Chapter [158]

Tokyo - The Next Day

Riser, Ravel, Asia, and Yubelluna found themselves in the heart of Tokyo, surrounded by the vibrant energy of the city. Modern and luminous skyscrapers announced the grandeur of the metropolis, while the streets buzzed with hurried people and vehicles. The atmosphere was one of excitement and dynamism, typical of the Japanese capital.

Riser, wearing an elegant suit, led the group with confidence. His eyes scanned the surroundings with interest, but his posture and expression showed that he was there for both business and leisure. Beside him, Ravel was radiant, her eyes shining with enthusiasm as she observed the lights and sounds of the city.

Asia, with her shy and gentle demeanor, looked around with admiration. She wore a simple but beautiful dress that highlighted her sweetness and innocence. Seeing the shop windows and various tourist spots, her eyes sparkled with curiosity and joy.

Yubelluna, ever faithful and protective, accompanied the group with an attentive and serene posture. She wore an elegant tailleur that matched her firm and dedicated personality. Her watchful eyes were constantly on alert, ensuring the group's safety and well-being.

As they walked through the busy streets, Ravel couldn't contain her excitement. "Onii-sama, Tokyo is so incredible! I want to see everything! Can we visit Tokyo Tower and then shop in Shibuya?"

Riser smiled at Ravel's excitement and nodded. "Of course, Ravel. We can visit Tokyo Tower and shop in Shibuya. After enjoying the tourist spots, we'll stop by the company to take care of family business."

Ravel jumped for joy, her eyes shining even brighter. "Thank you, Onii-sama! It's going to be an amazing day!"

As they walked through the busy streets, Ravel spotted an ice cream parlor and looked at Riser with a pleading expression. "Onii-sama, can we stop for ice cream? Please!"

Riser laughed, unable to resist his sister's enthusiasm. "Of course, Ravel. Let's all get some ice cream."

Yubelluna, always attentive and protective, smiled slightly and nodded. "I'll accompany you, Ravel-sama."

The group headed to the ice cream parlor, where Ravel chose a colorful ice cream and Asia opted for a classic vanilla flavor. Riser and Yubelluna also got ice cream, enjoying the relaxed moment in the bustling city of Tokyo.

Kuoh - Isolated Location

While Riser and his group enjoyed their outing in Tokyo, in an isolated location in Kuoh, Merlin was in the company of Tiamat and three hypnotized humans. The place was an old abandoned factory, far from prying eyes, perfect for planning the kidnapping of Issei's parents.

Merlin, with a cold and calculating smile, looked at the humans with disdain. "You know what to do. Bring Issei's parents here without raising suspicion. If you fail, there will be no safe place to hide from me."

The humans, under the control of Merlin's hypnosis, nodded obediently, ready to carry out her orders without question. Tiamat, observing everything closely, maintained her imposing and vigilant posture.

"Merlin, are you sure this will work?" Tiamat asked, her voice carrying an unshakable authority.

Merlin looked at Tiamat, her eyes shining with confidence. "Of course it will. Issei's parents are ordinary people, easy to manipulate and kidnap. And with these hypnotized humans, we won't leave any traces that could link us to this. Everything is going according to plan."

Tiamat nodded, satisfied with the answer. "Good. Then let's ensure there are no failures."

As the humans prepared to execute the kidnapping, Merlin and Tiamat remained vigilant, ready for any eventuality.

Thalindor's Dark Castle

Thalindor's Dark Castle stood imposingly against the gray sky, its Gothic towers and dark stone walls creating an atmosphere of mystery and power. Inside the castle, the dark and silent corridors were illuminated only by the flickering flames of torches.

Diodora walked with determined steps to a secluded and heavily protected room. His face showed a mix of frustration and determination as he prepared for the conversation he was about to have. He stopped in front of a heavy door carved with ancient runes, took a deep breath, and pushed it open.

On the other side, Euclid Lucifuge was sitting at a large dark wooden table, surrounded by ancient books and research equipment. Euclid, Grayfia's older brother, was known for his coldness and calculation. His penetrating eyes and silver hair shone under the torchlight, giving him an even more intimidating appearance.

Euclid looked up when Diodora entered, his expression remaining impassive. "Diodora Astaroth," he said in a low, controlled voice. "What brings you here?"

Diodora walked up to the table, his hands trembling slightly with tension. "Euclid, I need your help. I'm facing a difficult situation, and I need more power to overcome my enemies. Sirzechs and Riser are making my life difficult. I need something that gives me the advantage."

Euclid looked at Diodora with a disdainful gaze, well aware of the young Astaroth's fetishes and depravities. To Euclid, Diodora was pathetic, a weak being unworthy of his position. But he kept his expression neutral, though his thoughts were dark.

'Diodora, you are truly pathetic. Your desires and fetishes make you weak and despicable. But perhaps you can be useful in another way.'

"You must be aware that things have changed since Ophis' disappearance," Euclid said, keeping his voice calm. "It hasn't been easy for anyone. We are all facing challenges."

Diodora frowned, his determination renewed. "I understand that, Euclid. But I'm willing to do anything to get what I want. I need strength, power. No matter the cost."

Euclid kept his cold gaze on Diodora, his thoughts growing darker.

Thoughts: 'Perhaps you could be the perfect test subject for one of my experiments. Your desperate quest for power may be exactly what I need to test my theories.'

"Are you truly willing to do anything, Diodora?" Euclid asked, leaning slightly forward. "Because I have an experiment in mind that could give you the power you desire. But know that the risks are high, and the process may be... painful."

Diodora nodded vigorously, his determination shining in his eyes. "Yes, Euclid. I'm willing to face anything. Just tell me what to do."

Euclid smiled slightly, a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Very well, Diodora. Let's begin. Come with me."

Euclid stood up and guided Diodora down a dark corridor to a secret room filled with equipment and ancient runes. He knew that Diodora would be the perfect subject for his experiment and that this was the ideal moment to test his most audacious theories.

As Euclid began to prepare the ritual, his dark and calculating thoughts revolved around the possibilities the experiment would bring. He knew that Diodora was desperate enough to submit to anything, and this was the perfect opportunity to explore the limits of demonic power.

Thoughts: 'Diodora is nothing but a pawn in my game. If he survives, he'll have the power he desires. If not, I'll have learned something valuable. Either way, he'll be useful to my purposes.'

With a cold and determined smile, Euclid began the ritual, knowing that regardless of the outcome, he would emerge victorious.

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