother would never punish her "self-defense"!

As the living room was about to turn into a dueling ground, Luo Yan sighed and finally acted.

He raised his index finger and tapped the air; a transparent ripple spread from his fingertip, causing the entire space to ripple.

No one noticed his movement.

Under the spell's pull, a thick leather-bound notebook floated silently from the table, then traced a graceful arc through the air and landed with a soft thud on Vivian's head.

He controlled the force perfectly—not too light to seem dismissive, nor so hard that some fool might mistake it for a reward.

"Thud."

"Ouch—!"

The vampire who had been snarling a moment before let out a strange cry and quickly curled up, clutching her head.

She stared at her revered elder brother in disbelief—why had she been struck on the head when she hadn't moved first?

But when those deep purple eyes turned toward her, Vivian shuddered all over, immediately lowered her gaze, kicked off her little leather shoes, and knelt properly on the sofa.

"I—I I'm sorry..."

The entire sequence flowed like water.

Watching Vivian, now as docile as a kitten, Mia's eyebrows shot up, and a smug little chuckle escaped her lips.

"Hehehe… Is this the power of the Colin brat?"

"Oh? Still glaring at me? You bloodsucker's got guts—why not keep showing off? Hmm?"

"Where's that song you just made up? That 'cook' thing—keep singing! You sounded so happy—I haven't heard enough yet!"

Enduring the unchecked "bullying," Vivian's shoulders trembled slightly; her lips quivered, but she swallowed the words "cook demon" back down her throat, biting back her momentary retort.

Watching Vivian, now perfectly tamed, Mia's grin widened, stretching nearly to her ears.

But soon, she couldn't laugh anymore.

Wait—

Isn't this creature a little too obedient?

Seeing Vivian, eyelashes trembling like a guilty kitten, head bowed as if accepting punishment, Mia's mind instantly blared an alarm.

She, too, was a second-generation demon; though not from the same school as Vivian, she was all too familiar with the Colin girl's "reputation."

This girl's notoriety was known throughout the Demon Capital—no one older dared bully her, and none her own caliber could match her.

Yet here was this untouchable brat, now bowing her head meekly, knees pressed together on the sofa.

Her heart-shaped pupils dilated violently; Mia stiffly turned her neck toward Luo Yan, who was still buried in his tea.

"You… what did you do?"

Honestly, the Demon Lord, hidden behind his teacup, was already struggling to keep drinking—the tea leaves floating on the surface trembled slightly.

"I really didn't do anything… Can you believe me?"

It was the truth.

Punishing this brat would only make the wand grow hot; Luo Yan had never truly punished Vivian harshly.

For instance—

Like the little demons of the Nightmare Realm, binding adventurers and hanging them upside down by one foot in an empty cave, leaving only a single big toe touching the ground—though written in the Demon Lord's report, such punishments were clearly not for his own people.

Yet for this rare honest statement from the Demon Lord, Mia neither nodded nor shook her head—she simply stared blankly back at Vivian.

As if recalling the terror of being randomly checked on homework, Vivian's eyelashes twitched again like an electric shock.

She wasn't afraid of anything else—but the Demon Lord's surprise inspections? She truly feared those.

The living room fell into an eerie silence.

Luo Yan wished Mia would say something—he could ease the tension—but she remained silent, radiating an unsettling aura like magma about to erupt.

"…Luo Yan."

"I'm here."

"…I've decided."

"…?"

Ignoring the faint confusion on that handsome, elegant face, Mia stared at the cowering figure, her fists cracking with tension.

She'd forgotten the front, forgotten the back—clearly, this wasn't Luo Yan's fault. It was the Colin vampire family's treachery!

The gentle, polite Padric family had been too kind—they'd been robbed by a brat. This would never happen again!

In the name of Baeliel, Lady Padric would unleash her true power and crush this once-ignored brat beneath her heel!

In short—

Mia silently resolved: she could not allow a vampire and her "prey" to share the same room. The hunter's instinct would poison her with temptation.

She had to do something.

For Hell, for the Colin family, and for the Padric family!

Special Agent Mia of the Internal Affairs Department's Demon Lord Management Division must launch a full-scale investigation into the increasingly dire situation in Lei Ming County!

(End of Chapter)