Rias's Villa — Late Evening.
The large living room was brightly lit, filled with laughter and chatter. A lavish spread of food covered the table, but the sharp scent of alcohol lingered heavily in the air.
Koneko and Asia fidgeted slightly, uncomfortable with the smell—they didn't drink.The others, however, seemed completely at ease.
After all, who here hadn't tasted alcohol before?
"You two, are you sure you don't want to try a little? It's really good," Leona asked, her eyes hazy with drink as she leaned toward Koneko and Asia.
"I'll stick to juice," Koneko said bluntly."M-Me too," Asia stammered, her cheeks already pink.
Even the scent in the air made them dizzy—actually drinking would be disastrous.
Arata Hayashi smiled slightly, raising his glass."Come on, let's keep drinking."
"Cheers!"
Glasses clinked, laughter filled the room, and the women downed their drinks in one gulp. Some were clearly drunk but continued to pour more.
Esdeath, however, was quiet—her cold gaze fixed on Rias.
So this is the master's childhood friend...She's beautiful. But I'm not inferior.
Feeling Esdeath's gaze, Rias smiled gracefully."You're quite strong, Esdeath. I'm glad Arata has a loyal follower like you."
Esdeath met her eyes silently, then smiled."As expected of the Queen of Gremory—you're generous. But truly, it's my honor to serve the master."
She raised her glass. "Miss Rias, I offer you a toast."
"Of course," Rias replied, clinking glasses.
"Then I'll toast you too, Rias," Leona giggled."Come on, cheers!" Rias said, accepting every glass with a composed smile.
As the hostess—and the queen—she needed to maintain control no matter how drunk the others became.
Arata observed quietly, eyes calm.Every time they drink too much, chaos follows, he thought wryly.
Just then, Kasumigaoka Utaha approached him. Her beautiful eyes, slightly clouded by alcohol, shimmered with a strange light.
"Master… I used a lot of magic today," she said softly, her voice laced with teasing boldness brought on by the wine.
Before Arata could reply, Leona stumbled over, clinging to him with a mischievous smile."Master, I want to replenish my magic too," she whispered into his ear.
"Burp~"
Akagi, already tipsy, giggled and crawled over like a playful kitten.
"This… this is getting out of hand!" Sona Shitori froze where she stood. "Hey! You all—could you at least remember I'm still here?"
Her protest fell on deaf ears. The scene grew increasingly wild.
Blushing furiously, Sona stiffly turned away."Right. I'll just… excuse myself from this banquet."
"Wait! I'm coming too," Koneko blurted, quickly following her out.
She was sure that if she didn't leave now, she'd regret it forever.
Meanwhile, Rias, cheeks slightly flushed, looked toward Esdeath."Esdeath… aren't you going over there?"
Esdeath blinked. "You don't care?"
"Why should I?" Rias replied coolly.
Esdeath tilted her head, slightly amused. Is she serious?
Rias smirked faintly. "Magic replenishment is the master's way of rewarding his followers. And in the underworld, a capable man having multiple wives isn't unusual."
Esdeath met her gaze, intrigued. So this is devil culture…Even I feel a little outmatched by this openness.
Shaking her head with a chuckle, she said, "Since you put it that way, I won't hold back."
"Then you'd better hurry," Rias said smugly—before realizing what she just agreed to.
"…Wait. What?" Rias blinked, then gasped.He's not actually going to… is he?!
But before she could process further, her pride as the Gremory Queen kicked in.I am the Queen. I won't lose.
Elsewhere, Akeno sat quietly, pretending to sip from her glass, her face flushed.Her breathing quickened, and her heart pounded wildly.
My body… it's getting hot…
She shook her head, trying to resist the haze of alcohol."No, not here…"
Desperate for a distraction, she stood up abruptly."There's not enough wine. I'll get more," she said aloud—and walked out.
But once outside, she peeked through the door crack, cheeks glowing.This is enough entertainment for one night…
Back inside, Asia sat alone, trembling.
The events of the previous night still haunted her… and now this?
She folded her hands, eyes closed, praying fervently."Merciful Lord… what should Asia do? Ah—it hurts…"
Later…
After the Ranking Game ended, Arata finally had time to relax.He began focusing again on expanding his knowledge and training his devils.
Esdeath and her comrades soon returned to their own world—under Arata's orders.Although the Revolutionary Army had been destroyed, remnants remained.
And faraway nations still held extraordinary knowledge—territories Arata needed to claim.
But traveling between worlds was effortless for him now—he could return with a single thought.
Arata Hayashi's Status:
Occupation: Origin Magician
Magic: Origin Lightning Magic (Lv. 31+)
Origin Points: 17
"I wonder," Arata murmured, staring at the glowing panel before him,"Just how strong am I now?"
He had used all his accumulated Origin Points.His power had multiplied several times—but quantifying it was impossible.
After all, this world was a fusion of countless realms.Power systems overlapped chaotically.
Even among devils, strength often defied measure—only battle could tell who was stronger.
Just as he pondered, a strange fluctuation rippled through the air.
"Huh…?" Arata looked up sharply.
Something—or someone—was approaching.