Chapter 13: Chapter 13: Echoes of the Reaper
[System Notification]
Main Quest Active: "Hunt the Night Reaper"
• Objective: Uncover Nyx's Veil's true purpose and track the Night Reaper's movements.
• Bonus Objective: Protect Rias and her Peerage from direct attacks.
• Rewards: 5,000 XP, Evolution of Destruction Magic, Special Title Unlock.
Gremory Mansion – Strategy Chamber
The atmosphere was tense.
Naruto stood at the head of the war table, his crimson eyes burning with determination. Around him were Rias, Akeno, Koneko, and Kiba, each of them wearing expressions that reflected the gravity of their situation.
The recent attack by the Night Reaper had shaken the entire Peerage. Their enemy wasn't just another rogue devil or assassin; this was an ancient force tied to something darker than any of them had faced before.
Rias broke the silence. "Nyx's Veil isn't just an organization—they're a cult. One that thrives in the shadows, manipulating events behind the scenes."
Akeno crossed her arms, her usual teasing demeanor replaced with a rare seriousness. "And the Night Reaper… he's not just their leader. He's a weapon."
Naruto leaned on the table, his gaze sharp. "Then we find the one wielding that weapon."
Kiba nodded. "We've gathered reports of similar attacks across the Underworld—assassinations, disappearances, even entire devil houses wiped out overnight."
Koneko's golden eyes narrowed. "And now they're targeting you."
Naruto smirked. "Guess I pissed off the right people."
Rias shot him a look, equal parts annoyed and amused. "This isn't a joke, Naruto."
Naruto's grin faded, replaced by a serious expression. "I know. That's why we're going to end them."
[System Notification]
Quest Update: "Hunt the Night Reaper"
• Objective: Investigate the ruins of the Bael family's abandoned stronghold for clues.
• Bonus Objective: Confront a high-ranking member of Nyx's Veil.
Scene Change – Ruins of the Bael Stronghold
The journey took them to a desolate region of the Underworld, where the remnants of an ancient Bael fortress stood, now little more than crumbling stone and echoes of the past.
Naruto walked through the ruins, his footsteps echoing in the empty halls. Despite the decay, he could feel the faint traces of his own magic—or rather, the magic of the body he had been reincarnated into.
Rias walked beside him, her gaze softening slightly. "This place… it's part of your past, isn't it?"
Naruto shrugged. "A past I don't remember. And honestly? I don't care."
Rias frowned. "Why?"
Naruto stopped, turning to face her. "Because the past doesn't define me. What I do now does."
For a moment, Rias said nothing. Then, softly, she replied, "You're more like me than I thought."
Naruto smirked. "Careful, Princess. I might start thinking you like me."
Rias's face flushed slightly, but before she could respond—
A shadow moved.
Ambush.
[Battle Initiated: "Ambush in the Ruins"]
• Opponents: Nyx's Veil Operatives (High-Rank)
• Objective: Survive and capture a lieutenant for information.
• Bonus: Protect Rias from harm.
"Demonic Compression Blade!"
Naruto's weapon flared to life, black-red energy crackling as he met the first assassin head-on. The clash of steel and magic sent shockwaves through the ruins.
Rias summoned her Power of Destruction, disintegrating two enemies with a flick of her wrist.
But these assassins were stronger than before. Faster. Smarter.
One of them slipped past Naruto's guard, aiming directly for Rias.
Naruto's instincts screamed.
"Not this time."
With a burst of speed, Naruto intercepted the assassin mid-attack, their blades clashing in a flash of light.
"Frozen Calamity!"
Ice exploded from Naruto's palm, freezing the assassin solid before shattering them into pieces.
Rias's eyes met his, a mixture of shock and something… softer.
"Thanks," she whispered.
Naruto grinned. "Always."
[Battle Complete!]
• Objective Achieved: Captured a lieutenant of Nyx's Veil.
• Bonus Achieved: Protected Rias from harm.
• Rewards: +4,000 XP, Unique Skill Unlocked: "Void Sense."
Interrogation – Ruins of the Stronghold
The captured lieutenant was bound by magical restraints, his face hidden behind a cracked mask.
Naruto didn't waste time. "Who's controlling the Night Reaper?"
The assassin chuckled darkly. "You think this is about control? The Reaper isn't led by anyone. He's a force. A curse born from the abyss itself."
Naruto's eyes narrowed. "Then why target me?"
The assassin's smile faded. "Because you're the only one who can stop him."
Naruto froze. "What?"
The assassin continued, his voice a rasping whisper. "You're not just some reincarnated devil. You're a key—a catalyst for something ancient. That's why Nyx's Veil wants you dead. Because if you unlock your true power… even the gods will tremble."
Naruto's system flared with alerts.
[System Notification]
Hidden Quest Unlocked: "The Catalyst of Chaos"
• Objective: Uncover the truth behind your reincarnation.
• Bonus: Unlock the next evolution of your Destruction Magic.
• Rewards: 10,000 XP, Title: "Catalyst of Chaos," Unknown Power Awakening.
Before Naruto could ask more, a shadow blade pierced the lieutenant's chest from the darkness, silencing him instantly.
The Night Reaper's voice echoed in the ruins.
"Keep chasing shadows, Uzumaki. But know this—when the time comes, you'll either join me… or die."
Naruto clenched his fists, his jaw tight.
"We'll see about that."
To Be Continued…
Next Chapter Teasers:
• Naruto and Rias confront the truth about his reincarnation.
• A training session turns into something more intimate.
• The Night Reaper makes his next move—targeting someone Naruto cares about.