BOOM... BOOM BOOM BOOM...
Early morning, thunderous impacts echoed from the training ground—Mira, Shelan, and the other girls were already hard at work. Tenra blinked awake, a little exasperated. He'd stayed up far too late last night, tangled up with Minami and Yubelluna, and missed morning practice yet again. How many times was this now?
"Yawn… Morning, Master."
Raynare sat up next to him, stretching languidly, her body a wicked invitation. Tenra had lost count of how many times he'd indulged her, but she still managed to tempt him every time.
Raynare caught his gaze, eyes glinting mischievously. She licked her lips, then bent down and took him into her mouth without warning.
Tenra tensed, a jolt of electricity snapping through his nerves, sleepiness instantly erased.
He didn't stop her. Instead, he stared out the window, lost in thought.
Was he getting more and more depraved lately…?
It felt wrong, in a way. But wasn't this exactly why he'd fought so hard to become stronger—to earn the right to live like this?
A wry smile tugged at his lips. The thought settled. He closed his eyes and let himself enjoy it, guilt-free.
By the time Tenra and Raynare finally emerged from the bedroom, Mira and the others had already finished their training, and Maru and Birent had breakfast waiting. Rias and Akeno wandered out of their rooms, both yawning—if it weren't for diligent Koneko, who joined morning practice every day, those two would sleep until noon.
After washing up and eating, Tenra and the girls changed into their school uniforms and headed out the door.
A new day had begun.
—
"Ah… please grant mercy to the lost lambs."
"Kind souls, show us compassion in the name of the Father."
Tenra walked toward school with Rias and the rest, only to spot two cloaked figures begging on the street.
Beggars had it rough these days. People glanced their way but kept walking—most probably thought they were scammers.
Tenra fished a few coins from his pocket and tossed them over. Enough for breakfast, at least.
"Thank you, kind sir!"
"May the Lord bless you, amen."
Their gratitude was almost comical—so much joy over a handful of coins. They really were desperate.
But something felt off. Tenra paused, then doubled back.
Under the puzzled looks from Rias and the others, Tenra returned to the beggars and pulled back one of their hoods. His face lit up with recognition.
"Hah… I knew I recognized that voice."
"Long time no see, Irina!"
She'd changed a lot since childhood—her face softer, hair longer—but Tenra knew her instantly.
Irina Shidou.
She blinked, stunned, then her eyes went wide with delight.
"Tenra! It's really you!"
She flung herself at him, arms tight around his neck, practically bouncing with excitement.
"Irina, you haven't changed at all. Girls are supposed to be a little more reserved, you know."
"Who cares about that! I'm just happy—I get to see you again!"
Tenra had figured Irina would show up soon, given all the Excalibur trouble, but he hadn't expected a reunion quite like this.
She wasn't the tomboy he remembered—now she was unmistakably beautiful. Personality-wise, though, not much had changed.
Both of them were grinning like idiots, but Xenovia, Irina's companion, suddenly cut in, eyes sharp and wary.
"Irina, how long are you going to let yourself get carried away in front of devils and Fallen Angels? Snap out of it!"
Her voice was cold, and her gaze locked onto Rias, Raynare, and the others.
Irina, still clinging to Tenra, turned to look—and instantly picked up on the demonic and Fallen Angel aura radiating from the group.
"Tenra, get behind me! It's dangerous!"
She stepped in front of him, protective and tense.
"No need to worry. They're all my companions."
Tenra couldn't help laughing—she wanted to shield him? He patted her shoulder.
"Companions? But… they're devils and Fallen Angels!"
Irina looked at him, disbelief written all over her face.
Devils and Fallen Angels together was weird enough. How had Tenra ended up mixed up with these "evil" beings?
"Oh, actually, I never told you—I'm a devil too."
Tenra flashed a bright, careless smile.
I'm a devil… I'm a devil… I'm a devil…
His words echoed in Irina's mind. Her eyes went wide as saucers.
"EHHHH?!"
—
"Mmm… so good! Irina, the food here is amazing!"
"Yeah! I'm completely satisfied—it's like heaven!"
At a roadside restaurant, Irina and Xenovia devoured their meals, famished.
"Ara ara, Tenra, care to explain what's going on now?"
Across the table, Akeno leaned on Tenra's shoulder, smiling wickedly. Rias and the others watched, waiting for his answer.
"Her name's Irina Shidou. We grew up next door—childhood friends, I guess."
Tenra kept it simple, explaining his history with Irina.
"Oh… just childhood friends, huh?"
Akeno narrowed her eyes, her smile all scrutiny.
From Irina's earlier reaction, it was pretty clear there was more to it than that.
"Ahh… finally full…"
"How did it come to this… Accepting charity from a devil out of hunger—I'm truly damned."
Irina patted her belly in satisfaction, while Xenovia clutched her head, guilt-ridden.
"Irina, you want to keep going?"
Tenra asked, smiling. Irina shot up from her seat and dove at him.
"Liar! Liar! Tenra, you're a big liar!"
Her fists landed on his chest, not hurting but frantic. Yubelluna and the others tensed, ready to intervene, but Tenra waved them off.
Once Irina had vented enough, Tenra caught her hands and spoke softly.
"Irina, I'm sorry I never told you before."
"I'm a half-blood—human and devil. Fourth son of the Phoenix family."
"But devil or human, I'm still Irina's rival. I'm still Irina's friend."
"I am who I am—Tenra Kamiyo."
"So, Irina, do you have any objections?"
He met her eyes, voice steady and unyielding.
Irina stared at him—at the familiar, now-handsome face, at the deep, honest gaze. Tears welled up in her eyes.
She couldn't hold back anymore. Irina hugged Tenra tight.
"Tenra is still Tenra… Thank goodness. Really, thank goodness…"
🔥 Want to read the next 20 chapters RIGHT NOW?
💎 Patreon members get instant access!
⚡ Limited-time offer currently running...
👉 [Join on - patreon.com/GoldenLong]