Later, after Sairaorg and Kuisha left, the Häagenti mansion returned to its normal state.
While Mio went to look for Maria—who, strangely, still hadn't appeared by that point, likely because she was sleeping or getting into trouble somewhere in the mansion—Alear walked toward a more reserved and isolated part of the estate.
With a simple thought, he activated [Innovate Clear] and disappeared from the real world, once again entering his private domain, the [World Where I Can Personify God].
He was somewhat excited after that fight. Although Sairaorg and he hadn't exchanged many blows, that clash had been enough to awaken his wildest desires for a good battle. And since he would have to wait until a Rating Game, as agreed, he decided to train fervently.
Two full weeks passed inside, while in the real world only two hours went by.
During those two weeks, he managed to evolve his [Innovate Clear] once again. Well, this evolution brought a somewhat unexpected effect: he could use [Status Recovery] outside of his world! Unfortunately, he could only activate it once per day, needing to wait twenty-four hours to use it again. Even so, it was already a trump card capable of saving his life, as this ability completely restored his body to an ideal state, even if he were on the brink of death; it could even restore lost limbs!
But that wasn't the only ability he managed to evolve. He finally reached the first evolution of his [Zenith Tempest], acquiring the ability to transform his own body into "element." This greatly expanded his options, both offensively and in terms of mobility on the battlefield. For example, by creating a storm of lightning that covered the environment, he could become the lightning itself and appear at any point within it. Likewise, he could convert his body into "element" to avoid physical attacks, rendering them practically useless against him. He named this new ability [Weather Embodiment]....
In addition to his Longinus, he also managed to fully explore all the applications of his [Serpent of the End] trait, achieving complete mastery over that lineage. Now, he could transform into a long serpentine dragon, which significantly increased his power. Although he had already reached the peak of this lineage trait, he still managed to diversify its applications over the last two weeks, refining its use in combat and expanding its versatility in subtler, yet equally lethal ways.
He discovered that the water element was surprisingly fun to use....
As for his [Transmutation] and his [Transposition], he managed to remove several limitations from both. The need to swap places with another object to teleport, for example, no longer existed; now, it was enough for the location to be within his line of sight for him to move there instantly. Furthermore, he could even temporarily alter the composition of an opponent's body with a touch, hardening muscles until they became as brittle as glass or making bones as malleable as wax. Combined, these two abilities made him absurdly unpredictable. He could appear behind an enemy in an instant and, the next moment, touch them, making their muscles fragile like glass, only to shatter them with a single strike right after....
Yes, he had grown quite strong over the weeks.
When he finally left his accelerated world, two hours had passed in the Underworld.
.
.
.
.
.
Alear reappeared in an isolated corner of the mansion. He seemed slightly taller, perhaps three or four centimeters more, his body covered by a thin layer of sweat and dust. He was shirtless, leaving his physique exposed.
His muscles had become much more defined and voluminous over the last two weeks, sculpted by an infernal training regimen that was already yielding results: broad shoulders and prominent trapezius muscles flowing into firm, full pectorals, thick arms with bulging veins snaking over swollen biceps and triceps, and an abdomen that was a work of art—a perfectly carved eight-pack, with deep grooves between each segment, an inverted V sharply defined at the sides, and a central line running down to the waistband of his pants.
He let out a long sigh, cracking his neck.
"...Time for a shower."
Without wasting time, he headed to the master bedroom, took a long, hot shower to relax his tense muscles, and changed into something more comfortable and clean. Once he finished, he went straight to the office.
Alear entered the office calmly, still feeling his body warm and refreshed from the shower. He sat in the main chair behind the desk, leaning back with a light sigh of satisfaction.
He softly whistled a random melody, tapping his fingers on the desk as he mentally organized the next steps of the day. After a few minutes, he called one of his maids.
The door opened shortly after. Lotte entered with her usual discreet reverence, but her expression faltered for a moment as she noticed the drastic change in her master's body. Still, she remained silent; she knew it wasn't her place to question.
"Alear-sama, do you require anything?"
Alear turned his gaze to her and replied calmly:
"Where are Maria and Mio?"
Lotte answered promptly, without hesitation:
"They are both in their rooms, Alear-sama. Miss Mio was reading some books about the Underworld that she had requested to be brought to her, and Miss Maria… well, she said she was 'exploring' the mansion, but returned to her room not long ago."
Alear nodded, unsurprised.
"I see. Bring me a strong black coffee and some simple cake to eat....."
Lotte bowed respectfully.
"It will be prepared immediately."
She was already turning to leave when Alear added:
"Ah, and one more thing, Lotte."
"Yes, Alear-sama?"
"Buy two cell phones, the latest and good ones—one for Mio and one for Maria. Also, take to their room a large television, a game console, a decent computer or laptop, and anything else girls their age might want to feel more at home. Books, comfortable clothes, sweets… whatever you think is necessary. Don't hold back."
Lotte blinked once, processing the request, then gave another deep bow.
"Understood. I will arrange everything as quickly as possible. Do you need anything else?"
Alear shook his head.
"That will be all for now. Thank you, Lotte."
"My pleasure, Alear-sama."
The maid left the office, closing the door carefully. Silence returned, broken only by the light tapping of Alear's fingers on the desk as he waited for the coffee.
He leaned his head back in the chair, closing his eyes for a moment.
After the meeting with the Phenex family the next day, he would need to start training Mio and Maria throughout the week, and also focus entirely on his own training. Then he had his appointment with Sairaorg over the weekend—and after that, what would he do? Try to complete the rest of his peerage....?
A few minutes later, Lotte returned with a tray.
The rich aroma of black coffee filled the office, accompanied by a generous slice of still-warm chocolate cake.
"Here it is, Alear-sama."
"Thank you."
Lotte gave a small bow and left silently, closing the door behind her.
Alear took a slow sip of the black coffee, feeling the strong, bitter taste slide down his throat as he picked up the fork and cut a piece of the still-warm chocolate cake. The sweetness melted in his mouth, perfectly balancing the bitterness of the drink. He was about to take another bite when the door opened again, without any prior knock. Venelana entered with elegant steps, the dress she wore subtly yet undeniably accentuating her mature curves. Her brown hair fell in soft waves over her shoulders, and a provocative smile was already dancing on her red lips.
Alear raised an eyebrow, genuinely surprised.
"Venelana? What are you doing here? It's the weekend. I thought it was your day off."
Venelana closed the door behind her with a soft click and walked to the desk, leaning slightly over it. The neckline of her dress shifted deliberately, offering a generous view as she looked at his face with violet eyes.
"Oh my… how cruel, Alear-sama. Aren't you at all happy to see me?" She tilted her head, her tone playful and teasing. "I came especially to work and you greet me with that surprised expression? What a disappointment…"
Alear took another sip of coffee, maintaining a calm expression, though a faint smile appeared at the corner of his lips.
"I thought you would spend the weekend with the Gremory family, that's all. I'm happy to see you here at my mansion as always....."
Venelana let out a low laugh, circling the desk until she stopped beside his chair. She leaned against the edge of the desk, crossing her arms beneath her chest in a way that further emphasized her generous figure.
"That's good~ I practically owe you hours. I'm always leaving to deal with Gremory family matters during the week… it's only fair that I work on the weekend as well to make up for it, don't you think?" She winked, her gaze mischievous. "Besides… I've grown used to your company. Every time I return to the Gremory family, I keep thinking about you..."
Alear rolled his eyes, but couldn't hold back a light, resigned smile at her coquettish tone. He pulled some documents from the drawer and placed them on the desk as he said:
"Alright. If you want to work on your day off, help me with these reports. Tomorrow I have a meeting with the Phenex family, and I want everything organized."
Venelana smiled calmly, but didn't pick up the documents immediately. Instead, she leaned slightly toward him, her violet eyes gleaming with teasing curiosity as she more closely examined his physique. Since she had arrived, she had already noticed the change, and now, up close, it was even more evident.
"Of course, I will do my job as your secretary, Alear-sama." Her voice came out soft, almost casual. "But I must admit I'm curious… what exactly have you been doing to end up like this so suddenly?"
Her gaze slowly traced his shoulders, his arms, then down to his abdomen, a faint smile on her lips.
"When I left, you were already well-defined… but now it looks like you've spent months training nonstop. Broader shoulders, denser arms… and this abdomen…" she tilted her head slightly, her tone gaining a playful edge, "it's almost indecent, Alear-sama~."
She extended a finger and lightly poked his arm, as if testing its firmness.
Alear merely shrugged, maintaining a calm expression as he picked up a stack of papers and handed half to her.
"It's a Häagenti family secret. Nothing I can explain in detail."
Venelana narrowed her eyes, clearly unconvinced by the vague answer, but the mischievous smile remained on her lips.
"A family secret, is it? How convenient… You know I love uncovering secrets, don't you?" She stepped a little closer, lowering her voice to something more intimate. "Maybe I'll have to investigate personally later…"
Alear let out a short laugh and shook his head, gently pushing the stack of documents toward her.
"Work first, Venelana. Then you can investigate as much as you want."
She pouted exaggeratedly, but ended up taking the papers with a dramatic sigh.
"Cruel… you make me work on the weekend and still deny me answers. You really are a devil."
Despite the complaint, Venelana settled into the chair and began reviewing the documents with her usual efficiency, making elegant notes in the margins. The office sank into a productive silence, broken only by the occasional sound of pages turning and the soft clink of Alear's coffee cup.
Venelana finished reviewing the last sheet, set the documents aside carefully, and turned to him with a more serious smile now, her tone lowering.
"Since we're alone… about tomorrow's meeting with the Phenex family. I have a plan."
Alear stopped drinking his coffee and looked at her, waiting.
Venelana continued calmly:
"It's not just a courtesy meeting. If we play it well, we can extract benefits for you… and, more importantly, perhaps I can annul Rias's arranged marriage through you...."
Alear raised an eyebrow, surprised by her frankness.
"So that's why you came to work today...." he stated calmly.
Venelana slowly shook her head and let out a long, almost tired sigh.
"I spoiled Rias too much. She's stubborn, proud, and completely against this engagement. And as much as I think a bit of suffering would do her character some good… I'm still her mother." She turned her violet eyes to him. "I don't want my daughter to marry someone she hates. Sorry for wanting to 'use you' to fulfill this selfish desire of mine...."
Alear remained silent for a few seconds, calmly processing her words. Then, he took another sip of coffee before replying, his voice low and direct:
"I personally don't mind being used for that. But what do I get in return?"
Venelana smiled calmly, as if she had already expected the question.
"You could marry Rias."
Alear raised an eyebrow, his expression remaining serene, but with a touch of genuine surprise.
"What makes you think I would want that?"
Venelana let out a soft, low laugh, lightly covering her lips with her fingers.
"My daughter is very beautiful, Alear-sama...."
Alear kept his gaze on her, unfazed.
"Just that?"
Venelana tilted her head, her smile taking on a more mischievous tone.
"You wouldn't mind having another beautiful woman for yourself, would you? A Devil like you… with the power, status, and appearance you have… will naturally end up with several women around you. Rias would simply be another very advantageous addition."
Alear remained silent for a moment, observing her carefully. Venelana continued, her voice soft but practical:
"If her arranged marriage is annulled because of you, Rias will feel deeply grateful. She hates the idea of being used as a political piece. From there, it wouldn't be difficult for her to fall in love with you. The two of you could truly marry in the future....."
Alear let out a short, ironic laugh, leaning back in his chair.
"There's no guarantee that things will happen the way you plan."
Venelana didn't deny it. Instead, she shrugged elegantly, the smile still on her lips.
"I'm her mother and I know her perfectly. I'm confident I can help you win her over..."
Alear crossed his arms, looking at her with a thoughtful expression.
"Well, I can help you with that. But first, I want to hear your plan in detail...."
Venelana fell silent for a brief moment, processing his words. Then, a slow and genuine smile spread across her lips, her violet eyes shining with a mix of relief, gratitude, and something softer.
"...Thank you, Alear-sama."
She moved slightly closer, her fingers slowly sliding along his arm, feeling the firmness of his newly developed muscles.
"You have no idea how much this means to me… as a mother. Before I explain the entire plan, allow me to thank you properly...."
___________________
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