Day before Church duel at midnight; I head to Underworld tonight around 9 PM.
Rushing risks loss; need best condition.
My trump card ready—planning lineup.
School as usual. Xenovia practices speech in old building room.
"Um, why I'm running for president…"
Asia, Irina, Kiryuu check script, points, order on whiteboard.
All serious.
Break time.
To Kiryuu prepping tea: "Shocked learning devils real?"
"Obviously. Thought fantasy only."
Normal view.
I thought same before Ddraig, otherworld.
"Devil president—thoughts?"
"Fine. Xenovia-cchi, Hanakai-san won't eat us. You devils aren't evil. Asia looks edible though."
"Wrong meaning?"
"Ah, you ate her?"
"Oi! How know!?"
"Fufufu—can't fool my eyes. Obvious from vibe."
Terrifying! Virgin detector!?
Shoulder pat, lewd grin: "How was it?"
"…Delicious. Super cute."
"Right? Good for you, Asia."
Asia beet red!
Yeah!
Me too—dying of embarrassment!
Kiryuu grins: "Back—devils/humans just biology. Adapting to society is cute, grateful. Strong devils protect in crisis—big yes."
Scans Church Trio.
"Friends. Shocked devils, but unchanged. Still them. You still perv."
"Other views!?"
"World-saving scale too big… but perv spot-on."
Harsh… but true.
Glad she accepts us.
Species differ, but understanding possible.
One day, supernaturals and humans acknowledge each other.
"Kiryuu."
"Hm?"
"Keep supporting Xenovia."
"Leave it. Best effort."
Home, shower, room alone.
Azazel: Greek permission granted.
Expected.
Palm up on bed.
Aššur's goal unclear.
Seemed evil with Rizevim.
But actions?
Vampire town: laughed at collapse, mocked mutated.
Self-inflicted by leaders.
Auros: Bell sealed town, mages; Razul fought, drained us; mass clones.
Heaven: Razul picnic; Aššur probed system.
Underworld: solo near-killed Hades, overran.
All chaotic.
But real damage mostly Qlippoth?
Aššur could destroy more if serious.
"I will become one unreasonableness in this world."
Conquer with overwhelming power? Underworld foothold?
"Don't get it… his goal… what he expects from me…"
Hope to ask in Underworld…
Clock: 4 hours left.
Rest up.
Doze—knock.
"Issei?"
Xenovia in shorts, tank top.
"Meeting done?"
"For now. Thanks to Asia-tachi, smooth."
"Good."
"Miyu-tachi?"
"Bath with Alice, Ravel. I finished. Resting for tonight."
"…Yeah, you leave night."
All D×D know; worried.
Told them fine… but not reassuring.
Xenovia same.
"Haven't fought, but from Kiba, your stories—tough. Really okay?"
"Not 100%, but returning. Focus on your fight. Internal, no kills—but swords cross, anything possible. One lapse fatal—you know."
"Understood. Strada-sama—no slack…"
"Worried?"
"…Can I surpass? Sona-senpai, Strada-sama."
Tough foes.
"I want to exceed predecessors—as warrior, student."
Anxious but determined—full throttle always.
"Why president now?"
Late question.
Seen campaign, helped—but never asked core.
Silence, then:
"Raised in Church—no school. Classes, chats, clubs, events, trips—all new, fun. Love Kuoh Academy. Wonder if such joy allowed. Want to give back—leave mark. Become president, serve school."
School normal for me.
Not for her—pure joy.
Xenovia flops spread-eagle.
"Right—tell everyone my feelings. No need complicate…"
"Anxiety gone?"
"Yeah."
"Good."
Trust her.
Pat head, smile.
"Go for it. You can."
"Yeah… Hey, Issei."
"Hm? Woah!?"
Pulled onto bed; she straddles.
"Full of openings. Too careless."
"Relax at home…"
Pout.
"Yeah… serious. President, warrior, love. One day, serious baby-making with you!"
"Ruins good line!"
Typical her.
Glad she's serious.
"Xenovia."
"What—!?"
Grab shoulders, pull; faces at my chest.
Grin: "Payback."
"Muu… nice."
Cheeks puff—adorable.
Stroke blue hair, check clock.
"Nap time—for Underworld."
"Join. Want Issei hug. Absorb Issei essence."
"What's that essence…?"
Her warmth, heartbeat comforting.
Aššur worries vanish.
Hug tight, close eyes—
[Azazel Side]
Grigori Kuoh facility—my lab, office, branch.
Greeting arrivals: two… actually four.
"You coming—huge help. Unmatched power."
Middle-aged man grins.
"No biggie. Owe you plenty. Natural."
Young woman smiles.
"Yes. Can't ignore that child's request."
Issei pulls through.
Eyewitnessed their skill—reliable.
But other two… count as two?
"They?"
"Don't point! Rude to kids! Old man!"
"Hey, manners to strangers. Sorry—she's ill-mannered."
"No worry. My bad…"
Woman bows apology.
But who?
She pats their heads.
"Azazel-san, allies. Surprisingly reliable."
"Yeah yeah! Reliable, old man!"
Kid calls me old man too much!
I am, but!
Man asks.
"Stay here, deploy if needed?"
"Yeah. Church fight internal—outsiders bad."
Insurance against Qlippoth.
Can't use on Church.
Hope no need—but likely.
Only me, Issei peerage know.
Others focus Church.
Feign weakness to lure Qlippoth.
Rias-tachi bad at hiding.
Bow deep.
"Lend strength—please."
『Ou!』
[Azazel Side End]
Next: Underworld Assault!
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