As the alliance with the Bael family solidified, Ryo felt a surge of satisfaction. The pieces were coming together—he and Sona were now two steps closer to solidifying their influence in the underworld. However, he knew they couldn't rest just yet. There was still one more family to win over, and the looming threat to Sitri territory meant they couldn't afford to lose focus.
Ryo and Sona returned to the Sitri mansion, where Ophis greeted them with her usual blank expression. She could sense the shift in Ryo's aura, especially now that the Sharingan had evolved even further.
Ophis: "You're getting stronger, Ryo."
Ryo nodded, his eyes still gleaming faintly with the power of the 3-Tomoe Sharingan. "Yeah, but the hard part is still ahead. We have one more family to secure, and we're already hearing whispers of an impending attack on Sitri territory."
Sona crossed her arms, thinking carefully. "The third family is the Agares family. They are known for their diplomatic prowess and political maneuvering. Unlike the Baels, they won't be impressed by brute strength. We'll need a different approach."
Ryo: "Diplomacy, huh? That's not exactly my strong suit, but I'll back you up however you need."
Sona smiled slightly, appreciating his willingness to adapt. "It won't be easy. The Agares family is neutral and prefers to keep their distance from conflicts. But if we can show them that an alliance with the Sitri family will secure their political standing and protection, they may agree."
Ophis, who had been silent for most of the conversation, suddenly spoke up. "You'll need more than words to convince them. There's something else at play—something lurking beneath the surface of the underworld's politics. I can feel it."
Ryo narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean?"
Ophis turned her gaze toward the distant horizon, her expression unreadable. "A power older than any of the devil families. A force that seeks to upset the balance. You'll see it soon enough."
Her cryptic words hung in the air, but Ryo and Sona didn't press her further. They had a mission to focus on, and whatever threat Ophis was sensing would have to be dealt with in due time.
---
**TIMESKIP: Agares Territory**
The Agares family's estate was vastly different from the opulent, power-driven structures of the Bael family. The halls were quiet, elegant, and filled with intricate artwork that reflected the family's refined tastes and political heritage. Ryo and Sona were escorted to a grand meeting room where Lord Agares, a slender devil with sharp eyes and an air of regality, waited for them.
Lord Agares: "Sona Sitri. Ryo Uchiha. Welcome. I understand you've come to propose an alliance."
Sona gave a respectful bow. "Yes, Lord Agares. With the shifting dynamics in the underworld, it's in our mutual interest to form a partnership. The Sitri family offers both protection and resources in exchange for your support."
Lord Agares sat back, his fingers steepled as he considered her words. "Protection and resources are valuable, yes. But the Agares family has survived for centuries by remaining neutral. Why should we risk becoming involved in the growing tensions between the other devil families?"
Sona, calm and composed, responded with precision. "The neutrality you've maintained has kept you safe, but with the growing threat of outside forces—especially those from other dimensions—it's only a matter of time before you'll be forced to choose sides. The Sitri family can offer a united front."
Ryo watched Lord Agares carefully, sensing the undercurrent of tension in the room. His Sharingan activated briefly, allowing him to read the subtle shifts in energy around the lord. Something was off. Ryo could feel it—the presence of a dark force in the estate, lurking just out of sight.
Ryo: "I don't think we're the only ones interested in your neutrality, Lord Agares."
Lord Agares raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"
Ryo stepped forward, his eyes blazing red with the Sharingan. "There's a presence here—something powerful. I can sense it. Someone else is trying to influence you."
At that moment, the air in the room grew heavy. The shadows in the corners of the room seemed to deepen, and a cold, malevolent energy seeped into the space. Ryo immediately moved in front of Sona, drawing on his void manipulation to form a protective barrier around them.
From the darkness, a figure emerged—a tall, cloaked being whose presence radiated an ancient, dangerous power. Its eyes glowed with a sinister light, and its voice was a low hiss.
???: "So, the Uchiha boy can sense me. Impressive."
Lord Agares stood up, his face pale with shock. "Who… who are you?"
The dark figure smiled beneath its hood. "I am the one who has been guiding your decisions, Lord Agares. Your neutrality serves my purpose, and I cannot allow the Sitri family to sway you."
Ryo felt his blood boil. "You've been manipulating him this whole time."
The figure turned its gaze toward Ryo. "You're strong, Uchiha, but you are not ready to face me. The underworld will soon fall under my control, and neither your strength nor your void manipulation will be enough to stop it."
Without warning, the dark figure lunged toward them, its speed far greater than anything Ryo had anticipated. He barely had time to react, raising his void blade to block the incoming strike.
The clash of energy sent a shockwave through the room, shattering windows and knocking over furniture. Ryo gritted his teeth, his Sharingan analyzing every move the figure made, but even with his enhanced vision, the being's movements were almost impossible to track.
Sona quickly formed a magic circle, ready to support Ryo, but the dark figure's power was overwhelming. Just as it seemed like they might be overwhelmed, a familiar voice cut through the chaos.
Ophis: "That's enough."
In an instant, Ophis appeared in the room, her mere presence causing the dark figure to freeze in place. Her eyes, cold and emotionless, locked onto the being.
Ophis: "I knew I sensed something. You're not welcome here."
The figure hissed, recoiling from Ophis' presence. "Ophis… you cannot stop what's coming. The balance of power is shifting, and soon, even you will fall."
With that, the figure vanished into the shadows, leaving behind only a lingering sense of dread.
Ryo lowered his void blade, his heart still racing. "What the hell was that?"
Ophis turned to him, her expression as unreadable as ever. "A remnant of a much older power. One that seeks to destroy the current order of the underworld."
Lord Agares, still shaken, sat back down heavily. "I… I didn't realize I was being manipulated. That creature… it's been whispering in my ear for months, convincing me to maintain neutrality."
Sona stepped forward, her voice firm. "Now you see why neutrality is no longer an option. That force will come for you again, and the only way to survive is to ally with those who can protect you."
Lord Agares looked up at her, a newfound respect in his eyes. "You're right, Sona Sitri. I apologize for my hesitation. You have the support of the Agares family."
---
With the final alliance secured, Ryo and Sona returned to Sitri territory, their influence in the underworld now stronger than ever. But the dark figure's warning lingered in Ryo's mind. There was a greater threat at play—something that could potentially topple even the most powerful of devil families.
As they prepared for the next challenge, the system chimed again.
**[Questline Updated: The Queen's Gambit]**
**Objective 3: Defend Sitri Territory from the incoming threat.**
**Bonus Objective: Uncover the true identity of the dark entity.**
**Reward: Mangekyō Sharingan, Void Manipulation (Mastery Level), and "Eyes of the Void" skill.**
Ryo smirked, feeling the rush of adrenaline once again. "Looks like we're in for a fight."
Sona, standing beside him, nodded. "And this time, we're ready."