Rias made quick work of the paperwork—by lunchtime, Gasper and Asia were officially students at Kuoh Academy. Gasper was placed with the first-years, sharing homeroom with Koneko, Mira, and Mittelt. Asia was originally slated for second year under Sona's jurisdiction, but neither Tenra nor Rias felt comfortable leaving her alone. After a few gentle negotiations, Asia was transferred to third year, joining Tenra and Rias's class.
With Asia's gentle, forgiving nature, she'd probably never speak up if someone bullied her. Keeping her close just felt safer.
Standing at the front of the classroom, Asia's hands trembled as she introduced herself. Her voice was a whisper, her cheeks flushed pink. But when she spotted Tenra and Rias in the crowd—smiling, nodding, silently cheering her on—something shifted inside her. Courage bloomed, fragile but real.
She wasn't the worshipped saint of old anymore, but here? She had friends. Family. And most important of all, Tenra-san.
For the first time, Asia found herself truly looking forward to the future.
Night fell on the Kamiyo household.
Raynare straddled Tenra, moving with wild, desperate energy. But Tenra's mind was elsewhere, adrift in a sea of consciousness, watching the shifting patterns within the Codex of Divinitas et Diabolus.
He could feel it—faith flowing in, steady and strong. Every girl who'd undergone the dual baptism of Sacred Scripture and Demonic Scripture sent him streams of devotion. For now, it was a trickle. Soon, it would become a river. Someday, an ocean.
Asia's faith shone brightest—pure, unwavering, almost blinding. Tenra traced the golden thread connecting them, sensing her in the next room, kneeling in prayer before bed. He could see her devotion, hear the innocent voice in her heart.
This was what it meant to be a god—aloft, omnipotent, every soul under his sway.
What surprised him was Raynare. Her faith ran just as deep, but twisted, dark, tinged with madness. Her hatred for Azazel had shattered whatever light she'd once possessed, leaving her a creature of shadow and obsession. Asia was the symbol of light; Raynare, the witch of darkness.
Saint or witch—it didn't matter. As long as they served him, they were his flock.
He almost laughed. To be worshipped by the pure and the damned alike—what could be more entertaining? When those two opposing forces swept across the world in his name, it would be a spectacle worth waiting for.
"Raynare, I told you—this isn't even close to enough."
Tenra opened his eyes, looking down at Raynare, who lay collapsed atop him, tongue lolling, utterly spent. His voice was cool, commanding.
Raynare licked her lips, eyes igniting with a fresh spark of madness. She pushed herself up, ready for another round.
"Go, Rias-nee! Go, Akeno-nee!"
"President Sona, Tsubaki-sama, you're the best!"
"It's Rias-sama versus Sona-sama—ahhh!"
The tennis courts were packed. Rias, Akeno, Sona Sitri, and Tsubaki Shinra—dressed in crisp tennis whites—were locked in a fierce doubles match. Every inch of the fence was lined with students, boys and girls alike, breathless with anticipation.
"Rias, try my Sitri-style bounce serve!"
"Too easy, Sona! Watch my Gremory-style counter!"
"Give it up, Akeno Himejima!"
"Ara ara, victory is ours!"
Rias and Sona traded shots with burning intensity; Akeno and Tsubaki refused to back down. They couldn't use magic here, but their rivalry was electric. The match ended only when all four girls had shattered their rackets, forcing a draw.
"You two seem pretty tight," Tenra teased, watching Rias and Sona walk off the court, wiping sweat from their brows.
At Kuoh, Rias and Sona were famous for their friendly competitions—always rivals, never enemies. Anyone with eyes could see how close they were.
"Of course. The Gremory and Sitri families have been allies for generations," Rias replied, smiling. "Sona and I grew up together—playmates, and competitors."
Sona adjusted her glasses, her expression as composed as ever.
Their duels were a ritual, a joy neither could do without.
"Rias-nee, Akeno-nee, great match!"
Asia, now in her Kuoh Academy uniform, hurried over, pouring chilled tea for Rias and Akeno. Sona's peerage did the same for their queen and president.
"What a thoughtful girl. Thank you, Asia."
"It was nothing, really…"
Rias stroked Asia's hair affectionately. Asia waved her hands in embarrassment, but her smile was radiant.
After a few days together, Rias was thoroughly won over by Asia's gentle spirit. She wanted to dote on her like a big sister. Asia, in turn, felt no hesitation—Rias might be a princess of the Underworld, but she treated Asia like family. Asia accepted her completely.
"By the way, I'm taking Asia and Gasper to the Familiar Forest tonight to help them contract a familiar. I've already spoken to the familiar master."
"Some of your peerage still don't have familiars, right? Want to come?"
Rias turned to Tenra, her tone inviting.
"Familiars, huh… Irina, Xenovia, Mira, and Tosca still don't have one. Sure, let's go together."
Tenra nodded, considering.
"Tenra, you don't have a familiar either, do you? You should contract one too," Akeno said, looping her arm through his.
"I don't really need one… but I'll see how it goes."
Familiars were mostly for errands—flyer distribution, intel gathering, or just as pets if you were sentimental. With his formidable peerage, Tenra wasn't interested. Still, if something special caught his eye, he wouldn't say no.
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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