DxD: Chapter 257/260

Chapter 257: Shizuka's Great Achievement!

Liana looked at the scene in front of her in confusion.

This…

Is this really right?

The entire atmosphere has changed!

Where's that soul from earlier?

Could that have been the Fourth True Ancestor?

And the one sitting on the ground now is…

Liana was slightly overwhelmed.

But…

Thankfully, the records she had read provided some clues.

Taking a breath to calm herself, Liana murmured, "What just happened… could that have been the legendary Origin?"

And this girl standing in front of her, with such a clueless look—she should be 12th Kaleid Blood, the one used to seal the original soul?

Then…

Where did the Origin go?

A trace of doubt flickered in Liana's eyes.

Akatsuki Gajou stroked his chin, momentarily unsure of the situation himself.

But—

What he could confirm was that…

Avrora seems to be safe?

He also noticed that there were now two consciousnesses within the blonde girl's body.

The arrogant one from before, the one who even dared to say she wanted to "taste" Avrora, was likely destroyed by Lynn.

Thinking this, Gajou finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Meanwhile.

Avrora hadn't noticed the disappearance of the Origin at all.

The moment Lynn pulled out the can of milk, her eyes were glued to it.

Stare—

Avrora stared hard at the milk can in Lynn's hand. Her throat moved now and then.

Saliva was already pooling fast.

She looked just like the Origin had earlier.

Except—

The Origin craved blood.

Avrora, on the other hand, craved food.

Still…

There's no denying it.

From the beginning, the Fourth True Ancestor has always been a glutton!

Seeing Avrora drooling, Lynn's lips curled slightly as he held the milk can a bit closer to her.

"Hmm…"

Avrora bit her lip, a hint of inner struggle in her eyes. After a moment, she turned her head away and mumbled, "You can't eat food from strangers…"

"Yes, stay strong!"

She clenched her fists, trying to resist, but her constantly moving throat betrayed the battle raging inside her.

Watching this, Lynn thought for a moment and opened the milk can.

Suddenly—

A rich, sweet aroma burst forth, invading Avrora's senses!

"!"

Avrora's nose twitched and her eyes widened instantly!

Her lips puckered in exaggerated restraint, and she clutched the tattered prisoner's uniform tightly, leaving deep creases in the fabric!

I can't hold it anymore!!

In the end, her appetite overwhelmed the tiny bit of rationality she had left!

She turned her head back, snatched the can from Lynn's hand, and cradled it with both hands. Her pink lips met the rim, and she gulped down the contents wildly!

Milky white liquid dripped down Avrora's chin, sliding into her clothes, adding a splash of messiness to her otherwise pure and innocent face.

A short while later—

"Ha!"

Avrora lowered the empty can, letting out a satisfied sigh!

"One more!"

Her eyes curved into pretty arcs, a bright smile lit up her face, and a trace of white lingered at the corners of her mouth.

Sensing something odd there, she instinctively stuck out her tongue and cleaned the edge of the can.

Watching her, Lynn smirked.

Shizuka's milk can really is perfect for luring in prey.

This was a big catch.

Avrora held the empty can and waited for a refill. When it didn't come, she looked up in confusion.

Only to meet Lynn's teasing expression.

Avrora's face froze, and she suddenly realized.

This wasn't an all-you-can-eat buffet!

Her expression stiffened instantly. She lowered her head, her presence shrinking, and even the icy aura of the enchantress behind her quietly dissipated.

She began nervously fiddling with the hem of her clothes, clearly embarrassed.

Lynn spoke indifferently, "If you eat my food, you're mine."

"Ehhhhh—?!"

Avrora looked up sharply, eyes wide in disbelief.

All this…

Just for a can of milk? Did she sell herself?!

"No, no, no!"

She waved her hands frantically and tried to use the Origin as a shield. "The Origin wouldn't agree to this!"

"That girl…"

Lynn glanced at the [Evil Piece] Space, noticing that Stella and the others were getting along well with Aurora. He chuckled. "She'll agree."

"?"

Avrora looked like she was about to cry. She frantically turned her head, looking for the Origin.

Origin, say something!

Wait, huh?

She blinked a few times, finally catching on.

Where's the Origin?

She… left me?!

Avrora looked devastated.

Seeing this, Lynn stood up and placed his hand gently on her head. "You've got nowhere else to go. Just stay with me for now."

"Hmm…"

Avrora flinched at the head pat, closed one eye, and said nothing.

"And…"

Lynn added, "You don't want to be devoured by the Origin and vanish, do you?"

Avrora's pupils contracted. Her body swayed slightly, revealing the deep inner conflict within her.

Her fingers tightened until they turned white, and she lightly bit her lip.

That's right.

She didn't want to be swallowed.

Avrora was different from the other vessels.

Since she awakened, she had developed a unique sense of self.

So…

She didn't want to disappear!

Avrora just wanted a peaceful life.

A stable, normal life like any ordinary person!

Especially—

Delicious food!

The moment those two words came to mind, Avrora's eyes sparkled.

So—

Even though she was a little uneasy about the Origin's absence, she still felt a bit relieved.

At least for now…

She wasn't in danger of being devoured by the Origin.

But…

The sense of crisis hadn't fully gone away.

So—

Eat as much as possible while there's time!

That's what Avrora was really thinking!

If I die, I'm dying with a full stomach!!

Still…

Avrora hesitated.

This man…

He was a stranger, too.

But…

It seemed like even the Origin couldn't do anything to him.

And given the current situation, there really wasn't any other option.

After struggling internally for a moment, Avrora reached out and tugged on Lynn's pants, tilted her head back, and said seriously, "Can I have another can of milk?"

Lynn blinked in surprise, looking at her strangely for a few seconds.

Avrora shrank her neck a little. "Was… was that a no?"

"…Yeah. Sure."

Hearing that.

Avrora's eyes lit up instantly.

"Okay, I'll go with you!"

At that moment, her voice held rare seriousness and determination!

Lynn: "…"

Well then…

Shizuka really pulled off something big this time!

(To be continued.)

Chapter 258: She Offered Herself

Lynn took Avrora's hand and pulled her up from the cold, hard floor.

New follower, acquired.

But…

This clearly wasn't the right place to conduct a reincarnation ceremony.

Lynn didn't plan to engrave a Blessing for Avrora just yet.

Besides…

Lynn sensed the presence of an old acquaintance.

Natsuki?

His eyes revealed a bit of surprise.

Why is Natsuki-chan here?

Lynn was curious. "Natsuki-chan, aren't you going to come out and say hello?"

As soon as Lynn spoke.

Akatsuki Gajou, who had just relaxed a little, tensed up again.

Someone else?!

His expression twitched.

Can we catch a break?

One after another.

First the Lion King Organization, then the Black Death Emperor Faction, and now someone new?!

Gajou felt his jaw ache just thinking about it.

Although he'd already expected trouble after getting involved with the Fourth True Ancestor,

This was… more than anticipated.

But… the newcomer.

Seems like someone Lynn is familiar with?

With that thought, Gajou's nerves settled somewhat.

Yes…

He's the adult here.

After witnessing Lynn's strength firsthand, Akatsuki had developed deep respect for him.

And.

In a way, Lynn was also Nagisa's savior. Gajou was truly grateful to him.

Elsewhere.

Yukari paused slightly when she heard the name "Natsuki-chan."

Natsuki Minamiya?

Yukari was a bit surprised.

The Witch of the Void?

What is she doing here?

That Natsuki-chan…

Yukina blinked, feeling a little confused.

Same name as Sensei Natsuki?

After Lynn spoke, the underground mausoleum briefly fell into silence, followed by space distorting with a low hum.

Soon.

A young girl dressed in gothic black appeared with an expressionless face.

When Natsuki Minamiya saw Lynn, she frowned. "Why are you everywhere?"

Lynn shrugged. "Wherever there are promising recruits for my Peerage, of course I'll be there."

Natsuki: "…"

She fell silent for a few seconds before muttering, "A mad devil, obsessively recruiting followers…"

Thinking about the absurd number of girls in Lynn's Peerage, she felt her eye twitch.

Sometimes she really wondered—
Was Lynn truly building a Peerage for strength… or was it for some other desire?

After all…

Besides those with actual ability, hadn't quite a few seemingly ordinary girls been reincarnated as devils?

Thankfully—

With the Blessing system Lynn used, Natsuki knew he wasn't just gathering pretty vases.

But—

This time, it looked like his target was the Fourth True Ancestor…

Natsuki's gaze drifted to Avrora standing behind Lynn. The corner of her mouth twitched. "So she's your target this time?"

"Obviously."

Lynn didn't hide anything.

Upon getting confirmation, Natsuki's face twitched even harder.

"You're the first one I've seen recruiting a vampire as a Peerage member."

True Ancestor.

In the vampire world, this title meant ruler, symbol of supremacy, and strongest being.

Recruiting such an existence into a Peerage would no doubt stir up a major diplomatic crisis.

At the very least.

The other three True Ancestors wouldn't stay silent.

Even if they themselves didn't react, their subordinates definitely would.

As leaders of their race, they'd be forced to respond.
To maintain internal cohesion, and as a show of force to external threats.

Natsuki immediately grasped the severity of the situation. She opened her mouth to speak, but upon seeing Lynn's calm smile, she stopped herself.

If she could think of this, how could Lynn not?

He just didn't care.

Thinking back to how the Old Maou Faction had been crushed, Natsuki shook her head and chuckled self-deprecatingly.

She was overthinking it.

That faction had Demon Kings backing them, yet they were crushed underfoot by Lynn.

No matter how strong the True Ancestors were, they were just Maou-class to devils.

To Lynn, they were no real threat.

Well…

Maybe he'd even use this chance to recruit another high-quality Peerage member?

As Natsuki recalled the Chaos Bride, her expression turned odd.

That's definitely going to happen, isn't it?

Knowing Lynn, there was no doubt.

In that case…

No point worrying. Better to worry about the safety of those True Ancestors instead.

But…

Thinking of her task, Natsuki's expression turned stiff.

With Lynn here, could she still maintain balance?

Her precious black tea!

Natsuki groaned inwardly.

"Is it really Natsuki-sensei?"

Yukina looked at Natsuki in surprise, her eyes wide.

The teacher at Shuchiin…

Wasn't she supposed to be just a normal person?

When Natsuki heard "Sensei," her expression jolted, and for a second she thought she was still at Shuchiin.

Thankfully, she snapped out of it before saying anything awkward and looked back.

Seeing Yukina, she was momentarily stunned. "Student Yukina…"

Natsuki sensed devilish energy from Yukina and fell silent.

Then she looked back at Lynn, her tone filled with disbelief. "Yukina just transferred here, and you've already done this?"

Yukina scratched her cheek awkwardly.

Yeah… she walked right into the trap herself…

Lynn shrugged and motioned with his chin toward Yukari. "You want to ask them?"

Natsuki followed his gaze and saw the short-haired blonde elf with pointed ears.

The moment she saw that face, Natsuki's brow rose. "Lion King Organization?"

"Yo!"

Yukari placed a hand on her hip and smiled. "Didn't expect our first meeting to be in a place like this, Witch of the Void."

Natsuki remained expressionless. She looked at Yukari, then at Yukina, and finally rested her gaze on the Snowdrift Wolf beside her.

Piecing it all together, she quickly realized what was going on.

"Student Yukina… is the shrine maiden trained by your Organization?"

Yukari didn't deny it, simply shrugging.

"So…"

Natsuki's voice turned strange. "So you're offering the shrine maiden you trained to a devil?"

"What do you mean, offering to a devil?"

Yukari frowned, crossed her arms, and responded, clearly displeased. "That's a harsh way to put it."

Natsuki sneered. "Isn't it?"

Yukari answered firmly, "Lynn saved Tokyo. Yukina was moved and offered herself willingly to serve as his shrine maiden. What's wrong with that?"

"Or…"

"Are you trying to question a shrine maiden's devout gratitude?!"

Yukika: "...."

(To be continued.)

Chapter 259: Hayasaka Ai, Speechless

Yukina looked at Yukari, who spoke so righteously, and a question mark slowly formed in her mind.

When did she "willingly offer herself to Lynn out of gratitude"?

Wasn't it clear she had been tricked?

Yukina puffed out her cheeks in frustration.

After a moment, she finally began to understand what was really going on.

Because she was in such a hurry to save Sayaka, she hadn't had time to think deeply.

Looking back now, it was all full of holes!

How could a mere apprentice shrine maiden like her influence someone like Lynn?

Honey trap, negotiation, mission—what a load of lies!

If Sayaka had been taken, wasn't it the Lion King Organization's responsibility to step forward and resolve it?

Why was the burden pushed onto her, an apprentice shrine maiden?

The more she thought about it, the angrier she became!

After joining the Peerage, Yukina had also roughly learned the truth behind Sayaka's capture.

So…

To ease tensions between the Lion King Organization and Lynn, they had used her as a pawn, coaxing and tricking her into acting.

Even her trusted master had been in on it!

After putting the pieces together, Himeragi Yukina felt like the world had collapsed.

Of course…

The result wasn't bad.

The welfare within Lynn's Peerage was likely the greatest opportunity she would ever encounter.

But…

What the Organization and her master had done wasn't something she could easily forgive.

Yukina looked at Yukari, lips pursed, saying nothing, but—

A new idea quietly took root in her heart.

She wanted to pack up the entire Lion King Organization and offer it to Lynn's Peerage.

Just like her master had done.

Meanwhile—

Though Yukina didn't voice anything aloud, the look on her face was more than enough.

Natsuki Minamiya saw that expression and immediately understood.

Yukina had been forced into this.

"Oh…"

Natsuki let out a cold chuckle. "So the Lion King Organization isn't exactly a respectable place."

"Hey, hey, be careful! We'll sue you for slander!"

Yukari shouted back in protest.

Natsuki didn't care about any legal threats from her.

Lynn, who had been enjoying the show, finally asked, "So, Natsuki-chan, what are you doing here?"

"Ah…"

Natsuki thought for a moment, then took out her phone and waved it. "I received a commission."

Lynn understood immediately.

Taking on side jobs for extra cash, huh?

Before he rose to fame, he used to hire Natsuki for jobs all the time.

But…

This commission was actually related to Gozo Island?

His instincts told him that someone had deliberately drawn Natsuki here.

Also for the Fourth True Ancestor?

If memory served.

In the original story, Natsuki had indeed come to Gozo Island.

But that had been due to a commission from Dimitrie Vatler.

Except now, Dimitrie had already been erased by Lynn, and yet Natsuki was still involved.

Lynn shook his head and didn't think too much more about it.

What mattered now was engraving a Blessing for Avrora.

Thinking of this.

A faint hum echoed beneath his feet as a black magic circle spread across the ice floor.

"Please wait!"

Suddenly.

Liana's voice rang out.

Lynn looked over indifferently.

Just meeting his crimson eyes made Liana's breath catch in her throat, as if her heart had been gripped by a heavy hand. But…

She glanced at Avrora, then gritted her teeth and said stiffly, "Please… allow me to follow you!"

Liana had originally come here for the Fourth True Ancestor.

Now, no one knew where Lynn had sent the soul of the Fourth True Ancestor, and even 12th Kaleid Blood—Avrora—was about to be taken away by Lynn.

In the end…

She was left with nothing.

So…

At the very least…

She had to follow 12th Kaleid Blood?

Maybe…

She could still find a clue about the Fourth True Ancestor's soul.

Liana took a deep breath, then bowed deeply and said earnestly, "Please!"

Lynn looked at her for a moment but said nothing. Instead, he turned to Yukari and said, "I'll leave the rest of the vessels to you."

"Make sure the mission is completed."

Yukari stood tall and serious. "Understood!"

The next moment—

Lynn took Avrora and vanished.

After Lynn left—

Yukari finally exhaled in relief.

"Speaking of which…"

She blinked and turned to Yukina. "Why don't we hitch a ride next time?"

While teleportation magic was common among devils, most other forces didn't have access to it.

And even if they did.

It required strict qualifications.

Otherwise, Natsuki wouldn't be such a big name in the human world.

Natsuki clicked her tongue, crossed her arms, and said sarcastically, "What Lion King Organization? Seems like you've all been tamed by a devil."

Yukari said nothing in return.

When faced with someone like Lynn, caution was the only way weaklings like them could survive.

Elsewhere.

Liana was visibly disappointed.

No answer…

So…

Rejected?

She wobbled slightly.

But…

She couldn't give up.

Not yet.

Liana quickly regained her composure, then turned to Yukari and Natsuki, who clearly knew Lynn well.

"Could you please tell me where that man lives?"

The underground mausoleum fell into a sudden silence.

Yukari and Natsuki exchanged a glance, immediately understanding what was happening.

Another one walking right into the trap.

Before either of them could reply, Yukina's voice rang out.

"Tokyo, Japan. Shuchiin."

She calmly gave the address.

"?"

Natsuki and Yukari both turned to look at her in surprise.

Yukina looked away.

Recruiting talent for the Peerage was also part of her duty now.

Meanwhile.

Back at Lynn's residence.

A magic circle suddenly lit up in the air.

Lynn and Avrora appeared out of nowhere.

"Hmm…"

The spatial travel made Avrora, who hadn't moved much in a long time, feel a little dizzy.

She shook her head to clear her mind, then slowly opened her eyes and curiously scanned her surroundings.

"So big…"

She murmured weakly, her small hands instinctively clutching Lynn's clothes.

The unfamiliar place made her feel uneasy.

At that moment.

Seeing Lynn return, Ai immediately stepped forward, placed her hands on her stomach, bowed slightly, and greeted, "Welcome home, Master."

"Would you like to shower first, eat first, or…"

Ai paused, lowered her gaze, then glanced at a certain part of Lynn, her cheeks flushed as she softly added, "Eat first—"

Before she could finish.

Avrora's voice suddenly cut in.

"Yes, let's eat first."

Ai: "?"

She turned her head slightly, eyes locking onto Avrora in silence.

You…

Who the hell are you?

(To be continued.)

Chapter 260: Totsuki Department Training?

Main World.
Lynn Manor.
Dining Room.

With a loud clack, Ai placed the final dish in front of Avrora with a stony expression.

Her sea-blue eyes stared silently at Avrora, as if voicing silent discontent.

But Avrora paid her no mind. Her attention was locked onto the dazzling spread of food on the table.

She licked her lips repeatedly, then raised her eyes and looked expectantly at Lynn.

Seeing this, Lynn smiled and said, "Go ahead. It's all for you."

Hearing that, Avrora's eyes lit up instantly, and she began to dig in with enthusiasm.

Lynn shook his head.

Didn't expect to bring home a glutton this time.

Watching her eat so heartily stirred Lynn's own appetite, and he began to sample the food Ai had prepared for him as well.

The moment he took a bite.

He immediately noticed the improvement in flavor compared to before.

Surprised, he asked, "You made this, Ai?"

Hearing his voice, Ai returned to her senses and finally stopped glaring at Avrora. She looked over, tucked her hair behind her ear, and replied casually, "How is it?"

Lynn gave her a thumbs-up. "You've made serious progress."

Even though Ai had served as his maid for a while, her cooking had always been just average.

She might not have even matched Mahiru in skill.

But…

In just a few days, she had improved drastically!

Hearing Lynn's praise, Ai was clearly pleased, though she fought to keep the corners of her mouth from curling into a smile.

She maintained a composed tone and said, "I went to the Totsuki Club at Shuchiin for some extra training. Still not good enough to graduate."

"It's already amazing," Lynn praised without holding back.

His maid had pushed herself for the sake of his taste buds. She deserved recognition for that.

But—

Totsuki…

That name brought to mind Nakiri Erina, who had been in contact with him frequently through [Devil's Correspondence].

He had been busy with matters in the World of the Soul Reapers lately, and it felt like he hadn't "fed" that digital pet in a while.

Lynn took out his phone and opened [Devil's Correspondence], only to see a flood of unread messages from Erina.

Lynn: "…"

Was this girl about to lose it?

Tokyo.
A restaurant.

Nakiri Erina sat inside, eyes blank and unfocused, absently stirring the food before her.

She didn't take a single bite.

The chef standing nearby was drenched in sweat, nervously wringing his hands.

Was… was the dish not to her taste?

He was terrified.

One bad word from Nakiri Erina, and his entire culinary career could be over.

"Miss?"

Hisako stood quietly behind Erina, concern written all over her face.

Erina had been in a terrible state lately.

Was it because of that devil gentleman?

Sigh.

She sighed in her heart.

What kind of magic did that man use to make such a proud girl so obsessed?

Still…

If this continued.

Hisako clenched her fists.

Should she report this to the head of the family?

She hesitated.

Just then.

Erina's phone vibrated.

The moment she heard the buzz, she stiffened, and her eyes lit up in an instant.

She quickly pulled out her phone, nervous anticipation mixed with hope in her gaze.

After all…

It was just a vibration.

It could be anything.

Maybe just another push notification from some app.

She'd experienced this countless times.

Still, she checked her phone every time.

This time, though…

She wasn't disappointed!

"It's Mr. Devil!!"

Erina exclaimed and jumped from her seat in excitement. "Hisako, let's go!"

Hisako blinked in confusion for a second, then obediently nodded. "Yes!"

"?"

The chef was stunned. Seeing that Erina was about to leave, he quickly stepped forward. "Miss Nakiri, my evaluation…"

"Huh?"

Being stopped clearly annoyed her, but she remembered why she came. She waved dismissively, "You pass."

With that, Erina and Hisako quickly exited the restaurant.

The chef opened his mouth, but in the end, he said nothing.

He looked down at the food that hadn't even been touched, mashed into a mess on the plate.

"…"

This… counts as passing?

But…

She didn't even taste it…

…

In the car.

Erina sat in the back seat, one leg bouncing anxiously, eyes locked on the new message from [Devil's Correspondence].

Her God's Tongue seemed to sense its salvation and was already secreting saliva.

But…

The good news was.

Her tongue was about to be satisfied again.

The bad news.

This time, the conditions were even more demanding!

Erina stared at the message, lips tightly pressed together.

"Provide cooking training for his maid team?"

Was this an in-person meeting?

She hesitated.

Thinking of the risqué photos and videos she had previously sent through the app, her cheeks burned and her mind went blank.

Behind a screen, she could still maintain a shred of dignity.

But face-to-face…

Her breathing grew shallow and her hand clenched around her phone.

What should she do?

She had a bad feeling about this…

It felt like she was being lured into a devil's trap, descending one step at a time.

And yet.

Erina moved her tongue, then held her empty stomach with a helpless expression.

Once she had tasted the food Lynn gave her, ordinary cuisine was no longer edible to her Divine Tongue.

Since that first deal with him, she had been hooked.

Going even a short time without it left her exhausted and tormented.

"Haa…"

Erina exhaled and muttered softly, "There's no helping it…"

She had no choice…

She had to go.

To avoid starving to death.

Erina compromised.

Still…

Just training, right?

That should be fine.

Should be…

But…

Was it really okay to meet the devil in person?

Erina wrestled with the thought, and after a few minutes of inner struggle, her eyes grew firm.

She made her decision.

She'd go!

After solidifying her resolve, she looked at Hisako, who was driving, and tried her best to sound composed.

"Hisako, change our route…"

(To be continued.)