The four main nurturing tasks weren't particularly hard for Ren, especially with a full year to complete them.
Creating two Transcendents in a year? Not impossible.
But the biggest issue wasn't the first three—it was the fourth one.
That one explicitly stated:
[Power obtained through means like Ophis' ability-granting doesn't count!]
So clearly, Remilia and Flandre had to reach that level through proper nurturing.
Currently, the only ways to do that were feeding and using powerful enhancement items like the Crown of Envy.
Wait—there might be another option.
If Remilia could perform the Fourth Primogenitor's "Blazing Banquet" ritual, she could potentially inherit all the beasts, and their power would count as her own.
That would be a massive boost.
In this world, vampires could gain strength by devouring others. Just like Vatler, who became "the vampire closest to a Primogenitor" by devouring two elder-class vampires.
Thinking about it, there were plenty of ways to power them up.
But what gave Ren a headache was the additional nurturing objectives—
[Side Tasks]
• Form contracts with at least five Primogenitors during the time-limited period
• Form contracts with at least three witches during the time-limited period
• Form a sizable angel army during the limited-time development mission
Ren: "…"
The first condition made sense—there were three Primogenitor in this world. Later on, with Remilia and another, it could add up to five.
The second also made sense—Natsuki, one; the sealed Aya Tokoyogi, one; and the currently missing Yuuma Tokoyogi, one. That made three witches.
The third one… System, can I go to the Digital World and contract the Army of Lucemon?
An angel army, huh… Not impossible. The Kanon Kanase incident could be a breakthrough, but...
Ren currently didn't have the means to transform anyone into angels. Maybe Lucemon could go back to DXD and mug Michael in Heaven?
After all, the holy energy in Lucemon was so pure that Michael might as well proclaim him the Son of God.
Incidentally, the extra development missions were noted to be triggered upon the first visit to a world during a limited-time development mission. They came with bonus rewards.
"Take it slow. No rush anyway..."
As Ren looked at the two people sitting under the tree shade drinking milk tea, he raised an eyebrow slightly.
Just as he was about to say something, a voice rang out beside him.
"Living quite freely, huh? Not opening a shop like before, Master?"
"Lucemon?"
"I'm here too..."
At some point, Ophis had appeared next to Ren and was holding his hand.
Ren looked down slightly at her, but didn't see Lucemon anywhere.
Of course, Ren's sensory ability was primarily used to detect attacks. And frankly, with his current level of power, he didn't even need it anymore.
Having inherited Fou's power, Ren now possessed anti-primate abilities like Goetia's Anti-Summoning and Tiamat's Anti-Genesis—abilities that completely nullified any attack from primate-based life forms. That's why, back in the DXD world, attacks from Cao Cao and Jeanne had zero effect on him.
As long as it was a human, no matter how strong, they couldn't lay a scratch on him.
Even non-human beings in this world would have a hard time breaking through even his skin.
"Stop looking. I'm on Itogami Island too, just not out in the open. I'm contacting you remotely. Ophis just went to you the moment she saw you, tch… Your charm seems to manifest in weird ways."
Thinking back on everyone Ren had met so far, Lucemon clicked her tongue. Aside from Asia, everyone else was some kind of non-human race...
Once Asia turned into an angel too, then it really would be all non-humans around him.
Hearing that, Ren smirked, radiating unshakable confidence.
"What? Got a problem with that? Your Master being suave and beloved is just natural."
Ren had more confidence in this area than anything else.
Suddenly, Lucemon fell into a long silence.
Feeling a bit awkward, Ren couldn't help but speak up. "What?"
"Nothing... I just didn't expect you to be so..."
"Hmm?"
"So honest!"
Under Ren's silent pressure, Lucemon had no choice but to "tell the truth."
Still, Lucemon didn't deny Ren's aura. Ren was already good-looking to begin with. While maybe not as exaggeratedly "suave" as he claimed, his already high appearance combined with a divine aura stronger than Lucemon's could easily win over angels.
Incidentally, Lucemon figured that part of the reason Asia warmed up to Ren so quickly was due to this aura.
After all, Asia's faith in God was very strong.
And let's not forget—Lucemon possessed the absolute [Light and Holy Power], known as the [Child of God]. This innate affinity with holy races made her charm practically unavoidable.
But at the same time, this overwhelming power also made Lucemon susceptible to corruption. Once fallen, her dark powers would become the most fearsome, turning her into the leader of the Seven Demon Kings.
"Anyway, let's change the topic. Where were you and Ophis earlier?"
"Nothing much, just… toured the world."
You say that so casually, like taking a walk in the park.
It had only been a dozen or so hours since last night, and you've already toured the whole world?
Ren couldn't help but sigh. Lucemon really had gotten stronger again.
That light-attribute magic core had clearly allowed Lucemon to completely restructure her power system.
Looks like Lucemon would eventually be able to perfectly adapt to every world's power system.
At the very least, she now had the foundation for that kind of transformation. "So, done sightseeing and coming back?"
"Nope... I'm not the kind of angel who sits still. If I weren't afraid of you beating me up, I'd already be up in Heaven raising hell (quietly)..."
"You're planning something again?"
"I'm not! I swear! Don't accuse me!"
Lucemon denied it faster than anyone, looking completely offended.
Don't you dare try to find a reason to beat me up again—I really don't want to get hit anymore.
Sensing she wasn't actually up to anything, Ren let it go.
As long as she didn't go off killing Primogenitor or anything, he wouldn't mind.
He still needed those Primogenitor for future use, after all.
"By the way, I found something pretty interesting."
"Interesting?"
"Yep. On Itogami Island. I might be able to bring you a huge angel army!"
"...?"
Staring at his third extra development mission, Ren fell into deep thought.
Was this what they meant by "a pillow arrives just as you're feeling sleepy"?