Gremory Mansion - Training Area
Issei was deeply focused on his training, sweat dripping down his face as he executed fast and precise movements. His determination was clear; he was committed to becoming stronger. However, his concentration was interrupted when Grayfia entered the training area with a serious expression.
"Issei Hyoudou," Grayfia said, her voice firm and authoritative. "I have received information that there is significant police activity at your house."
Issei stopped abruptly, his heart racing. The worry for his parents was visible in his eyes. "My parents! Grayfia, please teleport me home. I need to see what's happening!"
Before Grayfia could respond, Rias quickly entered the training area, hearing the conversation and realizing the gravity of the situation. "Issei, I'll do it myself. And I'll go with you," she said with determination.
Issei looked at Rias, his eyes filling with emotion and gratitude. "Rias... Thank you. This means a lot to me."
Rias smiled slightly, placing a hand on Issei's shoulder. "Let's go, Issei. There's no time to lose."
With a gesture, Rias activated a magic circle under their feet, and in an instant, the two were enveloped in a bright light and disappeared.
Gremory Mansion - Living Room
Grayfia left the training area and quickly made her way to the living room, where Sirzechs and Venelana were. Sirzechs was sitting comfortably in an armchair with a relaxed expression, while Venelana was by his side, reading a book.
Grayfia entered the room, her posture impeccable and her expression neutral, maintaining her usual formality. Sirzechs looked at her, noticing the seriousness on her face.
"Grayfia, what happened?" Sirzechs asked, his voice calm.
Grayfia approached, keeping her tone firm. "Sirzechs-sama, I received information about significant police activity at the Hyoudou residence. Rias immediately took Issei there to investigate."
Sirzechs nodded, showing no signs of worry. "I understand. Rias is handling it then. She is more than capable of dealing with the situation."
Venelana looked at Grayfia, also showing no signs of concern. "If Rias is with him, we have nothing to worry about. They will handle it together."
Grayfia made a slight bow, respecting Sirzechs and Venelana's confidence in Rias and Issei. "Yes, Venelana-sama. I will inform you if there are any relevant updates."
Occult Research Club
Issei and Rias appeared in the magic circle inside the occult research club, the familiar environment surrounding them. The club was quiet, but the tension in the air was palpable. Rias looked around, making sure they were alone.
Issei, still panting and worried, looked at Rias with gratitude. "Thank you, Rias. We need to get to my house as soon as possible."
Rias nodded, remaining calm. "Yes, Issei. Let's leave here and go straight to your house. We need to find out what's happening."
Hyoudou Residence
The magic circle disappeared, leaving Issei and Rias in front of the Hyoudou house. The street was bustling, with several police cars parked and officers coming and going, creating a tense atmosphere. The presence of sirens and flashing lights increased Issei's anxiety, who quickly ran toward the house entrance.
"Sir, please keep your distance," said a police officer seeing Issei approach. "We're investigating a possible kidnapping."
Issei, desperate, tried to explain. "I live here! These are my parents! Please let me through!"
The police officer looked at Issei with suspicion. "We need you to stay where you are. We can't allow anyone into the crime scene."
Rias, realizing the situation, quickly approached, adopting an authoritative stance. "I am Rias Gremory. This is Issei Hyoudou, the son of the kidnapped couple. We need to know what's happening."
Upon hearing the name Gremory, the police officer's attitude changed immediately. The officer who had blocked Issei now looked at Rias with respect. "Sorry for the confusion, Miss Gremory. We are doing everything we can. The Hyoudou couple was kidnapped a short while ago. Witnesses reported seeing a black van leaving the scene with them."
Issei, still ignored by the police, approached Rias, visibly frustrated. "Rias, please ask them what else they know. I need to know where my parents are."
Rias nodded and continued talking to the officer. "Do you have any leads on where they were taken? And how long have they been missing?"
The officer consulted his notes. "We received the call about an hour ago. Witnesses provided descriptions of the suspects, but we are still checking nearby security cameras for more information. We are doing everything possible to locate them quickly."
Rias remained calm, though the worry was evident in her eyes. "Understood. Please keep us informed of any updates. We need to know everything you can find out."
The officer nodded, grateful for Rias's cooperation. "Of course, Miss Gremory. We will keep you informed."
Issei looked at Rias with gratitude. "Thank you, Rias. I don't know what I would do without you here."
Rias placed a reassuring hand on Issei's shoulder. "We'll find your parents, Issei. I'll do everything necessary to help."
Issei frowned, confused. "Rias, why was the officer so obedient to you? I thought the Gremory were only known in the underworld."
Rias smiled slightly, explaining. "The police in Kuoh are hypnotized to respect the Gremory family and the Sitri family, who oversee this territory. This ensures that we can operate more freely and safely when necessary."
Issei nodded, understanding. "Ah, I see. That makes sense. At least now I know we're in good hands here."
As the police continued their investigation, Issei and Rias remained close, sharing the anxiety and determination to resolve the situation. Rias's presence brought some relief to Issei, who now had hope that together, they would find his parents and bring them back safely.
Dark Castle of Thalindor
Inside, in a secret room filled with ancient equipment and mystical runes, Euclid's ritual was complete. The magical light that filled the room began to dissipate, revealing Diodora, now imbued with tremendous power.
Diodora, feeling the new strength pulsating through his body, smiled broadly. He raised his hands, watching the sparks of energy dancing on his fingers. "Euclid, this is amazing! I feel stronger than ever. This power... is exactly what I needed. Thank you."
Euclid observed Diodora with a calculating look, his dark thoughts well hidden behind a cold expression. "I'm glad you're satisfied, Diodora. This power will certainly put you on a new level."
'Poor fool. You have no idea of the price you've paid for this strength. You are just a piece on my chessboard, Diodora. Your desperate quest for power made you perfect for my experiments. When you fall, the chaos you cause will be exactly what is needed to destabilize the balance of the underworld.'
Diodora, still euphoric, didn't realize the true nature of Euclid's thoughts. "With this power, I can finally defeat my enemies. Riser, Sirzechs... all those who oppose me will fall. I will create the chaos I so desire!"
Euclid nodded, keeping his eyes fixed on Diodora. 'Yes, Diodora. With this power, you can do whatever you want. But what you don't know is that this power consumes your life. You don't have more than a week to live. And if you use all this power at once, you'll have only an hour. Your obsession with power and lust will be your downfall. And, in the process, you'll create the necessary chaos for my plans. You are doomed, Diodora, but at least you will be useful until the end.'
"Then go, Diodora. Use this power and claim your place. Do what must be done," Euclid said, his voice filled with dark authority.
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