Chapter 17: Inevitable future battle and return to DxD

"...I've never seen such a thing."

The perpetual indifference, or even the usual contempt displayed by Serie, was no longer present.

Sanguinius could now read only pure excitement and a fierce hunger that seemed to have been awakened.

Such an expression on her face was rare, almost inconceivable according to his memory of the manga.

"She had a face like that only when it came to Fern's talent... no, this is more exaggerated."

Unconsciously, he took a step back.

Not out of timidity. Not even out of fear.

But this sudden, heavy, suffocating atmosphere... it strangely reminded him of scenes from a popular manga featuring a certain sadistic clown.

'Yeah, I feel like I'm facing Hisoka from HxH.'

Sanguinius has never met Hisoka, but he's sure he would emit such a palpable desire for something wanted within reach.

Unfortunately, for Serie and Sanguinius himself, the latter was not able to satisfy these revived emotions.

The reason is a bit stupid, but logical.

Sanguinius couldn't bring all his belongings with him when he answered Aura's call for help.

When he was summoned, he had just completed a full cycle of intensive physical training.

He was barely ready, mentally or materially, at that time.

Needless to say, he had left his old world in an... irresponsible manner, which is also why Mittelt wasn't happy about his abrupt departure.

He hadn't even properly taken the time to check the contents of his "dimensional pouch" or to fill it correctly. He had just grabbed useful things in the moment.

I was in a hurry because of the lack of information about Aura's condition, and I hadn't planned on becoming the shadow lord of the North of the continent.

Space magic, the "dimensional pouch," wasn't complex to learn in itself, but its storage capacity strongly depended on the level and mastery of its user.

A simple rule, but cruel for beginners in spatial arts like Sanguinius.

He couldn't keep all his belongings inside due to lack of space.

This explained the absence of many of his personal notes related to magic, as well as the abandonment of his essential works on Warhammer 40k universe technology—more specifically from the era between M2 and M3.

He had only had time to transfer a single grimoire: the basics of magic in the DxD universe, and some personal items.

In summary, this meager gift was just a bone thrown to a hungry wolf.

It was far from being able to satisfy Serie's thirst for knowledge, which could rival that of Echidna from Re.

"I... I want more."

The thick book was finished in less than ten minutes, and Sanguinius was pushed into a corner because of Serie's unrestricted magical aura.

'That's not fair, the FBI intervenes when men push the loli into a corner, but not the opposite??'

Despite this little mental joke and his relaxed face, the situation is critical.

He must quickly take back control of the conversation or... who knows? He could really end up being sucked dry by her, and not in the pleasant way.

"We'll talk about it again when you've officially accepted my proposal, and made amends by creating The Continental Magic Association."

Serie's eyes, blurry with desire, slowly regained their original calm.

After a few embarrassed coughs to conceal the "awkward" situation, she nodded, proudly displaying her indifferent expression once again.

"Ok, I'll 'play' this little game of yours, but..."

"But?"

"But I'm going to be clear... I still don't believe this story about 'another world'."

"I just want to learn more unknown magic, preferably combat-focused."

'As expected from a woman with bellicose tendencies.'

Unconsciously, he smiled while nodding.

Unlike Flamme and Frieren, Serie sees magic for what it is... a weapon, or a tool of destruction.

Sanguinius agrees with this vision, and this similarity seemed to once again ease the atmosphere between the two people.

"I'll send content related to destruction or combat magic and your instructions through Aura The Guillotine, but know one thing."

Sanguinius's sudden and affectionate gesture made the elf's eyes widen slightly, but the person responsible for her embarrassment was already in his own little world and didn't notice it.

"I don't just want you as a partner, but also as a complete subordinate," he said, tenderly stroking the golden hair, before being pushed away by Serie's hand.

'Seriously, he's crazy.'

Despite her mental complaints, Serie has always appreciated the ambitious and audacious mage.

Thus, she neither refuted Sanguinius's words nor criticized them.

"Oh, really? Then you'll have to beat me. And if possible, try not to disappoint me that day~" she said, sketching not a smile of contempt this time, but a wild expression.

"I can't wait," he replied with a similar expression.

Surprisingly, the atmosphere conducive to an intense battle automatically activated the Warp mutation offered by Khorne.

Yet, the bloodthirst and boiling anger did not affect his judgment, thanks to the Holy Power

actively working to keep him under control.

Thus, Sanguinius's mana, which should not be able to rival Serie's at their current level, was able to surprise her.

An abnormal phenomenon unforeseen by her, as Sanguinius had shown no sign of concealing his real mana level.

'At least that much is needed, to utter such arrogant words.'

Sanguinius's mana quantity doubled, reaching a level similar to Serie's when she conceals her magical energy.

That day, The Continental Magic Association was founded much earlier than planned, because of a single person moving in the shadows.

....

[Baal's false light: I just got home]

[The Guillotine: Excellent, so you were able to rally this person to our cause?]

[Baal's false light: Yes, but she's my equal and not my subordinate... for now]

[The red Empress: What are you two plotting?]

[The Guillotine: Do you really think we're going to tell you?]

[Baal's false light: Nothing much, I'm just preparing for my next content in my stream]

[The Guillotine: ...]

[The red Empress: Judging by the silence of this crazy woman, you didn't lie]

[Baal's false light: Yes, but not by choice]

[The red Empress: ...?]

[Baal's false light: I've noticed that I haven't really shown myself in the best light here, so I'd like to fix things]

[Baal's false light: After all, we are an 'organization' and it wouldn't be proper to be divided, right?]

[The red Empress: ...You're right... I also realize that I've been... a bit fierce with you guys]

[The man stuck in the Rocky Mountains: Finally, you're more civilized than the other crazy one]

[The Guillotine: I'm here, you know!!]

[Leader of the gender equality sect (administrator): Haha, you see? It wasn't necessary to kick those two out of the group]

[The man stuck in the Rocky Mountains: ...We all know the truth, Mr. irresponsible administrator]

[Leader of the gender equality sect (administrator): Come on Ryu, you know we need more people anyway]

While Kazuma and Ryu Habin got into a debate about the importance of moral integrity in a human being,

a worrying message appeared.

[I'm just THE dragon: Excuse me, does anyone here know how to hunt gods?]

Without hesitation, Sanguinius just closed the thread.

I'm not crazy enough to go into The God of High School universe at this point.

Sanguinius is not a coward, but he knows his limits.

As he is now, he couldn't even beat Beelzebub from The God of High School, so Tathagata ??

No no, I wouldn't set foot there... and at worst, I could just clone Ogre and transfer his soul into this new body.

He can't do it now, but it won't be difficult in 50 years.