Chapter 53: Power of Bonds

*cough* *cough* Today is 1st of the month. What better time to throw some money at your beloved author's on his Pat.reon and read some chapters in advance.

Pat.reon Link -> bit.ly/3fTKxxb

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Astrum was the place Lemegeton came from, located in a world parallel from the world, it was called the Home of Diva. Born from the concept, beliefs, and folks of humans, Diva held powers similar to gods.

After a certain scientist discovered Philosopher stone, their world changed, gaining contact with Diva.

This girl here, Lemegeton, was the Chief Diva of Solomon 72 Pillars Mythology, supporting Japan.

Or that was what I understood after reading the Light novel of Magika no Kenshi blah blah blah.

Lemegeton looked around, searching for someone with her stigma. Her eyes stopped on me, flashing apparent vigilance.

"Are you the one who summoned me?!"

I nodded to confirm her assumption. 

"I am Asahi Marikawa and I want to form a contract with Lemegeton."

A straightforward approach was what I wanted.

"Why is Leme here in a world without Astrum?"

I approached her and raised my hand. She unconsciously closed her eyes, thinking I would be harming her. I placed my hand on her head and rubbed her soft hair.

"W-Whaa! It feels weird." She opened her eyes, closing them seconds later. "I feel warm…" 

She was lonely after the protagonist's mother, also her former contractor left her. Since she lost her powers and got locked in Astrum where she couldn't contact the 72 Pillars, her underlings.

"Can you agree to contract me, please?"

She slapped away my hand and puffed her cheeks. "Leme is not an easy girl. Also, Leme's powers are not for everyone to use."

"I need them to protect my women." I faked a remorseful sigh and clenched my fists. "This world is plagued by the undead for many days. I need the power to protect myself and the women I care about."

I started explaining the horrors of the undead. My power to summon any demon related to 72 Pillars.

My perfect acting probably fooled her.

She put on a thoughtful expression and crossed her arms on her chest. "Leme wants to ask a question—What is your purpose after saving this world?"

Did she misinterpret my words as saving the world? I didn't mind doing it as long as I got XP and the women I like.

"I want to travel to different worlds with my women."

"Different worlds?" She tilted her head. "Leme only knows Earth and Astrum."

"Can you return to any of them?" I asked despite knowing the answer.

She shook her head with drooped shoulders. "Leme can't."

Even with her childish personality, this girl held grudges. So I couldn't force her into a contract.

"Then come to different worlds with me."

"Leme… Leme will agree if you swear to be a Harem King."

"I agree."

I was already a Harem King, to begin with. If having five lovers wasn't a harem then I don't know what else is.

"Leme doesn't know how to form contracts without Enigma."

Enigma was the symbol that appeared on the summoner's hand on their 14th birthday. If they successfully contracted a Diva, they would mature into a Stigma.

I didn't need them when I had the contract skill. But the girls will need them to form the pact.

'Klyscha?'

(There are no cringy lines involved. Just ask her about the contract and let her agree with it.)

Better.

"Just answer this question. Are you willing to enter a contract with me?"

"Leme agrees to Asahi being her contractor."

With her agreement, strands of black flowed from her and wrapped around me. 

Oh wait, I wasn't a princess knight, so why were these tentacles covering me?!

They retreated into her body and Leme's eyes widened.

*Ding!*

[—Contract established with Lemegeton, the lesser key of Solomon.]

[—Contract ranks up to E.]

[—Special Skill: Power of Bonds acquired]

Power of Bonds (Special): The King's Authority of Lemegeton is powered up the level of bonds you have forged.

—Ring of Solomon (A-Rank): It keeps track of the positivity levels of the girls contracted with a Diva.

—Telepathy (B-Rank): You can contact any girl whose positivity level is above 150.

—Zekorbeni (S-Rank): A special enchanted pendant that helps you in casting any magic spell instantly.

—Gematria (SSS Rank): Sealed due to insufficient power.

This was the best way for me and my harem to grow stronger together. Next, I will summon the subordinate Diva of Lemegeton and let the girls contract them. With enough practice, they will be able to access the ten devastating spells of the Diva.

The power of spells depended on one's synchro rate and affinity with Diva.

The strongest Level 10 spell could obliterate a city with ease. Not much on the bigger scale of powers, but here with the friendly undead, I could grind XP.

AoE attacks, that's what I lacked and this will allow me to use them.

Since the spirits would be contracted to me, they would grow stronger with me. Not like the usual Diva shown in the story.

I rubbed the black ring that appeared on the index finger of my right hand—the ring of Solomon.

"Leme feels the power. You… you, why are there bonds more sturdy than Leme ever saw?!"

(Aimi and me.)

Feel the power of a yandere bodyguard and a shut-in goddess!

Leme let out a sigh tinged with regret. "So bad that they aren't contracted with any Diva, or Asahi could have cast Level 10 magic spells."

I could only cast spells according to the positivity levels of girls.

I held out my hand with a smile. "Thanks for your help. I would be sure to treasure you."

She placed a hand on her hips and pointed at me. "Ohoho, Leme knows Asahi wants to do naughty things with her."

I forgot this extremely beautiful woman was somewhat perverted since she always wanted her contractor to become a 'Great Harem King'.