In an instant, I left the Sanctuary and appeared directly in front of Kuro’s castle. It remains the same as ever, an enormous estate befitting the richest person in the world.
The one to greet me upon my arrival was Ein-san. She made a small bow and spoke.
"Welcome, Kaito-sama. Kuromu-sama has been expecting you." (Ein)
"Hello, Ein-san. Mind leading me to her?" (Kaito)
"But of course." (Ein)
Ein-san took my hand, and suddenly the scene shifted to an open field within the castle grounds. It seemed she had chosen to freeze time and moved me here while everything else was paused.
In my view was Kuro, both arms raised in a wave and a wide smile on her face.
"You got here earlier than expected, Kaito-kun. Let’s get to what I wanted to show you." (Kuromueina)
Kuro pulled something out from her Magic Box and it landed on the field. It was an armored jet-black king sitting on a throne. Behind the throne was a greatsword looking like a black cross.
That’s…
"The Black Emperor: Cross of the End Golem?" (Kaito)
"That’s right. It’s different from the one in the Six Kings Dungeon." (Kuromueina)
There’s a dungeon in the Central Demon Realm where people can challenge a series of bosses based on the Six Kings of the Demon Realm. Those were Golems created by Kuro, and it made me curious why Kuro wanted to show me a copy of one of them.
"Since equipment and items can be carried to other worlds, Kaito-kun can bring this Golem along. It’s the next best alternative when bringing other people doesn’t work." (Kuromueina)
So that’s Kuro’s explanation. Yeah, that does make sense since my Magic Box was brought along with me into Terra.
"What about it is different?" (Kaito)
"Roze-chan won’t be the one to operate these Golems. They will be relying on Kaito-kun’s command and magical energy. The originals were too strong for you to control, so we had to create new ones tailor-made for you." (Kuromueina)
"That makes sense. Roze-san said operating the Golems outside the dungeon becomes difficult even for her unless a special Barrier Magic is cast." (Kaito)
"Shalltear and I had to streamline these to automatically cast a Barrier Magic upon being summoned for them to be operable. Their powers are greatly downgraded too. At most, they should display powers of a top Viscount-rank Demon." (Kuromueina)
"But having a Golem with the strength of a Viscount-rank Demon is still valuable. I really appreciate what you’ve done." (Kaito)
That kind of power is not easy to acquire and shouldn’t be looked down upon. Having seven of them for me to command is still a huge increase in combat strength and safety.
"Ehehe, I’m glad Kaito-kun likes it a lot. I still haven’t gotten to the best part yet!" (Kuromueina)
Kuro raised her arm, pointing at the Golem. I expected her to cast a spell or channel her magical energy into it. Instead, a sphere of energy formed in her hand, which then sank into the Golem, and I could sense it was something beyond my expectations.
With a series of animated movements, Kuro moved her limbs, and the Golem mirrored her actions. Just as I started to wonder what was special about her puppeteering the Golem, a voice suddenly came from the Black Emperor Golem.
"Surprise, Kaito-kun!" (Black Emperor)
"It can talk too? You can project your own voice from it, huh." (Kaito)
There was the familiar voice of Kuro coming from it, even though she hadn’t moved her lips. She was somehow projecting her thoughts directly.
"Close. I’m actually possessing it!" (Black Emperor)
"Possession!?" (Kaito)
So, instead of just controlling it remotely, she was sending part of her spirit inside, using the Golem as a vessel and acting through it as a second body.
"To be more accurate, I divided my spirit so a part of me can reside inside the Golem where I can move around in it. I heard there was a word for it from one religion in Kaito-kun’s world, Bunrei, right?" (Black Emperor)
"I see…Since you’re in there, that removes the burden of me commanding the Golem. Thus, my only role is to provide magical energy to it." (Kaito)
I expressed the practical side of this, but I’m sure there’s a little more to it.
"In this state, the Golem isn’t technically a living being. It’s just an object where a spirit can inhabit inside, so it should count as an item in Kaito-kun’s possession. That means I can go with you when you enter a new world for the first time!" (Black Emperor)
My eyes widened at the information. This meant more of my close allies could stay by my side when exploring unknown worlds. I couldn’t help but feel excited about what Kuro had arranged behind the scenes.
"Hold on, if you’re using the Golems from the Six King Dungeon as a basis…does that mean Alice, Isis-san, Lillywood-san…" (Kaito)
"That’s right! The Six Kings and Ein will always be able to stay with you and protect you, Kaito-kun!" (Kuromueina)
As my words trailed off, Kuro’s real body chimed in. She was beaming with excitement, practically hopping with joy at the thought.
"This is an amazing idea, Kuro!" (Kaito)
"Ehehe, I’m so glad I can support you even in another world, Kaito-kun. And I know Ein feels the same way." (Kuromueina)
"Just as you say, Kuromu-sama. I look forward to being of service to Kaito-sama, always." (Ein)
Kuro smiled and glanced at Ein who replied with a respectful nod.
"My Golem, along with the others', is still in the fine-tuning phase to ensure smooth synchronization with its movements. Tell me about what you were doing with Shiro as I work." (Kuromueina)
"I'll prepare some refreshments." (Ein)
Ein offered, stepping out and returning with snacks and tea. As we talked, Kuro continued making adjustments to her Golem’s responsiveness, combat capabilities, and control over magical energy.
"So, the other two in your group chat received the manual I sent. I’m a bit curious about them. Do you have any idea when they might visit Trinia?" (Kuromueina)
"I haven’t asked if they’d like to visit yet." (Kaito)
"I suppose that’s fine for now. Shiro is still in negotiations with Raven-san about inter-world travel policies. For now, Trinia’s borders aren’t officially open to visitors through the group chat." (Kuromueina)
It’s too early for any outsiders to visit Trinia besides those from HIGCS. As expected, Shiro-san takes matters concerning Trinia’s safety and privacy very seriously.
"What about when new members join? Has Raven-san mentioned anything about that?" (Kuromueina)
"No, she didn’t. She seemed plenty occupied just mediating between Shiro-san and HIGCS." (Kaito)
"I can’t help but feel a bit sorry for her." (Kuromueina)
When asked if Raven-san said anything about potential newcomers to the group chat, I shook my head. Kuro just wryly smiled from learning of Raven-san’s current predicament.
"It would be helpful to know when the next arrivals are expected, so we can plan ahead. But I wouldn’t want to rush it." (Kuromueina)
"I, for one, am looking forward to what kind of people will be added in that circle. If they’re as interesting as the current members, I think everyone would have a lot of exciting moments with each other." (Kaito)
Kuro always had such a considerate nature, thinking of others' situations.
As I reflected on the current members of the group, I realized how unique and kind they all were, each with their own quirks and personalities. Now, as the server’s leader, I hoped I could get along with any potential new members as well as I had with the ones already there.
"Are you feeling comfortable, Kaito-sama?" (Ein)
"Ah, yes, I am." (Kaito)
"Would you like a shoulder massage while you eat?" (Ein)
"Thank you, I think I'll take you up on that offer." (Kaito)
Ein-san’s voice pulled me out of my thoughts. I responded to her suggestion for a shoulder massage affirmatively with a smile.
While my focus was on Ein-san, I suddenly felt a pair of hands grip my shoulders. They didn’t feel like Ein-san’s, and I was taken aback.
"Elcrester!?" (Kaito)
To my surprise, it was Ein-san's Golem, silently positioning itself behind me. The silver Golem resembled a mannequin dressed in a maid uniform.
"My divided spirit is inside here. To improve this Golem’s ability to serve Kaito-sama, I’m using it to help in my duties as a maid." (Elcrester)
Ein-san’s voice came from the Golem and it proceeded to massage my shoulders with its firm yet gentle fingers. The sensation felt incredibly human-like, and its movements were far smoother and more natural than any mechanical doll’s.
"Kaito-sama, look over. Ahhh." (Ein)
A spoon full of flan was gently brought up to my face by Ein-san. I was cajoled to take it in my mouth and eat the dessert. Its rich, sugary flavor filled my mouth as I took a bite.
"Fufu, being able to serve Kaito-sama with two bodies instead of one brings me an unexpected joy." (Ein)
The discovery prompted a soft, beautiful giggle from Ein-san, and a smile blossomed on her face.
"Ohh, what a splendid idea, Ein." (Kuro)
Kuro seemed inspired by Ein-san’s actions. I watched as Cross of the End moved forward. The Golem gently lifted me by my arms, found a spot to sit, and placed me comfortably on its lap.
Then, Kuro plopped down on my lap, finding it comfortable.
"What do you think? Getting to sit on ‘my’ lap while another ‘me’ is sitting on your lap, Kaito-kun?" (Kuromueina)
Kuro asked, grinning playfully as she leaned her head back to look at me from below. Her hair brushed against my neck, the fibers felt ticklish on my skin, as Kuro inched closer, making it impossible to escape her playful touch.
"You really can't help yourself, can you, Kuro? But I like it, of course." (Kaito)
That was my answer. I wrapped my arms around her, holding her close, and rested my chin on top of her head. The gesture made her laugh softly.
"Kaito-sama." (Ein)
"Over here." (Elcrester)
Ein-san called softly and Elcrester chimed in. Both approached with spoons full of flan from either side. They urged me to eat once more, their eyes sparkling with anticipation. But now, I had to choose!?
"Fufu, you look troubled, Kaito-sama." (Ein)
"Is there a need to be nervous?" (Elcrester)
Ein-san giggled softly and Elcrester added with a playful tone. Their voices overlapped in perfect harmony, both teasing me with a lighthearted laugh.
"Whichever you choose—" (Ein)
"—It’s still me in the end." (Elcrester)
Ein and Elcrester gave me reassuring smiles.
"Then, I’d like Elcrester to feed me!" (Kuro)
Kuro called out from below, quickly saving the situation.
"Understood. Open wide, Kuromu-sama, Kaito-sama." (Ein)
With that, Ein-san fed me while Elcrester attended to Kuro. Cross of the End gently patted my head as we continued with lunch in this unusual, yet peaceful, setup.
Afterword:
Raven12345: "Aaaahh! No more! I’m going to lose my mind if this meeting continues! I just want to leave and go back to watching Kaito-sama, is that too much to ask!? I still have to find more users for the server to grow!"