DxD: Chapter 161/163

Chapter 161: Hone onna

Attributes related to Yama?

There was a flash of surprise in Lynn's eyes.

Then his mind sank, and suddenly, every corner of Hell unfolded within his mind.

After a while, he opened his eyes.

He thought to himself, After gaining Yama's attributes, can I control the Underworld?

But…

It's limited to Japan only...

And…

There seemed to be some minor changes, but now wasn't the time to dwell on them.

Lynn temporarily suppressed his curiosity and granted a new Blessing to Ai Enma.

So there really were changes…

Lynn narrowed his eyes as a new skill appeared before him.

[Hell Manager]

Manages Hell-related affairs

Mastery of the Hell environment (Japan only)

Boosts Hell-related skills


…

"Hell Manager…"

Lynn stroked his chin. He hadn't expected that this identity would actually turn into a skill.

Then, he looked down.

He noticed that the domain of [Hell Wedge] had expanded to a thousand-mile radius.

Other Hell-related skills had also been strengthened to varying degrees.

There was even an additional Magician class with development abilities.

And...

Ai Enma raised her hand. "I can feel... a huge surge of power entering me."

Hearing this, Lynn looked up.

On his status screen, Ai's rank had risen from Mid-Class Devil to High-Class Devil.

A bonus from Hell…

Lynn became thoughtful.

After copying the details of the new Blessing, Lynn handed it to Ai Enma.

She just glanced at it and set it down.

She honestly didn't care much about her own abilities.

On the contrary, it was the ownership field that made her feel a bit strange.

On the other side.

Lynn opened his personal dashboard to check his condition.

There were no other changes, except a new entry in the Power section: Yama.

Lynn narrowed his eyes.

Power?

What exactly does gaining Yama-related attributes mean?

Lynn tapped on it.

Power:

[Body of Karma – Ai Enma]

The body transforms into hellfire, immune to all physical attacks. (Does not include divine attacks of the same level or causality interference.)


After reading the description, Lynn touched his chin, then closed his personal panel as an idea came to him.

Hoo—

In the next moment, Lynn's entire arm suddenly transformed into hellfire!

"Eh?!"

The sudden change startled Iwanaga Kotoko. "You're on fire?!"

"It's fine. It's my ability."

Lynn explained, then extended his other hand.

He reached out and grabbed at nothing.

His hand passed straight through it…

"Elementalization?"

This familiar sight made Lynn's expression turn a little strange.

But…

It was fine.

At the very least, physical attacks were now useless against him.

However…

There were clear disadvantages too.

Putting aside divine attacks and causal interference, magic and similar attack methods could still affect his hellfire body.

But…

Lynn didn't believe Yama's power was limited to just that.

Thinking further, he looked toward Ai Enma.

"Ai, from now on, Hell is in your hands. Become Yama as soon as possible!"

Lynn patted her head and encouraged her.

Ai Enma looked at him and gave a serious nod. "I will!"

Lynn nodded in satisfaction, then recalled her Hell Correspondence ability.

"Can your Hell Website be turned into a Devil Website?"

Ai Enma was taken aback for a moment, then nodded. "Yes."

"Good."

Lynn curled his lips.

"Then I'll grant you authority. Change the setting from only visible to people with deep hatred to…"

"To those guided by the Evil Piece."

"How about it? Can you do it?"

Ai Enma paused in thought, then replied seriously, "I'll do my best!"

"Good, that's the spirit!"

Afterward, Lynn discussed clan matters with her and Kikuri, giving each of them a Peerage-exclusive phone.

When discussing his Peerage, Lynn didn't avoid Iwanaga Kotoko.

Of course.

He didn't reveal the existence of other worlds or the Blessing System.

After chatting for a bit, Lynn decided to take a stroll through Hell.

Hmm…

The current state of Japan's Hell was difficult to describe.

Aside from the souls forcibly brought in by the Hell Correspondence program set up by the Three-Eyed Spider, no other souls were entering Hell through natural means.

And…

"There's not a single Hell staff member?"

Lynn twitched the corner of his mouth. "Seriously…"

"How miserable…"

Looking at the situation, Lynn sank into deep thought.

Though he had only inherited the power of Yama, he wasn't required to carry out Yama's duties.

But as the master of Japan's Hell, he speculated that if Ai Enma advanced further and truly became Yama, he would also receive feedback.

So…

Hell's development was necessary.

Lynn fell silent, then suddenly patted Inukimi's dog head and said, "Your Western Dog Demon clan…"

"Have you ever considered developing in another place?"

"?"

Inukimi, resting in Lynn's arms, blinked. "What do you mean, Lord Lynn…"

"Hell."

"That's right."

Lynn smiled. "What do you think?"

Heh…

What do I think?

Inukimi looked at Lynn's smile and thought it was more like a declaration than a question.

She decisively nodded. "I think it's great!"

"Yes, very sensible!"

Lynn nodded in approval and patted her again.

Then said, "After we leave Hell, head to the Warring States and bring a group to settle here first."

Though Hell was currently in ruins…

Once development started, the Dog Demon clan would become one of the veterans and surely receive proper status.

Being part of the system was better than wandering aimlessly.

Inukimi didn't object.

She understood that Lynn was destined to walk an endless path.

As for the Dog Demon clan, they just needed to follow closely behind.

But…

She suddenly thought of something and softly muttered, "Could it be…"

"Is that why our Dog Demon clan has no presence in modern society?"

Lynn paused, looked up at the sky, and replied, "Let's just say… yeah."

If the Dog Demon clan moved to modern Hell, then it'd be natural for them to disappear for five hundred years.

So…

They were absent from modern society.

So it was his doing?

While man and dog chatted, they arrived at the border of Hell.

Looking at the barrier before him, Lynn narrowed his eyes.

After gaining Yama's power, he realized that crossing this membrane would lead him to the Hells of other mythological systems.

He gave it a poke and found the membrane quite elastic.

He rubbed his chin and decided to postpone contact with other gods.

Right now…

It wasn't the right time.

After finishing his tour, Lynn returned to the thatched hut to discuss Hell's business with Ai Enma.

Currently, Hell lacked manpower.

No matter the plans, without people to carry them out, nothing would progress.

But…

Lynn brought up the Dog Demon clan.

Kikuri's eyes lit up. "As long as we have people, Hell's business will pick up!"

As the Three-Eyed Spider's vessel, she had a deeper understanding of Hell.

So, Lynn kept her as Ai Enma's assistant.

"Oh, right."

Ai Enma suddenly recalled something. "I still have a few helpers."

A moment later.

Two men and one woman appeared in the hut.

"Hone onna, Ichimokuren, Wanyuudou."

Ai Enma introduced them one by one, then said, "This is our new master."

Hone onna: "?"

Ichimokuren and Wanyuudou looked at each other, then fell silent.

So Hell's management changed…

But…

Since Ai Enma said so, they didn't object.

They all bowed toward Lynn. "Greetings, Master!"

Lynn's mouth twitched.

Why does this feel like a major shift in power?

After explaining the plans for Hell's development, Lynn prepared to leave.

Before that, he reincarnated Hone onna as his follower.

"Take off your clothes?"

In the quiet room, Hone onna was briefly stunned, then spoke casually. "Master, do you want to experience the Hone onna's charm?"

Lynn stroked his chin. "I'm curious…"

"But just show your back. That's enough."

Hone onna paused, then smiled. "Understood. I overthought it."

She loosened her kimono, revealing her smooth back.

Lynn pressed the Evil Piece onto her.

The next moment, her Blessing details appeared.

[Hone onna]
Rank: Mid-Class Devil
Race: Devil
Master: Lynn Valefor

Stats:
Strength: i0
Agility: i0
Durability: i0
Magic: i0

Innate Abilities:

[White Skeleton]
Summons countless bone spikes from the ground to pierce enemies. Spikes inflict frost damage and slow movement.

[Enemy Blade Possession]
Upon killing enemies, transforms their bones into temporary weapons (blades, bows). Weapon strength scales with the enemy's level.

[Skeleton Devil]
Hundred Bone Armor: Disassembles bones into weapons (blades, spears, shields). Bone coral grows on wounds, gradually petrifying flesh.

Death Makeup Red: Burns own bones, greatly increasing attack speed and crit rate for a short period. Requires significant mental energy to recover afterward.

Devil Transformation (Infernal Form)


…

"Skeleton Devil…"

So, another unique Devil.

Lynn recorded her Blessings and explained them to her, making Hone onna grin.

Lynn took the chance to learn about her past too.

"I see…"

Before being forced into becoming a geisha, she chose to die by jumping into a river, unwilling to surrender.

That resentment birthed the legend of the Hone onna.

After a brief conversation and explaining Peerage matters, Lynn left her a phone and departed.

Hone onna stared at the space where Lynn vanished, eyes flickering.

"This time… I've really pledged myself to an extraordinary master…"

…

After leaving Hell.

Iwanaga Kotoko trailed behind Lynn, still dazed.

I actually came back from Hell alive…

She had been nervous when entering Hell.

Especially with Kikuri's creepy expression.

But…

She came out unharmed.

Kotoko glanced at Lynn and muttered, "As expected of a Maou…"

After entering Hell, Lynn had solved everything with overwhelming power.

He even became the master of Hell.

Today's events were more thrilling than any she'd experienced before.

Even more so than when she became the Goddess of Wisdom.

Suddenly, Lynn stopped.

Still lost in thought, Kotoko didn't react in time and bumped into his back.

"Ouch!"

She squatted down, holding her forehead. "Ow, ow, ow!"

It was like hitting a steel wall!

Lynn turned to look at her, smiling.

"Miss Goddess of Wisdom, it's time we discussed your commission reward."

"E-Eh?!"

(To be continued.)

Chapter 162: Devil Correspondence

After Lynn's reminder, Kotoko remembered that setting. Her face suddenly stiffened, and even the pain in her forehead was temporarily forgotten.

She had accepted a commission, obtained a portion of Hell, and even gained a few capable and adorable subordinates—yet she still had to pay a reward?

She was the one who had paid, so why did Lynn end up with all the benefits?

She pulled herself together, then asked calmly, "So, what does Master Lynn want?"

She hadn't forgotten the price list of the Supernatural Investigation Club.

Maou-class commissions were evaluated on a case-by-case basis!

She could only hope that what Lynn had said earlier still applied.

Lynn stroked his chin, eyes fixed on the glowing Evil Piece, and said, "Naturally, I want you to become one of my followers."

Knew it!

A gloomy feeling rose in Kotoko's chest.

Yes, of course. Otherwise, you wouldn't be pulling this piece out.

Lynn continued, "You've seen how things are in Hell. That Three-Eyed Spider might not be that powerful, but with the environment of Hell behind it, it's a bit troublesome."

Kotoko pursed her lips.

What Lynn said was accurate.

And...

The Hell Correspondence system had been built by that spider. Solving the issues with the Hell Website meant dealing with that thing sooner or later.

It would be impossible to accomplish the task with only her negotiation skills.

Well...

She sighed in her heart, falling into silence and confusion.

"Of course..."

Lynn suddenly changed the subject and smiled. "Even if I'm a devil, devils nowadays are surprisingly trustworthy."

"Let's forget it this time. Next time..."

A magic circle rose beneath Lynn's feet, and his final words echoed in Kotoko's ears.

"...please don't send me another commission."

As soon as those words fell, Lynn's figure vanished.

Kotoko stared at the spot he had disappeared from in a daze before murmuring, "He... just left?"

She had thought she might lose her virginity tonight.

But...

Lynn's sudden departure gave her a sense of relief.

Yet his decisiveness also made her feel a bit empty.

"No, no, no!"

Kotoko shook her head, then laughed at herself. "Do I really want to be someone's harem member?"

The Supernatural Investigation Club was pretty famous at Shuchiin!

But...

For devils, having a harem seemed completely normal!

"Well... I'll worry about that later..."

Kotoko quickly accepted it.

If she was destined to become Lynn's harem member, then it was bound to happen eventually.

Let the future unfold on its own.

But...

Kotoko looked at the pitch-black street, her eyelid twitching. "He just abandoned a defenseless girl like me out here?!"

She was still scared of walking alone at night!

"Princess! Princess!!"

Suddenly, a duck-like voice called out.

Hearing the familiar sound, Kotoko finally exhaled in relief, but then glared at the little monsters that floated over with a disgruntled look.

"You only came out after the devil left?"

She looked at the cowardly monsters with disappointment in her eyes.

"M-My Lady Princess…"

The little red-skinned monster trembled. "That devil was terrifying!"

"Uh-huh!"

The others nodded frantically, still shaken. "He's way too scary!"

"We don't want to end up as devil food!"

Ghostly wails echoed along the dark street.

"Alright, alright."

Kotoko waved her hand dismissively. "Let's head back to the base camp."

She took the lead, leaning on her cane.

Even if Lynn didn't make her sell herself, she still needed to compensate him somehow.

Kotoko understood that well.

Just because someone didn't demand compensation didn't mean she didn't have to offer it.

Besides, she was dealing with a Maou. She had to tread carefully.

Especially after the trip to Hell, her understanding of Lynn's power made her all the more cautious.

She'd need to go home and check if any of the old geezers had stashed away some valuable treasures.

Kotoko stroked her chin, thinking about who she could squeeze something from.

Suddenly, she said, "What if…"

"I just became a devil?"

The surrounding monsters were horrified. "Princess, are you going to abandon us?!"

They all burst into exaggerated wails. Kotoko was nearly overwhelmed by the noise.

But...

After that sudden thought, Kotoko finally realized what kind of commission she should give Lynn.

Since he wanted followers so badly, why not just give him one?

Yes!

That's settled!

Now that she thought about it...

What exactly were those Blessings?

Kotoko was genuinely curious.

But Lynn had only said it was a power gained after being reincarnated into his Peerage. He hadn't explained the details.

She couldn't understand the strange writing etched onto Kikuri and the others' bodies either.

Even if Lynn had copied it for her, Kotoko wouldn't dare investigate it.

She just had a feeling...

If she probed too deeply, something bad would happen...

That must be one of Lynn's secrets.

And maybe...

If she really did explore those secrets, Lynn might not let her off so easily?

Kotoko fell into deep thought.

Meanwhile, seeing Kotoko's hesitation, Lynn wasn't in a rush to force her into submission.

Sooner or later, she'd fall into his hands anyway.

…

The next day.

Inukimi finally moved out of her den and returned to the Warring States period she was originally loyal to.

This time, she would bring a group of dog demons back to Hell.

Eventually, the entire Dog Demon clan would follow.

Though doing so might erase their presence from the world for five hundred years...

By entering Hell, they'd secure official status within the system!

How many youkai could even dream of that?

Even if Lord Lynn's Hell was still in its infancy, Inukimi had absolute faith in his power!

The Western Dog Demons would rise from Hell!

At the same time—

Muroto Sumire also sent a message to Lynn.

"Master Lynn, we discovered something new after studying monsters."

"Oh?"

Lynn's interest was piqued.

Muroto continued:

"We've found that when processed monster blood is used to infect animals, the resulting meat becomes very delicious and boosts the stats of Peerage members."

"We call it Monster Meat."

Lynn stroked his chin. "So you actually developed something useful?"

Monster meat...

A rare ingredient?

Normally, due to the monster's tainted blood, their flesh couldn't be used as food.

Even animals contaminated by it would die from miasma.

And yet...

Sumire and the others had managed to neutralize it and make it edible.

"Very nice!"

This was a huge breakthrough for the Peerage!

That said...

Lynn also noticed that his Peerage didn't rely solely on killing monsters to level up.

They could also gain experience through other means.

Not to mention conquering other worlds.

Yesterday's example with Ai Enma said it all.

Just by becoming the [Manager of Hell] and receiving Hell's Blessing, she was instantly promoted to a higher rank.

Now, even eating ingredients with extraordinary properties could increase stats?

However...

Sumire's next message revealed another detail.

"So far, the monster meat cultivated by our Peerage can only improve the stats of lower-ranked devils. It seems to be linked to the quality of the meat."

Lynn understood.

It was just a mutated animal affected by demonic blood.

The fact that it worked even on lower-level devils was impressive.

After reading the rest of their findings, Lynn's eyes lit up.

"In the future... maybe we can invade worlds known for gourmet cuisine?"

If monster meat could boost stats for weaker devils, then acquiring high-grade food from other worlds might work on higher-tier devils.

Lynn fell into deep thought.

At that moment.

In the group chat.

Hell Girl: Lord Lynn, [Devil Correspondence] is now officially online.

"Oh?"

Lynn snapped out of his thoughts. Seeing the message, surprise flashed in his eyes. "That was fast."

Clicking the link Ai Enma had sent, a website resembling [Hell Correspondence] appeared.

She had already set Lynn as the highest-level administrator.

As Lynn had requested, the site would automatically seek out those guided by Evil Pieces.

There was no longer a restriction for it to appear only at midnight.

However...

Whether people who entered [Devil Correspondence] would actually request assistance from devils remained to be seen.

Only by making deals could Lynn eventually bring them into his Peerage.

Still...

There was time.

Lynn stroked his chin as he looked at the website's slogan.

[Do you need the devil's help?]

"The devil's help?"

At Shuchiin, in the Totsuki Culinary Club's private activity room.

Erina Nakiri looked at the sudden popup on her phone and curled her lip.

"What kind of prank is this?"

She put her phone down and tried the food that had just been delivered.

She lifted the spoon, took a sip of soup—and immediately spat it out, face turning sour.

But...

She knew it wasn't the food.

"The curse of the God Tongue…"

Erina's tone turned melancholy.

Lately, it had become harder and harder to find food that satisfied her tongue.

If this continued...

She didn't know what would happen.

Resting her chin in her hand, Erina sighed. Her eyes fell back onto the website on her phone.

The devil's help?

Erina suddenly became interested.

She picked up the phone and began to type.

[Can you make food that satisfies me?]

Send.

A flicker of anticipation rose in her chest, and then she shook her head, laughing at her own childishness.

"I must be losing it to actually believe in devils..."

But the next second, a reply from [Devil Correspondence] popped up.

[Food… I'm not very good at it…]

Erina was stunned.

Curling her lip, she said, "Definitely a prank…"

Then another message appeared.

[But… maybe you'll find this interesting?]

Erina: "?"

What?

Just as she was about to question it, a black magic circle formed on her phone screen.

Click.

A slab of meat fell onto the table.

"Ahh!"

Startled, Erina threw her phone.

"Paranormal event!!"

She jumped away from the table and crouched in a corner, hugging her head and trembling.

"L-Lord Devil, I thought it was a joke! I didn't mean to offend you!"

Her voice was tearful, nearly breaking into sobs.

Then—

Click

The door opened.

"Huh?!"

Erina yelped and curled into herself in fear.

The devil's really here?!

But…

Hisako Arato stood at the entrance, silent for a moment before asking, "Miss…"

"Are you filming some kind of prank show?"

Erina: "…"

Recognizing the voice, she cautiously looked up and saw the empty room.

She breathed a deep sigh of relief, stood up, and patted her chest.

"What the…"

"I thought the devil had come…"

She mumbled, but Hisako heard it loud and clear.

Hisako offered a polite, awkward smile and pretended she hadn't heard anything.

So this was...

A chuunibyou phase.

Erina, finally calm, noticed Hisako and instantly stiffened.

It's over!

Hisako saw the entire embarrassing display!

This is the end!

Her toes curled in shame.

Seeing this, Hisako calmly said, "Ojou, I didn't see anything just now."

Erina shot her a look of betrayal.

Does she think I'm a child?!

Like she would believe that.

But...

It's just Hisako, so it's fine...

Erina reassured herself, then turned her gaze back to the slab of meat on the table.

Her heart turned cold.

There was no doubt now—what just happened had been real.

A devil.

That word echoed in her mind, and her body began to tremble again.

She was being targeted… wasn't she?

Just as panic set in, her phone buzzed again.

Another message.

Erina froze.

Seeing her freeze, Hisako tilted her head. Wasn't that her phone?

Since Erina wasn't moving, Hisako picked it up.

Her eyes swept across the message.

[Devil Correspondence]

[You must pay a price to make a deal with a devil~]

A devil?

So this was why Erina had reacted that way?

Confused but not taking it too seriously, Hisako handed her the phone. "Ojou, your phone."

Erina: "…"

Thanks, Hisako.

She took the phone stiffly and stared at the message.

Payment?!

She panicked, quickly trying to think of something to offer.

Then she looked up.

"Hisako! I need to cook!"

…

Meanwhile—

Supernatural Investigation Club.

Client information popped up on Lynn's phone.

[Erina Nakiri]

A faint smile appeared in Lynn's eyes.

Seeing her request, he immediately thought of her problem with the God Tongue.

Now, the newly developed monster meat would come in handy.

Compared to regular ingredients, monster meat had far higher quality.

Not to mention—it was an extraordinary ingredient.

Lynn had his Peerage send a sample over.

He was curious.

After tasting food with extraordinary properties, would the God Tongue still turn its nose up at ordinary dishes?

Or rather...

After tasting monster meat, could Erina ever leave... [Devil Correspondence]?

(To be continued.)

Chapter 163: Himari Noihara

After a while.

Shuchiin, Totsuki Department.

Erina looked at the completed dish and finally let out a sigh of relief.

Due to the limited time and lack of proper ingredients and equipment in the activity room, she had only managed to make a simple pan-fried piece of meat.

But…

Even so.

The scent alone had made her swallow her saliva multiple times.

Erina was stunned.

"The God Tongue… is actually craving it?"

Her voice trembled slightly.

This was the first time she had experienced something like this since awakening the God Tongue.

"Could it be that piece of meat?"

She gulped, eyes fixated on the meat on the plate. Her desire triggered by the God Tongue only grew stronger.

I want it! I want it so badly!

She shook her head violently and recalled the message she'd sent through [Devil Communication].

The food that could satisfy her?

So...

The devil just sent her a piece of incredibly high-quality meat?

Could it be devil food?

Her mouth watered uncontrollably. Her gaze locked onto the meat that seemed to be glowing slightly red. Her breathing grew rapid.

The aroma overwhelmed her senses, making her body tremble and even spasm slightly.

But…

She still had some rationality left. She pulled out her phone and asked:

"Master Devil, how should I offer my payment?"

Buzz—

Her phone vibrated.

[Just place the payment near your phone.]

Erina pressed her lips together, then did as instructed.

She placed the portioned pan-fried meat near the phone.

Buzz—

A black magic circle suddenly appeared out of nowhere. The supernatural sight made Erina jolt again in fright.

The next second.

The fried meat near the phone vanished.

A new message popped up on [Devil Correspondence].

[This commission is complete. Looking forward to your next request.]

Seeing this, Erina let out a breath of relief, then pouted.

Next time?

Absolutely not!

She didn't want to deal with devils again!

But...

Do supernatural beings like this really exist in this world?

Erina had always believed such things were confined to manga and novels.

But what happened today completely shattered that belief.

This world… is not simple.

A sense of unease settled in her chest.

She couldn't shake the feeling…

That she had been marked by a devil.

An ominous premonition crept in, making her restless.

But…

"Well, since it's already here, I may as well eat…"

Gulp!

She stared at the remaining fried meat. Without hesitation, she picked up her fork and began devouring it like a starved tiger.

The moment it entered her mouth, Erina's eyes flew open!

"Hmmn~♡"

She gasped sharply, letting out a moan as her body twisted slightly. A deep flush colored her cheeks.

Her eyes glazed over, as if she were being transported somewhere else.

A strange world unfolded before her.

It had an ancient atmosphere, filled with quaint architecture. People worked diligently, but what shocked her more—

"Youkai! Monsters!"

All sorts of youkai stood or floated about, chatting and laughing, enjoying the bustling streets.

It was like a scene straight out of a ukiyo-e painting, evoking a sense of serenity and joy.

Erina was completely immersed in it. She didn't know how long it lasted before she snapped out of it.

By then, the rest of the fried meat was already gone without her realizing it.

Gulp.

She swallowed again.

As expected...

"It's unbelievably delicious!!"

Erina's face was flushed, her expression ecstatic.

This was the best food she had ever eaten in her life!

And the craziest part?

She hadn't even prepared it in any complicated way!

No!

Any kind of processing would only insult this ingredient!

Huff huff.

Her nostrils flared. Her breathing was heavy.

"The God Tongue is... completely satisfied~"

After a while, she slowly calmed down.

She clutched her phone tightly, eyes fixed on [Devil Correspondence], biting her lip.

Now that she had tasted such divine food…

How could she ever go back to ordinary ingredients?

Damn it!

Now she was going to be forced into another deal with the devil!

But…

Luckily, she was in "sage mode" now.

Whew…

Erina exhaled, then, after hesitating, bookmarked the [Devil Correspondence] website.

Just... in case.

Just once!

…

Shuchiin, Supernatural Investigation Club.

After tasting the pan-fried meat made by Erina, Lynn stroked his chin and commented:

"Even though it's just simple pan-fried meat, it's way better than Mahiru's cooking."

Of course.

Mahiru's cooking was already quite good.

But compared to a professional?

Still a bit lacking.

Not to mention...

There was also the added bonus of the monster meat.

Hmm...

Looks like the Peerage finally has a proper chef now, doesn't it?

Buzz—

Suddenly, Lynn's phone vibrated.

"Rias?"

Lynn glanced at the sender, surprise flashing in his eyes.

Rias: Lynn, after what happened last time, my brother has decided to grant you the title of Super-Class Devil and assign the Valefor territory to your name.

Rias: But... my brother isn't sure what your intentions are. He's worried someone might try to stir up trouble for you, so I'm reaching out first.

"Super-Class?"

Lynn shook his head.

Lynn: I have no interest in the title of Super-Class Devil.

---

Kuoh Academy.

Occult Research Club.

Rias stared at the message in shock.

He turned it down?

Super-Class Devils were the highest-ranking devils under the Maou. It was a supreme honor.

And Lynn... wasn't even interested?

But…

"That's fine too…"

Rias sighed in relief.

If Lynn attracted too much attention, the Old Maou Faction might retaliate.

Buzz—

Lynn sent another message.

Rias quickly checked it.

Lynn: I don't need the rank, but I do want the Valefor territory.

Rias: Understood.

Rias: But inheriting that territory could cause unnecessary trouble. Should I have my brother support you publicly?

Lynn: No need.

Rias: But...

She was clearly still concerned.

Back at the Supernatural Investigation Club.

Lynn smirked.

Lynn: Worried about the old devils, right?

Lynn: Let them come if they dare.

Lynn: Tell Sirzechs to make it as flashy as possible.

Rias was momentarily stunned when she saw Lynn's reply.

Then she let out a helpless smile.

"As expected of Lynn..."

Not only was he unafraid of the Old Maou Faction, he was practically begging them to come challenge him—just so the showdown would be even bigger.

But…

It was exactly this kind of Lynn that made her heart race.

She indulged in the thought for a moment, blushing, before remembering her task. She immediately used magic to relay Lynn's response to Sirzechs.

After finishing, Rias looked over at Koneko, who was quietly munching on a snack.

Just like Lynn had said, Koneko was still attending Kuoh Academy and hadn't left the Occult Research Club.

But...

She had been showing up far less frequently lately.

Rias muttered, then asked, "Koneko, have you gotten stronger recently?"

Hearing that, Akeno also looked over.

She had sensed it too. Koneko felt a little different.

Koneko kept eating calmly. "Maybe it's because I've mastered demonic power and senjutsu."

Rias was stunned. "You learned that already?"

Koneko nodded.

"But…"

Rias looked worried. "Using demonic power or senjutsu can be unstable, right?"

Koneko shook her head. "It's fine. Lynn-senpai helped me with that."

The [Nekomata Resonance] skill had resolved her internal energy issues perfectly.

"That's good."

Rias let out a breath of relief.

Still…

She felt a bit conflicted.

She'd always known Koneko had potential.

But…

When she was under Rias's guidance, that potential never developed.

Really.

Handing her over to Lynn had been the right decision.

…

Later.

In the Underworld, capital city Lilith.

After hearing the news, Sirzechs sighed. "Did he really say that?"

Rias's projection nodded. "He did."

Sirzechs went silent for a moment, then said, "Alright, let's do as he wishes."

With her task complete, Rias's projection vanished.

Serafall leaned on her elbow. "He's really going to go after the Old Maou Faction, huh?"

Sirzechs nodded. "It's obvious."

Otherwise, why would he make such a bold move?

"He's brave. Using himself as bait."

Serafall clicked her tongue, growing more certain of her suspicion.

That confidence…

It was exactly what she expected.

"Makes sense."

Sirzechs added, "Instead of being stalked by a snake in the dark, better to draw it out into the open."

The Old Maou Faction's movements were difficult to track.

Hunting them down would be a waste of time.

But Lynn's method?

Direct and efficient.

After all…

The name Valefor carried an immense hatred value among the Old Maou Faction.

Still…

You needed strength to pull something like this off.

Even though Lynn had reached Maou-level and possessed holy light that countered devils, Sirzechs couldn't help but worry.

"Don't worry."

Serafall waved it off. "He'll be fine."

"I hope so..."

Sirzechs mulled it over, then said, "Just in case, if the Old Maou Faction makes a move, head to the human world and assist Lynn."

Serafall: "?"

Her expression froze.

She suddenly felt a tingle on her backside.

…

At the same time.

Deep in a forested mountain.

Kotoko was petting a white cat lounging on a branch, her expression awkward.

The cat glared at her, clearly annoyed. "Princess, are you selling me off to a devil?"

"How could you say that…"

Kotoko replied with a serious face. "I found you a master!"

"Himari, didn't you say you wanted one?"

She used her best coaxing tone to manipulate the conversation.

The cat flicked her tail in irritation. "But…"

"I'm not the only youkai out there!"

Kotoko: "…"

Well, you're cute, and you're a good girl. What's the worst that could happen?

Himari Noihara: "?"

Should good youkai be picked up by devils like stray cats?

(To be continued.)