Chapter Thirteen: The Seventh Great Demon Lord — 'Sloth'

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Piano City, 37th floor of the Pinnacle Star Tower, ‘Dream of Glaze’.
“I’ll take ‘Dantalian’ with me first, Sister Saegong.”
The rabbit-eared girl took Hersya’s hand and left from the bar counter, behind which a cabinet was filled with various styles of fine liquors. A mature-looking horned waitress belonging to the Bullhorn Tribe waved at them.
Though they appeared quite different, both the horned waitress and Hersya were humans; the former belonged to a subspecies known as the Beastmen.
After humans encountered extraordinary powers, various supernatural races emerged as branches of humanity—such as the many subdivisions of the Beastmen and the elves and fairies, beings even superior to original humans in some respects. Yet, overall, humans remained the mainstream.
“Sister Saegong is from the Bullhorn Tribe and a formidable bartender. She herself is a Master of Primordial Rank 4. If customers ever give you trouble, you can seek her help,” Belfinger explained to Hersya about working in the shop.
“But ‘Dantalian’ is still young. If Sister Saegong hands you a drink, don’t drink it—it’s easy to get drunk.” The rabbit-eared girl patted her chest, still somewhat uneasy.
“I’ve noted that.” Hersya nodded, her white cat ears twitching adorably.
“Hmm, even though it’s only the first day, I already feel ‘Dantalian’s’ charm.”
“Alright, let’s continue. Let me think—who might be free around this time?”
“Let’s go see what ‘Decarabia’ is up to.” The rabbit-eared girl pondered briefly, then took Hersya’s hand and trotted toward a corner of the hall.
After a while, they arrived at a circular transparent enclosure shaped roughly like an Omega (Ω). Inside hung many horizontal branches on which colorful birds-of-paradise perched. In the center sat a petite girl dressed in pure white, her eyes gently closed, hands clasped as if in prayer, with a faintly glowing golden pentagram on her forehead.
That pentagram was not painted but seemed to emanate a soft golden light from within, radiating a sacred beauty.
“‘Decarabia,’ I’m here.” The rabbit-eared girl broke the silence upon entering the space.
Seemingly resigned, the girl in the middle opened her eyes, and the birds-of-paradise took flight, circling overhead with a chorus of calls.
She unclasped her hands, gently shook the bells hanging by her side, and the birds settled back onto the branches.
“You’re here.”
“Yes, I brought ‘Dantalian’ today so she can familiarize herself with the environment. She’s a new companion.”
“I see... Hello, I’m ‘Decarabia,’ the 69th Pillar Demon of Solomon’s 72, actually only two months older than you.”
Decarabia: The 69th demon in King Solomon’s 72 Pillars, represented as a pentagram but also bearing human features. Skilled in appraising gems and birds, she can transform into a bird form to be commanded by summoners.
“Decarabia has a strong affinity for birds and is a rare Light Feather rank, arguably the most angelic among our demon maids,” the rabbit-eared girl introduced to Hersya.
As she spoke, the rabbit-eared girl pulled Hersya down to sit with the white-dressed girl. Decarabia retrieved a few biscuits from a low cabinet by the wall and placed them on the table.
“Sorry, I didn’t prepare anything fancy.” Her voice was soft, like a breeze.
“That’s fine.” Hersya was a bit hungry anyway, having missed lunch.
The three shared snacks while chatting about the shop.
“When Rabi first arrived, I took care of her. Back then, she was even more timid than ‘Dantalian,’ always hiding behind me, too shy to talk to others...”
“But she’s talented—already Light Feather rank 3 at such a young age. She’s a little prodigy in our city, probably the same age as Hersya.”
Belfinger then asked their ages.
“Surprisingly, ‘Decarabia’ is even younger than ‘Dantalian.’”
Hersya tilted her head. “Isn’t that child labor? There are restrictions on minors working in the Federation; you have to be at least sixteen.”
“Well, she’s just a couple months short but now fully legal,” the rabbit-eared girl waved her finger, indicating it was no big deal.
They continued chatting for nearly an hour, gradually becoming familiar.
Though Hersya and the white-dressed girl spoke little, their similar personalities allowed them to quickly find common ground without many words—true kindred spirits.
“See, you two will get along well,” Belfinger nodded, feeling confident in her judgment.
“Well, time’s up. I have to get back to work.” The rabbit-eared girl stood up.
“Want to come watch, ‘Dantalian’~”
“Me? Sure, but I don’t know how to help.”
“No worries, just stand by and cheer me on.” Belfinger then waved goodbye to Decarabia and pulled Hersya along.
“Come back soon, Decarabia~”
They left in a flurry, leaving Decarabia alone at the small white table.
“Really...” Decarabia shook her head but seemed used to her senior’s style.
She clapped her hands softly, and the birds nested on the walls flew down, pecking the crumbs clean from the table. Then they took the tablecloth and neatly placed it on a nearby shelf.
After tidying up, Decarabia lightly hopped and floated like a feather back to her seat in the circular space.
At this moment, she was the owner of this little white-feathered chapel, listening to the troubles of guests like a pure, innocent young angel.

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————
Elsewhere, Belfinger’s exclusive work area—better described as a gaming zone.
Inside a blue transparent enclosure, a dozen or so guests waited in line.
“Why isn’t the little bunny here yet? I’m so anxious.”
“Maybe she’s sleeping in again today.”
“I’m still waiting to duel her. You know, I’ve been tweaking my deck for weeks.” A portly middle-aged man pushed up his glasses.
“My big blade can’t wait. The last time we played, her chaotic cloak hammer crushed me. This time, I’ll get revenge.”
“Why don’t we start a game first? Otherwise, waiting’s too boring.” A young man who had been squatting in the corner stood up.
“That’s okay, but I want to save my first match for Bunny.”
“Tsk, how pretentious. No, actually, good on you for making gaming sound so elegant.”
...
“Hi hi, I’m here~” Even before she arrived, her voice was heard.
Delicate little leather shoes stomped on the polished floor, then she leapt high. White knee socks, lively white ribbons, a crisp maid’s short skirt—Belfinger executed a nimble forward flip and landed squarely, arms outstretched, like a hero’s arrival.
“Ah, it’s Bunny.”
“Good job, Bunny.”
“Finally here, Sister Bebe.”
The guests gathered around, while Hersya cautiously entered the game zone, standing quietly in a corner to observe.
“Who wants to challenge me today~” Belfinger flipped a large copper coin from somewhere, flicking it with her thumb as it spun in the air.
“The usual: 1,200 Federation Credits per round, double the bet for a rematch, but no more than three times.”
“I’ll go first, I arrived first.” The middle-aged man raised his hand.
“Alright, Uncle Mu.”
As the coin landed, Belfinger flicked it with her middle finger, sending it straight into the man’s palm.
“Darn, Uncle Mu got first dibs again.”
“Doesn’t he have to work?”
“I heard he used to be a powerhouse at his job, helping a newly founded company establish itself. Then at 40, he cashed out a hefty dividend and retired.”
“He said he’s made enough money, won’t marry, and plans to play games for life.”
“So jealous...”
On the other side, Belfinger and the middle-aged man entered the battle arena, while others watched.
“Watch closely! This is my newly formed ‘West Wind Treading Legion’ deck!” The man inserted a stack of cards into the duel device on his arm.
[Battle Start, Round One]
“My turn. Summon ‘White Horse Recruit’ 1/1. Upon entering, it immediately attacks but cannot target the main combatant. However, for every three ‘White Horse Recruits’ summoned, I can draw one ‘West Wind Hero’ from my deck into my hand, reducing its cost by one.”
“Oh, a rare card that lets you filter your draws.” Someone whispered nearby.
The card game they played was a long-standing, enduring game of human civilization, having undergone multiple revisions and rule changes, now a battle game with infinite possibilities. Characters and troops were drawn from historic or mythological figures, rich with the flavor of time.
“Oh, Uncle Mu sounds confident.” Belfinger sat opposite, examining her cards with interest.
“But simply drawing powerful cards won’t beat me.”
“My turn. I place the ritual card ‘Chief’s Banner of Gufia.’ It lasts three turns and summons a random Beastman servant each turn.”
“Let’s see what I draw today. My spirit animal is the rabbit, so if it’s a rabbit-eared type, you’re doomed, Uncle Mu.”
In the arena, a wild-style flag adorned with beast fangs descended from above, planted into the lush grass, fluttering in the wind as cheers erupted. A shadowy figure approached the banner.
“Boar Bristle Tribe Warrior, 1/2. Attacking this servant causes the attacker to suffer 1 damage.”
“That’s a natural counter to ‘White Horse Recruit.’ Looks like Uncle Mu will lose a lot of health early on.”
“But it’s just the beginning. Keep watching.”
Is this what card battles are like? Hersya sat quietly in the corner, watching the duel. She had heard classmates talk about it but such games were extravagant—opening card packs cost a lot, so only a few could try.
...
Time flew quickly, and soon it was mid-battle.

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“Hmph, my turn. Summon ‘Tempered Battle Veteran’!”
A warrior clad in scratched, dented armor stepped onto the field, gray-haired, holding a helmet in one arm and a banner lance in the other.
“‘Tempered Battle Veteran’ 3/5 summons two ‘Legend Admirer Recruits’ 1/2 upon entry, then I summon a ‘White Horse Recruit,’ making five minions on the field.”
“Then, I activate ‘Great Hero Lagfons’ effect. When there are five West Wind faction minions on the field, he enters instantly without cost!”
“Come forth, the battle steed of war and the hero acclaimed by thousands, Lagfons!”
The warhorse neighed as countless soldier illusions appeared, weapons raised, white and red ribbons fluttering. Amid the flowers and cheers, a towering hero charged in on horseback, majestic, holding a giant spear, draped in a billowing crimson cloak, dazzling all.
“‘Great Hero Lagfons’ 8/10 can attack immediately upon entry and ignores guard effects, striking the main combatant directly. When he attacks, all allied minions gain +1 attack.”
“Though other minions can’t attack yet, Lagfons alone can deal massive damage.”
“Bunny’s health dropped over half, now only 4 points—dangerous. Uncle Mu still has 10, plus the veteran’s guard effect.”
“Oh, that’s it? I thought you’d hide some stronger card,” Belfinger crossed one leg and drew a card.
“My turn. Let me see... looks like it’s time.”
“What’s time?” the man asked, puzzled.
“Ah, she said it’s time to play.”
The rabbit-eared girl jumped down from the box, placing cards on the field as she walked.
“I activate ‘Crimson Blood Moon.’ When health is below 5, this card restores 3 mana upon entry, effectively free.”
‘Crimson Blood Moon’: Blood-Eyed sequence minions gain +2 attack.
“Then, I summon two ‘Blood-Eyed Rabbit-Eared Warriors’ 1/1. For each, I lose 1 health upon entry, but they gain immediate attack ability.”
“My health is down to 2.” Belfinger blinked, a mischievous smile on her lips.
“Now, I summon ‘Bloodstained Executioner Elia’!”
A dark mountain and forest appeared on the battlefield, the scene zooming out to reveal a huge, haunting full moon. A figure in a black hooded coat leapt from the forest, drawing closer. Her graceful silhouette danced midair, wielding a giant scythe that reflected a cold, icy gleam in the night sky.
She landed in the black forest clearing, slowly standing to reveal burning red eyes beneath the hood, a mesmerizing crimson glow in the shadows.
“‘Bloodstained Executioner Elia’ 7/5 kills one enemy minion upon entry. If my health is below 2, she kills all enemy units.”
Red scythe marks tore through space, and Uncle Mu’s minions and hero dissipated one by one, leaving the battlefield empty.
“But that’s not enough. Let’s start the resonance.” Belfinger covered one eye; the other shifted from brown to blazing red, identical to ‘Bloodstained Executioner Elia’s’ eyes.
Blood-Eyed sequence magic surged from her, crimson energy boiling as the battlefield figures transformed.
A fierce wind blew, the black hood slipped off, revealing long black hair and a pair of black ears. Her clothes and weapons became more exquisite amid the crimson magic.
“When the main combatant resonates with ‘Bloodstained Executioner Elia,’ they gain the ability to attack the enemy main combatant directly, without waiting, and damage cannot be reduced.”
“You lose, Uncle Mu.” Belfinger swung her arm, mirroring the bloodstained executioner.
The three figures on the battlefield struck directly, their blades cutting through Uncle Mu’s body, the gust knocking him down.
[-3, -3, -9, Mu Lengxin’s health drops to zero]
[Battle End, Belfinger wins!]
The arena’s lights brightened; the illusions of characters and battlefield vanished instantly.
“The Blood-Eyed sequence deck, only she can play it this well.”
“Though some rare cards have extra resonance effects, activating them requires special talent.”
“Some say that perfectly triggering a rare card’s effect means you have a high affinity for its imprint pattern, making it easier to advance in related extraordinary professions.”
“Though this may be exaggerated, Miss Bunny’s future achievements won’t be low.”
“After all, ‘Bloodstained Executioner Elia’ is a perfect level 7 Blood-Eyed sequence card...”
“No wonder she’s the duel queen of Pinnacle Star Tower—Belfinger, the ‘Sloth’ of the Seven Deadly Sins!”
So, this unassuming rabbit-eared maid who greeted guests in the hall was a big figure in Pinnacle Star Tower.
Only now did Hersya gradually realize the status of this rabbit-eared girl in the shop. No wonder her codename was ‘Belfinger’—the ‘Sloth’ among the Seven Great Demon Lords.