"Witches and Demon Warlocks?"
Inside the Hidden Management Department, Luo Shu looked surprised upon receiving the news:
"And the fact that I'm not a Demigod got exposed?"
Lacus, who had rushed over upon hearing the report, asked with a slight frown:
"I'm not entirely certain, but Luo Shu, did you reveal anything during your fight with that Apostle-level demon?"
Luo Shu's expression darkened as he replied:
"Several issues, but the most critical was failing to withstand attacks. That demon viscount realised I wasn't a Demigod during our confrontation."
"I assumed he'd lie low after being severely injured by my scheme. Never expected he'd incite Truth Astronomy's Demon Warlocks to act."
Pausing, Luo Shu seemed puzzled:
"But Truth Astronomy knows the SDS has multiple Demigods. Why would anyone dare come courting death?"
"Probably because they believe the potential gains justify the risk," Lacus sighed softly.
In the present world, any power exceeding that of a Demigod is suppressed.
Thus, although that demon viscount was an Apostle and attacked with full force, the impact reaching the present world would at most be at the level of a Demigod.
Such an attack shouldn't have been so difficult to block for a legitimate Demigod possessing a Top Tier Class.
Therefore, the issue with Luo Shu was that he struggled too much to withstand the attack, revealing his weakness to the enemy.
"Truth Astronomy should be aware of the gap between us, yet they still took such action, indicating they possess the confidence to oppose us."
At this point, Lacus narrowed her eyes, her tone grave as she said:
"Based on the information we've exposed externally, the SDS should only have revealed three Demigods."
"One of them is you, another is Miss Kurumi Tokisaki, and the third is Miss Origami Tobiichi."
"The Five Great Powers might suspect Mukuro's existence, but they have no reason to report it to Truth Astronomy."
Hearing this, Luo Shu found it rather peculiar:
"So, with my cover as a Demigod blown, a portion of Truth Astronomy likely believes the Hidden Management Department only has two Demigods—Origami and Kurumi..."
"Heh, this is getting more and more interesting."
Luo Shu was somewhat curious about the special methods the lunatics from Truth Astronomy possessed that enabled them to believe they could oppose two Demigods and snatch the limb fragments of the demon Apostle from him, a Hero Rank individual with a Top Tier Class.
Did Truth Astronomy have hidden Demigods?
Or perhaps some unique Abyss Artefact?
Or was it that a major figure from True Hell had come to scout?
Luo Shu was curious about which possibility it was, so he decided to accelerate his own advancement.
"Just in case, I should hurry and perform the ritual to summon a nature spirit."
His strategy was simple: become a Demigod before trouble arrived.
After all, only by growing stronger could he better handle unknown dangers.
Understanding this, Lacus pressed further:
"Who do you plan to take with you to obtain the Nature Spirit Essence Blood?"
A nature spirit capable of meeting Luo Shu's ritual requirements wouldn't simply gift him its essence blood.
Though called essence blood, it was actually the nature spirit's origin—a core-like substance.
Extracting it would inevitably severely weaken the nature spirit.
Thus, conflict between Luo Shu and the summoned nature spirit was practically inevitable.
As tendrils of nature, powerful beings like nature spirits were at least on par with Demigod-level creatures.
To deal with such a monster, given Luo Shu's cautious nature, he would likely bring at least three Demigod-level fighters to gang up on it.
After some thought, Luo Shu replied:
"I'll take Mukuro, Origami, and Serafall. Kurumi can stay behind to monitor Aya."
"Just in case, I'll leave a contract scroll for Kotori... and one for Miku Izayoi as well. Actually, I might as well invite her over."
Though Kotori Itsuka hadn't fully revived her physical body yet, after signing the Familia contract, she would at least be a proper Demigod—a reserve combatant for emergencies.
As for Miku Izayoi...
Thanks to Nia Honjo's early reports and occasional brainwashing efforts, Miku actually got along quite well with Luo Shu. They were friends who occasionally called each other to complain—publicly acknowledged, monitored by the SDS, but on good terms.
If Luo Shu brought Nia along to ask for help, Miku would likely agree.
That added another proper Demigod to their forces...
With Kurumi Tokisaki remaining behind as one Demigod, two reserve Demigods, plus Top Tier Class members Sharon and Kotoko Iwanaga, Luo Shu was thoroughly applying the principle of playing it safe.
He refused to believe anyone could breach the Hidden Management Department with such a lineup.
Even if they did, it wouldn't matter—the Familia could retreat to the Hidden Management Zone.
In that home territory, with his Demigod Familia members stationed there, Luo Shu wouldn't even fear a demon viscount. If an Angel descended, he'd dare to test its limits.
While Lacus found Luo Shu's preparations thorough, she still felt they weren't secure enough and suggested:
"Just in case, have Mia accompany you with the Kusanagi Sword."
"As the sword's spirit, she can maximise the Kusanagi Sword's power to nullify supernatural abilities. With her, you should have an easier time hunting the nature spirit."
"...Is that so?"
Luo Shu frowned as he thought of the sword spirit who looked exactly like Lacus but was far more lively. After a moment's hesitation, he chose not to refuse.
"Then let her stay with me temporarily."
He couldn't possibly reject Lacus's kindness, could he?
Even though he knew Mia had recently been accompanying Lacus as the Supreme Chairwoman's final safeguard, Luo Shu still chose to accept her goodwill.
Seeing Luo Shu accept her request, Lacus's lips curled slightly. She quietly approached him, stood on tiptoe, and lightly pecked his right cheek before smiling and pressing something into his hand.
"Though it might be a bit early to say this now..."
Lacus's expression was unprecedentedly tender:
"I'll always be waiting at the garrison... for your return."
Luo Shu froze momentarily at her words. He squeezed the ring-like object in his hand and discreetly pocketed it, teasing:
"You've already set up the flag for me. If I don't return safely, wouldn't that make me ungrateful?"
Lacus chuckled softly, then adjusted Luo Shu's collar and gently patted him.
"Suuzuka told me the ceremony will be held at dusk today, during the demon hour, on the spiritual leyline of Mount Atago in Kyoto."
As she spoke, Lacus smiled softly and said:
"So... be careful on your way~"
Hearing this, Luo Shu couldn't help but smile.
"Got it!"