'Exterminate humanity?'
'Did he mean that literally?'
Seitenshi looked into Ayato's eyes, hoping to see a hint of joking.
But she was disappointed.
'He was absolutely, completely serious.'
'But could such a thing really be done?'
'Even the most dangerous Gastrea hordes couldn't achieve that.'
'No matter what, the strong among humans were all exceptionally powerful, beyond common sense.'
"Um, that doesn't sound very good."
Seitenshi said weakly. "They may be wrong, but they don't deserve to die."
"That's not my concern."
Ayato looked deeply at Seitenshi. "I'm just here to grant the wish. The decision is yours."
'So irresponsible?'
'But come to think of it...'
'That was indeed correct.'
'After all, I was the one who made such a wish.'
Seitenshi looked at Ayato again, a subtle change in her expression.
'As expected, Ayato-san is a different kind of Devil.'
'Come to think of it...'
'His methods for granting wishes were somewhat extreme, but if accomplished, he couldn't be accused of lying.'
'He could have just granted the wish without giving me a choice.'
'But he told me everything.'
'However, this method really wouldn't work.'
"Ayato-san, could you tell me the second method?"
Hearing this, Ayato wasn't surprised.
He looked at Seitenshi and spoke. "The second method is slightly more complicated, but also very effective."
"If they think Cursed Children are monsters, then turn them into monsters too."
"What... do you mean?"
Seitenshi was stunned, confusion in her eyes.
Ayato took out a flesh bud. "This can turn them into immortal, ageless beings with the power to fight Gastrea themselves."
"But in return, to prevent them from losing control, their life and death will be controlled by me."
At this point, Ayato finally revealed his true intention.
This world was already rotten. Nine out of ten people were scum. Why not make use of the waste?
Now that the Adoption Center's reputation was established...
It was naturally time for the second step.
If this plan could be successfully implemented, this world would be within his grasp.
Everyone would be under his control.
The remaining stragglers would be of no concern.
Then,
The entire world would become his army.
Hearing this plan, Seitenshi was completely stunned.
This plan…
While slightly better than human extinction, it wasn't much better.
If everyone were monsters, there would be no discrimination.
That did seem logical.
Moreover,
Everyone could protect themselves.
From then on, Cursed Children wouldn't need to sacrifice themselves to fight for humanity.
But it also seemed far too extreme.
Unconsciously, Seitenshi's expression dimmed.
But she still wanted to try.
"Ayato-san, can I choose neither?"
She asked nervously. "I want to change things my own way."
"But I hope you will lend me your power."
"Then, with enough effort, surely humanity will come to understand the Cursed Children."
As she said this, Seitenshi's face was full of pleading.
Although she was just a figurehead...
She was kind.
She had always hoped to do something for those children.
Although she didn't have a concrete plan yet...
With Ayato's help, she felt it might not be impossible.
As for the two plans Ayato proposed...
The first was unthinkable.
The second could be a last resort.
Ayato's gaze was playful.
He looked at Seitenshi with some surprise.
He honestly hadn't expected her to bargain with him.
'But,'
'Having lived a life of luxury and privilege since birth, you don't understand the reality of the world.'
'The prejudice in people's hearts is a mountain. It won't change easily.'
"Okay."
Ayato nodded. "If you want to grant your wish in your own way, I can certainly help you."
"After all, we Devils respect our clients."
The reason he agreed so readily...
Was because he knew.
The more Seitenshi did...
The more filth and corruption she would see.
Then!
He believed Seitenshi would make the right choice.
"Thank you very much, Ayato-san."
Seitenshi performed a very formal and proper deep bow.
"Thank you for agreeing to my impertinent request."
"No need to thank me. We have an equal exchange."
"Hmm?"
Seitenshi was stunned.
"Don't you know that making a wish to a Devil requires a price?"
The corner of Ayato's mouth curled up. "Although you rejected my proposal, you intend to use my power. So it's only reasonable for me to collect a fee, isn't it?"
"That is true."
Seitenshi took a deep breath. She didn't refuse, her body trembling slightly.
For every gain, there is a loss.
That was part of how the world worked.
She had understood this since childhood.
In fact,
The moment she made her wish to the Devil...
She had already made a silent resolution.
If her wish could truly come true...
Then even giving everything, her body, her soul, would be worth it.
"So, what is your choice?"
"Okay!"
Seitenshi spoke, trembling. "What should I pay?"
"Simple. Become my servant."
Ayato took out an Evil Piece. "To be precise, reincarnate as a Devil."
'A human becoming a Devil?'
'Could such a thing be done?'
A look of confusion appeared in her eyes.
"Once you become my servant, you will be my family."
Ayato's gaze was deep, his tone soft and enticing.
"And I am always willing to offer unconditional help to my servants."
"Then, you can fulfill your own ideas one by one."
Seitenshi looked up, meeting Ayato's eyes.
They were very sincere.
She knew Ayato's words were not false.
If so, she decided.
"Okay. I want to become a Devil."