CHAPTER 188: CHAPTER 188: APOSTLE OF LUST, LUXURIA (PART 4)

"Alright, I’d like to get a clear idea of exactly what you’re capable of. While I did see you in action in the Dungeon, I’d like to hear your own assessment of your abilities," I remarked, as I led Luxuria into the training room.

A couple of hours had passed, I’d just got done taking a shower, it got pretty sweaty back there. I had to re-summon Luxuria afterwards, she was pretty weak in the knees by the end of it.

Since she’s lost her ability to regenerate after becoming my Apostle of Lust, it didn’t look like she’d be recovering any time soon.

But she was good as new once I resummoned her...the only problem was that her lust got reset too. But I was completely out of steam, so I couldn’t indulge her.

"Very well, Master. Broadly speaking, I am mostly the same as I was when I was alive, but there are some differences. To begin with, while I can no longer regenerate, my Negative Energy Generation has grown more versatile," She informed me.

"I’ve wondered this for a while, but what exactly is Negative Energy?"

"It is Demonic Mana manifested. Unlike humans and even other Monsters, Demonic Mana is different. It can only really be used for Negative Energy Generation, Regeneration and Demonic Arts, whereas the Mana of humans and other Monsters is more versatile and varied."

"Why’s Demon Mana so different? It’s definitely Mana, since I can consume those attacks with Drain, but it feels very different to the Mana I’ve consumed from both Hunters and other Monsters."

"Ah, that’s simple, Demon Mana is negative, hence Negative Energy, and all other creatures that generate Mana, generate positive Mana. I’m not really sure what the exact difference or specifics are, though."

"Huh, I see, interesting. In that case, let’s just refer to it as Negative Energy from now on, for the sake of convenience. So, when you say it’s become more versatile, what do you mean by that, exactly?" I asked her.

"Well, these clothes I’m wearing, I made them using Negative Energy. I did not realize it right away, it happened instinctively after I assumed this new form. I only realized it earlier, when I got rid of my clothes before fellating you."

"Huh. Come to think of it, I didn’t give a second thought to how your clothes just appeared around your body. I see, so they’re made of negative Mana," I mused, as I took a closer look in fascination.

"Indeed. Before, with Negative Energy, I could only launch projectile attacks. Blasts, beams, slashing waves, things like that. But now...," She trailed off, before forming a blade of Negative Energy in her hand.

"Nice, you can make weapons? How durable are they?" I asked her.

"That depends on how much Mana I use to create them. Oh, and I possess the same amount of Mana that I did when I was alive. And each time you summon me, my Mana is full...in other words, if I fully use up my Mana in battle, you can restore it completely by resummoning me," She explained.

"Hey, that’s pretty damn useful...yeah, if you have a full tank of Mana every time I summon and resummon you, then...," I trailed off with a slight smirk, as I considered the possibilities.

This widens the options I’ve got tremendously, being able to summon a being who’s stronger than most Aces is a massive gamechanger, and I’ve still got six more spots open for the Apostles of Sin.

Heck, she’s still a lot stronger than me if we’re talking about my base stats and Power Level.

"Hm...I suppose Demons are the only kind of Monster I can turn into Apostles of Sin. Demon Dungeons are pretty rare though," I sighed wistfully.

"Why only Demons, Master?"

"Well, one of the conditions I need to unlock Subjugate is that the target has to have a certain level of intelligence. And since Demons are the only Monsters that can speak, they’re likely the only ones that quality."

"That is not true. Dragons and Wyverns are capable of intelligent communication as well."

"Wait, what?"

"Yes, they are able to communicate telepathically, as their vocal cords are not built for speech. Ah, but they view humans as insects, so I would not be surprised if they refused to communicate with humans due to their pride."

Huh. Go figure.

Come to think of it, the Water Wyvern I fought did seem more intelligent than most other Monsters I’ve fought.

"I see...still, Wyvern Dungeons are pretty rare too, and Dragons are supposed to be about as powerful as Archdemons, right?"

"Yes, more or less," She nodded in response.

"Well, let’s set it aside, for now. Finding a suitable Monster isn’t the main issue, the activation conditions for Subjugate are the biggest problem. It’s certainly not something I can force, so I’ll just have to be patient, I suppose," I sighed wistfully.

Here’s hoping my passive luck boost pulls through for me.

"It would appear so."

"Hm? Hey, wait a sec...if your Mana is always at full capacity every time I summon you, then-...hey, try firing a blast of Negative Energy at me, there’s something I want to check," I remarked, before stepping back and putting a bit of distance between us.

"Huh? I-I can’t attack you, Master!" She protested with a horrified look on her face.

"Don’t worry, you technically aren’t. Drain...to be specific, I want you to shoot a blast into these jaws," I clarified with a wry smile.

"Those consume Mana and increase your Mana capacity, right-...ah, I believe I understand. Very well then," She nodded, before adding as she charged up a blast, "Oh, I think I’ll try chanting...Negative Energy Blast!"

As she fired it at me, I swallowed up the blast with Drain as it closed in, a sense of anticipation in me.

Ai? Will this work?

I’m afraid not

Her Mana is not registering into points, you could spend days ceaselessly consuming her attacks, and it won’t make a difference

Damn it...I felt like a genius for a moment there, but I guess it was too good to be true.

Man, that would’ve been real convenient, I could have maxed out my Mana capacity to its absolutely limit in no time.

"Did it not work, Master?"

"No, unfortunately not. Well, it was worth a try, at least," I sighed wistfully, before adding, "Well, whatever, guess I’ll just laze about for the rest of the day. Maybe put on some anime, have some weed and snacks...hm, actually, wanna join me, Luxuria? Just hang out and chill for a while?"

"I would be honored, Master."