Chapter 336: Preparations for Attending the "Feast of Flaming Light"
Ever since the Azure Knight was stripped away, Yuuma's physical condition hadn't been great, her small face always carrying a drained pallor.
This was unavoidable.
The vast majority of Yuuma's magical power came from the Azure Knight. However, with the knight forcibly removed and the contract torn apart, her mana became chaotic, leaving her body weak.
Mahiro naturally couldn't procure another demon contract for her or obtain another guardian knight.
Although Est could be considered a similar existence, there was a fundamental difference.
Leaving aside whether Est would even be willing to form a contract with Yuuma, if such a contract were made, Yuuma would likely be instantly drained dry and drop dead on the spot.
After all, even though Est is called the Demon King Killing Sacred Sword, her essence is that of a demonic sword. Merely manifesting in this world requires a massive amount of magical power, something Yuuma naturally couldn't provide.
However, this didn't mean he had no other methods.
He still had the Enhancement Drug in his possession.
But the one he injected into Yuuma was the type mixed with Diablos's genes.
Though it was dangerous and involved a gamble, Diablos's magical power could absolutely fill the void left by Yuuma's missing mana.
The results proved his gamble correct.
Not only were there no signs of rejection in Yuuma's body, but her magical power even became stronger than before she had contracted the guardian knight!
Given time to settle, surpassing Tokoyogi Aya and Natsuki Minamiya likely wouldn't be an issue.
As for instruction, that naturally wasn't neglected.
Apart from continuing to learn magical knowledge from the maids, Mahiro occasionally taught some magic knowledge from the Irregular at Magic High School world. Strangely enough, whether due to Yuuma Tokoyogi's inherent talent or some other reason, she was actually able to learn magic from that world.
She could even manage to cast spells without a CAD through her own ability, albeit only simple ones.
Yet, it was odd. Even though he and Yuuma had essentially fallen out with Aya, this woman showed no intention of driving them out. Instead, she allowed Yuuma's daily life to continue as before.
From his impression, Tokoyogi Aya should have been a very aloof and vindictive personality.
Had she suddenly changed her nature for some reason?
Mahiro couldn't figure out why, and just then, Tokoyogi Aya appeared before them once more.
"Well, long time no see, Aya. Finally decided to show yourself?" Mahiro held a teacup, taking a light sip of black tea while quipping leisurely.
In the dimly lit room, Tokoyogi Aya stood before him. This woman remained unchanged—her delicate, icy face betraying no emotion, still clad in that pure black twelve-layered kimono.
One could say there was no difference from before.
Honestly, he was curious. Wearing such cumbersome clothing every day, didn't she find it heavy?
After all, while this attire looked exceedingly luxurious, its weight was substantial, layered piece by piece. Reportedly, the standard weight reached up to 20 kilograms, and during the Heian period, it could even weigh as much as 60 kilograms, making normal walking impossible.
Tokoyogi Aya had no idea what was going through his mind at that moment, nor did she care in the slightest. She simply tossed a stack of documents in her hand onto the table.
"The information you requested regarding the Fourth Primogenitor."
"?"
Mahiro glanced at the documents scattered on the table, then looked up at the woman before him with a hint of surprise.
He hadn't expected that this woman would actually take his casual remark so seriously and act on it.
Originally, he thought she would refuse, which was why he specifically sent Zeta out to gather information.
He never imagined that Tokoyogi Aya would take the initiative to come here today, all for this very matter!
"..."
Perhaps due to overwhelming shock and astonishment, his voice came out somewhat dry.
Tokoyogi Aya did not respond, merely frowning slightly as if urging him to finish reading the documents quickly.
This time, Mahiro understood her meaning. He picked up the documents in front of him and casually flipped through them.
But what he didn't know wouldn't hurt him—once he looked, he was startled.
After reading the entire document, there were only two things he didn't understand.
Namely, he didn't understand this, and he didn't understand that either.
The various specialized terms in the document were downright headache-inducing, but he managed to identify three key points.
One was information about the Fourth Primogenitor.
The Fourth Primogenitor's alternate name is [Flame Light Night Lord]. Originally, it was a plan created to produce a new Progenitor. According to the plan, the twelve vessels manufactured for the Fourth Primogenitor are collectively referred to as such,
essentially the sealed entities belonging to the Fourth Primogenitor's Familiar Beasts.
Born from the techniques of three Progenitors and the Heavenly Ministry, they are the ultimate god-slaying weapons!
The Fourth Primogenitor is hailed as surpassing the oldest vampire Progenitor, making it the world's strongest vampire.
Its very existence would disrupt the world's balance and disturb order.
Thus, the twelve Flame Light Night Lords are sealed away in various locations.
Some are buried in storm-swept deserts, others are imprisoned in icy spirit coffins!
He knew the Fourth Primogenitor was impressive; reading the original work made that clear. But he never expected it to be this strong—actually the world's strongest?!
Honestly, it's a bit unbelievable, especially considering how utterly useless Akatsuki Kojou seemed in the original work, barely holding his own in fights.
However, apart from this, he also learned something else: Akatsuki Kojou is currently not the Fourth Primogenitor!
Because this ties into another matter—
「The Feast of Flame Light」
The so-called 「Feast of Flame Light」 is a necessary ritual for Electors possessing key qualifications, acting as executors, to awaken the Fourth Primogenitor and bring about its revival. The keys are the vessels sealing the Fourth Primogenitor's Familiar Beasts.
To fully awaken the Fourth Primogenitor, one must gather all twelve of its Familiar Beasts and then rouse the Primordial.
As for the ritual site, it is said to be chosen as String God Island.
Reading this, he finally understood. No wonder Tokoyogi Aya had been standing here waiting for him to finish the documents—she was waiting for him right here.
"Have you finished reading? Are you prepared to participate in the 「Feast of Flame Light」 and join the struggle for the Fourth Primogenitor?"
Seeing him set down the documents, Tokoyogi Aya directly asked, the slight upward curve of her lips clearly revealing just how pleased she was at this moment.
After all, to participate in the 「Feast of Flame Light」, one must set foot on String God Island.
Since Demon Sanctuary Island is not under the jurisdiction of any of the three Progenitors and is considered one of the neutral territories, choosing this location was not solely the decision of the three Progenitors. It was also a proposal put forward by some of the world's administrators, including the Lion King Organization.
Coincidentally, Demon Sanctuary Island is also under the management of Natsuki Minamiya, as the barrier prison happens to be established not far from this artificial island.
If Tokoyogi Aya wants to reclaim the Book of the Oath, she will inevitably have to confront Natsuki Minamiya. However, having experienced failure once, she understands that defeating Natsuki Minamiya is no easy task.
Therefore, what she hopes for is for Mahiro to join her in taking action.
However, after reviewing the information, Mahiro was already well aware of her little schemes.
Thus, he spoke with a smile:
"Hmm, I'm quite interested in this 'Feast of the Blazing Aurora,' but unfortunately, I don't have an entry ticket. After all, I don't have any sealed vessels for the Beast Vassals."
As if she had anticipated his response, Tokoyogi Aya dropped another bombshell.
"Hehe, it's fine. You're in luck. According to the intelligence I've gathered, the renowned archaeologist Dr. Akatsuki Kojou recently led an archaeological team to excavate the Twelfth Vessel. They are currently stationed at the MAR Group branch on Gozo Island in Italy and plan to transport it to the artificial island in a few days.
If you want to take action, now is the best opportunity."
In truth, no matter where it was transported—even if it had already arrived on Demon Sanctuary Island—it wouldn't make much difference to him.
What surprised him was that Tokoyogi Aya had gone to such lengths to get him involved, even gathering all the necessary intelligence.
Moreover, he hadn't expected the timing to be so coincidental.
That "Returner from the Dead City" had just happened to excavate the Twelfth Vessel. In that case, he really did want to make a trip.
But before that, there was something else he needed to do.
"Alpha."
At his soft call, a figure appeared behind him.
Upon seeing the woman's appearance, Tokoyogi Aya narrowed her eyes slightly, scrutinizing her carefully.
Flowing golden hair, a flawless and beautiful face, a black tight-fitting combat suit, a Holy Sword hanging at her waist, and most notably, a pair of pointed ears hidden beneath her hair.
Clearly, she was an elf.
Although this wasn't the first time Tokoyogi Aya had seen her—having observed her from a distance on several occasions—witnessing her up close still left her somewhat awestruck.
It wasn't that this world lacked elves, but they were exceedingly rare.
And yet, this elf was actually a subordinate of Mahiro, summoned by this man.
Not only that, there was more than one elf of such beauty, and there were also beastmen present.
It was worth noting that beastmen were extremely proud beings who looked down on humans the most, yet they willingly submitted to this man.
This made Tokoyogi Aya even more curious about the identity of the man before her.
Ignoring the probing gaze from Tokoyogi Aya, Mahiro tidied up the information in front of him and handed it to Alpha.
"Based on the vessels recorded in this information, locate the whereabouts of the other eleven vessels and seize them while you're at it."
Since he had chosen to participate in this feast, he would not simply sit and wait for the other side to deliver the vessels to his doorstep—naturally, he had to take the initiative.
After all, there was still plenty of time before the "Feast of Blazing Light," and every vessel he could seize was one more advantage.
Alpha reviewed the information and nodded.
"Alright, leave it to me."
With that, Alpha left the room.
"Father, are you going out?"
At that moment, little Yuuma, who had been quietly reading a book in the room, suddenly spoke up. Her tone sounded somewhat pitiful, as if she was reluctant to see him leave the castle.
Upon hearing this address, Tokoyogi Aya's brows nearly furrowed into a figure-eight.
Unfortunately, she currently had no right to ask Yuuma to change how she addressed him, so she could only silently suppress her discomfort.
"Yes, I plan to go on a trip. Would little Yuuma like to come along?" Mahiro completely ignored Tokoyogi Aya and asked directly.
"Huh? I... I can go too?!"
Yuuma's eyes lit up.
Since birth, she had always stayed in the ancient castle and had never been outside.
Now, hearing that she could leave this place and see the outside world properly, how could she not be excited?
"Of course."
Mahiro reached out and gently stroked the girl's hair.
At this moment, although Yuuma was enjoying the touch from her new father, the excitement and anticipation in her heart were already overflowing.
Finally, finally, she could leave this place!
Italy, Rome.
A passenger plane slowly descended from the distant sky into the airport.
The originally bustling and busy airport fell into an unusual silence due to the arrival of a certain group. Anyone passing by couldn't help but cast their gaze toward the striking pair of a handsome man and an elegant woman emerging from the airport exit.
The woman was classically graceful, while the man was exceptionally handsome.
They were none other than Tokoyogi Aya and Mahiro.
However, besides them, there was also a young girl clinging tightly to Mahiro's sleeve. At this moment, her eyes were filled with curiosity as she looked around.
"Father, is this Gozo Island where you're going?"
"No, the place we're going to requires another mode of transportation."
Mahiro affectionately patted Yuuma's head, and Yuuma responded with a cat-like, contented smile.
Beside them, Tokoyogi Aya, who had been watching this heartwarming scene, found her usually icy expression softening ever so slightly.
Moreover, with Aya and Yuuma sharing nearly identical appearances, to an outsider, they looked like a family of three traveling together.
However, just then, the young girl who had been walking alongside Mahiro suddenly stopped in her tracks. Her gaze seemed to freeze for a moment before quickly filling with a hint of delight.
"What's wrong? Did you run into an acquaintance?"
Noticing Yuuma's unusual reaction, Mahiro seemed to guess the possibility and spoke up.
And indeed, he guessed correctly. Yuuma had indeed spotted an acquaintance—in this foreign land thousands of miles away, she had encountered her only playmate.
Following Yuuma's gaze, they saw a man standing not far from them.
The man wore a worn-out top hat and a leather short jacket. Though his attire seemed somewhat disheveled, he carried an air of untamed freedom—clearly a wanderer at heart.
And now, that wanderer was spreading his broad arms, pulling a girl who had just arrived into his embrace.
Beside him stood a silver-haired youth, who for some reason wore an expression that said "just as expected," pursed his lips, and silently stepped aside.
"Doctor, I have brought your son and daughter."
The woman speaking was a Caucasian female around 25 years old, still dressed in an indigo work suit, giving the immediate impression of a capable executive secretary.
Of course, her appearance was also exceptionally striking—a rare beauty from any angle.
As she spoke, the woman smoothed a few stray strands of hair that had fallen by her temples.
But it was this very motion that caused the metal bracelet on her left wrist to slip out from her sleeve.
—A Demon Registry Card!
This was an identification card issued by the Demon Sanctuary to ensure the safety of demons, and also a transmitter used to monitor their movements.
Equipping this special device of the Demon Sanctuary granted the rights of an ordinary citizen.
Without it, moving around the Demon Sanctuary would, if discovered, immediately summon the Sanctuary Defense Force for armed suppression.
In other words, this woman had undergone demon registration.
"Thank you, Liana dear!"
"It's been a while, and you've grown even more beautiful, Nagisa! Were you hurt on the way here?"
The man addressed as the doctor chuckled, then lifted his daughter into his arms, carefully examining the girl in his embrace.
Like a doting father, he lavished his daughter with affection.
"Oh, no, because Kojou was with me! Kojou, hurry up and put me down—this is so embarrassing."
The girl in his arms struggled slightly, reminding the man that his son was also beside him.
"Hey, kid, what are you doing here?"
The man immediately showed an incredulous expression, tinged with a hint of disdain.
Hearing this, the boy instantly flared up, but years of similar treatment had accustomed him to it. His chest swelled slightly before settling back down.
"Let's not talk about that for now, you bastard dad. Why did you have to bring Nagisa all the way here? I looked it up online—Gozo Island isn't exactly a tourist hotspot, and it doesn't seem like a place for elementary school students to visit."
Akatsuki Kojou wore an impatient expression, his tone dripping with disdain.
Tch!
As the father, Akatsuki Kojou grew even more annoyed by his son's incessant chatter.
"You've become so nagging lately, Kojou. Remember, nagging men aren't popular with girls."
"I'm really worried about your future like this!"
Anger continued to rise, and just as Kojou was about to lose his temper and deliver a "loving iron fist" to his father—
"Alright, alright, let's save the warm family reunion for later. Dad has some things to take care of right now."
"Kojou, take Nagisa around to see the sights and maybe try some local food."
"You call us over and then act like this, you old man, you're really getting more and more outrageous."
Although Akatsuki Kojou was extremely dissatisfied with his father, he still obediently followed his father's command.
Just as their group was about to leave, a youthful voice suddenly came from behind, causing them... or rather, specifically causing Akatsuki Kojou to halt his steps.
"—Kojou!!"