Chapter 74 - Sudden End and To Japan

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A week had passed since Lavinia and I sealed our Devil-Magician Pact. In that time, we had grown close, sharing our knowledge and skills in magic.

I quickly learned that Lavinia's abilities with magic were as impressive as her reputation as a prodigy suggested.

Under her tutelage, my understanding of general magic had improved significantly.

Likewise, Lavinia had benefited from my insights into the intricacies of rune magic.

One afternoon, when Lavinia and I were practicing a particularly complex spell in the spacious training hall provided by the Grauzauberer Association, Mephisto-jiisama entered the room. And his usually jovial expression was replaced by a more serious demeanor.

"Rey, Lavinia, there's something important we need to discuss."

Mephisto-jiisama said with his voice carrying an unusual weight.

We paused our practice and turned to him, sensing the gravity of the situation.

"What is it, Mephisto-jiisama?"

I asked.

"As I have already said to you before, lately there has been a troubling trend among various magician associations. Many magicians have gone rogue and disappeared under mysterious circumstances. This is not isolated to just one group but has affected several associations worldwide. The magicians who have disappeared were not highly skilled and but they shouldn't be lost contacts without good reason. Their sudden absence has raised alarms but the details of what causes this incidents are sparse. You remembered that, right?"

Mephisto-jiisama said while he walked to us.

"Yes. You did mention it before."

I said remembering that the incident was one of the reasons why he wants me to make a Devil-Magician Pact with Lavinia.

"Do we now already have any leads on what's causing this because you mentioned it again?"

Lavinia said frownedly and her mind racing with possibilities.

Mephisto-jiisama nodded his head slightly.

"Aye. We already have some clues indeed.... I have been in contact with Azazel. He and I have agreed to cooperate in investigating this case. Given the scale of the disappearances, it's clear that this is a coordinated acts."

Mephisto-jiisama explained and he also mentioned a familiar name too.

Azazel. Leader of the Fallen-Angel.

He had helped me a lot and it's been a few years since I last met him.

"You want me to send me to cooperate in this investigation, don't you?"

Lavinia asked with a bit innocent curious expression at the mention of the Fallen-Angel name.

Mephisto-jiisama nodded.

"Exactly. You are my most trusted and capable magician, despite your youth. Your skills and intellect make you the perfect candidate for this mission."

Mephisto-jiisama said to Lavinia trusting her based on her prowess in magic and her mastery over her Longinus, «Absolute Demise».

"What about me?"

I asked if I also have to cooperate in this investigation too.

"Oh. For you, Azazel and I don't think you need to involve yourself and your family for this case, Rey. But surely it's not like because you're not suitable or strong enough, it's the contrary instead.... It's just that, added with Lavinia, for this cooperation will already be consist of two Longinus users. So we thought that if added with you and your family too it will be like sending an elite army just to eradicate some small fries."

Mephisto-jiisama said with a bit wry smile.

And I twitches my lips slightly at his words. Because truly if considering my family force here which includes a Longinus user, a Godslayer Goddess, an Ouroboros, and a Time-Manipulator, indeed it's kind of overboard.

But I also wondering who's the other Longinus user that Mephisto-jiisama mentioned.

"But we will consider to ask your participation if we thought it was needed, Rey.... And I also feel sorry for you two because I'm afraid unfortunately you have to end your magic lessons earlier."

Mephisto-jiisama said to Lavinia and I with a guilty tone and expression.

Then I look at Lavinia.

"Well, that's quite unfortunate indeed.... But that's a big mission and responsibility. I'm sure you can handle it, Lavinia. We can continue our lesson after you're done with that mission."

I said with a shrug.

Lavinia looks slightly disappointed with the sudden end of our lesson. Especially with our relationship also have grown quite close just in this one week.

"I'm sorry, Rei~...."

Lavinia suddenly hugged me and said with a bit sad tone.

I know that she feels a bit conflicted with her responsibility as a Magician Association prodigy and her closeness to me.

"It's okay.... Please release me."

I said while lightly tapping her arm few times because she hugged me quite tightly.

I don't know how many times I've been hugged or any close skinship like that just in this one week.

Then she released me and I saw her expression turn determined.

"I won't let you down, Chairman."

Lavinia said with a slightly serious demeanor.

Mephisto nodded.

"Then Lavinia, you will need to go to Tokyo, where Azazel is currently based. You'll be working closely with him and the Grigori to get to the bottom of these cases."

Mephisto-jiisama said mentioning about what Lavinia have to do.

I felt a surge of interest at the mention of that.

"Oh. If it's to Japan then I would like to go too. It's been over two years since the others and I last saw Governor Azazel. He helped me a lot before so I'd love to see him again. And either way, my family and I planned to go to my territory at Nagano which at Japan too. So might as well. It's okay, right?"

I said that because that's indeed our plan after we finished our business in Las Vegas which is about the Pact with Lavinia.

Mephisto-jiisama nodded slightly.

"Okay then. You will leave to Tokyo two days later."

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Over the next two days, besides continuing magic learning with Lavinia, I also sometimes enjoyed the merry of Las Vegas while I can.

Lavinia oftenly dragged me to shopping, played some arcade games, watching movies, and etc. The others also sometimes come with us.

But the one who truly just spent their time with having fun was Kulshedra-san. I heard that for more than a week we're here, she has won millions from the casino. Well, I guess even the best gamblers or dealers has no luck against an Ouroboros which is the symbol of infinity.

And on the morning of our departure, we go to the airport where Mephisto-jiisama had arranged for a private jet to take us to Japan.

The sky was clear, and the sun shone brightly as we boarded the sleek, modern aircraft.

As the plane took off, I gazed out the window with my mind filled with memories of my time with at Governor Azazel's Lab. The Grigori leader had been instrumental in helping me understand the true potential of my Longinus, <<Serene Summoning>>.

Next to me, Lavinia was deep in thought, her usual calm demeanor tinged with a hint of excitement and anxiety about the mission ahead.

While Scathach-sama, Kulshedra-san, and Sakuya-san, seated nearby just silently sat or sleep.

The flight to Tokyo was long but uneventful.

And after the long flight, finally the plane descended smoothly over the vast expanse of Tokyo, the sprawling metropolis that seemed to stretch endlessly in all directions. The city was alive with activity, a bustling hub of lights and towering skyscrapers. We peered out of the windows, taking in the sight as the aircraft approached Narita International Airport.

As we disembarked, the familiar hustle and bustle of the airport greeted us as we through the terminal.

And as we walked out the arrival gates we saw a tall, elegant woman with long, flowing purple hair and an eyeglasses exuding aura of calm authority. She smiled warmly as she saw us approached.

"Welcome to Tokyo.... It's been a while, Rey-kun, everyone."

The woman greeted us with a smile and her voice smooth and welcoming.

It was Penemune, a high-ranking member of the Grigori and a familiar face to me and my family.

I returned the smile and replied.

"It's only a few months but yes indeed it has been a while, Penemune-san. I never thought you're the one who will fetch us. It's good to see you again."

I said and then Penemune-san nodded slightly.

"I've arranged transportation to take us directly to the Grigori headquarters. Azazel is eager to see you all."

Then we left the airport terminal and stepping into a black, luxury SUV which then takes us away into city.

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