A plain-looking, average boy walked into the park. Before Xuelan or Minami could speak, a greyish magical glow flashed over the boy, and his disguise dissolved.
Lars stood there in a simple yet elegant tailcoat, wearing a pure white mask with gold trim that even hid his pupils. He spoke with the grace of a gentleman. "Good afternoon, little succubus, and these two ladies."
Because he was masked, the Naruse couple didn't know who he was, but they knew their mission was likely complete. Xuelan and Minami exchanged a glance and sent word to Ethan without speaking. Maria stepped out from the corner, scrutinizing Lars. This man had met her several times, always acting like Zolgear's loyal lapdog. Who would have thought he actually had a connection to the Naruse couple? Ethan hadn't explained, but since he specifically chose them for the plan, one could guess there was a special reason.
Beneath the mask, Lars's eyes showed a look of profound complexity as he stared at the Naruse couple. He had actually arrived early. When he first saw the "resurrected" idols of his childhood, he dazed out for a long time. If his years of hiding beside Zolgear hadn't ingrained the art of disguise into his very marrow, he would have been spotted then.
To hide beside Zolgear for so long—maintaining his cover even when the Naruse couple was "killed" while waiting for the right moment—meant Lars's intellect and mental fortitude were exceptional. Once he recovered, he thought it through and quickly pieced together the sequence of events. Since there had been no bodies at the time of their "death," he had held a sliver of hope. But when the truth appeared, his habits as a double agent made him instinctively wary of a trap. However, since no one knew his relationship with them, the trap theory didn't hold water. Most importantly, he was certain these weren't imposters.
So, even if it were a trap, he had to jump in. Looking at the ordinary middle-aged couple, Lars couldn't help but take a few steps closer. But the Naruse couple instinctively backed away. Lars currently projected a powerful aura and looked mysterious; combined with his affiliation with Zolgear, their reaction was perfectly normal.
Lars froze, his heart aching. After a moment of hesitation, he reached up and removed his mask. Beneath it was a face not much different from his disguise, though his features were significantly more handsome.
The Naruse couple looked at Lars, then at each other, and ventured, "Are you... Ra-kun?"
It was Mio's foster mother who spoke. Hearing that intimate, familiar nickname, Lars was overwhelmed with emotion. "It's me, big sister, big brother. Long time no see."
"It really is Ra-kun!" Mio's foster father said in shock. "Time flies. I can't believe you've grown so much and become so strong."
"I said back then that Ra-kun had great talent and would surely succeed," the mother said with a smile. "But Ra-kun, why are you with Zolgear...?" She stopped mid-sentence, but everyone knew what she wanted to ask.
"After you two left, big brother, big sister, the orphanage couldn't stay open for various reasons," Lars smiled, not minding the question. He adjusted his emotions, hiding the joy of the reunion deep in his heart, and began reminiscing with them.
While they talked, Ethan received the news and knew the plan was 80% successful. He ordered Xuelan and Minami to stand by, then headed to the park with Mio and the Nonaka sisters. Rias and the others stayed behind; too many eyes were on them, and their movements could easily reach Zolgear's ears. This mission didn't need many people, so Ethan didn't even ask for Basara's help. Basara was strong, but if the defection worked, Zolgear's already dwindling forces would shrink further; one more or less person wouldn't make a difference.
Moments later, Ethan's group met Lars. Mio's expression was incredibly colorful as she watched her parents chatting happily with the enemy. Fortunately, Maria explained the situation; she had been listening to their reminiscence and had cleared up the relationship.
Ethan looked at this morally ambiguous man—who, in the end, would have helped Basara anyway. Once he confirmed everything was as he thought, he got straight to the point.
"I want you to pretend to take Mio back. Ensure her safety while finding the location where Sheera and Lucia are held." After stating the requirement, Ethan added, "I'll handle Zolgear. After this is over, you can go to the Gremory family with the Naruse couple."
Though their time together was short, Lars had already discussed important matters with them—like how they survived, where they lived, and why they were here. With his brain, he quickly understood Ethan's intent. He wasn't surprised by the request; what curious him was how Ethan knew about his relationship with the couple. But judging by the reactions of the others, he probably wouldn't get an answer. Ethan hadn't even told his own people, so why would he tell Lars?
Smart people knew when not to ask. Lars decisively agreed to Ethan's request. "Zolgear has Devil King level power. Can you handle him alone?" Lars looked at Ethan curiously. He knew the reputation of the Red Dragon Emperor, but he was skeptical about Ethan taking on Zolgear solo. "It's best to bring that guy from the Hero Clan. His ability is very strong; if it hits, Zolgear will be heavily injured even if he doesn't die."
Ethan understood the "bug" of the Banishing Shift. It was a rule-based ability that even Gods couldn't resist, let alone a Devil King. If Basara weren't male, Ethan would have tried to acquire that ability through fluid exchange—since he'd already tested that only dual cultivation worked, and other things like blood contact did not.
"Don't worry. Our main goal isn't to kill Zolgear, but to save the hostages." Ethan didn't bother explaining his current strength. Once the hostages were safe, if he could kill Zolgear, he would; if not, he'd leave it to Sirzechs. As for Zolgear trying a desperate, suicidal final attack... Ethan wasn't afraid. Even if he were busy, Rias and the others could hold out until reinforcements arrived. Sirzechs and Serafall weren't just for show.
While Ethan and Lars discussed, Maria explained Lars's identity and motives to Mio. Because of his talent, Lars had been taken in and trained by Zolgear after the orphanage closed. Since he was raised by him, Zolgear trusted him deeply. Though Lars admired the Naruse couple, he hadn't planned on betraying Zolgear until his subordinates killed them; he had only wanted to find a way to leave. But once they were "killed," his goal became revenge.
Lars's talent was indeed great—he had reached SS-rank at a young age—but he was still far from being Zolgear's match. So he stayed undercover, waiting for a chance. Finally, the chance came. After defecting, Zolgear had few usable hands, and he was being watched closely. Thus, Lars was sent to threaten Maria and bring Mio to him.
Lars knew Mio was the foster daughter of the couple, but he felt Mio shared some responsibility for their death. He planned to play along, using Mio as bait, then ambush Zolgear when he was most vulnerable while absorbing her power. If he succeeded, Mio might survive—perhaps injured or humiliated, but Lars didn't care. If Mio hadn't been their foster daughter, he wouldn't have cared about her life at all. If revenge seemed hopeless, he might even have killed Mio secretly to end Zolgear's hopes. That was its own form of revenge.
Hearing all this, Mio was a bit angry, her full chest heaving, but she didn't know what to say. She could understand Lars's logic; if her parents had died, she wouldn't have easily forgiven herself either. Thinking back to the fierce pursuers from back then, the redheaded beauty felt a chill. At the same time, she was once again grateful to have met Ethan. Because of Ethan's help, things were always moving in the best direction. Her parents weren't dead, and although she had to face Zolgear alone, she would have one of "their" people by her side, so she wasn't as anxious.
After finalizing the details of the plan, the group returned to the mansion, and Lars went back to report to Zolgear.