"…Then what do you want from us?"
NOX sighed at her wariness. He simply wanted to take his sister with him and offer her a life of happiness, one without struggle.
But this woman seemed to misunderstand everything, refusing to even give him a chance to explain. Perhaps that was how the world had always been.
One must understand, NOX didn't know how to interact with people, despite being a billion years old.
In his past life, he had spent most of his time either surviving the relentless pursuit of Dharma Soldiers or hunting them down in retaliation.
When he finally had his revenge, he turned his focus to reviving his family or creating Evolution Paths by experimenting on the enemies who cooperated in his quest.
He never had any meaningful interactions beyond his family, because he hated everyone else. So, expressing his intentions to this woman—that he wanted to adopt her daughter and raise her as his sister—without sounding like a needy fool was a daunting challenge.
Though his intentions were pure, he couldn't find a way to phrase it without cringing or sounding like the protagonist of an anime with an unbearable sister complex.
He would rather bite his tongue, chew it up, and swallow it than act like one of those emotionally needy characters.
Still, he knew Vivienne wouldn't part with her daughter without a proper reason.
NOX sighed again, thinking, 'I just want to recruit someone like any other protagonist, but why is this so damn awkward for me? Did the authors of other novels mislead us?'
Composing himself, NOX stood up from the bench and dramatically walked past them, clasping his hands behind his back as he adopted the classic patriarchal demeanor of the Dragon Country elders.
"Your daughter's determination has moved my heart. She is talented enough to join my clan, and that is all I desire." He paused to gauge Vivienne's reaction. Seeing her lost in thought, he continued, "Of course, I am not cruel enough to separate a mother from her daughter… You are welcome to follow her and stay with her." His deep voice carried the weight of ancient authority.
But as the words left his mouth, he immediately felt uneasy. There's no way anyone would fall for this nonsense, he thought.
He considered abandoning the act and being honest instead of relying on the classic novel trope where his words would make them kneel and pledge their loyalty, saying, "We are honored to join your grand lineage, young master."
NOX slowly turned back to finally speak his mind, but as he did, he froze.
Before his very eyes, Vivienne and Lyra were kneeling.
Disbelief washed over him. They were kneeling—just like in the classic novels.
What followed was even more absurd: Vivienne cupped her fists and, still kneeling, pledged, "We are honored to join your grand lineage, young master."
NOX stared at them in genuine disbelief, metaphorical question marks floating beside him.
'What the hell? …She actually bought my bullshit?'
He remained frozen, trying to process the weight of the moment. Slowly, a grin crept across his face. He was more certain than ever—he truly was a Divine Protagonist. And the scene unfolding before him was just another piece of evidence to support his claim.
NOX, still basking in the glow of his undeniable protagonist status, felt a surge of confidence. The universe itself had confirmed his role. He had spoken nonsense, and they had kneeled. The logic was airtight.
His grin widened as he straightened his posture, slipping even further into his self-created persona. If he had the power to make others accept his fabricated grandeur, why stop now?
Vivienne, still kneeling, lifted her gaze, her eyes burning with fervor. "Young Master, may I ask… to which grand lineage do you belong?"
NOX nearly stumbled. Oh? She's this eager? He had anticipated skepticism, some degree of questioning, maybe even an attempt at bargaining. But Vivienne's expression was one of absolute reverence, as if she had been waiting for a figure like him her entire life.
He narrowed his eyes slightly, observing her.
Vivienne was no fool.
In this world, she and her daughter had no backing. Their path forward would be perilous without support, and joining a powerful clan would grant them resources, status, and protection. She had already witnessed NOX's strength firsthand, and the way he had dismissed the Stardust Lineage's most powerful technique as if it were beneath him? That was proof enough.
No, more than that—his very presence, his demeanor, the way he carried himself… It all pointed to an individual of high standing in an unimaginably powerful clan. For such a person to extend an invitation was a blessing. Only a fool would let such an opportunity slip away. And Vivienne was not a fool.
Beyond that, she had carefully studied his expression and mannerisms. There was no hidden malice, no impure intentions toward her or her daughter.
This was a rare opportunity, one she would seize without hesitation.
NOX saw the fire in her eyes and knew she had already made up her mind. He nodded slowly, his expression one of deep satisfaction, as if he had long expected such devotion.
To seal the act, he instinctively moved to stroke his beard… only to find nothing but smooth skin. His fingers awkwardly hovered midair before he swiftly retracted them with feigned seriousness, as if deep in thought instead.
Vivienne, undeterred, leaned forward slightly, anticipation evident in her voice. "Young Master, may I ask… which grand lineage do you belong to?"
NOX exhaled slowly, as if debating whether to reveal such a truth. Then, as dramatically as possible, he clasped his hands behind his back, lifted his chin, and declared:
"I am NOX Ashborn, the youngest heir of the Empyrean Lineage… the Dark Heaven Clan."
Empyrean Lineage?
The weight of his own words nearly made him choke.
At the mention of the Dark Heaven Clan, Vivienne trembled.
One of the only two Empyrean Clans, it was a name known throughout the Lower Realm. Even those who had never seen its members had heard of its power. The Dark Heaven Patriarch was not just the head of an ancient and feared demonic lineage—he was also the Council Lord of the Society, a force that had stood tall for countless eras. That alone spoke volumes.
Demonic clans, no matter how powerful, rarely lasted long. Human society viewed them as threats, obstacles to be purged. Yet the Dark Heaven Clan had endured, standing unshaken through countless generations. That was proof of their unparalleled strength.
Vivienne had no prejudice against them. Unlike the fools who feared what they did not understand, she knew power was power—no matter where it came from. And more importantly, NOX wasn't just from the Dark Heaven Clan…
He was the heir.
Her heart pounded. She had hit the jackpot.
Then, NOX's voice cut through her thoughts, bringing her back to reality. "Stand," he commanded, his tone rich with gravitas.
Vivienne and Lyra immediately obeyed.
"You are now members of the Dark Heaven Clan. From this moment forward, you kneel before no one." His voice carried the weight of ancient authority, every syllable deliberate. NOX was fully living the act now.
But just as Vivienne's excitement reached its peak, just as she thought her future had finally taken a turn for the better, NOX paused. His eyes locked onto hers, studying the fire burning within them.
And then, he doused it with ice.
"Since you are now members of my clan, you are my people."
Vivienne trembled.
NOX's expression darkened, his voice turning solemn. "So, you must know… there are rumors about me. That I have accepted the Devil's power."
A heavy silence settled between them. NOX continued, his words measured. "And these rumors will only intensify in the coming days. There is a very real chance that our clan will become the enemy of all humanity."
Vivienne's hands clenched at her sides. The thrill of joining a legendary clan now battled with creeping unease. Her breath hitched, but she kept her voice even—careful not to offend.
"Young Master, you need not worry," she said cautiously. "I am sure these are just baseless rumors. Why would someone of your status even need the Devil's power? I trust you completely, Young Master."
Her words were firm.
Her tone was not.
NOX chuckled, a low, knowing sound. "You are right," he said smoothly. "Why would I need a lowly devil to grant me power?" His voice dripped with disdain.
Hearing this, Vivienne exhaled in relief. Her unease melted away.
As long as NOX remained pure, as long as he had not actually accepted the Devil's power, everything was negotiable. No matter how much the world feared the Dark Heaven Clan, they would not move against him if he was still human at heart.
Her triumph was short-lived.
Because then, with absolute pride, NOX said—
"I did not accept the Devil's power… because I am the Devil."
Vivienne's smile froze, her face turning to stone, and then, that stone cracked.
I must have misheard. Yes, that was the only explanation. She had just woken up. Her ears must still be adjusting.
She forced an awkward chuckle and asked, "Young Master, you said something just now? My ears… didn't work properly."
NOX smiled. A knowing smile. A smile that sent a chill down her spine.
"Your ears," he said smoothly, "are working just fine."
Vivienne almost collapsed. Her entire body nearly gave out as a terrifying realization hit her.
Did she… did she just join hands with a Devil?
Her thoughts spiraled. Her future flashed before her eyes—burning stakes, holy swords, priests chanting in righteous fury. She could already picture herself crucified alongside NOX as the world condemned them.
Her expression twisted between a polite smile and sheer horror. And in that moment, she could have sworn she saw it—horns.
Yes. A pair of horns emerging from NOX's head, dark and malevolent. Was she imagining it? Or was she already descending into madness?
Her throat felt dry. She needed to act fast.
"Y-Young Master," she said, forcing steadiness into her voice, "we do not wish to stain the reputation of the Empyrean Clan. It… it seems we are unworthy to join your grand lineage."
She smiled. It was an awkward smile, a last-ditch effort to escape before it was too late.
But NOX's own smile widened, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "What are you saying?"
"I said you are worthy. You are worthy!"
His voice was final.
Vivienne trembled.
This was it. This was how she died. She had doomed herself and her daughter by kneeling to a Devil.
She cast a desperate glance at NOX. And at that moment, in the flickering light, she could swear—swear—that his horns looked even sharper.
She nearly cried.
Vivienne looked at her daughter, whose face was lit up with the foolish excitement of someone utterly unaware of their impending doom.
She clenched her fists.
Her daughter had truly done it. She had brought a Devil home. Worse, she had tricked her own mother into joining hands with said Devil.
And now, every time Vivienne so much as blinked, all she could see was herself nailed to a cross, divine flames licking at her feet as priests chanted solemnly in the background.
How had it come to this?
More importantly—how could she get out of this without offending the Devil standing before her? What if she said the wrong thing and he casually decided to swallow her whole? Could Devils even do that? She didn't know. And frankly, she didn't want to find out.
No, no—she had so much left to accomplish. She had to survive. If she played her cards right, maybe—maybe—one day, she and her foolish daughter could escape this situation unscathed.
For now, resistance was futile.
She forced a smile. It was the polite, tight-lipped smile of a woman coming to terms with her fate. "Young Master, you are my savior, and I have already pledged my loyalty. Even if you are the Devil, my daughter and I will follow you to the ends of the world, even if we are… crucified and burned in the process."
Her lips curled upward, but her eyes shimmered with unshed tears.
Lyra, taking in her mother's dramatic declaration, thought she looked so cool. Inspired, she puffed out her cheeks proudly, stepping forward with a determined nod.
"Yes, Big Brother! Even if my mother is crucified and burned, we will follow you!"
Vivienne's forced smile twitched.
She turned to her daughter, eyes narrowing. 'Why are you excluding yourself from the 'crucified and burned' part?'
She wasn't stupid. She knew her daughter far too well. That little rat had carefully chosen her words because she didn't want to suffer.
Vivienne nearly choked on her frustration. She truly had an unfilial and overly clever daughter.
Meanwhile, NOX watched them with quiet satisfaction. He had done it. He had successfully recruited two loyal followers—just like a classic protagonist! And he had recruited two in a single day.
If that wasn't proof of his Divine Protagonist status, then what was?
His thoughts drifted to Lucas.
Lucas, that grumpy side character, had driven two people away—his twin maids.
Meanwhile, he had gained two people.
The difference was obvious.
The corners of NOX's lips curled as he shifted his gaze upward. The sky had darkened, and overhead, the massive celestial body that loomed over this world—the Genesis Realm—was vividly visible.
For a fleeting moment, his blindfolded gaze turned cold.
But then, he exhaled.
It was time to go home.
That single thought warmed him from within, filling his heart with anticipation.
Finally, he would return to his family—the ones for whom he had erased an entire Reality without hesitation. The family that had sacrificed their dreams, their futures, everything—for him.
Now, it was his turn.
Their goals were his goals. Their problems were his problems. And their enemies?
…They wouldn't exist.
NOX smiled at Vivienne and Lyra, his voice carrying a warmth that contrasted with his earlier theatrics.
"Let's go home."