A Core Ship From The Start
Chapter 1488 - 1006 Ranking Game

Chapter 1488: Chapter 1006 Ranking Game

Liliath’s response was swift; the next day, she delivered the news: the ranking game with the Phoenix Family had been set for two days later in the evening. Fortunately, the characteristics of demons provided significant relief for Duanmu Huai; otherwise, requesting leave in broad daylight would have proven difficult.

Late night, 11 PM.

Everyone gathered at the Mystical Science Research Society. Not only were Akeno Ushima, Kiba Hiroto, and Tower City Kitten fully prepared, but even Naruse Mio and Banriya had come to join in the commotion. Of course, neither of them would participate in the ranking game, as this was a matter solely between the Jimongli Family and the Phoenix Family. Naruse Mio, as the heir of the Wilbert Family, and Banriya as Wilbert’s confidant, would complicate the situation if they got involved.

Incidentally, Naruse Mio had learned of the background and cause of the game, and her expression was quite complex at the moment. After all, as the heir of the Wilbert Family, who could say that today’s Liliath couldn’t become tomorrow’s Naruse Mio? The prospect of the Wilbert Family impulsively arranging a cheap fiancé for her seemed alarmingly plausible...

On the other hand, Liliath herself appeared calm and composed, casually drinking tea with Akeno. Tower City Kitten was seated in a chair reading a book, while Kiba Hiroto stood off to the side, equipped with protective gauntlets, alongside a wooden sword that radiated an air of readiness for battle.

Strictly speaking, including Duanmu Huai, Liliath’s team consisted of only five participants, whereas the opposing team numbered fifteen...

Close to midnight, a new magic circle appeared on the ground. Moments later, a silver-haired maid emerged from it.

"The time is near, Lady Liliath."

"I know; I’m already prepared."

Upon hearing the maid’s statement, Liliath nodded. The silver-haired maid paused briefly, her gaze returning to Liliath with hesitation.

"Forgive my offense, Lady Liliath. The opposing side is the Phoenix Family, renowned for their ’Undead Birds’ moniker, with ten victories out of twelve ranking games. Meanwhile, you have only five participants. Are you certain this is the right decision?"

"There’s no point in discussing this now, Griffiel."

Liliath shook her head, calling the maid by her name.

"......Understood. I should also mention that His Majesty Demon King Lucifer will be watching this battle. Please keep this in mind."

"What?"

At this, Liliath displayed a subtle yet discernible shift in expression.

"Brother will be watching? I see... Brother will be spectating, huh..."

"Brother?"

Duanmu Huai and Naruse Mio clearly caught Liliath’s remark and exchanged astonished looks as they turned their attention to her.

"The Demon King is your brother? Your brother is Lucifer?"

Given the almost mythical resonance of the name Lucifer, Duanmu Huai hadn’t anticipated encountering the actual person here.

"Not exactly."

At that moment, Akeno Ushima walked over with a smile, offering an explanation to the two.

"Actually, during the previous great war, the original four Demon Kings all perished for various reasons. However, the demonic hierarchy cannot function without the Demon Kings, so their names were preserved and inherited by superior demons with formidable power. The current Four Great Demon Kings have all inherited the names of the first generation Demon Kings. The president’s brother is one of them; he has abandoned the Jimongli name and taken up Serges Lucifer instead..."

"Oh, I see."

Duanmu Huai nodded, his previous curiosity about why Liliath would inherit the family despite having a brother now clarified. It turned out there was quite a story behind the arrangement.

Nevertheless, since the Demon King himself was spectating, Duanmu Huai realized he’d have to show some real skill in the upcoming game.

"The time has come."

At that moment, the silver-haired maid softly declared.

"Please follow me."

As the maid’s words fell, several teleportation arrays materialized. The next instant, Duanmu Huai experienced a moment of disorientation before opening his eyes...

"Isn’t this still the Mystical Science Research Society?"

Gazing at the room identical to the one they had just been in, Duanmu Huai appeared baffled. However, suddenly, a broadcast activated, and soon, the voice of the silver-haired maid echoed through it.

"Greetings, everyone. I am Griffiel, maid of the Jimongli Family. I will serve as the referee for this ranking game between the Jimongli Family and the Phoenix Family. Under the name of my master, Serges Lucifer, I shall witness the battle between these two families. Please lend me your support. The designated battlefield for this game is an alternate dimensional space modeled on the opinions of Lady Liliath and Master Lessa, crafted as a replica of Ryuo Academy from the human world."

"Whoa."

Duanmu Huai let out an impressed whistle, finding the ranking game increasingly interesting. Initially suspecting a failed teleportation, he realized they had been transported to an entirely different location. From the exterior appearance, this alternate space mirrored the real-world school to a remarkable degree, except that the sky was bright daytime instead of night. ...Hmm, demons sure had intriguing technology.

Although technically, it wasn’t particularly practical.

"The respective camps for the two sides are their strongholds. Lady Liliath’s stronghold is the Mystical Science Research Society in the old school building. Master Lessa’s stronghold is the student council office in the new school building. Soldiers seeking to ’Promote’ must proceed to the vicinity of the opposing camp’s stronghold."