Revealed Desperation

From what I know, Emerald and Christopher are stuck in the South Continent, Kleizavari. From speculation, Crimson states that they were captured by some powerful artifact that could nullify all of their resistances, and make fools out of their phantom eyes.

That would make a lot of sense, considering Lucifer has incredible blacksmiths who could create level infinity items in two days at most.

Ottenmore pales in comparison to the South and West Continent craftsmanship—Angelica has the ability to craft items that can bypass the game mechanics, and Lucifer has the ability to craft items that could take down even members of the Phantom Mutiny.

Damnit, this isn't looking good.

I'm backed into a corner here, I need to find a way to save them.

Sitting atop my throne, I look at Crimson once again, saying, "Let me get this right. Lucifer kidnapped Emerald and Christopher to lower the West Continent's manpower?"

"Yeah, you heard it right. He knows that Phantom Mutiny is one of the strongest guilds, so he's trying to imprison a lot of us to keep West Continent from having any backup."

I looked down in thought, trying to come up with a plan.

It will be hard to save them, but with preparation, I could get the job done fairly easily.

But maybe that's delusional… what could I do?

"I see. I'm assuming Kuma went to the West Continent to warn Angelica?"

"Yeah, he's telling her everything that's going on. We can't keep everyone in the dark about this."

"You're right, we shouldn't." I glance at the fox lady next to Crimson, inspecting her from afar, "And you must be the Red Primordial. I remember long ago, me, Angelica, Lucifer, and Lilith faced against you before we became the Four Kings."

"Yes, I remember it clearly. It was a hard-fought battle, even though the four of you lost." Carmine bowed, "But it is great to see you again, Maverick Lionheart."

"As to you," I responded.

Crimson glanced to his side, staring at Carmine, "Y-You defeated them before they were Great Kings?!"

"Yes, we Primordials were much stronger back then. In my prime, I could lay waste to entire continents, we were virtually unbeatable. The only thing that caused me trouble was their Arcane Magic."

Arcane Magic, I'm sure you heard of it by now. It's magic that only the Four Great Kings can utilize.

It's the strongest magic in the game.

Even with it, we were unable to defeat one of the Primordials, however, after we transcended the systems of the game and obtained our titles as Great Kings, we had the power to seal away the Primordial's power. Each Great King obtained the ability to use a Primordial's Primeval technique. I can use Yellow, Angelica can use Blue, Lucifer can use Red, and Lilith can use Green.

But speaking of the Primeval Technique, I'm sure you never heard of it;

The Primeval Technique origins are unknown, but it's a hidden power that only a select few can use. It's separate from Magic and doesn't require any mana to use. Utilizing the Primeval technique requires the player to understand the fundamental nature of themselves, that being the Data Core. Once the Data Core is understood, you can utilize a conceptual force known as Datasets.

This conceptual force acts like energy, and all players, NPCs, and even the gods can utilize it once they understand their fundamental existence. With this, they're able to awaken their own Primeval technique. Each user that awakens their technique has no say in what they want their technique to be since a primeval technique is the user's desires brought into reality, and it cannot be changed once it's awoken. Desires lay dormant within the Data Core, and once those desires are awoken, they will manipulate reality based on their aspiration.

An example would be someone having the desire to learn all knowledge within the universe; if they were to awaken their primeval technique, then it would have the ability to bestow them all knowledge within the universe, or even infect their targets with such knowledge to incapacitate them. Another example would be having the desire to live in peace forever. This desire will give them the ability to stop time, or perform other supernatural feats, since it's technically "stopping time to live in peace".

Each Primeval technique varies.

I don't have my own yet, but Lucifer, Lilith, and maybe even Angelica do.

"Red Primordial, I do want to apologize for my actions in the past. When me and my friends attacked you, we were merely testing our skills. We weren't sure if we were powerful enough to call ourselves the strongest at that time, and you proved our point."

"Please Maverick Lionheart, call me Carmine. I hold no grudges against the past anymore, my life has changed ever since I met Crimson." The woman held his arm, leaning into his body, "He's willing to bring me back to my prime and show me a different road in life. My fate lies in his hand."

Oh? That's surprising.

Wait a minute, did Crimson have some charm spell or item I know nothing about? How the hell did he tame a primordial?

"I see. So Crimson's appearance has grown on you." I remarked.

"No, it isn't that. He defeated me in battle."

HE WHAT??

"Defeated you?" I lifted my brows, trying my best to conceal my surprise.

"Yes." Carmine looked at Crimson, brushing her cheek against his shoulder, "I adore my master more than ever~! He means a lot to me."

"M-Me too!" Mona walked from behind, grasping Crimson's other arm, "He belongs to me as well! I love his abusive- I mean… his caring nature just as much as Carmine!"

"Well… I love him more." Stated the Red Primordial.

"I've known him longer than you." Said the glaring battle maid.

"What are you trying to say? That you own masters heart?"

"Of course I do!" Mona frowned at Carmine, gripping Crimson's arm even tighter.

"-Hey, chill out, don't forget I'm at 1 HP, give me a break…"

("Ever since I logged back on Isekai World Online, Wave always said he wanted a harem full of muscle mommies, catgirls, and all sorts of things… and now that dream is coming true. But it makes me think; what do I want? What is my goal other than destroying the gods from their betrayal against us players?" Is there anything else I desire?")

I buried my emotions, closing my eyes to say;

"I'm proud of you, Crimson."

"Huh?" He looked at me with a bewildered expression, ignoring Mona and Carmine arguing.

"Your dream is coming true. Not many get the chance to have their goals succeed in life, but you're doing well, so I'm proud."

"Ah, I see." Crimson smirked, lifting his hand for a thumbs up, "You betcha! But this is only the beginning, so don't think that this is all I can do."

"Hmpf," I sneered, "Then show me everything you can do! Bring out your full potential and amaze me, friend."

"It's not like you to be praising anyone; it's once in a blue moon. But I'll take those words of encouragement, Maverick!"

"Good, I'm glad to hear." I stood up from my throne, gazing down at everyone present, "Now then, you're dismissed."

They all bowed before me and took their leave. Carmine and Mona followed Crimson, while the other battle maids watching on the sidelines approached me.

"Lord Emperor, may we assist you in a bath?"

"Lord Emperor, may we assist you with a feast?"

"Lord Emperor, are you willing to try our new coffee pudding dessert?"

"No, it's fine. The three of you can rest for today, do what you like. I'll be busy in my room, so make sure to not disturb me."

"Very well, understood." (All)

They left my presence, heading towards the 10th floor where all the battle maids resided.

I made my way towards my room, located on the very top of the castle. It was quite large, being able to hold a handful of people, but it was specifically made for me.

Opening my door, I walked inside, huffing a sigh.

"Unfold." I brought open my Personal Hub, changing out of my clothes into a more casual attire.

Damn…

I almost forgot how feminine my body was.

My hips looked like that of a woman, and my face was… girlish.

I usually kept my face hidden with the hoodie I wore all the time.

I even have a relatively large butt, above average at most.

A girlish body, yet a deep voice.

It would confuse anyone.

"Tsk… what do I do?" I facepalmed myself, looking at my personal hub.

Emerald and Christopher, both of them were imprisoned by Lucifer, my former friend who became my foe.

I can't even tell if they're alive or not.

Did he kill them, or are they still breathing?

The thoughts ran rampant, and my anger constantly evolved.

It felt like I was losing my mind in rage, but I knew I had to calm down, otherwise… things could end very badly.

Angelica seemed like the only option I had.

She's the root of this all, and with her help… we can solve this situation.

I need you, Angelica.

More than ever.

***

"Fuhuhu, Fuhahahahahaha!"

Lucifer stood in the midst of a deserted wasteland, glaring at a familiar face.

"So you arrived to face me by yourself, have you?"

"Lucifer, give them back. Return Emerald and Christopher at once, I won't warn you again."

"This isn't like you, fierce and angry, and full of rage! I find it amusing, Angelica."