Chapter 66: Gabriel Depravity, Esdeath's Challenge

Gabriel's eyes lit up with excitement.

She was convinced that acquiring this staff would definitely save that character. She clicked to get it.

'Biu'—a new screen popped up.

It was a lavish purchase ad, and then Gabriel saw the price of the staff.

Tens, hundreds, thousands—"9,999?!"

(Note: Prices in this book are based on RMB; currency conversions are too much trouble.)

"That's so expensive!"

Gabriel almost jumped out of her seat. She remembered her angelic staff had only cost 6 yuan. Over time, she had also bought some smaller items for a few dozen or hundred yuan. How could this staff suddenly cost 9999?

Her monthly living expenses, including rent, only came to 3000 yuan. Even though doing good deeds increased her allowance, she simply couldn't afford it!

"Sigh."

Just as she was about to close the purchase screen, a sorrowful voice came from the screen.

"Angel... I'm dying..."

'Beep beep beep!'

Her angel radar went off like crazy.

As an angel, how could she stand by and let someone die?!

Gabriel bit her lip, now in a dilemma. Should she ask Raphiel or Vignette for a loan? But then she dismissed the thought—both Raphiel and Vignette didn't have much money either.

In heaven, angels had to do good deeds to increase their monthly allowance. Demons, on the other hand, needed to do "bad deeds." However, the underworld had evolved over time. While demons still needed to commit "bad" acts to keep their demonic status, the severity had lessened considerably. Nowadays, something like showing up late for school could count as a serious misdeed. Vignette, who was kind, beautiful, and always willing to help, could have easily been an archangel if she weren't a demon. But because she was a demon, her allowance was pretty limited.

Gabriel pondered. "Maybe Satania would have some money?"

But she shook her head at that idea too.

"No way. That idiot would look down on me if I borrowed from her."

Gabriel didn't even notice that her attitude had changed from before, and her angelic halo seemed to dim slightly.

"Is there anyone else I could ask?"

Just then, an idea flashed through her mind.

"Rei Ao!"

Oh right, she almost forgot. She knew a real human, and he lived next door.

Glancing at the screen with the coughing old man, Gabriel made up her mind.

"Don't worry. I'll definitely save you!"

...

'Ding dong!'

In the end, Gabriel nervously rang Rei Ao's doorbell.

After a moment, 'click'—the door opened, and Rei Ao appeared, looking puzzled.

"Gabriel, is there something urgent this late?"

She was clearly fidgeting, her fingers nervously twirling. Anyone could tell she had something heavy on her mind.

"Uh, um, Ao-san, could I… borrow some money?"

Gabriel stammered, embarrassed as she voiced her request.

"Hmm?"

Rei Ao raised an eyebrow, giving her a once-over.

"Even angels can run out of money?"

"Well, heaven provides us just enough for our needs," Gabriel said, scratching her head in embarrassment.

"Then why are you short this time?"

Rei Ao narrowed his eyes. He already had an idea of what she was up to.

"Uh..."

Under his scrutinizing gaze, Gabriel felt even more uncomfortable. After a moment of hesitation, she took a deep breath and bowed deeply.

"Ao-san, please come to my place. I really need your help with something important!"

"Alright."

Rei Ao agreed without hesitation. Turning back, he called out to the dining table where Mai was seated.

"Mai, I'm going over to Gabriel's place for a bit. I'll be back soon."

"Okay, don't take too long, or I'll eat everything," Mai teased.

Though she was joking, she knew her boyfriend was a bit too fond of women. However, she didn't think he would make a move on the angel next door—at least not easily.

"Here are the slippers, please come in."

Gabriel handed Rei Ao a pair of slippers and led him to her room. As Rei Ao took in the simple, neat decor, he noticed it was still tidy and clean. This suggested that Gabriel hadn't fully descended into laziness yet.

Gabriel sat him down in front of her computer and pointed to the screen.

Seeing what was on it, Rei Ao wasn't surprised. In fact, he had already expected this.

"So, you're borrowing money to buy this game item?" he asked, pointing to the screen.

"Uh..."

Gabriel felt awkward but nodded seriously, hands clasped together in prayer as her wings unfurled and she radiated holy light once more.

"..."

Rei Ao's expression turned strange. She was seriously trying to "save" an in-game character designed to bait people into spending money. He thought it was absurd.

Seeing her persistence, Rei Ao came up with an idea.

"Ahem."

He cleared his throat and said, "I can lend you the money."

"Great! He will surely thank you for saving him!" Gabriel's eyes sparkled with excitement, eager to get her divine staff.

"No."

Rei Ao shook his head.

"You'll be the one saving him, not me. I'm just lending you the money, but you have to pay it back."

"I will! I'll pay it back as soon as I can!" Gabriel quickly promised.

Rei Ao pondered for a moment. "I trust an angel's word. But, I'd still like to have a contract, just to be safe."

"A contract?"

Gabriel thought for a moment, then conjured a beautifully ornate piece of paper out of thin air.

"This is a three world contract. It holds significant power. You can write your terms on it."

"Impressive," Rei Ao said, taking the contract and sensing its unusual power. He believed Gabriel wasn't lying and began drafting the terms.

After a while, the contract was ready.

"Huh?"

Gabriel was surprised when she saw the terms:

[1. Gabriel can borrow money from me anytime.]

[2. Each borrowed amount must be repaid within three months.]

[3. The total amount Gabriel can borrow cannot exceed 150,000 yuan.]

[4. If Gabriel fails to meet the terms of #2 or #3, she must unconditionally agree to one request from Rei Ao.]

"The first, third, and fourth terms seem a bit unnecessary," Gabriel said, thinking she only needed to borrow once and could easily repay it within three months.

Rei Ao, however, didn't share her optimism. Considering how addictive these kinds of games were, he knew she was headed down a slippery slope.

"Just think of it as my safety net," Rei Ao said with a shrug. "Agree, and I'll lend you the money."

Gabriel hesitated, but just as the elderly character on the screen pleaded for help again, her resolve strengthened.

"Okay, I'll agree."

Driven by impulse, Gabriel signed her name and pressed her hand to the contract, confident that she would repay the loan.

"Great, hand over the contract."

After pocketing the contract, Rei Ao smirked, satisfied that his plan was now in motion. He transferred the money to Gabriel.

"If you need more, just let me know."

With that, he left, leaving Gabriel excited to start her next gaming adventure while he went home, looking forward to spending time with his "bunny girl" for some fun.

[Ding! Esdeath has sent a trade request!]

Before even stepping through the door, Rei Ao received this notification.

"Esdeath?"

He had indeed given her access to the sub-group, but he hadn't expected a trade request from her so soon. The trade content was intriguing.

[Trade Content]: Engage in a duel with Esdeath. The winner takes everything!

[Ding! Please select trade terms!]

"A duel?"

Rei Ao's interest was piqued. Considering Esdeath's battle-maniac nature, this request was perfectly in line with her personality.

[Name]: Esdeath

[Level]: 34

[Ability]: None

[Possession]: "Demon God Manifestation: Demon's Extract"

At level 34, it was clear Esdeath was much stronger than Budo. No wonder she was regarded as the Empire's strongest. However, her Imperial Arms made Rei Ao curious.

"Demon's Extract... It's that blood-like substance, right? So it's considered a possession, not an ability?"

He had assumed Esdeath would have a personal ability, but it didn't matter. Her power wasn't as formidable as his freezing capability. In fact, her possession could be something he might give to one of his own women in the future.

"Winner takes all, huh? I like it."

Feeling confident in his victory, he decided to up the stakes.

...

[Ding! Your trade request has been accepted!]

[Trade terms]: "Body usage rights for one time," "Demon God Manifestation: Demon's Extract"

Esdeath saw the response and smiled with excitement.

"Someone who can kill Budo... I can't wait to see how I'll conquer you after defeating you."

She stood up, issuing a command, "Everyone, rest here tonight!"

Some of the soldiers were puzzled, as they had been ordered to return to the capital immediately by the minister. But Esdeath didn't seem to be in any hurry. Though they were confused, the soldiers obeyed her command without question, a testament to their absolute loyalty and respect for her leadership.

Esdeath ventured far from the camp alone.

"Let's see if you dare to face me, leader of the chat group."

True to her philosophy of survival of the fittest, Esdeath accepted Rei Ao's conditions without hesitation. She didn't care about the "body usage rights." The loser lost everything, and the winner deserved it all.

...

[Ding! The trade has begun!]

[Trade content]: Engage in a duel with Esdeath. The winner takes everything!

[Trade terms]: "Body usage rights for one time," "Demon God Manifestation: Demon's Extract"

'Click.'

The door opened, and Mai stood there, glaring at Rei Ao.

"Another 'body usage rights' deal?" she asked, clearly annoyed.

"This one isn't my fault. She's a battle maniac who wants to bet everything on a fight," Rei Ao shrugged, feigning innocence.

After hearing the mention of a fight, Mai's jealousy faded, replaced by concern for him.

"Is this Esdeath person strong?"

"She's formidable," Rei Ao admitted, "but not as strong as your man."

He kissed her on the forehead. "Don't wait for me. Go to sleep if you're tired."

With that, Rei Ao departed for Esdeath's world.

Meanwhile, in Esdeath's world, the members of Night Raid were in a state of high alert. Leon, along with the other group members, rushed into Akame's room, their faces pale with worry.

Esdeath, the strongest enemy of the Revolutionary Army, had entered their chat group. Everyone's attention was on Akame, even ignoring the captive Kurome.

Najenda, their leader, was the first to speak. "Akame, do you know why Esdeath is also in the chat group?"

Akame shook her head. "I don't know. I thought only members of Night Raid could join."

Mine, frustrated, scratched her fluffy hair. "Great, now our biggest enemy is in the group too."

But Akame turned to look at her sister. "Kurome isn't in Night Raid."

"..."

Mine fell silent, realizing Akame was right.

Kurome was part of the Empire, and yet here she was. Perhaps Esdeath's presence wasn't so surprising after all.

Leon's concern, however, was different. "Do you think Rei Ao could lose?"

"The probability of Rei Ao winning is higher," Najenda analyzed. "At least from what I know, Esdeath couldn't instantly kill Budo in the past."

Leon's eyes brightened. "What about now?"

Najenda shook her head. "I'm not sure. I haven't seen Esdeath since the day she took my arm and eye."

"Then we're still in danger," Mine said, her face sinking.

"Akame, aren't you close to Rei Ao? Couldn't you ask him if he thinks he'll win?"

"Close?"

Akame was puzzled. Apart from that one day when they shared an intimate connection, she had only spent a few hours with Rei Ao. Was that really considered "close?"

Mine, exasperated, said, "You two already did it, didn't you? Isn't that close enough?"

"Mine."

Sheele gently stopped Mine and shook her head, reminding her that the relationship between Akame and Rei Ao wasn't that simple. It had been a trade, not a bond born out of affection. Realizing her mistake, Mine quickly shut her mouth.

Just then, Akame sent a message in the chat group.

"@Rei Ao, will you win?"

"I'll win." Rei Ao replied confidently.

Akame looked at the others and relayed the message. "He said he will win."

...

"An inter-world power duel... That sounds interesting. Can we watch it live?" asked Frieren in the chat.

"Sure," Rei Ao replied.

[Ding! Rei Ao has started a live stream!]

As the group joined the stream, they saw Rei Ao standing face-to-face with a tall woman in military attire.

"It's really her..."

Najenda immediately recognized Esdeath, particularly her predatory, wolfish eyes.

Esdeath, too, saw the messages in the chat group and smirked. "You're quite confident you can win."

"I'm confident in my strength," Rei Ao responded calmly.

~~~

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