Albedo's gaze softened, a hint of warmth in her eyes. "I understand, My Lord. If Asia brings you happiness, then I am happy for you."
I smiled at her.
"And I also brought news that will make you happy," she added, a slight smile playing on her lips.
My curiosity piqued. "What is it?"
"Demiurge has made a breakthrough in re-creating the Sacred Gear," Albedo announced.
My eyes widened in surprise. "Really? That's incredible news!"
I had initially estimated it would take at least a year for Demiurge to create a Sacred Gear. This long time span wasn't because I underestimated the power of Nazarick—far from it.
I know exactly what Nazarick is capable of, having been one of its creators. The reason I predicted a year was due to the fundamental differences between this world and Yggdrasil.
The laws of this world, its magic system, and its inherent mechanics are all vastly different from the game of Yggdrasil.
Understanding this, I assumed Demiurge would need to spend a significant amount of time researching the Sacred Gears, dissecting their principles, and comprehending the intricacies of this world's unique system before even attempting to replicate them.
This is why I strategically made the fallen angels my subordinates. Despite their relative weakness and low rank, they provided Demiurge with a basic understanding of this world's magical and metaphysical framework.
But Demiurge was able to recreate it in just under two months, which even I didn't predict.
Albedo reached into her pocket and pulled out a small box, opening it to reveal a pair of rings—one for the left hand and one for the right. The rings shimmered with a faint light.
"This is the prototype Sacred Gear that Demiurge has created, he called it [Sample 205]." Albedo explained, handing the box to me. "It's not powerful yet, but it's a significant first step."
I examined the rings closely, "What kind of power do these rings possess?"
Albedo smiled, clearly pleased with the question. "These rings are designed to work in pairs. When worn, they enhance the wearer's physical abilities slightly—strength, speed, and reflexes."
"Additionally, they allow for a minor healing factor, accelerating the wearer's natural healing processes. It's not as potent as Asia's Twilight Healing, but it's a start."
I nodded, impressed by the potential. "This is remarkable, Albedo. Even a minor enhancement can make a significant difference in the right situation."
Albedo's expression turned more serious. "The only weakness these rings have is that their power is limited. They rely on the user's own energy and won't work if the wearer is completely drained. Moreover, their healing factor is minor and won't be effective for severe injuries or critical wounds."
I examined the rings closely, feeling the subtle pulse of their power. "Despite these limitations, they're still a valuable tool. This is a significant breakthrough, Albedo."
She nodded, clearly pleased with my approval. "Demiurge is already working on refining the process. He believes that with further research, we can create more powerful and specialized Sacred Gears. This prototype is just the beginning."
I slipped the rings onto my fingers, feeling a slight surge of energy course through me, which was almost negligible. "I'm on my way to hunt some stray devils with Rias. I'll let you know how these rings perform after the fight."
Albedo bowed slightly. "I look forward to your feedback, My Lord. Please be careful."
"Before that, I am taking a bath care to join me.
Albedo's eyes sparkled with a delight at my invitation. She gracefully bowed her head, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "It would be my pleasure, My Lord," she replied softly.
•••
Rias looked at the time; it was already past 6:30. Still, Alex hadn't arrived at the location they had agreed to meet for hunting a stray devil.
Her peerage was also there, waiting patiently, though the atmosphere was growing increasingly tense.
Rias tapped her foot impatiently and glanced around the dimly lit park. The sun had set, casting long shadows that danced ominously as the streetlights flickered to life.
"Where could he be?" Rias muttered to herself, checking her phone for messages.
"Maybe something came up for Alex to late," Akeno said.
Rias sighed, "I hope so," she replied, "But he should have at least let us know if he was going to be late."
Hearing this, Rias and her peerage turned to Issey.
"How do you have his number, Issey?" Rias asked, surprised.
Hearing Rias's question, a small blush formed on Issey's face. "It was after I rescued Asia from the church, I was in Alex's apartment."
Rias's eyebrows shot up, and she murmured under her breath, "That playboy bastard."
Akeno couldn't resist teasing. "Ara Ara, did Alex pop your cherry, Issey-chan?"
Issey's blush deepened, her face turning almost as red as her hair. "It's not like that!" she exclaimed, waving her hands defensively. "He just gave me his number in case I needed help or anything."
Akeno chuckled, clearly enjoying Issey's flustered state. "Oh, Issey-chan, you're so cute when you're embarrassed."
Before Akeno could further tease Issey, a figure emerged from the darkness, jogging towards them with a sheepish smile. It was Alex, looking slightly disheveled but otherwise unharmed.
"Sorry I'm late, everyone," Alex apologized, his breath slightly labored. "Got held up with some unexpected business. I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long."
Rias crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing slightly. "You had us worried, Alex. We were about to go after the stray devil without you."
Alex gave a rueful smile, scratching the back of his head. "I appreciate your patience. I'll make it up to you, I promise."
~~~
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