Under the fear of death and the psychological breakdown from previous misunderstandings, Ravel finally confessed the Underworld's plan truthfully.
As for Mammon, Beelzebub's trusted subordinate, she remained silent, seemingly acquiescing to reality.
After hearing Ravel's explanation, Luo Shu suddenly understood:
"So that's how it is..."
"Using the dimensional fluctuations when the Hell Sect pulls the Flame Demon from the lower Abyss into reality to temporarily open a passage between the Underworld and reality, creating a foundation for traversing both worlds."
"Only a technical sorcerer would have the confidence to play with such borrowed power manipulations, wouldn't they?"
Hearing this, Ravel lowered her head guiltily:
"His Majesty Ajuka is the Underworld's foremost technique creator. The Underworld's dimensional interference technology and Evil Piece technology were both created by His Majesty..."
Mammon couldn't help but glance at Ravel upon hearing this, seemingly displeased with the young lady revealing intelligence about the Underworld's Satan.
But considering their current predicament and His Majesty Ajuka's implicit intentions, Mammon chose to remain silent.
After understanding the situation, Kurumi Tokisaki, nearby, realised why Luo Shu had asked for her true self to come:
"My, my... A Satan from the Underworld invading reality? What a grand spectacle~"
"So the Spirit Mediums summoning the Flame Demon was actually the Phenex Society and Hell Sect's idea, while Satan Ajuka layered an Underworld invasion on top of this plan?"
Upon grasping the situation, La Folia immediately understood why the Phenex Society members had mistaken Ravel for carrying an Abyss Artefact capable of destroying all of Tokyo.
Setting aside the concept of physical artefacts, one of the Underworld's four Satans leading an invasion into reality—wasn't that precisely the kind of terrifying event that could destroy a major city or even a country?
Unlike La Folia and Kurumi Tokisaki's thoughts, Luo Shu was considering another issue:
"Can Ajuka Beelzebub confirm he can manifest in his true form?"
Hearing this, Ravel thought for a moment before nodding repeatedly like a pecking chick.
"He can manifest..."
Luo Shu's eyes immediately changed, a shift that all Familia members present understood well.
Thanks to Yukino Yukinoshita and Sharon's thorough education about basic Familia information.
Any Familia member who had paid even slight attention to the explanations knew that the current world had an upper limit for accommodating power.
Below the Apostle Rank lay the world's current maximum capacity.
Thus, the strongest beings in the world today were Demigod Rank existences.
Apostle Rank and higher existences wishing to manifest in the mortal world would face suppression by the rules.
Either they would suppress their power to lower Demigod levels and manifest after paying a steep price, or they would descend into reality in the form of Abyss Artefacts.
The former was extremely dangerous, while the latter was practically suicidal.
Neither option was appealing to any normal being.
Descending while suppressing power to weaker Demigod levels made one vulnerable to being surrounded and killed by local Demigods.
There were suspected examples of this occurring in America and Northern Europe.
According to SDS investigations, Twin Wings in Northern Europe recently killed an Apostle who had crossed over, while in America, Hao Asakura seems to be constantly on the move, sniping these powerful beings from other realms.
Recently, in addition to deploying Hidden Management Zones across various regions, the SDS Intelligence Department has been gathering intel on why these Demigods are behaving this way.
Current investigations suggest that when deceased powerhouses perish, they form some kind of treasure that enhances Demigod strength. However, since hunting these cross-dimensional entities requires both luck and capability, and with intelligence still unclear, the SDS has been observing cautiously.
But now, it seems Luo Shu's luck has arrived.
Ajuka Beelzebub, one of the four Satans of the Underworld—a being who could be either a Demigod or an Apostle—appears to be crossing over into the countryside.
Faced with this situation, Kurumi Tokisaki's expression turned rather peculiar:
"A Satan descending... How amusing..."
Meanwhile, Luo Shu silently calculated the odds.
When high-ranking beings from other worlds descend, their power is suppressed to the lower end of Demigod Rank—roughly equivalent to a newly promoted Demigod Class holder.
Against such opponents, even a Hero Rank with a Top Tier Class would struggle to win, only managing to survive the encounter.
On their side, both Kurumi Tokisaki and Mukuro Hoshimiya were Demigods. Mukuro might be slightly weaker, but her abilities were bizarre enough to rival an average Demigod.
As for Top Tier Class Hero Ranks, Luo Shu and Sharon were both qualified.
Four against one?
Ajuka Beelzebub, one of the four Satans from the Underworld of the High School DxD universe, ranked among the top two in strength among them. His expertise leaned towards technique creation, so his combat power might not be overwhelming, but his methods would undoubtedly be numerous.
Moreover, an Underworld invasion might not involve just Ajuka as the sole high-end combatant. The Demon Council was another significant variable.
Tapping his fingers lightly against the glass table, Luo Shu turned to Ravel after some consideration:
"When is the scheduled time for the ritual?"
"Our contact with the Hell Sect is set for tomorrow at 11 p.m."
Ravel explained, before hesitantly adding:
"In truth, His Majesty Ajuka does not approve of the invasion."
"Oh?" Hearing this unexpected news, Luo Shu glanced curiously at Ravel, awaiting her elaboration.
At this moment, sensing an opportunity, Ravel mustered her courage and cautiously continued:
"His Majesty Ajuka prefers technological exchange—utilising the Underworld's unique technologies to trade for certain techniques from the human world that interest him, thereby achieving mutual benefit."
"According to Mammon, including His Majesty Ajuka, Lord Lucifer and the other Satans share the same view."
"However, the Demon Council overruled their opinions and decided to invade this world, which lacks divine or Buddhist constraints..."
Hearing this, Luo Shu's expression turned exceedingly peculiar.
The Four Great Satans opposed it, yet the Demon Council's elders pushed it through directly?
Just who truly holds power in the Underworld?
In his understanding, Sirzechs Lucifer and Ajuka Beelzebub were overwhelmingly powerful among demons, ranking among the top ten mythological beings in that world.
Yet they were overruled by the Demon Council?
Were the council members their wives or something?
Beside him, Kurumi Tokisaki shot an amused glance at Mammon upon hearing this. Noting her lack of rebuttal against Ravel, Kurumi smiled faintly:
"It seems even demons have their conflicts."
Alerted by her words, Luo Shu turned his gaze towards Mammon.
He had indeed noticed this trusted aide of Ajuka Beelzebub's earlier silence.
Recalling Ravel's words, Luo Shu decided to probe further:
"It appears Ajuka Beelzebub has his own agenda."
Hearing this, Mammon paused briefly before bowing her head:
"Mammon Asmodeus conveys His Majesty's respects to you, honoured Demigod."
Luo Shu narrowed his eyes, resting his chin on one hand with a knowing smile:
"Paying respects to me... now that's interesting."
"You've surely said this to others as well, haven't you?"
Mammon's eyes flickered momentarily before she lowered her head humbly:
"Indeed. However, Lady Edelweiss declined His Majesty's proposal."
At the mention of the European Twin Wings's true name, Luo Shu's gaze merely flickered before he pressed:
"Then who did accept your offer?"
At that moment, a calm voice emanated from Mammon herself.
"Allow me to explain."
As the words faded, ripples shimmered in midair, coalescing into an oval bronze mirror.
Within its surface appeared a man with emerald hair, an elongated face, and striking yet oddly plain features.
One of the Underworld's Four Great Satans.
—Ajuka Beelzebub!