Chapter 4: A Cold Day in Hell

- Silas -

I slumped down on my couch while Milim sat down with her Cotton Candy next to me.

The mess I caused was thankfully in the Tokyo area rather than anywhere near my home or it would have been much harder to clean up.

Milim apparently had a lot of fun while out so she was not bothered and returned to her handheld console.

Around an hour later, Rimuru and the rest also returned back.

"So, how was your day, Milim, Silas?"

"It was awesome. We ate crepes, ice creams and cotton candies, played games and Silas fought an annoying woman and then we returned home."

"Oh, that sounds amazing… hold on, what was that about Silas fighting?"

"There was this woman who attacked us out of nowhere and I was about to punch her but Silas came in and completely destroyed her in a moment. She was so weak hahahaha."

I didn't even bother to sigh and just slumped more into my seat.

On Rimuru's urge, I explained the situation to him as he sat down beside me.

"Wow, sounds like you all had quite an adventure alright." He sat down beside us and brought out a trophy and Ainz also brought out a trophy of his own.

The first and second prize awards for the cosplay competition.

….

Are you trying to show off, bastard?

"We think this should be kept in the restaurant." Ainz explained, seeing my annoyed look.

"Okay. I will get a showcase for the restaurant."

"I can take care of that." He got up and made one using his Greater Item Creation and put both the awards on the shelves.

Shuna got up with a blush and added a third prize on the shelf too.

"Shuna was awarded one even without entering." Rimuru explained and I gave the girl a smile.

"So, how was the business?"

"Oh, that was a success? We sold twenty five thousand copies of the manga on the first day alone. Apart from those seven thousand copies of the Light Novels were sold. The sales increased when Rimuru, Ainz and Shuna took three top places in the cosplay event and came to see the manga in our shop. According to my calculation, we made a 12 million yen profit in one day alone." Tanya brought out her books and showed us the accounts.

12 million… in a day wow.

"We have two more days. I think you should join us too. Lavinia will be free tomorrow and she can keep a watch on the store. Milim will be playing in Tempest. You will be free to join us."

"Hmm. I think I can help out although, it would be better if I changed how I look."

"We can find a way. But first, we need to prepare for tomorrow. Also, I need to *cough* review *cough* some material before tomorrow."

"Umu and I need to assist him in the reviews." The Slime jumped on Ainz's shoulder.

…they are going to read porn.

- Lavinia -

"Are you taking care of yourself, Va-kun?" She asked Vali.

"Hmph. I will be fine. You should worry about yourself." he snorted. He was such a tsundere sometimes.

"This guy is so rude. Do you want me to beat him up, Lavy?" Brandish asked, scowling.

"Hah? Wanna fight? Bring it. As if I'm afraid of you, little girl?" Vali bristled, releasing his demonic power.

"Who are you calling a little girl, you half pint brat? I am taller than you." Brandish replied, looking bored but her magic power was also flaring.

Thankfully, they were in a Fallen Angel sponsored establishment and magic was common in this place.

"Now now, I told you both. No fighting."

"Hmph."

"Hmph."

Both pouted and faced away from each other.

"You two are already becoming such good friends."

"We're not." They answered at the same time but turned away making even the onlookers laugh.

She made them both sit down as she faced the other two occupants of the table. "So, how is your training going on, Tobi-kun?"

"I-I'm getting used to it. Are you…"

"Hmm?"

"Are you alright in your new home, Lavinia-san?"

"Oh yes. Grandpa August has been out for a while but he will return soon. In the meanwhile, I have fun working for Sil. The guests of the restaurant have been nothing but kind to me. Oh and Sil-kun gives wonderful cuddles." She giggled, making the other two blush.

"Lavinia, there has been some news about the Wizards of Oz. These are the ones who were not in the country during what people are calling the Great Purge. They are looking for the Mysterious Lucifer." They were calling Emperor Zeref as the Mysterious Lucifer so as to keep his identity a secret. It was working too. "There is also some news about the cult of Hagoromo Gitsune stirring and working with them. Do you want to join us?" Natsume offered.

Her eyes stilled for a moment at the mention of the name. "The Wizards of Oz has nothing to do with me now. I have a new home and a new family. I don't want to drag them into any kind of mess due to my own actions."

"The Governor General has offered to assist if you need any help. Please contact us if you ever need help."

"Hmm. Thank you. But we don't want to participate in the matters of the Supernatural World if possible."

"... *sigh* I wish I could do it too. But my Sacred Gear… I need to learn to control it and they are teaching me how to. I… don't want to be helpless anymore." Tobio clenched his fists.

"You are a very brave boy, Tobi-kun. I am sure you will become a very strong man. Please take care of Va-kun. He can be a little impulsive at times."

"I don't need anyone to take care of me." He crossed his arm, pouting.

"We will."

As they were talking, the door to the room opened and Azazel himself walked in.

"Oh, Lavinia. How rare of you to be here? Are you doing well? And who is this little friend with you?"

"Yes. Thank you. My friend is Brandish. She is a student of my new teacher."

"Hoho, the new illusive teacher you talked about last time. I can't meet him even now?"

"He wants to stay out of the Supernatural world. If I get permission in the future, maybe."

"Tell me something Lavinia. It's not an interrogation, mind you but have you heard of a Devil who is extremely good at Ice Magic? Anyone your teacher has heard of perhaps? I honestly thought it was you but you have been here all this time…"

She narrowed her eyes at the comment?

Ice Magic… Devil. She could only think of one person.

"What is this about, Mr. Azazel? Why would I be doubted?"

"Hmm, I guess telling you wouldn't make any difference anyways. Today, near Tokyo, someone killed Katerea Leviathan. Just froze her instantly, attacks and all. There are very few people capable of doing so…"

She because of her Longinus.

But, Katerea Leviathan…

"The Old Satan faction people were searching for the mysterious Lucifer and attacked the little sisters of the current Lucifer and Leviathan along with one other girl. They were stopped by another devil who killed her and disappeared from the scene. Actually, many people think it was Serafall herself knowing how much she dotes on her sister but… she doesn't have that much power. Not to mention, Serafall was in a meeting with Nurarihyon and me. The Japanese Supernatural factions were pissed that some Devil tried to pull that in the middle of Tokyo. The Five Principal Clans are going to make a fuss. So, keep watch for them. Those people… they have more pride than they are worth."

"A Devil stronger than the current Leviathan?" Natsume exclaimed.

Lavinia kept her own thoughts to herself. "I am sorry but I haven't heard of anyone like that."

"That's fine. Just be careful. Japan is not going to be peaceful for a while. Nurarihyon is talking about the cult of Hagoromo Gitsune stirring up. With the current attitude of the Five Principal Clans, they will be taking an aggressive approach to calm down any kind of problem."

"I will keep that in mind. In that case, I will leave for today. I am already late."

"Alright, take care."

She ruffled Vali's hair and left with Brandish who gave Vali a look before following her.

At least someone was getting along with others.

Now, just how did Sil-kun get himself dragged into this mess.

- Azazel -

She knew.

Lavinia knew the Devil he was talking about.

He hadn't followed her the first time when she had suddenly asked to leave Grauzabebrer and even broke connections with Grigori, especially after suddenly gaining the Incinerate Anthem.

A human with two Longinuses was completely unheard of before, especially the two which were almost opposite in function. The fact that she was still alive was already a miracle. It could have been because of her so-called teacher.

August. A human magician that he had never heard of.

She was not under any kind of spell nor was her memories changed.

Back then, he had been careful to not push the guy because he didn't want to poke the hornet's nest. The Utsusemi Agency had and he wouldn't like to see if the spell that was used would be effective on Fallen Angels too.

And Lavinia hadn't shown any kind of behaviour that would show that she was hostile to any one. In fact, she had made it a point to cut off all association with any Supernatural factions and only came to meet Vali sometimes.

At first he had thought that this magician was just a cover but today another student came in.

"So Vali, I see you already have a rivalry running with the other girl, Brandish."

"Rivalry? She is weak. My Rival can only be the Red Dragon Emperor and no one else." he snorted.

This brat…

A pair of wings appeared on his back. "Well said. And while it's true that the Red one is our rival. The child called Brandish was not weak. She was around your own age and the magical power she released was on par with your own. There are not many humans, current or in history, who have that much power."

"Oh!" That child?

"Hmph. More magic just means I will have more power when I divide her power."

Still… for someone to be able to rival Vali… It seemed that this August fellow had a fairly high standard for choosing disciples.

Now, what exactly was his goal?

Was he really trying to just stay out of the Supernatural world or keep a lowkey profile until all these disciples grew up to suddenly take an interest in the world?

A new Lucifer, an unknown Human Magician, August and now the mysterious Devil who uses Ice Magic.

Sigh.

Why do things keep getting chaotic?