Chapter 75: The Valkyrie’s Fall
Ekaterina tilted her head, considering the question before responding, her voice soft, almost childlike.
“I don’t know anyone named Jie Luo.”
Her crimson eyes, fixed on Qin Chu, held a look of utter devotion, her world narrowed down to him, everything else fading into insignificance.
Qin Chu’s heart skipped a beat as he listened to her reply, his gaze fixed on her vacant smile, the unsettling, almost manic gleam in her eyes.
Had she truly broken?
Shaye’s spectral form materialized behind Ekaterina, a silent nod confirming his suspicions.
The witch’s skills were truly impressive. Stunning Love’s effects were exceeding expectations.
His tactic, the cruel game of push and pull, had yielded impressive results. Humans craved what they couldn’t have, their desire intensifying with each rejection.
He could sense the change in Ekaterina. Her love, once directed at Jie Luo, had now shifted to him, amplified, twisted, all-consuming. He was now the center of her world.
For him, she would become utterly subservient, her will his to command, her body his to use.
She trembled, her desire for him a tangible force, her body yearning for his touch, his embrace, his affection.
But she held back, fearing that her eagerness would frighten him, push him away.
Qin Chu, watching her, his eyes narrowed, extended a hand.
Ekaterina, confused, unsure of his intentions, hesitated before slowly lifting her own hand, placing it in his, her movement hesitant, almost submissive, like a pet seeking its master’s approval.
She looked up at him, her eyes questioning.
Her obedience brought a smile to his lips.
He smiled… A wave of warmth, of pure bliss, washed over her. She had touched him, her beloved.
Even this simple contact, their palms brushing against each other, sent shivers of excitement through her.
This love, this all-consuming passion, was far more intense, far more potent, than her previous feelings for Jie Luo.
“Good…”
“You’re doing well, Ekaterina… I’m pleased.”
…
This was the Crimson Valkyrie.
The once proud warrior…
…
“Ekaterina, what does Loseweisse think of me?” Qin Chu asked, his voice cold, his gaze sharp.
This was another test. The Hero Squad’s plan was crucial to Ekaterina, the key to Jie Luo’s resurrection. Though Shaye had assured him that Ekaterina was completely under the potion’s influence, he needed confirmation. If she held back, it meant that a part of her, no matter how deeply buried, still resisted.
If she confessed everything, it meant she was truly his.
Ekaterina didn’t hesitate.
“Loseweisse hates you… no, not hate… she despises you.”
Hearing those words, Qin Chu finally relaxed. She was his.
“She loves the First Hero deeply. He’s the only one for her…” A flicker of confusion crossed Ekaterina’s face.
She was a member of the Hero Squad. She had met the First Hero. But she couldn’t remember his name, his face…
The thought puzzled her, but she didn’t dwell on it. Nothing was more important than her master.
“And it’s not just her. It’s all of them.”
“When the Thirteen Sages decided to summon the Second Hero, Loseweisse and the others protested vehemently. They refused to acknowledge you, claiming it was an insult to the First Hero. They believed that only he was worthy of the title, that no one could steal his glory.”
“But then they changed their strategy. Loseweisse acquired a scroll from… someone… It contained a resurrection ritual. Using the Second Hero’s blood, along with other rare ingredients, they could create a powerful magic formation to bring him back.”
“That’s why she’s befriending you…”
“Master, don’t be fooled by her. She might seem gentle and kind, but she’s the most ruthless of them all.” Ekaterina, like Angelica, had adopted the title “Master.”
“She’s using you. She intends to kill you.”
She revealed everything, her betrayal complete, her past loyalty forgotten.
“They haven’t acted yet because they want to use you to defeat the Demon King, Nagath. He’s too powerful. The First Hero couldn’t defeat him. If they resurrected him now, he would only die again. They want you to eliminate the Demons first, and then they’ll kill you and bring him back.”
Qin Chu’s face hardened.
So it was as he had suspected.
When they had betrayed him in his previous life, Loseweisse hadn’t revealed the details of their plan. He had deduced it himself, and it seemed his assumptions had been accurate.
“To make it easier to kill you, Loseweisse instructed the others to befriend you, to treat you with kindness, even if they loathed you. They have to make you see them as comrades, siblings, even lovers. If you fall for one of them, it will be that much easier to eliminate you.”
Qin Chu clenched his fists, his anger flaring, even though he had already known this.
He activated Forced Calm, suppressing his rage.
Ekaterina’s expression turned cold.
“Master, do you want me to kill them?”
Her love for Jie Luo, her loyalty to her comrades… it had all vanished, replaced by her devotion to him, her utter subservience.
The Hero Squad members were all powerful. Even if there were differences in their strength, Ekaterina couldn’t possibly eliminate them all.
Qin Chu smiled, shaking his head. He stroked her hair gently.
“No need.”
“I wouldn’t want to put you in danger, my dear Ekaterina. You’re too precious.”
Her eyes widened, her face flushed with happiness. He cared for her. He considered her… precious… Ah, his praise was more intoxicating than any wine.
He truly loved her.
“But there’s something you need to remember.”
“From tomorrow onwards, act normally around Loseweisse and the others. Don’t let them suspect anything. Understand?”
“If they make a move, inform me.”
She nodded eagerly, memorizing his instructions.
“Loseweisse might contact you tomorrow. You’ll be leaving the capital. I want you to bring me along.”
“Yes, Master.”
“Good. Now, get up…”
“Such obedience deserves a reward, wouldn’t you say?”
…
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