I Enslaved The Goddess Who Summoned Me

Chapter 651: The Heroes of Kastoria Face the Hero of Darkness after Two Years

The Heroes of Kastoria stood frozen in collective shock as they truly took in Nathan’s appearance for the first time, their minds struggling to reconcile what they were seeing with their memories.

His snow-white hair seemed to shimmer with its own ethereal luminescence, catching the light filtering through the throne hall’s high windows in ways that made it appear almost alive. His golden demonic eyes glowed with inner fire, vertical slits cutting through the irises with predatory precision. His pale skin looked nearly translucent, as though light passed through rather than reflecting off it, giving him an otherworldly, almost ghostly quality.

He was tall and lean, his frame somehow managing to appear both elegant and powerfully built simultaneously. Every aspect of his presence radiated something fundamentally inhuman, something that transcended ordinary mortality.

He looked absolutely nothing like the Hero of Darkness they had encountered two years ago.

That man—the one who had haunted their nightmares and fueled their training for twenty-four months—had worn an eye patch, giving him an asymmetrical, unsettling appearance. He’d been clothed entirely in pitch-black attire that seemed to absorb light. Most memorably, his expression had been twisted into something barely sane, a rictus of barely controlled madness that made him look perpetually bloodthirsty and consumed by hatred.

That version of Nathan had seemed like a wounded, rabid animal—dangerous precisely because he was unstable, unpredictable, driven by rage and pain rather than reason.

But this man standing before them now...

The only recognizable feature connecting him to that terrifying figure from their past were those distinctive dark golden demonic eyes. The color was identical—that unique shade of molten gold shot through with darkness, glowing with supernatural power that marked him as something far beyond human.

Since the battle three years ago and the subsequent truce, none of them except Ayaka and Akane had seen Nathan again in person. Obviously when Nathan had occasionally visited Kastoria during those intervening years, he’d come specifically to see his stepsisters and sometimes Kaguya.

He’d had absolutely nothing to do with the other Heroes, no reason to seek them out or make his presence known to them. So none of them were aware of the dramatic physical and spiritual changes Nathan had undergone.

After that devastating battle where he’d crushed them so effortlessly, Nathan had participated in what became known as the Trojan War—a massive conflict involving multiple kingdoms and divine powers. That war had been a monumental turning point in his development. His body had been literally destroyed and reconstructed through processes involving divine intervention and dark magic, fundamentally transforming him at a cellular level.

So he was genuinely unrecognizable to them now, bearing almost no resemblance to the half-mad warrior they remembered except for those unmistakable eyes that burned with the same terrifying power.

"You are..." Ryuuki trailed off uncertainly, his voice breaking the heavy silence as he stared at Nathan with an expression mixing fear, confusion, and reluctant awe.

Nathan fully turned to face them, completing his rotation so they could see him in complete frontal view rather than profile.

His gaze swept across the assembled Heroes methodically, assessing each one with calculated precision. Then his eyes settled first on Ayaka and Akane—his stepsisters, standing near the front of the group—and his expression visibly, unmistakably softened.

The predatory coldness melted away, replaced by genuine warmth and affection that transformed his entire demeanor. It was subtle—just a slight relaxation of his features, a barely perceptible softening around his eyes—but the change was profound for anyone observant enough to notice.

The twin sisters both had deeply moved and emotional expressions on their faces, their eyes shining with unshed tears and overwhelming relief at finally seeing him again after such a long separation. Their hands trembled slightly with the desperate urge to rush forward, to close the distance and embrace their brother.

But they held themselves back through sheer force of will, remaining frozen in place alongside their classmates. They couldn’t reveal their connection yet. There wasn’t an actual reason but just didn’t find an opportunity to tell their classmates as it was complicated.

Regardless, the last time either of them had seen Nathan in person was approximately four months ago during one of his brief, secret visits to Kastoria.

They understood rationally that he was incredibly busy managing Tenebria’s military operations, dealing with political intrigues, and handling his responsibilities as Lord Commander. They knew he couldn’t always come to Kastoria, that his obligations kept him away more often than any of them wanted.

Still, it had been genuinely upsetting that he’d taken so long to visit this time. Four months felt like an eternity when separated from their only real family in this world.

But now he was finally back, standing right there before them, and he looked even more handsome and magnificent than before—if such a thing were even possible. The changes in him only made him more striking, more powerful, more captivating.

When Nathan took a single measured step forward toward the assembled Heroes, the entire group involuntarily—almost unconsciously—took a collective step backward.

They were completely overwhelmed by Nathan’s sheer presence and otherworldly appearance. The pressure of his aura alone made breathing difficult, made movement feel like wading through water.

The male Heroes were even more terrified than they’d been three years ago, their faces pale and hands trembling as primal instincts screamed at them that they were in the presence of an apex predator. Several looked like they might bolt at any moment.

The female Heroes, meanwhile, were all visibly blushing, their cheeks flushed with color as they stared at quite possibly the most devastatingly handsome man they had ever encountered in their lives. Even their fear couldn’t completely override the visceral physical reaction to someone so unnaturally, supernaturally attractive.

Three years ago, they’d been primarily scared of Nathan because of the frightening, barely sane expression he’d worn during battle—that twisted look of madness and bloodlust that suggested he might kill them all on a whim just for entertainment.

But right now, Nathan’s expression was completely different. Calmer, more controlled, radiating composed confidence rather than manic energy. Yet there was still a dangerous aura surrounding him that somehow made him even more attractive rather than less. It was the appeal of controlled power, of leashed lethality that could be unleashed at any moment but remained perfectly restrained.

Dangerous had never looked so beautiful.

"Heroes," Kaguya said, choosing to intervene and break the increasingly awkward tension as she gracefully stepped forward to stand slightly beside Nathan. "You have been informed, but allow me to formally introduce Lord Samael, the Hero of Darkness of Tenebria and Lord Commander of its military forces."

Her voice carried its usual serene authority, though her expression remained warmer than normal—still showing traces of that genuine smile they’d witnessed moments ago.

"You have previously faced each other in combat," Kaguya continued diplomatically, "but as you’re all aware, we are currently in an official truce. Lord Samael is here as an honored guest and potential ally."

Her words were both reminder and subtle warning: whatever animosity existed between them, violence or hostility toward Nathan would not be tolerated.

After her formal introduction, heavy silence fell over the throne hall. No one seemed willing to be the first to speak or acknowledge Nathan directly.

Then Haruka stepped forward with considerable courage, baby Ryuuji cradled securely in her arms. Her posture remained dignified and regal despite the fear she was clearly suppressing.

"Lord Samael, it is genuinely an honor to have you here in our capital," she said respectfully, bowing her head slightly in formal greeting.

She was a Princess of royal blood, but Nathan was still a Hero summoned by divine power. Protocol and basic respect demanded she acknowledge his status appropriately.

Moreover, Haruka understood now—truly understood—why her Heroes had lost so catastrophically three years ago and why Kaguya had been working so carefully and persistently to ensure this man became an ally rather than remaining an enemy.

One look at Nathan was sufficient to comprehend the vast gulf in power.

She had thought Ryuuki was already extraordinary, already operating on a level far beyond normal humans or even most summoned Heroes. His divine blessings from Amaterasu made him genuinely formidable.

But Nathan seemed to exist on an entirely different plane of existence—several dimensions higher in raw power and presence. The difference between Ryuuki and Nathan appeared as vast as the difference between a talented human warrior and Ryuuki himself.

It was actually shocking, even frightening, to realize just how overwhelmingly powerful Tenebria’s champion had become.

Nathan’s golden demonic eyes studied Haruka for a long moment before his gaze lowered to the infant cradled protectively in her arms.

Having recently Azarel born just a few months ago and another baby son delivered by Helen recently—Nathan immediately felt an instinctive positive reaction. Despite his fearsome reputation and demonic transformation, fatherhood had awakened something unexpectedly tender in him.

"It’s your son," Nathan said.

Haruka seemed genuinely surprised that Nathan was showing interest in her baby rather than immediately launching into political discussions or veiled threats. But she quickly recovered, a soft, genuine smile crossing her features as she nodded.

"Yes," she confirmed, then looked toward Ryuuki standing beside her. "Our son."

The emphasis on ’our’ was intentional—establishing Ryuuki as the father, claiming the baby as product of their union and therefore legitimate heir through both royal blood and heroic lineage.

Nathan’s gaze shifted to Ryuuki, studying the Hero of Light with calculating interest. The two had never actually spoken directly beyond exchanging attacks during their battle. This was their first true conversation.

"Your first child?" Nathan asked him directly.

"Yes..." Ryuuki nodded, finding himself smiling automatically as he looked down at baby Ryuuji with unmistakable paternal pride and affection. "We named him Ryuuji—carrying part of my name forward."

Despite all the tension and fear permeating the room, that shared experience of new fatherhood created a momentary bridge between the two powerful Heroes.

"Did you come here specifically for the ceremony?" Yumiko suddenly interjected, her curiosity overcoming her nervousness as she tried to understand Nathan’s purpose.

"What ceremony?" Nathan asked, turning his attention back to Kaguya with one eyebrow raised questioningly.

"A formal ceremony to officially crown Ryuuji as designated heir to Kastoria’s throne," Kaguya explained calmly, her luminous gaze resting briefly on the infant. "It will be conducted with full religious and political protocols to establish his legitimacy beyond question."

"You seem quite in a hurry to formalize succession for a baby," Nathan observed shrewdly, his tone carrying subtle suspicion.

His sharp mind had immediately identified that something was driving this unusual urgency.

"There are... circumstances that require accelerated timelines," Kaguya replied diplomatically, deliberately not elaborating further. "Political considerations that make delay inadvisable."

Nathan looked at her with obvious suspicion, his golden eyes narrowing slightly. He clearly wanted to press for more information about what those circumstances might be, but Kaguya’s closed expression indicated she wouldn’t saying it right now.

"You should stay in the capital until the ceremony is completed," Kaguya suggested smoothly, changing the subject. "We can hold formal talks regarding the proposed alliance against the Light Empire after the ceremony concludes. That would be more appropriate timing for such sensitive negotiations."

Nathan considered her proposal silently for several long moments, his expression unreadable.

He had originally intended to hold immediate strategic talks to assess what military support Kastoria could provide and what terms they might negotiate, then leave within a day or two at most. His responsibilities in Tenebria demanded his presence, and he disliked being away from his newborn son and family for extended periods.

But staying a few additional days might not actually hurt his interests. It would demonstrate good faith, allow him to observe Kastoria’s internal political dynamics more closely, and perhaps provide opportunities to strengthen bonds with potential allies—including spending proper time with Ayaka and Akane.

"

Very well," Nathan agreed finally. "I’ll remain until after the ceremony. But I expect substantive discussions immediately afterward—not more diplomatic delays."

"Wait, are we really going to actually attack the Light Empire?!" Teiji, who had been silent and trembling near the back of the group, suddenly burst out in shock and alarm.

When Nathan’s attention shifted to him with predatory focus, Teiji immediately flinched backward as though physically struck, his face going pale.

"I will not require the Heroes to participate in attacks against the Light Empire directly, so you may be relieved on that point," Kaguya clarified, choosing honesty over diplomatic evasion. "But yes, we will be sending a substantial military force to support Tenebria’s campaigns against Light Empire territories."

She had already hinted at this direction in previous conversations with the Heroes, but now she was stating it explicitly and unambiguously.

"And why exactly are we attacking them?" Yumiko asked, genuinely shocked by this revelation. "Just three years ago, the Light Empire was presented to us as our natural ally—fellow humans fighting against...Tenebria. Now suddenly they’re enemies we’re going to war against?"

The cognitive dissonance was clearly troubling her and several other Heroes who were struggling to keep up with the rapidly shifting political landscape.

"For precisely the same reasons you yourselves chose to attack Tenebria two three ago," Nathan replied to her directly, his tone carrying sharp irony.

"W...what?" Yumiko looked at him with confusion, not understanding the parallel he was drawing.

Nathan gave her a stern, penetrating gaze that made her want to look away but somehow held her frozen.

"Why did you attack Tenebria?" he asked them bluntly, his voice carrying an edge of barely contained accusation. "What was your justification for invading our territory and attempting to kill our people?"

"B...because..." Yumiko faltered, her eyes darting toward Kaguya for support or guidance.

The answer suddenly seemed much more complicated than it had felt at the time. They had been told demons were the enemy, that Tenebria represented an existential threat to humanity that needed to be eliminated. They’d been part of Kastoria’s military structure and had simply followed orders from their commanders and divine patron.

But when forced to articulate the actual reasoning beyond "we were told to," it felt uncomfortably hollow.

And now those same authorities were telling them the Light Empire was the enemy instead. How was that fundamentally different?

"Regardless, these political and military matters don’t actually concern you Heroes directly if that’s what worries you," Kaguya interjected smoothly, rescuing Yumiko from her uncomfortable position. "You won’t be required to fight or make decisions about strategic alliances. Those remain the prerogative of Kastoria’s leadership."

"Is Kastoria gaining something concrete from participating in this war?" Kazuto, who had been observing silently and analytically until now, asked with careful curiosity. "What are the actual benefits that justify committing our military resources to someone else’s conflict?"

His question was characteristically pragmatic—cutting through emotional and moral considerations to focus on strategic interests.

"Tenebria’s gratitude and, more importantly, mine personally," Nathan answered directly before Kaguya could respond.

The statement was extraordinarily, almost breathtakingly arrogant—suggesting that his personal goodwill was sufficient compensation for an entire kingdom’s military commitment.

But when the Heroes looked at him standing there radiating overwhelming power and confidence, it somehow didn’t sound like arrogance at all. It sounded like a simple statement of fact—that Nathan’s personal favor was genuinely worth more than armies or gold or territory because he himself represented power on a scale that could decide the outcome of wars.

The male Heroes especially seemed visibly annoyed by that supreme arrogance, their pride as summoned Heroes chafing at the casual dismissal of their significance. But none of them opened their mouths to challenge the claim.

They all remembered too vividly what happened last time they’d challenged Nathan’s power. The humiliation of that defeat still burned.

"Lord Samael, you should take time to rest now after your journey," Kaguya quickly interjected, sensing the growing tension and wanting to defuse it before someone said something provocative. "You’ve traveled far and deserve proper hospitality."

She was genuinely afraid Nathan might say something even more inflammatory. He was hardly a patient man when dealing with anyone he didn’t personally care about, after all. His tolerance for disrespect or challenging questions was notoriously thin.

Kaguya gestured to one of the palace knights standing at attention near the throne hall’s perimeter. "Please escort Lord Samael to the diplomatic guest quarters and ensure he has everything required for his comfort."

"You should also take time to see the capital while you’re here," Kaguya added, smoothly creating an excuse for what she was about to suggest. "It’s grown considerably in recent years and there have been many improvements. Ayaka, Akane—would you both be willing to serve as guides and show Lord Samael around the city?"

She asked the question casually, but her choice was anything but random. Kaguya knew perfectly well about their family connection to Nathan and was purposefully facilitating their reunion in a way that appeared natural and wouldn’t raise immediate suspicions.

Ayaka shrugged with studied indifference, as though the assignment was mildly inconvenient but acceptable. "Well, fine. I suppose we can show him around."

Her tone was carefully neutral, betraying none of the desperate eagerness she actually felt to finally have proper time alone with her stepbrother.

Akane simply nodded her agreement silently, her expression serene but her eyes shining with barely suppressed emotion.

"Wait! Why are you sending both of them alone with him—" Teiji started to protest loudly, his voice rising with alarm.

His protective instincts toward the female classmates he’d known since middle school were overriding his terror of Nathan. The idea of sending two young women off alone with someone so dangerous seemed insane to him. Especially his huge crush, Akane.

"Enough, Teiji-kun," Ryuuki sighed heavily, cutting off the objection with weariness. "They’re capable of making their own decisions. Stop being overprotective."

Teiji opened his mouth to argue further, clearly wanting to express more concerns about the inappropriate nature of the arrangement.

But Nathan had already turned and begun walking toward the throne hall’s exit with smooth, unhurried strides. Ayaka and Akane immediately followed him without hesitation, falling into step on either side of their stepbrother.

The three of them disappeared through the doorway together, leaving the remaining Heroes staring after them with expressions mixing confusion, concern, and in some cases, jealousy.

"That was... strange," Yumiko murmured quietly once they were gone. "Did anyone else notice how comfortable Ayaka and Akane seemed around him? They weren’t afraid at all."

It was indeed strange that both women, accepted it readily. They expected at least one of them to refuse if not the two of them...