Chapter 325: Lars
Just then, an unremarkable-looking young man of average build entered the park.
Before either could speak, a dim magical glow flickered around the newcomer as he dispelled his disguise.
Lars stood there in a simple yet elegant tailcoat, his face concealed behind a pure white gold-rimmed mask that hid even his eyes. With impeccable courtesy, he said, "Good afternoon, little Succubus, and you two young ladies."
Because of the mask, the Naruse Couple didn't recognize the newcomer, but they understood their task appeared to be complete.
Xuelan and Mihae exchanged a glance without speaking, instead initiating contact with Haruto.
Maria emerged from the corner as well, scrutinizing Lars carefully.
She had met with him several times before, and each time he had been secretive, playing the part of Zolgear's loyal dog. She never imagined he actually had connections to the Naruse Couple.
Though Haruto hadn't explained, since he specifically chose the Naruse Couple for this plan, it was clear there had to be a special reason.
Beneath the mask, Lars looked at the Naruse Couple with profoundly complicated emotions.
He had actually arrived much earlier.
When he first saw the two childhood figures he admired "back from the dead," he had been stunned for quite some time.
If not for years of hiding beside Zolgear, where his abilities for disguise and concealment had become second nature, he would likely have been discovered then.
Having remained hidden beside Zolgear for so long—even when the Naruse Couple were "killed," suppressing his desire for revenge while waiting patiently—Lars's intelligence and mental fortitude were undoubtedly exceptional.
After collecting himself, he carefully reconsidered everything from the beginning and quickly pieced together the general sequence of events.
There had been no bodies when the Naruse Couple died, so he had held onto a sliver of hope. But when the reality appeared before him, his years of being a double agent made him instinctively wary, fearing this might be a trap.
Yet he also realized that since no one knew about his relationship with the Naruse Couple, the trap theory didn't hold up well.
Most importantly, he was certain the Naruse Couple weren't imposters.
So, even if it were a trap, he had no choice but to walk into it.
Gazing at the ordinary-looking middle-aged couple, Lars couldn't help but take a few steps closer.
But the Naruse Couple instinctively retreated several steps.
Given Lars's powerful aura, mysterious attire, and association with Zolgear, their reaction was perfectly understandable.
Pausing mid-step, Lars felt conflicted. After a moment's hesitation, he reached up and removed his mask.
Beneath it was a face not too different from his earlier disguise, though compared to the plain features before, this one was considerably more handsome.
The Naruse Couple looked at Lars, then at each other, tentatively asking, "Are you... little La?"
It was Mio's foster mother who spoke. Hearing that affectionate, familiar address, Lars was flooded with memories.
"It's me, sister, brother. It's been a long time."
"It really is little La," Mio's foster father said in surprise. "Time flies. I never imagined you'd grown up so much and become so strong."
"I always said little La had great talent and would go far someday," Mio's foster mother said with a warm smile.
"But Lars, how did you end up with Zolgear..."
She trailed off mid-sentence, though everyone understood what she wanted to ask.
"Brother, sister, a few years after you left, the orphanage couldn't sustain itself due to various reasons."
Lars smiled without taking offense. He composed himself, burying the joy of reunion deep in his heart as he caught up with the Naruse Couple.
While the three were reminiscing, Haruto also received the news and felt confident that this matter was eighty percent settled.
Instructing Xuelan and Mihae to stand by, Haruto, along with Mio and the Naruse Sisters, headed to White Elephant Park.
Rias and the others wouldn't participate in this matter for now—too many eyes were on them, making it easy for information to reach Zolgear's ears.
This operation didn't require many people, so Haruto didn't even ask Toujou Basara for help.
Though Toujou Basara's abilities were considerable, if the defection succeeded, Zolgear's already limited subordinates would dwindle further. Having one more or one less person wouldn't make much difference.
Shortly after, Haruto and the others met Lars.
Mio watched her parents chatting happily with their enemy, her expression particularly vivid.
Fortunately, Maria promptly explained the situation. She had been listening nearby as the three caught up and had already clarified the relationships.
Haruto glanced at this ambiguous figure who ultimately sided with Toujou Basara. Confirming everything aligned with his expectations, he cut straight to the main issue.
"I want you to pretend to take Mio back, ensuring her safety while gathering information on Sheila and Lucia's whereabouts."
After stating his request, Haruto added, "I'll handle Zolgar. Once this is over, you can go to the Gremory family with Mr. Naruse and the others."
Though their reunion was brief, they had discussed important matters—how the Naruse Couple survived, where they were now, and why they suddenly appeared here. With his sharp mind, Lars quickly grasped Haruto's plan.
He wasn't surprised by Haruto's request but was curious about how Haruto knew of his connection to the Naruse Couple. Judging by the others' reactions earlier, it seemed unlikely he'd get an answer.
Haruto hadn't even told his own people, so why would he tell him?
This is the advantage of dealing with smart people—they know what not to ask. Lars promptly agreed to Haruto's request.
"But Zolgear has Satan-Class strength. Can you handle him alone?"
Lars looked at Haruto with curiosity. He had heard some of the Red Dragon Emperor's reputation, but he wasn't very optimistic about Haruto handling Zolgear alone.
"You'd better bring that guy from the Hero Clan. His ability is incredibly powerful—if it lands, Zolgear would either die or suffer severe injuries."
Haruto, of course, understood the bug-like nature of Dimensionless Execution. It was a rule-based ability that even god-level beings couldn't withstand, let alone a Satan-Class one.
If Toujou Basara weren't male, and if Haruto hadn't already tested that methods like blood contact—apart from dual cultivation—couldn't activate the ability, he would have gone to great lengths to obtain it.
"Don't worry, our main goal isn't to kill Zolgear but to rescue the hostages."
Haruto didn't explain his current strength; there was no need.
If they could eliminate Zolgear after rescuing the hostages, great. If not, they'd leave the matter to Sirzechs and the others.
As for Zolgear risking everything to attack again...
Haruto truly wasn't afraid of that.
Even if he were tied up with other matters, Rias and the others could hold out until reinforcements arrived.
It wasn't as if Sirzechs and Serafall were just for show.
While Haruto and Lars were discussing, Maria was explaining Lars's identity and motives to Mio.
Lars had been taken in by Zolgear for training after the orphanage shut down, thanks to his exceptional talent.
Having been raised by Zolgear since childhood, Lars enjoyed his trust.
Although Lars admired the Naruse Couple, he hadn't considered betrayal until they were killed by Zolgear's subordinates. He had only planned to find an opportunity to leave.
But after the Naruse Couple were murdered on Zolgear's orders, his goal shifted to revenge.
Lars's talent was indeed remarkable—he had reached S-Class strength at a young age—but he was still far from being a match for Zolgear.
So, he bided his time, waiting for an opportunity.
Finally, not long ago, his chance arrived.
After his complete defection, Zolgear had even fewer reliable subordinates and was under tight surveillance himself.
Thus, Lars was sent to threaten Maria into bringing Mio before Zolgear.
Lars knew Mio was the adoptive daughter of the Naruse Couple and that they shared a deep bond, but he felt Mio bore some responsibility for their deaths.
He intended to use the situation to his advantage, using Mio as bait to ambush Zolgear when he was least guarded, during his attempt to seize her power.
If he succeeded, Mio would survive.
She might be injured or humiliated, but Lars didn't care.
If Mio hadn't been the beloved adoptive daughter of the Naruse Couple, he wouldn't have even valued her life.
If he had deemed revenge hopeless, he might have secretly killed Mio to crush Zolgear's hopes.
That would have been a form of revenge in itself.
After learning everything, Mio felt a surge of anger, her ample chest rising and falling, but she didn't know what to say.
She could understand Lars's perspective—if the Naruse Couple had died, she wouldn't have easily forgiven herself either.
Recalling the fierce pursuers from back then, the red-haired, twin-tailed, busty beauty felt a shiver of fear.
At the same time, she felt grateful once again for having met Haruto.
Thanks to Haruto's help, things had consistently moved in the best possible direction.
Her parents were alive, and although she now had to face Zolgear alone, she still had allies by her side, so she wouldn't feel overly anxious.
After further discussing the details of the plan, everyone returned to the large Western-style house together, while Lars went back to report to Zolgear.