"See you, old man! Thanks for everything."
"Hahaha! Adorable girls, don't be strangers now—drop by anytime!"
With the full moon's glow fading, Tenra and his group waved their final goodbyes to Zatouji. The familiar-hunting expedition had ended in triumph. Aside from Gasper's bat, everyone had landed impressive contracts—Asia and Tenra's new partners, especially, drew more than a few jealous glances.
Asia's spirit familiar brimmed with potential. With careful training, she'd easily reach High-class, maybe even Ultimate-class devil status, even if King-class was out of reach. And that was no small feat: High-class devils were the backbone of the Underworld, while Ultimate-class could rise to the rank of dukes.
As for Tenra's new companion? No contest. The Undine Queen, master of water magic, already wielded power on par with the highest devils.
By the time the group returned to the human world, sunlight was spilling across the sky. Classes could wait—after a night in the Familiar Forest, everyone was exhausted. Rest came first.
Kuoh Academy, Kendo Club
Clack! Clack! Clack-clack!
Wooden swords collided in a rapid blur. Two figures—Murayama and Katase—dueled fiercely, drawing the eyes of every girl in the club.
Murayama, a veteran, was one of their strongest. Her swordsmanship was impressive for a high schooler, and Tenra's recent tips had only accelerated her growth. Yet Katase, who'd only picked up kendo recently, was matching her blow for blow.
Back and forth, attack and dodge, their match had spanned dozens of rounds. Both were panting, sweat-soaked, but neither backed down. The intensity drew gasps and cheers from the watching girls.
The deadlock finally broke when Katase, less experienced, left herself open. Murayama's eyes flashed—she seized the moment:
"It's over!"
With a sharp cry, Murayama's sword swept in. Katase yelped as her wooden blade went flying.
Victory for Murayama. The club erupted in applause.
"Murayama-senpai's amazing!"
"No wonder she's our ace!"
"Katase did great too…"
Towels were handed over, praise and encouragement flowing freely.
With the club president out for the day, the girls practiced on their own. Murayama and Katase's duel had everyone itching to test themselves.
"Ugh… lost again." Katase flopped to the floor, feigning defeat.
"Don't sell yourself short," Murayama tossed her a towel. "You've improved so fast, I won't be able to keep up soon."
Katase had only started kendo recently, yet already she could stand toe-to-toe with Murayama. Murayama felt the pressure—and a twinge of envy.
This shameless, perverted girl's talent was just unfair!
"Hehe…"
Katase's sly grin wiped away any trace of disappointment. Inside, she gloated: You really think you know who you're dealing with? I'm the invincible genius sword princess of the universe!
Confidence radiated from her. Give her a little more time and she'd surpass Murayama, then take down Katase and the other aces one by one. Soon, she'd rule the club.
Tsk tsk, she could hardly wait. What demands would she make of the club president once she was on top? Katase licked her lips, already plotting.
"Haah…"
Tenra yawned, stretching as he woke to find evening had arrived.
A strange tingle ran through his mind. He blinked, then spotted a certain fallen angel sprawled across him, lips pressed against his skin.
"Master, how do you feel? Want to go another round?" Raynare lifted her head, licking her lips with a wicked smile.
Tenra's mouth twitched. Damned seductress.
He didn't bother replying—just pushed Raynare's head back down. If she was going to bite, she might as well finish the job.
After a long while, once Raynare was sated, Tenra dressed and the two left the bedroom.
"Tenra-sama, there's a message from Lord Lucifer."
No sooner had they reached the hall than Yubelluna approached, looking serious.
Tenra frowned. Why was the Maou contacting him out of the blue? Still, he nodded. "Put him through."
"Yes, sir."
Yubelluna tapped her staff. A magic circle flared, and the projections of Sirzechs and his queen, Grayfia, appeared.
"Tenra-kun, how are things? I hope Rias hasn't been giving you too much trouble?"
"Thank you for your concern, Sirzechs-sama. If anything, I'm the one causing Rias trouble."
"Hahaha… you're engaged, so you should help each other."
"We've heard about you becoming the Red Dragon Emperor. Truly, the Phoenix family's miracle child—you never cease to amaze."
"I just obtained a Longinus. Compared to you, Sirzechs-sama, I've still got a long way to go."
"Hehehe… Tenra-kun, too much modesty is its own kind of arrogance…"
After some polite banter, they got down to business.
"Sirzechs-sama, what's the reason for contacting me?"
"There's a matter regarding your engagement to Rias."
"My engagement?"
"Yes. Both families agreed before, but Rias is the Gremory princess and you're a Phoenix heir. A simple arrangement wouldn't do. So Duke Phoenix and I have decided to hold a formal engagement ceremony for you both."
Tenra hadn't expected this. A ceremony? It felt unnecessary, but he nodded. It wasn't about pride—both families' status demanded it. Anything less and the Underworld's nobility would have a field day mocking them.
"I have no objections. What about Rias?"
"No need to worry—she's already agreed."
"We'll hold the ceremony at the Gremory estate. It'll be a good opportunity for you to get acquainted. In the next few days, we'll send invitations to the major noble houses. Once everything's ready, Grayfia will come to escort you both."
"In that case, I'll leave it to you, Sirzechs-sama."
"Hahaha… what can I say? Rias is my one and only precious little sister."
"That's all for now, Tenra-kun. I'll be waiting for you in the Underworld…"
The connection ended. Sirzechs and Grayfia's images faded.
Tenra's smile slipped away, replaced by a furrowed brow.
"Tenra-sama?" Yubelluna asked gently, noticing his change in mood.
He shook his head, offering no explanation.
Sirzechs was a kind Maou, devoted to his sister. Everything seemed above board. Maybe he was just being paranoid…
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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