Martial Arts Vs Magic - Chapter 130

Chapter 130: The Master of the Ghost City

The android administrator remained on one knee, her head bowed in a gesture of submission that looked wrong on something so perfectly crafted. 

Everything about her screamed artificial perfection, from the flawless symmetry of her features to the way her crystalline hair caught the chamber's ethereal light.

"Rise," I commanded, my voice rougher than intended. The effort of calling out to Nevaramis had left my throat raw, and blood still trickled from my nose. "No need for the theatrics."

She slowly stood with fluid grace, her movements so smooth they seemed to defy the laws of physics. Those colorless eyes, like polished mirrors, fixed on me with an intensity that made my skin prickle.

"My Liege," she said, her voice carrying harmonics no human throat could produce, her eyes empty. "Before we proceed, I require a small sample of your essence to properly calibrate myself to your command. A spark of your energy would suffice."

I laughed in amusement. "Energy? My channels are fried worse than bacon left on the stove.” The Soul Fire's gone out, and I was running on fumes and stubbornness. "I barely managed to call you, but the energy is gone now.”

The android tilted her head in confusion, processing. "A single drop of blood will serve the same purpose."

Beside me, Lailah shifted nervously. I could feel her tension, and the way her newfound power rippled beneath her skin like a caged storm. The transition from desert oasis to this impossible city had left her off-balance, and I couldn't blame her. Even I found Nevaramis overwhelming, and I supposedly owned the place.

"That's great," I said, biting my thumb until crimson welled up. "One drop. Don't get greedy like a vampire.”

She stepped closer, presenting her face to me with a blank face. I let the blood fall onto her forehead, where it struck with a sound like a bell tolling in the distance. The effect was immediate and spectacular.

Her form shimmered, reality bending around her like heat mirages. 

The crystalline hair darkened, strand by strand, until it matched the raven-black of my own. Her features shifted subtly, sharper cheekbones, a more defined jawline. When she opened her eyes again, they blazed with familiar golden fire.

"Interesting," I muttered. "You're adapting to match me?"

"It is the most efficient method of synchronization," she replied, and I noticed her voice had changed too, warmer now, with traces of humor lurking beneath the formal tone. "Though I require a new designation. What would my Liege prefer to call me?"

I considered for a moment, studying this strange mirror of myself. "Stratos," I decided. "Like the stratosphere—high above everything else, untouchable."

Her lips quirked in what might have been amusement. "Like stratosphere? Really?"

"You don't like it?"

"I love it." The smile that bloomed on her face was pure mischief, an expression I recognized from my own reflection. "Though I notice you have a talent for dramatic names. Very fitting for someone called the Heavenly Demon."

"Careful now," I warned, though I did smile a little. "You're picking up my personality quirks a bit too fast. I don't mind, but try to be more unique, won't you? It can become a little uncanny otherwise.”

Stratos shrugged—a gesture so human it was unsettling. Her gaze shifted to Lailah, those golden eyes narrowing with interest. "Is she one of your new lovers? You have a good choice. If she is to be a member of Nevaramis's council, I am permitted to sample her mana for registration. Then I can mix yours and her characteristics to be different.”

The temperature in the room dropped ten degrees.

Not literally—though with Lailah's new powers, that was certainly possible. She turned to me, silver-blue eyes wide with indignation.

"One of your new lovers?" Her voice carried the kind of edge that could cut glass. "How many do you have?"

Stratos opened her mouth, clearly ready to provide a detailed list. "Great question! From my observations during the Tournament, there are at least—"

"Uhhh, anyways, we're getting off track." I interrupted, shooting the android a look that promised creative dismantling if she continued. She’d definitely grown a bit too mischievous after receiving my blood. "What's that council you speak of?”

“Nevaramis Council can be viewed as a mix of Royal Court Hierarchy and a battleship’s Chain of Command. The absolute ruler is you, of course, but it's required to fill the other seats,” Stratos explained. 

“Interesting. First explain the benefits of council membership. Lailah deserves to know what she's signing up for, if she wants to at all,” I said.

“Of course.” The android's expression shifted to something more professional, though amusement still danced in those borrowed golden eyes. "In simple terms, the Council Membership grants you Nobility in Nevaramis. You can access to all of Nevaramis's facilities—the libraries, training grounds, laboratories, and vaults. You would receive a private residence in the upper district, command over a squadron of maintenance drones, and a direct neural link to the city's information network."

Lailah blinked, processing. I could see her thoughts written across her face—the farm girl who'd never owned more than two dresses suddenly offered keys to a kingdom.

"That's... generous," she managed.

"It's practical," I corrected. "Nevaramis needs people to function properly. Empty cities are just very expensive graveyards."

She chewed her lower lip, that thinking gesture I'd grown fond of. "And all I have to do is let her sample my mana?"

"A single spark," Stratos confirmed. "Non-invasive and completely safe. Of course, this will then mean you serve Master Iskandaar, who's the owner of Nevaramis.”

Lailah glanced at me, her eyes doing more than just seeking reassurance. Did she want to serve someone like me?

I started back, trying to project confidence despite the blood still drying on my upper lip. A moment later, she squared her shoulders and extended her hand.

"Alright then. One spark."

Stratos accepted it. The moment Lailah's mana touched Stratos, the android's form exploded into chaos. Not painful chaos, more like watching a kaleidoscope have an existential crisis. 

When the light show ended, Stratos hair had gone silver white, her skin going a shade darker, and she sprouted elegant curved horns from her temples. A pair of iridescent wings that looked like they'd been stolen from some cosmic bat. 

Her outfit also grew more… feminine, revealing skin that needed not be shown, with a tie hanging between her cleavage. Contrasting her elegant skin tight black dress, a yellow jacket hung from her shoulders. Her clothing choice was definitely interesting, but I had no reason to dislike it.

"Fascinating," Stratos murmured, flexing her new wings experimentally. "A Devil... specifically, a Leviathan. Your bloodline carries significant weight in certain circles. I'm pleased to have this on myself. Thank you.”

"Can we focus?" I asked, partly to distract from Lailah's shocked expression and partly because I was growing impatient with this weakness in ways I couldn't properly describe. "Stratos, as you're my command, I'm hoping you'd be able to help me with the injuries I sustained during my attempt to acquire you. I already know how to relieve these injuries, but I need materials.”

“Please give me a bit more information to work with, my Liege,” she bowed gently.

I first started with explaining to her what issues I was suffering from, and then told her what a Martial Body Technique was. Then I explained the Heavenly Demon Body, and the effects of it startled her.

“Such a thing exists? It reminds me of a certain bloodline from the distant past, a family of red hair and incredible strength. I'm unsure if they survived the end of the world,” she said. “This is so fascinating…”

Her attention was locked on me like a hawk spotting prey. It seemed this odd Island A.I was quite impressed with her new master.

I explained, “Let's cut to the chase. I can fix the issues I'm facing by achieving the 5th Stage of the Heavenly Demon Body. But performing the ritual for it… The materials required are extensive."

Stratos nodded. "List them. Nevaramis has a vault of alchemical herbs, if we're lucky everything might be found there.”

The ingredients found in Murim were different from this world, naturally, but I'd spent extensive time researching the equivalent of those same materials.

"Heartblood of a Crimson Wyrm, Sun-forged Phoenix Feather, Tears of a Weeping Golem, and Void-touched Nightshade." I rattled off the ingredients like a grocery list from hell. "Plus about a dozen other things that are slightly less impossible to find."

"The creature parts are not an issue, they can be synthesized,” Stratos said without hesitation. "Nevaramis is a flying dungeon more than a city, and it runs on several dungeon cores capable of generating appropriate monsters. The herbs are a bit trickier, however… I don't think I have all of them in stock.”

"I know their locations, if you give me a map," I said, and she snapped her finger. A hologram map appeared before us, with all the details of a satellite. "This is useful.”

I began to point them out after that. The Shadowveil Forest, the Crystal Caverns, Mount Sorrow, and a lot of other places.

"Fantastic. Dispatching high-speed drones immediately." Her eyes unfocused for a moment. "Estimated retrieval time: forty-eight to seventy-two hours, depending on local resistance."

Relief flooded through me. 

Finally. Finally, I was so close. 

Not only would this fix my problems, but I'd also be a league stronger than before. I could barely wait. And yet, the relief didn't last long. 

Human greed knew no bounds, and I soon began to feel frustrated.

I was Level 98. So close to the next Ascension Quest that I could taste it. 

After completing this ritual and later killing monsters to reach Level 99, I'd receive an Ascension Quest that would likely be troubling, super time-consuming, and ridiculous. 

But if I had killed the Prince and hit Level 99 first, then the Ascension Quest would have definitely been something simple like “Evolve Your Body, Fix Your Energy Systems.” 

The time frame to reach the 7th Ascension was needlessly increased by this little incident, and—

"...Wait," I said, an idea sparking as I looked at Stratos. "You just said dungeon cores, right? You can create monsters on demand?"

Stratos tilted her head. "Any monster you want. What level would you prefer?"

My lips trembled as I held back a grin. "Ninety-nine. Make it Level 99. Ah, make it something big, stupid, and if you can tweak the settings, make it not inclined to fight back."

Her eyes flashed. She snapped her fingers with theatrical flair, definitely picking up my mannerisms, and reality tore open. Magic circles spread through the ceiling, painting the room in multicoloured light.

A Minotaur materialized before us, easily twelve feet tall and rippling with muscle. Its eyes were vacant, puppet-empty.

“Uh, that doesn't look friendly,” Lailah said as she took a step back.

"Rest assured, I've ordered the creature to not to resist," Stratos said cheerfully. "Have fun, my Liege.”

I felt excitement surge through my veins. I cracked my knuckles, feeling the body of a Grandmaster respond despite everything. "This is either brilliant or the stupidest thing I've done today."

"The day is young," Lailah observed dryly.

I launched myself at the Minotaur, fists flying in combinations that would have made any martial arts teacher weep with joy. The creature stood there like the world's most expensive punching bag, absorbing blow after blow until finally—

[You have slain a Level 99 Minotaur!]

[You've leveled up!]

[You have reached Level 99!]

[Ascension Quest Unlocked: Evolve and Forge Anew - Reconstruct your shattered form into something greater.]

"Perfect," I breathed, dismissing the corpse with a wave. "Absolutely perfect."

****

The streets of Nevaramis were a fever dream of ancient glory. Marble columns reached toward an artificial sky so perfectly crafted I could almost believe in its blueness. Statues of forgotten heroes lined grand boulevards, their stone eyes watching our passage with silent judgment.

"It's incredible," Lailah whispered, her voice carrying the reverence usually reserved for temples. "Like someone stole a piece of history and preserved it in amber."

"More like someone built their fantasy and forgot to add the people," I replied, noting how our footsteps echoed in the emptiness. "Ghost cities are only beautiful until you realize why they're empty."

As if responding to my criticism, panels in the walls slid open, releasing swarms of maintenance drones. They buzzed past us, already beginning the work of restoration—polishing marble, trimming overgrown gardens, clearing dust from fountains that hadn't flowed in centuries.

"The city awakens," I murmured. "Stratos must have unlocked dormant protocols when I claimed ownership."

We wandered without real direction, content to explore this impossible place. The architecture was predominantly Greco-Roman, but I spotted influences from a dozen cultures—a Japanese pagoda here, an Egyptian obelisk there, even what looked like a Viking longhouse tucked between classical temples.

"Someone had eclectic tastes," Lailah observed.

"Or multiple someones. Cities like this don't spring up overnight." I paused at a fountain depicting sea serpents wrapped around tridents. "Each owner probably added their own touches."

We found ourselves in a grand plaza dominated by a statue of a woman holding a sword toward the sky. Her face was beautiful but stern, carved with the kind of skill that made stone seem to breathe.

"Who is she?" Lailah asked.

"No idea. Probably someone important to someone dead." I sat on the fountain's edge, suddenly tired. "History's full of important dead people."

“I think you’re going to be one of them in the future, no? Your life so far has been no less of a legend,” she said, looking at me as if I were already some legend.

“That’s the thing, Lailah,” I said. “I don’t plan to die.”

Lailah just stared at me for a long moment. Then she settled beside me, close enough that I could smell the desert roses still clinging to her hair despite everything we'd been through. For a moment, we just sat there, two people dwarfed by the grandeur of ages.

“Hard to process.”

“What is?”

“That you’re a King now, basically,” she said, pointing around the city. “All this, under the tip of your finger. I guessed you’d be a Knight at most when I saved you, but ahh, look at you shattering all expectations.” She giggled.

“King is a bit too much. More like a city lord? Like Baron Salizar.”

“No? Scorpion’s Kiss can’t fly, and it doesn’t have the capability of releasing a horde of monsters on others. If Stratos can create a Level 99 monster so easily, who says she can’t create an army and release it on a nation? Nevaramis is a national-level threat for any country, I’d say,” she argued.

Indeed. The Heavenly Demon God Cult was stronger than ever, just by acquiring Nevaramis. There was no other cult with such a powerful artifact.

“You’re right, I guess. I talked to her earlier when you were taking a shower about the monster creation thing. She can at most 6th Ascension monsters for now, since I, the owner, am 6th Ascension. In the future, she can create more when I’m higher ranked. This is why a strong owner is important to Nevaramis,” I explained. 

I continued. “I was thinking actually, to summon a bunch of 6th Ascension monsters and let you fight them, and therefore raise you to the peak of 6th Ascension too, but it seems there’s a catch to this. Nevaramis can’t create matter out of thin air, otherwise she’d be a Goddess. She exchanges the Dungeon Cores’ points to ‘buy’ monsters from the System, and the points aren’t endless. So, ideally, she wants to keep those points for emergency threats that Nevaramis might face, rather than using them to raise people’s levels. It’s better to do it more organically anyway, as it gives you more fighting experience.”

Lailah was resting her chin on her hand by now, staring at me with a small smile. “You’re so good at this. You know so much, plan for every situation, and are just generally, I don’t know, so reliable? No wonder…” she trailed off, and when she eventually spoke, her tone was deceptively casual, "No wonder you have multiple lovers."

I groaned. "You're not letting that go, are you?"

"A girl finds out the man she's been… traveling with… has a harem, naturally she's entitled to some curiosity." Her eyes sparkled with mischief. "Besides, you've been flirting with me since we met. Mixed signals, much?"

"It's not a harem," I protested. "That implies a level of organization we definitely lack."

"So what would you call it?"

I considered. "Complicated? Nebula's my fiancée—arranged, but we've grown close. Lilian started as my maid, but became much more once I realized her Demi-god of a grandmother sent her to me as something similar to a fiancé, too. And Solara..." I raised my arms and gave up. "We just happened to get together because of situations."

"I think it’s a harem as long as they know about the entire situation, and still choose to be with you despite your disgusting hobbies, right?” She was definitely a little angry. “So, do they know about each other?"

"Of course. I’m not a cheater, Lailah. Well… at least, I like to tell myself. Hiding it would be cruel and ultimately pointless." I met her gaze. "They're friends now. Close ones. I think they'd die for each other if necessary."

"Hmm." She drew the sound out, processing. "And they're all okay with sharing? It’s so bizarre…"

"It wasn't easy at first. There were arguments, tears, and a few threats of violence." I chuckled at the memory. "But we made it work. Love isn't a finite resource—it doesn't run out if you spread it around."

"Philosophy from the Heavenly Demon. Will wonders never cease?"

"I contain multitudes," I said, then grew serious. "I'm sorry if I led you on. Flirtation is... it's like breathing for me now. I don't always realize I'm doing it." Those were cheap words, I knew, but I at least had to apologize.

She was quiet for a long moment, and I found myself holding my breath. Then she laughed, clear and bright as temple bells.

"I'm not mad," she said. "Surprised, yes. A little disappointed maybe. But not mad." She bumped her shoulder against mine. "A man like you, strong, handsome, charming enough to talk his way out of most trouble… I expected you to have a lover. I just didn't expect the plural."

"You're taking this remarkably well."

"I'm a practical woman. Besides," she grinned, "watching you squirm when Stratos almost listed them was worth any disappointment."

I could see the hurt in the depth of her eyes, the way she hid it. She’d definitely hoped for the best, but it seemed she was ready for the worst as well. Honestly…? I started the journey with her with the intention of leaving her with her father once I was cured, but now I wanted to pursue her. Call me greedy, but having someone of her lineage by my side would do me well.

But… I knew her father, and I cared for her as a friend, too. She was a really nice girl, I wouldn’t want her to be romantically with a scumbag like myself. But I do want her to be a part of my Cult now. That was why I invited her into the Nevaramis Council.

I wanted to be friends with her. One important point was that her life wouldn’t grow any more dangerous by being around me than it already would be by herself. She had blood that was forbidden in this world, after all. However, the ultimate choice of whether she wanted to be friends with a man who technically played with her feelings was up to her.

For now, I had to remain respectful. She was hurt, and I didn’t want to hurt her further. I’d have to behave around her.

“Why are you suddenly quiet, Iskandaar?” she asked, but I couldn’t reply as someone interrupted us.

"Would you care for some coffee, my Liege and Madame?"

We both jumped. Stratos stood on the street beside us, but transformed. Gone was the ethereal administrator, replaced by a perfectly mundane waitress in a crisp uniform. She gestured toward a small café that definitely hadn't been there moments before, its windows glowing with warm light.

"What are you doing?" I asked.

"What? Can’t a friendly Island Spirit not have hobbies?" she asked cheerfully. "Please, the coffee is excellent. I've been perfecting the blend for approximately three hundred years."

"You've been making coffee for three centuries?"

"Preparation is key. One never knows when guests might arrive."

I exchanged glances with Lailah, who looked excited. "I never had coffee before," she admitted. “Can we have it, Iskandaar?”

The café's interior was cozy perfection, all warm woods and soft lighting, with the rich aroma of coffee beans hanging in the air like a promise. Stratos bustled behind the counter with practiced efficiency, her movements now fully human despite her horns and wings.

"This is surreal," Lailah murmured as we settled into plush chairs.

"Welcome to my life."

Stratos appeared with two cups, the coffee so perfectly prepared it might have been alchemy. "This is Aethiopyean blend," she announced. "Notes of chocolate and citrus, with just a hint of divine intervention."

I took a sip and nearly moaned. It was perfect, the kind of perfect that made you question every other cup you'd ever drunk. Sitting across me, Lailah seemed to melt from her first sip.

"H-how?" I managed.

"Three hundred years of practice," Stratos repeated. "Also, I cheated and analyzed your specific taste receptors. Optimization is my primary function."

"Your primary function is running a city," I reminded her.

"I can multitask. Ah, ah, speaking of which—!" Her eyes unfocused momentarily. "Drone squadron seven has encountered resistance at the Crystal Caverns. Adjusting approach vectors."

The casual way she shifted between barista and city administrator was unsettling and impressive in equal measure. I found myself wondering what else she could do, what other surprises this impossible city held.

Two days passed in a blur of exploration and preparation. Stratos proved endlessly adaptable, shifting between roles as needed—tour guide, chef, librarian, and even becoming a magic teacher for Lailah. Each persona was perfectly crafted, yet carried traces of my own personality that definitely showed with each iteration.

Lailah adapted to the city with surprising ease, her natural curiosity driving her to explore every corner. I found her in the library one afternoon, surrounded by books on devil genealogy and leviathan mythology.

"Learning about your heritage?" I asked.

"Trying to." She gestured at the stacks. "Did you know leviathans were considered divine judges in some cultures? Beings of such power they could determine the fate of nations with a single decision."

"No pressure then."

She laughed, but I caught the uncertainty beneath it. "I went from farm girl to devil nobility in a day. It's a lot to process."

"You're handling it remarkably well."

"I have a good teacher," she said, then blushed. "I mean, you've been helpful. With the explanations. And the not letting me die."

"I do try to keep death to a minimum. Bad for morale."

We were interrupted by Stratos materializing beside us, something we’d grown used to by now, thanks to her constant teleportation around the city. She could put any Spatial Mage to shame with her skills.

"My Liege, my Liege!" she announced with barely contained excitement, "the materials have arrived."

My heart leaped. Finally. 

The time had arrived for me to shed my weakness.