My Dungeon Life: Rise of the Slave Harem

I frowned at her words. Of everything I expected from appearing, I didn’t expect Lydia to barely react at all. She was as lovely as always, but she wasn’t upset, excited, or confused. She might as well have seen me just a little earlier today.

“Ah, Master, why did you just tell us to meet you in the War room if you’re here?” Lydia suddenly asked, cocking her head.

“War room?” I blinked. “What war room? Lydia… I’ve been gone for weeks.”

It was Lydia’s turn to be confused. “What do you mean? I just saw you this morning…”

I took a step forward, and Lydia suddenly looked even more doubtful.

“Elaya… she was trying to say something.”

“You’ve seen Elaya?” Her eyes flashed.

“Lydia… I’m Deek. The last time I saw you was when we were in Lord Reign’s castle. I cut off a piece of my soul, and then teleported all of you home. Lord Reign tossed me into a dungeon, I only recently escaped with Carmine.”

As I spoke, Lydia’s eyes grew wide, and her alarm seemed to grow as well.

“I… the slave bond.”

“I cut off the slave bond.” I shook my head. “I had to do it send you away. I’m… just glad your safe.”

“You… don’t understand. Deek came back with us.”

“What?”

“Deek, I mean… he’s been here all along.”

“That…” I looked down for a second, and then back up. “The Demon Lord!”

“What?”

“Do you know who attacked us in Alerith? The person that forced me to cut my soul? It was Demon Lord Aberis! He’s the power behind Lord Reign, not Imperial Cloud Meadow like we thought.”

“Th-the demon lord died…”

“That’s what we thought, but when Xin and Elaya killed him, he made himself reborn. Since then, he’s been gathering power.” I explained. “Don’t you understand what this means? He sent back a copy with you! This Deek, he must be some kind of spy created by Lord Aberis to confuse all of you!”

“N-no… that can’t be true…” She shook her head, her eyes filled with confusion and worry.

“Think about it. Is there anything questionable about him? Had he acted strangely?”

“That is…” Lydia’s eye started to flash with realization. “He… it was a she?”

“What?”

“The one who came back was a female version of you. She takes potions to remain male. As for their behavior… they can be a little cold sometimes.”

“Don’t you see, it must be some kind of fake! Lord Aberis must have done something to send it. The soul piece that was cut off was far too weak to have survived on its own.”

“B-but…”

“Look, how much of my soul went with you? Almost nothing. All of it was me, I’m the real Deek.” I had started to approach her, and soon I was right in front of her, my eyes filled with passion. “Even if that Deek was me, it’d only be a shadow. I’m the true Deek.”

“M-m-master?” Her eyes looked into mine with realization.

Suddenly, I felt the bond between us snap back into place. With a smile, I grabbed Lydia and kissed her. As I passionately held her, Lydia melted into my arms. It seemed like things were far worse than I had hoped. It was fine. I’d fix everything. I was home now.