Talent, no... Ghost Talent

"Your Highness, the strategic value of this magic you've created... is extraordinary."

Regarding the function of the chat window, Zennas could only think of warfare. He had participated in several campaigns to quell civil unrest within the Demon Realm, so he understood just how crucial the speed of information dissemination was to a battle.

"A tool for war? No, Zennas, what stands before you is a new world—a world where everyone is equal."

Joshua's words once again left the Sin Demon in a dazed state. With Zennas's current way of thinking, it was indeed difficult for him to grasp what the great era of the Internet+ was truly like.

"Go get some rest."

The cube in Joshua's hand vanished, and he stopped pressing his guard. Even a race as powerful as the Sin Demons needed rest. On top of that, Zennas had opened several Teleportation Portals in a row over the past few days. Constructing a portal consumed a massive amount of mana, and recovering in such a short time was no easy feat.

"Understood."

Joshua had already formed an alliance with the Bone Duke, and it was no exaggeration to say that this castle had become Joshua's territory. With the Bone Duke's support, Joshua had officially climbed from being a prince who only tinkered with minor inventions into the second-tier power circle of the Demon Realm, standing alongside the First Prince and the Second Princess. Of course, all of this assumed Joshua still had any interest in vying for the throne.

Joshua watched Zennas leave the hall, then focused his attention on the mark on his hand. This mark was proof of the contract Joshua had forged with the Bone Duke. While it granted Joshua control over a portion of the Bone Duke's life force, it also gave him the authority to command the undead army under the Bone Duke's banner. However, with Joshua's mana, commanding a dozen or so high-ranking Death Knights was his limit. He was still far from reaching the level of the Bone Duke, who could wield Frostmourne and lead millions of undead as their king.

But in Joshua's eyes, the abilities of these undead were not limited to the monotonous functions of taking lives or devouring human souls.

Joshua clenched his left hand, where the mark was etched. The mark erupted with pitch-black light, and soon, two translucent phantoms drifted slowly through the window into the living room. These phantoms appeared as young women, clad in tattered long dresses covered in Runes that exuded a sinister aura. They were advanced forms of the ghost lineage—Banshees.

These Banshees had no will of their own. Without a master to control them, they would go berserk, attacking any living creature within their sight and using their sharp, resentment-filled wails to corrupt the minds of their prey. Of course, they also possessed a more important ability: like ordinary ghosts, they could pass through walls and float in the air, yet when necessary, they could pick up objects. They also had the power of invisibility. Most importantly, they were not afraid of sunlight. Sunlight only weakened a portion of their strength without harming their essence.

Joshua opened his Suitcase, took out his Camera, and issued orders to the two Banshees. They floated slowly toward the Camera. One of them successfully lifted the not-too-heavy Camera and drifted to the top of the room. Even though Joshua already knew the outcome, watching these Banshees float around the room holding the Camera still brought him a small thrill.

With the help of these Banshees, Joshua would never have to worry about camera angles again. Long shots, close-ups, Camera stabilization, tripods, dolly tracks—none of that would ever be needed! If Earth had creatures like Banshees, every Hollywood director would hire them as cinematographers. Those directors might not skimp on camera equipment costs, but with Banshees, they could truly achieve 360-degree, unobstructed filming.

"You're wasted as undead here. Come with me to Hollywood and make it big."

The Banshee race was absolutely a talent for cinematography—no, a genius for it!

Unfortunately, these two Banshees had no will of their own. Joshua released his grip, and the two Banshees set down the Camera before vanishing into the air. Joshua's gaze then shifted to Ciri, who was by the fireplace. She had already woken from her slumber.

"Can't sleep?"

"How could anyone sleep with two evil spirits staring at them?"

Ciri glared at the spot where the Banshees had disappeared. The moment they floated into the room, she had woken up. Even the Bone Duke's "Canon" as a lullaby hadn't helped.

"Then go back to sleep. Nothing will disturb you tonight."

Joshua yawned. After several days without sleep, even his powerful bloodline was starting to feel the strain.

"You... you're not planning to sleep here too, are you?"

Ciri looked around and realized she was the only one with a pillow. If Joshua found a room in this castle, she would have to follow him there because of the Necklace around her neck.

"What, you're not happy to have me here?" Joshua asked.

"Not happy. And let me make this clear—I have no interest in you. Not now, not ever."

Though Ciri was afraid of death, she wasn't afraid of dying. She never held back her dissatisfaction. Having overheard Joshua and Zennas's conversation earlier, her mind was now in turmoil.

"Then get some sleep. There's work to do tomorrow."

Joshua ignored Ciri's taunt, pulled a chair over to the table, leaned back, and closed his eyes.

"..."

Ciri stared at Joshua's profile as he shut his eyes, falling silent. After a moment's thought, she realized that even though Joshua had restricted her freedom, she owed her survival in the Demon Realm entirely to him. In a way, Joshua was her savior. But his complete lack of authority made it impossible for Ciri to thank him sincerely—she was sure he would just mock her.

"Thanks," Ciri muttered under her breath, hugging the pillow, her voice so soft only she could hear it.

"Miss Ciri, did you say something?"

But Joshua's hearing was sharp. He caught those two words over the lullaby "Canon."

"I... I... Once I gain my freedom, I'll make you pay!" Ciri's face flushed crimson. To maintain her tough stance, she had no choice but to spit out that harsh threat.

"Oh."

Joshua's reply, however, showed he still didn't take her words to heart. He closed his eyes again, conserving his energy for the next day's work.

Ciri bit her lower lip lightly, then, as if sulking, hugged her pillow and turned her back to Joshua, lying down to sleep.