Reborn as the God-Emperor in Marvel

"I don't know much about the history of your witch clan," Solomon said, shaking his head slightly. "But not all contracts are established through paper and signatures. Some are made through poetry, dance, sacrifices, or rituals that seem unrelated to a contract. I don't know how the witches make their pacts with demons, so I can't say for sure.

However, once a contract is made, your body surely undergoes some changes. The most obvious one is your shadow—it no longer belongs to you, but to the demon. Oh, it looks like a butterfly."

Bayonetta leaned in closer to Solomon. "Boya, you're such a hard-hearted fellow. You're too stiff for someone so young. The responsibility of protecting the world hasn't fallen on you yet. I hunt angels to protect humanity, you know? Those guys are no good. Can't you come up with a solution for me?"

"You'll just have to live as long as you can, Bayonetta," the sorcerer replied. "As long as you don't die in battle, your immense magic should keep you alive for many years. I doubt even time will dare to tarnish your beauty. In fact, you'll probably still be as stunning when humans start colonizing space."

"You've got a sweet tongue, little one." Bayonetta wasn't overly concerned about the fate of her soul; that was not something she needed to worry about right now. What mattered to her now was unraveling the mysteries surrounding her.

Solomon had told her part of her history, including the "fact" that she was the last of her kind, and that there was still a Lumen Sage in Vigrid who possessed the "Right Eye" to counter her "Left Eye." Yet, many things remained shrouded in mystery, including the fragments of memories she relived in her dreams.

There was also the lipstick engraved with runes, which had been buried with her in the coffin. She still didn't know its purpose, but instinctively felt it was important, always keeping it with her.

Now, however, she had a goal: Vigrid.

According to legend, witches and sages were counterparts. If Solomon's information was correct, the Lumen Sage who held the "Right Eye" certainly knew something. But Bayonetta knew little about the Izavel Corporation that controlled Vigrid, or its CEO, Balder—a man who had never appeared in any newspapers or media.

She needed a helper, someone to assist her in investigating Vigrid. And in front of her was the perfect candidate—a holy child, no less, and a rebellious one at that. How interesting and coincidental. When Bayonetta saw the holy stigmata on Solomon's hands, she had already anticipated his potential. He was destined to perform miracles on Earth.

Resting one hand on the table and her chin on the other, Bayonetta spoke in a sweet tone, "Big Sis is more than willing to help you fight your way into Heaven. Won't you help Big Sis in return?"

"Use the future tense, Bayonetta. The present tense doesn't suit me. I don't want to get involved with Heaven right now—that's a matter for later. It's too early to talk about it," Solomon shook his head. "Besides, a contract can't be broken without knowing its terms, not even by the Lord of Hell. As for demons… I'd rather deal with devils. Who knows if demons even have the sense to honor contracts."

A slender hand, tipped with sharp red nails and with bluish, otherworldly skin, suddenly appeared from the darkness and slapped the table hard. The silverware jumped, reflecting the candlelight.

Solomon nearly jumped from his seat in shock. But as quickly as the hand appeared, it vanished back into the shadows.

The slap echoed through the room, where whispers and soft candlelight made the atmosphere intimate and private.

"Nothing happened here, folks, nothing at all," Solomon quickly stood up, casting a subtle spell to divert the attention of those around them. When he sat back down, he found Bayonetta holding a glass of wine, smiling mischievously.

Lowering his voice, Solomon asked, "Was that you?"

"No~" Bayonetta laughed. "You've offended the wrong demon, boya. Not all demons are chaotic lunatics. At least the demon lord I've made a pact with doesn't appreciate being spoken of that way."

Solomon coughed lightly. "So, I shouldn't speak ill of demons in front of you?"

"But I doubt she'd mind if you badmouthed devils—perhaps with a compliment about her beauty thrown in," Bayonetta winked. "Though, Big Sis has another issue on her mind. Don't you want to hear about it?"

"Of course… not," Solomon replied. "It's probably about your origins, isn't it? I assume you'll go to Vigrid to find answers, but I'm not currently capable of wandering around a place filled with upper-level angels. I need to study, to train. My magic isn't instinctual, Bayonetta—I have to meticulously construct spells to cast them."

"What a shame." The witch wasn't surprised by Solomon's refusal. "But haven't you wondered why the Grandmaster sent you to work with me? I doubt I can help you find a book that no one knows the whereabouts of."

"It's likely for the experience and training. Though the Darkhold is important, I've got plenty of time to search for it," Solomon shrugged. "Being thrown into a nest of winged birdmen seems a bit excessive for now. Even if I managed to get out, I'd be gravely injured.

Aren't beginner missions supposed to involve fetching lost cats and dogs? I'm great at that. But don't expect me to unleash all the stigmata at once—that might fry my brain before I even kill the enemy."

"You're no helpless child needing milk. It's ridiculous for someone who can kill angels to claim they're weak," Bayonetta remarked, suddenly shifting the conversation. "I've heard the Grandmaster can see the future."

"In a way. I can't tell you more," Solomon replied, pushing another dessert plate in front of Bayonetta. The restaurant offered a wide variety of sweets, and Solomon didn't mind trying them all.

After all, magic was life force, and the main way to replenish life force was by eating. He had already spent a significant amount of energy casting necromancy spells. To ensure he would grow taller, Solomon decided to eat more. It wasn't just a matter of indulgence.

"So, does that mean everything happening on Earth is within the Grandmaster's expectations?" Bayonetta asked.

"That's one way to put it."

"So, the Grandmaster foresaw our conversation and still sent you to meet me. That means she's approved of us working together?"

"Uh…" Solomon hesitated. "You could say that…"

"Deal?" Bayonetta extended a hand. "Of course, I won't have you directly facing a swarm of angels. I just need you to collect a few things while I'm fighting."

"You'll help me?"

"I'll help you. Mutual assistance… or maybe more."

"Phew…" Solomon gazed into Bayonetta's light-colored eyes and sighed. "Deal."

He shook her hand.

After dinner, Solomon didn't stay at the hotel for the night. Instead, he opened a portal back to Kamar-Taj, leaving Bayonetta behind.

He planned to teleport directly back to her hotel in the morning. Staying there overnight was simply too risky. It wasn't his intention, but Solomon still felt a bit embarrassed about the potential uncontrollable biological responses that could occur in her presence.

Good night.

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