EPHS-Chapter 404 Temporary Ceasefire
At this moment, "Sirzechs" wasn't faring much better than Tenraku. Half of his armor and robe had already been shattered, revealing the muscular arm underneath. With an unpleasant expression on his face, "Sirzechs" activated his Magic Power, instantly restoring the damaged armor and robe to its original state.
"Tenraku, I actually regret it a bit. Back then, I let your growth run wild due to a moment of whimsy, and now it's resulted in a situation that's hard to control." "Sirzechs" spoke as he stared at Tenraku.
"Unfortunately, there's no such thing as a regret pill in this world. I will become even stronger in the future!" Tenraku replied back.
"So, what do you say? Do you want to settle things now? If you don't seize this opportunity, it will be even harder to deal with me in the future!"
With sneering laughter, Tenraku emanated an overbearing fighting spirit. Although their previous encounter was simple, Tenraku keenly felt the opponent's strength. And this was with "Sirzechs" only using Sirzechs's power. If he were to combine it with his own power as the "God of the Holy Bible," how much stronger would he be?
Although this situation appeared to be a huge crisis, Tenraku couldn't help but feel excited. At their level, there weren't many people who could be considered worthy opponents!
Eyes gleaming with a sharp light, "Sirzechs" gazed at Tenraku for a long time. However, in the end, he shook his head.
"Let's call it off for now. Although I'm confident I can defeat Tenraku, I would also pay a heavy price. My instincts are telling me this."
"Tenraku, shall we make a pact?"
Seeing that the other party didn't seem inclined to continue the battle, Tenraku couldn't help but furrow his brow.
"What pact?"
"I need time to complete my plan, and Tenraku also needs time to continue growing. So why don't we maintain the current status quo and not interfere with each other?"
"Since Grayfia and Venelana have already joined Tenraku, I presume they've already informed Tenraku of everything. Tenraku needs to grow by seizing my Sacred Gear. For me, Tenraku is also someone who must be eliminated. Since we're destined to have a showdown, let's do it when both of us are in our most perfect states!"
Tenraku found himself somewhat tempted by the other party's proposal. He naturally wouldn't foolishly rush to confront the opponent now when he could have more time for growth.
However, just as Tenraku was wondering if the other party was trying to deceive him, Grayfia's voice sounded from beside him.
"Agree to it, Kamiya Tenraku!"
"Grayfia..."
Even though Grayfia was the one who most desired revenge, he hadn't expected her to be able to endure it. Seeing Grayfia's cold and resolute expression, Tenraku had already made his decision.
"I can agree to this pact. I won't reveal your identity to others, and I won't secretly harm you and the people around me. However, you must also promise not to secretly harm me and those around me!"
Although Tenraku agreed to the other party's proposal, he also stated his own conditions.
"Very well, I can agree to that." "Sirzechs" nodded, and both sides reached an agreement for a temporary ceasefire.
"However, Tenraku, can you return Grayfia and Venelana to me? Without them, I will have quite a bit of trouble on my end."
His gaze fell on Grayfia and Venelana, and "Sirzechs" spoke. The two women's hearts tightened instantly.
"That's Impossible! Your troubles are your own business. But I will not hand them over to you!" Tenraku replied without hesitation. Although Grayfia and Venelana didn't think Tenraku would abandon them, hearing Tenraku say it with his own mouth relieved them both.
They hadn't misjudged this man.
"It seems it won't work… Tenraku, you care too much about these women by your side. It's your strength, but it's also your weakness." "Sirzechs," said.
"Hehe, you don't need to concern yourself with that," Tenraku replied back.
"In order to bring eternal peace and radiance to this world, I have indeed done very excessive things. Their hatred towards me is only natural. Tenraku, treat these two poor women well. If it's you, you should be able to do it..."
As "Sirzechs" gradually faded from the sky, the words he spoke left Tenraku deeply puzzled. What did he mean by striving for eternal peace and radiance? And he even insisted that Tenraku treat Grayfia and Venelana well.
Hearing such words from a perpetrator was incredibly ironic to Tenraku. Grayfia and Venelana, too, couldn't conceal their expressions of disgust.
However, having managed to repel the opponent without incident, the three of them breathed a sigh of relief. If Tenraku hadn't shown his formidable strength, tonight might not have ended so peacefully.
"Little Tenraku, from now on, Grayfia and I are both yours. How do you plan to accommodate us?" Venelana, in better spirits, embraced one of Tenraku's arms, her smile alluring.
Since the real Zeoticus was no longer present, Venelana naturally wouldn't have any dealings with the current impostor. The days they spent in the Saints and Demons Hall were arguably the only time in Venelana's hundreds of years that she intimately connected with a man.
For Tenraku, this mature and beautiful mother-in-law was a temptation that led him into a fallen state. But for Venelana, wasn't Tenraku a similar poison?
Though she didn't want to admit it, Venelana knew she might not be able to do without this young man in the future. Despite feeling somewhat guilty towards her daughter, Rias...
"Venelana, stay in the Saints and Demons Hall for now. I can't let you appear in front of Rias just yet." Tenraku thought for a moment before speaking, and Venelana nodded in understanding.
Like Tenraku, Venelana didn't want Rias to know these cruel truths. Let Grayfia and herself bear all the hatred and pain. Rias only needed to be happy forever.
"As for Grayfia—"
"You will be my shadow from now on, guarding my back." Tenraku turned to Grayfia and continued.
"You're actually entrusting your back to me. Aren't you afraid I might betray you?" Grayfia raised an eyebrow, a wry smile playing on her lips.
"You won't." Tenraku shook his head, speaking earnestly.
With a disdainful snort, Grayfia didn't say anything more and directly melded into Tenraku's shadow.
"Little Tenraku, our Gremory family owes Grayfia too much. Don't let her down in the future." Venelana sighed with a complex expression.
"I won't let you down either." Tenraku gently caressed the beautiful mother-in-law's cheek and smiled.
"You little rascal, you only know how to tease me." Venelana blushed, playfully reproaching him.
Tenraku inwardly cursed the bewitching woman, feeling like he was about to fall again.
Well, if he was going to fall, he had no intention of trying to stop it!
Under Venelana's surprised exclamation, Tenraku embraced her waist, and in a flash, they once again entered the Saints and Demons Hall...
To be continued...