"Asia, you don't have to hold it in. Say what's in your heart. Let them hear your faith."
Tenra's hand was gentle as he brushed Asia's forehead, his smile warm and steady.
Asia stared up at him, her inner turmoil slowly melting away. In its place, a quiet conviction took root. She nodded, then turned to face Xenovia, her voice unwavering:
"My faith is in Tenra-san. Tenra-san is my true Lord—he's the god I believe in!"
Her words seemed to echo off the walls, hanging in the air like a challenge. At the exit, Raynare blocked the way with a wicked smile, while Yubelluna and the rest of the girls fanned out, silently boxing Xenovia and Irina into the center of the room.
Rias pinched the bridge of her nose, a sigh escaping her lips. Her eyes, however, flashed with icy light.
No one had expected things to escalate like this. Now, there was no way they could let the two church sword-bearers walk out unimpeded.
"Are you out of your mind? You actually worship a devil?!"
Xenovia finally snapped, her shock quickly curdling into outrage.
Was the world insane, or was it just her? A former Saint, now calling a devil her god?
Even Irina covered her mouth, eyes wide with disbelief.
"What's so wrong about it?" Tenra's tone was almost playful. "Asia just chose the path she believes in."
He glanced at Xenovia, his expression half-mocking, half-serious. "Gods are only gods because people choose to believe in them. Even if I'm a devil, as long as someone puts their faith in me, I can become a god too. Isn't that right, Miss Xenovia?"
"Blasphemy!" Xenovia's voice shook with fury. "A devil daring to call himself a god—how dare you?!"
Tenra just shrugged. "Blasphemy or not, let's set that aside for now."
He fixed Xenovia with a pointed look. "The problem is, you two have learned something you shouldn't have. Maybe you should start thinking about what comes next."
Xenovia's heart skipped. Only now did she realize just how thoroughly she and Irina were surrounded.
A devil aspiring to godhood—if this got out, both the Church and the faithful of every other pantheon would come down on him like a hammer. She and Irina knew too much. It was clear these devils had no intention of letting them go.
Her expression darkened.
"Uh… Tenra, are you going to silence us?" Irina piped up, her voice trembling—but her eyes sparkled with that same mischievous glint Tenra remembered from childhood.
He couldn't help but laugh. "Relax, Irina. For old times' sake, I won't silence you. I'm just planning to lock you up in a little dark room for a while."
"Tenra, you big meanie! I don't want to be locked up!"
"Then I'll just have to silence you."
"That's even worse!"
"How long are you going to keep messing around with us?!"
While Tenra and Irina bantered, Xenovia's patience snapped. She drew Excalibur Destruction, the blade humming with lethal intent.
Today's events could only end in blood. She'd pledged her life to the Lord—she would never bow to evil.
Tenra shrugged, drifting back to Rias and the others.
"What do you plan to do with them, Tenra?" Rias's brow was furrowed, her voice low.
She didn't want a war with the Church, but letting Xenovia and Irina walk away could be catastrophic. If it came to it… she'd do what had to be done.
Tenra caught her eye and gave a subtle shake of his head—leave it to me.
Then, to everyone's surprise, he turned to face the two church girls and spoke, voice bright and clear:
"Xenovia, Irina—you know too much. If you want to leave here today…"
He grinned.
"—then fight me!"
"Fight you?" Xenovia echoed, eyes narrowing.
"That's right. If you can beat me, you're free to go. We won't stop you."
"And if we lose?" Irina asked, wary.
Tenra's smile was pure mischief. "If you lose, you'll have to become my believers."
A heavy silence fell.
—
Behind the old school building, in a clearing ringed by magical barriers, Tenra faced off against Xenovia and Irina. Rias and the others stood watch, ensuring no one could intrude.
"Tenra, Tenra! If we beat you, we really get to leave?" Irina bounced on her toes, all nerves forgotten, her eyes shining with anticipation.
"Of course. If you can do it."
He turned to Xenovia. "You're alright with this, aren't you?"
Xenovia snorted. "You're actually giving us a chance to judge you? I couldn't ask for more."
She leveled her sword at him, her gaze cold and unyielding. "Just so you know, Irina and I are both top-class Holy Sword wielders. If you die, you've only yourself to blame."
If the devils and Fallen Angels attacked together, they might not stand a chance. But Tenra was offering himself up alone—how arrogant could he be?
"Don't get too cocky," Tenra replied, shaking his head. "If you lose, you'll have to abandon your god and worship me instead."
"Never!" Xenovia spat, her voice like ice. "If I lose to you, I'll die before I ever betray the Lord for a devil!"
Irina, meanwhile, looked away, feigning deafness. Tenra had to stifle a laugh—if she really lost, she'd probably just cheat her way out of it.
Getting these two to worship him wouldn't be easy. But Tenra wasn't worried. The moment they learned his secret, their fates were sealed.
"Well, we'll see who wins. For now, let's just fight it out."
He glanced at Irina. "You've been waiting for this, haven't you?"
Irina grinned, practically vibrating with excitement. "I've been practicing my swordsmanship every single day just to beat you, Tenra!"
She pulled the rope from her arm—Excalibur Mimic—which twisted in her grip, transforming into a gleaming katana.
"Enough talk. Tenra Kamiyo, let's begin!" Xenovia declared, unsheathing Excalibur Destruction, its blade crackling with power.
Both girls had shed their cloaks, now clad in skin-tight battle suits that showed off every curve—dangerous and alluring in equal measure.
Tenra, ever the gentleman, tried not to stare. But he couldn't help thinking… maybe he'd get a chance to "test" those suits for himself someday.
He smirked, raising his hand. With a flicker of power, a jet-black demonic sword materialized—[Sword Birth] at the ready.
Their eyes met—lightning arced between them. Then, with a single breath, all three surged forward, blades drawn, as Rias and the others watched from the edge of the barrier.
The battle for faith had begun.
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