Depth of Voracity

Scheme after Scheme

"It's easier said than done..." Bismarck crosses her arms

"Correct. Beelzebub is strong-willed in the sense that they're extremely stubborn and persistent. They won't stop until they get what they want"

Mammon proudly grins and their eyes shift to Bismarck during their second statement.

"They've devoured some of your memories already. That's why some of them are missing. Beelzebub cannot only devour the physical body, but they feed on emotions and memories. That's why they love Bismarck's flavor"

Mammon licks their lips and gazes at Bismarck. Their monstrous and piercing eyes are unreadable, but there's a hint of malice.

"All that information isn't free of charge. I don't work for charity, so how about a game as my payment?" Mammon tilts their head

"Here we go again..." Empress rubs her temples

"There's a lie and half of the truth with everything I said. If you can figure out which one, I will offer a solution"

"You're playing a game now?" Bismarck stares at Mammon

"Who in the right mind would put effort for free? In this era, services must have equal value in exchange. If it's not worth anything to me, I can walk away and leave you to your problems" Mammon wags the index fingers in all their hands

"You've got guts for a natural liar and opportunist - shameless even"

"I honor my deals, Bismarck. At least I have that going for me. But you - you couldn't even deal with Beelzebub. Their weakness is simple, but now you're allowing them to learn from humanity"

"What's that supposed to mean?" Bismarck narrows her eyes

"Beelzebub. That hungry abomination doesn't just feed on normal food. They consume and absorb emotions, thoughts, and even memories. By feeding on a host, Beelzebub learns how humans feel, think, and act" Empress clears her throat

Empress steps forward and personally explains it as simply as possible while Mammon silently nods with confident smugness.

"You're telling me by keeping Beelzebub within me, I'm helping that thing grow stronger" Tirpitz clutches her chest

"Of course. Why do you think Beelzebub didn't devour your consciousness? They wanted to taste the flavor of humanity, remember?" Empress sighs

"Beelzebub is the type that once they get a taste, they won't stop like it's an addiction. To begin with, they only started going after flavorful humans after tasting one. Who was the first? I don't know nor do I care"

"A Sakura Empire battleship who refused to back down even after losing an arm. I believe she was called Tosa" The Empress shrugs her shoulders

"Anyway, you sisters don't have much time left. Beelzebub is likely waiting for Bismarck's emotions to be at its peak. Fear, despair, sorrow, and hopelessness"

Mammon takes a slow step forward and crouches. Their head lower enough to be at the same level as Bismarck. They grin, exposing rows of razor-sharp teeth beneath the face of an unapologetic opportunist.

"They're waiting for you to slip, Bismarck. The moment they see you desperately try to cling and claw for hope, you will be devoured, and your sister..." Mammon chuckles

"Beelzebub will have to starve for a long time because I won't break that easily"

Bismarck stares right at Mammon with an unblinking and fierce gaze. She can see her face vaguely reflected in their shiny and polished eyes.

"By the way, suicide isn't an option either" Empress directly tells Tirpitz

"..." Tirpitz remains silent