"DXD: Infinite Loot System"Chapter 283: Seed of Faith
Tenra and the girls spent nearly the entire day at the church, though none of them were there for the architecture or the stained glass. It was a reunion—Xenovia and Irina catching up with Sister Griselda, laughter and old memories echoing through the halls.
By evening, even Tenra and Asia, who'd started as outsiders, found themselves on familiar terms with the formidable sister.
As dusk settled, the group made their farewells. Griselda stepped outside to see them off, her gentle smile somehow radiating an unspoken authority.
"Xenovia, promise me you won't avoid me anymore. Come visit often, alright?" Griselda's hand lingered on Xenovia's forehead, warmth and discipline mingling in her touch.
Xenovia looked away, cheeks pink, unable to meet her gaze. "I—I will. I promise."
Griselda's eyes sparkled. "Irina, Asia, Lord Red Dragon Emperor—you're all welcome here anytime."
Tenra and the girls exchanged polite thanks, but before they could leave, Tenra paused, a thoughtful look crossing his face.
"Sister Griselda, mind if I ask something? Do you still believe in your Lord?"
A question that, from anyone else, would have been blasphemy. But Griselda understood at once—she didn't bristle or scold, only let a trace of sadness flicker through her smile.
"When I became Lady Gabriel's Queen, I learned the truth: our Lord had long since passed from this world. It was a cruel revelation. My faith… nearly shattered."
She pressed her hands to her chest, voice trembling with old pain. "No, it did shatter. We're taught to keep believing, even after the Lord's death, but in the end, that's just self-deception. Eventually, even that fragile conviction fades."
"In my darkest hour, Lady Gabriel accepted me. I found new faith in her beauty and greatness."
Griselda's expression shifted—holy, yes, but now tinged with fanatic devotion.
For her, Gabriel had become the true object of worship. The old Lord was gone; clinging to that faith was just denial.
"Xenovia, you must've felt the same pain, the same despair. I understand. I do. Would you come back to us? Even if the Lord is gone, we can still listen to Lady Gabriel's teachings."
She squeezed Xenovia's hands, hope and longing shining in her eyes.
Tenra coughed lightly. "Sister Griselda, Xenovia is an irreplaceable part of our family now."
Griselda blinked, then offered an apologetic smile. "Forgive me, Lord Red Dragon Emperor. I got carried away."
Still, her gaze lingered on Xenovia, a silent wish unspoken.
Xenovia shook her head, voice steady for once. "I'm a devil now. Even if you'd accept me, the rest of the church wouldn't. Besides, I have friends and comrades here who need me—who I need. I'm happy with my life."
She scratched her head, a little awkward, but resolute. And deep down, her faith had found a new direction—Tenra was her true Lord now, the one she'd give everything for. The church couldn't compete, nor could Gabriel's teachings. Her destiny was set.
Griselda sighed, disappointment flickering, but she was strong—she recovered quickly, the bond between them unchanged.
"Lord Red Dragon Emperor, anything else you wish to ask?"
Tenra smiled, eyes glinting with something unreadable. "No, nothing more."
In that instant, a subtle pulse of power flickered in his gaze. Griselda's eyes glazed over, her posture slackening for a moment before she blinked back to herself.
"Ugh… What just happened?" She rubbed her forehead, a faint daze clouding her features.
"Maybe you're just tired. We should be going. Thank you for your hospitality, Sister Griselda. Rest well tonight."
Tenra's tone was gentle, his smile unbroken. The girls exchanged glances—Asia, Xenovia, and Irina all saw what had happened, but none said a word. Their loyalty was absolute.
Griselda nodded, still a bit out of sorts, but her manners never faltered. "Come by whenever you wish. You're always welcome."
With that, Tenra and the girls left, Griselda watching them go, a faint weariness tugging at her shoulders.
"Maybe I really am tired…" she murmured, heading back inside. She'd pray to Gabriel, then call it an early night.
Once they were safely away from the church, Xenovia couldn't hold back any longer.
"Tenra, what did you just do to Griselda?"
Tenra chuckled, waving off her concern. "Relax. I just planted a seed in her soul. It won't harm her."
"A seed?" Asia and Irina echoed, curiosity piqued.
Tenra grinned. "You remember the Sacred Gear I took from Hero Faction in Kyoto—Angel's Whisper, the mind-control type?"
The girls nodded, eyes wide.
"It's rare, but I've been working on it. With the Codex of Divinitas et Diabolus, I've finally unlocked a forbidden technique—Seed of Faith. With it, I can plant a seed in a woman's soul. Over time, it takes root, reshaping her spirit until she worships and obeys me."
He shrugged, almost casual. "It's not easy—especially for someone with strong faith. Normally it'd take ages, but with the Codex, the process speeds up a hundredfold."
Asia's jaw dropped. Xenovia's eyes sparkled with fanatical delight. If Tenra was right, he could hypnotize and brainwash any woman in the world, turning them into loyal, zealous followers.
For anyone else, it would be a nightmare. For Tenra's devotees, it was a blessing—a righteous destiny.
Irina, meanwhile, looked pale. "You—you're not going to use that on me, are you?"
"I don't want to be your follower! No way!"
She edged away, suspicion written all over her face.
Tenra snorted. "Idiot Irina, do you really need brainwashing?"
He shot her a teasing grin. Irina wasn't a believer—but she was his beloved slave, which in Tenra's eyes was an even bigger "tragedy."
Irina's face burned crimson. "Y-you jerk! Evil Tenra, I'll bite you!"
She lunged, flailing and indignant, as Tenra laughed and the others watched with fond exasperation.
🔥 Want to read the next 50+ chapters RIGHT NOW?
💎 Patreon members get instant access!
⚡ Limited-time offer currently running...
👉 [Join on - patreon.com/GoldenLong]