"Ugh… Where am I?"
Issei Hyoudou blinked awake, groggy and confused. He was still in Tenra's house.
"Issei-kun, are you alright? You just collapsed out of nowhere."
Tenra's gentle voice and concerned expression felt almost too sincere as he helped Issei to his feet.
"I… I…"
Issei's mind was a blank. His body ached, his head throbbed, and something important gnawed at the edge of memory—something he simply couldn't grasp.
"You should take better care of yourself, Issei-kun."
"I wanted you to stay a bit longer, but since you're not feeling well, you'd better head home and rest. Don't push yourself."
Tenra's kindness felt oddly off—like a line delivered in a play. But Issei couldn't figure out why. He just nodded.
"Alright, Tenra-kun. I'll head home."
He was a little disappointed he hadn't learned all the girls' names, but right now, his health mattered more.
Why did he collapse so suddenly? Was he… overdoing it lately?
"Brent."
"Yes, Tenra-sama."
Tenra called over Brent, who handed him a bag.
"Issei-kun, here's a small thank-you. Please accept it."
"Haha… you really don't have to—"
He was about to politely refuse, but when Issei saw what was inside, his eyes lit up—
Ultra-rare, limited edition DVDs. Peach-chan's latest collection!
Tenra had gifted him something truly "precious." If Matsuda and Motohama found out, they'd die of envy. In an instant, all of Issei's subconscious resistance to Tenra melted away, replaced by pure gratitude and joy.
"Tenra-kun, you're a great guy! Thanks, I'll gladly accept!"
"No, no. Compared to what you've done for me, Issei-kun, this is nothing."
Issei looked genuinely moved, while Tenra smiled warmly.
He had no idea what Tenra meant by "what you've done," but since Tenra didn't explain, Issei didn't ask. Eager to get home and watch Peach-chan's new release, he said his goodbyes and left the Kamiyo house, waved off by Tenra and the girls.
"Tenra-sama, why not just get rid of that trash?"
Yubelluna pressed close, her eyes glinting with icy murder. In her mind, eliminating Issei would be the wisest move.
"There's no need anymore…"
Tenra's arm slid around her waist, his smile faint and cold.
No bloodline, no talent, and now, not even [Boosted Gear]. Issei Hyoudou was finished. For the rest of his life, he'd be nothing but a forgettable insect.
…
Underworld. Fallen Angel Headquarters.
"Vali, your nemesis has appeared."
Azazel's sharp eyes flicked over the intelligence report, then he shot a teasing glance at the silver-haired youth nearby—
Vali Lucifer.
"Who is it?"
Twin wings of silver light unfurled behind Vali, his battle spirit blazing.
"That Phoenix kid. He actually tore [Boosted Gear] out of its previous host and achieved Balance Breaker—the Red Dragon Emperor's Armor—immediately after fusing."
"Terrifying, isn't he? Just like you—a monster."
Even Azazel couldn't hide his amazement. He'd never expected that weak little boy to grow into this.
Really misjudged him.
"It's him!"
Vali's eyes flashed with surprise and something fiercer—a real rival.
He'd heard rumors that Tenra could steal Sacred Gears, but he'd always dismissed it as a cheap trick.
Not anymore.
Now that Tenra had claimed a Longinus and become the new Red Dragon Emperor, he was Vali's true opponent. His nemesis. The one he had to defeat.
"What's wrong, Vali? Not rushing off to duel your rival?"
Azazel watched Vali's restless energy, his smile sly.
"Hmph. He's only just fused with the Red Dragon Emperor's power. Fighting him now would be pointless."
"I'll wait. When he's mastered Ddraig's power, then I'll fight him—and show him that Albion and I are the true strongest."
Pride radiated from Vali as he folded his wings. He wouldn't stoop to cheap shots. He wanted to crush Tenra at his best.
Azazel stroked his chin, tongue clicking. That kid's growth rate was terrifying. Give it time, and even Vali might not be able to match him.
But Azazel kept that thought to himself. Vali's pride was absolute.
Knock, knock, knock…
"Azazel-sama, it's Raynare."
A girl's voice sounded from outside the door.
Vali shot Azazel a teasing look, then vanished in a flash of light. Azazel rubbed his temples, already feeling a headache.
"Come in."
At his word, a girl stepped into the room.
Graceful, striking, with a pair of black wings—
A fallen angel girl.
"Raynare, what do you want now?"
"Azazel-sama, I… I… I care about you…"
Raynare blushed, her words stumbling.
Azazel sighed. "This again? I've told you, Raynare. I'm way past the age of chasing after women, and little girls like you aren't my type."
He sounded exhausted—he'd lost count of how many times he'd had this conversation.
"Azazel-sama, I'll do anything for you! I'll give you everything!"
"What kind of woman do you like? Whatever it is, I'll become that!"
Her eyes shone with stubborn hope. Even Azazel's mouth twitched.
If she were an enemy, he'd have thrown a light spear by now. But she was one of his own, a lovesick admirer—he couldn't bring himself to be cruel.
Couldn't kill her, couldn't reject her. Azazel just felt… tired.
But then, inspiration struck. Azazel's lips curled in a sly smile.
"Raynare, if you help me with something, I'll accept you."
Raynare's face lit up with joy. "Please tell me, Azazel-sama!"
"I want you to do this and that…"
He explained his plan. Raynare's eyes sparkled, her voice brimming with confidence.
"Don't worry, Azazel-sama! I'll definitely complete your mission!"
She could barely contain her excitement as she bowed and left.
Her heart was full of hope—once she succeeded, Azazel would be hers.
"Heh… Don't blame me, kid. An old man's gotta do what he's gotta do."
Watching her leave, Azazel exhaled, a mischievous glint in his eye. He moved to the window, gazing out at the purple Underworld sky.
"It's been boring lately… Maybe it's time I paid the human world a visit."
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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