Chapter 16: The Art of Persuasion is Supreme

On the surface, Lucien was recognized by the current Devil Kings as a Leviathan bloodline inheritor.

However, in reality, the resources he received were extremely limited—nothing compared to a true Leviathan descendant.

That said, since this identity was essentially bestowed upon him, Lucien never felt particularly resentful about it.

The real turning point came two years ago.

Back then, Agumon had proactively asked Lucien for something.

[Phoenix's Tears]—a compensation from Serafall after breaking their engagement.

One year after obtaining that single drop of Phoenix's Tears, Agumon seemed to sense something and requested it from Lucien.

Lucien, being generous, handed it over without hesitation.

After absorbing that drop of Phoenix's Tears, Agumon broke through the lower-tier Devil rank and became a mid-tier Devil.

It was only after Agumon explained that Lucien realized what had happened.

Because it had remained in Lucien's possession for two years, the Phoenix's Tears had evolved—it was no longer just Phoenix's Tears.

Now, it possessed the ability to remedy innate deficiencies, rebuild foundations, and promote life evolution.

Agumon called it Phoenix's Blood.

From that moment, Lucien confirmed his "Purification and Evolution" ability.

With this newfound understanding, he began refining and enhancing the resources around him, gradually forming collaborations with various factions.

Unfortunately, before awakening his bloodline, Lucien's purification and evolution capabilities were too weak.

It took an entire year to complete the evolution of a single drop of Phoenix's Tears.

It took ten days to half a month just to advance a low-tier Sacred Gear.

The process was simply too slow.

But just yesterday—

After his personal strength surged, Lucien discovered that his purification ability had evolved as well!

The Phoenix's Tears, which originally required a full year to refine, now advanced at an astonishing pace.

Lucien estimated that it would take just a single day to complete the purification!

A hundredfold increase in purification speed— and that was being conservative!

As he walked, Lucien arrived at Asia's residence.

Thanks to his foreknowledge of the plot, he had already altered several key events within his capabilities.

For instance, the Boosted Gear—

Lucien had extracted the Sacred Gear from Issei Hyoudou long before he could awaken it.

Unfortunately, due to compatibility issues, Lucien himself couldn't wield it.

Then there was Akeno Himejima—

Lucien had met her even before Rias Gremory did, but since he lacked the power and influence to protect her, he could only let her join the House of Gremory.

And then there was Asia Argento—

Before she even entered Kuoh Town, Lucien had already established ties with the Fallen Angels residing there.

Thus, before Asia had the chance to encounter Raynare, Lucien intercepted her first.

Since he didn't have Evil Pieces at the time, he temporarily settled Asia in a house within Kuoh Town.

As he approached the house, a golden contract sigil shimmered on his hand, and Agumon leapt out from within.

[Lucien, be careful. There's someone inside the house—someone other than Asia.]

"Someone? Are they dangerous?"

Lucien raised an eyebrow.

[Very dangerous.]

Agumon nodded seriously.

"That can't be right..."

Lucien frowned.

He originally thought Diodora Astaroth had somehow learned about Asia's interception and was coming for her.

But for Agumon to sense danger?

Diodora was merely an upper-tier Devil—no match for WarGreymon.

Which meant the intruder wasn't Diodora.

At that moment, Lucien's system rang out with a notification.

[Ding!~]

[Congratulations, Host, for triggering a Villain Sign-In Event!]

[Sign-In Level: Gold.]

[Sign-In Type: Location Sign-In.]

[Sign-In Location: The underwear of the Infinite Dragon God, Ophis.]

"Who?!"

"Ophis?!"

"The Infinite Dragon God, Ophis?!"

Lucien was stunned.

Ophis—the Infinite Dragon God—also known as Infinite Moe Dragon.

She had earned the nickname because of her appearance as a black-haired, expressionless loli.

But despite her adorable form, she was the single most powerful entity in the world.

"Given how these sign-in events work… The one inside… The one Agumon senses as dangerous… is Ophis?!"

Lucien's breathing grew heavier.

Because at that moment, he had a thought that every transmigrator would have—

"What if I manage to persuade Ophis to become my personal enforcer?!"

Pulling out his phone, Lucien dialed Asia's number.

"Beep~~~ Beep~~~"

"Moshi moshi, Lucien-san?"

"Asia, is there someone with you right now?"

"Umm… Yes."

Asia hesitated for a moment before answering truthfully.

"Who is she? What's her name?"

"Ah? Lucien-san, you already know I brought someone back?"

"Um… Sorry, I didn't mean to bring a stranger into your house without asking first…"

"It's fine, Asia. I don't mind. Just tell me her name."

Lucien took a deep breath, waiting for her response.

"She… Her name is Ophis. I met her yesterday while shopping for groceries. I saw she didn't have an adult with her, so I brought her back."

"I'm really sorry for bringing someone home without your permission!"

"No, Asia. You did well."

Lucien smiled.

"Huh? Did well?"

Asia was puzzled.

Could it be that Lucien-san was a kindhearted person who liked helping others?

That didn't seem right.

When he first saved her, he explicitly stated that he did so because he found her appearance and Sacred Gear useful—not out of kindness.

Lucien wasn't the type to help people for free.

He was a man of equal exchange.

"Agumon, let's go."

"Don't worry—she's not an enemy."

Having confirmed the identity of the visitor, Lucien headed straight toward the house.

"Knock, knock, knock."

The sound of knocking echoed.

"Coming, coming!~"

After some hurried rustling, the door swung open.

A pure, innocent-looking blonde girl greeted him.

Asia was beautiful—so pure that one would feel an urge to corrupt her.

But Lucien's attention wasn't on her.

It was focused on the black-haired loli standing behind her.

Ophis.

"Ddraig's presence…"

Ophis's lips parted slightly, her dull eyes finally showing a flicker of emotion.

"Ophis, I believe I qualify as your contractor.

What do you say—care to make a deal?"

Lucien cut straight to the chase.

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