I teach judo in Tokyo.

Sosuke wondered if it should end here.

However, seeing how the female researcher, though shy, obediently controlled her feet under the covers...

He felt that the other party might not be very resistant?

Thinking this, he couldn't help but reach one hand under the covers and replace his feet with it, tentatively grasping the smooth little feet.

Ai Miyano shuddered, glanced at Sousuke, and then immediately looked away.

Even her earlobes turned a little red.

It seems like they've tacitly agreed!

Sosuke smiled and began to play with it more nimbly without any hesitation.

Hehe, plump and soft, these are the little feet of a beautiful female researcher who never leaves her home and only thinks about doing experiments.

It feels amazing!

Sosuke kneaded the researcher's delicate feet with his right hand, and after the widow returned with her hands washed, he held Kuno-nee's small hand with his left hand and casually watched TV.

I just felt incredibly high.

......

......

The other side of Tokyo.

Previously, Atobe Sousuke and Mature West were having a wild time on the top floor of the office building.

Instead, a conference table consisting of several long tables was set up.

At the head of the table sat a man dressed in a red shirt with white shoulders and a military cap, resembling a military uniform.

His face was gloomy yet arrogant as he surveyed his surroundings.

There were only six or seven people sitting at the conference table.

Finally, he coldly addressed the holographic projection floating above the conference table: "Lord Luke, your two secretaries are conspicuously absent at a time like this; this is blatant dereliction of duty..."

The projection floating above was none other than Luca, a tall man wearing an eye patch. From the image, it appeared that he was sitting in a huge sofa, with a cigar between his fingers.

Luke in the projection smiled slightly: "Lord Vega, and everyone in Jormungandr, although my secretary is not here, my son is here to entertain you. I don't think that's being disrespectful, is it?"

As he spoke, he pointed to a handsome blond man standing upright at the conference table.

“Adilhead, my son, come and tell your colleagues in Jormungandr about the next steps.”

"Ok."

The young man nodded slightly, raised the remote control in his hand, and pressed a button. An image was then projected onto the white wall on one side of the office.

The image shows a silver-white, metal-based, diamond-like, high-tech-looking pillar-shaped device.

"Utilizing cutting-edge technology combined with unspeakable occult rituals, the device jointly developed by the Ring Serpent and the Luca Group is called the 'Mental Wave Collection Device,' and has already been installed in several locations inside the Tokyo Dome."

Adilhead confidently walked to the wall, raised his hand and pressed a button. The page switched to a diagram of the interior structure of the Tokyo Dome. In the mezzanine of the magnificent central arena, nearly ten coordinate points were arranged in a regular pattern.

He spoke eloquently: "In fact, we had already installed the same devices inside the thirty-two arenas in Tokyo before this. After nearly a month of preliminary rounds, we have actually completed the collection of sufficient 'mental fluctuations' and stored them in the 'Orichalcum Essence' at the top of these devices. Research in the laboratory has shown that the 'Orichalcum Essence' storing mental fluctuations does indeed contain special radio wave frequencies."

"However, according to the ancient texts, these numerous but complex 'mental fluctuations' can only be used as energy for 'rituals,' not as 'flint.'"

Adil-Heid paused, then calmly said, "What can be used as a 'flint' is the 'intense fluctuation' possessed only by top-tier fighters. By placing a top-level fighter in the ring, under the excited cheers and mental impact of the entire audience, the 'intense fluctuation' unique to top-tier fighters will be purified and upgraded into a qualified 'flint.' After accumulating enough, it can awaken—'It.'"

"At that time, with the arrival of 'He,' a 'Great Age,' which has not reappeared for tens of thousands of years since the destruction of the 'Ancient Age,' will also come..."

At this point, Adilheid glanced indifferently at the "adults" who were calmly listening to his "absurd" speech.

There were six of them in total, each wearing a full gray-white cloak and a white mask with special patterns on their face. They were all waiting quietly for his next words.

He smiled slightly and said, "Of course, as you all should know, the series of plans I just mentioned are essentially just 'hypotheses' that have never been successfully tested."

"All their 'conclusions' were simply following the instructions of that particular 'ancient book,' without even knowing whether the relevant steps were correct..."

"This competition is just our first 'trial'. Even if we fail, it doesn't matter. In any case, the Luca Group has already recouped more than 70% of its investment in betting and other related operations, which is more than enough to support the continued hosting of competitions of the same caliber in the future..."

"But if we do manage to succeed by chance, then the 'path forward' that you gentlemen have already cut off will no longer be a 'dead end'."

......

Chapter 328 is nothing more than a tool of mine, Luke...

After explaining his plan, Adilhead turned off the projector.

The entire conference room fell silent for a moment.

Above the conference table, Luke took a puff of his cigar, calmly looked at the masked figures around the table, and asked with a faint smile, "Gentlemen of the 'Grand Rank,' do you think this plan is feasible?"

Seated around the conference table were none other than the "Grand Masters" of the Serpent of the Rings!

“I think it’s fine; after all, it’s an experiment with very little hope of success anyway.” One of the masked men, a burly figure with a gruff voice, chuckled. “In the name of ‘Grand Fist Rao,’ I agree to proceed with this plan.”

As soon as the tall, muscular man finished speaking, a slender man beside him quickly followed suit: "That works, let's do it that way. Oh, by the way..."

He then turned to Vega, who was seated at the head of the table: "Lord Vega, now that you're in Tokyo, why don't you take some time to find those two children for me and activate their 'commands'?"

Upon hearing this, Vega, who resembled a general, smiled and nodded: "Since it's a request from the 'Crown of Swords,' I'm naturally happy to help. After all, we're of the same ilk."

The masked man, known as the "Grand Sword Master," nodded slightly: "Then thank you for your help, Lord Vega. I have other matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave now."

Then, he did something unknown, his figure suddenly blurred, and then he turned into a phantom shadow and disappeared into the air.

It turns out that this person was actually an extremely realistic 3D projection.

With his departure, the other "Grand" representatives calmly expressed their agreement, and then all the projectors disappeared from the conference room.

Only the man named Vega, Luca's projection, and Luca's son Adilhead remained on the scene.

Vega watched his colleagues disappear one by one, and a few seconds later, he suddenly chuckled and looked up at Luca's projection: "Lord Luca, although your son has expressed that he has little confidence in the success of the experiment, I guess you are actually quite confident, aren't you?"

Upon hearing this, Adilheid, who was standing by the wall, changed his expression slightly.

"Oh?" Luca's projection gave a half-smile, took a puff of his cigar, and asked, "Why would Lord Vega think that way?"

Vega leaned back, laughing with an arrogant and confident tone, "Lord Luke, you seem to have forgotten that I am the 'Crown of Hearts,' most capable of seeing through and manipulating people's hearts. Your son's clumsy performance could hardly have escaped my senses."

Luca's projection chuckled and shrugged: "Lord Vega, I certainly didn't intend to hide my lies from you, the 'Heart of the Crown'..."

He continued, "That's right. If relying solely on that mysterious ancient book, the success rate of this ritual is less than 10%... then, after I find a way to 'optimize' the process, the success rate will increase significantly!"

His projection stared directly at Vega, whose face clearly showed "I knew it," and laughed wildly: "So, Lord Vega, on the premise that you don't need to 'betray' the organization, we'll cooperate, and then when this 'great era' arrives, we'll each get the first share, how about it?"

Upon hearing Luca's suggestion, Vega let out a long, muffled laugh, then readily nodded: "Of course. Well then, let's find a time when I need to hear your real plans."

"In the next couple of days, I'll arrange for someone to pick you up, Your Excellency Vega," Luca said with a smile.

“Then I’ll await good news.” Vega nodded and stood up. He glanced at Luca’s son beside him. “Adilhead, I heard you secretly secured a spot in the tournament during the qualifying rounds?”

Adilhead nodded slightly: "That's true, but I just wanted to test my own abilities."

Vega patted him on the shoulder and said gently, "I am also aware of your strength. Although you have not yet reached A-level, you are still a rare genius. However, there are many powerful people in this competition. You should be prepared to be eliminated in the second round, or even the first round."

"I know that Lord Vega and several of your senior Jormungandr warriors are participating, so I never thought I could go very far."

Adilhaid nodded in agreement, his attitude respectful and humble.

“Gentle and polite, humble and respectful, Luke, you have raised a fine son.” Vega glanced back at Luke’s projection, then pushed open the door and walked out of the conference room.

Adilheid followed him attentively as he saw him off.

After a while, Adilheid returned to his office.

"Vega has already left, hasn't he?"

Sound came from the speakers.

Luke's projection had not yet dissipated.

Adilhead walked up to Luca's projection, nodded, and said, "Yes, General Vega has left."

"Please have a seat." Luca waved his hand and said with a smile, "Your performance in Tokyo this time was indeed quite good. Should I consider letting you take on more of the Luca Group's affairs?"

Adilhead shook his head upon hearing this: "Father, I don't have much energy to manage these things. After all, I need to spend a lot of time practicing martial arts every day, and I also have to take care of my sister..."

Luca nodded: "It's alright. The original purpose of running the Luca Group was simply to provide necessary support for us to become the 'strongest'. Since you are so focused on martial arts, I will just find more professional managers."

Adilhead thought for a moment, but couldn't help asking the question that was on his mind: "Father, although I don't know your specific plans, what you just said meant that you want to cooperate with that General Vega? Is that true?"

Luca chuckled: "Heh, my son, that's just a temporary pretense. Vega is inherently suspicious and can see right through people. If I don't take the initiative to propose cooperation and let him act on his own, he might ruin my plans."

"So, Father, may I know about our real plan?" Adilhead asked hesitantly.

“Of course.” Luke looked at his son with satisfaction.

So Adilhead asked his biggest question: "Father, you just emphasized that this experiment with a slim success rate actually has a high chance of success. Although I trust your judgment, I also want to know why."

Luke smiled slightly: "Good question."

He tilted his head, propping his chin on his elbows resting on the sofa armrest: "If we're just feeling our way across the river by following those vague 'legends,' the chances of success are naturally extremely low."

He paused, then continued, "But if the 'non-humans' who have already crossed the river cooperate and join us, wouldn't the chances be much better?"

Adilhead frowned upon hearing this: "Father, what do you mean?"

Luke grinned, a red light seemingly emanating from his single eyepatch: "In my early years, I had contact with a race that called themselves 'gods.' They were one of the remnants of a 'Great Age' tens of thousands of years ago."

"Now, they've probably already started implementing their plan, haven't they? Using the so-called 'blood of the Yata family' to remove the restrictions... and then complete the assembly..."

Luke sneered as his projection slowly disappeared.

Before he disappeared, his last words were faintly uttered.

"The Serpent That Encircles the World... Yamata no Orochi..."

"Hmph, they're all just tools of Luca's..."

***

Chapter 329 First Visit

(This chapter describes the protagonist's New Year's visit to the gods with the girls, which is not closely related to the main plot. You may subscribe at your discretion.)

"when--"

The faint sound of bells drifted from afar.

"The bells have started ringing!" Kuno Maruko said with a hint of excitement.

"Ring the bell! Ring the bell! One hundred and eight times~ Ring away all your troubles!" Kuno Aoi, who was dozing off while watching the Red and White Song Festival, immediately jumped up, full of energy.

"Next, are we going to visit a temple?" Ai Miyano asked, her face flushed.

She has to become famous; the dojo master is still giving her a foot massage.

“Yes, on the first day of the new year, Hatsumode is a time to pray to the gods for good luck in the coming year.” Kuno Maruko looked at Sousuke with a gentle expression.

Last year, she queued for a long time to visit Tokyo Daijingu Shrine, and this year she was very lucky to meet Sosuke-kun, and gained a new place to live, a job, and... love.

This shows that praying to the gods during the New Year is really effective!

Sosuke nodded. This was similar to praying to the gods for good fortune on the first day of the Lunar New Year in his previous life.

However, what gods are worshipped in Japan?

Sosuke asked the question directly.

Kuno Maruko laughed and said, "Meiji Shrine enshrines the Emperor, Yushima Tenmangu Shrine enshrines Yushima Tenjin, and Senso-ji Temple enshrines Kannon Bodhisattva and the gods of wind and thunder..."

"Asakusa Temple it is!" Sosuke made the decision immediately.

What kind of bizarre gods are these? There are even some who worship the Emperor.

Can they really protect their own soul, which comes from China?

Compared to the others, Guanyin Bodhisattva is more approachable.

Kuno Maruko smiled and nodded: "Senso-ji Temple is certainly very good, or rather, it's so good that it starts to get crowded as soon as the bell rings. We need to hurry over there."

Just then, several of their phones rang.

Sousuke finally put down Ai Miyano's small foot, but Ai Miyano seemed to have gotten used to it. Instead of pulling her foot back, she obediently stayed next to Sousuke's inner demon, lightly touching it.

He freed his hand to open his phone and found that their White Night Dojo group was buzzing with activity.