Ophis was seriously craving more.
The Jealousy Crystal had given her a bigger boost than she had expected.
After absorbing its energy into her body, she even gained a new ability. While the Dragon Crystal didn't offer as much power, it still loosened the limit she had previously hit.
As a symbol of infinity, Ophis was said to possess limitless power. But "infinity" was simply a closed loop of energy output and recovery. In truth, there was a cap to her output.
Now, after consuming both the Jealousy and Dragon Crystals, her cap had started to rise.
The more she ate, the more her power increased.
Realizing this, a light sparked in Ophis's eyes.
Especially after hearing Ren's words:
"Then, would you like to stay with me? I still have plenty of these. They may not boost you by much, but you have time, don't you, Ophis? Staying with me will be more helpful than what the Khaos Brigade can offer."
She had to admit—she was tempted.
Her once calm heart now rippled slightly.
She gave a small nod and didn't deny his proposal.
But after nodding, she asked:
"Are you willing to help me… reclaim Silence?"
"Of course… but I won't help you deal with the Great Red just yet. I'll just keep providing you with this food until you're strong enough to handle him yourself. Is that okay?"
In truth, Ren didn't want Ophis going back to the Dimensional Gap. After all, the Great Red was kind of a gatekeeper for the DXD world. Even he got decapitated by beings from another world in the original.
Honestly, it was dangerous for Ophis to stay there.
Besides, with such a cute kid—how could he not keep her?
Fou shot him a resentful look, as if to say: You're clearly bringing her here just to steal my food.
Even Kuroka sensed the danger.
New companion +1 (×)
Household status -1 (√)
That was basically how Kuroka felt.
If it had been someone like Rias, she wouldn't have cared.
But Ophis, the Infinite Dragon God? Sorry, in this household, power determines rank—even if you're the lady of the house.
Otherwise, why would she constantly butt heads with Fou?
The others had no opinions, since their own household standing was already at the bottom. A few more wouldn't make a difference.
Ophis nodded and said,
"I want to become stronger… and personally reclaim Silence."
Her eyes fell again on the Jealousy Crystals. After finishing the last piece, she looked back at Fou—clearly eyeing what was left.
Fufu: "???"
When this beast throws out question marks, it's not me who has a problem—it's you!
Haven't you stolen enough already?
Suddenly, the space around them began to ripple.
Ren rolled his eyes. Finally, they arrived.
Even though he hadn't killed Cao Cao and the others, they were definitely injured.
They probably needed time to recover before coming over.
Actually, when Cao Cao first encountered Ophis, she was just staring at ice cream.
After Fufu paid, they left. Cao Cao sensed Jeanne was fighting, so he wanted to regroup and then go find Ophis.
Who knew things would turn out like this?
If Ren knew what happened, he would've mocked him: Why not just take Ophis with you and then find your people?
This guy's brain clearly short-circuited.
Still, between Fou and himself, it didn't really matter who showed up.
The only difference was whether he swatted them to death or not.
"Ophis-sama, isn't it time we—"
Cao Cao's words stopped as he stepped out with Jeanne and the others—meeting Ren's gaze head-on.
Ren tilted his head slightly and smiled warmly.
"Hi!"
Cao Cao: "…"
Jeanne: "…"
George: "…"
Looking at that face they'd never forget, they fell silent.
Cao Cao licked his dry lips and forced a smile.
"Excuse me… This shop isn't…"
"Yep. It's mine."
"And that little animal who was always with Ophis?"
"Yep. My pet."
"And Ophis-sama is now…"
"Yep. She's my pet now too."
Cao Cao: "???"
He looked at Ophis in disbelief, screaming inwardly.
I know you're innocent, but my Boss got snatched this fast? Seriously?!
"Ophis, you…"
Ophis looked up and began her internal logic tree.
Ren feeds me = I am Ren's pet = Ren is my caretaker. And to Ren, pet = family.
Having reached that conclusion, she answered calmly:
"Mm. Ren is my caretaker. I am Ren's pet."
In an instant, Cao Cao's face changed completely.
My Boss left for a bit and ended up being sold off as a pet.
And the guy who did it almost slapped me to death.
Cao Cao's eyes locked onto Ren. His face darkened as he considered the possibility of snatching Ophis away right here.
"You…"
Just as he was about to speak, Ren smiled without a word. That strange beast behind him leapt onto his shoulder.
As its gaze fell on him, an overwhelming fear surged through Cao Cao—as if he were facing a natural predator. While not as intense as facing Ren directly, the fear was still impossible to suppress.
"What… what is this thing…"
They may have been descendants of heroes, but they were still human.
And unfortunately, as long as they remained human, they could not overcome the pressure that came from Fou—an entity like their natural enemy.
After Fou's show of force, the others began to move as well.
Dark energy surged around Raynare, and as if in response, Jeanne's eyes began to glow faintly with a black light.
Kuroka gave a wicked smile, purple energy pulsing from her hand.
Examon stood up and walked behind Ren.
Cao Cao and the others widened their eyes.
"That's… the dragon…"
They realized it might be the reason their Boss chose to stay here.
Though if they had known their Boss stayed just for the food, they wouldn't know what to think.
"Well then, please continue your performance."
Ren smiled and made a "please" gesture.
Cao Cao fell silent instantly.