"That makes sense. Then I'll handle it!"
After imagining the scenario, Kojou Takashiro found the reasoning quite convincing.
The transportation control on Itogami Island was extrely strict. Outsiders couldn't enter without going through the cumberso multi-step visa process, and by the sa logic, those inside couldn't easily leave either. If their illegal departure were exposed, it would beco very troubleso.
He chugged the beer in his hand and pulled an automatic rifle from the cabin.
Under Kojou Akatsuki's stunned gaze, his father casually slung the gun over his shoulder and swaggered out of the cabin.
Eiji narrowed his eyes as he looked outside the boat.
On the white sandy beach outside the cabin stood several familiar figures.
The two Ghouls with their tall and peculiar builds were loyally guarding a thin, middle-aged man.
If those two Ghouls were companions of the group that had tried to kidnap Acolyle earlier, then the middle-aged man was likely their leader.
"So you're still alive?"
Eiji thought to himself.
The thin, middle-aged man with a mustache that looked pasted above his lips was none other than Balthazar Zaharias, whom he had robbed once before.
The fourth participant of the "Blazing Banquet," the provisional council chairman of the Nihepuxi Ghoul Autonomous Region!
Besides these three, there was also a petite figure whose height didn't even reach their shoulders.
She had golden hair, deep blue eyes, looked about thirteen or fourteen years old, and possessed an ethereal, fairy-like beauty. She wore reinforced protective clothing similar to a motorcycle rider's suit, with a large "Ⅱ" embroidered on her chest.
Eiji's eyes instantly ward with affection.
A small gift from afar conveys deep affection!
But then he reconsidered.
Wait a minute!
Didn't this bastard say before that there were no other vessels?
Where did he get the Second from?
Son of a bitch!
This asshole dared to lie to ?
Eiji's face darkened, and he decided to teach him a harsh lesson later!
"Why… are there two Acolyles?"
Kojou Akatsuki muttered slowly, his voice full of astonishnt.
"The Fourth True Ancestor possesses twelve Beast Vassals. When these twelve Beast Vassals are separated and given human forms, they beco twelve vessels. Of course, they all look identical."
Eiji explained nonchalantly.
Kojou Akatsuki got his answer but fell silent.
"I've co uninvited. I apologize for disturbing you all, hehe."
Zaharias stroked his curled mustache as he approached the group.
"Not at all, not at all. I've long heard of the reputation of the arms dealer Zaharias. The fact that you didn't just snatch her outright is already polite enough—no need to apologize!"
Kojou Takashiro stood there boldly, holding the automatic rifle, looking utterly fearless.
"Hehe, I've also long heard of the great na of Dr. Kojou Takashiro, the 'Returner from the Underworld.'"
Zaharias exchanged a few pleasantries, a hint of apology appearing on his face.
"It seems my people disturbed you all earlier. I hope you can forgive them."
Despite his seemingly polite deanor, there was no trace of a smile on his face.
Only his eyes, like those of a reptile fixated on its prey, stared at Acolyle at the back with a nauseating, stomach-churning intensity.
Akurora jumped in fright and quickly hid behind Kojou Akatsuki, trembling like a quail while silently repeating, "You can't see , you can't see ."
"What's this? Aren't you here to pick a fight?"
Kojou Akatsuki asked with a forced, insincere smile.
"Not at all! I wouldn't dare!"
Zacharias, upon hearing this, showed a surprised expression.
"I ca to apologize—and also to close a deal!"
"A deal?"
Eiji twitched the corner of his mouth.
Recalling how the man had eyed his demon sword earlier, he already guessed what the guy was about to say.
"Kaleido Blood, the so-called 'Blaze Shining Emperor,' is a project to create a new True Ancestor—the ultimate god-slaying weapon crafted by the three True Ancestors and the 'Heavenly Ministry'!"
Like a fanatical cultist, Zacharias spread his arms wide.
The Heavenly Ministry.
It was said to be an ancient race of superhumans, though they had long since perished.
The holy spear wielded by Veldiana was also created by the Heavenly Ministry.
"...A weapon?"
Kojou Akatsuki glanced back at Akurora, who was acting like an ostrich.
No matter how he looked at it, he couldn't associate this seemingly foolish girl with sothing as cold, hard, and impersonal as a weapon.
"That's right! The Twelfth you possess, and the Second I brought with , are both parts of the world's strongest weapon—the Fourth True Ancestor, the 'Blaze Shining Emperor'!"
"But the Fourth True Ancestor's power was too imnse, far beyond the Heavenly Ministry's control. As a last resort, they divided it into twelve parts and sealed them away across the world..."
So in deserts, so on remote islands.
The overwhelmingly powerful Fourth True Ancestor was split into twelve fragnts and sealed in various locations around the globe.
"And now, they've all been unsealed, right?"
Eiji leaned lazily against the ship's door.
"We're already well aware of what you're saying. Get to the point!"
Just as he was getting worked up, Zacharias was cut off.
His excited expression faltered slightly, and he shot Eiji a venomous, snake-like glare.
"Then let's get to the main topic. As Mr. Akatsuki said, I am a businessman."
Eiji chuckled silently.
"I advocate for resolving conflicts peacefully, so I hope you'll transfer the Twelfth to !"
As if to emphasize his determination, Zacharias added,
"I'm willing to pay twenty billion yen!"
The amount left Kojou Akatsuki utterly speechless.
He had never seen such an astronomical sum in his life. If it were piled up, he wondered how many mountains it could form?
But heavier than those hypothetical mountains was the sudden increase in pressure from behind him.
"Your offer is tempting, but I refuse!"
"?"
Kojou Akatsuki looked at Eiji with a strange expression.
I was just about to act cool!
"I know you're shy, so I said it for you."
Eiji rubbed his head, though his sincere expression was unfortunately hidden by his mask.
He had always wanted to try saying that line!
"..."
Zacharias's gaze turned sinister and chilling.
"And you are?"
"Don't mind . I'm just passing by."
Eiji waved his hand dismissively, his eyes behind the sunglasses looking as if they were staring at a dead man.
"Anyway, that's my stance too!"
Kojou Akatsuki shot Eiji a dissatisfied glare before stating resolutely.
"I won't sell Acolyte to you! Besides, I don't have the right to trade Acolyte anyway. Who she goes with should depend on her own wishes!"
His words were righteous and principled, spoken with impressive conviction.
So protagonist-like!
"...I understand."
Zacharias smiled faintly and bowed to the group.
"I shall keep this offer open. I hope to hear that you've changed your minds before it becos too late!"
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