Lucifer mentally confirmed the jump to the Tier 2 world.
His objective was clear: this martial arts focused reality provided the perfect environment to integrate his raw powers with disciplined physical movement, a skill sorely lacking in his repertoire.
He needed a fighting style.
[System Fund Progress: $11,150,000 - $2,500,000 = $8,650,000 / $3,500,000]
The deduction was immediate. Lucifer braced himself as the space around him warped for the dimensional shift.
"Lucifer! Wait!"
Raven phased through the wall, panicked by the massive spatial energy discharge she couldn't identify.
"You are initiating a massive, uncontrolled spatial fold! You cannot do this alone!"
"Raven, stand back!"
Lucifer commanded, unable to explain the System.
"No!"
Raven insisted, grabbing his arm.
Driven by fear of losing him—her new, terrifying emotional discovery—she focused her power, anchoring her dimensional presence to Lucifer's energy field.
She saw it as a tactical imperative: stabilization and proximity.
"Hold on, Raven!"
Lucifer shouted as the energies spiked.
The dimensional jump slammed them into the new reality.
Lucifer found himself in the quiet courtyard of a traditional Japanese dojo, surrounded by training equipment.
Raven appeared beside him, reeling slightly from the energy drain.
"World confirmed,"
Raven reported.
"The primary threat is highly skilled martial artists. Where are we, Lucifer?"
"A place to train,"
Lucifer replied, surveying the magnificent dojo sign: Ryōzanpaku.
"In this world, physical skill surpasses technology. We are here to acquire that skill."
Before they could formulate a plan, the Elder, Hayato Furinji, emerged.
The Elder's presence alone registered as a massive warning in Lucifer's Fundamental Insight.
"We mean no offense, sir,"
Lucifer stated instantly, adopting a polite, deferential posture.
"We are travelers. We seek the opportunity to acquire genuine, disciplined martial arts training."
The Elder chuckled.
"Training? We don't take new students easily. You smell like someone out of this world and have the aura of one who has seen too much chaos."
The Elder didn't attack; he simply pressed his fingers against him.
Lucifer, reacting purely on survival instinct, deployed the field.
The Elder's fingers met the barrier, causing a heavy, concentrated shockwave of displaced air.
The field held, but Lucifer felt the profound power behind the Elder's simple touch.
The Elder frowned.
"An interesting power. Impressive durability. But it uses far too much energy for a simple touch."
Lucifer immediately lowered the field.
"I am sorry, Elder. Purely reflex. I am here to learn how to control and apply power—how to fight. I need the discipline of martial arts."
Raven stepped forward.
"We offer logistical assistance, access to advanced defensive technology, and security in exchange for sanctuary and training. We know this dojo is currently under threat from external forces."
The Elder stroked his beard, his eyes sharp.
"A demon making a pragmatic deal. Very well. You may stay. If you truly seek the discipline of the martial arts, you must demonstrate your commitment. Our training is not for the weak."
The challenge was acceptance itself.
Lucifer needed to prove he was worthy of the techniques held within Ryōzanpaku.