Facing another of Kurumi's curses, Luo Shu refrained from provocative remarks like having two girlfriends, simply glancing at her before saying:
"I think we can collaborate on saving the world."
"You should know our Supreme Chairwoman's ideal is an orderly, peaceful human society."
"Certainly, I've no objections to cooperation."
Kurumi regained her composure, smiling brightly:
"If Luo Shu-san shares the source of your intelligence about me, I'd not only cooperate but even consider joining SDS."
Pausing briefly, Luo Shu explained:
"I possess a Demigod Rank Abyss Artefact, roughly equivalent to Grade 4 by current classification standards."
"I've named it the Mysticism Encyclopaedia."
"Through this artefact, I can access most unclassified intelligence worldwide."
Luo Shu tactfully explained his intelligence source without revealing everything.
In truth, he had attempted to investigate Kurumi through the Mysticism Encyclopaedia, but the data suffered significant interference.
This indirectly proved her Angel possessed potent anti-divination properties.
Kurumi's abilities appeared Demigod Rank but seemed constrained, likely due to...
Now seeing the imprisoned Spirit of Origin Mio Takamiya in the Divine Kingdom, Luo Shu understood.
She was probably suppressing her power to evade system detection, limiting Kurumi's full potential...
The realisation made Luo Shu feel like the true mastermind behind events.
Meanwhile, Kurumi stood stunned, never expecting Luo Shu to actually provide an answer.
She studied Luo Shu's face intently for a long moment before speaking:
"Luo Shu, someone like you with so many secrets shouldn't have such an honest personality!"
Hearing this, Luo Shu's face twitched slightly:
"Just consider it me having an epiphany."
Although Yukino's earlier advice hadn't struck him like a bolt from the blue, Luo Shu did agree with her suggestion about showing more assertiveness.
After all, even he realised that recruiting subordinates shouldn't involve excessive secrecy - it required offering tangible benefits, shared interests, and strong binding mechanisms.
And these were all things Luo Shu could provide.
His previous hesitation had stemmed from the immense significance of the divine embryo matter, making it difficult for him to commit.
But now, Luo Shu was willing to take that first step - extending an olive branch to those he understood reasonably well and confirmed weren't villains.
And Kurumi Tokisaki clearly fell within Luo Shu's target range.
Facing this changed Luo Shu, Kurumi found herself with a headache:
"Luo Shu... no, Luo Shu-kun, aren't we members of opposing organisations?"
Luo Shu blinked at this:
"Kurumi, do you truly approve of Truth Astronomy's methods?"
Kurumi immediately fell silent at this question.
If she had any positive feelings towards Truth Astronomy, it was probably only about their food reserves?
After all, for someone like her who needed lifespan to activate her abilities, a group of long-lived demons and half-demons was simply too tempting.
Her reason for joining Truth Astronomy as their internal cleaner Angel was precisely for the free meals.
However, if one were to ask whether Kurumi identified with Truth Astronomy's ideals... that would be impossible.
Of course, she could prevaricate, but facing Luo Shu, who seemed to know her inside out, Kurumi wasn't confident she could deceive him.
"Then why must you recruit me? Am I your type or something?"
Hearing this teasing remark, Luo Shu narrowed his eyes:
"There are both personal and organisational reasons."
"The organisation desperately needs capable personnel right now, especially strong ones."
"As for the personal reason..."
Here, Luo Shu looked at Kurumi with complete seriousness:
"Kurumi Tokisaki, having been to that underground space, you might not realise - or perhaps you've already sensed - but that place holds the origin of your powers."
Kurumi's pupils contracted slightly, but before she could react, Luo Shu continued calmly:
"—The Kabbalah Tree, symbol of Judaism."
"Your abilities - Time Emperor, Astral Dress and so on - represent the power of Binah, the third sephirah of Kabbalah."
"So your joining would complete you. That's why I've been inviting you."
"...Luo Shu-kun." Kurumi paused before saying with rare seriousness: "You're being far too honest right now."
"Am I?"
Luo Shu rubbed his chin, looking puzzled:
"I think it's fine. After all, I believe I understand you thoroughly. Telling you this won't harm me, and your return would benefit us both - that's what matters."
"You must have noticed it by now – the way your powers feel sluggish, as if bound by invisible shackles."
Kurumi Tokisaki said with a solemn expression:
"Luo Shu, are you suggesting that these shackles would be removed if I were to return?"
"Exactly. That's precisely what I mean."
Luo Shu nodded. This was the answer he'd obtained after consulting the God's Servant.
Once Kurumi Tokisaki became part of his Familia, the suppression from the Divine Kingdom would lift, allowing her to fully wield the power of the Third Angel.
Her life form would immediately ascend to Demigod Rank, obtaining the Class of Angel of Time.
While Kurumi gained these benefits, Luo Shu would also acquire his first Demigod Familia member, unlocking a portion of the Divine Kingdom's capabilities.
This was mutually beneficial for both parties.
The only downside fell upon Mio Takamiya, the Spirit of Origin.
Her purpose in distributing the Ten Sefirot was to break free from the constraints of the system.
Yet if Kurumi returned with the Third Sefirot, Mio's connection to the system would deepen. When all Ten Sefirot were reunited, she would automatically become Luo Shu's subordinate deity, with no possibility of escape.
Should Luo Shu will it, the system could even consume Mio entirely.
Thus, the alliance between Luo Shu and Kurumi benefited both while harming only Mio.
Luo Shu had deliberately withheld this aspect from Kurumi – while being truthful, he hadn't revealed the complete picture.
Hence, Kurumi's observation about Luo Shu's uncharacteristic honesty wasn't entirely wrong.
In Luo Shu's view, disclosing what Kurumi already needed to know constituted remarkable transparency.
Now, Luo Shu waited for Kurumi's response.
After a prolonged silence, Kurumi finally sighed:
"Luo Shu, I'd like to amend our previous terms – I request permission for my true self to thoroughly inspect this base, including the underground facilities."
"This may take considerable time, but I apologise – I need this period to deliberate and reach a decision."
"Time to consult with your true self and other clones, is it?"
Luo Shu stroked his chin, understanding Kurumi's intent, and after brief consideration agreed:
"Very well, I'll grant you this time."
Kurumi visibly relaxed at his words.
Then Luo Shu inquired curiously:
"Speaking of which, what brought you here so early this morning, Kurumi?"
"I simply came for breakfast," Kurumi replied with a smile.
Rising, she bowed slightly:
"I'll take my leave now – I must deliver this news to my true self."
"Alright, travel safely."
After seeing Kurumi out, Luo Shu moved behind his desk and sat down for a brief rest.
His gaze fell upon a brown wicker basket placed against the desk, noticing the attached note:
'Going shopping with Mira today~ Lunch is prepared inside! Kisara (smiley face)'
"This girl, coming by without even announcing herself."
Luo Shu couldn't help but chuckle, then suddenly paused. A thought struck him, and he hurriedly opened the basket.
The sight of an empty wooden box made his eyebrow twitch violently.
"Kurumi Tokisaki! That woman!!! What 'convenience store run'? Damn it!! She lied, that was actually my lunch!!!"
...
At that moment, by the stairwell.
Kurumi Tokisaki watched Yukino Yukinoshita and Takatsuki Izumi emerge from the elevator, smiling as she waved:
"Good morning, Yukinoshita-san."
"Good morning, Tokisaki-san."
Yukino quickly returned the greeting, then looked puzzled at Kurumi's retreating figure ascending the stairs.
"How odd. Tokisaki-san seems to be in unusually high spirits."
"Who was that?" Takatsuki Izumi, seeing Kurumi for the first time, couldn't shake the feeling that the woman radiated danger, making her somewhat uneasy.
"Kurumi Tokisaki. A dangerous individual currently detained here after being captured by the Director. If possible, please avoid any confrontation with her."
After briefly explaining about Kurumi, Yukino continued:
"Right, let's go see the Director first. He apparently has another assignment for you."
Hearing this, Takatsuki Izumi cast another doubtful glance at where Kurumi had disappeared before nodding and following Yukino.