Chapter 493: The Serpent That Devours
"Okay... Haruto-nii."
Though disappointed, Nimura Ruruko understood the gravity of the situation.
After safely seeing the girl home, Haruto headed straight back to his own residence.
Upon careful reflection, he roughly recalled who Diodora was.
Diodora Astaroth—a young devil from the newer generation. Despite being a devil, his fetish was nuns.
Asia had been excommunicated by the Church precisely for healing him.
The entire incident had been orchestrated by him, all for the chance to defile Asia.
This was all Haruto knew about him. He had only watched the anime adaptation, and as the later parts grew less engaging than the earlier ones, he remembered progressively less.
He never expected that even with the worldline shifting so drastically, this perverted nun-obsessed devil still couldn't forget Asia.
After Asia was expelled from the Church, before Diodora could make another move, she encountered Haruto and was targeted by Yuuma.
Amidst the ensuing chain of events, by the time Diodora found another opportunity, Asia had already dual cultivated with Haruto countless times.
Returning home, Haruto sought out Rias, gathered the girls in the living room, and explained what had happened.
"Um... Haruto-san, President..."
Asia lowered her gaze, speaking softly and timidly, "Actually... I encountered this person today after school too..."
"Asia, did he do anything to you?" Haruto asked, his tone laced with displeasure.
Seeing that using force against Haruto was impossible, Diodora had actually proposed trading all the nuns under his control in exchange for Asia.
The mere thought of it disgusted Haruto.
No matter how unattainably beautiful another woman might be, he would never trade his own woman for her.
If he remembered correctly, Diodora's women were also his Familiars—all pure nuns he had schemed to acquire.
"No." Asia shook her head gently and smiled. "Although I'm not very skilled in combat, I'm already Satan-Class now. Even if he wanted to do something, he wouldn't have the ability."
Despite Diodora's peculiar escape method, his combat power was merely that of an ordinary High-Class Devil.
Before approaching Haruto, Diodora had found an opportunity to speak with Asia alone, employing heartfelt confessions and nostalgic reminiscences.
Unfortunately, none of it worked.
In the end, when he tried to steal a kiss on her hand, Asia directly repelled him.
Left with no other options, he went to Haruto and made the exchange proposal.
"That person said he was the devil I healed back then—that I was excommunicated because I saved him. Now he wants to repay me... by taking me as his wife..."
Asia briefly explained the situation, then added as if worried Haruto might be upset, "Of course, I clearly refused him, but I never expected he would go to you, Mr. Haruto..."
Haruto smiled and pulled Asia into his embrace.
A happy smile appeared on Asia's face—this was more comforting than any words.
"Diodora is the current Satan, a distinguished member of the Astaroth family where Lord Beelzebub originates, and the next head of the household," Rias said, resting her chin on her hand thoughtfully. "I never imagined he'd be connected to Asia."
Another next head of a Satan family... Haruto silently grumbled to himself.
His prediction was correct—this wasn't just about high status, this was practically being a Satan's heir.
"Actually, I don't remember him well, not even his face clearly," the blonde nun shyly admitted once she'd calmed down under everyone's gaze.
Gently freeing herself from Haruto's embrace, she explained, "There were many painful things happening back then..."
It was precisely because she saved Diodora that Asia was expelled from the church that had raised her since childhood, then targeted by Fallen Angels.
Haruto understood perfectly—this was all part of Diodora's scheme, though he had intercepted it.
But the others didn't know this. As the next head of the prestigious Astaroth family, his reputation—or rather, his disguise—had always been excellent.
"Willing to make such a promise for the girl who saved him—that's so typical of Diodora, born into nobility," someone remarked.
"Don't worry about it," Rias said, patting Asia's head reassuringly.
"Yes, I understand."
Of course Rias wouldn't doubt Haruto's words, but deceived by the disguise, she merely thought Diodora had made this painful decision for the sake of his beloved.
In reality, it was simply because Diodora had grown tired of the nuns he'd been playing with.
And now, Asia—who had reached Satan-Class while still maintaining her faith in God—was an irresistible temptation to him, which explained why he'd risked his life to approach Haruto.
Haruto glanced sideways and said calmly, "That man isn't so simple. Everyone should be careful recently."
Since Diodora couldn't even defeat Asia, and being the next family head meant he couldn't act recklessly, this actually saved Haruto some worry.
As for Diodora's character, Haruto knew Rias would believe him if he spoke up.
But rather than telling them, it would be better to let them witness it themselves—to truly understand how appearances can be deceiving, and learn this lesson deeply.
The girls looked curiously at Haruto, especially Rias. But seeing he didn't intend to say more, they acknowledged his warning without further questions.
"Since everyone's here, I have an announcement to make," Rias said, her voice turning serious as her gaze swept over everyone, lingering particularly on the Occult Research Club members—or rather, her Familiars.
"There will be a Rating Game next week..."
"A Rating Game? With whom?"
"Not with anyone specifically—it's a tournament," Rias explained slowly under the girls' curious stares. "This is a tournament to determine the capabilities of the new generation of devils who will shoulder our future."
"If not for Loki's attack, this would have been held right after the alliance. That's why all the young leaders of our generation were present at the alliance ceremony."
"New devils, huh..."
Haruto scanned the room. Nearly everyone present could be considered a new devil, but leaving aside the members of the Occult Research Club, even Yubelluna and her group who hadn't fully recovered yet were among the upper echelons of the younger generation of devils.
Wouldn't their participation be an overwhelming advantage?
Even Sairaorg, the strongest of the new generation, was probably only at god-class level and completely no match for Haruto.
As if reading Haruto's thoughts, Rias continued: "But we don't need to participate since our strength is already in a different dimension. Besides, our battle with Loki served as sufficient proof."
With all members at Satan-Class, it would indeed be unfair to others, so this arrangement was understandable.
"What about Sairaorg? His strength would still overwhelm others, wouldn't it?"
Haruto asked with a frown.
While not participating was good news, besides Rias's group, Sona was also his 'King' in another sense.
Although their power had improved, he still didn't think Sona had what it took to face Sairaorg.
While no one died in Rating Games—at most being half-dead—that wasn't something he wanted to see either.
"Rating Games test overall strength. While Sairaorg is powerful individually, his Familiars are only decent," Rias explained. "That's why I mentioned this—first to inform everyone, and second, for your sake, Haruto."
Meeting Rias's gaze, Haruto understood. "President, you mean I can participate as President Sona's Familiar?"
"Exactly. Sona and her group have improved significantly recently, and this tournament is perfect for testing their progress."
"I understand. I won't intervene unless absolutely necessary."
"Since we're not participating, I don't know other details about the tournament."
Rias smiled. "With little time before the matches, you can spend more time with Sona recently. Don't worry about Asia—Diodora Astaroth is also participating."
"Understood."
Meanwhile, back in the Underworld, Diodora sat with closed eyes in his study, murmuring to himself: "Asia Argento... I won't give up on you."
The upcoming Rating Game presented a perfect opportunity, though unfortunately, Asia wouldn't participate as Rias's Familiar.
In that case...
Three days later.
A green magic circle lit up in the Occult Research Club's activity room.
"Astaroth..."
Rias set down her book, speaking slowly as she watched the magic circle.
Asia froze momentarily, tension rising within her.
Despite her increased power, her gentle and timid nature remained unchanged.
Diodora represented the darkest period of her past—even though she had moved on, she couldn't remain completely unaffected.
"Good day, everyone. I am Diodora Astaroth."
Diodora smiled with narrowed eyes at the women in the activity room. "I'll be direct—I wish to exchange clergy."
Asia was visibly startled. Having failed to exchange with Haruto before, he was now attempting to exchange Familiars directly with Rias.
Haruto had only learned later that Familiars could not only be lent but also exchanged.
Though Haruto was nominally Rias's Familiar and should obey her...
If Rias would actually do such a thing, she wouldn't be the Rias they knew.
It could be considered Diodora's luck that Haruto was not currently at the Occult Research Club, but rather assisting Sona and the student council girls with their training in preparation for the upcoming tournament.
Rias stared coldly at Diodora. "What you want is Asia, isn't it?"
"Hehe, straight to the point as expected."
Diodora moved his fingers slightly, and two miniature magic circles unfolded, projecting images of two elegant and noble young women.
"This transaction is absolutely not a bad deal, after all, what I'm offering is..."
Rias didn't even wait for him to finish speaking, cutting him off decisively. "Sorry, I have no such intention."
"Asia is my important Familiar, and I treat her like a younger sister."
"President..."
Asia, standing nearby, was deeply moved, her emerald-green eyes gradually welling up with glistening tears.
"To actually try to obtain the woman you want to propose to through a transaction - do you truly understand the meaning of a marriage proposal?"
This being her first time speaking with Diodora up close, Rias finally understood what Haruto had meant that day.
Not to mention Haruto, even she herself felt the urge to take action immediately, only holding back with great restraint.
After repeated setbacks and being confronted so directly by Rias, even the ever-performative Diodora finally reached his limit.
His eyes narrowed slightly, revealing a glimpse of eerie crimson pupils, while the fake smile vanished from his face.
After a pause, he turned and said, "I understand. I'll take my leave for today, but I won't give up."
Having said that, Diodora attempted to approach Asia, but was immediately blocked by the magical energy radiating from Rias.
Unable to reach the golden-haired nun he so desperately desired, Diodora could only continue with his sweet talk.
"Asia, our meeting and reunion are fate. Even if everything in this world denies us, I will overcome it all. I love you, Asia."
Unfortunately, no matter how beautifully he spoke, Asia offered no response.
And by this point, Diodora had no choice but to leave.
If the conflict escalated further, Rias might show restraint, but if Haruto were drawn in, he would have to expend another precious life-saving ability.
The Abyss, Underworld.
Shalba Beelzebub looked at the arriving Diodora and said in a low voice, "Have you finally made up your mind?"
"Yes, I've decided," Diodora replied with a sinister glare. "But let's be clear—when the attack is launched, you must help me eliminate the Red Dragon Emperor first."
"Don't worry, he's already part of our plan."
"Then it's settled. The time is four days from now. You can start preparing in advance. Here are the spatial coordinates of the competition venue."
...
A day later, Haruto looked at the dark-skinned beauty before him and smiled. "Good, this information is very useful. What reward would you like?"
"Not this time," Katerea replied, her cheeks flushing as she unconsciously tightened her long, sturdy legs. "I sneaked out, and everyone is taking this very seriously. If I'm discovered, it could be troublesome."
"Don't worry, you won't have to hide for much longer."
Haruto's gaze turned sharp. "This time, I plan to wipe out the Old Satan Faction in one fell swoop. After that, you'll be able to appear openly, just like Vali."
"Haruto..." Katerea hesitated, her words trailing off.
Noticing her evasive eyes, Haruto understood. "Don't worry, I'll do my best to spare the demons of the Leviathan family."
Though he said this, he knew he couldn't handle such a war alone.
Moreover, the battlefield would be chaotic, and it would be impossible to keep track of everything. His words were more of an assurance to Katerea—a way to let her know she wouldn't be discarded as a useless tool.
"Mm!"
The dark-skinned beauty understood this logic, but hearing Haruto's words still eased her mind considerably.
"Then I'll head back now."
"Alright, be careful."
After seeing Katerea off, Haruto immediately went to the Underworld and revealed everything about Diodora's collusion with the Old Maou Faction and the Khaos Brigade to Sirzechs and Serafall.
Given his current strength and his relationships with Rias and Sona, he could now directly meet the two Satans without needing to trouble Rias or Sona.
After hearing Haruto's report, Sirzechs asked in surprise, "How did you obtain such detailed information?"
"Uh, could I not say?"
Everyone knew about the capture of Katerea back then, but aside from Haruto himself, no one else was aware that he had manipulated her into a compliant puppet and sent her back as a spy.
Such a feat might seem impressive, but speaking of it aloud carried an unexpectedly embarrassing quality.
Rarely seeing this side of Haruto, Serafall and Sirzechs were curious but didn't press him after observing him for a moment.
"If you don't want to talk about it, that's fine."
Sirzechs pondered briefly before speaking slowly, "Your intel completely matches what we've gathered, and it's far more detailed. Its credibility is beyond doubt."
"You already knew about the Khaos Brigade and the Old Maou Faction's movements?"
"Yes, Diodora's magical power has been strangely increasing recently. We've also received some hints from the Norse pantheon and the Fallen Angels, so we've been jointly investigating for a long time."
Haruto suddenly understood why Sirzechs only expressed surprise at the level of detail in his report without showing other reactions.
Of course, an operation of this scale couldn't have been improvised.
The Khaos Brigade must have been planning this for a long time, with Diodora's involvement being just the final step.
"Ophis's Serpent Power? Then it seems we need to notify everyone about this operation."
Serafall's expression turned grave. The intelligence brought by Haruto—or rather, by Katerea—included not just detailed personnel arrangements and attack timings, but most importantly, information about the Infinite Dragon God Ophis.
The Khaos Brigade's confidence in confronting all mythological factions stemmed from Ophis's existence.
The Old Maou Faction's decision to strike the Underworld in one decisive move was also because Ophis had granted them some of her power.
The Infinite Dragon God Ophis bore another title: the Serpent That Devours Its Own Tail.
Both names carried similar meanings, representing concepts of infinity, cycles, immortality, and the world itself.
As one of the main combatants, Katerea had naturally received power bestowed by Ophis.
Haruto had examined the "∞" mark formed by two intertwined purple serpents on her palm.
Judging by the magical energy, it approached divine level. Combined with the host's own power, it might enable them to exhibit combat capabilities rivaling higher deities.
Though Ophis's power was immense, distributing it among so many people while achieving such effects was already remarkable.
After all, no matter how naive she might be, she wouldn't lend out all her power at once.
"I'll communicate with Odin and Michael about this."
Sirzechs nodded, equally serious.
If Ophis were involved, even with preparations and counter-ambush tactics, the Underworld alone might not be able to win this war.
"In that case, Rias and the others will have to participate in this tournament after all."
Serafall chuckled while looking at Haruto. "Since you're here, could you please inform them? You can make up any reason you want."
"Fine..."
Haruto reluctantly agreed, muttering before leaving, "This tournament is truly plagued with disasters. Last time it was Loki, and now Ophis is personally involved."
Serafall couldn't help but laugh. "Haha, don't worry. After this incident, we won't be holding any more tournaments."
"Let's hope so."
Haruto waved goodbye and took his leave from the two Satans, leaving the remaining matters for the higher-ups to worry about.
Being a Satan might seem impressive, but Haruto felt his current life was far more comfortable.
After returning home and casually making up an excuse to brush off any questions, Haruto used the Soul Network to vaguely hint at some inside information to Rias and the other girls.
Too many people knowing could lead to leaks, but a few hints shouldn't cause any issues.