Chiba Prefecture.
A major prefecture in Japan, famous for its proximity to Tokyo, and reachable in just 40 minutes via bullet train.
"To think it's this close?"
Luo Shu was surprised upon learning the demon's location from Utaha. He'd assumed it would be some remote, uninhabited place, never expecting it to be Chiba Prefecture.
"Shall I help you request leave?" Utaha asked curiously. "Chiba isn't far from Tokyo. If you're quick, you might resolve that demon matter within a day."
"What nonsense are you spouting?" Luo Shu rolled his eyes at her. "Do we have any compelling reason to deal with that demon?"
"Ah..." Utaha's mouth fell open slightly as she stared blankly at him.
Seeing her reaction, Luo Shu chuckled and adopted a tone of seniority:
"Perhaps I haven't mentioned this before, but you'd do well to remember every word I say next."
"First, let's be clear - we're neither world-saving heroes nor all-compassionate deities."
At the mention of deities, Utaha gave Luo Shu a peculiar look, clearly disagreeing.
"I know you disagree, because in your eyes, I am indeed a deity. But first, let me ask you this - does a deity truly love mankind?"
"Would they selflessly help complete strangers to deal with a sealed demon?"
Utaha's expression froze as she began to grasp Luo Shu's meaning.
Noticing her dawning comprehension, Luo Shu's smile widened as he continued:
"If you personally were attacked or harmed by a demon, then as your superior deity, I'd naturally have reason to intervene and punish them."
"But currently, that demon and I have no grievances between us. In fact, I passively resolved a crisis targeting her. At the very least, we're neutral strangers - she might even owe me gratitude."
"Considering how the Demon Warlock from Truth Astronomy dared to steal the organisation's Abyss Artefacts just to confront this demon in Japan, we should temporarily classify her as being on par with Sharon at her peak."
"So here's the question - would you provoke Sharon without reason?"
As these words sank in, Utaha calmly examined her own thoughts.
She admitted Luo Shu's arguments held merit.
Setting aside the demon's fantastical nature and society's rumours about their dangers, arbitrarily judging their morality based solely on species was profoundly irresponsible.
With her psychic abilities, Utaha clearly recognised that most of her hostility towards demons stemmed from impressions imposed by films and religious texts, having little to do with actual demons.
Stripping away these preconceptions brought her to the scenario Luo Shu described.
A stranger with no grudge against them and formidable strength—what reason did they have to oppose such a person?
The answer was none.
Once she realised this, Utaha Kasumigaoka immediately apologised to Luo Shu. "My apologies, I was prejudiced from the start."
Luo Shu chuckled, unfazed. "Just a stereotype. Though I've suffered from it myself at times."
Seeing his reaction, Utaha grew slightly curious. "So when you first asked me to examine that demon... was it purely because of Sharon?"
"A little."
Luo Shu pinched his thumb and forefinger together to emphasise just how little it was.
"Katsuhiko Yakushiji was the main reason Sharon was targeted for assassination, so she has ample motivation to sabotage his plans. Since she's currently working for me, I naturally wouldn't refuse her request for help if it doesn't cause much trouble."
The other reason was that he wanted to pass on the unused materials for ability advancement to Utaha, helping her catch up to Eriri's level.
But this, of course, was something Luo Shu would never say aloud. Even if Utaha had already figured it out—and even if her goodwill towards him had soared because of it—he wouldn't ruin his image in her eyes by admitting it.
This was practically an unspoken understanding between them.
"Besides, I do have some interest in the knowledge that demon possesses, as well as any potential wealth she might hold. But with Sharon handling it, there's not much for me to do on that front."
As a false deity with no real foundation, Luo Shu was well aware that the system intended to mould him into a so-called 'Lord of the Divine Pantheon'.
Yet apart from some assistance, the system hadn't given him much direct help. In fact, many of its 'favours' felt more like mutual transactions.
The previous pattern—where Luo Shu earned influence for the system, and it rewarded him with points—made it clear that the system was merely a powerful tool for growth, not a benefactor.
If he truly wanted to overcome the obstacles and become a real deity, it would depend entirely on his own efforts.
The problem now was that Luo Shu didn't even know which direction to strive in.
He didn't know the most efficient way to advance his abilities, how to maximise the use of his points, or even the crucial esoteric knowledge of this world.
Like a pristine white cloud tossed into a murky world by the system, he was completely lost.
In this state, Luo Shu was extremely vulnerable. That's why he didn't refuse the SDS's overtures or discourage Sharon's subtle hints about targeting the demon.
After all, he hoped to gain useful knowledge from both the SDS and that demon, making his future path smoother.
Though Luo Shu didn't share Utaha's ingrained prejudice against demons, he was undoubtedly far greedier than her.
While Utaha subconsciously sought to eliminate the threat of the demon, Luo Shu wanted to wring it dry!
At that moment, understanding Luo Shu's stance, Utaha suddenly realised—"Then it seems all we need to do is pass the information to Sharon and maintain close surveillance?"
"Exactly." Luo Shu smiled pleasantly at the question.
What could be more satisfying than having subordinates do the work while you reap the rewards?
The answer was obvious: nothing.
No sooner thought than done.
While transmitting the relevant information to Sharon through internal channels, Luo Shu explained to Utaha Kasumigaoka:
"Later, you'll hypnotise that Ken Yakushiji and send him back safely. Make the hypnosis as plausible as possible - we can't let the Yakushiji family, especially that Katsuhiko Yakushiji, notice anything amiss."
"You're seriously planning to let that trash return safely?" Utaha's expression showed clear scepticism.
Facing her doubt, Luo Shu's lips gradually curved upwards into a benevolent smile:
"With your current abilities, turning him into a puppet shouldn't be difficult, right?"
"Wouldn't he make excellent practice material?"
Utaha appeared thoughtful for a moment before mirroring his benevolent smile:
"I've never tried before, but I'd be delighted to attempt it."