As Rin's body weakened, he found himself powerless against the devil's grip. His vision blurred, and just before everything went dark, he heard a familiar voice.
"How pathetic… to think I'd have to intervene myself."
Rin opened his eyes. He was in a familiar room, in the same state of helplessness—and once again, he had no recollection of what had transpired.
It felt like déjà vu, seeing Liz seated in the same chair, watching him with that unreadable expression. He had intended to ask her about Wal and Lilith, but his attention was quickly drawn to a small girl beside her. She had jet-black hair, ghostly pale skin, and an aura eerily reminiscent of an A-rank devil.
"W-who is that?!" Rin stammered.
"No need to panic. She's not here to fight—at least, not today. Allow me to introduce my younger sister, Lain Zera. She's a hybrid—part human, part devil," Liz replied.
"You mean… she's the one who's been behind all those killings?" Rin asked, suspicion clouding his gaze.
"It wasn't her fault. You humans forced her hand—compelled her to use an unmastered trump card," Liz said coldly.
"Forced her? A trump card? What the hell are you talking about?" Rin demanded.
"Humans are the real enemy. They used an artifact to coerce a devil into unleashing a trump card. Prolonged use of such power could lead to death," Lain explained, her voice devoid of emotion.
"And what exactly is a trump card?" Rin pressed.
"It's the manifestation of one's ultimate ability," Liz answered.
"Then why didn't you teach me how to use mine?! I could've—" Rin began.
"You're weak," Liz interrupted, her tone tinged with something almost like sorrow.
"A trump card can drastically shorten one's lifespan. And since you're a golem, the effects are unknown. I wouldn't want to break my favorite toy," she added with a twisted smile.
Rin lowered his gaze to the floor. His eyes widened.
"Anyway," Liz continued, "you and Lain will assist in taking down the V.B.G."
"You expect me to work with her after everything she's done?!" Rin shouted.
"Are you really considering disobedience? You should know better by now. Look—if it sweetens the deal, you may bring your friends," Liz offered.
"They're alive?!" Rin exclaimed.
"Yes, more or less. The redhead is perfectly fine—just exhausted and unconscious. The nun, however… she's been traumatized," Liz replied.
"Oh…" Rin muttered.
"You'll depart in three days. Another ally will soon join you—one whose power eclipses the combined strength of all four of you. He will be of great use," Liz concluded.