At night!
Resident Evil World.
Busujima Family's Dojo.
A magic circle flashed as Ayato appeared here.
Jill and the others were out.
Only Rei was there waiting.
"So, why did you call me here?"
"Actually, a friend's mother wants to see you."
Rei said apologetically. "I wanted to refuse, but she begged repeatedly, so I had to trouble Master."
"You know it's trouble."
Ayato sat on the sofa and smiled. "Your Master is very busy, you know."
"For a servant who brings trouble, what do you think should be done?"
Rei gave Ayato a look and instantly understood his intention.
She crawled over slowly like a little kitten.
Ayato shifted slightly to sit more comfortably and adjusted the coffee table in front of him.
He gave Rei a head pat. "By the way, any progress on the virus research lately?"
"Yes... yes... I'll... get... it... for... the... Master right away."
Rei swallowed. A magic circle flashed in her hand, and she handed over the documents.
[Origin +168]
[Origin +333]
[Origin +452]
"Not bad. It seems Umbrella hasn't been idle during this time."
Ayato flipped through the documents and patted Rei's head in approval.
Then,
Ayato focused on immersing himself in the ocean of knowledge.
Just then, the doorbell rang.
"Come in."
Ayato put down the documents and spoke calmly.
Creak.
The door opened.
It was a woman in a purple kimono, with charming features, radiating the aura of a Yamato Nadeshiko.
Her face held a nearly perfect smile, appearing very intellectual.
"Hello, respected Ayato-sama. I am Takagi Yuriko."
Yuriko bowed slightly. "I apologize for the presumptuous visit today. I hope you don't mind."
Looking at her, the corner of Ayato's mouth curled playfully.
Although he had suspected it...
He didn't expect it to really be her.
"May I ask why you went through so much trouble to find me?"
Ayato took a light breath, shifted slightly, and said, "I don't want to waste time. Just say it."
"Yes!"
Yuriko was about to answer when she seemed to hear something. Her brow furrowed slightly, and her gaze instinctively went under the coffee table.
In an instant,
Her pupils contracted violently, a look of shock in her eyes.
'Th-this is...'
Her body trembled. She couldn't quite accept what she was seeing.
'That child…'
'Is Saya's classmate, right?'
'Come to think of it, because of her...'
'We had gotten this chance to meet Ayato-sama alone.'
Although she had long known Rei's relationship with Ayato was unusual...
But this was too shocking.
Looking at Yuriko, Ayato said with a half-smile, "What, is there a problem?"
"N-no problem."
Yuriko quickly shook her head, composed herself, and her expression became serious.
Today was likely her only chance. How could she let herself be shaken?
"Actually, I've heard many rumors about you."
Without any hesitation, she knelt directly on the floor.
"Ayato-sama, Yuriko wishes to offer her humble services to you."
'As expected.'
Ayato wasn't surprised. He just looked at Yuriko calmly.
Feeling his gaze,
Yuriko's body gradually tensed, growing more and more anxious.
Unconsciously, a thin layer of sweat formed on her forehead.
The room grew quieter and quieter.
Only the sound of the coffee table slowly shifting.
But,
Yuriko could no longer pay attention to Rei.
She only felt an invisible pressure making it hard to breathe.
'Am I going to be rejected?'
If that happens, her businesses would have no place to stand.
After all,
Those groups loyal to Ayato were growing stronger, beginning to reject and devour other powers.
The entire country's fall was only a matter of time.
Before long…
Just as Yuriko was completely numb, almost in despair, Ayato slowly breathed out.
"Accepting your loyalty... isn't really a problem."
As soon as he said this, Yuriko's tense body immediately relaxed.
She had never imagined...
That one day, a single sentence could make her feel relief.
"But, do you really know me?"
Ayato looked at Yuriko and smiled. "To be loyal to me, you have to give everything."
"After all, I am a Devil."
"Ayato-sama, don't joke. Something like a Devil..."
Yuriko smiled, about to say something, when her body suddenly stiffened.
Whoosh!
Under her gaze, a pair of pitch-black wings extended from behind Ayato.
At the same time,
An incredibly eerie aura washed over her.
The invisible pressure made her body go limp.
She immediately sat down on the cold floor.
An indescribable feeling of terror spread through her heart.
'This man... is really a Devil.'
'I should have realized sooner.'
'The power to grant immortality and restore youth... definitely came from a significant source.'
'But did legendary creatures like Devils really exist now?'
"Now, what is your choice?"
Ayato retracted his wings, and that strange aura instantly dissipated.
"Phew!"
Yuriko, like someone drowning, began to breathe deeply.
"Auntie Yuriko, you don't need to be so nervous."
Rei stood up, gently wiped her mouth, and spoke. "Master's identity doesn't conflict with your goals, right?"
'Yes!'
'It seemed that was true.'
Hearing Rei's words, Yuriko gradually came back to her senses.
She resumed her kneeling posture and bowed to Ayato.
"Ayato-sama, please forgive my loss of composure."
"Regardless of your identity, my loyalty will not change."