Although there had been a small accident, the battle with Azazel had indeed benefited both Zeroy and Patchouli greatly.
It also revealed to Zeroy her hidden trump card—Intimidation.
It was rather strange; after leveling up so much, her greatest finisher turned out to be the intimidation ability granted by her Title?
This Title effect was honestly a bit exaggerated.
[Title: Heaven-Dimming Demon]
‣ Condition: Σ～βζЪ5℃jix
‣ Effect: 87Ω0 …gφ Your power inspires greater fear. You will more easily receive the favor of terror, destruction, chaos, and madness.
—The shadow of your fear shall blot out the sun, no matter how many suns there are.
┗ O growing abyss, thrive and deepen. One day, you will become the abyss itself.
Looked at this way, the garbled text in the Title wasn't just nonsense; it actually had substance.
Still, this was ultimately intimidation, and not as broadly applicable as straightforward power.
The outward expression of her strength did not alter Zeroy's essential alignment of good and evil. Yet using such easily misunderstood means to interact with others, only for everyone to end up seeing her as some Demon of the Apocalypse—that was not what she wanted.
That was forcing a backlash.
And this Title's effect would do exactly that.
If used on pests, then fine. She didn't care what pests thought anyway; they were all going to be decapitated. However, if it were other people, who knew what sort of monster they might imagine her to be?
Even Azazel had taken her for an outer evil god.
Afterward, when Azazel awoke and made it clear he did not require further care from them, Zeroy took Patchouli once more to the Underworld.
This time it was at Rias's invitation. The previous request to see the Gremory family's library had already been granted permission by her family.
Originally, they had been scheduled to go yesterday, yet due to Azazel's severe injury, Zeroy had postponed the trip after receiving Rias's message.
...
Beneath the vast violet sky of the Underworld stood a solemn and splendid castle, at the heart of the Gremory territory.
Having just disembarked from the Underworld train, Zeroy and Patchouli now rode a luxurious carriage dispatched by the Gremory family, slowly approaching this mansion that embodied the clan's long history and honor.
Outside the window, the peculiar scenery of the Underworld passed by. Zeroy leaned with interest against the glass, idly stroking Kuroka on her lap while admiring the view.
Though she had been to the Underworld before during her fight with Azazel, she hadn't paid much attention to the environment back then. Moreover, different regions of the Underworld varied greatly.
There were indeed areas like purgatory, which Zeroy had glimpsed from the train before. And there were also areas like this—seemingly normal, neither terrifying nor gloomy. Compared to the human world, the only difference here was the abundance of bizarre sights.
The impression was more like having crossed into a vibrant and fantastical otherworld.
They could have teleported directly to their destination through a magic circle. Still, since it was their request to visit and borrow from the library, and since the hosts had arranged this reception for them, it was proper to follow their arrangements—so long as it wasn't too troublesome.
Patchouli, meanwhile, hugged a thick tome, her eyes still buried in the pages.
The carriage stopped before the Gremory mansion, and the grand gates slowly opened.
Rias was the first to step out, standing at the entrance. She turned back with a bright, warm smile, extending a hand in welcome.
"Zeroy! Patchouli! Welcome to the Gremory household!"
Entering the hall, Zeroy immediately felt the coexistence of dignity and warmth that characterized the Gremory family.
Magnificent crystal chandeliers bathed the space in gentle light, portraits of past heads of house adorned the walls, and the air carried faint fluctuations of magic.
Rias's brother, the current Demon King Sirzechs Gremory, approached in a dark suit, a gentle smile on his face.
Behind him stood his wife and maid, Grayfia Lucifuge, poised and dignified, her silver hair glinting in the light.
"Miss Zeroy, Miss Patchouli, welcome to the Gremory family."
Sirzechs's voice was deep and cordial, carrying some of the unique majesty of a Demon King, yet even more so warmth and friendliness.
"I have already heard from Rias about what happened in Kuoh Town. We are deeply grateful for your assistance to my sister."
Zeroy smiled modestly and replied, "You flatter me. It was only a coincidence. That the Gremory family is willing to grant our request surprises us most pleasantly."
Like the scenery outside, this Demon King also gave a fine impression. Apart from the faint majesty and extraordinary aura he radiated, no one would connect him with the title of Demon King.
This was the new generation of devils—having abandoned the old ways of bloodlust, brutality, and terror.
Sirzechs was precisely the representative of this new generation.
Grayfia stepped forward with an elegant bow. "Honored guests, please follow me. The master has ordered a welcoming banquet prepared, and the library is open to you at any time."
The banquet was set in the mansion's grand hall, the table laden with delicacies unique to the Underworld, radiating enticing aromas.
Sirzechs personally introduced Zeroy and Patchouli to the history of the Gremory family and the treasures of their library.
Patchouli's eyes noticeably brightened at the mention of the library, and she couldn't resist asking: "I've heard the Gremory family has a long and profound heritage. The library must house many rare ancient grimoires, correct?"
Rather than just hearing it said, she longed to see with her own eyes, although another's explanation would also help her absorb knowledge.
Rias nodded with a smile. "Of course, Miss Patchouli. The library contains many ancient tomes treasured even by Demon Kings. I can personally take you there anytime."
Sirzechs added, "Miss Zeroy, Miss Patchouli, your assistance to Rias is not only her personal debt of gratitude, but that of the entire Gremory family. If you find any book in the library of interest, you may freely borrow it, or even take a copy."
"So long as it does not involve certain secrets of the Gremory family or of devilkind, I hope you understand."
Zeroy waved a hand indifferently. "You are too kind, Sirzechs. Rest assured, we have no interest in prying into such matters. My friend and I are only interested in knowledge."
One could hardly ask for more generous terms.
Secrets could also be borrowed, except for certain kinds. Clearly, this referred to information about devils or the Gremory clan's weaknesses and vulnerabilities.
Such things, needless to say, were never going to be accessible.
Even Rias herself was likely forbidden to view them.
...
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