Kuoh Academy, Occult Research Club—
"Though you're devils, I'll remember the kindness you showed us earlier. Let me introduce myself properly—my name is Xenovia."
"I'm Irina Shidou."
The two girls sat upright on the sofa across from Tenra and Rias, voices clear and steady.
"Followers of God, visiting my domain?"
Rias folded her arms, a graceful smile on her lips. "What business brings you here today?"
"As the Demon King's sister, Rias Gremory, I'm sure you've heard the rumors about Excalibur."
Xenovia's tone was all business.
"I've heard a little. Go on."
Rias's smile never wavered.
"Except for the one whose whereabouts are unknown, six Excaliburs were under the care of the Church's three factions. But three of them were recently stolen by Fallen Angels."
Irina explained succinctly, her gaze flickering toward Raynare for a moment.
"Raynare's my subordinate. She's never stolen any of your holy swords," Tenra interjected.
"We know. The one who ordered the theft was the Fallen Angel cadre, Kokabiel—not a stray like the one at your side."
Xenovia's voice was polite, but there was a faint edge of mockery beneath the surface.
Tenra shrugged, Raynare only narrowed her eyes, a sly smile playing at her lips.
Strays existed in every faction: stray priests in the Church, stray devils, stray fallen angels. To Xenovia, Raynare's presence among devils marked her as one of the lost.
"We currently hold two of the remaining Excaliburs."
Xenovia reached behind her, producing a greatsword wrapped in cloth. "Mine is the Holy Sword of Destruction—Excalibur Destruction."
Irina pointed to the band on her arm. "And mine is the Holy Sword of Mimicry—Excalibur Mimic."
"So, what exactly do you want from us?"
Rias's eyes gleamed with interest.
"This incident is between us and the Fallen Angels. Our orders are to eliminate the Strays and Fallen Angels and recover the stolen Excaliburs. What we want is for the devils of this territory to stay out of our way."
"Confident, aren't you? You think we'd side with the Fallen Angels?"
Rias's voice was cool, but there was a hint of challenge beneath it.
"For devils, holy swords are forbidden. Isn't that enough common ground with the Fallen Angels? And as for alliances, you've already got a perfect example sitting right next to you."
"If you interfere, we'll eliminate you—even if you are Lucifer's sister."
The negotiation had become a duel of words, the air growing tense. Rias's demonic power shimmered around her, a subtle promise of destruction. Xenovia's presence sharpened, the room thick with unspoken threats.
Finally, Rias broke the silence.
"Interesting. Your attitude is irritating, but we have no intention of allying with the Fallen Angels."
She let her aura fade, her voice steady.
"I swear on the Gremory name: we would never do anything to stain the Demon King's honor."
At that, Xenovia allowed herself a small, almost reluctant smile.
"Good. That's all I needed to hear. Headquarters wanted me to deliver the message, but I never thought the Demon King's sister would be that foolish."
"Then I can assume your God-faction won't be working with the Fallen Angels either?"
"Of course. As long as you promise not to interfere with our business."
"I can promise that. But if your actions endanger my territory, I won't sit idly by."
"Then it's settled."
The tension eased. Rias and Xenovia had reached an agreement—an uneasy truce, but a truce nonetheless.
"Sorry for taking up your time. We'll be going now," Xenovia said, rising.
"Since you're here, won't you stay for tea?" Rias offered, more out of form than hope.
"We already owe you a debt. We can't afford more. Besides, getting too close to devils isn't exactly good for us."
Xenovia's tone was firm.
"Irina, let's go."
"Tenra, I'll come find you when the mission's over."
The two church girls made to leave—but Xenovia paused, her eyes narrowing as she glanced at the group behind Tenra.
"I thought I recognized you… You're Asia Argento, aren't you?"
Asia flinched, startled by the sudden attention.
"Y-yes, that's me."
"Never thought I'd meet the witch here."
Xenovia's gaze turned cold.
"Oh—so you're the former Saint who became a witch!"
Irina's realization was immediate.
"I heard you were banished for healing devils and Fallen Angels. To think you've become a devil yourself…"
The two girls, now devils themselves, could sense the reincarnated aura on Asia.
Asia's hands clenched tight. She lowered her head, voice barely above a whisper.
"I… I…"
Being exiled by the Church was a wound that never healed. Now, to be called a witch by her former peers—Asia's heart twisted painfully.
"A Saint turned devil. There really is no limit to how far one can fall, is there?"
Xenovia's words dripped with contempt.
Rias stood abruptly, eyes flashing.
"You've said enough. Asia is my servant now—please show some respect."
She cared for Asia like a sister and would not tolerate anyone making her feel ashamed.
"As the Demon King's sister's servant, we have no reason to harm her. But—"
Xenovia's tone shifted, growing colder.
"Asia Argento, let me ask you one last thing: do you still believe in our God?"
Asia bit her lip, trembling.
"I… I have a new faith now…"
"Oh? Not only consorting with devils, but embracing an evil god as well?"
Xenovia's sneer deepened.
"Come on, Irina. She's beyond saving."
Irina hesitated, but Xenovia's disgust was clear. She turned away, ready to leave.
"My faith isn't in an evil god!"
Asia's voice rang out, stronger than anyone had ever heard from her. She could endure being called a witch, could even endure the scornful looks—but to have her faith insulted, that she could not bear.
Rias and the others stared in shock. Tenra, though, smiled quietly.
"Having abandoned the one true Lord, what else could your faith be but an evil god?"
Xenovia's voice was icy as she paused at the door.
Asia's hands shook. Tears welled in her eyes, but she forced herself to speak.
"My faith is… my faith is…"
She wanted to say it, but fear for Tenra held her back. What if it brought him trouble?
"What is your faith, Asia Argento?!"
Xenovia pressed, the whole room holding its breath.
Tenra stood up, his voice calm and absolute.
"Her faith is in me."
🔥 Want to read the next 20 chapters RIGHT NOW?
💎 Patreon members get instant access!
⚡ Limited-time offer currently running...
👉 [Join on - patreon.com/GoldenLong]