36 Preparations

Zatiel, Ezequiel, and Sophia were gathered in Zatiel's house on the second floor of the tower. They sat in silence, yet their expressions indicated an ongoing conversation. They were communicating through their cores, ensuring their discussion remained private from anyone else in the tower.

"We mustn't leave the tower for now. While I doubt that Magus would dare enter the city, underestimating a desperate enemy is unwise," Zatiel said, already formulating a plan to deal with Erick. His recent expedition had provided the necessary materials, so venturing out again was an unnecessary risk.

Sophia and Ezequiel understood their limitations against a Magus and agreed with Zatiel's strategy.

"Our main goal is to reach the peak of rank 0. At that point, we should be able to use the Abyssal Blast twice, with potential damage exceeding 50 degrees. I'll also prepare runes for our upcoming confrontation and continue searching for the laboratory. Ezequiel, how did your work on the weapon from the matrix turn out?"

Zatiel wasn't overly hopeful; the matrix was for peak rank 0 magical equipment, and Ezequiel had less than a year's experience as a Magical Craftsman.

"To my master's surprise, I have succeeded," Ezequiel said, presenting a white orb to Zatiel.

Taking the orb, Zatiel inspected it thoroughly. It matched the specifications of the equipment described in the matrix. He decided to confirm its quality with the A.I. Chip.

[Bip... Scanning magical equipment. Metamorph Orb: Peak rank 0 Magical Equipment. Capable of transforming into various forms, from single-handed weapons to partial or complete armor. As complete armor, it offers up to 15 degrees of protection against both physical and magical damage. Protection efficiency increases as coverage area decreases. The orb can integrate with the user's body for enhanced energy synergy. Status: Optimal condition, fully functional.]

"Amazing work, Ezequiel! This is truly exceptional!" Zatiel was genuinely impressed. He had only hoped for such a creation after years of practice at peak rank 0, yet Ezequiel had achieved it in under half a year.

"Thank you, Master," Ezequiel replied, his pride evident.

"Can you make two more like this? With these pieces of equipment, our plan will be much more feasible."

"I can, but I'll need more materials," Ezequiel responded, confident in his ability to replicate the work with sufficient resources.

"Don't worry about resources; take what you need from what I've brought. If anything's missing, sell some items and use the crystals to buy what you need from the tower," Zatiel instructed, handing Ezequiel the spatial sack.

Ezequiel nodded, rummaging through the sack to gather the necessary materials.

With Ezequiel set on his task, Zatiel turned to Sophia. "You mentioned choosing alchemy as your profession, correct?" he asked, recalling their earlier discussions after her transformation.

"Yes, but I've never been particularly skilled at it," Sophia admitted, eager to assist Zatiel but mindful of her limitations in alchemy.

"Don't worry," Zatiel reassured Sophia. "As a Neo-Demon, all your abilities, including your talent in alchemy, have been enhanced. I'll give you some challenging recipes for pills. Don't be discouraged by failures. Persistence will lead to success." He transferred some recipes to Sophia through their cores.

Sophia scrutinized the complex recipes. Despite the challenge, her determined expression conveyed her resolve to succeed, even without verbal promises.

"We each have tasks ahead. Ezequiel, return to your work and keep me informed of your progress. Sophia, I'll inscribe the Secondary Consciousness and Aerial Walk runes on you. Prepare for pain," Zatiel instructed, readying the inscription process.

Ezequiel gathered his materials, but before he could leave, Sophia approached him with a friendly demeanor. "I've only heard Zatiel call you 'little EZ.' I'm Sophia. What's your real name?"

"Ezequiel," he replied, showing no animosity towards her. As he turned to leave, Sophia stopped him again.

"How about calling me 'Madam'? I've noticed you always refer to Zatiel as 'Master,'" she suggested playfully.

Hearing this, Zatiel initially bristled, but recognizing Sophia's light-hearted intent, he let it pass and focused on his work.

Ezequiel, understanding it wasn't an attempt to belittle him but still unwilling to play along, responded with unexpected humor. "Old hag," he said deadpan, eliciting laughter from Zatiel.

Sophia's face flushed with embarrassment and mock anger. "You little rascal!" She lunged at Ezequiel playfully, but he swiftly evaded and left the house, avoiding further confrontation.

Sophia, still slightly miffed, didn't pursue him. She understood that serious infighting was forbidden and wasn't genuinely upset.

"Let's proceed with the rune inscription," Zatiel said, bringing over the parchment with the runes.

Sophia, trying to provoke a reaction from Zatiel, undressed provocatively. However, Zatiel remained unfazed, focusing solely on the task. "This process requires my full attention," he stated, beginning the intricate inscription.

The process was painful, but Sophia endured it, her recent transformation having steeled her tolerance. As it concluded, she felt exhausted.

"I'll go to sleep..." she began, but was suddenly interrupted by Zatiel's assertive advance.

"Now that the inscription is complete, it's time you learn about the consequences of tempting a demon," Zatiel said, his voice heavy with desire as he approached her.

Caught off guard and feeling inexperienced, Sophia hesitated. "Maybe later, I'm a bit tired," she said nervously.

But her timidity only fueled Zatiel's desire further. As their intimacy escalated, what started as rough quickly transformed into a passionate encounter, filled with pleasurable moans.