264 Preparing before the tournament, the heroines level up quickly!

Except for Basara, the others were not surprised.

Not because of Eiji's inner voice, but the inner voice of the female protagonist who had been babbling last night about the thing Ramusas had said.

A 7v7 tournament which meant each Faction had to send seven representatives who would compete to determine supremacy in the Demon Realm.

Eiji also remembered this plot, he even knew the female protagonist wanted to take advantage of this opportunity to pick up the woman named Laila.

... Although Laila was not the heroine, Eiji knew the woman's appearance was a state-level disaster; which meant she was very beautiful and not inferior to the heroine.

In the original work, Laila was not really locked up by the people of the Demon Council and she lived with Leohart. But now? There was a plot change that Eiji actually preferred because didn't that mean Laila hadn't been defiled by her own adopted younger brother, Leohart?

Bella didn't know, but right now. Eiji had actually ordered the Shadow Garden to move in the shadows. Not only did he order Alpha and the other shadows to create a barrier after Gald and his army entered Wildart city to prevent his information from leaking to the other party. ―This was done so that he could slap those people in the face later.

Shadow Garden had also been ordered to investigate Laila's whereabouts and monitor Bella from a distance.

Eiji was careful... There's no way he'd let Bella fool Laila! Bella wanted to cut Leohart, he himself wanted to cut those two people.

In the end this tournament was no more important than saving a woman.

At least to those two particular people ― and Leohart who also wanted to appease the tournament.

"What a greedy person..."

"Host, are you seriously saying that?

"Why not?"

¶{Never mind.}

Miss System wanted to tell her host to look in the mirror, but forget it.

Stopping talking mentally, Eiji looked at Ramusas and asked.

"Instead of joining the tournament, how about directly destroying the Demon Lord Faction or anyone who opposes the Moderate Faction?"

Eiji honestly didn't care about supremacy in Demon Realm. One thing was certain, people who had evil intentions towards their own women had to die. So regardless of Ramusas' answer, he would probably do things his own way when the time came.

Mio and the others naturally stared at Eiji because the idea of the man was too domineering. However, none of them doubted Eiji could do it because they knew that if it was him... It was possible to force everyone in Demon Realm to submit and accept whatever he wanted.

Basara frowned, honestly he rather disliked Eiji's ruthless methods. This was just what he thought, but he knew to keep his mouth shut because Mio and the others would probably be unhappy with him if he said what he thought.

"Eiji, your idea isn't bad. If it was me earlier I would have agreed, but since the 7-on-7 tournament that the Demon Lord Faction announced is more to minimize the number of unnecessary casualties. I'd rather join this tournament."

"I see... Then let's do it, Ramusas-san."

Ramusas was happy that Eiji agreed. What he said was true, he originally wanted to ask Eiji for help in a war that was likely against with the Demon Lord Faction and Demon Council behind him. But he didn't expect that before he prepared, the current Demon Lord, Leohart wanted to decide everything with a tournament.

Ramusas felt that this idea was better than a big war between the two Factions that would definitely reduce a few percent of the population in Demon Realm. As the one who wanted to unite Demon Realm under his rule, Ramusas could afford to sacrifice a few people in his plan, but sacrificing hundreds to millions of his own people's lives was something he did not want.

If that was the case. The people were not submitting to him because they supported him from their hearts, they simply feared the power of the Moderate Faction and were forced to submit.

The latter was no different from the true desire the Demon Council had. If it wasn't for the lack of power, Ramusas knew those old men wouldn't have bothered relying on Demon Lords like Wilbert, Leohart and other Demon Lords in the past.

"That's good. What about the other six?"

To Ramusas' question, Basara also naturally wanted to participate in this. In fact other than Eiji, Ramusas did not expect much from the others, even his own daughter as he felt their power was lacking. But as long as there was Eiji, he was confident that the Moderate Faction's winning percentage was very high.

Basara was approved to join. Mio and the other girls looked at each other. Sona adjusted her glasses as a signal that she wanted to talk.

"You?" Ramusas didn't pay much attention to the girls his daughter brought. According to Lucia, besides the girls from the Hero Clan, there were also girls from the same school as her daughter in the human world. They were not ordinary people because they were brought here and had magical powers, but that was all Ramusas knew.

Sheila did not tell Ramusas about the existence of the Devil of the Underworld, she even asked Lucia to keep it a secret from him.

"My name is Sona Sitri, Ramusas-san."

"Well... I already know your names from Lucia. Do you want to participate too?"

"No, I'm sure my fiancé, Eiji is more than enough for that. And only 7 people are needed, me and my other friends... Originally just wanted to protect Mio on the way here and satisfy our curiosity about the Demon Realm."

"Oh, so what do you want?"

Ramusas glanced at Mio before glancing again at the girl with glasses who was actually no less beautiful than his daughter. There were also other girls, for example the most striking was the crimson-haired girl who somewhat resembled Mio! If Ramusas when he was Wilbert was very sure that his descendants were only Mio and Maria, he suspected that the girl named Rias Gremory was his illegitimate child.

But Ramusas immediately denied this because he didn't feel any blood relationship with the girl either.

Putting that aside―

"I just want to know where exactly the tournament is being held? Is it in the Demon Lord Faction's territory and when? Even if some of us don't participate, we can still come, right?"

Sona Sitri huh? This girl was definitely one of Eiji's women. When dealing with a Faction leader like him, there was no fear or nervousness, not even respect from the way she looked at him for some reason.

Ramusas did not mind this because the girl was Eiji's woman. Or rather the boy's fiancée? As a father, Ramusas was a little worried that Mio would be overwhelmed by competing with a girl like Sona Sitri. Rias Gremory who was standing not far from the girl also exuded a superior aura that was different from the other girls in this room.

"About that. Actually except for the people who are representatives, it's not good to bring too many people into another Faction's territory. But for you guys, I will make an exception."

"And about your other question..."

Ramusas explained ― basically explaining that it was true that the tournament would be held in the Demon Lord Faction's territory, precisely at a battlefield located in Lundvall and would be witnessed by everyone in Demon Realm. About the timing, the Demon Lord Faction actually gave them time to prepare for 3 days after the Moderate Faction accepted the challenge from them.

Sona and the others nodded after hearing this. Except for Eiji, he wondered what Lala and the others were doing at home? He missed those girls. Though he could go back and forth to the house, but forget it. Let's finish this arc first.

Shortly after that, it was decided that those participating in the tournament from the Moderate Faction's side would be Eiji, Basara, Mio, Maria, Kurumi, Yuki and Zest. The rest would follow the group as additional members and just in case when they arrived at Lundvall they were ambushed or something.

At least if that happened ― they wouldn't have to worry about a lack of combat power although that worry was unnecessary since Eiji was also there.

"I know Mio's problem can be solved by Eiji alone, but it's good if you guys also try to solve your own problems."

"At least before you're completely cornered, Eiji doesn't have to always intervene."

Sona said everyone should try and not rely too much on Eiji for everything which made the girls gulp. Rias snorted, she already knew this and was not happy with Sona acting as a leader.

Eiji stared with Sona in awe. The girl also looked at him and raised her white neck as if to say "Praise me."

[I actually don't mind continuing to solve problems that my woman has. After all, I'm a man who likes to pamper his own woman. But what Sona said also helped... I feel like that girl is getting prettier today.]

[It's decided, tonight I'll give her lots of love.]

Needless to say, Sona knew what Eiji meant. She shuddered because her body might be destroyed tonight, but she was also excited. Her cheeks feeling hot, she pretended to be calm in front of everyone.

However, how could the girls not know what was really going on?

"..."

[Rias: Girls, just to let you know. Sona is going to be a masochist tonight.]

[Sona: Rias, stop feeling envious and spiteful.]

[Rias: I'm not envious! I'm not spiteful!]

[Mai: It's crowded as usual.]

[Asia: Rias-san, Sona-san... Please don't fight... At least in the group chat.]

[Kuroka: So it's okay if they fight in real life, nyaa?]

...

After Eiji and the others ended their discussion with Ramusas and exited the throne room. At the training ground located in the southern part of the castle. The place was very spacious and had a magic barrier that worked somewhat similar to the barriers created by Azuka and Fabium ― this barrier had the ability to automatically repair damage to a certain degree.

But for Eiji that wasn't enough, he strengthened the barrier with the "Time Matter" ability which also separated the flow of time within the barrier. Eiji's eyes lit up, this really worked!

In fact he was just testing, but he didn't expect he managed to create a barrier similar to Chisato's time barrier in the original work. ―Of course Eiji's is stronger, because one day inside the barrier is equal to one hour outside the barrier.

Eiji can make the time difference even more outrageous for example like one day inside the barrier is equal to one minute outside the barrier. But he felt that it was too much, just to train Mio and the others, this was more than enough.

"Wow~ Eiji-san, Eiji-san. This barrier now has such abilities? Seriously?!"

Maria was excited, she was already wearing her combat outfit which was basically a black S&M outfit. As for the other girls? They were wearing school sports uniforms.

...In daily life, they often wear school uniforms. Now they also wear school sports uniforms to practice.

Eiji wondered if these girls really liked the clothes the school gave them? In the original work, they were also like that...

[At least try to wear the same clothes as Maria.]

"Yes, so you don't have to worry about time. If you've had enough, you can stop at any time."

The girls nodded, but inwardly they complained...

Dressed like Maria? You want us to practice or have sex inside the barrier?

Although it wasn't impossible, especially when Eiji was the only guy here and Basara? Basara was practicing alone elsewhere on his own initiative.

But please be serious, okay?

Eiji pretended to cough before passing two bottles filled with flaming red liquid into Mio and Maria's hands.

"Eiji, what is this?"

"It's red like blood but I'm sure it's not blood. Is this a new type of aphrodisiac?"

[No, Maria, how do you think I gave you and Mio each an Aphrodisiac in a place like this?]

So if not here, you might do it? The heroines fell silent.

"Those are Potions of Ascension. Mio, you've realized there's another power hidden inside you, right? You can't use it at will because that power hasn't fully awakened yet."

"Yes..."

"And Maria, you are exactly the same. There is a hidden power inside you... You actually have stronger potential than your older sister and mother."

Eiji seriously said to the two girls. The other girls were watching, honestly when a man was serious, they did look more handsome.

"I'm actually that strong?"

Maria just heard this. She always thought she was just a small Succubus whose power was slightly above average. She never thought that she could surpass her mother and older sister.

As for the hidden power she had? Was it a power she inherited from her mother? Maria felt that it made sense...

But her guess was wrong because actually―

"Yes, Maria. You too... It's exactly the power you inherited from your father."

"My father?"

When her father was mentioned, Maria was confused because she didn't actually know who her father was. Her mother always avoided this question whenever she asked who her father was.

[Sheila doesn't seem to have told Maria about who her real father is? This is the same as in the original work. Besides, if Maria's father's identity is revealed, Maria's identity will also be as sensitive as Mio's because her father is actually...]

The heroines sighed, they were ready to scold Eiji in their hearts for speaking in half-measures.

Sheila who was taking care of some things in the castle was a little panicked hearing what Eiji wanted to say. But when remembering Maria was one of Eiji's women, she sighed.

...At this point she actually wasn't too worried if Maria knew who her father was.

"Your father is the same as Mio. He is Wilbert, your mother's former lover."

"Eh!!?"

"So in short, you two both have hidden powers that are suitable to be awakened by the Potions of Ascension in your hands. After drinking that, you―"

"Wait, wait, wait a minute Eiji-san!"

"What's wrong?"

Eiji frowned, he honestly wanted to skip all of this if possible, but this also had to be done to change the plot in the original work.

Maria's lips twitched, Mio also opened her mouth without saying anything.

Obviously something is wrong! I mean how can you say such a shocking thing to us and continue talking as if it's nothing...

"That... Eiji-san, is my father really Demon Lord Wilbert, just like Mio-sama?"

Maria asked with doubt and an incredible expression on her face.

"That's right, your father is indeed Wilbert. You can ask Sheila, I'm sure she won't bother hiding this now."

Maria and Mio looked at each other. Originally their sibling identities were made just for convenience when they went to the human world. But in the end they were really sisters because they had the same father? They were surprised, but that was it, things between them hadn't changed much ― although Maria was a little complicated, but she knew the more important thing now was to increase her power!

They had to win the tournament with their power and not keep bothering Eiji to solve their problems. At least they should also contribute and help.

What Sona said actually pricked Mio and the others a little.

Seeing the girls stop being surprised, Eiji continued.

"The potion in your hands has the ability to awaken the hidden power in one's body. With this, you two should be able to gain power quickly before the tournament starts."

"Here, you just need to practice control and familiarize yourself with your powers afterwards."

The other girls looked at Mio and Maria with envy. What about them?

"Unfortunately I only have two Potions of Ascension. Mio and Maria are the most suitable to use them."

Except for Sona, Rias, Akeno and Tsubaki who were fine since they weren't the ones competing in the tournament. The first two even already had enough power to defeat the Demon Lord and their Faction if they were serious and Ramusas would definitely be surprised.

The other girls like Yuuki, Kurumi and Zest were feeling sour. But the latter two were better off because Kurumi had actually received the Black Elemental from Lucia just like in the original work ― it was a colored orb containing the power of a darkness-type High Grade Heroic Spirit that could be attached to her spirit glove. There was also her Master-Servant contract with Eiji that had greatly increased her power.

As a Spirit Master, Kurumi was the ranged type and Eiji strengthened her Black Elemental with his own power. Kurumi was happy, she just needed to practice using it.

Zest? Not long ago they had had a lot of sex. Zest's own body was actually already equivalent to a High Grade Demon since she was born from the forbidden magic Zolgear used. She had a high natural affinity with the earth element and extraordinary magic power. Especially after connecting Master-Servant magic with Eiji, Zest's power was now actually almost to the point where she could defeat one of the gods like in the original work.

Zest did not know this and did not ask for more from Eiji, she would use her power to help Mio and the others in the tournament.

Now... What about Yuki?

"Yuki, I have something for you."

"Huh? But I'm not your woman, I'm just... Is this okay?"

Yuki's face was expressionless, but she was not so cold as before. She did not immediately refuse and instead asked doubtfully.

Eiji refrained from grinning. Do you know what the beginning of a woman's downfall is? Well, it is when a woman often glances at you without saying anything, and the next stage is to accept what you give her.

Yuki bit her lip. After being brainwashed by Rias, Akeno and her own younger sister. Now that Yuki didn't have much resistance towards Eiji, her eyes widened when she saw him give her a sword.

Yuki muttered, the sword was a western-style sword, it had a silver blade with ancient letters on it. The hilt was gold and black with an elegant design ― there were specks like gold-colored stardust flying around the blade.

Even before touching it, not only Yuki. All the girls in the training ground could feel the overwhelming power contained within the sword.

"It's called the Sword of Four Seasons. A sword that contains the harmonious power of the Spirit Lords. I know you are a swordsman, Yuki. You can use this sword."

"I'm giving it to you to help us in the tournament. So don't refuse."

[I didn't mention that this sword is actually from another world. I got it not too long ago, and I was actually already planning to give it to Yuki because it was useless to me.]

[This sword is more useful for Yuki and I don't have to worry about some villains in the original work being able to hurt the girl after she receives this sword.]

"...Thank you Eiji. I... Will accept it."

Hearing Eiji's inner voice, Yuki's heart trembled and the iceberg on her face melted. Besides being touched that Eiji cared about her even though she was always cold to him, Yuki was also embarrassed to feel the gazes of the other girls, many of them were looking at her with a smirk.

Yuki took the Sword of Four Seasons from Eiji's hand gently and instantly she felt a rush of power flowing through her body.

Her hero power evolved into something else.

...

A/N: If you want to read 7 advanced chapters with a faster update frequency than the webnovel, you can read it on my patreon whose link is below:

https://www.pâtreon.com/DogLicker

Replace "â" with "a" and search in your browser.

By the way, don't forget to throw power stones and leave a review to motivate me :)