Chapter 89 - Dinner Date with a Hell Knight

---Mael POV, Evening---

Spending the entire day searching the prefecture for the Dark Slime and Kratos, I ended up finding nothing. The leads that Ingrid gave me did yield some information though, Kiryuu and Shang Tsung had met a few times according to his notes. In exchange for people to sustain his life, Shang Tsung had provided him knowledge that he should have never had. Much of Edwin's forces were modified with this knowledge to make them stronger.

Using that to win his spot back in the organization, Kiryuu kept them in the dark about him using research funds to modify himself and create elite troops loyal to him. His troops were supposed to be highly magic resistant and immune to almost all physical damage. Based on what the notes suggested, they were already in the testing phase and once they were field tested he planned on triggering an event to make both parties fight one another. When the dust settled, he would finish off the weakened victor with ease.

"If I were him, I'd have sleeper agents on both sides which means he needs someone who can brainwash people. It would have to be incredibly powerful just to ensure that it didn't trigger on accident, Shang Tsung wouldn't do something so bothersome which means...someone else is helping him..", I said thinking through this, "Shadow Demons, gather up Kiryuu's financial documents and bring them to me. Once that is done, begin searching the rest of the country for the Dark Slime and Kratos."

Acknowledging my orders, the demons left their information with me and shot off in every direction. Even though I didn't achieve either objective today, these documents were enough to make my efforts not completely worthless. Stowing it away for now, I headed back to the Taimanin base to get Rinko. Pulling up to the same spot I dropped her off, I got out and walked back into the base.

"Hey ladies.", I chuckled as I walked into the Command Center.

"Hello Mael.", Sakura laughed, "Asuka, this is the man we were telling you about."

"Nice to meet you, I'm-", she started to say.

"Asuka Koukawa, I am well aware. Aren't you supposed to be with DSO?", I remarked.

Blinking several times, she looked at Sakura for answers. Assuring her no one had said anything to me, Asuka asked how I knew that. Telling her that I had my sources, I said it was nice to see that she came back to the Taimanin.

"I know Asagi adopted you when you were younger. It's good to see that you two have made amends with each other.", I said with a smile as I shook her hand.

"...only a few people know about that. How...how do you know that?", she questioned.

"I can't reveal trade secrets, just know I won't be handing this out to other people.", I teased her, "Anyways, I am here to pick up Rinko. She wanted to tag along with me to my meeting with Ingrid."

Telling me that Asagi ordered her to stay back, Sakura stated they didn't want to interfere with my meeting. Understanding where she was coming from, I tossed Sakura a copy of the files the Shadow Demons gathered up earlier.

"Hears today's findings, make sure Asagi reviews them. This could be problematic for your field agents.", I told her before walking away.

"What is it?", Asuka asked.

"It's...it's Kiryuu's research notes and personal journals!", Sakura gasped, "Mael how did you get-"

Looking over to where I had been standing, they realized I was already gone.

"He's really good at his job.", Asuka admitted with a smirk.

Walking back to my car, I found Rinko and Murasaki waiting for me. Dressed to the nines, the two of them gave me a pleasant smile as I approached. Having chosen probably two of the most provocative outfits I had ever seen, I couldn't help but think this was on purpose.

"Aren't you two supposed to be staying here?", I asked giving them a grin.

"Kiryuu is involved...I am here for blood.", Murasaki told me with a serious look, "I owe him for many situation he's put me through. With your help, I'd like to cut off his manhood and ram it down his throat."

"Violent as always.", Rinko laughed, "I am here because I promised you I would, and I am here to keep Ingrid from bribing you to their side."

"I am not your boss so I am happy to have you along. Coming with me you agree to follow my lead and orders. Do not provoke Ingrid into a fight, we are going into your enemy's turf so show some restraint.", I warned them.

Agreeing to my terms, the two of the got in and I drove off. Complimenting my ride, Murasaki thought the car was in very good condition for it's age. Telling her it wasn't cheap to rebuild it, I said it was a custom job from an friend of mine. As we pulled up to the club, I told the women to let me do the talking and that they should refer to me as John Wick if needed. Acknowledging my orders, we got out and I handed my keys to the valet again.

Linking arms with me, the two women escorted me to the front door. Getting through security, we were show to a private table by one of the hostesses. Waving at me as we approached the table, Ingrid appeared to have the same idea as the Taimanin and came in a revealing dress. Clearly emphasizing her breasts as we approached, I wasn't going to complain about the view. Pulling the chairs out for Murasaki and Rinko, I slid the documents over as I sat between her and Rinko.

"You look simply breathtaking, the scarlet color looks perfect on you.", I praise her with a wink, "Here is the information I promised, your little scientist has been busy."

Quickly skimming through the information, I saw a scowl cover over her face. She probably felt like an idiot for letting him back in as he only came back for funding. He had given them peanuts comparatively to what he did for himself. Putting the papers down, she rubbed the bridge of her nose with a sigh.

"Thank you for giving this to me. Our men went to pick him up this morning, and were killed the moment they opened the door. The building was rigged to explode, we lost two elite teams to that trap.", Ingrid told me, "He's on the run now..."

"I assumed he'd bolt, based on the documents he will be field testing his soldiers soon. Make sure you always keep your guard up.", I said looking at the menu, "I would prefer a beauty like you to stay in a single piece."

Giving me a smile, she assured me that she wanted to stay that way too. Ordering some drinks and food, the two of us started chatting a bit about work and our personal lives as Rinko and Murasaki sat in silence. It was surprising to hear that Ingrid's personal life was far more normal than I thought. She was into drinking wine, watching movies, training, and eating all the sweets should could in her free time. As I spoke to her more, I really felt she was someone I wanted to add to my harem.

As I was thinking about that, I sensed two Taimanin approaching us. Telepathically reaching out to Rinko and Murasaki, the two of them almost jumped out of their seats in surprise. Apologizing to them, I let them know that two of their allies were approaching. Asking them to remain calm, the two of them swore they could do so. As the Taimanin came into view I realized one was Yukikaze's mother Shiranui Mizuki and the other was Kirara Onisaki.

Sensing Rinko start to get up to run over to Shiranui, I placed my hand on her lap to stop her.

"Don't approach them, they are both brainwashed and won't recognize you. If you try to push the issue with them, you may break them mentally. I will undo the brainwashing, I promise you that.", I telepathically told her.

Calming herself down, she did as I told her and remained seated.

"You had two more Taimanin in hiding, these two are quite the catch.", I said with a grin, 'Incubus King Ryuuji is involved with this, I can sense an Incubus' enchantment on them.'

"Consider them a gift from Mr. Black as a thank you for assisting us. Both of them have been in training for some time so they will do whatever you want them too.", Ingrid stated with a smirk, "After your display last night, we made sure that they know how to best service you. Please use them as you see fit."

"Hmm...I have to ask because I am curious. How did you manage to capture both of them?", I asked out of curiosity.

"Simple, they attacked one of our Executives on orders from Asagi.", Ingrid told me.

Questioning her on that, she told me they spilled the beans several months back when they were interrogating. Confirming my suspicions that Ryuuji was working with Kiryuu, I got up from my seat and approached them.

"Did you have your people check to see if they were enchanted or branded?", I questioned looking for minuscule amount of magic.

"Oboro said there wasn't anything found.", Ingrid assured me, "If you think we'd double cross, I assure you we want to work with you."

"I don't doubt that but the problem is Shiranui has been missing for over five years and Kirara went missing two years ago.", I remarked as I ordered them to expose their stomachs, "It would appear you have more than one traitor in your group."

Removing the illusion cast on them to hide Ryuuji's enchantment mark, Ingrid threw her wine glass against the wall. Telling her that Oboro and Ryuuji were helping Kiryuu, I swore she was about to blow a gasket. Shouting at several guards to locate Oboro at once, Ingrid told them to drag her here immediately. Doing as they were ordered several men ran out of the building to do as she asked and get away from her.

"First Kiryuu now Oboro!! I swear I am surrounded by backstabbers and ingrates!!", Ingrid hissed, "Lord Black was gracious enough to employ them, fund their projects, and even paid them...how dare they turn their backs on him. Not only that, they went and supported that horny bastard Ryuuji! They will suffer for this treachery."

"Good help is hard to come by.", I agreed sipping on my piña colada, "Don't be surprised if she bolted the moment she found out they were coming here. In fact, why don't we prevent any issues from arising now."

Using my Curse Dispelling ability, I removed the Incubus' control over them. As soon as the curse was lifted, the two women almost collapsed to the ground. Catching them gently, I seated them at the table and told them to relax. It would take some time for them to recover, but they weren't in any immediate danger. Removing the magic that bound him to them would draw him out as Incubus' would never let one of their property go.

"You...you dispelled the enchantment, I heard it's incredibly difficult to do safely.", Ingrid said shifting in her seat, "Well...I hope you enjoy your gifts from us."

"Very much so, please send my regards to Mr. Black.", I stated pulling out something from my inventory, "Please take this as a gift as well."

"What is this?", she asked looking at the ruby colored fluid, "I haven't seen something like this before."

"Dragon's Blood.", I replied sipping on my drink.

Almost dropping it, she asked me where I got it from. Dragon's Blood was apparently almost impossible to find anymore as they had been hunted to near extinction. Telling her I came across it in my travels, I said to please give it to Edwin as a thank you gift. The blood itself was from a Lesser Dragon I killed in the Dungeon, it had no special properties other than tasting sweet so I wasn't concerned about giving some away. Stowing the vial away, Ingrid turned to me and placed her hand on my thigh.

"You are quite a remarkable man not only do you have an amazing intelligence network, but you also managed to find an item that was thought to be impossible to find anymore.", Ingrid purred, "Lord Edwin pays his loyal followers handsomely, if you want money, women, and power we can accommodate that. If you are interested in a particular individual...that can be arranged too."

"Ahem", Rinko said engulfing my right arm with her breasts, "We pay very well too, and a strong man like you would have no problem finding many partners."

"We could help him capture any Taimanin he wants.", Ingrid pointed out.

"He wouldn't need to if he joined us, I'd give him my affection freely.", Rinko told me with a smile, "I enjoy your company quite a lot, and I love a man that takes control."

Watching the sparks start to fly between them, I couldn't help but smirk.