DxD: Chapter 174/176

Chapter 174: Bold Miko

Inside the manor.

Haruno slowly pushed open the door to the master bedroom.

And then—

An outrageously luxurious room unfolded before them!

But…

What drew the most attention was the long, spacious bed!

Haruno walked over to the bed, her voice filled with pride. "What do you think? Not bad, right?"

"This bed can easily fit ten people. No problem at all~"

Hearing that—

Saeko, Kuroka, and the others suddenly lit up with interest.

Kuroka's golden eyes sparkled. She gave Haruno a thumbs-up. "Well done, Haruno!"

Lynn was speechless.

What exactly are they planning with a bed this size?

Miko looked at the visibly excited Utaha and the others and felt a tinge of disappointment.

Because of her mother, she had gone home to rest and hadn't returned until now.

Even at night, she had no chance to deepen her connection with Lynn.

This can't go on.

Otherwise, she'd get left behind by someone like Saya!

She needed a plan!

At the very least…

She needed to find a way to move into Lynn's new residence.

But her mom…

Miko was stuck in a dilemma.

Suddenly—

Miko's eyes lit up as an idea came to her.

Since the Peerage's base was so spacious…

Could she bring her mother to live with her?

With that thought in mind—

Miko turned to Lynn and asked expectantly, "Master, can I bring my mom to live here?"

Lynn looked at her with surprise, but without hesitation said, "Of course."

Yes!

Miko clenched her fists in joy, her face blooming with uncontrollable happiness.

Now—

She could be closer to Lynn!

"Oh~?"

Utaha made a strange sound, her red eyes glinting playfully as she teased, "I didn't expect this~"

"Miko, you're that kind of girl?"

"Huh?"

Miko froze, a little confused.

Seeing this, Utaha clicked her tongue twice, giving her a look that said, everyone understands.

"You're trying to copy Saya, aren't you?"

"!"

Miko's eyes widened instantly!

"I knew it!"

Yuuko and the others suddenly understood!

Yui and the rest, who had originally considered bringing their mothers over, immediately dropped the idea.

Living with Mom? No way!

Hana looked at Miko with disbelief. "Miko, how bold!!"

"That's not it!!"

Miko's face turned bright red as she frantically waved her hands. "My mom lives alone. I just wouldn't feel at ease living here without her!"

"That's really all it is!"

"Is that so?"

With the whole Saya situation as precedent, Utaha and the rest were clearly skeptical.

But…

They decided to let it go.

After the group had finished exploring for a bit, Haruno cleared her throat and said, "Alright, anyone who has no business here should leave now."

Utaha: "?"

As soon as she said that, Kuroka and the others narrowed their eyes at her.

Haruno remained unfazed and continued, "Yukino, stay behind."

Yukino's body stiffened. Her ears flushed red.

She had already had a deep discussion with Haruno about how to move forward, so she knew what her sister meant.

She lightly bit her lip, eyes filled with panic, not daring to look at Lynn, her heart pounding in her chest.

Nervousness and hesitation swirled within her.

Was she really going through with this…?

She clutched the hem of her clothes, her breath a little ragged, unable to calm herself.

Even though she had mentally prepared for this day, now that she was facing it, the anxiety, shyness, and internal conflict were overwhelming.

But…

If things continued like this, the distance between her and the others would only grow wider.

Yukino understood this all too well.

Even though everyone in the Peerage was kind, there was still a wall between them—something invisible and intangible.

Also…

When they often discussed techniques for pleasing Lynn, she couldn't contribute anything at all…

Like a clueless child.

Thinking of those bold conversations made her cheeks burn.

So in that case—

She couldn't keep hesitating!

Yukino took a few deep breaths. Determination flickered in her eyes.

She couldn't stall any longer.

Since she had become one of Lynn's Peerage members, this moment was only a matter of time.

Just like her sister said—

If it's bound to happen eventually, then better to do it sooner.

Yukino had made up her mind. She was going to grow up today.

But…

What really pushed her to take this step were her sister's words from the other day:

Yukino, you can't beat me in anything…

Not in ability, not in body, and certainly not in your closeness with Master Lynn.

Hearing that, Yukino had clenched her fists.

She wouldn't always be behind!

Today, she would let her sister see for herself!!

With a spark of resolve, Yukino stepped forward.

Boom.

Every step felt like it was stomping on her heart.

Her vision blurred, her limbs stiffened. She couldn't even move her arms and legs properly but didn't realize it.

Saeko and the others, watching the scene, couldn't help but smile slightly.

Then, one by one, they quietly stepped out.

Utaha let out a dissatisfied grunt. She hadn't expected Haruno to play the sister card!

How annoying!

Utaha reluctantly stepped back as well.

Of course, she could've forced her way in.

But…

It was Yukino's first time, after all.

So—

She let it go… just this once.

On the other side—

Thud!

Yukino bumped into something and felt a jolt of pain in her forehead. She snapped back to reality and looked up.

And then—

Lynn's unbelievably handsome face appeared in her view.

Buzz——

Yukino's mind went completely blank!

Her brain froze.

"I-I-I—"

She stammered, her thoughts and words scrambled.

In that moment, she felt the urge to run again.

She couldn't do it!

She couldn't do this at all!!

Then—click.

Yukino turned around stiffly and saw Haruno locking the bedroom door, smiling. "Yukino, no escaping now~"

"Eh!?"

Yukino's eyes widened!

W-What is going on!?

Suddenly—

Lynn gently placed his hand on Yukino's head and gave it a soft stroke.

Yukino flinched. But like a docile kitten, she instantly relaxed.

Lynn asked in a low voice, "Have you made up your mind?"

Yukino came back to her senses, and her body heated up. She could feel sweat making her clothes cling to her skin.

She took a deep breath.

Lynn's scent filled her senses.

"Mm…"

She let out a soft sound, blushing, and buried her face in his chest. Her hands gripped his shirt tightly like a kitten nuzzling in.

His scent lingered on her nose, but she still felt nervous and ashamed.

However…

Her heart had calmed down.

She wasn't going to run away.

Yukino raised her head slightly, her eyes shimmering with emotion as she looked at Lynn.

Then, she pressed her face back against his chest and whispered in a trembling yet firm voice, "Master…"

"My future…"

Yukino's voice quivered, but she spoke with resolve. "I'll leave it to you!"

After that, she seemed to lose all strength and collapsed into his arms.

Lynn caught her without hesitation.

Off to the side—

Haruno watched with satisfaction.

Yukino had finally taken this step herself…

But—

There was no time to celebrate.

Haruno immediately rushed over!

"Yukino, you don't have any experience. Let me show you a few times first, so you can learn properly!"

Yukino: "?"

Yukino, who was already feeling dizzy from the heat, suddenly snapped back to full awareness!

Even now, her sister still wanted to steal the spotlight!?

"No way!"

Yukino instantly stood up and pushed Haruno away.

Surprise flickered in Haruno's eyes.

When did Yukino become so bold?

But…

Haruno smiled sweetly. Then—

[Disguise Devil]

Suddenly.

An illusion of their mother, Fumino, appeared before Yukino.

With a stern face and a commanding tone, she said, "Yukino, let Mom go first this time."

A direct strike to Yukino's soul!

"!"

Yukino's eyes widened, her whole body freezing.

M-Mom?!

Seeing her reaction, Haruno chuckled, slinking up to Lynn like a snake.

"Master Lynn~ What do you think of this?"

"She's the mother of me and Yukino~"

...

Later that evening—

Miko returned home and decided to come clean to her mother, Yotsuya Touko.

"A god?"

Touko blinked in confusion. She reached out and touched Miko's forehead. "You don't have a fever…"

"Hmm…"

She asked cautiously, "Chuunibyou?"

Miko sighed. "No."

She knew this would happen.

And—

She even softened it a bit by calling Lynn a god instead of saying "Devil," to avoid further misunderstandings.

"Anyway, I'm now a follower of God, and I'll be living with Him from now on."

Touko's face turned serious. "A cult?"

Was her daughter brainwashed!?

Miko sighed again and raised her hand, gathering her magic power.

Buzz—

A warm glow bloomed from her fingertips.

Touko was stunned.

Miko continued explaining and used a few more spells to make things easier to understand.

A while later—

Touko held her forehead, her worldview shaken. "So…"

"You're going to serve God now?"

Miko blushed slightly but nodded.

Touko fell silent, then said, "So…"

"That man's not your boyfriend, he's a god…"

She remembered Lynn, whom she'd met once, and something clicked in her mind.

"So…"

Miko looked at her expectantly. "Mom, do you want to come with me?"

"?"

Touko's eyes widened in shock. "You want me, your mom, to serve God too?!"

Her mind instantly jumped to Lynn's face. Then she imagined being with her daughter…

Bang!

Touko's face turned bright red.

Even though she wasn't young anymore, she was still embarrassed hearing such an offer from her daughter!

"That's not it!!"

Miko also turned red, protesting loudly!

Ugh…

Mom, you airhead!

Why do you have the same ideas as Utaha and the others!?

After half a day—

Miko finally managed to clear things up.

Touko scratched her cheek awkwardly. "So that's how it is…"

But…

Should she go?

Touko fell deep into thought.

Then she looked up, seeing the anticipation in Miko's eyes.

As a mother, she couldn't stop her daughter's growth…

"Alright, it's decided!"

Meanwhile.

The Old Maou Faction received intel.

Shalba Beelzebub sneered. "So the news came this quickly."

He scoffed and looked down at the report in his hand.

"Tokyo, Minato Ward, Shuchiin?"

"Hmph… how pathetic."

Shalba scoffed again, his voice ice cold. "Devils these days sure love gathering in the human world…"

This kind of childish play won't last. Sooner or later, the Old Maou Faction will wipe them all out!

Valefor!

When his eyes fell on that surname, hatred and rage surged in his expression.

"Valefor must die!!"

(To be continued.)

Chapter 175: Water Devil

The next day.

In the early morning, faint sunlight poured through the half-closed curtains like a soft veil, gradually illuminating the quiet bedroom.

Yukino's fair, translucent skin shimmered under the light like ice and snow.

Her long black hair sprawled across Lynn's chest, her delicate face pressed closely to him, pink lips slightly pouting, resembling a peacefully sleeping kitten.

Further down.

Another Yukino was sprawled across Lynn's thighs, with crystal-clear drool trickling from the corner of her mouth.

In contrast, her sleeping posture was anything but elegant.

And...

"Mm…"

Yukino furrowed her brows. She felt something poking at her lips.

She frowned in irritation, then bit the mischievous intruder and let out a proud hum!

Lynn, who had been sleeping soundly, suddenly opened his eyes and stared blankly at Yukino's puffed-up cheeks, speechless.

He reached out, gently stroked her head, and sighed, "You can't even sleep properly, huh?"

"Mm…"

The other Yukino let out a soft moan and slowly opened her sleepy eyes.

The mature scent surrounding her nose left her momentarily dazed.

As she instinctively looked up, her cold eyes met Lynn's face.

"!"

She jolted awake in an instant!

Propping herself up on both hands, Yukino sprang up from Lynn's body.

The silk blanket slipped off her shoulders, revealing her smooth, pale skin.

The moment the cool air touched her, she stiffened. She quickly tugged the sheet to cover herself.

But the more she tried, the more suggestive her movements became, with parts of her figure barely hidden, as if deliberately tempting Lynn.

Her breathing quickened. Her face turned beet red, like a steamed crab, completely flustered.

Her petite toes curled slightly, betraying her inner turmoil.

W-What should I do?

Yukino was starting to panic.

Even if everything that happened last night had already happened...

Still—

After a night passed, her brain seemed to reboot, and her shy instincts took over again.

Just thinking of certain scenes made her tremble slightly.

Last night… That person…

Was it really her?

Yukino couldn't believe it.

No... it must have been...

My sister!

Yes, that's it!

Convinced, Yukino tried to reassure herself, but then she met Lynn's amused gaze.

"Mm…"

Yukino quickly averted her eyes, buried her face into her long black hair.

Her skin turned bright red from her shoulders to her neck.

Her ears felt like they were burning.

Lynn watched her changing expression and couldn't help but be amused.

"Mizuno, how do you feel?"

Yukino flinched violently.

Mizu… no?

When did she get renamed?

But...

Thinking of last night, she gave up arguing and muttered weakly, "It's not Mizuno…"

"Then…"

"Water devil?"

Hmm…

Last night's snow devil had indeed been melted by Lynn into a water devil.

Pouting, Yukino stared at Lynn with her big, teary eyes.

Lynn smiled, pulled her close, and pinched her nose. "You really do make the cutest expressions."

"Mmph…"

Yukino mumbled, then proudly said, "I'm cute no matter what expression I make."

Lynn chuckled and rubbed her head playfully.

"Mm…"

"What's wrong with you?"

The still-drowsy Yukino blinked in confusion.

Then, realizing something, she looked down—and froze.

A moment later, she whispered awkwardly, "Sister…"

"Could you stop using my appearance..."

"Ah~"

The fake Yukino blinked, then stuck out her tongue playfully and muttered, "You're right. Yukino's body is kind of stiff."

"!"

Yukino's eyes sharpened like icicles as they locked onto Haruno.

"Fine, I won't say anything else."

Haruno smiled innocently, raised her hands in surrender, and deactivated her [Disguise Devil] ability.

Buzz—

With a flash of light, her real form reappeared.

And the first thing that came into view was... a pair of prominent curves.

Yukino bit her lip.

"Ah... my own body really is more comfortable."

Haruno let out a relaxed sigh and stretched her body, deliberately drawing attention to her curves.

"Mm…"

Yukino made a displeased sound.

She was still growing. She'd catch up eventually!

Haruno teased her a bit more before refocusing on her task.

As a proper elite of society, she never left things unfinished!

Haruno practiced that principle thoroughly.

Lynn, of course, appreciated her dedication.

Meanwhile, Yukino stood there dumbfounded.

Seeing her frozen like that, Haruno scooted aside and invited, "Want to join in?"

"Mm…"

Yukino's slender frame trembled.

...

Afternoon.

Shuchiin Academy, Supernatural Investigation Club.

Knock knock!

Lynn: "…"

Didn't he mention there were more and more people visiting the Supernatural Investigation Club lately?

"Come in."

Just as he said that—

Bang!

The door burst open from the outside!

Lynn looked up.

A girl with a golden ponytail and ocean-blue eyes walked in.

Her coat was tied around her waist, her fingernails painted a bold blue. She looked like a trendy hot girl.

But her demeanor gave off a composed, capable vibe.

"Hayasaka Ai?"

Lynn said her name the moment he saw her.

Hayasaka's body stiffened. Her grip on the doorknob tightened.

Her cold expression nearly cracked.

Why…

A hint of confusion flickered in her eyes.

Lynn leaned back in his chair, lips curled into a half-smile. "You've been following me this whole time, haven't you?"

"!"

Hayasaka froze. Panic surged in her chest.

I've been found out?!

When?!

"Since the beginning~"

Lynn seemed to catch her confusion and answered leisurely.

No way!

Mind reading?!

"No, it's just... you've become too easy to read."

He glanced at her face, which was subconsciously tensing up, and chuckled.

He smiled again. "Not coming in?"

Hayasaka's heart skipped a beat!

For some reason, his smile gave her a terrible sense of foreboding.

So…

Why did she have to clean up Kaguya's mess?!

But...

She had no choice.

A servant had no rights.

Hayasaka let out a silent sigh and stepped inside.

In the next moment.

The door to the Supernatural Investigation Club slammed shut.

Hayasaka flinched and trembled slightly.

So scary!!

She was sure she hadn't closed it!

Right?!

Could it be...

Was this supernatural power?!

She kept a straight face, but inside she was practically crying.

Having a master like Shinomiya Kaguya was a curse!

After mentally cursing Kaguya for a while, Hayasaka calmed down.

Lynn said, "Tell me what you're here for."

She bowed and replied, "I apologize. My lady was very rude before."

"Oh?"

Lynn's red eyes narrowed slightly. So this was about Kaguya Shinomiya.

Still...

"You offended me, and think a simple apology will be enough?"

Hayasaka raised her head. "If there's anything the Shinomiya family can do, just say it."

She had no intention of using her looks to try and seduce him.

Lynn stroked his chin. "Are you sure you're in a position to make that call?"

Hayasaka opened her mouth, then lowered her head.

She was just a servant. She couldn't make those decisions.

Not even her master, Kaguya, might have that authority.

Seeing that—

Lynn said flatly, "If there's nothing else, you can leave."

Hayasaka hesitated, then asked, "Are you planning to take revenge on Miss Kaguya?"

"Her?"

Lynn responded calmly, "She's not even worth that."

"Though…"

He looked at Hayasaka, a subtle smile on his lips. "You might want to keep an eye on the Shinomiya family's businesses."

"They're probably getting pretty anxious right about now."

Hayasaka's heart skipped a beat!

But—

She quickly calmed down.

That was the Shinomiya family, a conglomerate capable of rivaling a nation. She couldn't imagine them panicking.

Still—

When facing someone with supernatural powers, Hayasaka couldn't help but feel awe.

A part of her even began to hope...

"So sorry for the interruption!"

Hayasaka turned, intending to return and gather more intel.

Just as her hand reached the door handle, Lynn said,

"I heard…"

"You're a servant of the Shinomiya family, right?"

Hayasaka froze.

Lynn continued, "Ever thought of working somewhere else?"

"?"

Hayasaka's eyes showed clear confusion.

Was he trying to recruit her?

Lynn tapped his chin, looked at her, then at the faintly glowing [Evil Piece] beside him, and said,

"My house is pretty big, but I'm short a maid."

"Also…"

His voice deepened. "You don't want to keep working for the Hayasaka family's enemies, do you?"

"!"

Hayasaka's eyes flew wide, her heart rocked with disbelief!

Her hand clenched the doorknob tightly.

How...

How could he possibly know that?

She didn't know.

But…

Hayasaka bit her lip gently.

She really didn't want to serve the Shinomiya family anymore.

The Hayasaka family had once been prestigious.

But—

After losing to the Shinomiya family, they were reduced to vassals. From noble lineage to enemy maids.

How could she not hold resentment?

Even if she got along with Kaguya...

Her grudge toward the Shinomiya family hadn't changed.

Worse—

Because of internal conflicts over the heir, she had been forced into becoming a double agent. It left her completely disgusted with the whole family.

But…

Leave?

Hayasaka smiled bitterly.

She couldn't leave the Shinomiya family...

She stayed silent for a while, then whispered, "I'll think about it."

With that, she opened the door and stepped out of the Supernatural Investigation Club.

Unless the Shinomiya family collapsed...

The Hayasaka name would never break free from its chains.

But...

Hayasaka didn't completely refuse.

Because...

Lynn might just be capable of the impossible.

Somewhere in her heart, she still had hope.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 176: Assault

A corner of Shuchiin Academy.

When she saw Hayasaka's figure, Kaguya's vermilion eyes lit up immediately.

She quickly walked forward and grabbed Hayasaka's arm, her voice laced with anxious anticipation.

"How did it go?"

Hayasaka looked at Kaguya, who was slowly shedding her usual icy demeanor, and felt a complicated emotion stir within her.

Then, she nodded and shook her head.

"?"

Kaguya blinked. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Hayasaka replied calmly, "President Lynn has absolutely no intention of taking revenge on you."

"?"

Kaguya looked puzzled. "He's... that easy to deal with?"

She frowned, scanning Hayasaka up and down. "Hayasaka, don't tell me… you used a honey trap?"

Hayasaka rolled her eyes subtly. "No."

"Phew…"

Hearing that, Kaguya let out a sigh of relief, and her tense expression relaxed.

Even if she had said otherwise before, Hayasaka was her only close confidant. There was no way she would let her sacrifice herself like that.

Seeing Kaguya's reaction, Hayasaka felt a bit touched but also conflicted.

What touched her was that her years of friendship with Kaguya weren't fake.

What complicated things was that the name Shinomiya was the reason her own life had turned out this way.

And...

She was also a spy planted by others, right by Kaguya's side.

Kaguya, unaware of the emotional storm brewing in Hayasaka, asked curiously, "If it wasn't a honey trap, then what did you offer him, Hayasaka?"

Hayasaka snapped out of her thoughts. "Nothing."

"Huh?"

Kaguya was stunned. "Nothing?"

"Yeah."

Hayasaka nodded.

"So he just let me off, just like that?"

Kaguya's expression twisted into something odd.

President Lynn didn't seem like the kind of person who'd be that lenient…

And those eyes of his...

Hmm…

Just recalling Lynn's eyes made her heart race.

A strange and unfamiliar feeling had been building in her lately.

Even her cold exterior was beginning to falter.

Suppressing the strange sensation for now, Kaguya asked again, "So he didn't say anything else?"

Expressionless, Hayasaka replied, "He did."

"Uh-huh!"

Kaguya nodded, expectant.

"He said… 'You're not even worth it.'"

"?"

Kaguya's expression froze.

"Not... worth it?"

"President Lynn said you aren't even qualified to be a target."

Just in case Kaguya didn't understand or hear clearly, Hayasaka patiently repeated the line and explained it in more detail.

Kaguya bit her lip, looking wronged and aggrieved.

"?"

Now it was Hayasaka's turn to be confused.

She had expected Kaguya to react with disdain, arrogance, indifference—any of those.

But…

She didn't expect this grievance!?

Hayasaka was shocked.

Kaguya, what's gotten into you?

Or rather...

Did something possess you?

Is this even the real Kaguya Shinomiya?

After seeing the existence of supernatural powers firsthand, Hayasaka's thoughts ran wild.

Regardless...

This was definitely not the Kaguya Shinomiya she knew!

Kaguya did feel aggrieved.

She didn't even understand why.

But...

A deep sense of frustration and discomfort lingered.

Was she truly not even qualified to be noticed by Lynn?

Kaguya had clearly misunderstood what Hayasaka meant.

That thought made her panic a little.

Grabbing Hayasaka's arm again, she asked hurriedly, "Hayasaka, is there any way to make him take revenge on me?"

"?"

Hayasaka's face twitched. "Miss Kaguya… are you alright?"

Cursed, maybe?

Kaguya snapped back to her senses.

She realized how ridiculous what she'd just said sounded.

"N-Never mind."

She tried to recover her usual cold persona.

But…

There was no going back now.

Hayasaka looked at her with complicated eyes.

She could easily see through Kaguya's now-forced façade.

Kaguya was definitely not alright!

Revenge?

What kind of masochism is this?

Still…

Although Lynn said Kaguya wasn't worthy…

It was clear the Shinomiya family was already under attack.

Kaguya might not realize it yet, but...

It probably wasn't that far off from what she imagined.

But...

There was no need to tell her that.

Hayasaka didn't even plan to report this to Shinomiya Oko.

Originally, she just wanted Kaguya to establish contact with Lynn. She never thought it would backfire this badly.

Someone with supernatural power… might really be able to change this suffocating world.

Maybe even...

Break her own shackles?

With that thought, Hayasaka narrowed her eyes, then said, "Miss Kaguya, if there's nothing else, I'll be going."

Kaguya absentmindedly hummed in response.

Her mind was now focused on how to change Lynn's impression of her—how to become worthy enough to catch his eye.

A little later.

Hayasaka found a quiet place and messaged her mother.

"Mom, has anything strange happened at home?"

"Huh?"

Hayasaka Nao was surprised. "How did you know?"

Hayasaka Ai's heart skipped a beat. "What happened?"

"Hmm…"

Hayasaka Nao hesitated for a moment, unsure if she should tell Ai.

"Mom!"

"Alright, alright~"

Nao sighed and whispered mysteriously, "Ai, have you ever seen a three-headed dog… burning with black flames?"

Hayasaka's eyes widened instantly. Her grip on the phone tightened.

A... three-headed dog burning in black flames?

A while later.

Hayasaka stood dazed.

She'd thought they were being targeted financially or legally, maybe even through public opinion...

But it turned out to be a full-on supernatural assault?!

At the same time.

Inside the Shinomiya estate.

Boom boom!!

The entire estate trembled violently!

"What's going on?!"

One of the Shinomiya family members shouted in alarm.

"Is this another earthquake?"

Others began to panic.

But soon—

A scorching wave of heat surged through the area!

"ROAR——!"

A thunderous roar shattered the estate's silence!

"!"

Everyone turned toward the sound, expressions filled with horror!

Next moment—

A massive, hellish three-headed dog cloaked in black flames appeared before them. As tall as a building, it looked like a hound from the underworld itself.

Gulp—

Someone audibly swallowed, and it was as if a fuse had been lit.

"MONSTER!!"

"MONSTERS ARE ATTACKING!!"

Panic exploded throughout the estate!

People screamed and fled chaotically!

But just as some tried to escape through a side door—

Buzz——

A transparent barrier sealed the entire estate in an instant!

Bang!

Someone ran straight into it and was knocked flat!

"Oww!!"

He cried out in pain, then scrambled toward the exit again.

But!

"Damn it!"

"Why can't I get out?!"

He punched the air, but it was like hitting an invisible wall!

Many others met the same fate.

They couldn't escape!!

As that realization sank in, they turned toward the hellhound…

And despair began to set in.

Elsewhere—

"Master, this is bad!"

An elderly man on a ventilator suddenly awoke.

A moment later.

An old man with yellowed skin and thin hair sat nearby, leaning on a cane.

A nasal oxygen tube clung to his face. Just sitting upright looked like it drained all his energy.

This was the head of the Shinomiya family—

Shinomiya Gan'an.

Despite controlling vast wealth and almost all of Japan's elite circles, he now sat with no trace of dignity.

Sweat beaded on his forehead.

Behind him, Shinomiya family members bowed their heads and trembled.

The entire estate was dead silent.

Because—

Of the woman seated casually at the head of the table.

Yukinoshita Haruno.

And...

"ROAR—!"

The infernal three-headed dog outside, its mere breath turning the air into a sea of fire.

"You've heard of Lynn Group, haven't you?"

Haruno asked, completely at ease.

Gan'an's heart clenched.

Wasn't that...

The newly rising company?

A company whose rare assets had drawn attention from many powerful groups, including theirs.

But…

He never imagined the actual owner would show up like this!

"I apologize for offending the Lynn Group in the past!"

Gan'an was the first to kneel. Even with his failing health and failing eyesight, he bowed low.

If he had known Lynn Group was backed by supernatural forces, he never would've dared covet it!

Because—

No matter how powerful the Shinomiya family was, they were still just human.

And that hellhound wasn't for show.

Behind him, the others followed his lead and stood to bow.

Haruno paused.

She didn't expect someone like Gan'an, who wielded such influence, to have such awareness.

Yukino, who had been prepared for a dramatic confrontation, suddenly lost interest.

She waved her hand, her tone casual. "I'm not a villain."

"You have one day to prepare the property transfer contracts."

Then she stood up.

"Starting today, the Shinomiya family will become a subsidiary of Lynn Group."

"!"

Gan'an and the others lifted their heads in shock.

"The whole family…"

"All of our assets?!"

Gan'an's voice trembled.

With just one sentence, the once-glorious Shinomiya family was about to become someone else's vassal?

"How…"

Haruno's voice turned cold. "Not satisfied?"

With that—

BOOM!!

The hellhound's flames surged!

A wave of scorching heat blasted through the estate!

The air shimmered with distortion.

Seeing the nightmarish scene outside, Gan'an's eyes filled with fear.

Suddenly—

"AHHHHH!!"

Several family members twisted in pain, their faces contorted as they screamed!

Even Gan'an shivered violently, his entire body tingling.

Everyone was writhing in agony. It felt like even their souls were burning.

Gan'an gritted his teeth and cried out, "We… the Shinomiya family… submit to you!!"

That simple demonstration instantly crushed any resistance!

Let alone fight back—the hellhound alone was beyond anything they could deal with!

Haruno said coldly, "This is hellfire. Only those who've sinned can't withstand its flames."

"I'll let the flames of karma judge each of you."

"Only those who survive will be allowed to live."

"!"

Gan'an froze in place.

"Oh, right."

Haruno tapped her temple, then smiled faintly. "I was originally planning to compete with you through normal business means."

"But…"

"Who told you to have such a wonderful daughter?"

Gan'an's eyes widened in horror!

(To be continued.)