The Primal Hunter

Jake’s first question when he heard about the Demon Lord having a harem regarded the logistics. You see, the Demon Lord was quite large, while all the regular demons he saw in his sphere were human-sized, so…

Anyway, not important. What was important was the entire theming of the thirty-fourth floor, as the friendly demon explained it to them.

“The evil Demon Lord Gubrothas had a harem back before he was sealed away consisting of nine Mistresses and one Prime Consort that he valued above everything else. In the years waiting for his return, the Prime Consort took control and was the most powerful person outside of the evil Demon Lord Gubrothas himself. She was the original leader of the Demonic Cult, and after the summoning, she embraced the demonic path and became a half-demon herself. The nine Mistresses and the Prime Consort have been in a power struggle for a long, and some have even been disillusioned due to the prolonged absence of their lord. However, more importantly, are the young candidates and common Courtesans hoping to ascend to become Mistresses. Many of them have been here for many years and know secrets that can help us, such as how to open the seal to the castle of the evil Demon Lord Gubrathas, though I suspect that key is held only by the Prime Consort. I also heard that three Secret Scrolls have been given to three of his Mistresses. Locating those will also assist us moving forward.”

In essence, this room, if not entire floor of Nevermore, was pretty much a large red-light district. Jake’s first thought was just quickly finding their targets and going on a slaughter. However…

“Please try to not cause unnecessary death… many of those who live here are those who never truly joined the army of the evil Demon Lord Gubrothas. You must be selective and only kill those who are truly evil while sparing the innocent. We must not raise too much suspicion either, as I fear the evil Demon Lord Gubrothas may choose to temporarily completely seal away the castle or perhaps even flee.”

It was a nice request that Jake would certainly have ignored. The problem was, it wasn’t actually a request.

Floor Penalty activated. Killing any non-designated target on this floor will result in a subtraction of Nevermore Points. This subtraction grows exponentially based on how many “innocents” are killed. Using Identify will inform you whether a being is innocent, undetermined, or free to kill.

“Wait, what the hell?” Jake asked after reading it. “Negative points for killing? What kind of dungeon is this?”

“The type that punishes people who go full murderhobo for no reason.”

“First of all, how do you even know the word murderhobo? Secondly, how come just killing everything on any prior floor was totally fine?” Jake asked with a bit of exasperation.

“The answer to your first question is that I am smart, and the answer to the second is that I am talented at making diverse encounters,” Minaga said, clearly proud of himself. “Does make life hard for you, huh? Can’t just kill everything and move on? Also, do you like how it contrasts to the prior floor, where it was all about killing?”

“Not a big fan, no,” Jake muttered. “But we could just head straight for the Prime Consort, kill her, and move on, right?”

Minaga didn’t answer. Instead, the Sword Saint shook his head. “That would result in no bonus points being gained, I assume. I am not saying we can’t send one person to quickly finish off the Prime Consort, but that may raise suspicions… I think taking it slow may be for the best.”

“Yeah, I guess,” Jake said. “But how will we even be able to sneak around? I can maybe see the two of us put on some big robes, but the others…”

Jake looked at the plant lady, the green bird, and the large floating Unique Lifeform. They didn’t exactly fit into a city of demons. At least there were still cultists walking around, many of those humans, but that would only help Jake and the Sword Saint.

“Ah, do not worry, I have prepared identities for all of you,” the demon in the room said, almost like Jake’s words had triggered a dialogue response. “Here, take these identification badges, and you will be believed to be part of the Demonic Cult.”

“How does that make any sense,” Jake said as the demon took out five badges, each of them flying towards a member of Jake’s party. It didn’t change their appearance or anything. All it did was add a slight change to the feeling of their aura.

“And this actually works?” Jake asked the demon.

“The Demonic Cult often has new members joining from the old kingdom, so your appearance should not raise any suspicion, and your identities are perfect as long as you are careful and don’t divulge who you truly are. Now please, you must locate the three Secret Scrolls and find the key to unlocking the castle so you can finish your quest and slay the evil Demon Lord Gubrothas and restore order. Obtaining the three Secret Scrolls is also imperative as it will no doubt help you in the final fight against the evil Demon Lord Gubrothas.”

to Sylphie and the Fallen King. “You mean to tell me that a Demonic Cult consistent only of humanoids will not at all question

Demonic Cult often has new members joining from the old kingdom, so your appearance should not raise any suspicion, and your identities are perfect as long as you are careful and don’t divulge

off, hearing the

often

your guidance. We will do our utmost,” the Sword Saint then cut him off as he

when you have them all, and I shall decipher them,” the demon said, finally changing what

it seemed to enter a catatonic state, just staring into the

tell me that these people are actually

say? Anyway, I will echo his words and wish you luck… I look

is it?” Jake

an entirely valid strategy, one I would even recommend for most parties, I will warn you about sleeping with too many of the Courtesans,

Jake cut him off as he raised

when the fifty years run out, but the dude was still delusional to the extreme, and last time I checked, he got two kids, and he probably fucked up his own Records pretty badly. Casually sleeping with them is totally fine, though, and a

too disadvantaged towards non-male individuals and monsters attempting the dungeon?” the Sword

too, and no one said the Mistresses or even Prime Consort don’t

asked, seemingly confused about

it. Minaga is just talking nonsense,” Jake reassured

you how you do it, but putting on some charm may prove

out. Well, he was never there to begin with, but… yeah. Jake and the others were left to wonder how to proceed on this floor, with Jake being quite unsure for the first time since entering Nevermore. Through his Pulse of Perception, he could locate several

begin by scouting the city a bit more carefully and confirm that we can indeed

no other ideas. As a group, they went through a secret exit leading to the cellar and entered the house of the old demon before promptly leaving to the

there that had nothing to do with this harem. The name was probably only what it was because

than ready to be jumped by some of the many guards walking about. However, to his

Guard – lvl 250

haven’t seen any of you around before. Are you new members of the Demonic Cult?”

what to say as he once more took a look at their party. There was no fucking way anyone would think they were actually new members. He also confirmed that Identify designated the guy as innocent,

of the honored

recently,” the guard nodded. “Carry on then, and enjoy your stay! Sadly the castle is closed off right now, much to the disappointment of the Mistresses and the Prime Consort. It makes me fear

do such a thing?” the Sword Saint said, looking horrified. “And how would such a thing even happen? I am certain the Mistresses and Prime Consort are all under heavy protection within their residences, and

Prime Consort. Recently there are

to keep an eye out

with a smile. “Here, take this signet and show it to a guard if you wish to report someone. It will also help other guards not suspect you are one of these horrible people who wish

to keep them all safe,” the old man said

nodded before walking