A Core Ship From The Start
Chapter 1474 - 996: Probing the Depths (This Damn Granblue Fantasy Game Won’t Even Start!)

Chapter 1474: Chapter 996: Probing the Depths (This Damn Granblue Fantasy Game Won’t Even Start!)

Duanmu Huai was always swift and decisive in his actions—or perhaps he was just too lazy to overthink. In no time, Naruse Mio and Banriya had transferred into Ryuo Academy as new students.

Their arrival naturally caught the attention of many male students. After all, Naruse Mio was both beautiful and well-endowed, while Banriya, though petite, managed to draw the eyes of those with... questionable preferences. Her mischievous and playful demeanor only added to the excitement of many boys.

Of course, excitement was one thing, but when they learned that the two girls were relatives of Duanmu Huai, everyone immediately backed off... Duanmu Huai’s fearsome reputation at this school was well-known, and no boy dared to court trouble by crossing him. Because of this, Naruse Mio and Banriya encountered little trouble on their first day after transferring.

However, for them, the real test was yet to come.

"Hello, my name is Naruse Mio. Nice to meet you. Please take care of me, Liliath-senpai."

Standing in front of Liliath, Naruse Mio respectfully bowed her head in greeting. Her words weren’t exactly wrong—after all, in terms of school grade and their respective experiences as Devils, Liliath was indeed her senior.

Still... these two did resemble each other in some ways.

Standing to the side, Duanmu Huai scrutinized both Naruse Mio and Liliath carefully. He had to admit there were faint similarities between them. For instance, both were red-haired, though Liliath wore hers loose as long, flowing locks, whereas Naruse Mio sported twin-tails. In terms of temperament, Liliath exuded a more mature and composed air.

By contrast, Naruse Mio couldn’t quite hide her youthful, girlish energy—that kind of teenage vibrancy. In a way, it felt like Liliath was the adult version of Naruse Mio.

That said, both of them had excellent figures—though it wasn’t clear who was, ahem, "larger." By logic, it should be Liliath... but perhaps it was Naruse Mio? Hmm... this would require closer comparison to determine.

"I am Naruse Banriya. It is an honor to meet you, Lady Liliath Gimonri. I’ve long heard of the famous ’Red-Haired Murder Princess,’ and your reputation precedes you. Seeing you today, you truly live up to the name."

Banriya also bowed politely to Liliath. The mischievous, cheeky smile that usually adorned her small face was now replaced by a serious and solemn expression—it seemed she understood the gravity of the situation.

"I’ve already been briefed about your situation by Teacher Duanmu,"

Liliath said, her demeanor completely different from when she spoke to Duanmu Huai. Sitting behind her desk, her presence radiated an unmistakable sense of authority and power as she fixed her gaze on the two girls, her oppressive aura weighing heavily in the room.

"Ugh...!"

Feeling the pressure emanating from Liliath, Naruse Mio clenched her teeth tightly, while Banriya also showed visible unease. Just as Liliath seemed about to speak further, Duanmu Huai suddenly extended his hand, placing it firmly on Naruse Mio’s shoulder as he directed his gaze toward Liliath.

"Liliath, Club President, isn’t it inappropriate to intimidate newcomers to the club like this?"

"............."

With Duanmu Huai’s calm words, the suffocating pressure radiating from Liliath deflated like a popped balloon. She shifted her gaze to Duanmu Huai, sighed, and reluctantly nodded.

"You’re right, Teacher Duanmu. As the head of the Mystical Science Research Society, I shouldn’t bully new club members... My apologies, Naruse. I only meant to test you."

"It’s fine. I don’t mind,"

Naruse Mio replied softly, shaking her head. To be honest, facing Liliath just now had left her feeling a bit inferior. Before arriving here, Banriya had already told her about Liliath, explaining that, in terms of status, Naruse Mio was on par with her. But meeting her in person had revealed a level of pressure far beyond what Naruse Mio had imagined.

Despite being only a year older, Liliath seemed to stand on the other side of an uncrossable chasm, leaving Naruse Mio feeling inadequate in comparison.

Fortunately, as Naruse Mio felt herself nearing her breaking point, she felt the solid weight of Duanmu Huai’s hand on her shoulder—steady and reassuring, like a mountain, it calmed her turbulent emotions.

Seeing Naruse Mio relax, Liliath gave a small cough and then, with a serious expression, clasped her hands together while staring at Duanmu Huai.

"Teacher Duanmu, in principle, I can accept your request. However... I believe you understand that, as a member of the Gimonri family, taking on the responsibility of protecting someone who killed Marquis Zorke, as well as the heir to the Wilbert family, comes with significant risk. As such, I believe I am entitled to demand compensation."

"Go ahead,"

Duanmu Huai replied calmly. He was well aware that there’s no such thing as a free lunch. What Liliath said was valid—protecting Naruse Mio and himself did indeed put her at risk.

"First, I’d like to know your true identity, Teacher Duanmu."

At this, a gleam of sharp determination flashed in Liliath’s eyes.

"Initially, I assumed you were just a fortunate Artifact Host, but I can’t reconcile that idea with the fact that a mere Artifact Host could so easily kill someone like Marquis Zorke. So yes, I can offer you my protection—but only if you reveal your true identity."

Even before the incident with Zorke, Liliath had harbored some suspicions about Duanmu Huai’s identity. While it wasn’t unusual for Artifact Hosts to exist, his calm and indifferent attitude stood out. It wasn’t the naivety of someone ignorant about the Devil World. Rather, it was the confidence of someone deeply aware of their own power. When it came to Marquis Zorke, Duanmu Huai had treated it as casually as swatting a fly—without the slightest worry about the possible consequences.