With a heavy heart, Akeno left Tenraku's room. They had learned too many unbelievable things in such a short time, and they needed time to digest and accept it all.
"You shouldn't have told them so early." Standing by Tenraku's side, Grayfia spoke in a calm tone.
Shaking his head, Tenraku didn't reply. If he could, he wouldn't have wanted them to encounter these truths so soon. However, for Rias and their own safety, Tenraku ultimately made this decision.
The journey to the Vampire territory was inevitable for Tenraku. It was not only to fulfill the promise made to Valerie but also to obtain the powerful Longinus that she possessed. To face the imminent threats, Tenraku needed more and more power.
Taking a deep breath, Tenraku soon calmed his emotions. Although the revelation about the God of the Holy Bible had added pressure, he had faced crises numerous times before. He could endure it as he did in the past; it was just a matter of staying focused on what needed to be done now – rest and sleep!
Rias and her group probably wouldn't come over tonight, and Raynare and the others had already returned to their rooms. Was Tenraku going to spend the night alone?
Looking at Grayfia beside him, Tenraku dismissed that thought.
"Go find Venelana..."
Muttering to himself, Tenraku suddenly lifted Grayfia horizontally and, with a flash, entered the Saints and Demons Hall.
Two days later—
"Rias, I entrust the house to you."
Ready for departure, Tenraku bid farewell to Rias and her group. This time, Tenraku brought Gasper, Yubelluna, Xuelan, and other members of his peerage, along with Raynare, Mittelt, and Kalawarner, three fallen angels. Rias and Sona's group remained at home.
"Yeah, go and come back early. If you need help, contact us anytime." Adjusting Tenraku's clothes, Rias gave him advice like a wise wife.
"Don't worry; we'll be back as soon as we resolve things there." Kissing the girl's forehead, Tenraku smiled, then subtly signaled Akeno and Sona. The two women, understanding Tenraku's intent, nodded imperceptibly.
After bidding farewell to the women at home, Tenraku didn't linger. With Gasper, Yubelluna, and others, he embarked on the journey.
The Vampire territory was located in Romania, Europe. Unable to teleport directly due to the lack of coordinates, Tenraku and his group had to travel in the conventional way. They had booked a private plane in advance for their exclusive use.
The plane slowly took off, gradually disappearing from sight under the watchful eyes of Rias and her group.
...
"Gasper, let's play together!"
"Ile-Chan, Nel-Chan, I'm not in the mood to play right now. Go find someone else."
"Are you thinking about your friend again? Don't worry, with Tenraku-Sama and us, we'll definitely rescue her!"
"Come and play with us quickly, or we'll chop you!"
"..."
It would take a few more hours to reach their destination. In the comfortable cabin, the lively Ile and Nel were once again bullying Gasper. Meanwhile, Tenraku and Yubelluna planned to take a short nap.
"What's wrong, Tosca?" Seeing Tosca sitting beside him looking somewhat strange, Tenraku inquired.
"Tenraku-Sama, I want to go and pay respects to Isaiah and the others." A mournful expression appeared on Tosca's face as she spoke softly.
Understanding that the girl had once again recalled those sad memories, Tenraku's eyes softened.
"After we resolve the matters with the Vampires, we'll accompany you," Tenraku said while gently rubbing the girl's forehead.
"Yeah..." Closing her eyes, Tosca leaned against Tenraku's chest as she spoke.
Silence prevailed as Tenraku and his companions arrived in Romania, Europe, after several hours of travel. Observing the familiar yet somewhat unfamiliar land, Tenraku couldn't help but sigh.
He recalled coming here in the past to seek information about Sacred Gears and train. At that time, he exchanged a Phoenix Tear for information about a Sacred Gear wielder. Unfortunately, before he could act on the information, he was ambushed by a group of vampires and captured, leading to his imprisonment in their territory.
Though confined, this adversity led him to encounter Gasper and Valerie, seize Gasper's Sacred Gear "Evil Eye that Stops the World - Forbidden Balor View," and embark on his true path to becoming stronger.
Returning after many years, Tenraku was no longer the solitary and weak youth. He now commanded an outstanding peerage, had reliable companions, and possessed formidable strength. Even in the face of vampires, rulers of the night, he felt no fear.
After a brief rest in town, Tenraku, Gasper, and the Yubelluna group set off again. The Vampire territory was hidden in the primal jungles of Romania, shrouded in perpetual mist, isolated from the world. Regular people couldn't enter, and even Church exorcists had never found their stronghold.
Although the environment had changed considerably, Tenraku still remembered the general direction of the Vampire territory from when he escaped. After flying for several hours, the group finally discovered a concealed place enveloped in dense fog.
"This is it!"
With a slight smile, Tenraku and the girls landed.
"Is this the kingdom of the Vampires? Let's go in quickly, Lord Tenraku!"
Ile and Nel were eager to rush in, but as soon as they entered the thick fog, sharp sounds pierced the air.
"Scatter!"
Tenraku and the girls leaped into the air just as iron spears shot out from the fog, hitting the spot where they had stood moments ago.
"Who dares to trespass into our Vampire territory!"
A loud voice echoed, and vampires emerged mysteriously around them. Bloodthirsty and cold, they surrounded Tenraku and the girls, their mouths revealing terrifying fangs.
"So many vampires!"
"Lord Tenraku, can we chop them all up? Can we?"
Eyes shining with excitement, Ile and Nel eagerly pulled out their chainsaws.
"Don't be naughty, you two!"
Tenraku knocked their heads while scolding them.
"I am Devil Phenex, Kamiya Tenraku. They are my peerage and companions. I need to enter your Vampire territory to handle some matters. I hope you can let us through, and I don't want unnecessary conflicts with you." Tenraku spoke while addressing the surrounding vampires.
"Kamiya Tenraku, the Kamiya Tenraku from the Phenex family?"
"Are you joking? How could such a monster come here!"
"Impossible, he must be deceiving us!"
Although Tenraku revealed his identity, the vampires seemed incredulous. Instead of believing, they glared angrily at Tenraku.
"Vampires, do you doubt the identity of our master?"
Yubelluna, her expression frosty, stepped forward, releasing her powerful Magic Power. Since receiving the "Fog of Extinction - Dimension Lost" from Tenraku, Yubelluna's strength had reached the level of a Top-Class Devil. The sudden release of her potent Magic Power shocked the group of vampires.
"Could, could you all wait? I will report immediately."
A vampire who seemed like a small captain stepped forward nervously.
Feeling Yubelluna's overwhelming Magic Power and sensing the concealed aura of Xuelan and the other girls, he began to believe in their identities. Cold sweat broke out as he realized that if the monster from the Phenex family were true, they would be facing an opponent beyond their capacity to resist.
"Go, but I hope you won't keep us waiting too long."
Signaling for Yubelluna to return, Tenraku said with a smile.
To be continued...