"The Island of Gozo..."
After receiving the message from Himeragi Yukina over the phone, Lynn's eyes flickered slightly.
He had some impression of the location, but wasn't sure of the precise whereabouts of the Beast Vassal No. 12.
This kind of trivial task was better left to the Lion King Organization.
He glanced at the virtual screen showing Hueco Mundo, then sent a message to Himeragi Yukina.
"Tell the Lion King Organization to pinpoint the exact location of Beast Vassal No. 12 and notify me."
—
Main World.
Lion King Organization.
Himeragi Yukina received the message and relayed Lynn's instructions to Shirona Kuraki and the others.
Yukari shrugged.
"Well, guess there's more work again."
She looked at Shirona and smirked slightly.
"No way... it's me again?"
Shirona smiled faintly.
"Those who are capable should do more."
Yukari held her forehead helplessly.
"Is there seriously no one else left in the Lion King Organization?"
Shirona sighed.
"When it comes to matters involving the Fourth Progenitor, those shrine maidens are just not reliable..."
"What about her?"
Yukari pointed at Koyomi Shizuka, who was quietly seated beside them.
"Her combat abilities should be far better than mine, right?"
Shirona replied, "But..."
"She's not as versatile as you."
"And..."
Shirona glanced at Koyomi, motioning for her to speak.
Koyomi adjusted her glasses and calmly said,
"I still have to finish my studies."
"...?"
What kind of reason is that?
Yukari was speechless. She silently turned to look at Shirona again.
Shirona spread her hands.
"You know what my combat ability is like. Are you really confident sending me instead?"
"Fine..."
Yukari sighed, her eyes narrowing slightly.
"I'll handle this, but..."
"If there's ever a mission involving serving the Devil King in the future, that one's on you."
At that moment, Shirona's body stiffened. The smile on her face could no longer hold.
Seeing her reaction, Yukari puffed out her chest proudly.
Shirona fell silent, her face darkening with uncertainty.
Lynn's words echoed in her mind.
Very suitable to become a dependent...
Thinking of that, Shirona sighed.
Lynn hadn't hidden his intentions at all.
Even though they were working for him now, everyone seemed to be ignoring one thing.
They had already been targeted by Lynn.
Becoming part of Lynn's Peerage...
It was only a matter of time.
But...
It might not be a bad thing.
After Himeragi Yukina's introduction, both the Blessings system and the resources from other worlds had left a deep impression on them.
Either way...
Just let it happen.
Shirona calmed her thoughts and nodded.
"Don't worry. My ability isn't useful right now, so..."
"If anyone's going to serve Lynn, I'll go first."
"Oh?"
Yukari raised an eyebrow, looking surprised.
"So proactive?"
Even Koyomi turned her head slightly, a ripple appearing in her calm gaze.
Shirona smiled faintly and said,
"Well..."
"You can't avoid it forever, right?"
Yukari was stunned for a moment, then muttered helplessly,
"Guess that's true."
Shirona continued,
"If I join early, maybe I'll be a few steps ahead of you."
Koyomi: "..."
Yukari rolled her eyes.
Still...
That Blessings system...
It broke through natural limits and allowed for infinite growth...
Just thinking about it made Yukari feel a little dazed.
As an immortal elf who had lived for hundreds of years, even she had been shocked by its potential.
And the best part...
Everyone could receive it.
As long as one joined Lynn's Peerage, they would be granted this Blessing.
It was like...
A straightforward path to godhood.
The price...
Was merely becoming Lynn's dependent.
But that was completely different from being a regular Devil's follower.
It was more like...
The relationship between a god and their apostles.
Two entirely different levels.
Yukari glanced at her disciple and couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
Who would have thought...
Yukina ended up with the biggest windfall.
With a little more time, and the help of the Blessing system, she would probably surpass them before long.
Not to mention the Snowdrift Wolf Schneewalzer, which held immense potential.
It was foreseeable.
Yukina would surely become a powerhouse in the future.
Maybe even stronger than herself and the Three Saints.
Of course...
If they also obtained the Blessing system, it was hard to say.
Inside the Lion King Organization.
After some more small talk, they began discussing the operation at Gozo Island.
Soon after.
Yukari set out for Gozo Island.
Himeragi Yukina accompanied her.
She would temporarily act as Lynn's mobile coordinate beacon.
—
Meanwhile.
At the private Shuchiin Academy, Natsuki Minamiya received a commission.
Natsuki raised an eyebrow.
"Such a generous reward?"
She looked at the long string of zeros on her phone and blinked in surprise.
Seriously...
This was quite the big job.
"Gozo archaeology...?"
It looked like a routine assignment.
But with that kind of payout, there was no way it was simple.
Still...
It was a lot.
She had recently developed a taste for rare black teas and wanted to stock up.
This money came just in time.
—
At the same time.
The Black Death Emperor Front organization received the news.
"Beast Vassal No. 12?"
Christoph Gardos frowned slightly.
This news...
Was a little too convenient.
Like it was being spoon-fed to them.
Still...
The information came from the War King. It shouldn't be false.
Thinking that.
Christoph Gardos grinned, his wide mouth forming a savage arc.
"Send word. Head to Gozo and retrieve what's mine."
—
Gozo Island.
A scientific expedition team had set up a base.
Akatsuki Gajou stroked his chin, staring solemnly in one direction.
His gaze seemed to penetrate the thick ice, seeing deep within.
Beside him.
A blonde woman in an elegant dress frowned.
"Is the Fourth Progenitor really in there?"
Akatsuki Gajou retracted his gaze and smiled.
"At this point, don't you have to trust my judgment?"
Liana Caruana folded her arms and fell silent.
"I just hope my investment wasn't in vain."
Akatsuki Gajou narrowed his eyes.
You think I came here for archaeology?
When you hear something like 'Fourth Progenitor,' you just know you're getting into trouble.
But...
That was just the reality of being an adult.
His archaeological team needed funding.
No way around it...
Liana looked at the ice wall in front of them.
"We've exhausted almost every method. How do you plan on breaking through it?"
Though she had her doubts about Akatsuki Gajou's judgment, this bizarre ice wall did give her hope.
Even her Beast couldn't break it.
That was anything but normal.
She exhaled deeply and clenched her fists.
The Fourth Progenitor...
She had to find it.
For the revival of her family.
"Relax."
Akatsuki Gajou shrugged.
"The one who can break through this ice... is already in the sky."
"In the sky?"
Liana was surprised.
—
Above Japan, on a flight to Gozo.
Akatsuki Kojou and Akatsuki Nagisa sat side by side.
"That guy suddenly called you to such a remote place... who knows what he's thinking."
Kojou looked annoyed, clearly displeased with his father's last-minute summons.
Nagisa tried to comfort him.
"Don't worry. It'll be fine. Maybe..."
"He just wants to take us to the North Pole for a vacation?"
She smiled, cheerful and energetic as always, completely at ease.
Seeing her like that.
Kojou couldn't help but smile too.
"Yeah... let's hope so."
But...
He never had much faith in that unreliable father of his.
And heading to the North Pole?
What kind of absurd idea was that?
Sigh...
Just thinking about it made him feel uneasy.
A vague sense of foreboding lingered in his heart.
(To be continued.)