During these past few days, the little succubus Maria had been sleeping with them as well. Her petite, tender body was currently draped across Ethan's lower abdomen and groin. Last night, his final shot had been spent deep inside that smooth, small mouth.
Ethan had wanted to push things further and fully bed them all, but until Sheera and Lucia were rescued, the little succubus held back despite her internal cravings. Consequently, Mio Naruse and Yuki Nonaka could only experience pure pleasure without enjoying the sublime benefits of dual cultivation.
However, there was a silver lining. Because they couldn't perform "proper" dual cultivation, Ethan spent these days exploring and developing every other inch of their bodies. Despite her tsundere exterior, Mio Naruse was surprisingly obedient in bed; she was the first to agree to have her tender "chrysanthemum" bud explored. Ethan rarely used the "back door," preferring mouths, legs, and feet, but an occasional foray there indeed had a unique flavor. Moreover, conquering that spot felt like occupying every part of the girl, so Ethan had gained significant experience there.
Looking down at Maria, whose small face was slightly distorted as she gagged on his turgid "dragon," Ethan felt a flicker of confusion. Since they were already playing so filthily, why did she insist on holding back the final step? The doubt was fleeting; everyone had their reasons, and perhaps Maria had her own. Besides, he wasn't in a desperate rush to devour them completely.
With his nights occupied, Ethan could still spend his days dual-cultivating with other girls. Since it was Saturday, there were no classes. Ethan spent some more time messing around with Yuki, Mio, and Maria in bed, leaving the three girls limp and coated in his thick, musky essence before finally getting up.
By the time breakfast was over, it was nearly 10:00 AM. Ethan headed out with the Naruse and Nonaka sisters, planning to find Basara Toujou for combat practice. Actual combat was the best way to increase fighting strength and master power. Without using the "Banishing Shift," Basara's strength was roughly equal to the four girls combined. With Ethan guiding them and acting as a safety net, they didn't have to worry about losing control and causing accidents.
Following the attack by Lars, everyone worked hard to strengthen themselves while waiting for Zolgear's next move. Whether it would ultimately be useful or not, mastering uncontrolled power was never a bad thing.
Just as they stepped out of the main entrance, Maria—who was skipping ahead—suddenly froze. She scanned the surroundings discreetly. After confirming no one was watching, she pressed against Ethan and whispered, "Ethan-nii, they've sent a signal for contact."
The group spotted a mark on the flower bed. After exchanging glances, they decisively turned back into the house.
"Maria, go meet them. Continue to keep them stalled."
"Okay." The succubus loli took a deep breath, changed direction, and left alone.
Fearing complications, Ethan's previously proposed plan hadn't been implemented yet. They continued to use stalling tactics, hoping for a new turning point. By now, however, everyone knew a turning point was unlikely. Zolgear wasn't a fool; he might fall for it once or twice, but any more would arouse suspicion.
Indeed, this was only Maria's third contact with Lars. But after Zolgear determined he couldn't easily take down Basara Toujou without intervening personally, he issued a harsh demand: Maria was to subdue Mio and hand her over to Lars to be brought to him. Maria tried to stall again, but this time Zolgear was adamant.
When Maria returned to the mansion, she somberly informed everyone of what had happened.
"Let's do what Ethan-nii suggested the other day," Mio Naruse plucked up her courage and looked Ethan directly in the eye. "I believe Ethan-nii will save me in time."
Ethan: "..." With you saying that, how can I say no?
Ethan nodded silently. Although he felt the probability of swaying Lars and Zest was high—and that it was the best way—the girls, not knowing the underlying reasons, still preferred a more "stable" plan.
"Notify Basara, then contact them."
Ethan made the decision. At that moment, he suddenly wondered if they could execute the "defection" and the "acting" plans simultaneously. If Lars cooperated, Mio's safety would be guaranteed.
"Wait a moment. Maria, did they give a deadline?"
The girls looked at him in confusion. Maria tapped her chin. "Hmm... no specific time, just said the sooner the better."
Ethan understood. This was likely just a psychological warning for Maria; the next contact would be a forced ultimatum. In that case, he could arrange for the Naruse couple to meet Lars first. Whether the defection plan would work would be obvious at a single glance.
Ethan explained his thought process. Although the girls didn't understand why Mio's foster parents would be so effective, they followed his lead. Maria and Mio went to Basara to coordinate, and they even tried to contact Jin Toujou, who was wandering abroad—an extra powerhouse meant extra insurance.
However, Ethan guessed Jin wouldn't return. If a Hero with likely God-class strength returned, a cunning old fox like Zolgear would become even more cautious. Who knew Mio's relationship with the Toujou father and son better than Zolgear?
The Nonaka sisters remained on surveillance duty. Yuki had already decided that once this mission ended, she would leave the Hero Village and follow Ethan wholeheartedly. Kurumi was conflicted. If she reported back, the village elders would almost certainly order Mio's execution—their philosophy was "better to kill an innocent than let a threat live." And she would be the primary executioner.
Kurumi didn't want to do it; she felt Mio had done nothing wrong. But having been raised in the village, her mindset couldn't shift overnight. Ethan noticed this but didn't pay it much mind. With Rias and the Occult Research Club backing them up, no matter how many people the Hero Clan sent, they would be easily handled. As for Kurumi attacking Mio, the probability was nearly zero. The girl was too pure-hearted; even if she moved, she wouldn't have the heart to actually kill Mio. It would be best if Kurumi realized it on her own; if not, Ethan planned to have Yuki talk some sense into her later. With Yuki's help, making the girl "turn toward the light" shouldn't be difficult.
Ethan, meanwhile, used a teleportation circle with Akeno Himejima to return to the Underworld, collect the Naruse couple, and explain the requirements. The couple was bewildered, not understanding what Ethan wanted.
"You'll understand when you see the person."
Ethan didn't know what name Lars used back at the orphanage. Maybe it had changed, maybe not. Regardless, if Lars was the same as in his memories, he would definitely approach them upon seeing them. The Naruse couple didn't understand, but they knew to follow Ethan's instructions.
Once everything was arranged, Ethan had Maria contact Lars to set a meeting place.
The next day, at White Elephant Park.
The Naruse couple strolled through the park, chatting and laughing softly, looking like an ordinary couple out for a Sunday walk. Not far away, Xuelan and Minami, dressed in casual clothes, kept a close eye on anyone approaching them. The Naruse couple's strength was minimal; Ethan wouldn't feel at ease without protection. Xuelan and the others hadn't been exposed to the outside world, so Zolgear and his men likely didn't know them. With their black hair and pretty but unassuming looks, they were the least likely to attract attention.
This park was the meeting place Maria and Lars had agreed upon. There were still thirty minutes until the appointed time. As noon approached, the few ordinary people in the park gradually left. Ethan checked the time; Lars should have seen the Naruse couple by now. If he didn't appear soon, the defection plan would have to be abandoned. Fearing detection, Ethan and the others stayed at home, waiting for reports from Xuelan and Minami.
At this time, Maria arrived at the park. Her eyes brushed past the Naruse couple without a trace as she walked toward a corner. Ten minutes before the meeting, a strange magic aura appeared in the perception of Xuelan and Minami.