Netori: Reborn as the Human Aphrodisiac

As for Arian being erased by transcendent forces, that too had immediate consequences on the past and present. In this new timeline, Cassandra finds out about Luther's infidelity on the day of their marriage and never consummates the union with him—thereby making Mithras her first.

Their relationship also starts much sooner, with Mithras being spoiled rotten by Cassandra growing up while helping her to the very best of his abilities and accumulating a lot more snake monsters.

As for how much sooner their relationship starts, well...let's just say that it is one of those things that should stay secret for the good of our little world of mad fantasies.

Another change is Ulric—Luther's illegitimate son—who as the duke's only son, was loved and sheltered to the extreme, preventing his mysterious assassination. His engagement to Celestia, however, never happens—prevented by Cassandra as matriarch of the Elektra.

This didn't stop the now bold and arrogant Ulric from swearing for all to hear that he'd snatch Celestia's heart and obtain the goddess of his dreams!

And once Luther died, enabling Mithras and Cassandra to steal the Astalon's everything, name included, Ulric becomes...Mithras' archnemesis! Tiny details with far-reaching impact that will no doubt make for interesting future development.

That Ulric now stood in front of his father's grave, tears dropping nonstop as he shook in a mix of grief, helplessness, and rage. "It's them…the Zealots might have dealt the final blow, but it's them who killed you. That faithless whore and her playboy of a boytoy…they killed you, shamed you forever, and damned your legacy! I can't stand it! I won't forgive them!

Dad, I swear on this grave that I will avenge you completely, and make both Mithras and Cassandra pay for the years of shame, grief and humiliation they have caused us both!" The Astalon youth pledged, prostrating himself at his father's grave.

---

Meanwhile, in the freshly built Great Blood Megalopolis' imperial palace, the King of Kings stood before a pair of wall portraits. One, an ordinary-looking knight, the other, a graceful and elegant middle-aged woman.

Odoacer's face softened at the pair, a mix of complex yet warm emotions shining through his eyes. Trajan stood behind him, he too looking at the pair with love and adoration.

"A man is fortunate to find a woman who will love him for himself and stand by his side with steadfast devotion through all the trials and tribulations that fate put in his way. When that woman appears, you must protect her with every fiber of your being.

He did that without fail, honoring her to the best of his abilities. Their story was perfect. Why…why did the Red God have to ruin it? And why am I the living proof…of that heinous crime?

A God. Not an Antigod...a God...can commit such a vile and repugnant deed without fear of repercussion. The laws of the universe will not even allow his name to be dragged into the mud. Why? Because so long as he sits on the Throne of War, Heruka will count as one of the Fundamental Principles.

And so, I made the pledge to ascend to godhood, to ascend to the Higher Planes—all the way to the Red Cloud Paradise...and reduce my father, the Wrathful God of War, into a mess of blood and gore.

But I can't do it myself! The Weaver is not stupid! My blood is too cursed for me to achieve godhood on my own! And I do not have the Lord's blessing, so to give my mother justice, and avenge the man who raised me with love and care despite my vile origin…I have no other choice...but to deal with the Devil.

I will do anything—ANYTHING—to slaughter the God of War with my own two hands! No matter how long it takes, and the price that must be paid, I will destroy Heruka, avenge the woman who bore me for nine painful months, and cleanse my name...from that shameful connection.

The day I replace Heruka as the new Red God, humanity will transcendent Superior Beings, and conquer the universe!

That the words, 'the Empire, forever victorious,' be etched in the annals of all worlds...to the end of time. And Mithras, my child, you will join me in that glorious quest. How could you not? You must, for you are my prince…of myriad failures and cursed lifetimes…my only success.

Better than Agravain and Galahad, we will take this world together, and make the name Hadubrangr…echo for an eternity," Odoacer declared, stroking the two portraits with a nostalgic smile.

"And we will assist you… every step of the way," Trajan said, putting one hand on his brother's shoulder. And as the King of Majesty reaffirmed his eternal loyalty, the four other male Fylkirs appeared, all putting their hands on Odoacer's shoulders as if to share their strength with him.

Back in their day, family and house names didn't exist in the Purple Dawn Continent. They invented the practice, taking inspiration from Balmaria. So few still remember…that the name Hadubrangr was initially that of Odoacer's adoptive father.

And yet it was around that name that the greatest of brotherhoods formed—the unbreakable bond of six fallen knights united in their quest to lead mankind to the peak of all worlds…no matter the cost—their humanity be damned!

There was no doubt a tragic joke somewhere here. But this tale is not one of tragedy, but of achievement, sensations, stimulation, satisfaction, success, bliss and glory!

And in that spirit, Mithras walked towards the royal palace's throne room, summoned by Vel'Asha to receive rewards and titles. The lords of the realm all assembled, lining up underneath the stairs as ordered by the Queen-Regent.

Vel now sat on the throne, her grace and divine splendor lighting up the room, and keeping those usually lawless and arrogant lords in awe and reverence.

And how else could be, when the Queen of the Yaksha, a true Superior Being, blessed them with her presence?

Another such Superior Being now entered the room, immediately catching the attention of an audience of 300.

Tall, built, chiseled, a raven-haired Adonis with mid-long hair and an irresistible pair of amethyst eyes. The moment he entered, the chatters and whispers came to a screeching halt, all eyes staring at the new entrant as the throne room ground to a standstill.

He didn't care, ignoring the audience to look the Queen-Regent in the eyes.

A sizable distance still separated them. Yet for the first time since they'd met, Vel felt overwhelmed by Mithras' eyes, disarmed, helpless and pressed against a wall as if it wasn't a man, but a matchless and indomitable beast that stood before her.

'Odoacer…you've made a tragic mistake. That boy cannot possibly become your prince. At best he will be…your lord and master.' Vel kept this thought to herself, trying her best to maintain her composure. She wasn't the only one with such thoughts. Man or woman, the moment they glanced at Mithras' eyes, not one on the scene could maintain their cool, shaking from head to toe.

The youth walked in, ambling at the throne with a procession of beauties behind his back.

Cassandra, Honoria, Ishtar, Nagini, alongside the princesses and noblewomen of the Uriah, Astalon and Elektra houses—all following Mithras' lead.

As he reached the stairs, Mithras bowed to the throne, falling to one knee. Here, Vel stood up, stepping towards him.

"Your Majesty," the nobleman said, the bass in his voice causing a tingle in the Queen-Regent's chest.

"To be humble in success, generous in redress, fair and just to those who swear fealty to your banner and pay tribute to your name—while sheltering them with the might of your hammer. That…is a lord's duty—the definition of a true prince.

Mithras, do you swear on the Crest of Astalon to uphold this creed from this day onward?" Vel'Asha asked, a purple mantle appearing in her hands as she faced Mithras.

"On my name and honor—not as Mithras di Astalon, but as a Devotee of the Lord, I swear to uphold this creed…for as long as I breathe." Mithras declared, his voice reverberating in the throne room like an orchestra of gods and angels.

And for reasons they couldn't understand, as they stared at that 18-year-old youth, all knew…that they were bearing witness to history.

"Then from this day henceforth, I name you…First Among Equals and leader of the aristocracy. Let it be known to all across the realm that you shall rule the Blood-Smelting Kingdom alongside me as Co-Regent.

Your betrothal to Princess Celestia, as wished by the late king…will be honored as well. And the day you bring her back to this palace…you are the Blood-Smelting King," Vel'Asha said, instantly sending the audience into an uproar.

Even Mithras…had not seen this one coming!

"Now accept the Purple Mantle and rise as Mithras di Astalon. Prince of Astalon, and Lord of Elektra!" Vel ordered, lowering the Purple Mantle on Mithras' shoulders. Through this act making him…the de facto lord of the realm.