"So, how's my performance?" Eli inquired with a playful wave of his hand as he sat comfortably on the open carriage.
"Hmm..." Alysia, seated before him, observed the joyous crowd around them, waving and shouting with adulation as if they were witnessing their idol.
"Look he is waving at us!!"
"Oh my, I feel like I'm ascending to heaven!"
"He's so charming!"
"Our saviour!"
Alysia couldn't help but smile at Eli's question, "Do you even need my answer?" she teased, gesturing towards the enthusiastic crowd.
"Hehe..." Eli chuckled softly, his gaze scanning the happy faces around them. Just a day ago, these same people had regarded him with disdain and curses, but now their sentiments had completely transformed...
"Fascinating," Eli muttered, his thoughts delving deeper into the psychology of the masses.
People.... everyone like that. In moments of despair and loss, even the Criminal could rise to heroism if they seized the opportunity.
"Truly Fascinating..." Eli smiled, the closer he started to understand the people, the closer he felt indifferent.... as if they were nothing more than just a puzzle piece.
Each and every person had a unique shape, and those who knew how to fit them together could create any picture they desired.
Just like how people killed his loved one by joining together.
"Master, is something the matter?" Scylla, sitting beside him, asked with concern.
"... Nothing" Eli answered.
"Sigh..." Scarlett sighed softly, understanding the weight of Eli's thoughts. She moved closer, patting his thigh gently and said, "You don't need to think too much" intertwining their fingers in a reassuring gesture.
Eli nodded.
"Are you truly acting before, Eli?" Tiana, perched on his shoulder, chimed in curiously... She even believed their god was actually speaking to them.
"Yes," Eli affirmed, offering her a cookie with a smile. Tiana happily accepted it, munching away contentedly.
"Sigh, I guess she forgot everything," he muttered softly, not realizing the subtle shift in Tiana's demeanour, her cheeks tinged with a faint red hue as she listened.
Scylla leaned forward, her gaze fixed on Alysia with a thoughtful expression. "Since your position is now stable, do we need to consider selling yields to other Elders?" she inquired, her voice carrying a hint of curiosity.
The NightMare trait, exclusive to the Incubus/Succubus Bloodline, was known for its ability to ensnare targets within their own dreams, weaving a web of seduction and torment.
"Alright... So, what's the issue?" Eli inquired, his mind already grasping the gravity of the situation.
"She's trapped within the nightmare of her own dreams," Evelina explained, her words heavy with implications.
"Pardon?" Eli's brow furrowed in confusion.
"Sigh... Those who awaken this trait must endure a relentless cycle of pain and suffering, reliving the darkest moments of their lives. Only a select few Succubus have managed to break free from its grasp," Evelina elaborated, her tone tinged with little sorrow.
"Then she will..." Eli began, his voice trailing off as confidence filled his words.
Evelina's gaze met Eli's with a mix of disappointment and disbelief, causing a slight twitch at the corner of his lips.
He gently pinched her cheeks, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he spoke, "Seems like you're doubting her"
With an irritated swat, Evelina slapped away Eli's hand, her annoyance evident as she retorted, "Do you truly believe she can escape the torment of a life filled with such profound pain and suffering?"
Eli's thoughts raced back to the times when he had turned Prisania's skin to charcoal and recalled Scylla's relentless torment. The grim reality dawned on him.... Prisania's life had been a monotonous cycle of madness revolving around him, with no significant changes or progress.
"Normally, the nightmare trait only lasts for a few days, but she has been trapped in this nightmare for over a month now," Evelina informed Eli, her tone tinged with concern.
"I... see," Eli muttered, a sombre expression clouding his features, before leaning in to give Evelina a simple peck on the lips. Turning his attention back to the red cocoon, he posed a question, "Is there a way for me to enter her nightmare?"
Evelina rubbed her lips and responded, "You are not an Incubus".
"So, an Incubus can enter?" Eli inquired, curiosity mingled with a hint of concern evident in his voice as he reached out to touch the cocoon.
"Yes, I have already summoned an Incubus. He will be arriving tomorrow," Evelina replied, displaying an image of a strikingly handsome and seductive Incubus.
"Hmm... What is his role in all of this?" Eli questioned, his expression darkening.... He didn't like that Incubus at all!
"As an Incubus, his task will be to enter her dreams, seduce her, and coup..." Evelina's explanation was abruptly cut short as a loud noise echoed through the room.
"BOOM!!"
In the blink of an eye, Evelina found herself slammed against the wall, Eli's hand wrapped around her neck, lifting her effortlessly.
"Copulate?"
Eli's eyes turned reddish-black as he asked, "What are you talking about, woman?"