"Master, this is our first client."
Night wrapped around them as Tenra and Raynare touched down in front of a modest house. Raynare's voice carried easily in the still air.
Yubelluna had already headed home with the remaining commission slips, ready to distribute them among the Xulan girls. Tenra and Raynare had grabbed a handful for themselves—not for the pathetic rewards, but hey, might as well have some post-dinner entertainment.
"Ring the bell. Let's wrap this up and get some sleep."
Tenra stifled a yawn.
Raynare stepped up and pressed the doorbell. Silence stretched from inside the house. Her eyebrow arched. Patience? Not exactly in Raynare's vocabulary. Her boot met the door with decisive force.
No point lecturing his violent fallen angel. Tenra followed her through the splintered doorway. The instant they crossed the threshold, twin flashes of recognition sparked in their eyes—
Blood. Thick and metallic in the air.
One shared glance said everything. They moved deeper into the house, reaching the living room within moments. A middle-aged man sprawled motionless in a crimson pool—clearly the homeowner and tonight's client.
But he wasn't alone. A white-haired figure sat casually on the sofa, back turned to them. The killer, no doubt about it.
"Evil deserves punishment—some saint said that once."
The stranger pivoted, face splitting into a malicious grin as he rose.
"Well, well! Raynare and the legendary Plunderer himself!"
"Such an honor! Freed Sellzen at your service—young priest of the [Exorcist] organization." His bow was mockingly formal. "Though I suppose I'm the lost variety these days..."
The theatrical introduction complete, recognition hit Tenra like a slap. Of course. This lunatic.
"Well, hello there, Freed..."
Raynare's smile turned predatory. Obviously old acquaintances.
"You kill him?"
Tenra nodded toward the corpse.
"Guilty as charged! Anyone crawling to demons for favors stops being human in my book. So I cleansed him."
"I specialize in exterminating trashy demons and the trash they seduce. Oh—" His weapons materialized: light sword and pistol. "Rogue fallen angels get the same treatment!"
That bloodthirsty grin stretched wider.
Tenra's expression stayed neutral. Yep. Completely unhinged, just like the original. Raynare maintained her wicked smile, though ice crystallized in her gaze.
"Time to die!!!"
Freed's friendly mask shattered mid-sentence. His scream tore through the air as light bullets erupted from his weapon.
Raynare's snort of disdain preceded her blur of motion. She materialized in front of Tenra, light spear spinning in a deadly dance that batted away every projectile.
Lightning crackled in their eyes. Killing intent saturated the room. Both sides coiled for war—
"AHHH!!!"
A girl's terrified shriek froze everyone.
Golden hair catching the light, blue eyes wide with horror, nun's robes pristine white—Asia had arrived.
The bloody tableau hit her like a physical blow. Her hands flew to cover her mouth, panic painting her features.
"Hey, Asia."
"T-Tenra-san?"
His casual greeting sparked surprised joy across her face despite the carnage.
"Whew! Nearly jumped out of my skin. Oh, it's just my assistant Asia-chan."
"Asia-chan, barrier's all set up?"
Freed lowered his weapons, patting his chest in exaggerated relief.
"Freed-san, this is...?"
Asia's gaze drifted to the blood-soaked homeowner.
"Oops, right! Asia-chan's still learning the ropes."
"This is our job—cleaning up these pathetic wastes seduced by demons."
"Asia-chan, over here, quickly! Those two are dangerous—an evil demon and fallen angel. Let me protect you."
Freed's casual tone made the words hit Asia like thunder.
"No... this can't be..."
Disbelief cracked her voice. Never in her worst nightmares had she imagined her work meant killing people.
For someone with Asia's pure heart, the revelation was devastating.
"Asia, your kindness is rare. Not everyone cast out maintains faith like you do."
Tenra moved to stand before her.
"Tenra-san, Raynare-san... you're really...?"
She looked up at him, searching.
"Yeah. I'm a demon, Raynare's fallen angel. Should've told you before, but—"
"Being a demon doesn't make someone evil. Being human doesn't guarantee goodness. I'm still your friend, Asia."
No denials. Just truth.
Asia stared into his eyes. Fear had gripped her initially, but something in his sincere gaze slowly calmed the storm inside her.
Because he'd said they were still friends...
"My, my. Asia-chan, you seem awfully chummy with our famous Plunderer."
"Tenra-san is my friend!"
Freed's observation drew Asia's fierce reply.
"Ah, I see..."
"Well, that settles it. Even Asia-chan's fallen from grace. Guess you're getting cleansed too!"
Understanding dawned on his twisted features, followed by that hungry smile.
"How can you—Freed-san, have you forgotten everything God taught us?"
The betrayal in Asia's voice was raw. She couldn't process being marked for death.
God preached tolerance, love. Even fallen angels and demons deserved salvation.
But her words triggered something in Freed. He exploded into hysterical laughter:
"BAHAHAHAHA! Oh God, I'm dying! Actually dying here!"
"Asia-chan—God's teachings? God's teachings?"
"Someone help me, I literally cannot breathe!"
He doubled over, tears streaming.
Asia looked utterly lost. What was so hilarious? Even Tenra frowned, wondering what wire had snapped in this psychopath's brain.
The laughter went on forever. When Freed finally straightened, wiping his eyes—
"Asia-chan... want to hear a secret only I know? That God we all worship so devotedly—"
"He's been dead for centuries!"
The words detonated like a bomb. Raynare went rigid. Something dangerous flickered in Tenra's eyes. Asia processed for a heartbeat, then exploded:
"LIAR!"
Her face blazed crimson. Even gentle Asia had limits. For any believer, Freed's words were pure blasphemy.
But the madman wasn't finished. His face contorted as he continued:
"Oh, but it's deliciously true! Our beloved God died in the ancient war eons ago. The Seraphs covered it up beautifully—even Church elders don't know."
"Don't let this face fool you, Asia-chan. I was devout once. Sickeningly so. Then I stumbled across this little classified tidbit, and my faith just... shattered."
"It's hilarious! All those faithful sheep praying every day, and they don't have a clue—their precious God's been rotting for millennia!"
"AHAHAHAHAHA!"
Chapter 72 doesn't exist—please jump directly to Chapter 73.
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