The Hero Became a Succubus, and the Only Way to Level is to… What?!

Kanae took a page out of her friends’ books and ventured out to the amenities around the stadium. With Feraline on her back, the baby Dawn in her arms, and Kanade, Suvee, and Nelly beside her, she was looking like an overworked mother. But that wasn’t so in truth. She didn’t often spend an extended amount of time with her kids. Just being with them was a nice change of pace.

The break before the last two matches was longer than usual to give the combatants a chance to recover. Some of the others had gone off to do their own thing and planned to return later.

”I was hoping to see my mom. I guess she’s disappointed in me for losing.” Nelly sulked, dragging his feet behind him.

”Arenade isn’t disappointed in you, I guarantee that. She’s just… found a new hobby recently,” Kanae explained.

Of getting run train on by goblins.

”Don’t worry, Nelly. We’re all used to our moms being absent!” Suvee flashed a teasing grin.

”Suvee!” Kanae glared.

”Sorry, Kanae. I’m siding with Suvee on this.” Nelly snickered into his hand.

”I’m trying to do better! I can’t help that I’m Knight of Amethyst and Empress of the Commonwealth.” Her shoulders drooped.

Dawn reached up to grab a lock of Kanae’s hair and tugged playfully. Adorable giggles washed away her stress. Kanae cradled the infant girl and smiled.

”Play, play!” Feraline exclaimed from Kanae’s back, pointing at a game booth.

Kanae followed where her drakeling daughter pointed. A small fighting ring had been set up by a Golemancer, a specialized Mage class that creates summons to do battle. The family walked over to give it a look. An elven student paid a small fee to try, then climbed into the ring. He seemed to be a spellcaster of some kind, judging by the staff in hand.

The Golemancer summoned three golems, crafted from the very earth itself: one made of sand, another made of mud, and the third from complete stone. They didn’t move. Instead, the three stayed as still as statues. The elf casted an arcane bolt that destroyed the first golem, sending sand flying everywhere. For the second, it took several blasts to demolish. Finally, the stone golem withstood everything the student threw at it.

”Sorry, champ. Better luck next time!” The human Golemancer gave him a consolation prize of a potion, then turned to Kanae. ”My word, the Knight of Amethyst has graced my booth with her presence.” He bowed. ”Be welcome, my lady!”

”My little girl wants to give your game a try,” Kanae said.

”Why, of course!” He recreated the defeated sand and mud golem.

Kanae hoisted Feraline into the ring. The rest of her daughters and Nelly got close to watch. She lunged into the sand golem, crashing through it. Easy enough. The mud golem, however, she shredded into with some difficulty but eventually emerged victorious. However, the stone golem withstood her slashes and bites. It was just far too durable.

”Break! Break! Break!” Feraline started headbutting it. When that didn’t work, she breathed fire strong enough that Kanae felt the heat against her face. The drakeling gnawed on the space between the golem’s head and shoulders, instinctively targeting what seemed to be a weak point. Instead, however, a baby tooth cracked and clattered to the ground.

”The last golem is enchanted,” Nelly leaned in and whispered.

”How do you know?” Kanae asked.

”Because that’s Professor Eldern Wake, who trains summoner and conjurer classes to better use their minions. Pan failed his class before. She told me about how the professor reinforces his own summons with external buffs. I wouldn’t put it past him to do it here,” he explained.

Kanae squinted. A faint outline of magic shrouded the golem. She pulled out her wand and very subtly casted Dispel. The spell landed just as Feraline headbutted the golem again, shattering the featureless face entirely. Everyone’s jaws dropped, including Professor Eldern.

”I did it!” Feraline cheered.

”Great job, Feraline!” Suvee applauded excitedly.

”Your golems aren’t as strong as my daughter’s skull, eh?” Kanae sneered from below.

”Yes, well… Ahem.” Professor Eldern cleared his throat and fetched a simple wand to give Feraline. ”Congratulations, little one. This here is a rechargeable magic wand that lets you summon a golem of your own… to break as you please, I suppose.”

”Yay!” She took the wand and returned to her sisters in celebration.

The girls summoned a simple stone golem right away and, to no surprise, Feraline climbed onto its back as if it were her mount. Suvee and Kanade flew on to its shoulders. The entity was no taller than five feet tall, but bulky and sturdy. In battle, the golem might not do much. As a plaything though, it was perfect for the kids.

They picked up some food to bring back to the stadium. The break was coming to an end, and Kanae needed to be there to proctor the final matches. She, Suvee, and Feraline waited by a statue of the Supreme One for Kanade and Nelly to return from a fishing game. But the two came rushing over in panic.

”Bad news, Kanae!” Nelly skidded to a halt and panted.

”What is it?” Kanae asked.

”It’s Runald… He’s being accosted by several Ortesians… I tried to get close, but their knights are keeping people back…” he explained breathlessly.

”Show me,” she growled.

They sprinted through the crowds and reached a small fountain park. A circle of knights, donned in the usual gilded manner of Ortesian extravagance, surrounded two figures within them. Passersby kept their heads low and walked by, hoping to avoid confrontation. Disappointingly, Aidenhall guards did the same.

”Even disowned you continue to dishonor and besmirch the family name. It pains me to even hear Aespir announced to the masses. The only silver lining is that you have reached as far as you did in the tournament. But to declare your intent to marry a demon? A succubus at that? Feh!” an irate high elven man yelled.

”She’s not just a demon or succubus. She’s a beautiful woman with a wonderful and kind heart. That’s what I fell in love with. You wouldn’t know, since you and mother only married for political gain, and you both planned to use me to do just that,” Runald fired back.

”Why you…”

Kanae passed Dawn to Nelly and flew over the knights to land inside. They immediately drew their swords. A high elf in a finely-embroidered green and gold tunic loomed over Runald, who was on the ground and with a hand to his cheek. He backed away a few steps when she touched down.

”You struck my consort-to-be. Should the Commonwealth and I take this as an act of war?” Kanae asked, helping Runald up.

”I’m granted clemency and protection by Radevic’s leadership during my stay here, succubus. Y-You wouldn’t dare touch me,” Runald’s father stammered.

”Maybe not. But I have other ways of hurting someone without touching them,” she said, and the elder Aespir drew his sword. All the guards around them inched forward, waiting for her to make the first move.

”Kanae, Father, stop!” Runald exclaimed.

Hand on her wand, Kanae quietly casted Turn Horny into her earrings Doom & Gloom. The spell transformed into an area of effect, catching everyone in range.

Tink! Tink! Tink! Tink! Tink! Tink! Tink! Tink! Tink! Tink! Tink! Tink!

Every male knight turned bow-legged and looked down, while the female knights squeezed their thighs shut. Runald’s father, too, sprung an erection with a visible outline against his pants.

”Can’t fight very well when you’re all hot and bothered, hm? I can suggest you a couple of brothels in Radevic for you to get that taken care of,” Kanae joked.

”Th-This isn’t over, succubus! Knights, we’re leaving!” He waddled away with the Ortesian soldiers marching in awkward formation.

”Holy shit, Runald. Talk about a family reunion. Are you okay?” Nelly asked as he and the others hurried over.

”Yeah, I’m fine. Although I could have gone without seeing my old man pop a boner. Thanks, guys. And, uh… How much of the argument did you hear?” Runald turned to her, blushing.

”Enough to know that you’re in love with my wonderful and kind heart.” She teased him.

Runald covered his face.

”Hehe. You’re redder than a tomato!” Suvee poked him.

They returned to the stadium ahead of the spectators. The seats were slowly filling up. Runald split up from them at the entrance to get ready for the final match. Arenade had come back, but her hair was a bit disheveled and clothes haphazardly put on.

”Where have you been?” Nelly asked.

”Oh, j-just checking up on the house! Been gone for a while, you know? I want to make sure there aren’t any pests or vermin infesting the place,” Arenade explained nervously.

”And if the house is infested with something else?” Kanae teased.

Arenade jabbed Kanae in the side, knocking the wind from her lungs.

”Don’t you have to go down there? Also, what in the Supreme One’s beard is that?! Do you really think it’s safe to let them on a golem like it’s a jungle gym?” Arenade gestured to the stone golem Suvee, Kanade, and Feraline were playing on.

”Look at the time! I better go and proctor the next match.” Kanae waved goodbye and jumped off the ledge to fly down into the arena.

However, Archbishop Patrice motioned to Kanae from the royal seating area. She flew up to meet Grand Eye Analise, King Turren, and the archbishop. All three had amused looks on their faces.

”We heard you gave our Ortesians guests a stimulating welcome.” The Grand Eye struggled not to laugh.

”They were harassing Runald. He’s going to be in the finals, and I didn’t want to risk him getting hurt before then,” Kanae explained.

Archbishop Patrice agreed. ”And you were in your right to, as he is your betrothed. Be that as it may,” she began tersely, ”you still assaulted a guest sworn under our protection. The Ortesian delegation has asked that you be punished—”

”But—”

”Punished in word only. Amethyst, I will proctor the last match of the semi-finals and the final match. Be free to sit and spectate with your family, as I am sure that is your wish,” she insisted.

Kanae expelled a breath of relief.

”Congratulations on your betrothal to Runald Aespir.” King Turren smiled.

”Thank you, Your Majesty.” Kanae bowed.

They dismissed her, and she gladly flew back to the VIP booth, much to her family and friends’ confusion. Minutes later, Archbishop Patrice descended to the surface with wings conjured from Holy Armament.

”I present to you, the eldest daughter of the Knight of Amethyst, Teana Toyomi! And an unmatched warrior hailing from Amethyst Hall, Tess!” the archbishop announced.

Cheers bellowed across the stadium as Teana and Tess emerged from their respective tunnels. The gaur warrior, who had since settled in Ehmvier and became a member of Amethyst Hall, wielded her signature enchanted mammoth skull hammer. Although not crowned herself, Kanae had witnessed many times just how powerful the beastman was.

”Mom, how strong is Tess?” Mikki asked.

”Worried about Teana?” Kanae grinned.

”Not at all! I know Teana is going to win no matter what. But you didn’t recruit Tess to Amethyst Hall for nothing,” she said.

Kanae didn’t answer. Instead, she directed her daughter’s attention back to the arena just as Archbishop Patrice began the match.

”Don’t hold back, Teana. Show me what you’ve got!” Tess challenged her.

”Alright, but you asked for it.” Teana unstrapped her belt. Five shrunken skulls clung to the leather. They were beasts of all kinds that she had defeated before, then kept to make use of their powers later. A bull, cockatrice, drake, troll, and rampape. Her body beefed up, especially both legs.

With an incredible springing force, Teana launched forward to throw a punch. Tess sidestepped and brought the hammer down on her back. The impact cratered her into the earth, then she jumped back before Teana had a chance to swipe back. A breath of fire shot out. Tess narrowly avoided the flames.

Teana used the cover of fire to charge out headlong into Tess again. The gaur was ready. She had the advantage of at least a decade and a half in battle experience, having lived a nomadic life in the treacherous No Man’s Land. With the hammer hoisted over her head, she swung it down on Teana, who raised both arms to block the blow. However, Tess turned on her heels and guided the hammer in a circular swing and connected with Teana’s chest. The hit sent Teana crashing through several trees.

”What?!” Mikki cried. ”But Teana’s empowered with five skulls right now!”

”And Tess spent years fighting to survive in the wilderness,” Kanae explained.

”Excuse me, Mom. Who are you hoping to win right now?” Her daughter glared.

”Your older sister, I swear!”

Despite the hit, Teana rose uninjured. Rather, Troll Regeneration quickly recovered her wounds.

”Remember, Teana. I’m not a student. If anything, I’m like your mother, my Knight-Commander. You’re going to have to put your all into it if you want to beat me,” Tess said, propping the hammer against her shoulder and smiling.

”Oh, don’t worry. I have you marked as Prey now. Which means…” Teana twirled a javelin in each hand. ”Thrill of the Hunt is activated.”

Tess held her hammer defensively. Teana flew into the sky, raining javelins down at the gaur. But she was going to run out eventually. There were only so many in her sling. When it had emptied, Teana torpedoed to the surface to face Tess in melee.

Both of them traded explosive blows. Teana effortlessly weaved in picking up the javelins plunged into the earth amid punches and slashes. Slowly but surely, Tess was beginning to get overwhelmed. Everyone was on the edge of their seats. The goblin side of Kanae’s family especially. Aisha, Moira, Mitty, and Mikki were right up to the edge of the guardrail.

Teana’s relentless attacks backed Tess up into the artificial forest. She breathed flames again, setting the entire place on fire. Cinders and ashes flitted across the stadium. Tess dipped her head low and stampeded, slamming into Teana and throwing them both out of the conflagration.

Kanae’s daughter braced her feet on the ground, putting Tess to a grinding halt. They headbutted each other, but it was Teana who recoiled the hardest.

”I promised my family… that I’d reach the finals!” Teana roared.

Tess headbutted Teana again, but this time she didn’t budge. Not even a centimeter. The Headhunter’s Thrill of the Hunt skill gave her enough of an edge against Tess now. It was almost unfair. The longer a battle went on, the stronger the Headhunter became against their prey. Teana returned the favor, headbutting Tess. The gaur staggered back, and blood poured from her nose.

Then, to the round of gasps, Teana picked up a tree whole and ripped it from its roots. Tess looked up in time to see Teana swinging it into her. The impact threw her across the arena, crashing into the wall.

Silence fell upon the stadium. Archbishop Patrice flew up to the unmoving Tess, and then returned to Teana.

”Victory by knockout, Teana Toyomi!” the archbishop boomed.

”That’s my granddaughter!” Moira cheered.

”She won!” Mitty, Mikki, and Kanae group hugged, bouncing up and down.

Barely in time, too. It seemed the borrowed powers from the skulls were beginning to wear off. Teana suffered two puncture wounds in her abdomen from Tess’ goring charge that weren’t recovering. Clerics rushed out and needed to peel the unconscious Tess from the wall she was embedded into.

Teana looked up to Kanae from below and waved excitedly, wearing the same adorable smile back when she was a baby.

A couple of organizers rushed out of the tunnel. They pulled Archbishop Patrice aside to speak with her. Whatever it was looked important. When they were done talking, the archbishop brought the magical scroll up to her lips.

”We have some unfortunate news. Due to extenuating circumstances, Runald Aespir has conceded the final match. That means Aidenhall’s very first Knights’ Tournament champion for the under bracket is Teana Toyomi!” Archbishop Patrice exclaimed, grabbing Teana’s hand and lifting it into the air.

A mixture of confusion and celebratory cheers rang out. What should have been a moment of great joy, however, was dampened by the last match being cancelled. Runald conceded? Why?

”What? Runald just gave up? That coward! I’m going to slug him a new one!” Reen yelled.

”Calm down, Reen! He probably has a good reason, right?” Joap offered, although not at all confident about his own words.

Kanae snapped in the direction of Petyr, who expressed just as much bafflement as the rest of them. Their gazes met, but found no answer in each other.