Previously, Jeanne Alter would often serve as an instructor or training partner, personally teaching swordsmanship to Kiba Yuuto and Xenovia, magic to Himejima Akeno and Rossweisse, or senjutsu to Toujou Koneko.
But that was no longer possible. With the potent steel-like divinity now within her, Jeanne Alter could no longer be considered purely human—her very existence had taken on the characteristics of a Heretic God.
What exactly were Heretic Gods in Campione!? They were gods who deviated from humanity's myths, descending upon the world to bring calamity.
If a sun god descended, the world would burn under scorching heat.
If a sea god descended, towering waves would drown the world.
If a god of the underworld descended, disease and decay would cover every corner, turning the land into a realm of death.
If a god of judgment descended, every living being would face punishment for their sins.
Yet Jeanne Alter wasn't just an ordinary Heretic God; she was akin to the Last King. Merely by existing, she should theoretically accelerate the planet's destruction. Thankfully, this world was not the one from Campione!, and her exceptional self-control prevented any catastrophic outcomes.
However, if anyone appeared before her as an "enemy" or "opponent," disaster would immediately befall that person. Even Jeanne herself couldn't prevent this—thus, even casual sparring had become impossible.
For some reason, Jeanne thought, this feels a little like that "Miracle upon you" situation…
Seeing Jeanne's silent contemplation, Rias sighed softly, clearly understanding her difficulty.
"It's unfortunate... If Yuuto had your guidance, he might've mastered that demonic sword sooner."
With a regretful look, Rias glanced at Kiba Yuuto, who was training not far away.
Kiba was currently wielding not a Holy-Demonic Sword, but [Gram]—the strongest demonic sword previously held by Siegfried from the Hero Faction.
After Siegfried was captured, his demonic swords naturally became Jeanne Alter's spoils. [Gram] and [Balmung] had thus been entrusted to Kiba Yuuto.
"Yuuto has always been a speed-type swordsman, so [Gram] complements his weakness in attack power. But, like Xenovia's case with [Durandal], he still struggles to control it."
Demonic swords usually cursed their wielders, and as the strongest among them, [Gram] was far more dangerous and uncontrollable—even compared to [Durandal]. Yet Kiba Yuuto's talent surpassed Xenovia's, earning [Gram]'s reluctant recognition.
Jeanne Alter gave Rias a sidelong glance, noticing her subtle worry, and said calmly:
"Relax. I already warned [Gram], so it won't dare to drain Yuuto's lifespan."
Indeed, after feeling Jeanne Alter's steel-like divinity, even the so-called "Strongest Demonic Sword" instantly became meek as a lamb.
Of course, Jeanne Alter taming [Gram] didn't mean Kiba could fully control it immediately—ultimately, that depended entirely on his own efforts.
Currently, Kiba's opponent was Hyoudou Issei.
In the past, Kiba relied purely on speed, landing countless shallow strikes on Issei in [Balance Breaker] mode without inflicting real harm, while a single hit from Issei could decide the match. But now, with [Gram]'s exceptional sharpness and its dragon-slaying property, Kiba finally tasted the thrill of power.
"Earlier, you asked about our magician contracts, right?" Rias asked, her eyebrows furrowing slightly in frustration.
"It's not a decision easily undone, so naturally, we're cautious. It's like choosing a college major—you can't be careless. I even reminded everyone that power wasn't everything; the magician's character was far more important."
"You truly worry yourself to death over your peerage… Want some oden?"
Jeanne Alter casually skewered a fish cake with a chopstick and held it up to Rias, surprising her.
"Oh my~ Since Jeanne-san insists so kindly, I'll graciously accept~"
But before Rias could react, another swiftly took advantage.
With delicate lips like ripe cherries, Himejima Akeno elegantly bit the fish cake, licking the broth from her lips with a mischievous, seductive smile.
"Mmm... Jeanne-san's tofu is very tasty~~"
"How was your training with Rossweisse?" Jeanne Alter asked calmly as Akeno naturally settled beside her. "Did you gain something useful?"
"Rossweisse-san knows quite a lot, so sparring with her is always helpful. Still… I'd rather have Jeanne-san instructing me personally," Akeno said softly, a hint of genuine regret in her lowered eyes.
But immediately, her eyes sparkled with renewed excitement.
"Were Jeanne-san and Buchou discussing magician contracts?"
Pressing her palms together, Akeno said brightly, "Actually, while discussing magic with Rossweisse-san earlier, something interesting came up…"
"Rossweisse-san said your magic prowess was incredible, Jeanne-san. If you had a teacher, she'd certainly wish to meet them, as they must be a truly extraordinary magician."
"Then it suddenly occurred to us… Isn't Jeanne-san herself a magician? After all, your first interactions with us were as a magician, weren't they?"
Rias's eyes widened as she quickly caught on, excitement flaring in her eyes.
Indeed! Wasn't Jeanne-san herself a magician?
Because Jeanne Alter's overwhelming strength was so deeply ingrained—especially since she'd recently surpassed many gods and become second only to Ophis—they had completely overlooked this fact. Jeanne Alter, proficient in magic and still human, was technically a magician.
"Wouldn't Jeanne-san be the perfect contract candidate?"
Akeno's words weren't loud, yet Koneko and the others instantly perked up, focusing on their conversation.
"That's right!" Akeno leaned closer to Jeanne Alter, eyes narrowing playfully. "You're powerful, your character is impeccable, and we trust each other deeply… How about it, Jeanne-san?"
Akeno leaned even closer, causing their soft curves to gently press together, both slightly distorting from contact.
Feeling Akeno's warm breath brushing her cheek, Jeanne's face reddened slightly, complicated feelings surfacing. She suddenly recalled her past impulse of wanting a succubus familiar.
Seriously, isn't Akeno practically a succubus herself!?
"What do you mean 'how about it'? What's in it for me if I contract with you?" Jeanne turned her head away slightly. "It's not like you can fight for me. If an enemy appears whom even I find troublesome, bringing you along would just mean sending you to your deaths."
"Isn't it just Jeanne-san being too ridiculously strong?" Akeno pouted slightly, quickly regaining her alluring smile as she whispered seductively into Jeanne's ear:
"I may not be useful in battle… but outside of battle, I'm extremely capable, you know… Once we have a contract, you can do anything you want to me~~"
Before Jeanne could even respond, a certain little kitten exploded.
"Lewd behavior forbidden!"
Koneko roughly yanked Akeno away from Jeanne, her normally impassive face now radiating fierce hostility.
"I was the one who met Jeanne-senpai first… If anyone contracts with her, it should be me."
Akeno smiled serenely yet chillingly, gazing calmly down at Koneko's resolute golden eyes.
"I'm glad you're finally expressing yourself openly, Koneko. But unfortunately, this is one thing I refuse to yield."
"Same here. I won't ever give up Senpai."
The tension thickened, sparks nearly visible in their locked gazes.
Rias intervened with a helpless sigh, "Really, quarreling over something like this…"
Then, a sly smile crept onto her face:
"How about I contract Jeanne-san instead? That way, contracting with me is like contracting with all of you! Isn't that perfect?"
"Ah, Buchou is trying to cheat~~?"
"Even if it's Buchou… I won't surrender Senpai!"
Amid this chaos, a small hand timidly tugged Jeanne's sleeve.
"Um, Jeanne-san…" Asia whispered shyly from behind. "If I'm not a devil… can I contract with you?"
???
We're both human, what contract…?
"Jeanne, Jeanne…"
The chaos intensified further as Ophis spoke quietly, emotionlessly:
"I also want to contract with Jeanne. I'm strong—I can blast all your enemies away."
She even adorably flexed her thin, pale arm, causing Jeanne to smile helplessly.
Suddenly, Azazel appeared, interrupting cheerfully:
"Oh good, you're all here… Hmm? Did I come at a bad time?"
"No, you arrived just at the right moment," Jeanne beckoned, her smile slightly mischievous.
"Ah… whatever. Actually, I brought urgent news," Azazel turned serious, his tone grave, instantly drawing everyone's attention.
"We've finally obtained information about the [Sephiroth Graal]."