Morpheus agreed to Shinichi's plea so readily not out of respect for him.
Shinichi had no such leverage would hold sway over Morpheus.
His decision stemmed purely from curiosity. He wanted to see how Shinichi would explain sparing the fallen angels to Ran.
Would their relationship implode or mend?
Morpheus was intrigued.
"Thanks," Shinichi said, surprised by Morpheus's quick agreement, mentally noting the favor.
Morpheus gave a slight nod and left the abandoned church with Rias, leaving Shinichi and the fallen angels behind.
He had no interest in their ensuing conversation.
He soon found Sonoko and the others on a street near the church.
Sonoko was consoling Ran, while Yusaku Kudo swore up and down that Yukiko was his only love, vowing there'd never be another.
Whether Yukiko believed him was anyone's guess.
"Lord Morpheus," Sonoko greeted with a bow, then asked, "What about the fallen angels?"
"I intended to kill them," Morpheus replied, "but Shinichi wanted to protect them. Since he's your friend, I agreed."
Ran's face darkened further.
Sonoko unleashed a tirade, but as a refined heiress, her insults were limited—repeating "womanizer," "jerk," and "heartbreaker."
Her words lacked bite.
Even Yukiko, standing nearby, pitied Sonoko's meager vocabulary.
This heiress really didn't know how to curse.
Morpheus calmly said, "Let me introduce Rias Gremory. I'm sure you've all heard of the Gremory name."
Ran gasped. "The Gremory? As in the Duke Gremory, fifty-sixth of Solomon's seventy-two pillars, commander of twenty-six legions?"
Rias smiled. "That was the first Duke Gremory. I'm Rias Gremory, eldest daughter of the House of Gremory."
Ran quickly bowed. This was a major demon.
Yusaku's eyes flickered as he also bowed. He'd come to Kuoh Town seeking demons, only to be intercepted by fallen angels, entangled in a compromising situation, and caught by Yukiko.
Talk about bad luck.
But fortune had turned. He'd survived and now faced a Gremory—the very demon he'd sought.
What a stroke of luck.
Who'd have thought a small town like Kuoh hid such a prominent demon?
"Pleased to meet you, Miss Rias," Yusaku said. "Thank you for your help earlier."
Rias harbored no ill will over the incident. Demons weren't prudish like angels.
To her, a capable man indulging a bit was no issue.
Plenty of demons outdid Yusaku in that regard.
She admired his composure—convincing fallen angels to spare him and even recruiting him was a testament to his skill.
"I've long admired your work, Mr. Kudo. Your novels are truly captivating."
Yusaku noted her lack of judgment about the earlier fiasco, easing his tension.
This boded well for his plans.
"To be honest, Miss Rias, I came here to—"
She cut him off. "Lord Morpheus already explained. You want to make a deal with demons, correct?"
Yusaku nodded. "Yes. My family is threatened by a powerful organization. I need demonic protection."
Morpheus could tell Yusaku's words were calculated—both to impress Rias and to win back Yukiko.
Look, I'd deal with demons for you. Isn't that touching?
Morpheus glanced at Yukiko.
As expected, her icy demeanor softened slightly at Yusaku's words, a flicker of concern in her eyes.
Clever move.
Morpheus silently approved, choosing not to expose Yusaku's tactic.
After all, Yusaku was genuinely risking a demonic deal for his family.
Rias smiled. "Trading with a writer like you is something we demons love. What kind of deal are you seeking, Mr. Kudo?"
"Do you want bodyguards, power to protect yourself, or to be reborn as a demon?"
Yusaku was taken aback. Humans could become demons?
That was unexpected.
He didn't decide immediately, instead asking, "What's the cost for each?"
Rias explained, "To be reborn as a demon, you'd become my vassal, serving me for an eternity."
"For bodyguards, you'd work for me while alive, strictly following my orders."
"For self-defense power, you'd complete ten tasks for me."
Ran blinked. These terms weren't as harsh as she'd imagined.
They were surprisingly lenient.
"I thought demons collected human souls."
Rias chuckled. "Some did, long ago. But after the war with Hell, we stopped."
Ran frowned. "Aren't demons from Hell?"
Rias shook her head. "That's a misconception. Hell is the domain of the dead, ruled by death gods. Demons live in the Underworld, a different plane entirely."
***
Bonus Chapter:
100 Power Stones = 1 BC
300 Power Stones = 2 BC
500 Power Stones = 3 BC
700 Power Stones = 4 BC
1000 Power Stones = 5 BC
***
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