Chapter 128 - Sad Asia
After parting ways with Mahiro, Cao Cao was transported to the top of a building.
"Cao Cao," Georg said as he walked up. "Like I said earlier, the Red Dragon Emperor isn't going to accept your offer."
He had been hiding in the shadows, using *Dimension Lost* to cover the shopping district, but now the effect was gone.
"Is that so?" Cao Cao replied calmly. "When I invited you, didn't you also say no at first?"
"It was pretty strange, honestly. You just showed up out of nowhere and asked me to join your Hero Faction..." Georg shrugged. "But I have to admit, I admire how stubborn you are. I turned you down so many times, but you kept pushing until I gave in."
"So, with the Red Dragon Emperor, are you planning to do the same thing you did with me?" Georg asked with a grin.
"It works, doesn't it?" Cao Cao smiled back.
"Maybe, but I don't think it will work this time," Cao Cao said, thinking it over. "Even though we've only met once, I doubt the Red Dragon Emperor is the type to respond to that."
"So, are you giving up?" Georg asked. "So, we're just waiting for Jeanne now? To be honest, I don't think she's all that dependable."
"Jeanne should be in Kuoh Town soon. We'll see what happens when she gets here," Cao Cao replied, shaking his head.
***
Once Cao Cao left and the fog lifted, Akeno finally relaxed and said, "That was a weird guy."
"He just appeared, invited Mahiro to join some group, and then disappeared like nothing happened," she added.
"Still, he's really strong. I felt completely powerless against the aura he let out earlier," Rias said, looking confused. "It's strange. A descendant of Cao Cao suddenly shows up, and he's this powerful? Are all descendants of heroes this scary? I doubt even the original heroes were this strong."
"If you knew his other identity, it might make more sense," Mahiro said.
"Another identity?" Rias asked, confused. "Didn't he already introduce himself? Did he leave something out?"
"He's the wielder of the Holy Spear of the Setting Sun— also known as the Spear of Longinus," Mahiro revealed.
"What?"
"You mean the strongest Longinus?"
Mahiro's words made both Akeno and Rias lose their usual composure, and they shouted in surprise.
Their outburst caught the attention of people around them. While their presence had already drawn some eyes, now everyone was staring.
Realizing they had overreacted, they quickly composed themselves, embarrassed, and left with Mahiro.
"Are you saying this Cao Cao wields the Holy Spear of the Setting Sun?" Rias asked nervously.
"That aura from earlier—you two, as Devils, should've felt it more than me," Mahiro responded.
"It made us really uncomfortable, but we didn't expect it to be the legendary Spear of Longinus," Akeno admitted, still surprised.
The aura Cao Cao released came from the Holy Spear. He hadn't used it directly, just released a small part of its power, which is why it wasn't as obvious. It made them uncomfortable but didn't harm them.
"I didn't expect him to actually wield the Holy Spear of the Setting Sun," Mahiro continued. "It's pretty unsettling, don't you think?"
"And it wasn't just the spear—didn't the mist from earlier feel familiar?" Mahiro asked.
Rias thought back, piecing things together based on her knowledge of the Longinus.
"Mist?" Akeno asked, confused.
"It was the mist that transported us," Rias frowned, thinking hard before something clicked. "Could it be... Dimension Lost?"
Among the Longinus, aside from the Holy Spear, the Boosted Gear and Divine Dividing are the most famous. For generations, the Red Dragon Emperor and White Dragon Emperor have always been active.
The other Longinus are rare, appearing only occasionally and often fading away after a brief moment of fame.
Because of this, even top-tier Longinus aren't as well-known as the Red and White Dragon Emperors. That's why Rias could easily recognize the Boosted Gear but wasn't as familiar with Dimension Lost.
"Yeah, it's Dimension Lost," Mahiro confirmed. "In terms of power, it ranks higher than my Boosted Gear."
"Two Longinus wielders at once? And both are top-tier Longinus..." Akeno said, shocked.
"We almost fought two Longinus wielders..." Rias said, still trying to process it.
Longinus wielders are rare and incredibly powerful, enough to make waves in any era. Running into two at once, both with top-tier Longinus, was almost unbelievable—even for someone like Rias.
"Do you still want to keep shopping?" Akeno asked, unsure. She hadn't expected to run into such important people during what was supposed to be a casual outing. Plus, it wasn't clear if they were friends or enemies.
"Let's not let some random people ruin our day," Mahiro said casually. "This is our first date, after all. We can't just end it like this."
"You're right," Rias agreed.
With that, the three of them continued shopping as planned. It was almost five o'clock by the time they decided to head home.
When they got back to Mahiro's house, they found Asia and Koneko sitting in the living room, both looking somewhat downcast.
"What's wrong? You two look upset. Did shopping wear you out?" Mahiro asked.
"We ran into people from the Church," Koneko replied, looking at Mahiro.
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