Chapter [102]

Riser entered Merlin's room, greeted by a warm welcome from the Magus.

"Welcome, Riser-sama," Merlin greeted with respect, acknowledging his position.

Riser smiled warmly in response to Merlin's greeting.

Riser briefly glanced towards the perfect cube where Kuroka was imprisoned, but his expression remained indifferent.

As Merlin awaited his instruction, Riser let his mind wander for a moment, pondering Kuroka's situation.

"If I recall correctly, Kuroka is part of the Khaos Brigade," Riser thought to himself. "This must be related to Vali's death."

Taking a deep breath before making a decision, Riser knew he couldn't simply ignore Kuroka's situation.

"Merlin, release Kuroka."

Merlin nodded immediately, with a swift gesture, she undid the perfect cube, freeing Kuroka from her magical prison.

Kuroka emerged from the cube, gracefully stretching and sighing in relief. She reverted to her human form, her expression reflecting gratitude for her newly acquired freedom.

"Thank you, Riser-sama, Nya," murmured Kuroka with a soft and sultry voice as she approached him gracefully.

Riser sighed, pondering the delicate situation he found himself in. He looked into Kuroka's eyes, maintaining his serious expression.

"Give me a good reason not to hand over an S-Rank fugitive to the Maous," questioned Riser, his voice laden with authority.

Kuroka's eyes widened slightly, revealing her surprise at Riser's direct question. She kept her composure, aware of the delicacy of the situation.

"You wouldn't want to anger Ophis," Kuroka replied cautiously, her soft and alluring voice carrying a slight tone of warning.

"No one wants to anger the Infinite Dragon God," Riser said thoughtfully, his eyes fixed on Kuroka's. "But I have my doubts if Ophis cares that much about you."

Kuroka felt a chill run down her spine at Riser's words. She knew he was right to doubt her loyalty to Ophis.

Riser observed Kuroka in silence, his eyes carefully analyzing her as she was lost in her thoughts.

"I have information about your life, Kuroka," Riser said calmly, his voice serious.

Kuroka looked at him confused, her expression revealing a mix of surprise and curiosity at Riser's assertion.

Meanwhile, Merlin watched the interaction between the two with a mischievous smile on her lips, her astute mind capturing every detail of the conversation.

"I know the reasons that led you to kill your former master," Riser continued, his voice firm and determined.

Kuroka was surprised by Riser's direct words, her eyebrows arching slightly as she processed the information.

"But even if your former master wanted to experiment on you or your sister, killing one's own master is still a taboo," Riser concluded, his serious expression reflecting the gravity of the situation.

Riser's words hit Kuroka hard, leaving her with a feeling of sadness and resignation. She knew that regardless of the reasons that led her to commit such an act, she would always be seen as a criminal in the devil society.

Kuroka looked away, unable to meet Riser's gaze directly. She knew there were no excuses that could erase the weight of her past actions.

"However," Riser began, breaking the tense silence between them, "I have a proposal for you."

Kuroka raised her eyes to meet Riser's, her expression filled with curiosity and a glimmer of hope. She was willing to hear what he had to say, even if she was skeptical about his intentions.

"I can help Ophis find the silence she desires," Riser proposed. "And I'll help you prove to your sister and the devils that Senjutsu doesn't make Nekoshou lose control."

Kuroka was surprised by Riser's proposal, her mind spinning with the possibilities it offered. However, a doubt lingered in her mind.

"But you said even if I'm innocent, I would still be considered a criminal, Nya?" Kuroka questioned, her voice filled with uncertainty.

"That's why I want to bring Ophis to my side," explained Riser, his gaze determined. "It won't matter if you're guilty or innocent; the truth will be what the strongest says it is."

Kuroka realized where Riser was going with his proposal, her mind absorbing the nuances of his offer.

"Kuroka, I need you to arrange a meeting between me and Ophis. It'll be in three days, at my mansion in Kuoh," requested Riser.

"Understood, Riser-sama, Nya," Kuroka replied, her soft voice echoing through the room.

"Now you may go," said Riser with a nod of his head.

Kuroka nodded in acknowledgment and thanked Riser with a smile. With a graceful gesture, she focused her power and teleported out of the room, leaving Riser and Merlin alone.

"Riser-sama, aren't you afraid Kuroka might be plotting some betrayal?" Merlin questioned, her voice filled with concern.

Riser looked up to meet Merlin's piercing eyes.

"I understand your concern, Merlin," Riser replied calmly. "But I believe fear and hope will outweigh any desire for betrayal."

Merlin raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Riser's enigmatic response.

"Fear and hope? What exactly are you talking about?" Merlin inquired, her curiosity piqued.

"Kuroka fears that I might harm Koneko, her younger sister," he began, his voice tranquil reflecting his understanding of the situation. "She knows that if I consider her a threat, I won't hesitate to protect those who are important to me."

Merlin nodded, absorbing Riser's words as she processed the complexity of the situation.

"But she also has hope," Riser continued, his penetrating gaze meeting Merlin's. "Hope that our plan will succeed, and that she can prove her innocence."

Merlin nodded, recognizing the logic behind Riser's words. She knew that, although the situation was complex, there was a real chance of success if everything was carefully planned.

"But there's still something that intrigues me," Merlin began, breaking the silence. "Why are you so willing to help Kuroka? She's just a fugitive, after all."

"I've always wanted to have a pet kitty," Riser replied with a mischievous tone, his eyes gleaming with amusement as he looked at Merlin.

Merlin arched an eyebrow, surprised by Riser's unexpected response. She couldn't decide if he was joking or being serious.

"A pet kitty, Riser-sama?" Merlin questioned, her voice filled with curiosity.

Riser nodded with a mischievous smile on his lips, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Yes, a pet kitty," confirmed Riser, his voice soft and persuasive. "And Kuroka may be exactly what I'm looking for."

Merlin shook her head in disbelief at Riser's response, unable to contain a slight smile at his audacity.

pat reon.com/22Mirko22