Xenovia stood in the garden alongside Erika. In one hand, she held a massive broadsword with a blue blade and a golden edge.
The sword has a semicircular guard on the left side of the handle that extends to the bottom just above the pommel, with a small extension on the right side of the handle. Standing from the tip of the blade, the Durandal is slightly taller than herself, surpassing the latter's height by just a few centimeters.
Durandal. One of the legendary Holy Swords forged through the means of alchemy and Magic. A sword said to be on par with the original Excalibur.
It was a sword formerly wielded by a legendary exorcist of the church, Vasco Strada, who was said to have showcased rare mastery of Durandal reaching the original wielder, even defeating and cornering Kokabiel during World War Two.
And now, it has been inherited to Xenovia, who still had trouble fully controlling its full power and potential.
However, at Erika's request, she unsealed the legendary holy sword to show it to her, in hopes that she might be able to give insights on how to better wield it.
The sacred blade gleaming under the soft soft moonlight, its presence powerful and divine.
Meanwhile, Yuuji sat peacefully on the engawa, the wooden porch fronting the main hall. A plate of daifuku mochi and two cups of green tea were placed neatly beside him.
Leaning comfortably against his back was C.C., nibbling unapologetically on one of his mochi with a calm, content expression.
The other guys had already returned to their quarters, while Aika, Albedo, and Semiramis were inside washing the dishes and preparing tea for themselves.
From his spot, Yuuji watched Erika and Xenovia spar. Erika wielded her baton-shaped CAD with practiced ease, deftly parrying Xenovia's powerful but somewhat desperate swings with Durandal. Despite the holy sword's immense might, Erika maintained a relaxed composure, while Xenovia was visibly pushing herself to keep up.
Then, without warning, a golden ripple shimmered into existence.
From it emerged Ophis, flanked on either side by Alice and Aria, their small hands clasped together, with Ophis calmly in the center.
Soon after Ophis moved in the King's Treasury, Alice and Aria curiously explored it as well as to meet Ophis. They quickly grew fond of Ophis, and the three began to spend time together like old friends.
Now, all three were settled on and around Yuuji—Ophis on his lap, while Alice and Aria leaned against his sides. Their gazes fixated on the remaining mochi, their eyes sparkling with hunger.
Smiling, Yuuji took out more snacks and served them. The trio eagerly helped themselves, munching away happily as they sipped tea in content harmony.
Soon, Erika returned to the porch with a beaming smile. She wore a thin light orange tank top and hot pants, looking completely unbothered by the spar. Not a drop of sweat marked her skin. In contrast, Xenovia followed behind, exhausted and panting slightly.
"We're done sparring," Erika announced. "We're heading to the onsen."
Yuuji gave a small nod and smiled. "Have fun," he said, then glanced down at the girls clustered around him. "I'll follow after."
Erika chuckled. "It's fine. Just keep them company," she said, winking. "C.C, are you coming?"
"Hm? Ah, I'll go later."
"Alright."
She turned to Xenovia, who had finally noticed Ophis and the twin slimes at Yuuji's side. Her eyes widened in surprise, clearly about to question their presence—until Erika casually took her hand and led her away.
Once they were gone, C.C., still leaning lazily behind Yuuji, asked quietly, "When's the Tri-Faction Summit happening?"
"Next week," Yuuji replied, "right after the open school event."
She hummed, before going silent once again.
A few moments passed, then she spoke again "I'll go with you."
Yuuji glanced over his shoulder, surprised. "You sure?"
She nodded. "I've had enough peace and quiet for now. I want to be by your side for this."
He smiled warmly. "Thanks, C.C."
At that moment, Ophis turned and looked up at him. "Will you be going there?" she asked.
"I will," he replied with a smile. A knowing smile.
"I'll be dealing with some of your group too. Is that okay with you?"
Ophis shook her head. "They do whatever they want. I only gave them power so they could help me eliminate Great Red. But now... I couldn't care less."
Yuuji nodded, offering a soft smile. "You can stay in the King's Treasury during the summit. But when it happens, don't go outside."
Ophis gave a silent nod, accepting without protest.
Just then, Yuuji's phone rang with a message notification.
He looked and his eyes widened slightly.
"I have something to ask you… Can we meet in the clubroom tomorrow?'
It was a message from Rias.
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Yuuji smiled wryly as he looked at Rias, who stood before him, blushing furiously and unable to meet his eyes.
"I thought you had something serious to talk about," he said, crossing his arms. "Didn't expect it'd be for something like this."
"I–I'm asking for your help!" she snapped, flustered. "It would've been rude not to ask you in person!"
"Alright, alright…"
He let out a sigh and shook his head, the corners of his lips tugging into a helpless smile.
This was certainly a rare sight. Rias being all awkward and shy. Known to be confident and proud, he had never seen Rias act in such a way before.
It was adorable.
"You should go and get changed. I'll do the same."
"Mm…"
Rias gave a small nod before hurrying off toward the changing room by Kuoh Academy's pool, her crimson hair fluttering behind her.
What Yuuji had assumed to be an urgent request turned out to be something much simpler—Rias had asked for his help in cleaning the academy's pool, a task assigned to the Occult Research Club by the Student Council.
Of course, with magic at their disposal, such a mundane chore could've been completed in seconds. So it quickly became clear that this was just an excuse—Rias simply wanted to invite him, Aika, and the others to join them for a fun day at the pool.
Perhaps even… An excuse to talk and be with him.
Naturally, Yuuji agreed. It sounded like a good chance to relax and unwind. Aika was even more enthusiastic and brought along Erika, C.C., and Xenovia as well.
Thanks to their magical inventories, the girls had no trouble changing into swimsuits they had prepared themselves—no need for the backup ones Rias had thoughtfully brought along.
As the girls headed to their changing room, Yuuji made his way to the men's side. Upon entering, he found Kiba and Issei already in the middle of changing.
"Ah, you're finally here, Yuuji-san," Kiba greeted with a smile.
Yuuji nodded back as he pulled out a pair of black swim trunks and a light hooded jacket from his inventory.
"Yeah. Sorry to keep you waiting. I was just chatting with Rias-senpai."
He casually took off his uniform and began changing. As he pulled on his swim trunks and zipped up the jacket halfway, he noticed Kiba watching him with admiration—and Issei, with his jaw practically on the floor.
"Hm? Something wrong?" Yuuji asked, glancing between the two.
"Yuuji-san, your physique is… incredible," Kiba said in awe. "How much training does it take to get a body like that?"
Yuuji looked down at himself. Even with his jacket only half-zipped, the lines of his perfectly toned body were on full display.
"Ah… well, that's a long story," he said with a sheepish smile before zipping up the jacket completely.
Issei's expression shifted from shock to envy… and finally, to pure resignation.
"Haah… I can't win," he muttered, slumping against the locker. "How the hell am I supposed to compete with that? It's impossible…"
Yuuji raised an eyebrow. "What are you talking about, Issei?"
Issei dramatically pointed at him.
"I want to become a Harem King! But how am I supposed to make it happen when I have to go up against you?! You've got the looks, the power, the charm—everything!"
The room went silent for a beat.
"W-Well… I'm sure there are girls out there who'd be interested in you…" Yuuji offered awkwardly.
Issei gave him a flat stare, and Yuuji had to avert his gaze. Even he couldn't say that with full confidence.
After all, Issei may have had the "harem protagonist aura," but Yuuji… Yuuji had the "hentai harem protagonist aura." The difference between them was like heaven and earth. Yuuji wasn't just powerful, wealthy, and outrageously attractive—he was already in deep, passionate relationships with his ever-growing harem. Unlike the usual harem protagonist who rarely got past first base, Yuuji actually made love to his women, regularly.
In fact, ever since coming to this world, there wasn't a single night when he didn't make love with at least one of his lovers.
Still, his words weren't just empty flattery. There was truth in them.
Yuuji had noticed Asia's lingering affection for Issei. The girl's feelings were genuine. Issei just hadn't fully seen it yet.
"...You'll find someone who truly loves you, Issei," Yuuji said sincerely. "You just need to look a little closer. Focus on building a real relationship—not just chasing girls for sex."
"I-I know! I don't want just friends with benefits!" Issei barked, blushing slightly.
"Good," Yuuji said with a soft smile. "Then it's only a matter of time. And you should focus on actually falling in love rather than chasing after girls like you're collecting collectibles. Anyway, I'll head out first."
"I'll come along too," Kiba added.
Yuuji gave a small wave and walked out, with Kiba right behind him, leaving Issei to stew in his thoughts.
Outside by the pool, Yuuji waited for the girls to arrive. But soon, a loud ruckus erupted from their changing room.
He raised an eyebrow. "Hm? Sounds rowdy."
"Yeah…" Kiba nodded. "Did they encounter some trouble?"
"Hm…"
Judging by the mix of surprised shrieks and laughter, Yuuji had a pretty good idea what was going on.
"No, I don't think so. I'm sure it's fine."
'Yep… she's at it again,' he thought with a sigh.
He could already imagine what Aika was up to. When that girl was in a room full of cute girls in swimsuits… mischief was inevitable.
He just hoped they wouldn't take too long.
A few minutes later, Issei came out, and the three of them waited by the pool.
Then—finally—the girls arrived.
Aika stepped out first, beaming with a bright, playful smile, dressed in a frilly white bikini. Erika followed, wearing a sleek one-piece that highlighted her athletic build and soft curves. C.C. wore a striking white bikini with crimson string accents, her usual aloof expression untouched by the crowd.
Behind them came Rias, hugging her chest tightly and blushing furiously. Koneko and Asia looked equally embarrassed, their cheeks a deep shade of red. Akeno and Xenovia trailed behind—both of them also blushing slightly, though they wore far more composed expressions.
Issei's eyes nearly popped out of his head. His gaze lingered on Aika, Rias, and Akeno—the three most voluptuous in the group.
Meanwhile, Kiba raised an eyebrow, more curious about their expressions than their outfits.
Yuuji sighed. With a single glance, he confirmed his suspicions.
"Sorry for the wait~!" Aika sang cheerfully. "We had a bit of a girls' bonding session, so it took longer than expected~"
"Hah… It was chaos back there…" Erika muttered, exasperated.
"Ufufufu~ I, for one, found it quite fun," Akeno chuckled mischievously.
"Uuuuhhh…" Asia fidgeted, clearly still flustered.
Rias was trying her best to maintain her composure, but the way her eyes kept flickering to Aika betrayed her embarrassment. She'd been groped so shamelessly, so thoroughly, that it took all her willpower not to scream.
Still, she swore silently: she would get her revenge.
But for now, she cleared her throat and did her best to regain control.
"Alright, everyone—let's start cleaning the pool."
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AN: I hope you guys enjoy this chapter~! Please comment your thoughts~! I would love to hear what you think about it~!!!!
Also, if you'd like to read additional chapters ahead and get a pdf version (Light & Dark), please feel free to check out my at patr_eon.com/verglasx ~!
Thank you~!