Ophis was in an abandoned warehouse, her expressionless gaze scanning the empty surroundings as she awaited Kuroka's arrival. When Kuroka finally entered the place, her posture was tense, her eyes searching for the imposing figure of Ophis.
"Where's Riser, why didn't you bring him?" inquired Ophis, her calm voice contrasting with the tension in the air.
Kuroka swallowed hard, fear manifesting within her as she tried to formulate a convincing response.
"I was captured, Nya," murmured Kuroka, her voice wavering.
"I don't see you captured, I see you in front of me empty-handed," retorted Ophis, her expression impassive.
Kuroka averted her gaze, shame and guilt weighing heavily upon her as she faced Ophis's disappointment.
"Riser released me so I could deliver a message to you, Nya," Kuroka began, her voice faltering, revealing her apprehension.
Ophis's curiosity was piqued by the mention of Riser. She leaned forward slightly, eager to hear more.
"Is he going to help me defeat the Baka-red?" inquired Ophis, her voice laden with expectation.
"No, he didn't mention anything about the great red," replied Kuroka, her voice containing a note of resignation. "But he said he'll return your silence, Nya."
Kuroka's statement caused a slight raise of Ophis's eyebrows. She considered Riser's words for a moment before taking action. Suddenly, without warning, Ophis disappeared from the location, reappearing moments later in front of Kuroka, firmly holding her wrists.
Kuroka cried out in pain as she felt Ophis's fingers press into her wrists, but she resisted the temptation to struggle against the grip.
"Take me to Riser right now," ordered Ophis, her voice cold and relentless.
"He said within 3 days he'll meet you in Kuoh, Nya," replied Kuroka, her voice almost a whisper, filled with despair.
Ophis released Kuroka's wrists, her expression unreadable as she pondered over the received information.
"I understand," murmured Ophis, her voice soft and calm. "You may go now."
Kuroka hesitated for a moment, looking at Ophis with a mixture of fear and uncertainty. But without saying anything more, she turned and left the abandoned warehouse, leaving Ophis alone with her thoughts.
As she watched Kuroka disappear into the horizon, Ophis reflected on the received information.
Gremory Mansion
Zeoticus was absorbed in the latest news from the underworld, browsing through DevilNet in search of relevant information for the Gremory family when the phone rang. He looked up from the screen, picking up the phone beside him.
"Hello," greeted Zeoticus.
On the other end of the line, Dimitri's voice resonated in Zeoticus's ear, carrying with it a sense of urgency that didn't go unnoticed.
"Zeoticus, I want to announce the marriage contract between our families to the underworld as soon as possible," declared Dimitri.
"Alright, how about we use the young devils' gathering to make the announcement?" suggested Zeoticus, his mind already formulating plans for the best way to publicize the news.
Dimitri fell silent for a moment, considering Zeoticus's proposal. He knew that the young devils' gathering was a significant event in the underworld, offering a unique opportunity to reach a wide audience with the announcement of the marriage contract.
"That sounds like an excellent idea, Zeoticus," replied Dimitri, his voice sounding satisfied. "Let's take advantage of this opportunity to formalize our alliance before the underworld."
"I'm glad you liked it, now I have matters to attend to," replied Zeoticus, as he continued to type on his computer.
"Of course, I don't want to take up any more of your time," said Dimitri, understanding Zeoticus's need to busy himself with other matters. "We'll talk later then."
Zeoticus agreed with a nod, even though Dimitri couldn't see it.
"Yes, we'll talk soon," confirmed Zeoticus before ending the call.
Time Skip 3 days
Riser's Mansion in Kuoh
Riser was relaxed in his living room, discussing with Merlin, when knocks on the door interrupted their conversation. Merlin got up to answer, and upon opening the door, was surprised to find Kuroka accompanied by a little girl.
Merlin looked and saw Kuroka along with a little girl. Instantly, she felt a powerful aura emanating from the child, a presence that momentarily left her speechless. "Please, come in," said Merlin, quickly recovering and making way for Kuroka and the little girl to pass through the door.
"Thank you, Nya," thanked Kuroka, leading Ophis into the mansion.
Riser smiled warmly at the sight of Kuroka and the little girl entering his living room. His eyes fixed on Ophis's small figure, immediately recognizing the aura of power she exuded.
"So this is Ophis, one of the most powerful characters in the DxD verse," Riser thought to himself, maintaining his calm expression as he observed the little girl.
"Feel at home," said Riser, extending his hand towards a comfortable sofa. "Please, feel free to sit."
Kuroka nodded with a slight smile, silently thanking Riser for his hospitality as she led Ophis to the sofa.
"Kuroka told me that you can return my silence," stated Ophis, her voice calm and tranquil.
"She didn't lie," replied Riser, a subtle smile playing on his lips. "All I want in return..."
Before Riser could finish his sentence, Ophis interrupted him with a surprising declaration.
"I accept," she said, her voice firm and decisive.
Riser was taken aback by Ophis's direct response, not expecting her to agree so readily to his terms.
"Don't you want to know what I want in return?" he asked, surprised by Ophis's lack of hesitation.
"No, return my silence," replied Ophis, her expression impassive.
Riser nodded, accepting Ophis's decision without further questioning.
"I will return your silence, and when I need your help, I'll call you, that's the deal," stated Riser.
Ophis nodded in agreement, her expression remaining unchanged.
Riser rose from the sofa, indicating that it was time to leave.
"Come with me, Ophis. Keep Kuroka company, Merlin," he said.
"Yes, Riser-sama," replied Merlin promptly.
Riser led Ophis to an isolated room in the mansion, ensuring her privacy and safety as she regained her lost silence.
"This room is completely isolated from the outside world with magic. You can't hear anything from the inside," explained Riser, opening the door to the room for Ophis.
Ophis entered the room, feeling grateful for the opportunity to reclaim a part of herself she had lost. As Riser closed the door behind her, Ophis prepared to immerse herself in the comforting quietness of her own silence.
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