Chapter 200: Madam Yasaka, If You Don't Want Your Daughter...
Looking at the frightened golden-haired beauty in a kimono before him, Renji showed a somewhat helpless expression.
Akeno's abrupt words and sudden actions were something he hadn't anticipated.
As for the purpose behind such actions, he understood.
Akeno simply wanted him to directly display his power, starting with a threat to make her realize that if he truly intended harm, they would have no way to resist, making the subsequent conversation smoother.
So, why not have him take the initiative to release his magical power for deterrence from the start?
There is a difference between taking the initiative and acting in response.
Starting off by releasing his magical power would be nothing but a blatant threat, leaving a particularly bad impression. While outwardly respect might be shown, inwardly, there would still be resentment.
If it were Akeno who had committed such an offense, the power he revealed to save her would inspire awe in the other party, reducing their disgust.
In simple terms, their current behavior was a classic case of good cop, bad cop.
So—
Crackle!
A flash of lightning instantly struck her, and she let out a pained cry.
This was the punishment she deserved for acting so recklessly.
"Sorry, she was too rude~"
"Ah? No, it's, it's fine~"
Yasaka forced a dry laugh, beads of cold sweat forming on her face, and her tone became exceptionally respectful.
The person before her was far more powerful than she had imagined.
Since he had shown no hostility himself, there was no need for her to provoke him.
"Lady Yasaka, how much do you know about the Khaos Brigade?"
Suddenly asking her such a question.
"The Khaos Brigade? As for that..."
She didn't know much about it either, and had only received the public information from the fallen angels' central organization, Grigori, a few days ago.
In any case, this organization was very dangerous, with its members acting recklessly and attempting to plunge the world into chaos.
So why ask her so suddenly?
"It seems you don't know that the current leader behind this organization is Ophis."
"O-Ophis? The Infinite Dragon God?"
This truly caused Yasaka's expression to change drastically, as this information had not been made public.
So, could this be true?
She felt the other party had no reason to deceive her.
"Are you suggesting the Khaos Brigade might have set their sights on us here?"
Why wouldn't she consider the possibility that the person before her was from the Khaos Brigade?
If that were the case, would there be any need for all this talk?
Given the power he had just displayed, no further explanation was necessary—whatever he intended to do, she would be powerless to resist.
Moreover, the subordinate beside him was the daughter of Shuri Himejima. She couldn't believe that Shuri's daughter would fall so far as to become such a dangerous element.
"Correct."
"Then what do they want?"
"That, I'm not sure of at the moment."
As he said, Renji truly didn't know, and Kuroka didn't either, but she had returned to the Khaos Brigade and would attempt to gather information.
"And you?"
She didn't finish her sentence, but Yasaka's meaning was clear: was he seeking her out purely to issue a warning?
If his intentions weren't purely that, then this was it.
"Akeno was actually correct. I hope you can become one of my familiars, one of the Seventy-Two Demon Gods."
These words caused Yasaka's expression to stiffen.
Wait—
"One of the Seventy-Two Demon Gods?"
Had she heard correctly?
"You want to turn me into a devil?"
"No, not a devil, but a Demon God!"
The moment he finished speaking, the world was overwritten, causing Yasaka to widen her eyes as she looked around.
She found herself in the shrine of an unknown religion, with dozens of cards drawn in light appearing on the ground around her. Inside the cards were strange figures outlined in light—were these the so-called Seventy-Two Demon Gods?
Among them, about ten of the light-drawn figures also projected illusions. She recognized some of them.
There was the ancestor and princess of the Gremory family, the princess of the Sitri family, the princess of the Phenex family, and Kuroka, who was wanted by the devils—she had met her before.
And Akeno, who had startled her earlier, was also standing on one of the Demon God light-drawn figures.
At this moment, Akeno had also undergone a change, now wearing a somewhat sinister black miko outfit, her emanating power nearly approaching Yasaka's own.
Huh? One of the Demon God light-drawn figures on the ground seemed to react to her, suddenly moving beneath her feet and startling her.
Then, her vision instantly returned to normal, as if everything she had just seen was an illusion.
"I remember now. I once heard of a Seventy-Two Demon Gods plan."
Rumors said that in order to bring about a transformation in devils, the God of the Bible and King Solomon, together with the Seventy-Two Pillars of Demons, were to carry out the so-called Seventy-Two Demon Gods ascension.
This way, devils would no longer need to feed on human fear, nor would they engage in various malicious acts against humans to instill terror.
After becoming Demon Gods, they would be able to enjoy the power of human faith, much like gods.
However, this plan was never realized.
So, this plan is being revived?
Is that why Akeno has become so powerful?
Is it possible for someone like me, a youkai, to participate?
What price would I have to pay?
There's another important point—who is the person before me?
Just now, when that illusion-like scene appeared, his attire also changed, resembling ancient clothing.
Could it be that he is!!!
"Don't be nervous, Miss Yasaka. This is merely a discussion, and I won't force you,"
Renji said in a relaxed tone to ease her tension, assuring her that he wouldn't coerce her.
But since the Hero Faction has set their sights on her and might threaten her through her daughter, if she doesn't want her daughter harmed, she will likely have no choice but to accept in the end.
"What is this?"
A card flew out of his hand and landed in front of Yasaka.
"When you decide you want to become one of the Seventy-Two Demon Gods, just infuse your power into it."
Renji wasn't worried about losing the card, as he could summon it back to his hand through the system at any time.
Moreover, it could also be used to track her location.
If she were caught off guard and unable to activate it fully, he could use the spatial magic inscribed on the card to instantly teleport to her side.
The Demon God corresponding to her was Vepar, and the card's image was that of a mermaid, which suited her well as a nine-tailed fox.
Nine-tailed foxes excel in seduction, and mermaids are similarly skilled in charming others...