Chapter 61: Ghost
"Then why don't I just join you?"
Inside the old school building, Hana's voice rang loud and clear.
Miko blinked.
Wait… was she serious?
But…
She wasn't sure if Hana was qualified to become part of Lynn's peerage.
Miko turned to look at Lynn.
Lynn met her gaze and smiled.
"Then join Yuuko," he said casually.
"Reincarnate as a devil together and become part of my peerage."
Miko sighed in relief.
So, Hana is also qualified.
"Yay!"
Hana hugged Miko excitedly.
Miko smiled helplessly, but she was genuinely happy for her.
Becoming part of Lynn's peerage is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for people like them.
Besides…
Knowing the truth of the world but lacking the power to protect oneself…
That's a nightmare.
She had experienced it herself.
Now, Hana had a chance to escape that fate.
---
Outside the Old School Building.
After putting some distance between themselves and the building, Yukino finally let out a breath of relief.
But two words kept echoing in her mind.
Peerage.
She hadn't stayed long enough to hear the full explanation…
But with her intelligence, she could already guess.
Maybe…
Those girls in the Supernatural Investigation Club are all part of Lynn's peerage?
Maybe they gained supernatural abilities because they became his peerage members?
Fuu~
She exhaled deeply, trying to clear her mind.
When she faced that cursed spirit in the old school building…
She had realized something very clearly.
She.
Yukinoshita Yukino.
Was just an ordinary person.
Against monsters like that, she could do absolutely nothing.
She didn't want to be involved in supernatural affairs anymore.
"Y-Yukino…"
Suddenly, Yui tugged at Yukino's sleeve, her voice shaking.
"L-Look ahead…"
Yukinoshita Yukino looked up in confusion.
And then.
Her pupils shrank!
"Can you see me? Can you see me?"
Yukino's face turned stiff.
Evil spirits were everywhere.
No!
Not just Shuchiin!
She looked into the distance.
The streets outside the school…
Were also filled with evil spirits!!
"Y-Yukino…"
Yui forced a smile, one that looked worse than crying.
"T-Those are—"
"Don't say it!"
Yukino's voice dropped to a whisper.
Yui immediately fell silent.
"Just… pretend we don't see them…"
Yukino murmured softly.
On the surface, she looked calm.
But if someone listened carefully…
They would hear the slight tremor in her voice.
"Can you see me?"
She remembered the cursed spirit's words.
If they realized she could see them…
Something terrible would happen.
Her lips turned pale.
Why…
Why has the world become like this?
Is this the real truth of the world?
Suddenly, she remembered what Lynn had said in the old school building.
"Once you see the real world, there's no turning back."
So this was what he meant?
She clenched her fists, her heart pounding.
What should she do?
What should she do?!
Just then.
A cursed spirit approached them.
Its hooded face was twisted and grotesque, and a foul stench came from its mouth.
"Can you see me? Can you see me?"
So close!
So terrifying!
Should she go back?
Should she return to the old school building and seek Lynn's help?
But…
She had already walked away without hesitation.
Wouldn't running back now be utterly shameful?
"CAN YOU SEE ME?!!"
Suddenly!
The cursed spirit lunged closer!
Yukino trembled.
It felt like…
She had let something slip…
---
Inside the Old School Building.
Since Lynn was about to perform a reincarnation ceremony, he needed a clean space.
So—
The group moved to Yuuko's room.
"Great! Everything's still intact!"
Yuuko floated in midair, spreading her arms as if welcoming them.
"Welcome to Yuuko's private chamber!"
Lynn looked around.
Hmm… definitely has a girly touch.
Utaha let out a sigh.
"I didn't expect her to act like a queen but have such a cutesy room."
Then she muttered under her breath,
"She's clearly an old virgin in her fifties or sixties."
Lynn ignored her and pulled out an Evil Piece.
"Alright, who's going first?"
Hana eagerly raised her hand.
But before she could step forward.
Yuuko pounced on Lynn.
Rubbing against him, she declared,
"I'll go first! I'll go first!"
"Alright then."
Lynn nodded.
"Take off your clothes."
"…Huh?"
Yuuko froze.
Then her eyes lit up with amusement.
"The reincarnation ceremony has such an interesting rule?"
She grinned and teasingly pulled at her collar, revealing a deep ravine.
"Like this~?"
Lynn remained unfazed.
After admiring the view for a moment, he said,
"No, you have to take everything off."
Yuuko pretended to look troubled.
"Really, what a greedy man."
She wasn't wearing anything underneath.
But…
Since he said so.
Yuuko slowly undressed, exposing her flawless figure before Lynn.
"Eh heh heh?!"
Hana covered her eyes but peeked through her fingers.
She actually stripped?!
So shameless!!
Utaha's eyelid twitched.
"You damn ghost! You really don't wear anything!"
"Hmph!"
Yuuko straightened her back with pride, her breasts swaying.
"It's uncomfortable for ghosts, okay?"
Lynn picked up the Evil Piece.
"Front or back?"
After briefly explaining the Blessing inscription, Yuuko suddenly understood.
"Ohhh~ So that's why I have to take off my clothes."
Her eyes gleamed as she feigned embarrassment.
"Whatever you like, Lynn~ I'll leave it up to you."
Since she said that, Lynn didn't hesitate.
He placed the Evil Piece on the front.
"Hmmnn~
It feels like something… went inside!"
Yuuko moaned softly, her face flushed.
Utaha clenched her teeth.
"She's definitely doing this on purpose!"
Buzz——
The reincarnation ceremony was complete.
A status window appeared.
---
Yuuko
Race: Devil (Ghost Devil)
Peerage: Lynn Valefor
Rank: Low-Class Devil
Strength: I0
Agility: I0
Endurance: I0
Magic Power: I0
Inherent Skills:
[Ghost Devil]
[Will-o'-the-Wisp]
[Earthbound Spirit] (Deploys an inherent barrier: Dusk Maiden's Domain)
[Devil Transformation] (Extreme Ghost Mode)
---
[Ding! Yuuko has been reincarnated into your peerage!]
[Ding! Your peerage member has become a special Ghost Devil!]
[Ding! You have acquired the skill: Ghost Devil!]
[Ding! Your strength has slightly increased!]
(To be continued.)
Chapter 62: Life Devil (BONUS)
As expected, she reincarnated as a devil.
Lynn was still a little surprised that Yuuko had successfully completed her reincarnation.
Although the Evil Piece had confirmed it long ago…
Ghosts, after all, were beings without physical form.
It felt like there were still hidden mechanics within the Evil Piece that even he hadn't fully explored.
"Ghost Devil…"
After reviewing the skill description, what caught his attention most was the Earthbound Spirit ability.
Inherent barrier.
This was the first time Lynn had seen this type of ability.
He tried to sense it himself.
Then his expression turned a little strange.
It was… the old school building.
As for Will-o'-the-Wisp, it didn't seem particularly useful, though it did expand his toolkit.
Additionally, he seemed to have gained a new state.
One that was similar to Yuuko's ghost state.
Meaning…
He could phase through walls now?
---
On the other side.
Yuuko was still playing with her devil wings in disbelief.
"I really reincarnated…" she muttered in awe.
But then she looked at her body, confused.
"It still feels like I'm a ghost."
Even after becoming a devil, her ghostly traits hadn't disappeared.
Lynn handed her a copy of her Blessings info.
"Just check your skills. It'll make sense."
Yuuko browsed through it.
Skipping the currently irrelevant basic stats, her eyes landed on the title:
"Ghost Devil?"
She smirked.
"So I'm both a ghost and a devil now?"
"That's about right," Lynn replied.
"Okay."
Yuuko accepted it quickly.
"Will-o'-the-Wisp…"
She muttered to herself, "Could it be what I think it is?"
She closed her eyes and guided the power within her.
Fwoosh!
A series of blue flames suddenly ignited in the air around her.
Yuuko laughed, her lips twitching slightly.
"Now I've got all the characteristics of a classic ghost."
And the Earthbound Spirit skill…
Was it symbolic of something?
Still—
The result was what mattered.
At the very least.
"I don't feel any more connection to the old school building!"
Yuuko looked stunned.
That meant…
She was no longer trapped.
She could finally leave this cage she'd been bound to for decades.
Well…
Technically, it wasn't that she left the school building…
The school building followed her.
Lynn debated whether or not to tell her.
Forget it.
Let her figure it out on her own.
"Alright, next—Hana."
"Here, here!"
When her name was called, Hana raised her hand excitedly, though there was nervousness in her expression too.
She hadn't expected that reincarnating as a devil would require… stripping.
But—
She didn't want to be separated from Miko!
Her eyes firmed with resolve.
She quickly removed her school uniform, leaving only her camisole.
She hesitated.
"Umm… Should I put it on the front too?" she whispered.
Miko's engraving had been on the front, right?
She sneaked a glance at Yuuko.
But…
The front was… too much!
Even for someone as carefree as her, she was still a high school girl!
Lynn noticed her hesitation.
"It's fine. Just show your back."
Relieved, Hana let out a breath.
Then she turned around, loosened her back collar, and exposed her smooth back.
Seeing this, Lynn placed the Evil Piece onto her skin.
"Hnn…"
The cold sensation made her body twitch slightly.
Buzz.
[Ding! Yurikawa Hana has been added to your Peerage!]
[Ding! Your Peerage member has reincarnated as a special devil: Life Devil!]
[Ding! You have acquired the skill: Life Energy, Life Devil!]
[Ding! Your overall power has increased slightly!]
The screen displayed Hana's Blessings:
---
Yurikawa Hana
Rank: Low-Class Devil
Race: Devil
Peerage: Lynn Valefor
Strength: i0
Agility: i0
Durability: i0
Magic: i0
Inherent Skills:
[Life Energy]
Life Drain (Absorbs life energy through eating)
Accelerated Stamina Recovery
[Life Devil]
Regeneration (Consumes life energy to heal. The greater the energy used, the stronger the effect.)
Life Flame (Converts life energy into flames)
Devil Transformation: Life Plunder Mode
---
The ninth Peerage member, secured!
And it was another specialized devil.
Lynn focused on Hana's skill set.
[Life Energy]!
Just like Miko's [Yin-Yang Eyes], it was a rare talent with built-in abilities.
That said, he'd already expected this.
Hana's immense vitality had stood out to him from the start.
Next was…
[Life Devil].
After reading the skill description, Lynn's eyes gleamed.
Regeneration!
Now that was a rare one.
He didn't have many healing-type abilities in his Peerage.
Healing by consuming life energy.
Interesting.
It seemed [Life Devil] and [Life Energy] were interconnected skills.
That made them even more efficient.
What was once just a source for grilling cursed spirits…
Could now be used in other ways.
And beyond that.
[Life Flame] was particularly exciting.
A power system independent of traditional magic.
Though likely better suited for close combat.
Hmm…
He'd have to find a good way to refine and upgrade it.
Maybe borrow more coins.
Or better yet…
Snatch them from Rias?
Lynn rubbed his chin, eyes glinting.
Wait.
Didn't Natsuki have a human magician apprentice?
Sasaki Misaki.
He clicked his tongue.
Getting anything out of Natsuki Minamiya was going to be tough.
Better save that thought for later.
Lynn saved Hana's Blessings info and handed her a copy.
Hana quickly got dressed and took a look.
But then scratched her head.
"Hmm… I don't get any of this."
She looked at Miko with teary eyes.
"Miko~ Help me read this!"
Miko gave her a helpless smile.
Hana, you really are clueless sometimes…
But once she saw Hana's Blessings, her expression shifted.
This fool… is actually that strong?!
---
With the incident at the old school building wrapped up, Lynn brought Yuuko and Hana to the Supernatural Investigation Club.
Yuuko turned to glance at the old school building behind her, feeling a strange mix of nostalgia and disbelief.
After all, she'd spent sixty years trapped in that place.
---
Supernatural Investigation Club.
Hana was filling out her club application.
Yuuko shouted from the side, "I want one too!"
Utaha gave her a side glance.
"Why would a ghost like you join the club?"
"Ghosts don't have human rights now?" Yuuko puffed her cheeks.
Lynn cut in before the bickering got worse.
"Alright, time to start club activities."
"Club activities?"
"What are those?"
Hana and Yuuko looked at him, curious.
"Well… heading to another world to fight monsters and level up."
"Eh?!"
(To be continued.)
Chapter 63: What Are You Doing Utaha-Senpai (BONUS)
Zombie World.
After Hana and Yuuko stepped through the door, they were surprised.
"Is this really another world?"
They looked around.
It didn't seem that different from the modern world?
Lynn called Rei and asked her to guide them around the Zombie World and have them fight a few zombies to test their abilities.
As for Lynn.
He was preparing to update the blessings of Utaha and the others.
But...
"Where's Utaha?"
Utaha had secretly put her things away earlier and rushed back in a hurry.
Lynn looked at her suspiciously.
He had a strange feeling that Utaha was acting a little off today.
Ever since they were at the Supernatural Investigation Club...
Being stared at by Lynn, Utaha averted her eyes, her cheeks heating up.
Tonight, she would become Lynn's woman...
Her face grew even hotter at the thought.
"Alright, I'll update your blessing and check your stats."
Earlier today, they worked together to take down a Grade 1 cursed spirit. He had a feeling they'd grown quite a bit.
Lynn's bedroom.
"You first, Utaha."
Utaha nodded and casually removed her top.
Having gone through this process several times, she was still a little shy, but she had gotten used to it.
Lynn manually updated her blessing.
"Hmm~"
Utaha felt Lynn's fingers brushing against her back, and she instinctively squeezed her thighs together.
---
Kasumigaoka Utaha
Low-Class Devil
Race: Devil
Master: Lynn Valefor
Strength: a823
Agility: a877
Durability: a827
Magic: s999
Inherent Skills:
[Devil Tome] (omitted)
---
Lynn raised his eyebrows and copied her blessing info.
He said, "Utaha, your magic has already reached the limit, and the other stats are close too. Are you ready to upgrade?"
Without Saeko's [Yearning for Killing], this was about the limit Utaha could reach.
The buildup from before, plus today's Grade 1 cursed spirit hunt, had pushed her right to the upgrade threshold.
Utaha looked over her blessing information, realizing there wasn't much room left for growth.
Aside from magic, the rest weren't her strong points.
"Then let's upgrade."
Lynn continued the process.
Utaha's blessing data refreshed.
---
Kasumigaoka Utaha
Mid-Class Devil
Race: Devil
Master: Lynn Valefor
Strength: i0
Agility: i0
Durability: i0
Magic: i0
Inherent Skills:
[Devil Tome]
Can record magic, mystical arts, and other abilities, then release them through the Devil Tome. The more detailed the information, the more complete the replication.
Devil Transformation: Merges the body and the Devil Tome into one, allowing the user to wield all stored abilities.
Accelerated magic growth.
Development Ability: Thunder Strike
---
There wasn't much change to the Archivist Devil's core abilities.
The only new development was Thunder Strike, likely the result of her frequent use of lightning-based attacks.
Utaha's level advancement didn't affect Lynn directly.
The skill [Evil Piece] also showed no change.
However, Lynn still received feedback from Utaha's level-up.
He now had access to the Thunder Strike development ability as well.
Not bad. Better than nothing.
Utaha reviewed her upgraded blessing information.
Seeing her status as a Mid-Class Devil, she smiled slightly.
She whispered, "Finally... I've caught up with Saeko."
In truth, she often felt a little pathetic.
She was Lynn's first Peerage member, yet she'd been surpassed in everything.
Whether it was strength, or the pace of her relationship with Lynn.
It was a total defeat.
But tonight, things were finally different!
While Lynn was updating Saeko's blessing, Utaha casually asked, "Master, have you been going to Saeko's room every night lately?"
"Hmm?"
Lynn looked at her in surprise and said with curiosity, "You didn't know?"
"...?"
"You're the one who stands outside the door eavesdropping every night."
"...!"
Utaha's beautiful eyes widened, and she stammered, "W-What?! T-That's... I didn't... I wouldn't..."
The more she spoke, the more flustered she became.
"I-I just remembered something I haven't done yet. I'll head out now!"
Utaha hurriedly got up from the bed, completely embarrassed.
Lynn said flatly, "Put your clothes on first."
"...Hmm."
Utaha paused, then obediently got dressed.
Miko and Mahiru exchanged glances, both noticing the strange atmosphere.
Utaha-senpai... so this is what you're like!
A little while later, Lynn also updated Miko and Mahiru's blessings...
"Miko's stats are close to the limit. She should be ready to upgrade in a few more days."
"Mahiru hasn't been in the Peerage for long, so it's normal for her stats to still be low."
Lynn patted Mahiru's head gently to comfort her.
"Hmm..."
Feeling Lynn's warm hand on her head, Mahiru's face turned red.
She then recalled the magic replenishment earlier today.
She glanced at Lynn's lips involuntarily.
Thin, soft...
But since it happened in the middle of battle, she didn't feel like she'd really experienced it.
Also...
At the time, there were the scents of Utaha and Miko too...
Maybe... let's do it again...
"Master Lynn, Mahiru will work hard to level up!"
Mahiru's eyes shimmered slightly as she spoke with determination.
Then she added in a whisper, "After Mahiru levels up... could Master give Mahiru a little reward?"
Her face turned even redder as she said it.
Who knows what she was imagining.
Miko's eyes widened in shock, staring at Mahiru.
Mahiru... you're that bold!?
She always thought Mahiru was the gentle type but she was actually so forward!
Lynn pinched her soft cheek with a smile.
"Don't worry. Even if you don't level up, you can still ask me for a reward anytime."
Lynn had always been generous with his Peerage.
"Really!?"
Mahiru's eyes lit up.
Then she said shyly,
"T-Then... can I request magic replenishment?"
"The first time... I didn't get to experience it fully..."
Lynn froze for a second.
Mahiru was... surprisingly bold.
"W-Was that too much?"
Seeing Lynn not respond, Mahiru lowered her head in disappointment.
She started getting anxious.
Lynn pinched her cheek firmly, causing her to yelp in pain.
"Didn't you want a reward?"
Mahiru looked up in surprise, then leaned in closer.
"Hmm~"
Yes, this scent, this warmth, it was Lynn's alone.
Miko watched silently, her expression complex.
Shouldn't I... be making a move too...?
If things keep going like this, there won't be any place for me in the Peerage!
Utaha-senpai, what are you doing!
Weren't we the ones who joined first!?
(To be continued.)
Chapter 63.1: Hungry Hana And Pitiful Utaha
After rewarding Mahiru, Lynn took the time to observe Hana and Yuuko's performance.
"Take this~"
Hana was clearly excited. Golden flames swirled around her fists as she smashed them down hard onto a zombie's head.
Ah...
She really seems suited for this ability.
Lynn turned to look at Yuuko.
Hmm...
In the Zombie World, her ghost state was highly advantageous.
The zombies couldn't see her at all. They couldn't even hear her voice. They were nothing more than helpless prey in front of her.
"Looks like you two have adapted quickly."
"Ah! Master!"
Hana noticed him and immediately ran over, clinging to Lynn's arm.
"This world is so much fun!"
"It's just… um…"
She hesitated, her face flushing slightly. Then she murmured in a low voice, "My stomach… it's kind of hungry…"
Hungry?
Lynn examined her condition.
Her life energy had been overly depleted.
He began thinking of ways to replenish it.
Food, maybe?
If it's just food... could Shizuka's milk help?
"Rei, bring one of Shizuka's recovery items for Hana."
"Yes, Master!"
Soon, Rei returned with a bottle of Shizuka's milk.
Lynn handed it to Hana. "Try it."
Without hesitation, Hana opened the can. Her eyes sparkled as she gulped it down.
"Wow!!"
"This milk is amazing!"
Hana looked incredibly happy.
She hadn't expected Lynn to have such top-quality milk.
This was paradise!
Rei, standing off to the side, wore a complicated expression.
Forget it. Let her figure it out later.
Lynn observed her closely after she finished drinking.
Her life energy, which had shrunk into a tiny ball, suddenly reignited.
Shizuka's milk was indeed effective.
On the other side, seeing Lynn, Yuuko floated over and draped herself onto him.
She took a deep breath, inhaling Lynn's scent, and her gaze turned meaningful.
"They all smell like girls."
Her master really was the king of harems.
In such a short time, he'd already gotten along so well with the rest of the peerage.
And they were all beautiful girls!
She couldn't help but look forward to it.
Would Lynn do something to her too?
The loneliness she'd bottled up over the last sixty years was starting to stir.
Evening.
Miko and Hana left the Zombie World together.
"Finally, I can go home with Miko again!" Hana beamed.
Seeing her so happy, Miko couldn't help but smile.
"Hana, how do you feel about joining the peerage?"
"It's super fun!"
Hana was brimming with enthusiasm.
"Everyone in the peerage is so nice, and the chief is really handsome!"
"And the milk is really tasty!"
Milk?
Miko's smile froze for a second.
That very questionable recovery item…
If not absolutely necessary, she'd rather accept Lynn's magic replenishment instead.
Just thinking about it made her heartbeat quicken.
Then her thoughts naturally drifted to Mahiru's reward.
She spaced out slightly.
Everyone else was being so proactive…
Whether it was Saeko, Mahiru...
Even Utaha-senpai seemed to be planning something.
Only her.
Aside from replenishing magic, there hadn't been any real progress.
And—
Everyone in the peerage lived under the same roof with the master.
Only she still went back to her own home.
Oh.
Now Hana had joined too.
Even though she just joined, Miko knew...
It was only a matter of time before Hana was "eaten" by the master as well.
Everyone in the peerage was a wing of the master!
—A luxury apartment—
Yukino lay on her bed, her eyes slightly vacant.
Just then.
A cursed spirit crawled along the ceiling above her.
"Can you see me? Can you see me?"
Yukino's expression stiffened slightly as she tried not to react.
But under the covers, her hands were clenched tightly.
Yes…
Even her house was filled with cursed spirits!
She shifted her gaze naturally to her phone screen.
A message appeared.
Yui: Yukinon, I'm scared…
Yukino paused.
Yui's place must also be crawling with cursed spirits.
She bit her lip, guilt welling up inside her.
If only she hadn't dragged Yui into this…
If she had just listened and not forced herself into the old school building, everything would've remained normal, right?
All of this was her fault.
She'd even dragged Yui down with her.
Her eyes welled up with tears.
She really was terrible.
At the very least…
She had to save Yui!
She had to take responsibility!
Should she ask the Supernatural Investigation Club for help?
She blinked, dazed.
First… maybe the shrine.
Maybe there was still something she could do there.
If not...
Then she'd turn to the Supernatural Investigation Club.
After all, among the people she knew, only they could handle this kind of problem.
—Zombie World—
Utaha quietly snuck into Saeko's room.
She let out a breath of relief after confirming Lynn wasn't there.
Then she pulled a set of clothes out of her bag.
A bunny girl outfit.
A hint of shyness flickered in her eyes.
This outfit was just… too much, wasn't it?
She lifted the bottom part and looked at it.
It was… empty!
But still...
"Change!"
Gritting her teeth through the embarrassment, she put the outfit on.
A chill brushed her lower half.
"Hnnn…"
She groaned, then threw herself onto the bed.
Her upper body was buried beneath the covers, while her lower half was exposed.
The moment Lynn walked into the room, he'd be greeted with a pair of long, slender, black-stockinged legs, slightly parted and raised.
With nothing underneath.
She didn't believe Lynn could hold back!
—Half an hour later—
Lynn was walking toward Saeko's room as usual when he was stopped by Takagi Yuriko, who had clearly been waiting.
She gave him a charming, mature smile.
"Lord Lynn, may I ask a favor? Could you come to Saya's room for a moment?"
Lynn raised an eyebrow and followed her in.
The moment he entered, he saw.
Blushing, avoiding eye contact, completely naked, trembling slightly.
Yuriko stood beside her with a calm smile, and began removing her clothes one by one.
Then she knelt on the ground.
"Please, Lord Lynn!"
"This might be the only value I have left."
Seeing this, Lynn didn't hesitate.
Since she offered herself to him, how could he not accept?
Lynn wrapped an arm around Yuriko's slender waist, effortlessly lifting her off the ground.
—Inside Saeko's room—
Utaha, half-dreaming, seemed to hear some strange noises.
Under the blanket, she was starting to suffocate from lack of oxygen.
(To be continued.)
Chapter 64: New World? (BONUS)
The next day.
Early in the morning.
At the dining table, Utaha absentmindedly poked at the food in her bowl, looking a little down.
No appetite~
She shot a resentful glance at Saeko.
As if to say: Why didn't Lynn go to your room last night?
Saeko smiled calmly. "Nothing I can do about it. No one can predict where Master wants to go."
She recalled, "I remember one time, Master did not even come to this world at all."
Utaha paused for a moment, then remembered it.
And her mood sank even further.
That day, Lynn had spent the whole night playing video games with Koneko.
She hadn't realized Lynn and Koneko were that close!
Could it be…
The women in the Peerage could no longer satisfy Lynn?
Utaha's thoughts spiraled, eventually circling back to herself.
She couldn't keep going on like this.
She was willing to give, was there anything she couldn't give?
But the courage she'd finally built up…
---
Weekend.
Higurashi Shrine.
Yukino and Yui stood beneath the torii gate.
"Yukinon, will this really work?" Yui asked nervously, trying her best not to look around too much.
It had been a few days since the incident at the old school building.
After experiencing multiple encounters with cursed spirits, she'd gotten slightly better at dealing with them.
But…
It was still terrifying!
They lived in constant fear every day.
Physically and mentally exhausted, dark circles had formed under their eyes.
Their energy was completely drained.
There were even times when they felt like they might die from fright.
The cursed spirits were cunning, disguising themselves and using deception.
Several times, they thought they were going to be exposed.
Hmm…
If this continued, it wouldn't be any different from death.
Yukino also looked worn out, her lips pressed tight. "This is the last shrine nearby. If this doesn't work…"
We'll have no choice but to ask Lynn for help.
"Let's go."
Yukino took the lead, stepping up the stairs.
As they climbed toward the shrine, they kept scanning the area with their peripheral vision.
"Yukinon, I don't think there are any cursed spirits here," Yui whispered, a little excited.
Yukino's eyes also brightened slightly, hope rising in her chest.
Maybe this shrine really can protect us…
After a while.
The two of them finally reached the top.
They stood just outside the shrine.
"Welcome. Are you here to worship?" Kagome Higurashi, dressed in a shrine maiden outfit and holding a broom, looked at the two girls curiously.
Something about them…
Didn't seem quite right?
Yukino hesitated a moment, then replied, "Yes. We're here to worship."
Kagome smiled gently. "Alright, please follow me."
Yukino and Yui glanced at each other and walked in.
This shrine is so clean…
Maybe, just maybe!
Just as Kagome led them around a corner, passing by a small, somewhat hidden shrine.
"YAAAAAH!!"
A terrifying shriek rang out from beneath the shrine.
Yukino and Yui froze on the spot.
W-What was that!?
Why… why did it sound like something was screaming?
Yukino tried to look around discreetly, only relaxing slightly when she didn't see anything suspicious.
It's probably just an illusion…
Must be the stress lately playing tricks on me.
Just as she started to breathe easy.
Bang!
Bang bang!!
Yukino froze again.
"Ahahaha~" Kagome scratched her cheek awkwardly as she looked over at the sealed well.
Recently, strange noises had been coming from there, scaring off all the shrine's visitors.
Sigh…
If this continued, the shrine might really go bankrupt!
"Uh… It's fine, really! Nothing to worry about, just... just…"
Kagome stammered, clearly flustered.
She really wasn't lying.
Even though the well had been making strange noises, nothing unusual was found whenever they opened it to check.
And so far, nothing abnormal had occurred at the shrine itself.
But…
Visitors were still terrified.
Seeing Kagome's awkwardness, Yukino turned toward the direction the sound came from.
It didn't seem like it was a cursed spirit...
But it was definitely weird!
Let's just finish worshipping and leave quickly.
Hopefully this place works…
Some time later.
They each took a fragment of the Shikon Jewel and left Higurashi Shrine.
Then—
"…It didn't work?"
Yukino and Yui looked at each other in silence.
The reason there were no cursed spirits at that shrine…
Was probably because of the scary noises coming from it, right?
Higurashi Shrine.
Kagome grumbled, "Mom, if we don't fix this, the shrine's going under!"
"I don't know what to do either," her mom replied. "Why don't you think of something, Kagome?"
"Ahh…"
---
Monday.
Shuchiin Academy.
3 PM, Supernatural Investigation Club.
Yukino bowed deeply. "Please, President Lynn!"
Lynn showed no particular expression upon seeing Yukino again.
Judging from her condition, she must've had a rough few days.
"Exorcism services outside of school start at 5 million yen. Just prepare the money."
Lynn had finally reopened the exorcism business that had been shelved for some time.
Five… five million!?
Yukino's face went stiff.
5 million yen… Her sister and mother could afford that.
But just because they could afford it didn't mean she could.
Should I ask my sister…?
Yukino hesitated.
She didn't want to involve her family in supernatural matters because of her.
But...
There was no other way.
"…Wait a moment."
Yukino left the Supernatural Investigation Club, bit her lip, and called Yukinoshita Haruno.
"Well now, this is a surprise. Yukino actually called her big sister?" a playful voice answered the phone.
"…Sis."
On the other end, Haruno paused, set down what she was doing, and narrowed her eyes.
"Yukino's voice… something's not right."
"Did something happen?"
Yukino was silent for a moment, then said, "…It's nothing. Um… Can you transfer 5 million yen to me?"
Haruno went silent.
5 million yen wasn't much for her.
But she wanted to know what Yukino needed it for.
Something felt… off.
She took a deep breath, then teased in a joking tone, "What's Yukino going to do? Hire a boyfriend?"
"..."
The silence on the other end said enough. Haruno sighed. "Knew you wouldn't answer."
"I'll transfer the 5 million, but!" Haruno's voice sharpened. "I will find out what it's for."
The call ended with a sharp beep.
Yukino sighed softly.
"Knew it'd turn out like this…"
But—
This was the only option left.
At the very least, she couldn't let Yui continue to suffer.
The cursed spirits roaming the streets were beyond them.
At least their homes should be safe.
She put her phone away and walked back into the Supernatural Investigation Club.
"…The money is ready."
Lynn looked up and said, "Miko, go with her."
Five million yen wasn't even enough for him to splurge.
Especially for a simple exorcism.
Utaha and Miko would be enough to handle it.
He had more important matters to attend to.
The [Devil's Summoning]… had finally activated!
(To be continued.)
Chapter 65: New Gastrea Law (BONUS)
Yuigahama's House
While Mrs. Yuigahama was away, Yui invited Yukino, Utaha, and Miko over.
Utaha glanced around. Seeing no cursed spirits of concern, she handed the detection task over to Miko.
At her current level, these low-grade cursed spirits had no effect on her.
Miko, with her ability to exorcise spirit creatures, casually walked around Yuigahama's house, poking them one by one.
The cursed spirits were like balloons, bursting instantly under Miko's touch.
Seeing such calm and effortless exorcism, Yukino and Yui fell silent.
The cursed spirits that used to terrify them were nothing more than fragile decorations in Miko's hands.
This was the difference between ordinary people and those with supernatural abilities.
Yukino felt a flicker of regret.
Peerage…
A memory flashed through her eyes.
She regretted it a little.
In her effort to avoid being involved with the supernatural, she had tried to slip away quickly.
But as Lynn once said.
There's no turning back.
She had even thought about whether she could somehow make herself unable to see them.
But wouldn't that just be self-deception?
Even if she couldn't see them, knowing the truth would still cause fear.
Since she had already stepped into that world, why bother running?
Huu—
She took a deep breath and quietly waited for Miko to finish her exorcism.
She understood, this type of exorcism was only a temporary fix. At best, it would make things quiet for a while.
Supernatural power…
If she could master it, would things be different?
She spaced out slightly.
Peerage…
A trace of confusion passed through her heart.
Elsewhere.
Lynn tapped on [Devil's Summoning] and disappeared from the Supernatural Investigation Club.
Mahiru rested her chin on her hand, quietly watching the spot where Lynn vanished.
---
Tokyo Area.
Seitenshi Residence.
Seitenshi held the "New Gastrea Law," which had been rejected again. Her eyes were filled with helplessness.
"Why…"
Clearly, cursed children were still human.
She shook her head and continued reading the next file, but suddenly froze.
"This is…"
She held up a sheet of pitch-black paper, covered in arcane runes that made her dizzy just by looking at them.
"Pray to the devil and sign a contract, and he will respond to you?"
There were no visible words, yet she inexplicably understood that sentence.
"A supernatural event…?"
Seitenshi's expression stiffened.
But—
"Devil…"
She looked down at the "New Gastrea Law" on her desk.
Then, she closed her eyes, placing her hands together in prayer.
If signing this contract could help her pass the law and protect the cursed children, then even if she had to become a devil, she would gladly do it.
She signed her name on the paper, blew gently to dry the ink, and smiled softly.
"Devil… will you really answer me?"
Seitenshi looked hopeful.
Though she knew the chances were slim, she still hoped it was real.
She had been pushed into this position despite lacking talent.
If giving herself up could achieve something good for the world, she would gladly do so.
But…
It was probably just someone's prank, right?
Seitenshi smiled wryly.
Who would send something like this to cheer her up after seeing her so stressed?
Just as she thought that, the black paper suddenly began to glow!
"Eh?"
Seitenshi's mouth parted slightly. Her eyes widened in shock.
"Are you… the one I made a contract with?"
Boom boom!!
Her heartbeat instantly quickened. Her throat went dry. Her eyes widened further.
Was this really… the Devil?
She wanted to cry but couldn't.
A devil's voice… must be terrifying, right?
She held her breath and turned her head slowly.
"…?"
Seeing Lynn, she blinked, her mind going blank.
A very handsome… Devil?
No, no… he must be human, right?
She let out a breath of relief.
Just as she thought, how could a devil really exist in this world?
This must be a prank.
The props were just extremely realistic.
But…
Where did this man come from?
Just as she was lost in thought, Lynn walked up and picked up the "New Gastrea Law."
"You want to pass this law, that is your commission?"
This world really needs devils.
To deal with evil people… you need people just as evil.
He wasn't a villain but he was a devil.
"U-Um, this…"
Seitenshi panicked slightly.
"Just call me Lynn."
"Ah… Okay, Mr. Lynn!"
After a moment of panic, her brain quickly caught up and calmed her down.
"Mr. Lynn, may I ask… how did you get in?"
Her tone shifted into that of a ruler. Her gaze turned serious. Her hand moved slightly toward the emergency bell.
Lynn, as if he hadn't noticed her movements, replied casually, "Didn't you summon me?"
"Me?"
Seitenshi was stunned.
"The Devil's Contract. You just signed it and already forgot?"
Lynn looked at her, speechless.
"Eh? Wasn't that just a prank?"
"Huh? Who told you that?"
"But… Mr. Lynn clearly…"
Before she could finish the sentence "doesn't look like a devil," Lynn grinned. The thin wings of a devil unfolded behind him.
"I am a devil…"
Seitenshi's mouth dropped open. Her brain completely froze.
Wings… wings??
Was he really… really a devil?
Her mind short-circuited.
No one ever taught her how to interact with a devil!
Her brain, desperately trying to find a solution, went into overdrive.
Lynn clicked his tongue.
She was the one who summoned a devil, but now she wasn't happy when he actually came?
He retracted his wings, giving her no time to think.
"I've accepted your commission. Once it's complete, I'll come to collect what's mine."
"Wait!"
Seitenshi hurriedly stopped him.
Commission?
She recalled, she wanted the bill to pass.
If he could truly help push the "New Gastrea Law" through…
That wouldn't be bad, right?
If a devil could do it, maybe there really was a chance.
But she needed to know how he planned to do it.
Choosing her words carefully, her purple eyes became serious.
"Mr. Lynn… your commission is to get the 'New Gastrea Law' passed, right?"
"Yeah."
"Then… may I ask, how do you plan to accomplish it?"
Seitenshi was well aware that many high-ranking officials were blocking the law's passage.
If she didn't know what the devil intended to do, what if it turned into something disastrous?
Lynn's lips curled into a smile. "How?"
"Kill the ones who oppose it, then won't it pass?"
(To be continued.)
Chapter 66: Righteous Devil (BONUS)
"Kill them all?!"
Seitenshi's eyes went blank, her mouth slightly agape.
Ah! Confirmed!
That was something… only a devil would say!
She shot up from her seat in an instant, eyes filled with panic and anxiety. Her small hands waved frantically.
"No, no, no!"
It's over!
Did she accidentally open Pandora's box~?
Ugh——
She felt like crying.
But she had to take responsibility.
Taking a deep breath, she bowed deeply and pleaded, "Please, Mr. Lynn, please don't do that!"
All she wanted was to protect the Cursed Children but not by killing everyone who opposed her!
Lynn leaned casually against her desk, gazing out the window with a distant look, though his tone was relaxed. "The commission is yours. How I complete it… is mine."
He was considering what benefits this world could offer.
Right now, Lynn had two core development plans for his Peerage.
First—recruit more members!
The more Peerage members he had, the more feedback he could receive. His power would grow accordingly.
Second—monster resources!
The experience required for Peerage upgrades was just as critical.
Not only would this strengthen his Peerage, but he'd also gain power in return.
Anything outside of these two points was meaningless for now.
At least, until he reached the level of Maou, Lynn wouldn't consider branching out.
Besides, his Peerage was still severely understaffed.
There was no time or energy to develop any other projects.
So—
His purpose in this world was crystal clear.
Recruit followers.
There were millions of unique people in this world.
Even if only a portion of them were reincarnated as special devils, as long as they joined his Peerage, they would provide him with steady power feedback.
Even if they were just Low-Class Devils, they could stack power through sheer numbers!
Maou? Or maybe a Super Maou?
Lynn's mouth twitched, the corners of his lips twisted into a perverse grin.
He'd never imagined that the power of a Maou or something even greater could be so close.
Millions of Cursed Children… he was definitely taking them all!
Besides, with the Zombie World's resources behind him, he wasn't worried about being unable to support them.
And—
Once reincarnated as devils, the Gastrea virus inside them would naturally be purged.
No more risk of mutation.
He came to save them!
He was… a righteous devil!
But…
He was short on manpower.
With just him and his current Peerage, it was impossible to gather all the Cursed Children alone. It wasn't realistic.
He needed a highly useful tool.
Lynn retracted his gaze and looked at Seitenshi , who was clearly on edge, her expression tense enough to twist her eyebrows together.
A useful tool, huh?
Lynn stared at her, voice calm and measured. "You don't want the Cursed Children to be abused anymore, do you?"
"!"
Seitenshi inhaled deeply, then replied with resolve, "Mr. Lynn, I also want to protect those oppressed children."
They were human too, they deserved protection and fair treatment!
She had never wavered on this belief.
However!
"If those people are killed, society will fall into chaos!"
She had made it to this position. She wasn't ignorant, she understood how the system worked.
She despised many of those people.
Hated their filth and hypocrisy.
But…
They were still the managers of human society.
If they were all eliminated, the resulting power vacuum would plunge everything into disarray.
With the threat of Gastrea still looming, that kind of collapse could doom them all!
As Seitenshi, the ruler of the Tokyo Area, she couldn't let that happen!
She could only hope this devil she summoned would understand.
Her expression was deeply troubled.
But Lynn suddenly let out a small chuckle.
"Chaos in human society?"
"In that case… wouldn't it be better to eliminate humans altogether?"
"Eh?"
Her mind short-circuited.
If there were no humans, then there would be no societal collapse?
It… did make a twisted kind of sense.
But!
Why did Lynn suddenly jump from one extreme to another?
Was this… was this really how devils thought?
Solve the problem from the root?
Lynn ignored her reaction and walked up to the French window, looking down at the world below.
His red eyes swept across the crowds marching on the street, holding signs that read:
"Expel the Cursed Children!"
A protest.
Upon seeing it, Lynn sneered and whispered to himself, "In this world, only devils are qualified."
Ah…
There it was.
The devil's whisper!
What did that mean?
Was the devil planning to invade the human world?
She…
She really did open Pandora's box.
Seitenshi felt uneasy.
But when she followed Lynn's gaze, she fell silent.
A public demonstration against the Cursed Child Human Rights Act.
It wasn't a rare occurrence.
Even without demonic hearing, she could guess what they were shouting.
In truth.
The reason the Human Rights Act never passed was largely due to public indifference and opposition.
But those very children were the ones defending them… protecting Tokyo!
Seitenshi couldn't hide her disappointment.
Lynn's words echoed in her mind.
Even devils couldn't stand what humans were doing?
What a failure of a species…
Lynn withdrew his gaze and turned around. The sunlight behind him cast his figure in shadow.
Only those ruby-red eyes remained, glowing brilliantly.
Seitenshi's breath caught.
A strange thought flashed through her mind.
A devil standing in the sun…
Lynn reached out his hand toward her, lips curled in a smile.
"How about becoming the world's first devil?"
Seitenshi stared at his hand, stunned.
A devil?
Her?
"You've felt it too, haven't you?"
"The powerlessness and incompetence of being human."
Lynn's eyes glimmered with a strange light as he exposed the weakest part of her heart without hesitation.
Seitenshi remained silent.
"You're the ruler of the Tokyo Area."
"Yet you can't even get a single bill passed."
Still, she said nothing.
"You're disappointed in yourself, aren't you?"
"You want to change things, don't you?"
Huff~ Huff~
She was starting to lose control of her breath.
Every word Lynn said was like a blade, piercing into her already wounded heart.
She couldn't help but recall. Cursed children being beaten and insulted in the streets…
Cursed children forced to live in the sewers…
Cursed children sacrificing themselves in battles to protect Tokyo and humanity…
And finally, that moment during the Human Rights Act meeting. That cold, merciless rejection.
She murmured to herself, "Becoming a devil… can that really change everything?"
(To be continued.)
Chapter 67: Ideal Devil
Seitenshi wanted change!
She wanted to change her weak and powerless self.
She wanted to change the fate of the Cursed Children.
She wanted to…
Change this twisted world.
Seitenshi stared blankly at Lynn's outstretched hand. A strange impulse stirred in her chest.
But, she hadn't forgotten Lynn's earlier, extreme words.
Wouldn't it be enough to eliminate humans?
In this world, only devils are enough.
At the end of the day, eliminating humanity… that was still far too terrifying.
Seitenshi 's heart filled with bitterness.
What she desired was peaceful coexistence between humans and Cursed Children.
Even if...
Even if the "New Gastrea Law" was opposed by 82% of Tokyo's population.
Even if...
Even if it was fiercely resisted by the top authorities.
Even if…
Yes, even if coexistence seemed almost impossible.
But still…
Was it truly that extreme? That only one side, either humans or Cursed Children, could survive?
After all—
Cursed Children were still human too!
Her gaze was clouded, full of inner conflict.
Seeing her hesitating like that, Lynn decided to fan the flames further.
"You've seen the corpse of a Cursed Child who didn't reach 15, haven't you?"
Seitenshi froze.
Due to the Gastrea virus, even with the help of suppressants, most Cursed Children didn't live beyond the age of 15.
Her eyelashes trembled. "Mr. Lynn… what do you mean?"
"The Gastrea virus means nothing to devils."
Her eyes suddenly widened. Her violet pupils showed disbelief and the faintest glimmer of hope.
Her voice trembled. "Mr. Lynn… can you cure the virus inside them?"
That's right!
Mr. Lynn was a devil!
Maybe…
He really could cure the Gastrea virus!
Seeing her reaction, Lynn smirked. His gaze turned deep.
He leaned closer to her ear and whispered, "Now that you know how to save them, are you still going to turn away?"
Seitenshi bit her lip tightly, fists clenched.
She couldn't.
She had tried to do so much for the Cursed Children.
But all her efforts, every single one had failed.
She was powerless.
She couldn't change anything.
The Cursed Children were still being discriminated against and oppressed.
But now, the chance to save them was right in front of her.
She couldn't let it slip away!
Besides…
This might be her one and only way to help the Cursed Children.
As long as she could save them.
She took a deep breath, lowered her head, and bowed deeply.
"Please, Mr. Lynn!"
"Please… save those children!"
"If I can protect the Cursed Children, then I…"
She closed her eyes, her voice trembling as she spoke the final words.
"…I'm willing to do anything!"
As expected, she was someone who could sacrifice herself for the sake of others.
Lynn's lips curled upward.
"Then, let's begin your transformation into a devil."
Seitenshi kept her eyes shut, silent but her lashes trembled violently.
There was always a price when dealing with a devil.
As the supreme ruler of the Tokyo Area, she was all too familiar with human filth and hypocrisy.
Becoming a devil… so be it.
As for Lynn's words about destroying humanity…
A sense of helplessness flashed through her heart.
She didn't want humanity to collapse.
But she also wanted to save the Cursed Children.
The fate of humanity…
She'd think about it again after becoming a devil.
Seitenshi chose to run from that part.
Shameful but necessary.
Her silence was as good as agreement.
Lynn didn't hold back. "Take off your clothes."
Seitenshi: "!"
Her eyes shot open.
Her pupils trembled violently, and she parted her lips as if to speak.
Do I have to undress to become a devil?
She wanted to ask but in the end, she just let out a long sigh.
She'd just said she was willing to do anything.
Could she really back down just because she was told to undress?
She thought of the Cursed Children who were forced to live in the sewers…
Slowly, she raised a trembling hand and began to remove her dress.
Only her light blue undergarments remained.
Her eyes remained tightly shut, unwilling to meet Lynn's gaze.
But she could feel it.
Her body felt hot.
As if Lynn's gaze was directly burning her skin.
"Show me your back."
Lynn didn't place the Evil Piece directly in front of her.
Seitenshi already looked unstable.
If he did that, it might push her over the edge.
She might faint on the spot.
Sure enough.
When she heard Lynn's words, Seitenshi exhaled in relief.
It was awkward to turn her back, but at least she wouldn't have to look him in the eye.
Same principle.
It's embarrassing to run away but it works!
She turned around.
Lips pursed, she waited for Lynn's next command.
"…Lie down."
"Mmphh~"
Her entire body shuddered as she collapsed onto the desk.
Inappropriate images flashed through her mind.
Click!
Her eyes went wide, a trace of shame flickering in her violet pupils.
He's unlocking something?
He wouldn't… actually…
Just as her mind began to spiral into chaotic thoughts. A cold sensation brushed across her skin.
She gasped involuntarily, her body flinching.
Something had entered her body!
Her entire being rapidly heated up, and a strange energy surged outward!
The changes in her blood and body nearly made her moan.
She bit her lip, forcing herself to endure.
Her waist and hips, just above her rear it tickled unbearably…
Endure it…!
At the same time, Lynn received a system notification.
[Ding! Congratulations, you have obtained a new Peerage member: Seitenshi!]
[Ding! Your Peerage member has reincarnated into a special devil: the Ideal Devil!]
[Ding! Skill obtained: Ideal Devil!]
[Ding! Your overall strength has slightly increased!]
Ideal Devil?
Lynn narrowed his eyes, staring at Seitenshi's smooth, pale back.
The Blessing data appeared before him.
Seitenshi
Race: Devil (Lower-Class)
Peerage: Lynn Valefor
Strength: i0
Agility: i0
Durability: i0
Magic: i0
Inherent Skills:
[Ideal Devil]
Peace Domain – Prevents any creature within the domain from developing hostile intent.
Utopia – A unique barrier creating a time-stopped illusion of eternal peace.
Devil Transformation – Ideal Collapse Mode
---
Sounds like a control-type ability?
Lynn wasn't entirely sure about the full extent of [Ideal Devil].
Temporarily putting it aside, he copied the Blessing information, gave Seitenshi a light pat on the back, and said:
"It's done. The reincarnation ceremony was a success. You're now a proper devil."
Seitenshi, still lying on the desk, looked dazed.
She…
She was a devil now?
Her body felt stronger.
And… she had some kind of mysterious power now.
A devil's power?
Her mind swirled with questions, but when she remembered she was half-naked, her face flushed red.
She fumbled to fasten her dress and quickly got dressed again.
Haa~
Once clothed, Seitenshi finally let out a sigh of relief.
Then—
A piece of paper appeared in front of her.
"Your Blessings information. Take a look."
(To be continued.)
Chapter 68: Pacifist (BONUS)
Lynn briefly explained the capabilities of the Blessing System.
Upon hearing this, Seitenshi's eyes lit up in realization.
She clutched the paper detailing the Blessing System tightly, her heart filled with complex emotions.
She had always wanted to save the Cursed Children… but lacked the power to do so.
In the end, she could only strike a deal with a devil to realize that wish.
She thought it would turn into something twisted.
After all, it was a legendary evil devil.
But—
She had already steeled herself for sacrifice… So why did it turn out like this?
After reincarnating as a devil,
She had gained superior physical strength, supernatural magic, an extended lifespan, and slow aging.
And—
She glanced at the Blessing data and pursed her lips.
Was this the key?
This…
This was a complete reward!!
Seitenshi: "..."
She pursed her lips, a flicker of inner conflict in her eyes.
Even someone as useless as her… was she really worthy of this?
She was clearly just a decorative figure.
Just a… mascot pushed forward by others.
Snap!
A large, warm hand gently landed on her head.
Seitenshi snapped out of it and looked up slightly, dazed as she stared at Lynn.
"How does it feel to be a devil?"
Seitenshi lowered her eyelids, unable to meet Lynn's gaze.
She murmured, "It feels… good."
Even though her body remained slender, she could clearly feel the explosive power coursing through her.
Now that she had become a devil, she should be capable of doing the things she never could as a human, right?
Like the Cursed Children awakening their powers?
No!
She could become even stronger than them!
After all, she was only a Low-Class Devil right now.
With the Blessing System, she still had enormous room to grow!
"But…"
Seitenshi bit her lip and asked with some insecurity, "Mr. Lynn, why did you choose me?"
Of course, it was because of the Devil's Summoning she had signed.
And the Evil Piece had responded to her.
Lynn thought to himself.
But he didn't say that out loud.
He could tell that Seitenshi had some issues with her mentality.
Outwardly, she carried herself as the noble, composed, and calm Seitenshi.
But in truth, she was just a sensitive and insecure girl.
At the end of the day, she was just a high school student standing at the pinnacle of Tokyo's government.
"Is someone like me really worthy of following you?"
Her voice was filled with confusion.
Someone like Miss Mugen is probably the one who truly deserves to be by your side, right?
"Don't overthink it."
Lynn patted her head and smiled. "Whether you're worthy or not isn't up to you to decide, it's up to me."
Yes. It was determined by the Evil Piece.
Certified by the Evil Piece.
"Without a doubt, you're the talent I need."
Seitenshi stared at Lynn in a daze.
That warm smile instantly shattered the cloud of doubt in her heart.
Lynn pinched her cheek and continued, "Besides, your current identity is still extremely useful in this world."
Gathering the Cursed Children… Without Seitenshi's help, it would've taken much longer.
His peerage wasn't that large yet.
Hearing Lynn's words, Seitenshi nodded seriously. "Please tell me what I need to do, Mr. Lynn!"
Since he was allowing her to follow him, then she had to prove her worth!
She didn't want to be a decorative figure anymore!
Lynn continued pinching her cheek and said, "Don't rush. First, let's see what you can do."
"Hmm…"
Only then did Seitenshi realize Lynn's hand was still on her cheek.
Seitenshi pressed her lips together but didn't resist Lynn's little gesture.
Compared to the gift Mr. Lynn had given her, this bit of cheek pinching was nothing.
Just that… it was the first time a guy had ever pinched her cheek like this, so she felt a bit shy.
She forced herself to focus on the Blessing document in her hands.
Following Lynn's advice, she skipped the basic attributes—all currently i0—and went straight to the master's field.
A strange feeling stirred in her chest.
Her heartbeat quickened, and she quickly diverted her gaze to the last section: Inherent Skills.
[Ideal Devil]
Seitenshi's emotions grew more complicated.
That name always gave her a subtle feeling.
Was he mocking her for being an idealist?
Peaceful territory and utopia.
Yes, those were the social ideals she once worked so hard for.
But none of them had come true.
In fact…
She hadn't even taken the first step.
But…
"These abilities… suit me perfectly."
She was a pacifist. She didn't like fighting.
This was perfect for her…
Seeing that Seitenshi had finished reading her Blessing data, Lynn sat back in his office chair and casually flipped through the documents on his desk.
On the desk, aside from the New Protocolata Law, there were documents about the new human plan, special forces, cursed children arrangements, and more.
Hmm…
He didn't understand any of it.
After flipping through a few pages casually, Lynn gave up.
Even though he had watched Black Bullet before,
This was still a real world now, with social systems vastly different from his own.
After thinking it over, Lynn decided not to make plans on his own.
With Seitenshi, who knew this world best, by his side, there was no need to stress his brain cells.
He tapped the desk rhythmically with his index finger and said, "I plan to reincarnate all the Cursed Children as devils."
"As long as they're reincarnated as devils, the protovirus in their bodies will be neutralized by the cells of the evil devil."
"And I'll also gain more followers."
"Followers?"
Seitenshi, still fresh from her own devil transformation, blinked in confusion.
She knew that everything she had now belonged to Mr. Lynn.
But she still didn't understand the concept of followers very clearly.
Lynn had to explain to her what followers meant.
"I see."
Seitenshi nodded in realization.
So it meant being Mr. Lynn's servant.
She had no resistance to that idea.
After all, by becoming Mr. Lynn's servant, she had already gained immense strength and potential.
And Mr. Lynn had promised to save the Cursed Children.
To Seitenshi, the Cursed Children would probably be overjoyed.
Even if they weren't given power, as long as someone accepted them, they would already be satisfied, right?
Not to mention, after becoming devils, their bodies would return to normal.
To the Cursed Children, being saved by Mr. Lynn was probably the greatest blessing in the world!
"Mr. Lynn, what should I do!"
Seitenshi's expression turned serious.
"Find all the Cursed Children, gather them together, and wait for me to reincarnate them one by one."
Lynn gave his order.
Seitenshi took a deep breath, her gaze firm. "Understood!"
(To be continued.)
Chapter 69: Incoming Purge (BONUS)
Gathering all the Cursed Children was no simple task.
The first problem.
Seitenshi was only the ruler of the Tokyo Area.
Her influence extended solely within Tokyo's borders.
Secondly.
She was merely the nominal supreme ruler.
There were many things she could attempt, but she was constantly restrained.
For example, the failure of the Cursed Children's Human Rights Act.
Moreover.
The Cursed Children were not without oversight.
Take the international organization IISO, for example.
They viewed the Cursed Children as assets and tools, having already gathered a large number of them.
They were incredibly influential in the international community, so much so that even Seitenshi, the ruler of Tokyo, had to occasionally yield to them.
If she wanted to gather all the Cursed Children, it would inevitably result in conflict with the IISO.
Seitenshi frowned, carefully explaining each obstacle.
Lynn remained calm. "You just need to find a way to gather the Cursed Children."
"As for the rest…"
"I'll take care of it."
Seitenshi fell silent.
Lynn's words reminded her of something she'd been avoiding.
Would he really go as far as exterminating humanity?
She swallowed hard and said anxiously, "After the Cursed Children... what does Mr. Lynn intend to do?"
"Well... most likely cleanse the humans?"
Lynn sounded a bit unsure. By that point, he'd probably have reached the level of a Maou.
It shouldn't take much time to carry out a cleansing.
As expected.
Seitenshi's face darkened.
But she still wanted to try.
"Please give me some time, Mr. Lynn!"
She lowered her head and said sincerely, "First, I will establish a shelter far from the outer districts."
"To provide refuge for the unfortunate children in the outer zones."
"At the same time, I'll crack down on black market trading of Cursed Children and rescue as many of them as I can."
"And finally—!"
Her eyes burned with determination. "I'll negotiate with the IISO and other regional leaders to request that all Cursed Children be sent to Tokyo."
"During this process, I believe Mr. Lynn will come to see the good in humanity!"
"At that time, I hope you'll reconsider humanity's survival in this world, Mr. Lynn!"
When she spoke those final words, her gaze held a pleading look.
She was, at her core, a kind-hearted person.
She wanted both the Cursed Children and humanity to have a hopeful future.
And so, she begged Lynn for time, not just for her, but for this world.
Maybe, if he saw something truly beautiful, Lynn would change his mind?
As for whether Lynn was capable of cleansing humanity.
She had no doubt.
Lynn's eyes narrowed slightly.
He looked at Seitenshi with intrigue.
He hadn't expected one of his own followers to still go this far for humanity.
Seitenshi…
You're still standing too high.
You can't see what's truly happening below.
Do you really think all that filth and corruption is just a surface stain?
But...
Isn't that what makes it interesting?
He already knew the truth of this world's background.
There might be good people.
But not many.
Lynn could allow those few to live.
But the others? That was uncertain.
The more he learned about this world, the more he saw its ugliness.
When the political machine known as Seitenshi finally began moving, her actions would inevitably influence all of Tokyo.
When that time came, when she saw the world's true filth, what would she do then?
He was looking forward to it.
Lynn's long silence caused cold sweat to form on Seitenshi's forehead.
But soon after, she heard his voice and breathed a sigh of relief.
"Alright. Do it your way."
"Seitenshi, I'll be watching closely."
What will you do after witnessing the world's darkness?
"Hah…"
Seitenshi exhaled and smiled softly, relief washing over her.
"Thank you, Mr. Lynn!"
Thank you… for giving humanity a chance!
Lynn responded with a calm smile.
He had always been tolerant of the wishes of his Peerage.
Besides.
The task of reincarnating all the Cursed Children into devils couldn't be completed in a day.
He had time.
Let her go ahead and try.
Let the game play out slowly.
Once all the Cursed Children became his followers, the future of this world would be his to decide.
At the same time.
[Lynn's Peerage Harem Ghat Group.]
Kasumigaoka Utaha: Master, is the new world any fun?
Sigma Man: Not bad. Might be fun if we go all-out and kill.
Kasumigaoka Utaha: ?
After Lynn gave a quick rundown of the situation in this world, the entire group erupted in outrage.
Busujima Saeko: Heh, the humans in this world are even worse than zombies.
Kasumigaoka Utaha: Wait, they rely on the Cursed Children to protect them, but still abuse and oppress them?
Supernatural Investigation Club.
Utaha stared at her phone, disbelief written across her face.
How could there be humans this disgusting?
Even Mahiru's expression turned serious. Her brows furrowed, concern welling in her eyes.
If this keeps going... the Cursed Children.
They'll be wiped out, won't they?
They're just kids!
Mahiru shared her worries in the group.
Sigma Man: Don't worry, Mahiru. The Cursed Children will be fine.
Sigma Man: Because we're here.
Zombie World.
Saeko licked her lips with anticipation.
The bloodlust she hadn't felt for a while flared up again.
That world needs to be purged.
Sigma Man: Once the shelter is secured, everyone come to the Black Bullet world.
Busujima Saeko: Yes, Master!
The rest of the group responded one after another.
Each of them eager to get justice for the Cursed Children.
---
Black Bullet World.
Lynn grinned slightly.
Even though Seitenshi said she'd assign staff for the shelter…
He didn't trust them.
Besides.
Lynn planned to turn that shelter into a residence exclusively for his Peerage members.
He had no intention of letting outsiders in.
As for manpower?
Once the first Cursed Child was reincarnated as a devil, he'd have all the help he needed.
It's only natural for Cursed Children to help Cursed Children.
The next day.
A meeting was held.
Seitenshi proposed converting an abandoned warehouse district in Tokyo's Akaoka Ward into a shelter for the Cursed Children living in the outer zones.
Seitenshi stood firm and declared, "Everyone, I will begin accommodating the Cursed Children from the outer districts. I ask for your full cooperation."
As soon as the words left her mouth.
The conference room fell into complete silence.
Several people subtly glanced toward Tendo Kikunojou.
Seeing that he remained silent, someone immediately stood up.
"Your Holiness, I don't believe this is appropriate."
Hearing that.
Seitenshi sighed deeply in her heart.
She knew the road ahead would be difficult.
But she didn't expect...
Someone would block her at the very first step.
(To be continued.)
Chapter 70: Back To It's Owner (BONUS)
Ever since Seitenshi put forth her proposal,
The entire room had devolved into a drawn-out argument.
But ultimately, everyone conveyed the same core message:
That current human resources were already strained maintaining the front lines.
There was no capacity to divert manpower or resources to accommodate the Cursed Children in the outer districts.
Seitenshi sat silently, listening with an unreadable expression, offering no response.
Until the meeting was about to end, she suddenly spoke.
"Tendo-san, do I no longer have the authority to designate an area for housing Cursed Children?"
In an instant.
The meeting room fell into dead silence.
Nearly everyone lowered their heads and pretended not to hear.
Directly named by Seitenshi, Tendo Kikunojou finally opened his eyes.
"I support Her Highness Seitenshi's proposal."
With that.
The meeting concluded.
Seitenshi's proposal was finally passed.
Tendo Kikunojou quietly watched Seitenshi's retreating figure. His gaze deepened.
"…Her Highness Seitenshi seems a little different."
A subordinate approached from the side.
"Lord Tendo, what should we do about the shelter issue?"
Tendo Kikunojou didn't look at him. He replied flatly, "Follow protocol."
"Be sure to bury the explosives. Once enough of the Cursed Children are gathered… remove them from this world."
Hearing this, the man lowered his head, drenched in cold sweat.
---
At the end of the corridor.
Seitenshi paused for 9.8 seconds, then turned around in disbelief and looked back at Tendo Kikunojou.
A devil's hearing was incredibly sharp.
How could this be?
Her eyes widened slightly, and she wavered.
She had always known Tendo Kikunojou opposed her efforts.
But at the very least, on the surface he had supported her.
She had trusted him.
If not for her reincarnation as a devil,
She would never have known that the very person who helped pass her proposal had already turned around and plotted against the Cursed Children.
She turned again, mechanically making her way back to her office.
On the other side.
Tendo Kikunojou furrowed his brows.
Why did Her Highness suddenly turn back just now?
A vague sense of unease welled up in his heart.
---
Inside the office.
Seitenshi sat blankly.
Are Cursed Children so unforgivable?
Why even.
She quickly gathered herself.
Tendo Kikunojou couldn't be trusted.
But…
Even someone she trusted most would go behind her back like this…
Was there anyone left in this world who could be trusted?
No! This wasn't the time to dwell on that.
She had to notify Lynn immediately.
Otherwise, it could escalate into a diplomatic incident.
She paused, then made the call.
"Hello, this is Tendo Civil Security Corporation."
"Ms. Kisara, it's me."
Seitenshi issued a request over the phone.
"Five hundred thousand?!"
The woman gasped, then said seriously, "Don't worry, Your Highness. I'll get it done."
After hanging up,
Kisara looked exhilarated.
She hadn't expected to earn 500,000 yen just for running an errand.
What a great deal!
But—
Would someone really go as far as bombing the shelter in advance?
Who's that ruthless?
Kisara clicked her tongue and muttered, "Dirty bastard…"
---
Tokyo – Akaoka District.
Lynn surveyed the area with a satisfied nod.
The location Seitenshi chose wasn't bad.
"So you're the 500,000 yen… Lynn?"
Tendo Kisara approached and blurted out her thoughts.
She had rushed over fast.
After all, 500,000 yen was on the line. She didn't waste a second.
And with Seitenshi's detailed description, Lynn was easy to recognize.
"That's right."
Lynn looked at her in slight surprise.
Tendo Kisara?
She leaned in, looked around, then tiptoed and whispered in Lynn's ear, "Her Highness Seitenshi asked me to remind you… there are explosives buried in the shelter."
Lynn's eyes remained calm. He smiled. "Thanks for the heads-up."
Tendo Kisara: "?"
That calm?
What a weird guy.
"I've passed along the message, so I'll be on my way now."
She waved behind her and left in high spirits.
Kisara was quite something.
Lynn glanced at the glowing Evil Piece panel.
Then looked back at the warehouse under renovation, his expression cooling slightly.
He'd originally planned to take things slow, but clearly someone didn't want him to.
…Fine.
He should get Seitenshi a phone. It was inconvenient not being able to reach her directly.
---
Not long after.
[Ding! Seitenshi has joined the chat group!]
Seitenshi: Hello everyone, I'm Mr. Lynn's newest Peerage member.
At her Residence, Seitenshi looked at the simple, straightforward name of the chat group and smiled helplessly.
But she didn't have time to dwell on that for long.
Kasumigaoka Utaha: Are you the Governor of the Black Bullet World?
Seitenshi: Only of the Tokyo Area.
Kasumigaoka Utaha: You're a devil now too?
Kasumigaoka Utaha: Then why haven't you drafted a plan to wipe out humanity?
Seitenshi: ?
Seitenshi stared at her phone in stunned silence.
Busujima Saeko: Do you need a cross-world human-cleansing service?
Busujima Saeko: I'm happy to help~
Seitenshi: …..
Seitenshi: Ahahaha… seems like everyone has strong opinions about the humans in my world.
Her hand trembled slightly as she held the phone, her expression complex.
It's over.
Her world's reputation… was really bad in the eyes of the Peerage.
Yotsuya Miko: Um, can they be turned into cursed spirits? I still need some experience pills to level up.
Kasumigaoka Utaha: …You're still the most ruthless one here.
---
A few days later.
The abandoned warehouse in Akaoka District was fully renovated.
A flash of white light appeared in the now-cleared space.
A group of beautiful girls stepped through the gate.
They looked around curiously.
"Huh? Doesn't seem all that special."
Lynn clapped his hands, drawing everyone's attention.
"First of all, our top priority in this world is to save the Cursed Children!"
"Yeah!"
Utaha and the others nodded firmly.
"Second, we'll turn this world into a special grind dungeon!"
Saeko licked her lips excitedly. A new battlefield to satisfy her bloodlust.
Utaha silently shifted away from her.
"By the way, Yuuko."
"Hi hi!"
Yuuko floated over, clinging to Lynn, and rubbed against him enthusiastically.
Seeing that, Utaha gnashed her teeth in envy.
Lynn hoisted a bundle of explosives and grinned. "Return this to its original owner."
Yuuko blinked.
Ah~
Looks like someone's in trouble.
"Also, don't forget to ask Seitenshi for the address."
(To be continued.)