Ayato lifted Sakura, who was sitting on the floor, onto a chair and spoke. "As long as you become my servant, I will protect you forever."
"R-Really?"
Looking at Ayato, Sakura gradually calmed down.
"Really!"
Ayato said sincerely. "Then you can live freely."
"Do whatever you want."
For a little girl, Ayato showed unimaginable tolerance.
"I... I understand."
Sakura nodded, looking at Ayato's school uniform, she couldn't help asking, "Devil Uncle, are you a student?"
"Yes!"
Ayato smiled. "Don't be fooled by those legends. We Devils are very easy to get along with."
'Devil Uncle was definitely trustworthy.'
Sakura's eyes lit up. A Devil who went to school was indeed different.
Then, she said quietly, "What do I need to do to become a servant?"
"Use an Evil Piece to reincarnate as a Devil."
Ayato took out a Pawn piece. "Don't worry, it'll be quick."
"Huh?"
Sakura widened her big, watery eyes, looking at Ayato hesitantly. "B-Become a Devil?"
'So being a servant... meant this.'
'But!'
'Becoming a Devil or something...'
'Seemed impossible.'
"Becoming a Devil isn't that different from being human."
Ayato guided her patiently. "You can still eat, have fun, go to school, make friends..."
Sakura nodded half-understanding, then whispered, "Can I still see my sister then?"
"Of course."
Ayato nodded.
'If that was the case...'
Sakura was silent for a moment, then finally said firmly, "Devil Uncle, I want to become your servant."
Ayato smiled. "Don't worry, you won't regret your decision today."
"Then, how do I use this piece?"
"Just leave everything to me. It'll be quick."
Ayato manipulated the Evil Piece.
'So cold!'
The icy touch made Sakura shiver.
The next moment,
Under her watch, the Evil Piece merged into her body.
'So hot!'
Her eyes widened slightly as she felt her heart beat so fast.
In the light of the magic circle, her back and tailbone gradually changed.
Moments later,
Sakura curiously flapped her wings.
She was flying!
'Being a Devil... was so much fun.'
"Don't push yourself too hard. You're still young."
Watching Sakura, a smile also appeared on Ayato's lips.
'Having a servant like this was a whole new experience.'
'It felt like having a daughter.'
"Okay, Devil Uncle."
Sakura stuck out her tongue and obediently landed beside Ayato.
"Let's go."
Ayato took her small hand. "I'm taking you away from here."
"Okay!"
Holding Ayato's hand, Sakura slowly walked out of the room.
At this moment,
She felt this mansion truly was full of sunshine.
"That old man... is coming, isn't he?"
After a few steps, Ayato turned his head. "Good that he's coming. I'll deal with him while I'm at it."
Just then, a hoarse, sinister voice sounded.
"Really, even if you are a Devil, you can't just do as you please on the Matou Family's territory, can you?"
As the voice echoed, a strange-looking old man leaning on a cane appeared before them.
"Devil... Uncle, b-be careful."
Sakura shrank back, gripping Ayato's hand tightly.
"Don't worry."
Ayato smiled. "It's just a dying old worm, Sakura. Don't be afraid."
"You... turned Sakura into a Devil?"
Looking at Sakura, Matou Zouken was stunned for a moment, then a piercing cold gleam appeared in his eyes.
'Unforgivable!'
'I hadn't even had time to plant my worms in her yet.'
'How dared this Devil?'
"Are you angry?"
Ayato's gaze was cold, as if looking at a dead man. He said calmly, "Cherish that emotion now, because you're about to die."
"Boy, who do you think I am?"
Zouken snarled. "Even if you are a Devil, don't look down on me too much."
The moment his words fell, a buzzing sound arose, like a dark cloud of mist rising into the air.
"How dare you ignore the rules of the magical world."
"Even if you die here, the Underworld will have nothing to say."
He roared. The insect swarm, like a black mist, rapidly expanded, seeming to cover the sky.
Each insect radiated a bloodthirsty aura as they dove toward Ayato.
Hum!
A light blue magic circle appeared.
Crackle!
Blue lightning spread out, and countless insects turned to dust.
Zouken's eyes nearly popped out.
'Such magic?'
'What rank of Devil was this?'
'But how could such a being be so ignorant of the rules?'
Boom!
Lost in thought, a blue bolt of lightning bloomed before him.
Terrifying smoke spread, and a portion of Zouken's body vanished instantly.
Vaguely, one could see countless insects writhing in the wound.
"Your magic is quite disgusting."
Watching this, Ayato looked utterly disgusted.
He had to admit, this old man was the strongest human he had ever encountered.
In pursuit of immortality, he had abandoned his human body, his entire being composed of insects.
Thank goodness he didn't have trypophobia.
"Devil Uncle, you're amazing!"
Beside him, Sakura's eyes seemed to sparkle.
The fear she had felt moments ago vanished completely.
"If you want to take Sakura away, I agree."
With a dark expression, Zouken chose to make peace.
Fighting to the death over Sakura was too great a loss.
"Since when do I need your permission to take someone?"
Ayato sneered disdainfully.
Watching Zouken's body, which had already mostly regenerated, he raised an eyebrow.
'Such regenerative ability was almost on par with Raiser's.'
'But if even a Phoenix could die, what was an old thing like you?'
"Don't push me too far, sir."
Zouken's face twisted with rage.
'I am the one behind the Matou Family.'
'This Devil truly gave me no leeway.'
'He was already taking the girl, and now he wanted to completely destroy me?'