DxD: Chapter 254/256

Chapter 254: Reversing

"Want it?"

Lynn waved the golden flame of life on his fingertip. The thick vitality it emitted made Aurora's eyes shine as she stared, drooling unconsciously.

Hearing his words, Aurora nodded without thinking, her eyes brimming with impatience.

Lynn's lips curled into a smile. "If you become a member of my Peerage, you'll have as much of this as you want."

"Mm-hmm!"

Aurora nodded again on reflex—then suddenly froze, her eyes clearing as the words sank in.

Peerage?

Me?

The Fourth True Ancestor?

Be someone else's follower?!

???

A string of question marks flashed through her mind.

Wait a minute... something feels off.

Wasn't this reversed?

Her gaze finally left the flame of life and shifted sharply to Lynn's face. Her scarlet eyes narrowed, and a flicker of malice emerged.

She didn't even try to hide it.

You want the Fourth True Ancestor to become your servant?

Aurora sneered. This guy... did he not understand the situation?

But...

As she scrutinized him more closely, a sliver of doubt entered her mind.

There was something strange about this man.

Those wine-red eyes showed no reverence. Not even a hint of fear toward her identity.

Aurora frowned. Her gaze swept across the room and landed on Liana, still kneeling on the ground.

Feeling Aurora's eyes on her, Liana immediately lowered her head. Her body stiffened, and sweat began to soak her back.

He dared say that to the Fourth True Ancestor?!

He was finished.

Liana's expression turned pale, her pupils dilating.

She will definitely rip him apart...!

She trembled at the mere thought.

On the other side.

Aurora, seeing Liana's reaction, gave a small nod of approval.

That's more like it. The correct response.

She looked toward Akatsuki Gajou next.

Hmm...

Anxious. Worried. Fearful. All acceptable.

But when her gaze moved to Yukari and Himeragi Yukina, her expression shifted slightly.

Calm?

They were the same as him?

Aurora wasn't pleased.

Have people forgotten the name of the Fourth True Ancestor?

What annoyed her more.

These two actually looked at Lynn with... respect?

Her brows knit slightly.

And on Yukina, she could even smell a trace of Lynn's aura.

Not just any aura either...

Something deeper.

Something not human.

Aurora's thoughts raced as she racked her memory.

And finally, she locked on.

Her eyes widened as she raised her head and asked in shock, "Devil?!"

Lynn wasn't surprised at all.

In fact, he felt her reaction was... slow.

The Fourth True Ancestor only just figured it out?

Was her brain still in sleep mode?

Aurora paused, stunned, but quickly recovered.

A devil was just a devil.

How could one ever compare to the supreme True Ancestor?

And yet...

A devil actually wants me to serve him?

What kind of joke was that?

Her eyes narrowed. "Devils are recruiting followers now too? Just like vampires?"

She'd never heard of such nonsense in her time.

But...

Anyone who dares provoke her must pay the price!

And that life energy... she still hadn't forgotten about it.

Her eyes gleamed with a wicked light.

He needs to be punished.

Severely.

Aurora licked her lips, voice sultry and dangerous. "You dare speak to me like that. Surely, you've accepted your fate?"

With those words, she suddenly lunged forward and reached for Lynn's neck.

She would drink his blood today.

Even if Cain himself tried to stop her!

Bang!

Just as her excitement peaked, Lynn's hand shot up and caught her wrist midair.

"...?"

Aurora blinked, confused.

"...!"

So strong?!

No matter how hard she pulled, she couldn't move an inch.

Lynn's expression remained calm. "Have you ever considered something?"

"...?"

Aurora paused, curiosity momentarily winning over anger.

He looked her dead in the eyes. "With such immense life energy... do you think someone like me would be easy to control?"

"!"

Her pupils shrank.

Before she could even react, a wave of dizziness hit her.

Thud!

With a dull impact, her body slammed against the ice.

A crisp duang echoed through the underground mausoleum.

Aurora's cheek was pressed against the cold surface, her eyes blinking blankly.

What just happened?

"Y-Your Majesty!"

Liana let out a panicked cry at the scene.

Yukari raised a brow, her face clearly saying, This is gonna be fun.

Gajou had quietly stepped back toward Akatsuki Kojou and Nagisa, relief in his eyes.

With Aurora distracted by Lynn...

Nagisa should be safe. For now.

Still, he didn't dare fully relax.

Meanwhile.

Aurora, dazed for several seconds, finally came to her senses.

She began struggling.

"Ugh!"

She let out a sound of protest, furious.

Her strength hadn't returned yet. She didn't even know where her twelve bodies were.

And now?

Being stepped on by a devil?

It was..

Unforgivable...!

But...

Lynn's earlier words echoed in her mind.

With that much life energy...

There's no way he's weak.

In that case.

Her expression changed again.

If she couldn't absorb him...

Then why not possess him?

A faint blue light shimmered around her body as her soul abruptly separated and flew toward Lynn.

"I'll just take this delicious body for myself!!"

Her eyes sparkled with triumph.

She had the upper hand now.

There was no way he'd expect a possession!

Lynn's brows twitched. He stared at her soul and gave a strange smile.

A soul body, huh...

She just happened to jump right into his domain.

With everything he'd learned recently from Miko, Midoriko, and the others, Lynn's spiritual strength had grown rapidly—like a rocket.

So this time...

Aurora had walked right into a trap.

Calm as ever, Lynn watched her approach.

Then, right before her soul made contact.

He raised his hand slightly.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 255: Alrescha-Glacies

With a snap!

The moment Aurora's soul touched Lynn's large hand, a crisp snapping sound rang out.

Then, she felt a hand wrap tightly around her.

"?!"

Aurora's eyes bulged wide in shock.

What's going on?!

He can grab a soul?!

Startled, Aurora instinctively reached up to pry Lynn's hand away, trying to break free with brute force.

But…

She couldn't move at all.

Even worse…

Lynn didn't even seem to notice she was struggling.

"So weak."

Lynn was slightly surprised.

As someone bearing the title of the Fourth True Ancestor, shouldn't she be a Satan-class existence?

Even without my beasts, she shouldn't be this weak, right?

Not even stronger than Katerea Leviathan?

Of course, soul possession techniques are usually difficult to guard against.

Without methods that directly target the soul, Aurora would still be troublesome to deal with, even after losing her power.

But…

She just had to run into Lynn first.

And…

Lynn glanced at Aurora, then at the body lying motionless on the icy floor. He raised an eyebrow slightly.

Wait...

One talented Peerage member turning into two?

Could there be such a convenient thing?

Lynn hadn't expected that Aurora's soul was also a gifted individual eligible to become part of his Peerage.

But…

Aurora and the 12th Kaleid Blood - Avrora were originally two distinct beings, so this development made sense.

Meanwhile—

Aurora still couldn't escape Lynn's grasp, and she finally began to panic.

She quickly shouted, "12th Kaleid Blood!"

"You're awake, right?"

"Freeze this guy into an ice sculpture!"

She knew very well.

Once her soul left the body of 12th Kaleid Blood, its original consciousness would awaken and take over.

So…

"Wake up already!"

Aurora nearly started cursing.

"Mmm…"

Avrora 12th Kaleid Blood muttered and slowly opened her dazed eyes.

She blinked blankly, seemingly confused about the situation.

"Help me, you idiot!"

Aurora yelled in frustration, her voice sharp with anxiety.

Hearing the voice, Avrora 12th Kaleid Blood instinctively turned her gaze. The moment she recognized the scene, her eyes widened and she stammered, "P-Progenitor?!"

"Don't just stand there! Do something, or I'll reclaim your body immediately!"

Of course.

That was an empty threat.

Without a body, Aurora couldn't reclaim anything.

"Ah… oh… okay!"

Avrora 12th Kaleid Blood shrank her neck and responded instinctively, but…

She couldn't get up.

"You idiot! Why are you just lying there?!"

Aurora raged, stomping her intangible little feet in midair in frustration.

Hmm…

She really does feel like an annoying little kid.

Lynn gave her a fair evaluation.

Avrora 12th Kaleid Blood hunched her shoulders and timidly pointed to Lynn's foot, speaking with a wronged tone. "I-I can't get up…"

Aurora: "…"

She glanced at her host body's condition and was utterly speechless.

"Use your power!"

Avrora 12th Kaleid Blood's gaze shifted to Lynn's hand still clutching Aurora's soul. She whispered, "You can't move either, and it's just a hand."

Aurora: "…"

Damn it! Don't think I can't hear you just because you're whispering!

She was furious.

A mere Kaleid Blood actually dared to talk back to her?!

But right now, she still needed 12th Kaleid Blood, so she could only suppress her anger.

Once she regained this body, she'd reclaim everything immediately!

"Use the Bewitching Princess Alrescha-Glacies!"

After venting in her heart, Aurora forced her tone to calm down, though her hurried speech still betrayed her panic.

"Ah, okay…"

Following her instruction, a spectral form of a mermaid fused with a demon bird manifested behind Avrora 12th Kaleid Blood.

In the next moment.

The already freezing underground mausoleum plunged even further into icy chill!

Whoosh.

The cold wind bit hard, and wisps of freezing air drifted out, instantly coating the ice floor in an even thicker layer of frost!

Liana and the others suddenly shivered, their eyes widening as they stared at the shadow behind Avrora 12th Kaleid Blood.

"The Bewitching Princess Alrescha-Glacies"

Liana gasped.

To follow the Fourth True Ancestor, she had studied every available record about his beasts, so she recognized the Bewitching Princess on sight.

But…

No written record could compare to seeing it firsthand!

The frigid aura was so overpowering that even as a vampire, she struggled to bear it!

How terrifying is this power?!

This…

This is what it means to be a True Ancestor!!

Elsewhere—

Akatsuki Kojou hugged his arms tightly, teeth chattering uncontrollably, as if submerged in a frozen abyss.

Frost had formed on his eyebrows and hair.

I'm about to turn into an ice pop…

Just the residual cold from her ability made him feel like death was brushing past!

So scary!!

Aurora finally breathed a sigh of relief when she saw 12th Kaleid Blood had summoned the Alrescha-Glacies. She lifted her chin proudly and ordered, "Quickly freeze him. And make sure he's still alive."

Hmm…

Even if not used for pleasure, it could serve as her new vessel.

Avrora 12th Kaleid Blood replied timidly, "O-Okay…"

But just as she was about to act, she froze.

Wait…

Why should she obey her?

If she let her regain full control, she'd be taken over again, wouldn't she?

Suddenly realizing this, Avrora paused, just standing there, unmoving.

Meanwhile.

Lynn eyed the Alrescha-Glacies manifestation behind her, a faint glint in his eyes.

In his system panel.

Inside the [Evil Piece] space, the Pisces constellation flashed wildly.

At the same time—

Stella's voice echoed in Lynn's ear.

"Master, Master~"

"That beast greatly enhances the Pisces piece~"

Even without Stella's reminder, Lynn had already noticed something unusual.

And…

He had guessed a few things before.

As expected.

Zodiac-related concepts resonated with the constellations inside the [Evil Piece] space.

If I make her my Peerage member…

What changes would that bring?

Lynn felt a spark of anticipation. His gaze toward Avrora grew more intense.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 256: Aurora Senses Danger

Avrora blinked and tilted her head, looking up at Lynn with confusion in her eyes.

She subconsciously rubbed her stomach, and immediately the feeling of hunger surged into her mind.

"Mmm…"

She pursed her lips, feeling a little wronged.

"I'm so hungry…"

Her stomach, already empty, felt even worse after summoning the Enchantress's Cang Bing.

That meanie!

Making people work on an empty stomach!

On the other side.

Aurora was stunned when she saw Lynn let go of Avrora.

He actually released her?

Her eyes filled with disbelief.

But…

An opportunity!

Aurora quickly began winking at Avrora.

But…

It was like talking to a wall.

Starving and distracted, Avrora didn't notice her signals at all.

Aurora was so mad, she was practically hyperventilating!

This idiot!!

"12th Kaleid Blood—Ugh!"

Lynn calmly covered Aurora's mouth with his hand, silencing her completely.

"You're being a little loud."

"Mm-mmm—!"

Aurora's eyes widened as she whimpered, her soul body flailing in protest.

But under Lynn's grip, no matter how hard she struggled, it was futile.

Lynn glanced at the unruly Aurora, gave her head a firm rub, and then casually tossed her into the [Evil Piece] space.

"?"

Aurora was stunned as her soul floated in a boundless starry sky.

What is this place?

Did he throw her into outer space?

Gulp.

No, wait…

Aurora swallowed nervously, her eyes full of disbelief.

He just flicked his hand and flung her into space?

What kind of ability is this?!

No no no…

Maybe…

It's some kind of spatial manipulation?

But…

Even if that were true, this is still space!

And…

She looked around and couldn't find that familiar blue planet.

So…

Can she return?

The thought made her shudder as a strong sense of dread filled her.

Exile.

That word popped into her mind and her expression turned tense.

No!

She had to find a way back!

Aurora clenched her fists, eyes gleaming with determination.

But—

A voice suddenly called out, drawing her attention.

"A new arrival?"

Luna floated down from her Star Palace, circling around Aurora curiously.

"…"

A kid?

Aurora was momentarily stunned by Luna's appearance.

Wait!

Just as she was about to say something, a thought struck her.

They were in space…

How could there be a child here?

And—

There was no scent of a human or any other race on her.

Aurora immediately grew wary.

Right then—

Stella drifted over, glanced at Aurora, and casually explained to Luna, "Just a new reserve."

"She's a bit naughty, so Master sent her in here to reflect, maybe?"

Why did that sound like a question?

Luna rolled her eyes at Stella.

Clearly, she was just guessing.

Reflect?

Reflect against what?

The wall of the universe?

Luna shook her head and ignored her, turning back to Aurora with a bright smile. "Misbehaving, huh?"

"Then you need to be trained~"

Stella: "…"

She looked at Luna with a complicated expression. "Hey, did you awaken some weird kink or something?"

Luna shrugged. "It's boring here. Master must know that. That's why he sent her in to entertain us."

"Hmm…"

Stella paused. "Is… that so?"

"Yep!"

Luna nodded firmly. "Definitely!"

Aurora: "?"

No way!

Do they really think she's just some soft target?!

Even if she was in some cosmic space, not just anyone could mess with her, the Fourth True Ancestor!

Aurora was just about to act.

Snap. A hand locked firmly onto her arm.

Her expression froze.

This feeling…

Familiar.

Like…

That guy had done this to her before?

Aurora raised her eyes to see the girl holding her arm.

In that moment.

She seemed to glimpse a dazzling, majestic star map.

Capricorn?

Her eyes widened.

Capricornus Dekatos?!

She immediately thought of her own beast.

But…

Wait, no!

Aurora shook her head.

This wasn't her Capricornus Dekatos.

But…

It was extremely similar!

A Beast Vassal…

Why was a Beast Vassal here?!

Come to think of it.

Wasn't a pet like that supposed to be exclusive to her?

Aurora's expression turned uncertain.

Owner…

She recalled Luna and Stella's earlier conversation.

Their master…

Could it be Lynn?

She quickly made the connection.

After all…

He was the one who sent her here.

So…

Was this a different space altogether?

By logical reasoning.

Beasts lived in separate dimensions anyway, so…

Aurora believed she had figured out the truth.

And—

Now that she was looking more closely, this starry realm was filled with many strange things.

For example…

The sun was really… small?

And…

There were all sorts of chess piece-looking things floating around.

But…

Even if she guessed right, what did it matter?

She still couldn't get out.

And—

The fact that Lynn had a Beast Vassal made her uneasy.

That guy…

Was he trying to devour her?

She thought about how his other followers had powers that mirrored her own.

If she were Lynn, she'd probably do the same thing.

Maybe…

By absorbing an ability of the same concept, his power would undergo a qualitative transformation!

So…

What should she do?

Aurora, believing she had figured out Lynn's plan, fell into doubt.

She didn't even pay attention to the little zodiac lolis floating around her anymore.

And…

After being exposed to Luna's Star Map, she now clearly understood.

Lynn's power vastly outmatched her own!

Well…

Mostly because she hadn't recovered her full strength yet.

If she did, Aurora was confident she could compete with him.

He had a Beasts?

So did she!

Who was afraid of who?!

But…

Right now, she was undeniably at a disadvantage.

So…

If Lynn wanted to deal with her in her current state, it would be far too easy.

He had sent her here because.

He had secrets he didn't want her to know.

Aurora's gaze turned sharp.

In truth—

Her speculation was pretty close.

The only difference was.

Lynn didn't want to devour her.

He just wanted to make her one of his Peerage.

Well…

More precisely, he wanted to take her Beast Vassals.

Back in the underground mausoleum.

After sending Aurora into the [Evil Piece] space, the whole place became significantly quieter.

Lynn crouched down and looked at Avrora, who was sitting on the icy floor in a duck-sitting pose. He reached out, ruffled her blonde hair, and took out a small can of… milk?

"Wanna drink?"

(To be continued.)