“You’re making this difficult on me, aren’t you? Don’t give me that look”

“Woof!”

“Aren’t you an energetic one? You must have caused your owner a headache, but sadly, I have no snacks today”

“Woof! Woof!”

“Stop being a drama queen, you’ll not die if you don’t go on a walk”

“Woof!!”

Leo squatted and looked at a certain creature straight in the eye, but this creature kept panting and looking around vibrantly.

Suddenly, it turned to look at him and noticed an extended hand. Leo kept his eyes on the dog and said “Paw”

The dog looked at Leo and the extended palm before it raised its paw and barked. Its expressions looked as if it’s expecting praise.

“For the 27th time, that is my knee and I’m not anticipating an arrow before being an adventurer”

“Woof!”

“And that’s my foot”

Leo looked at this dog who kept aiming at his knee and foot. The dog is of the Shiba Inu breed and its colors were mainly black and white. It kept barking and circling Leo energetically.

This made Leo’s expression turn milder as if he’s in a good mood.

“Arata is usually obedient, but it seems he likes you very much, Leo-kun”

Sitting on the front porch, an old woman drank from a teacup while smiling slightly. Her words got no reaction from Leo, except lifting his eyebrow.

Looking at the pup, who started licking his palm, Leo scratched its chin before responding “He likes the snacks more.”

“Hehe… That’s true”

Leo is in the front yard of the house beside Arisaltek’s home to the right. After buying a big world map, a bunch of markers, and a fancy, expensive pocket watch because he happened to pass by it, Leo slowly returned to his home without teleporting and other shenanigans.

However, his action got him spotted by the neighbor’s Shiba Inu. He remembers this dog, which he brought some snacks for before, so he played with it for a bit.

As for the old woman? She’s the owner of the house, but it didn’t mind Leo playing with their dog. This happened many times already, so she even invited and greeted him warmly.

But here is the catch, Leo still has no idea who she is!

Despite them being old neighbors, Leo still has no recollection of their names. If not for the fact they had this dog for a few years, he’ll probably be completely clueless.

Would this affect him? Make him embarrassed? No! He already builds immunity to talking with those who know him while he’s completely clueless about them!

However, in his mind that is filled with chaotic and forbidden knowledge, Leo faintly remembers sensing two life energies from this house, but there’s only one lately.

The granny took a sip from the tea before she said ” I’m already old and can’t keep up with Arata, sadly. I don’t think I can be with him for long”

“I see. Your acceptance of the fact you’re old and going to die is remarkable ” Without changing his face, Leo blurred those words with no care.

Hearing the sudden and absurd lines, the granny couldn’t help but chuckle and say ” I say your bluntness is way more remarkable, Leo-Kun. But be careful because it might come back at you one day”

Although he expected her to be at least a bit angry, Leo lifted his eyebrow again “You don’t really have to wait”

Leo felt something is haunting him these past few days as if someone has a debt with him. Well, he kinda deserved it, which made him a bit speechless.

“Oh my. That’s unfortunate” The granny smiled slightly before going silent again.

“It’s not like it matters. Don’t you agree? Hmmm, I can understand you, but you can’t. It feels a bit weird”

Leo squeezed Arata’s cheeks before rubbing his belly as the dog became completely relaxed. For this pup, Leo is a bit puzzled.

A few days ago, he got a bit scared and confused as if he sensed the monster hidden behind Leo’s usual look, but after a few snacks and rubs, he became completely energetic.

I guess he’s a bit dumb even for a dog.

After playing with Arata for a few minutes, Leo raised his head suddenly and stood up “Hm? It’s about time I go”

“Leaving already? Why don’t you have some snacks first?” The granny opened her eyes and invited Leo.

“No, there’s no need. Thank you for the hospitality”

“Oh, if you have some free time, you’re always welcome here. My grandson has been busy lately with work and unable to accompany Arata. I believe he’ll be assured if he learned you took care of Arata.”

{Eh? Who is this guy and why will he be assured? Is he sick?}

Leo looked at the granny weirdly. As this neighborhood official menace, he never thought that someone would feel relieved hearing his name.

Usually, they either try to look slightly awkward so they can leave quickly, or they sound polite and reject him between the lines while they talk behind his back. Sometimes, they are frank about their disgust and avoid him like a plague.

He has long forgotten since he got along with one of the neighbors. They have isolated him, especially the younger generation.

Not like he minds, of course. But remembering how this caused his mother to be very worried back then, Leo could only sigh secretly {Japan society mindset is really not for me}

However, Leo’s face didn’t change on the outside. “You want to push the responsibility of your pet onto me, huh?”

“I’ll do it”

But when he looked at the dog, who was cutely rolling on the ground, Leo spoke plainly.

Looking at how Leo’s words changed in an instant, the granny laughed directly this time before saying “If that is how you see it, then be it. Take care, Leo-Kun, and deliver my thanks to your mother for the food”

“Will do”

Leo nodded calmly before he went to the entrance. As for Arata, it stopped following him after Leo told him to stay.

With Leo’s figure disappearing into the distance, the granny looked at the dog playing in the yard with a smile that carried a bit of nostalgia.

Leaving the neighbor’s house, Leo had an odd expression on his face. What has gotten into the head of that old woman? Suddenly becoming sentimental.

{If she misses her grandson, just give him a call}

Even with his insights, he can only guess what others think from their actions and words. As for their heart and feelings, he rather not look too deep into it.

However, in the end, he only shook his head and whispered “Human life is so fragile and short… well, it not as I lived for that long anyway”

Speaking some words that sum up the entire character of various villains and evil MCs, Leo looked at the sky in a daze before he continued on his way.

He felt like he’s about to bump into a problem. This is his instinct slapping him in the face. It is hard to explain, but it is usually never mistaken. Coupled with the continuous headache and pain that he has been experiencing for days faintly increasing, the closed door of the house gave him a bad premonition.

Leo shook his head and twisted the door handle, entering the house before saying out loud out of habit “I’m back”

Greeted by silence, Leo noticed that the front lights were turned off. Nevertheless, he only needed one glance to see what was happening.

After closing the door, Leo could only shake his head as a bit of tiredness flashed on his face. Advancing inside, the sound of faint whispers appeared and became clearer.

“Did you really meet Leo in Japan, Claudius-san?”

“Umu, come to think of it, I indeed met my Praetor in Japan. We fought in the Holy Grail War! But I had to return to Rome shortly after arriving at this world”

In the living room, Minami sat down facing a blond woman as her smile couldn’t help but twitch. So, this is their new neighbor. Minami thought as she grew more speechless with every word from Nero.

She had been sitting at home until the door got knocked and she met Nero. Realizing that Nero is the newly arrived neighbor and even knows her son, Minami invited her in.

To be honest, she was more interested in how her son knew this beautiful young lady. No, the problem is how this one has a good impression on him! This is very important!

After all, recalling her son’s history with girls… No, his history with almost everybody. It was basically a train wreck that got bombed again.

The curiosity burned strongly in her heart, but in the end, she kinda regretted it as soon as Nero opened her mouth. {Why does everything that comes out of her mouth sound like those roleplayers?}

But only because of this, Minami realized that Nero truly knew Leo. This same atmosphere and actions make everyone around speechless. Why… why did it have to be this reason!!??

Burying those thoughts deep in her heart, she forced a smile and said “I-I see… So, you’re from Italy, Claudius-san. That’s a wonderful coincidence. My husband is also from there. It’s a beautiful place”

“I know, Rome is Rome. However! Although I didn’t have a reception befitting me, I shall overlook their sins this time. After all, visiting a new world is a wonderful experience on its own! I really want to explore it!”

“…. I-indeed, you mean a new country… Right?”

“…”

Minami didn’t know if she should laugh or cry. She has no idea how to respond to this!

Looking at Nero continuing her story, she suddenly recalled the weird act of Leo these days. {Is it because of her? This girl… is a bad influence!}

Leo graduated from eighth-grade syndrome a long time ago. She remembers clearly how her son buried that dark past and refused to even acknowledge its existence. His expression was devastating back then.

How dare this girl drag her sweety into that dark path again! Minami’s eyes suddenly became vigilant.

As a mother, she’ll never allow this!

{Eh?} Nero blinked her eyes in confusion. Why did the mother of her Praetor suddenly become hostile? Is there an enemy nearby?

Unable to sense this ‘enemy’, Nero also became vigilant before nodding at Minami. As expected of the mother of her Praetor, she clearly isn’t simple.

However, her nodding was more of a provocation in Minami’s eyes {This girl… she dares?!}

But then she noticed something on the corner of her eye. She saw a familiar face looking at them without an expression.

Finally able to breathe a sigh of relief, Minami felt liberated. Even if she steeled herself, dealing with Nero’s wavelength is very taxing. And more importantly, she needs answers!

However, her facial expression quickly froze. Years of familiarity and her motherhood sense told her that every inch of her son’s current expression said ‘Don’t involve me’.

‘Help me! And who is she?!!’ Minami squinted and spoke with her eyes, but she only met Leo’s empathyless sight saying ‘You’re on your own’

‘Good luck’

“….”

Looking at Leo as if he’s praying for her, Minami gave him a silent glance before she looked at Nero.

When Leo was saying farewell, Nero sensed something strange from Minami’s expression and looked behind her.

“Oh! My Praetor” Nero’s face brightened before she waved with her hand despite Leo not being that far away.

However, Leo didn’t pay her any attention. He turned and walked to the stairs as if he didn’t hear anything. This made Nero pout. Wasn’t her voice clear enough?

Unsurprisingly, she wasn’t the only dissatisfied person here. Minami stood up and walked upstairs after Leo. Nero sat down there for a few seconds before watching Minami bring Leo down.

Minami wore a kind smile while Leo still had his expressionless face, except it had more of a ‘Why are we still here?’ vibe.

“I’ll bring more tea. Would you be kind and entertain the guest, Leo” Minami stood up and went to the kitchen, leaving Leo rubbing his forehead.

“Would you accept a no?”

In his last attempt, Leo noticed his mother’s unchanging expression before he resigned to his fate. You won this time, destiny.

“Great, I’ll be back in a minute”

Before she left, Minami gave Leo a look, which made him speechless. What is more ridiculous is that she didn’t leave. He still could see her from the door corner.

{For the love of… Why don’t you just ask?}

Rubbing his forehead, Leo shook his head and went to sit facing Nero. Even if she had no idea what was happening, Nero still smiled as if she felt things were getting interesting. She was rather curious about the duo of mother and son, especially this one.

“Did you come here for a visit? Here…” Lep pushed forward the plate of dessert on the table to Nero.

“Yes… hmph!”

However, Nero’s face quickly changed before she turned away, refusing to talk.

“I see…”

Staring at her for a moment, Leo nodded before he relaxed on the chair while messing around with the weird necklace on his neck.

“Hmmm…”

“…..”

“Hmmmmmmmmmmm…”

“…..”

“Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm…”

This situation lasted for some time as Nero frowned more and more. She tried to hum, expressing her dissatisfaction, but Leo didn’t look at her. He seemed to be absorbed in turning his necklace around.

Being treated like air hit some sort of nerve in Nero.

Puffing her cheeks, she closed her eyes and clenched her fist. Her body began to faintly shake as if she couldn’t hold something back anymore.

“Do you perhaps need something? Outside of attention, of course”

Noticing a slight movement of energy, Leo finally raised his head. His natural and relaxed movements were the final straw as Nero exploded.

*Thud!*

“Why is my Preator ignoring me?!”

Slamming the table, Nero stood up and got closer to Leo, questioning him straight in the eye!

Unfazed by her demeanor, Leo gave Nero a short glance and said “You want to know?”

“Yes!”

Nero nodded her head quickly. Her being so honest made Leo pause for a second, but he still shook his head.

“I don’t want to talk to you”

“Eh? Why?!”

Opening her mouth, Nero’s eyes were full of disbelief. She couldn’t accept this! Why is her Praetor angry at her?! Did something happen?!

As the colors of shock and astonishment filled Nero’s face, Leo answered briefly “Guess”

Of course, such an answer didn’t satisfy Nero as she grumbled under her breath and looked at Leo with resentment.

Leo didn’t bother with her anymore. He kept turning his necklace, which is a spell trigger and the physical manifestation of a part of his Longinus.

To be honest, this necklace could be and could not be counted as a rose cross. But for the Rosicrucianism and Hermetic Order, Leo is neutral at best. Neither of them greatly affects his ‘universe’ despite being included in it.

Such is the formlessness and changeability of the infinite singularity of light…

“Ummmmmm…”

Suddenly, a shadow was cast on Leo, awakening him from his thoughts.

He raised his eyes to see Nero looking down on him. She had her knee on the table, supporting her body, and her hands rested on both sides of Leo’s chair.

Even with their faces almost colliding, both of them didn’t react at all.

“What are you doing?”

“Guessing… Ummmmmm”

Nero answered seriously and continued to stare at Leo’s eyes as if she’s trying to see something from them. This made Leo squint. From a screw loose person to another, do you think he’ll lose?

“Ummmm… Are you jealous?” After a while of staring, Nero tilted her head and blurred a phrase that broke Leo’s expressionless face. His expression was more wonderful than the time he told Angra to save the world together.

“Hah?”

“Umu, umu! I see, I see, of course, it was like this. I understand…” Nero nodded to herself proudly before a smug smile flashed on her face. It was like she discovered something.

“No, I don’t think you understand anything” Leo felt speechless.

Her look right now reminded Leo of someone, which generated some great urge to punch her in the face. This is almost like an old grudge.

“Worry not, my Praetor. I fully understand. My art is the epitome of beauty and passion. Of course, you’ll feel jealous about it being shared”

“… Didn’t we establish that it wasn’t that great yesterday?”

“But! My art is meant for the world to see, even if they couldn’t understand the beauty in it. Everyone needs to witness in amazement the artist who rivals Apollo! As for you, My dear Praetor…”

“Your appreciation of my art makes me very happy. Really. So, I have decided! I shall dedicate my work to you and me! Every time you’ll see my masterpieces, remember that this is my greatest gift to you, my dear Praetor. This is my promise as an artist”

Nero closed her eyes and smiled proudly and brightly. Her expression was screaming ‘Umu, praise me’ as she closely faced Leo.

“…”

But Leo squinted his eyes hard as his expression became very odd like he couldn’t even begin to comprehend the thought process of the person in front of him.

Why does this remind him of himself?

{This girl… Is very suitable to be a dragon}

Ddraig nodded in approval to Nero. This extra-thick skull that ignores all the reason and logic without a care about the world.

Ddraig couldn’t help but remember himself fighting Albion without caring about any traps then getting killed. Yes, this is the true paragon of dragons! Only such a thick skull deserves to be a dragon!

After a moment, Leo closed his eyes defeatedly and said ” You need help and I know for sure I can’t give it”

“Of course, not! As an almighty genius, I don’t need help to show you unforgettable scenery!”

“…”

Meanwhile, Venom changed Nero’s position in his mind into a ‘Brain-damaged person’, but when he heard Leo’s words, he added a note called ‘Beyond salvation’.

If his lord can’t help her, then she’s a goner. The simple and clean thought process of Venom would make Leo speechless if he knew.

“*Cough* Would you mind getting off the table…”

With a light cough, Leo and Nero noticed Minami with a tea tray in her hand. Despite being smiling, Leo knew immediately that his mother was mad.

It would be surprising if she didn’t get mad at seeing a stranger on top of her table. Also, their current position wasn’t the easiest to explain, but Leo is too lazy to clarify.

So, he just sat there with an unchanging expression as if this had nothing to do with him.

“Oh” Nero finally remembered her current pose and went back to the chair.

Putting the tray down, Minami looked at Leo questionably, but the latter had this zen expression as if he got detached from this entire situation.

“You two really know each other. This is surprising, I thought… well, only she ‘knew’ you from that picture” Minami had a hard time wording this situation.

“No, I don’t know her”

“Of course, I know my Praetor very well!”

Hearing two opposite answers, Minami poured some tea and looked at her son and the new neighbor. They both looked at each other with a questioning look.

“Since when did you know me ‘very well’?”

“Umu, that is a simple matter. With a bit of time, I’ll definitely understand my Praetor completely. Now or then. The present or the future doesn’t mean anything to me”

“…”

Leo took a deep breath and closed his eyes before opening them and looking at his mother. {Look at what you made me deal with. You made me deal with someone like myself! Don’t you feel sorry for your own son?!}

However, as if she could understand his thoughts, Minami took a sip of tea and watched this exchange in delight. Her previous unhappiness melted like snow, even the tea tasted much better for some reason.

“Wait, what picture?” Leo suddenly focused on a very important hint.

Minami reacted as if she expected this situation and turned a photo that was on the table. In that picture, Nero and Leo stood together wearing their combat clothing and holding their weapons, even Leo’s Beast Crown was on full display.

Leo grabbed the picture to look at it clearly. There was faint pink writing on the photo corner that said ‘No need to thank me, Emperor Nero’. He didn’t need to check twice to know who is the culprit.

“Merlin…”

Saying the name of a damn half-incubus, Leo’s expression became chilly. Since when did he take this? The damned flower’s brain magus is still sneaky as ever.

But what made Leo furious is that this wasn’t a solo work! Nero couldn’t possibly possess this picture if she turned into a spirit to come to this world! There’s only one explanation, she got helped by someone!

{Is this how it’ll go? You bastards couldn’t take me one-on-one, so you decided to collaborate in messing with me? Very well}

The strength he was holding the photo started to increase, but before it reached the degree of tearing it, Nero swooped in and took it at a speed that made Minami blink.

Glaring at Nero, who hid the photo somewhere at high speed, Leo took a deep breath. Let’s try not to get angry, getting angry is bad for his crumbling mental health. That is it, he’s totally joining forces with Fou!

When Leo was thinking about how to firmly lock Merlin in the tower, Minami refreshed her opinion on Nero.

This Nero Claudius isn’t half-bad. She actually was able to get Leo. This is a very rare situation. Also, it seems her relationship with her son isn’t exactly what she thought.

Minami felt she finally understood, but then her expression became weird.

Fixing his glasses, Leo decided to ignore his mother’s weird look and say to Nero “You aren’t giving up, right?”

Nero tilted her head, but then she quickly understood what Leo meant. A smile flashed on her lips, full of confidence and charm. This change surprised Minami.

Maybe because of the same atmosphere as her son, she subconsciously ignored it, but Nero is very charming. From head to toe, Nero is a stunning beauty who shocked Minami. This made her throw a glance at her son, questioning again where he met Nero.

But to her disappointment, Leo was still in the zen mode.

“Hmmm, that’s what my Praetor thinks, but after listening to your words, I have decided to… not follow them!”

“My Praetor’s words might carry a bit of sense, but I, Nero Claudius, shall do whatever I desire, umu! As long as I do it, it’ll be perfect. There’s no need to worry at all, isn’t it?”

Raising her chest, Nero hummed proudly as if she made the most correct choice in her life. Her aura was filled with confidence, making people around subconsciously believe that her words are facts, even Minami was affected.

But Leo wasn’t moved. He took a cup of tea calmly, even the stillness in his eyes felt chilly for some reason like an illusion. It was hard to describe. However, he didn’t refute Nero this time.

“That’s indeed wise. Listening to me is a bad idea and usually never ends well. You’ll do better like this”

Leo nodded approvingly. His actions never solve anything, they’ll only make it worse. After all, only a dumbass would listen to a fool. This had been proven many times that he grew sick of it.

However, despite receiving approval, Nero stared at Leo deeply before frowning in dissatisfaction. She even became a bit mad, turning her head away, and refusing to look at him.

Minami fell into puzzlement. What is this supposed to mean? Nero refuted Leo, then he agreed, but she’s the one who became angry?

Minami couldn’t wrap her head around this. Maybe because she lacks a lot of contexts.

“Um, are you two talking about a game? One of those, what were they called…” Shaking her head, Minami decided to finally say it.

“Game?”

Leo and Nero tilted their heads in confusion.

“Ah right, those D&D roleplays that your father spoke about. This Holy Grail is something like that, isn’t it? Your cosplay was well made, Leo. I didn’t know you were into these things.” Minami mentioned the previous photo before nodding at herself.

It must be this case. Especially at that time Leo went somewhere and had Genshirou covering for him. Minami was still worried about that time and if Leo had some trouble, but knowing her son, it’s probably just to hide this hobby.

Minami didn’t mention it, respecting Leo’s privacy, but as a mother, she could not help but be worried, after all.

Knowing the ‘truth’ made her more relaxed as her smile became brighter and said “So, you two met playing a game and Claudius-san happened to move to our neighborhood. The world is indeed small”

“A game, hmmmmm” Nero crossed her arms and thought about it before smiling and saying “Umu, indeed”

Nero, who is full of confidence, took the Holy Grail War as a game between heroes of all ages! It’s like the colosseum during her lifetime. Only such a grand event deserves her presence!

Getting acknowledgment from Nero, Minami smiled and nodded.

Although it’s a bit special, there’s nothing wrong with this hobby. As her son is happy and it doesn’t affect his future, then it’s all okay. But maybe he should tone down those weird phrases and ways to talk.

Feeling relieved, Minami looked at Nero more positively.

“…”

Leo looked left and right between Nero and his mother before he took his glasses, cleaned them, and wore them again. Nope, the picture still didn’t change.

A game? Roleplay? D&D? COSPLAY?! Leo’s expression was very wonderful. Looking at his mother and Nero suddenly getting along because of a big misunderstanding, made Leo squint his eyes.

So, he’s now a cosplayer in his mother’s eyes. How is he supposed to tackle this? Leo looked left and right again before his eyes landed on a certain part of space.

From that point, he was able to perceive his faithful weapon, who accompanied him through several battles. A pitch-black Glock 19 floating in a space pocket.

Suddenly, BlackBarrel did a full turn and the gun barrel pointed at Leo. From their connection, Leo understood what it wanted to tell him exactly.

{If you want… to kill yourself… turn me into a knife and commit seppuku, you filthy casual!}

{How dare you speak to the lord in this manner?!}

Suddenly, Venom, who was completely silent, flared up! His anger-fueled thoughts lashed on BlackBarrel instantly, making the latter shiver slightly.

{But… But… But he forgot what he promised… me about turning my shape into my… first form(Yamato) and… cutting people. I just want… to cut things… and… people 🙁 }

Unlike Venom, Black Barrel didn’t have a voice, it was more of simple thoughts. They were slightly slower and sluggish. But for some reason, it was able to deliver simple images.

{Nonsense! Our Lord never forgot! It’s just there’s a lot that happened lately and more problems to face. There was simply no suitable chance, but these days, I’m sure your strength will be needed by our lord, so brace yourself and be ready! Now, apologies to the lord for your sins!}

{Emmmmm… I’m sorry… my lord. I just wanted to cut… people. I’m… sorry}

“….” Leo’s face was pretty difficult to describe at this moment.

{Hmmmm, very well. Our Lord has forgiven you. Remember that our Lord always knows the best for us and never doubts his words! Be ready for any situation now}

{Yes… I’ll be… ready… to cut people}

{Good}

Suddenly, the picture became as if Venom is a big brother who is lecturing his little brother or sister, which isn’t wrong because he’s older than BlackBarrel, although by a few minutes. But didn’t the phrase ‘cut people’ repeat a bit too much?

“…..”

Leo took a deep breath before he fell on the chair. What is happening with his Annihilation Maker’s beasts?

Although they gained life and a soul, therefore they should develop a personality with time, but… one of them awakened a slicing fetish and the other one seems to be ready to write a gospel about him at any given moment.

{Maybe the first form of the creature affects their psyche development… }

Leo felt this should be about right. Further studies are required, but he’s too lazy to perform them.

“Are you alright, Leo?”

Minami noticed Leo’s weird actions and asked.

Looking at his mother’s worried eyes, Leo paused before he fixed his glasses and replied “Yeah… I’m fine. It just I remembered something”

“Umu, with this, I should continue on my way”

Nero stretched her arms and stood up, ready to leave. Minami was a bit surprised and asked “Already? You still didn’t even drink your tea”

“Yeah, she only came here to tell me that my words are nonsense and she’ll do whatever she wants”

“Umu! My Praetor understands me very well”

Nero nodded approvingly while Leo shrugged, especially when his mother threw him a glance that basically said ‘You do understand her well’.

“Not like it’s something I feel proud about”

“No, it’s something worth all the pride”

Leo rolled his eyes at Nero before feeling his mother’s gazes. Why does he feel she understood everything wrongly? These days sure are unlucky, huh?

“Very well, I’ll be in my room. I need to work on something”

Seeing Nero preparing to leave, Leo also wanted to go, but Nero spoke “Before I go, my Praetor, be prepared to witness how I’ll prove you’re wrong. You’ll see how the world will be mesmerized by my art, especially you”

“…”

Leo blinked while looking at Nero. {Now, now, isn’t she persistent? How should I describe this? Still salty from the last time I said her singing is bad? Pfff…}

Despite his thoughts going in a full circle, Leo didn’t show it on the outside and said “Is this a challenge?”

“Umu, of course!” Nero smiled very confidently, but her smile stiffened in the next second.

“I see, then congratulations on winning. Of course, I’m wrong”

As if he took it for granted, Leo nodded at Nero, even congratulating her.

However, this made Nero frown as if she’s dissatisfied with the outcome. Her eyes became sharp again and locked on Leo, trying to see something.

“Hm? Where’s dad?”

“Eh? He’s in the hospital. His shift took longer than expected”

This short exchange made Minami speechless. She didn’t even know how to interfere before she got called by Leo.

“I understand. By the way, although Kuoh is peaceful these days, try not to run into trouble you can’t handle. Or you know what? Run into them, just give me a call when you do it because I have nothing to do. Take care”

Addressing those last words to Nero, Leo climbed the stairs and disappeared from sight as Minami rubbed her forehead. Why is this child always like this? Are you wishing for something bad to happen to this girl?!

As for Nero, her frown gradually eased, but she looked deep in thoughts as if something caught her attention.

“Please don’t take it to heart, Claudius-san. Leo has always been like this, but he means no harm…” Minami said a bit apologetically, although she only finish her words openly {Most of the time}

“Let me see you out”

“Hmmm, I understand, but… umu” Nero nodded as her expression finally eased.

But she is still a bit confused. She felt as if Leo had changed somehow compared to when she first met him. It is hard to describe in words… as if something got extinguished?

Nero kept these doubts to herself, but no one could tell what she is truly thinking about.

Following Minami, they arrived at the entrance. But before she left, Nero heard Minami say “Let me be honest with you, Claudius-san, I’m glad you visited us, especially coming to see Leo. It may sound embarrassing, except a very few, I can’t recall anyone visiting him for a ‘friendly’ matter”

Minami sighed a little before continuing “I don’t know what’s going on in his mind sometimes. He always says he’s completely alright, but doesn’t he feel a bit lonely like this?”

“Claudius-san seems to be getting along very well with him. May I ask you to visit him from time to time?”

Minami asked sincerely, completely tossing the image of Leo looking at Nero like a nuisance behind her back.

“Lonely?” Nero’s green eyes suddenly lit up and said with a smile “Umu, count on me! I’ll definitely visit my Praetor every day. This is a promise from me!”

“Ah, not like that… T-thank you” Minami’s smile became a bit forced as she imagined Leo’s expression if he heard this, but she couldn’t refuse when Nero became very enthusiastic.

“Next time you decide to visit, please invite your parents too. I wish to know them” Unable to change what happened, Minami switched the subject.

“Parents? My parents aren’t here” Nero’s expression changed a bit.

“Oh my, are you living alone?”

Minami was astonished to know, especially when she saw Nero’s young look, and said ” Did your parents really allow you to travel alone?”

“No, my parents are dead” Despite stating it like a trivial matter, Nero’s words were like a bomb to Minami.

“Ah… I’m sorry for your loss” Feeling like she stepped on a landmine, Minami became embarrassed and apologized.

“No, it’s alright. It doesn’t matter…” Nero smiled naturally, but in Minami’s eyes, she was more like trying to be strong.

After, for her, Nero is almost the same age as her son.

This made Minami’s impression on Nero’s increase again. She couldn’t help but say “You have moved lately, isn’t it? If you would like, you can come today to have dinner together. I’m sure my husband would be happy to get to know you too”

In her heart, she also thought of telling Leo to treat this girl better.

“Umu? Then I shall take on your offer” Feeling a bit strange about Minami’s sudden affection, Nero still took on her suggestion.

“If you have any questions or a problem in the neighborhood, I’ll be more than happy to help. I know it’s kinda hard to get used to a new place”

Minami said with a smile and Nero also nodded while saying “Umu, the condition of this place is indeed not to my taste, but why does it take so long to buy small pieces of land?”

Nero frowned at all the procedures that had to be done in the modern era, but Minami could only smile wryly and say “Is that so… wait, buy the land?”

“Needless to say, that house is simply too small. I have already obtained several others around it and am ready to build a castle befitting me. Oh! Here they come”

Listening to Nero’s words, Minami blinked.

Her first thought was this was just another one of Nero’s weird talks, but looking at some cars leaving and some agents in suits coming to the previous neighbor’s house, she had an absurd feeling.

“Wait, Claudius-san, if you don’t mind me asking, why did you decide to buy that house?”

“Umu? Without a doubt, because my Praetor is here!”

Giving an answer that made Minami completely freeze, Nero bid farewell to her.

Minami watched wide-eyed as several agents were trying to suck up to Nero, but she just walked without giving them any mind. Her proud and confident manners naturally made her stand out.

“Maybe I should own this entire territory?” Nero said to herself as the agents near her flinched with cold sweat dripping from their foreheads.

However, she didn’t care about them. She suddenly looked at the pervious house and thought for a moment before she felt strange. These days her headaches are much fainter and milder. Is it because of the new world?

Feeling her jaw-dropping, Minami had one single thought in her mind. How… Just how did her son know this person?

…

“What is happening down there now?”

On the upper floor, Leo was sitting on the floor with a marker in his hand. He frowned a bit as his headache increased because of the commotion outside before resuming his work.

On the floor, there was a big world map that showed all the continents and oceans clearly.

Leo seemed in deep thoughts while looking at the map. However, his hand didn’t stop. He first marked several locations with a green marker, which were India, Japan, Africa, China, Europe, Great Britain, etc…

Then he took a red marker and noted North America, Russia, but then, his necklace shone and a voice was transmitted into his head.

{Huh? What are you doing?}

“Marking. What do think about the following, Venom?”

{In my point of view, there’s nothing to question about my lord’s vision, as I expected. Those green locations are the easiest targets and most organized. Yet, the possibility of doubt still stands until we check them manually. As for the red regions, there’s a lot of variables. Further studies need to be concluded to lower the error rate}

{But if I may suggest to my lord, we should try to track the distribution of Ley Lines from these deserted zones first, at least until we get a general idea of the energy flow. The oceans would still be the most troublesome.}

Leo’s sleeve extended into a jet-black tentacle and caught a black marker before it crossed the North and South poles, drawing lines towards Canada, Russia, Africa, and Australia.

“I thought so too, but we still need to take into consideration the movement of Earth compared to the sun, and the location of the moon. The gravitational pull and the tide should give us a better look at the flow of energy in the oceans”

Leo and Venom began to mark several places, splitting them into different regions, and deciding several procedures that made Ddraig blink.

However, he still managed to understand one thing or two, and said {Ley Lines(Dragon Veins)? Why are you looking for them on this large scale?}

{No one has attempted to utilize all the energy of Ley Lines in nature. Are you trying to cause something big again?}

Listening to Ddraig’s questions, Leo lifted his eyebrow and said without raising his eyes from the map “Well, it’s not like I’m after their energy. And yes, we’re going to do something big. Are you in?”

{Hmph. I’m stuck to you, after all.}

Despite sounding as if he’s complaining, Leo captured the faint excitement in Ddraig’s tone. Such a big event would be bound to be very exciting.

How could he miss it? After all, this guy is a dragon. Exciting and wild matters like these are quite to his liking.

{What do these marks represent?} In no time, Ddraig found the brand new map filled with different signs and short notes.

“Hm? You want to learn, well, listen carefully. We have separated the map into several locations according to the difficulty of determining the Ley Lines positions” Leo tapped with the back of the pen on the map.

“Green is the easiest, red has a bit of difficulty and variables, and black is either difficult like the oceans, or not that worthy of trouble like the Antarctic”

Although the flow of life energy on the planet doesn’t truly differentiate between locations, there’s still a lot of rules that should be taken into consideration.

For example, the Antarctic. The icy landmass is indeed a part of nature, but the ice is still ice. Unlike normal earth, the number of usable Ley Lines are much less and the flow of energy in them is slower.

“There’s a lot to be said about how to separate areas, but for the green, we took a simple approach. We shall make use of the religion and the mystic side”

Ley Lines or in other name, Dragon Veins, are huge sources of energy, which make them a valuable natural resource. It’s something like the equivalent of oil for the supernatural side.

Here comes the role of mystic clans, families, and organizations. Each one of them will at least occupy one important node of the Ley Lines making them the best detection method for Leo.

It’s very simple. Locate the clan headquarters and you’ll find their Ley Lines because their energy is also used for defensive purposes and such.

For this, religion plays an important role. Most families will be affiliated with gods. A location with deep faith has a higher chance to locate an organization that monopolizes Ley Lines.

Places like Europe, China, India, and Japan are filled with these types of cabals. They’re for Leo, the easiest targets.

“As for the red regions, they are much looser in the aspect of mystics. For example this North America, I see the best way to determine the Ley Lines quickly is by tracking the history of the native tribes”

For America, the new world, the colonization of the continent brought new religions, therefore more supernatural involvement, and allowed more development in that aspect, but it’s still lacking!

The utilization and refining of the Ley Line isn’t something that could be done in a day or two. Well, for someone on the level of Leo, such a thing could be done, but for human magicians?

Not to mention the difficulty of finding a suitable Ley Line in the first place.

Back in the past, humans were much more integrated into nature than today. It’s not strange that this primitive instinct to survive led the ancient humans into some optimal locations. Yet, those Ley Lines mostly aren’t suitable for magical use. Either because they are small or difficult to access.

It’s like Ddraig said, no one attempted to use the entire energy of nature. Not because they didn’t think about it, but because they couldn’t.

To be fair, the red regions are more of Leo’s own doubts because he isn’t 100% aware of the development in these regions. After all, he didn’t bother to look at them with Clairvoyance.

He can’t put his views and speculations as facts, especially because this is DXD where the supernatural side doesn’t follow the usual set of rules.

Maybe America is as developed as Europe in this aspect, though he still doubts it. Also, Leo had to put into account the weird nature of the magician cabals in this world.

The last time he checked with Clairvoyance, he saw some damn witches and magicians in a magical domain in the Dimensional Gap. These guys left the Human World and directly jumped to live in the void.

They feel… pathetic.

Maybe it’s because of the involvement of the mythical side, but magicians feel too pitiful in Leo’s eyes. No, I guess the whole humanity of this world.

“If I recall correctly, I saw a Golden Dawn with my Clairvoyance here… Pfffffffffffffff” Leo almost choked by the sudden laughter while Ddraig didn’t understand what was so funny.

In the end, a manual search is required too. Most of these procedures are just to lower the error rate. Nobody has time to circle the globe, trying to locate Ley Lines one by one, especially not Leo!

Although he doesn’t really miss that Clairvoyance, Leo has to admit that it’s rather handy with these things. Well, there’s no use crying about it now.

“Now, as we’re done with the logic and reasoning, we shall use technical knowledge. Hmmm, let me be frank, I don’t know if this applies 100% in this world, but they should do the trick. After all, it’s all the familiar life energy, no? For example, looking at the weather, movement of the celestial bodies…”

The more Ddraig listened the more he nodded and his eyes lit up.

Utilizing climate change, the way seasons change from a place to another, even the times where an eclipse happens. Although he hates to admit it, Ddraig found himself learning. Even the previous reasoning felt new to him.

He couldn’t help but look at Leo, who was improving the map, deeply. This knowledge and understanding of how the world operates are kinda scary. Isn’t by locating the Ley Lines, you can simply figure out any organization’s hideout if they utilize them?

Ddraig does not doubt that this isn’t Leo’s limit. Maybe he can even flip the entire Ley Line on top of those cabals and turn all their works against them without moving a finger.

{This guy… He does possess such great knowledge, but why doesn’t he use it frequently. Hmmm, I guess blowing things up is less taxing} Ddraig nodded to himself as if he felt his thoughts were about right.

In a sense, his partner is also a good example of a dragon.

{Assuming that you located the Ley Lines successfully, how are you going to utilize them? Extract the energy violently?}

“I think I already said that I don’t want the Ley Lines’ energy and if I’m going to do it violently, why am I wasting my time thinking?”

Leo shook his head at Ddraig before he picked a yellow marker and said ” Venom, establish a new task. We need some sort of an impact device to pierce a hole through the Ley Lines without distributing their balance. Oh, we also need to establish an artificial network to let the energy flow from those gaps. Let’s include Palkia in the process for better efficacy.”

{Affirmative}

Venom started thinking about the best solution. He has been studying DXD’s magic for a far longer time than Leo, making him the best for this job.

{Wait, if you are going to do that, you also need…} Ddraig felt weird at first, but then he saw Leo mark something new on the map.

In Japan, Leo drew a yellow circle with a small snake of the same color on top of it. There was a note next to it that said ‘Key/Yellow Snek’.

Despite being speechless about the name, Ddraig instantly understood what Leo was referring to. At this moment, he was already impressed. Although there’s still to be taken care of, this plan has already been formed and it’s pretty solid.

This technical side was a bit rare from his partner, making Ddraig wonder {Why are you doing all of this?}

“Why? Hmmmmmm”

Leo fixed his glasses. His eyes couldn’t be seen behind the reflection of light as he said ” Although this is a guess, he did cover me during that ritual, didn’t he? Reducing himself to this state”

{… Oh, I see. Yes, he did} Ddraig was puzzled for a moment before the answer flashed in his mind.

“That idiot. I guess he deserves to be my alter ego. He’s almost as big of a fool as me”

Ddraig couldn’t exactly see Leo’s expression at this moment as he listened in silence.

“To be honest, I could just wait for my core to recover without wasting all these efforts. But how long will it take? A month? Two months? A year? Who knows when it’ll return to optimal performance exactly, and although it’s shameful, I have my limits as an asshole.”

{You… isn’t that something positive and morally good?} Ddraig felt speechless.

“Huh?! This will break my streak as the asshole of the year. I’m disappointed that you don’t understand this, Ddraig”

Leo shook his head deeply as if he was really let down by Ddraig, making the Red Dragon more speechless.

“After finalizing the plan and dealing with some hassle here, we should proceed immediately. I can’t keep him waiting for that long, no?” Stretching his body, Leo returned to mapping again, but he got interrupted by the commotion outside.

“Huh? What did she do now?” Looking at cars going and leaving from the opposite house, Leo squinted his eyes before a faint layer of wind isolated outside noise.

“She gets mad for no reason and now makes all this noise” Leo shook his head, but Ddraig refuted him {Isn’t it because you’re putting yourself down these days for some reason?}

“Really? But I’m only stating the truth, no?” Leo tilted his head in puzzlement, but Ddraig squinted at him from inside the Longinus before ignoring him.

Leo shrugged his shoulders and returned to work, but he suddenly remembered something and said ” It’s 6 PM now. I wonder how long he’ll take”

*Ring~~* *Ring~~*

“Heeeh? I actually got the timing right”

Hearing his phone ringing on the desk, Leo dropped the marker in his hand and stood up to answer the call.

“Hello, I don’t think you’re calling to check on me?”

Meanwhile, on the other side of the call, Genshirou sat down on his desk, holding the phone to his ear.

His expression was a bit complicated and nervous before it turned furious while saying “Or what? Do you expect me to call because I miss you? Go die”

“I called you because I wanted to ask something. Huh? You already know?”

Genshirou stood up from the desk and began to pace in his room left and right as his expression changed “Who are you calling a predictable idiot!? Don’t answer that either!”

“I’m serious, man. I really have something important to ask. Tell me, can we meet tomorrow? Eh? Today. Well, it’s fine by me, but I don’t want to bother you… Huh? You’re coming here and… Now?”

*Thud* *Thud*

Suddenly, Genshirou’s expression froze. His eyes slowly turned towards his desk. To be more specific, the drawer has begun to shake without any warning.

Looking at his phone then at the desk, Genshirou blinked his eyes before he went forward and opened it up.

Inside the drawer, a familiar face and head alongside another pink creature head were phasing through the void, staring at him with unblinkable eyes.

“…”

“…”

“Chumimi~in!”

Genshirou and Leo stared at each other with a blank expression without uttering a single word.

Not until Leo coughed and said with the same facial expression ” The coordination might have been a bit wrong. I shouldn’t have spun my way here”

Genshirou looked down at Leo inside the drawer in the eye before he slowly closed it again. He took a few steps away while looking at the desk.

His desk got possessed by an Angel(Demon). Should he call an exorcist or burn it down?