Omniscient POV
Tenjoin Saki had planned a day out for herself and some of her friends—Kujo Rin, Fujisaki Aya, and Rurune.
While Saki enjoyed flaunting her wealth, what she truly loved was spoiling those she cared about.
Rin, ever composed and protective, walked beside her, keeping a watchful eye on their overly excitable friend Rurune, who bounced around them with boundless energy.
Aya, timid and quiet, simply followed behind as they all settled into the limousine.
Rurune was strange, even by their standards, and Saki's staff would agree. Years ago, it had been a shock for Rin to discover that the lost puppy she found on the streets was actually someone from the supernatural side of the world.
She nearly had a heart attack when she first saw Rurune transform into her humanoid form. Now, though, such things had become normal for her.
Still, Rurune remained unnaturally attached to Rin, and to Kouske as well, which naturally made Rin a bit overprotective, almost like a mother, especially since Rurune could be quite naive at times.
Both Saki and Rin had learned much more about the supernatural world after the kidnapping incident. Now, they were even studying to become proper magicians.
However, their talent wasn't quite on the same level as Kouske's group, who were undoubtedly exceptional in their abilities. So progress was very slow.
Even so, Kouske's Falna was passively helping them grow stronger. The way Falna worked in this world was different from how it functioned in Danmachi.
Here, it was easier to level up—while adventurers in Danmachi might spend their entire lives trying to reach the next level, and still fail, even an untalented human in this world could become stronger through various methods and hard work.
After the kidnapping incident, Saki was always accompanied by at least one magician. For now, a magician from Akatsuki followed her closely, while a devil from the Agares clan kept a distant watch, as per their contract.
After about 20 minutes, the bustling city lights of Kuoh reflected off the sleek limousine as it pulled up to the grand entrance of one of the town's newest shopping malls.
Tenjoin Saki, dressed elegantly in a designer outfit, stepped out gracefully.
"Oh ho ho ho..."
Her laugh echoed in the air, a signature ojousama style, as she elegantly covered her mouth with a fan, gazing proudly at the mall.
Following close behind were her companions: Rin, her calm and loyal friend, and bodyguard; Aya, the bespectacled and timid one, visibly uncomfortable due to Rurune, who was practically bouncing with excitement, a bright grin on her face.
Everyone around them, except Rin, cast awkward glances at Saki, wondering about the sudden laugh and her proud demeanor.
But Rin knew exactly what was going on—this mall was a recent investment of the Tenjoins, and Saki was simply showing off to those around her. Rin just shook her head at her friend's behavior.
Then Saki led the way with her usual confident stride, her eyes scanning the high-end shops that lined the boulevard.
"Let's go shopping," she declared, a satisfied smile on her face.
Rurune practically bounced with excitement. "Shopping! Yay! What are we going to buy? Clothes? Toys? Or food?"
Rin chuckled at Rurune's enthusiasm. "Let's stick to clothes for now," she said gently but firmly, steering Rurune away from any distractions.
But with her tomboyish charm and wide grin, Rurune latched onto Rin's arm, tugging at her sleeve.
"Rin! Meat! I want meat!" she exclaimed loudly, drawing curious glances from passersby.
Rin sighed softly, her expression still stern but fond. "We'll get there soon, Rurune-chan. Just be patient."
They entered the first boutique, a luxurious store filled with designer clothes. Saki immediately took charge, selecting various elegant outfits for herself and the others.
Rurune, however, wandered through the racks with wide eyes, picking out whatever caught her attention—bright, flashy jackets, mismatched accessories, and even a hat with animal ears.
Saki, after trying on a sleek black dress, glanced over at Rurune's wild selection.
"Rurune-chan, are you sure about those?" she asked, a teasing smile on her lips.
Rurune nodded eagerly. "Yeah! They look fun! And comfy!"
She was already wearing the hat, adjusting the ears with a playful grin.
Rin shook her head but smiled warmly. "If it makes you happy, then why not?"
The shopping spree continued, with Saki purchasing many outfits for the group. Rin and Aya, hesitant at first to keep any of them, were eventually persuaded to at least choose the ones they liked.
Saki, thoroughly enjoying herself, took great pleasure in dressing the others in cute clothes of her choosing. Kouske missed out on something big!
By the end of it all, Saki wore a satisfied look, clearly pleased with her handiwork.
Even Rurune, who had little interest in fashion, was given several sets of clothes. She spun around in a new jacket, admiring herself in the mirror. "This is so cool!"
By the time they left the store, the arms of Saki's bodyguards were full of bags. Saki, satisfied with the day's purchases, laughed contentedly. "This was a good haul. Oho ho ho ho..."
Rurune smiled as she looked at her. "Thanks, Saki! This was so much fun!"
"Of course," Saki replied, her tone affectionate. "We'll make sure to do this more often."
"Please, no more, Saki-sama," Rin said with a troubled expression, clearly worn out after hours of indulging Saki's whims.
She couldn't help but feel sorry for the exhausted bodyguards trailing behind them. Aya, equally fatigued, seemed to share the same sentiments.
Seeing the state they were in, Saki led them to one of the restaurants inside the mall. The opulent décor and hushed tones of conversation provided a calming atmosphere.
They were promptly seated in a private room, and as the waiter presented the menu, Saki leaned back with a smile.
"Order whatever you want," she said to her friends.
Rurune didn't need to be told twice.
"Meat, meat, meat!" she exclaimed.
The moment the food arrived, she dove in, tearing into the steak with reckless abandon. Her hands moved faster than the utensils could keep up with, and within minutes, the once-elegant table was a chaotic mess of spilled sauce and food scraps.
Rurune had no interest in table manners, only in satisfying her hunger. As a Cerberus, she was used to eating raw meat that she hunted herself, so etiquette was the last thing on her mind.
She preferred using her hands and mouth freely, though living with Kouske had at least taught her to appreciate cooked meat.
Thankfully, they were in a private room—otherwise, her behavior might have drawn strange looks.
Saki and the others ate quietly while Rin tried to keep Rurune clean, though it was an uphill battle.
Saki and Aya exchanged amused smiles as they watched the scene unfold, noting how naturally motherly Rin had become.
Rin, feeling their gazes, looked at both of them with suspicion, unsure of what was going on.
Saki had also invited her guards to dine with them, but as usual, they politely refused.
After the meal, Saki decided to take everyone to a movie, much to the guards' horror.
'Just how long is this going to continue?!' was the collective thought running through their minds as they anxiously awaited their shift change.
Saki is kind, but she's also whimsical, often making spontaneous decisions that keep everyone on their toes.
*
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*
Riser stood at the edge of Sabnock's main city, the wind tousling his golden hair as he surveyed the bustling city ahead.
He was accompanied by his sister Ravel, and his Queen, Yubelluna, both of whom were taking in the sight of the well-developed and vibrant city.
They had chosen to teleport outside the city for a better view and quicker arrival, rather than use a carriage.
"This is ridiculous," Riser muttered under his breath. "Why does riser have to be the one extending this invitation?"
"You know it's otou-sama's orders, nii-sama. We're here to invite Lord Sabnock to the birthday party and... to look into his territory," Ravel reminded him, her voice lowering on the last part.
Lord Phenex had spoken to her before even discussing it with Riser, asking her to observe the city and gather any useful information.
Ravel was always better at these things—territory management and strategy came naturally to her, unlike her brother.
Lord Phenex hoped that Ravel might gain valuable insight by observing the developing city firsthand.
As they approached the towering gate leading into the city, two armored guards stepped forward, blocking their path. Their sharp gazes locked onto the newcomers.
"Halt. Please state your business," one of the guards asked politely, his eyes scanning them.
Riser's eyes narrowed, and he took a step forward, his temper flaring. "You dare—"
"—We come on behalf of the Phenex clan," Ravel smoothly interjected, cutting off her brother before his arrogance could escalate the situation.
Her voice was calm but carried an air of authority as she produced the crest of the Phenex family and revealed her face from under her hood.
"I am Ravel Phenex, and this is my brother, Riser Phenex. We are here to extend an invitation to Lord Sabnock and his family."
The guards' eyes flickered to the crest, instantly recognizing the insignia. With a nod to his companion, one guard stepped back, but they exchanged a quick glance—now realizing who stood before them.
The siblings had been wearing hooded robes to avoid drawing attention, intending to explore the territory discreetly before announcing their presence.
"Apologies for the delay, Lady Phenex, Lord Phenex. You may pass." They stepped aside, showing deference to the noble siblings.
Riser huffed, clearly displeased at being stopped, but Ravel offered a small, polite nod as they passed. Yubelluna followed silently, her eyes scanning the surroundings with careful attention.
After the Phenex siblings departed, the guards promptly informed the mansion about their arrival. It was standard protocol to report the entry of notable individuals into the city.
Though the weakling, Riser, might not have noticed, these guards were Ultimate Class devils in terms of power, and they took their duties seriously.
For them, this job was far better than their previous work mining in dangerous areas for meager wages. Because of this, they were deeply loyal to Kouske, who not only provided better opportunities but also recommended them for the rank-up exams.
There was also a new competition where, every five years, the Satans would recommend commoner devils who performed well, for the rank-up exams, ensuring a fair and transparent process.
As they entered the city, Ravel couldn't help but marvel at its rapid growth. The transformation was far beyond what she had expected. Even only a decade ago, this place had been barren and neglected, a stark contrast to the thriving city it had become.
Situated on the border and sharing boundaries with the Fallens, along with numerous Pits that birthed dangerous monsters, the territory had once been left ungoverned and devastated. It barely functioned as a city back then.
But now, the scene was entirely different. Even though Ravel had never visited before, she had studied photos of its former state and analyzed reports on the territory's condition prior to her arrival, all due to her father's words. Seeing the bustling, well-developed city firsthand still surprised her.
The streets were lively, filled with devils of all classes, engaging in trade, conversation, and various activities. She observed tall, well-constructed buildings, thriving shops, and a sense of vibrancy that was rare in many devil territories. The commoners looked happy and smiling...
"This place… it's impressive," she whispered, though she maintained her noble demeanor, refusing to show too much outward admiration.
Riser's face, however, twisted into a look of mild irritation. "It's not that impressive," he muttered. But even he couldn't deny the prosperity around them.
Then Riser's mood soured further as he noticed the presence of many humans mingling freely with the devils.
'They must be from Akatsuki,' he thought, his eyes narrowing in displeasure.
The sight of commoners welcoming humans so casually made him displeased. He had always looked down on humans and saw the polluted human world as inferior to the Underworld.
"Heh... Mingling with humans so happily. You certainly can't expect much from these commoners," Riser scowled, his voice dripping with disdain.
Hearing Riser's words, a few people glanced their way, but most quickly understood that this must be some noble trying to blend in. Despite their irritation, no one said anything, choosing to avoid conflict.
The members of Akatsuki, too, remained unfazed. They were well aware of how devils could be and knew that a minor provocation wasn't worth escalating into trouble—especially in Kouske's territory. They had no desire to cause unnecessary issues for him.
Ravel, clearly frustrated, quickly ushered her brother away, sighing at his behavior. They soon arrived at the shopping district, where various shops sold items exclusively from Akatsuki.
Unfortunately for them, these shops catered mostly to the citizens, meaning they couldn't buy much.
Still, they decided to visit the large auction house to see what it had to offer. Riser, though grumbling and nagging about getting this over with, refrained from pushing too hard.
He could see that his sister was enjoying herself, even if he continued to voice his discontent.
The Sabnock auction hall buzzed with energy as Riser, Ravel, and Yubelluna entered. The air was thick with the sound of bids being called, the soft clink of gold coins, and the hum of magical artifacts radiating power. Bidders could pay using gold, money, or anything else of equal value, making the auction a diverse and intense affair.
Dozens of people filled the rows, their eyes fixed on the displayed items. Above each item, glowing, enchanted labels floated, detailing their origins and uses. The female host stood at the front, auctioning off rare treasures with vibrant enthusiasm, each sale met with competitive bids.
The auction hall was especially lively tonight, as rare and unique monster carcasses were being sold. These creatures, many near Ultimate Class in power, had been collected from the dangerous pits surrounding Sabnock's territory.
It was clear that the Sabnocks were capitalizing on their environment, attracting those eager to acquire materials for crafting powerful weapons, advanced potions, and armor. The city had once again filled with blacksmiths, potion makers, and other craftsmen after so many years of decline. This resurgence meant more commissions, further boosting the territory's wealth.
As part of a previous contract, Kouske had already provided a unique weapon to the devil faction, with additional weapons still in the works. For now, the Satans had the exclusive claim to the newly crafted item, but more would follow in time.
Ravel's eyes gleamed as a towering ogre carcass was wheeled onto the stage, its thick hide shimmering under the light.
"That's a Greyback Ogre," Yubelluna commented quietly, "Its hide can be used for near-impenetrable armor suitable for even Ultimate Class devils, and its bones are key ingredients in high-level potions for strength enhancement."
Just as the bidding started, another creature was brought forth, this time a deadly Abyssal Serpent. With scales as black as the void and eyes that glowed faintly, this monster had likely been a nightmare to take down.
Its venom could be distilled into deadly poisons or used to craft advanced resistance potions, while its fangs were highly sought after for making weapons that could bypass conventional armor.
"Their carcasses fetch a fortune," Ravel whispered, clearly calculating her next move.
As the auction progressed, Ravel set her sights on a particularly rare specimen—a Basilisk King. Its shimmering emerald skin and massive size drew audible gasps from the crowd. The Sabnocks had outdone themselves in acquiring it.
"Its eyes," Yubelluna remarked, "are rumored to be capable of petrifying anything that meets its gaze. The skin can be made into cloaks for magical defense, and its heart is said to hold properties for advanced mana regeneration potions."
Ravel raised her hand with her number, confidently placing her bid. As the numbers climbed higher, she remained steadfast, eventually winning the prize with a decisive final offer.
Alongside the Basilisk King carcass, she also acquired a rare necklace imbued with a time-altering spell, perfect for increasing one's reaction speed in combat. After a brief transaction, Ravel wore a satisfied smile as they left the auction hall.
Once their purchases were complete, the trio strolled through Sabnock's bustling streets. Ravel's attention was soon drawn to one particular establishment—an oddly shaped building, which resembled a vertical gaming console controller with toy guns on both top sides. It certainly stood out. The building was named 'Control'.
It was filled with young devils and families laughing and enjoying themselves. A sign outside displayed colorful images of various games and devices inside.
"Is that… an arcade?" she asked aloud, a spark of excitement flickering in her chest. She'd heard of such things from the human realms, but it was rare to see anything like it in the underworld.
Entertainment among devils was usually limited to formal gatherings, training, or indulging in their personal hobbies. This was something entirely new.
Yubelluna noticed her interest and smiled softly. "It seems this place offers much more than meets the eye. They're catering to all forms of entertainment."
Ravel pressed her lips together, trying to hide her excitement. "I suppose it's… a creative business venture," she remarked, keeping her voice measured and controlled.
As they entered, the loud noises of games, laughter, and conversation filled the air. It was a striking contrast to the intensity of the auction hall.
Her eyes couldn't help but linger on her surroundings, watching the devils inside play with unfamiliar but intriguing machines.
Behind her, Riser grunted in irritation. "A waste of time. Devils should be focusing on strengthening themselves, not playing human games."
Yubelluna spoke gently. "Perhaps, Riser-sama, but even the strongest need ways to relax. Sabnock has built more than just a territory; he's built a community."
As Riser glanced around the room, his gaze fell on a woman playing on one of the machines. She had an ethereal beauty, her delicate features framed by cascading blue and red contrasting hair that shimmered faintly under the arcade lights.
There was something about her presence that seemed to draw them in, something like a connection. Both Riser and Ravel shared a glance as if silently acknowledging the same unspoken feeling.
"Who is she?" Ravel whispered, her voice barely audible over the noise of the arcade.
Riser's brow furrowed as a strange sensation washed over him. For some reason, this woman felt familiar. Not in a way he could explain, but more like a deep, instinctual recognition. He took a step forward, his curiosity getting the better of him.
As Riser approached the girl, still unaware that her name was Elle, his gaze was immediately drawn to her strikingly glowing yellow eyes.
For a brief moment, it felt as though time had come to a halt. There was something about her—a strange pull, an invisible connection—that made him stop in his tracks.
Ravel, standing beside him, felt it too. A sense of recognition without understanding. Without a word, all of them began moving toward her, compelled by an unknown force that seemed to link them together.