When the plot-skips players into the game world

Chapter 317 The True Name of Shadow Demon

At first, Lily was somewhat puzzled.

Why did the Shadow Demoness act as if she had never seen her before?

But he was also very certain that this was the Shadow Demoness...

Aiwass had used the Shepherd's Nurturing Skill to share a part of the Shadow Demon's strength with him, just as if he had transplanted an organ for Lily to sense shadows. Because of the proportion issue, the Shadow Demon might not have felt anything special about Lily, but Lily was clearly able to sense the presence of the "mother body."

Even if he encountered other Shadow Demons due to his third-level Shadow Affinity, he could easily distinguish whether it was the one contracted with Aiwass.

Fortunately, Lily's subconscious response made the Shadow Demoness hesitate. Following Lily's words, it continued the conversation but directly exposed its identity.

"When did you come here?" Such words sound sufficiently vague, on one hand, they assume the speaker acknowledges the person mentioned, on the other hand, it also can imply that the speaker knows nothing about the situation.

The fact that it could come up with such a reply in an instant and maintain composure was enough to prove the Shadow Demoness's intelligence.

——But it still wasn't good at lying.

Because with that statement, it had already exposed its identity.

The Shadow Demon couldn't possibly be unaware of how they had arrived, as it had clung to Aiwass's body during the ceremony and even while they were in the waiting hall. Lily deliberately said, "We were captured," yet the Shadow Demon did not immediately respond with denial or mockery, indicating it truly didn't know this was a rite of passage.

Thus, its identity was self-evident.

It was indeed the Shadow Demon that had contracted with Aiwass — but from an era before it had encountered Aiwass.

Compared with the aloof, arrogant, and murderous monstrosity of the Shadow Demon centuries later, the Shadow Demon of this era still possessed human traits. When it spoke of the Sons of the Moon, its teeth would clench, filled with hatred, yet it seemed to reminisce, and it felt sadness as well.

Its emotions were so vibrant and complete. Unlike a demon, it more closely resembled a human who had just become one.

——If the powerful, indifferent, and aggressive Shadow Demon of the future were seen as the mature form, then what was housed in his shadow now was the Shadow Demon in its juvenile stage.

Therefore, Lily quickly turned the tables and started to question its identity directly:

"Are you really the Shadow Demoness? Why do I feel that your emotions are so intense?"

Lily's intention was to steer the Shadow Demon's thought process.

Make it believe that Lily had a companion — who was also nurturing a Shadow Demon. To achieve this, it wouldn't work if she brought it up herself; a slightly suspicious counterpart would remain doubtful. So, she took a more aggressive approach, attempting to take control.

Having been with Aiwass for so long, he had gradually learned to lie.

His web was a creation of the Grey Celestial Marshal who governed lies, and the more robust the lie, the stronger it became.

"I don't know if he has told you," the Shadow Demon slowly replied, "but I have an irreconcilable grudge against them."

"Betrayal?" Lily asked softly.

"...He even told you that?"

The Shadow Demon sounded genuinely astonished.

——It must have wondered in that moment if it really had a master of its own.

"Fallen ones who have tumbled from high places, or righteous ones betrayed and ensnared. Marked by the Fallen Celestial Marshal with the brand of fury for harboring resentment in their hearts, they pay the price of becoming Shadow Demons, forever unable to see the Light again, all for the sake of revenge..."

As Lily spoke, she took another gulp of the strong liquor.

Feeling the drunkenness balloon in her brain, she felt as if the world had suddenly brightened.

She felt as though she overlapped with Aiwass, unconsciously revealing a confident smile similar to his, "Now tell me, Miss Shadow Demon... or Mister. Do you have the courage to reclaim your 'past'?"

"...You really are a person full of provocative power, sir,"

Shadow Demon sighed, the deep, husky voice reminiscent of a lion's rumbling softly, "I do not know what sort of man could have a servant like you. To say the least, it seems a waste for you to be merely a servant."

"The gentleman I serve is far more formidable than I. I am merely mimicking a few of his words,"

Lily answered calmly.

"...When did such a person appear in the empire?"

Shadow Demon hesitated, "I mean... surely your master isn't Prince Stuart?"

"Stop guessing, Miss Shadow Demon,"

Invisibly, Lily had already locked down the gender of Shadow Demon's thoughts—though Shadow Demon itself had no gender, its human predecessor did. And from the bits and pieces, she sensed that the other was a woman.

She must be young and full of confidence, a person high above yet with a gentle temperament. Probably often tired as well, which means she's not some noble miss but a true powerful woman.

Thus, Lily spoke her suspicion outright and asked again, "Do you really not intend to take back your past?"

"...You've already guessed who I am, haven't you?"

Shadow Demon sighed again, the tone growing somber.

I know nothing.

Lily thought.

Of course, if the young master were here, perhaps he could have known... but Lily's knowledge of empire history was not that profound. Even though she had narrowed it down this far, she still had no idea of the Shadow Demoness's prior identity.

However, on the other hand, since it had come this far, it would no longer be difficult to squeeze out the true identity.

So Lily intensified her seduction, "We are on the same side now, Miss Shadow Demon. I can serve as the foundation for you to exert your strength, and my master can also help you complete your revenge—you're both Shadow Demons, surely you can understand each other.

"Given that, whether or not I have guessed correctly on my end... we need a gesture of sincerity. A gesture that allows you to be recognized by us, one that is also the courage for you to stand tall and face the past head-on.

"—Speak out, Miss Shadow Demon. Who, in fact, were you before?"

"...Beyard."

Shadow Demon fell silent for a long time before uttering that name, "Vinesse Emile Zola Beyard of the Beyard Group.

"The Beyard who is still active today is nothing but an impostor. A vampire who stole my body, my name, my fortune, all my social relations.

"I could abandon that name myself, but I cannot tolerate someone else stealing it.

"So, I returned from hell—just to kill her.

"To let 'me' die once again."