The aura was growing stronger!
Looking at Utaha Kasumigaoka, Arata Hayashi's eyes lit up.
From this angle, the opponent showed excellent adaptability to the Essence of the God of Fire.
The prepared methods might not be usable anymore.
"My power..."
At this moment, Utaha Kasumigaoka had stopped transforming. She looked down and saw only a faint red mark.
Moreover!
Her magical power hadn't changed, but another, stronger force was surging.
This was the power of the Essence of the God of Fire.
"Congratulations, you survived."
Arata Hayashi lowered his gaze: "And the position of the mark is perfect."
"I just escaped death. Master, can't you comfort me?"
"Then come to my room tonight!"
"Perverted Master, you wish for it."
Arata Hayashi stopped teasing Utaha Kasumigaoka and looked at Asia Argento. He took out a golden pendant and said, "Here, this is your gift."
It was another imperial weapon, created from a super dangerous species, focused on defense, and just right for Asia Argento.
"I love this gift!"
Asia Argento's face lit up with joy, and it seemed as if stars were twinkling in her eyes.
"As long as you like it!"
Arata Hayashi patted her head: "Try it out and see if it suits you."
"If it doesn't work, I'll get you another one."
"OK!"
Asia nodded and followed Arata's instructions. Soon, a faint golden light enveloped her holy nun uniform.
"Yes, it seems to be successful."
Seeing this, Arata Hayashi nodded with satisfaction.
"…"
Watching from a distance, Utaha Kasumigaoka subconsciously clenched her fists.
Is that all?
Why is my own imperial weapon so dangerous?
"Alright, you two should get used to your Teigu. I'm going to be away for a bit."
Arata Hayashi waved his hand, and a magic circle appeared beneath his feet.
The next moment, he disappeared into his room.
…
In a villa resembling a castle, the magic circle's light flickered and vanished.
Arata Hayashi's figure appeared inside.
"You're back, Arata!"
Rias Gremory, wearing a yukata and wiping her long red hair, exclaimed in surprise.
"Um!"
Arata Hayashi held Rias Gremory in his arms: "We have enough followers now. How are things going with the ranking game?"
Rias leaned on Arata's shoulder, rubbing it gently: "It's going surprisingly smoothly. The game is set for three days later."
She sniffed the air lightly, her face flushing, and looked at Arata:
"But no matter what, my fiancé can only be you."
Staring at Rias, Arata Hayashi's eyes darkened: "So, is it time to fulfill your duties as a fiancée?"
"Um?"
Rias's eyes blurred slightly as she looked into Arata's, not avoiding his gaze.
This day had been long-awaited.
Feeling the warmth, Arata Hayashi also lowered his head.
…
During this period, Arata Hayashi had been exposed to magic books the most.
He developed his own unique understanding of them.
But now he felt that none compared to the one in front of him.
A brand-new magic book needed careful handling, and reading it consumed a tremendous amount of energy.
Moreover, Arata discovered that this magic book could be read both forwards and backwards.
Even turning it over revealed new knowledge points.
The book was highly readable, and fresh knowledge constantly emerged.
This made Arata focus even more, studying with intense seriousness.
Unconsciously, it became late at night.
…
Outside the door, Akeno Himejima blushed as she held a cup of tea.
What a coincidence—she had run into Arata and the minister studying the magic book together.
She hesitated, pressing her ear to the door.
She, too, longed for new knowledge.
Time passed slowly.
A blush spread across Akeno Himejima's face, her toes curling slightly, her body trembling.
She finally breathed a sigh of relief and left quietly.
"Akeno-senpai!"
Koneko Toujou entered the villa and asked, "Is Minister Rias here? I need to see her for something."
"Rias Gremory is very busy right now."
Akeno Himejima smiled: "Just ask me if it's something urgent."
"Oh!"
Koneko nodded, suddenly sniffing: "What's that smell? It's so strange."
Subconsciously, she looked at Akeno Himejima with a puzzled expression.
…
The next morning, Arata Hayashi and Rias Gremory walked down the stairs.
"hiss!"
Rias moved a little too abruptly, and her long, bright red hair became slightly messy.
Arata quickly helped her: "Is everything okay?"
"Isn't it all your fault?" Rias gave him a charming look and said, "Tell me the truth. Between you and your family, is there anything..."
Her voice grew weaker, as thin as a thread.
Say it!
Isn't it a bit embarrassing?
Arata Hayashi replied seriously: "Don't worry, you are ahead of everyone else."
Am I the first one?
Rias immediately felt majestic.
In a devil's worldview, common sense differed from humans.
But as childhood sweethearts, she had to hold the position of main wife.
Otherwise, losing would be far too bitter.
"Ah la la, you two are up already?"
Akeno Himejima, who had prepared breakfast, smiled.
"Okay, Akeno!"
Arata sat down without hesitation, beginning breakfast: "Azunai, you came to see Rias yesterday, right?"
"Hey."
Upon hearing this, Akeno Himejima froze, her face pink.
Does he know everything?
That's too embarrassing…
Memories of last night began surfacing in her mind.
"You came to see me."
Rias Gremory blushed slightly but remained calm: "Is there something important?"
"No, I just brought tea."
Akeno Himejima avoided Arata Hayashi's gaze: "And Koneko Toujou came too. He had a problem with his training, which I already solved."
After finishing, she left quietly, avoiding any further interaction.
Staying any longer would have been unbearable.