Through Rias's explanation, Ran, Yukiko Kudo, and the others learned that Hell and the Underworld were distinct. The dead belonged to Hell; demons to the Underworld.
Long ago, demons had tried to claim Hell but failed.
The gods of Hell wouldn't allow it.
Our domain isn't yours to take.
The notion of demons living in Hell was a human misunderstanding born of unfamiliarity.
After some thought, Yusaku Kudo opted for the least binding deal with Rias: completing ten tasks to gain supernatural power.
Rias agreed. "I can teach you magic. Are you willing?"
Yusaku wouldn't refuse.
Rias taught him techniques to refine demonic energy and three spells: defensive magic, detection magic, and manipulation magic.
Each had its strengths.
Defensive magic was self-explanatory. Detection magic sensed malice or located enemies, proving highly practical.
Manipulation magic was unique, controlling most tangible objects—walls, floors, tables, chairs—and even intangible ones like air or oxygen.
It excelled in combat or escape.
Yusaku was pleased.
Mastering these spells would take time, but with his sharp mind, it was achievable.
Once learned, organizations like the Trinity would pose no threat.
"Can I teach these spells to my wife and son?" Yusaku asked.
Rias replied, "Our deal is between us. Sharing the magic would break it, unless…"
"Unless I pay a higher price," Yusaku finished.
Rias nodded approvingly. "Exactly. World-class mystery writer, indeed."
"What's the cost?" Yusaku asked.
"Twenty years of service," Rias said.
"Deal."
Yusaku agreed without hesitation. After their talk, he found Rias reasonable, and serving her might bring unexpected benefits.
Yukiko's frosty demeanor thawed, showing signs of forgiving him.
At that moment, Shinichi emerged from the church, the two fallen angels trailing him.
"Dad, I talked to the fallen angels. They're willing to stay and protect us."
Yusaku knew trouble was coming.
As expected, Yukiko and Ran's faces darkened.
Morpheus was stunned by Shinichi's move.
He seemed clever, yet his emotional intelligence was abysmal.
Keeping the fallen angels around as protectors? Did he not realize his mother and Ran resented them?
Or did he simply not care?
Morpheus suspected the latter but had no proof.
Ran's anger flared. With a forced smile, she said, "Congrats, Shinichi. You must be thrilled to have such beautiful fallen angels guarding you."
Even Shinichi, dense as he was, sensed her displeasure.
"Ran, let me explain—"
"No need," Ran cut him off. "I get it. You're in danger and need their protection. Now you're safe, and I don't have to worry anymore."
"I'm leaving. Yusaku-san, Yukiko-nee."
Unable to stay, Ran turned and ran.
Sonoko shot Shinichi a fierce glare. "Were you doing this on purpose? Stay away from Ran for a while, or I'll beat you every time I see you."
With a huff, she chased after Ran.
Yukiko glared at her son, disappointed, then turned to Yusaku coldly. "I'm going."
She left without another word.
Yusaku looked at Shinichi helplessly, wanting to say something but only sighing.
Morpheus eyed Shinichi suspiciously. Was he under a spell?
But after several checks, he found no evidence of manipulation.
In the end, Morpheus chalked it up to Shinichi's youth and inability to resist the fallen angels' allure.
Few young men could withstand such temptation.
Morpheus had enjoyed the dRaama and was curious if Ran and Shinichi could reconcile.
But he was more intrigued by another question: with fallen angels protecting Shinichi, would Gin still knock him out?
If Gin couldn't, would Conan ever exist?
In this chaotic crossover world, would there even be a Conan?
Curiosity piqued, Morpheus decided to watch and wait.
Time would tell.
Bidding farewell to Rias, he left Kuoh Town, sent a quick greeting to Sonoko, and returned to the Light Dimension.
Using it as a springboard, he arrived at the Dark Tournament's arena.
Under countless eyes, he seamlessly swapped his clone for his real self.
No one noticed.
Back in the Dark Tournament's secret realm, the round of 32 had advanced to the top 16.
The current match pitted the Team Nura against another.
The Team Nura, led by Rihan Nura, included Kubinashi, Tsurara Oikawa, and others.
Their opponents, the Team Umesen, were no unknowns: Yoshimori Sumimura, Tokine Yukimura, Masamori Sumimura, Madarao, and Hakubi—a rare human-youkai mix.
Morpheus recognized them instantly as the protagonists of Kekkaishi.
***
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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