Chapter 185 Deserved Acclaim

- POV Freya -

Before me stood the soldiers I had left the day before by the tree made of water and crystal and they were right on time. Most of them were almost unrecognizable, but I could feel their newfound power from where I stood and couldn't help but feel proud. The ten Commanders of the Empire were here and they had finally evolved overnight as planned all along and I couldn't be more pleased.

"Welcome home...Chaos Commanders !"

As I spoke these words, the huge creatures of more than three meters disappeared instantly to let appear the young women I knew well. In a cloud of dust, as one and without a word, they knelt down at the same time as the Lieutenants, all dressed in black and wearing their cloaks, bearing their respective symbols.

[OI ! What's that ? It's not fair ! W-Why can they keep their clothes on huh ? Tsk...]

Even though Kira was far behind beside my wife and children, I could hear her voice complaining in my mind. Ignoring her words although they were very accurate, I observed with a little more attention what had changed in each of them. It was very quick because I was about to speak but still very instructive because from what I could see, the Commanders had all changed a little.

From left to right was Nixia, who was now sporting black scales with almost deep blue highlights, brighter than ever. The tip of her tail ended in a blade and although the black fire that was there in her reptilian form was gone, she was much scarier than before. Parts of her body were covered in scales and her face reflected a confidence I had never seen before.

Ralph at her side, still with her beautiful brown hair, now had orange highlights on it, mixing with her eyes that gave me chills. Her vampire canines had lengthened, she had grown slightly and like Nixia, Ralph gave off a very different aura. A bit like Kira, the young hybrid woman inspired sympathy, mischief but also the power and dignity of a true she-wolf.

Just after, Emilia and Naïa were standing side by side and as I watched, I couldn't help but have a smile on my face, totally aware of their relationship. Emilia could not use any element but for some reason could turn into a beast like Nixia and Ralph. She had not changed much under her humanoid form but her body seemed to be muscled while keeping her slim and fine side.

Naïa didn't seem to be able to transform but her hair was the first thing that caught my attention. She had red hair and green eyes representing her race just like her mother and father but today her hair was glowing. Instead of red hair, there were real flames dancing around her head and although seemingly harmless, Naïa at the age of 16 was impressive.

Then there were Thorunn, Persea and Trioa who hadn't changed much physically compared to the others but who were just as powerful. Trioa could transform herself into a wyvern even though she couldn't control any element and apart from the two horns that appeared on her forehead, nothing was different. Her face always reflected an incredible kindness and her beauty had only increased.

Thorunn, on the other hand, was still the vampire I knew, with long silky blonde hair and eyes as red as Ralph's. Her vampire canines were also longer and as I watched her, I couldn't help but wonder why she couldn't turn into a beast. I was going to check with them later on their real changes anyway so I didn't feel too worried.

Then my gaze fell on Ynir kneeling in front of me who was the one with probably the most physical changes. She had become a beautiful butterfly and the beauty of her insect form was reflected in her humanoid form. Her previously black hair had now become almost transparent with rainbow highlights, like the wings she had behind her back, Ynir was now a butterfly catalyzing the light of day and night.

There remained, Caipy, Luna and Persea who stood on my right, heads down, smiling, an aura as surprising and striking as the others. Luna was the only one of the three who could take a bestial form like a fierce black panther, made of lightning and power but the other two young women were just as much. She had become much more beautiful but also much more dangerous and striking.

Persea looked like a goddess of nature, beautiful, natural and covered with flowers while Caipy looked like a dark elf, as beautiful as mysterious. All my Commanders were kneeling in front of me, their Lieutenant also prostrated behind them, greeting me after their return. Everything was as I had expected and before I spoke again, my eyes rested on my black horse.

Inferno...just like Naïa, his mane and tail were no longer black like my hair but burning like fire because they were covered with flames. They were not orange like the young fox but red, contrasting with his piercing golden eyes and his body as black as the darkness. My trusty steed was standing next to my soldiers and had even bent its two front legs as if it understood the situation.

I wanted to go to him, I wanted to talk to him and understand what was going on with him but I was holding back for later. For the moment, I had a lot to see as usual and time was running out as the human army was regrouping more and more every day. Nodding to Inferno who was the only one looking me in the eye, I tapped my foot on the ground before speaking again.

"Commanders, Soldiers ! Please get up ! You are back safe and sound and I can only congratulate you for that ! Now that you're here, I think it's time to reveal to the Empire just how brave and incredible you were."

As I finished my sentence, all of them without exception stood up as one, pounding their chests with their fists and clicking their heels with their heads held high. They were my companions, my soldiers, and I was at that moment proud of them and what we had been through...more than I had ever been. Letting a slight smile appear for those who had fought alongside me...it was time.

"Well. Let's go..."

"HAI !"

Turning back to the citizens and my family who were waiting wondering what was going on, I began to walk in their direction followed by my Commanders and the rest of my soldiers. We walked proudly, with our heads held high, more powerful than when we left and with a strength that could devastate the entire forest. After a mediocre life on Earth, I had finally found warriors I could rely on and trust.

As we gradually arrived at the entrance to the city, I created a large staircase of ice whose steps appeared the moment I stepped into the air. Still followed by my soldiers and my horse, we climbed several meters above the ground before stopping on a platform above all Elysium. Up there, everyone could see us and everyone looked at us as I finally spoke.

"Citizen of the Empire listen to me !!"

I spoke in a strong, confident voice so that everyone could hear even those who were farther away. I wanted to convey what I felt to all those stars we had sworn to protect and whose happiness and smiles were our priorities. While the city was silent and heads were raised in our direction, only my voice carried, setting hearts aflame and reassuring souls.

"Since you have all gathered here, let me introduce you to the best warriors of our beautiful Empire! During this long month of absence they fought by my side, we went through many trials and despite their difficulties they never gave up and came back stronger !...

As I spoke, I could see the effect of my words on the citizens and especially the soldiers who looked at their Commanders with stars in their eyes. Everyone had to know how brave they had all been and how we had all come out alive not because of me but because of all of us. The War that was coming would be all out and I as Empress had to reassure my people.

....From now on, the name of the Chaos Commanders will resound in the hearts of the humans who dare to attack us and what we have built together ! Today I am not afraid to say that I could trust them with my life as you all can trust me with yours, so please...cheer for these warriors ! Cheer them fervently and let your voices be heard in the skies of Elysium so that their names echo ! Let them know that you are proud of them as I am proud of what they have become and what they will become !"

At the end of my sentence, a thunderous cheer began to resound outside the city gates engulfing it with cries of joy and relief. The soldiers, as usual, struck the ground with their feet or their weapons and the citizens applauded fervently. The names of the Commanders were on everyone's lips and as I turned to face them, I could see them moved.

They all had one hand on their hearts, looking away but with a huge smile on their faces reflecting their state of mind. It was a powerful and loving moment that the young women would never forget and deserved. The Lieutenants were also cheered and although they were more shy, the pride was also in their eyes.

The voices of the citizens and soldiers below us continued to rise to the sky as I snapped my fingers to use my magic. The symbol of each one appeared as a brooch on the collar of their cloak. A flame for Nixia and Naïa, a fang for Ralph, a sword for Emilia, an eye for Thorunn, a wing for Trioa, a bolt of lightning for Luna, a cross for Caipy and a leaf for Ynir and Persea.

It was their reward for being so exemplary and to congratulate them of their evolutions which had not been easy. I had also planned something for the Lieutenants, but it could wait a little bit more because the day was just beginning. For the moment the people of the Empire were smiling and happy and although they did not know what was going on outside, they would soon find out.

We had only a few days ahead of us, maybe less, and while the moments of rejoicing were important, the rest was just as important. So, to the cheers, I was lowering the ice platform to arrive right in front of my wife, my little sister and my children. The surprise could be seen on the faces of my soldiers as their eyes fell on the two newborns of the Empire.

"WAAAAAH !!!"

Gaya was rocking them tenderly as Tyle cried, probably awakened by the noise we had all made and the moment I leaned in to kiss him, everyone suddenly fell silent. My little boy had been crying a lot but his little sister was totally calm despite everything that had happened, to my great surprise. Altaïs was smiling and clapping her hands in the air trying to grab my hair laughing as if nothing had happened.

"Ga-ga-hi-hi-hi-hi !!"

Smiling tenderly, I in turn kissed my daughter on the forehead making her laugh more and smile like the most beautiful treasure. Straightening up with a heart full of love, her smile contagious, I then approached my sweet wife to place on her forehead a soft kiss. Then it was Shiro's turn to wait, squirming as if waiting for something while I kissed her on the cheek tenderly.

"I...uh...y-you...you don't have to...well...I...you..."

Kira feeling her turn coming, squirmed exactly like my little moon, her face slightly red, her eyes shifting from the crowd to me. It was obvious that my little sister wanted the same treatment but was too shy or embarrassed to express it clearly. Giggling lightly, I approached her while I could hear Kira's heart beating wildly.

"Come here..."

Grabbing her shoulder, I placed my lips on her cheek all warm and red before turning back to everyone who had just witnessed the scene. It was time to reveal to everyone who Kira was and who these two adorable babies were that today were adding to the family. In a few hours there would be a big meeting with the Section Leaders and Commanders about our future actions.

Walking towards those waiting in front of us, I cleared my throat before speaking. My family was by my side and even though in my mind two people were missing that I had never met before in this life, I felt happy and complete. I hadn't forgotten about Gaya's little brother who was in the hospital and trying to find a way to save him was also on my to-do list.

Also somewhere in this world or somewhere else was Kalaa and even though I hadn't taken the time to probe my memories yet, I hadn't forgotten her. So many things to do, so many things to face and people to protect but it was my duty as Empress, as a mother, as a sister and as a wife. With a determined soul and a strong heart, I raised my voice to introduce to everyone the family that made my heart beat.

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FULL STATUS

Names : Freya / Lucifer Nightshade

Age : 0 years old / Mentally : 25 years old

Sex : Female

Course: Ice Demon Wolf of Chaos - Adult

Race : Imperial Demon

Titles :

- Demon Goddess of Primordial Blood and Death (former - until all powers are recovered) - 20% off

- Wrathful Lucifer (7th Sin) - Master of the unique Sins Demons (to unlock it please collect the other 6 - 3/6 - (locked)

- Dragon tamer

- Ruthless slayer

Level : 45/70

Exp needed for next level: 0 / 46 000

HP : 170 000 / 170 000 MP : 85 000 / 85 000. BLOOD : 100 / 100

Strength: 560

Defense : 560

Agility : 566

Endurance: 563

Speed : 562

Intelligence: 560

Charisma: 500 (imperial she-wolf)

Attribute points to allocate : 600

Married to : Gaya Nightshade

Daughter : Shiro Nightshade

Twins (son & daughter) : Tyle & Altaïs Nightshade

Little sister : Kira Nightshade (Greedy Fox)

Big sister : Kalaa Nightshade

Empire (menu)

Subordinates: 1239

Humans killed: 153

Souls: 2/3

Elements: Ice / Chaos (Freya) - Blood / Death (Lucifer)

Skills (all):

Attacks :

- Demon Claws (Lvl 5)

- Bite of hell (Lvl 6)

- Infernal ice spikes (Lvl 6)

- Fighting techniques (Lvl max)

- Mastery of the katana (lvl max)

- Demonic Empress aura (lvl 6)

Défense :

- Ice demon wall (Lvl 6)

- Demonic Cloak (lvl 5)

- Pain Resistance (lvl 5)

Attack/Defense :

- Domain of the Ice Empress "Frozen Wrath" (lvl 3) - (under condition)

- Death Gaze (lvl 1)

Others :

- Humanoid form

- Demonic form (linked to the title so incomplete) - 20%.

- Ice creation (Lvl 6)

- Storage of chaos (Lvl 4)

- Devouring Chaos (Lvl 5)

- Master of Souls (lvl 2)

- Lucifer's Threads of Blood (lvl 2)

- Healing Blood (lvl 2)

- Analysis

- Telepathy