Chapter 26: Chapter 26
[ Akira's Pov ]
"Akira!" Chysis ran, launching herself at me in a tackle-hug that would have knocked me flat if not for my enhanced reflexes.
"Can't... breathe..." I wheezed, patting her back as she squeezed the life out of me.
"I was so worried!" she sobbed into my shoulder. "When I realized how much mana I'd overloaded into that crystal, I thought I might have sent you to another dimension entirely! I've been searching for hours, trying every tracking spell I know!"
She pulled back to look at me, her hands gripping my shoulders like she was afraid I might disappear again. "I'm so sorry, Akira. This is all my fault. If something had happened to you because of my carelessness..."
"Hey, it's okay," I said gently, giving her what I hoped was a reassuring smile. "I'm safe now, see? You don't have to worry anymore."
She searched my eyes for a moment, then finally seemed to believe that I was really here and unharmed. The tension in her shoulders eased slightly, though she still looked shaken.
"Actually," I continued, "I want to introduce you to someone."
Chysis blinked, then looked curiously past me to where Valerie was standing partially hidden behind my back. The vampire girl had been trying to make herself as small and unnoticeable as possible, clearly nervous about meeting new people.
Chysis's expression went completely deadpan as she took in Valerie's appearance—particularly her blonde hair.
"Akira," she said in a flat voice, "do you have some kind of blonde fetish?"
"What? No! Why would you—"
"Because you've now brought two blonde girls to my home," she continued, her tone still completely serious.
I felt my face heat up as I laughed awkwardly. "It's not like that! Look, why don't we go have some tea while we talk? There's a lot to explain."
Twenty minutes later, we were seated in Chysis's study—the same room where this whole adventure had started. The papers from her crystal research had been hastily cleared away, replaced by a proper tea service. Valerie sat beside me, nervously nibbling on a slice of cake while I recounted everything that had happened.
"So let me get this straight," Chysis said when I finished, setting down her teacup with a soft clink. "My overcharged crystal sent you directly into the middle of a vampire army's slave operation, you single-handedly massacred several hundred pure-blood vampires including their lord, and then you decided to recruit his imprisoned sister?"
"That's... a very concise way to put it, yes."
She sighed deeply, pinching the bridge of her nose. "And you're never using teleportation magic again in your life, I assume?"
"Not if I can help it," I said with a shudder. The thought of accidentally ending up in the Dimensional Gap or somewhere equally horrifying was enough to put me off spatial magic permanently.
Chysis turned her attention to Valerie, who had been quietly eating her cake throughout the entire conversation. "So, Valerie, Akira mentioned you possess a Sacred Gear. What kind?"
I'd told her about Valerie's healing abilities during my story, but I'd been deliberately vague about the specifics. Mostly because I wasn't entirely sure what they were myself.
Valerie looked at me uncertainly, and I gave her an encouraging nod. She set down her fork and took a deep breath.
"It's... it's called Sephiroth Graal," she said quietly.
Chysis went very still. "I'm sorry, what did you just say?"
"Sephiroth Graal," Valerie repeated, a bit more confidently. "It's one of the thirteen Longinus-class Sacred Gears."
The teacup in Chysis's hand cracked.
"Longinus?" she whispered, her voice barely audible. "You possess a Longinus?"
Valerie nodded and extended her hand. A soft golden light began to emanate from her palm, coalescing into the shape of an ornate chalice. The cup seemed to be made of pure light, its surface covered in intricate patterns that hurt to look at directly.
"The Holy Grail," Chysis breathed, staring at the artifact with wide eyes. "It can heal injury, cure disease, even grant extended life to those who drink from it. One of the most powerful Sacred Gears in existence."
I felt my jaw drop. No wonder Marius had kept her locked up. A Sacred Gear that could potentially grant immortality? That was beyond valuable—it was world-changing.
"Akira," Chysis said slowly, never taking her eyes off the glowing chalice, "do you have any idea what this means? In the span of a single day, you've somehow managed to recruit a wielder of one of the thirteen most powerful Sacred Gears in existence. Your luck is absolutely absurd."
I was about to ask her to keep this information secret—having a Longinus wielder on my team would paint a massive target on all our backs—but Chysis seemed to read my expression before I could speak.
"Don't worry," she said, finally looking away from the chalice as Valerie dismissed it. "I won't tell anyone about this. But in exchange, I want to know exactly what new power you awakened that allowed you to defeat so many pure-blood vampires. There's no way you could have accomplished that with just your previous abilities."
I smiled in defeat. There really was no escaping it, was there?
"Alright, but this stays between us too," I said, reaching into what appeared to be empty air. To their eyes, it would look like I was pulling something from a pocket dimension—a reasonable enough explanation for my inventory system.
"Incursio," I said simply.
The familiar sensation of bio-metal flowing over my body was different this time. Instead of the original armor design, what manifested was the evolved form I'd achieved during the vampire battle. The armor was sleeker, more predatory-looking, with organic blade-like projections extending from my arms and shoulders. The faceplate had taken on a more skull-like appearance, and the overall design radiated an aura of barely contained lethality.
"Amazing," Chysis whispered, reaching out to touch the bio-metal surface. Her fingers traced the organic patterns with scientific fascination. "I've never seen a Sacred Gear like this. The way it responds to your emotional state, the evolutionary adaptability... You're certainly half-yokai and half-human who awakened some kind of unique variant Sacred Gear, aren't you?"
I just nodded along with her explanation. It was as good a cover story as any, and I certainly couldn't tell her about my gacha system.
"You're full of surprises, Akira," she said, patting my armored shoulder affectionately. "Don't worry, I'll keep this secret too."
"Why?" I asked, dismissing the armor. "Why have you been so kind to me? So willing to help and keep my secrets?"
Chysis's expression softened, and for a moment she looked almost maternal. "You remind me of my son, Zeo. You have the same cheerful nature, the same desire to help others even when it puts you at risk. The same kind heart."
She smiled warmly at me, and I felt something tight in my chest loosen slightly. It had been a long time since someone had looked at me like that—like family.
From the corner of my eye, I saw Valerie watching this exchange with something like wonder in her red eyes, while Asia was beaming with joy at witnessing such genuine care between people.
Later that evening,mI found myself back at my house with my two new housemates. The place still felt surreal—a luxurious modern home that Chysis had somehow acquired for me, complete with multiple bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and amenities that would have been impossible to afford on a normal teenager's budget.
My mother was off on a trip with her friends, funded by the money I'd given her from Chysis's love. It was good to see her happy and relaxed for once, even if it meant I had the house to myself for a while.
"You two can pick whichever rooms you'd like," I told Valerie and Asia as we stood in the main hallway. "I'll get started on dinner."
They nodded and headed off together to explore the house, Asia chattering excitedly about how nice everything was while Valerie listened with a small smile. It was good to see them getting along.
As I made my way to the kitchen, I suddenly remembered something that made me stop in my tracks. In all the chaos with the vampires, I'd completely forgotten about my gacha rewards.
The familiar blue screen materialized in front of me, and I nearly fell over when I saw what was waiting.
*Congratulations! You have earned a Rank 7 Gacha Ticket for single-handedly eliminating a vampire lord and his army!*
Rank 7? That was the highest rank I'd seen so far. But before I could get too excited, my gaze fell on something else in my inventory—the Good Luck ticket I'd gotten from sparring with Koneko.
*Ticket of Good Luck: Allows user to gain best outcome from any attempted task. Tear this ticket before attempting said task.*
I pulled out the ethereal ticket, studying its shifting surface. If I was going to use a Rank 7 gacha, it might be worth ensuring the best possible outcome.
"Here goes nothing," I muttered, tearing the ticket in half.
Nothing visible happened. No light show, no mystical energy, no indication that anything had changed at all. I waited a few seconds, then shrugged.
"Guess it worked? Hard to tell with these things."
I activated the Rank 7 gacha ticket, watching as the blue screen began cycling through possibilities faster than my eyes could track. Finally, it settled on something that made me do a double-take.
*Reward: Holy Water of Life Recipe*
*Description: The Holy Water of Life is a legendary potion capable of curing any ailment, healing any injuries, whether magically or naturally induced. Additionally, consumption grants an extension of natural lifespan by 20 years.
Recipe includes complete instructions for preparation and list of required materials.*
I stared at the description, my mind racing. This wasn't a weapon or a direct combat ability, but the potential applications were staggering. A cure for any disease? Extended lifespan? This was the kind of thing that could change the balance of power in the supernatural world.
And then I remembered something Chysis had mentioned—the sleep disease that was still affecting devils. She'd been researching a cure for that specific condition, but this recipe could potentially solve it entirely.
An idea began forming in my mind. This recipe could be incredibly valuable as a trade commodity. Not something to use lightly or early in my career, but a potential ace in the hole for building relationships with the various supernatural factions. Hell, if I could brew something that cured devil sleep disease, I might even be able to negotiate for some Evil Pieces of my own eventually.
But that was thinking too far ahead. Right now, I had dinner to cook and two new housemates to take care of.
I had just started pulling ingredients from the refrigerator when there was a knock at the front door.
I frowned, glancing at the clock. It was past eight in the evening—who would be visiting at this hour? Asia and Valerie were both upstairs, and I wasn't expecting anyone.
The knocking came again, more insistent this time.
Wiping my hands on a dish towel, I walked to the front door and peered through the peephole. What I saw made me blink in surprise.
Standing on my doorstep was a man who looked to be in his thirties. He was dressed casually in dark jeans and a leather jacket, but there was something about his posture that suggested he was far from ordinary. His eyes, even through the distorted view of the peephole.
I opened the door cautiously, ready to call on Incursio if needed.
The man smiled at me with an expression that was equal parts friendly and calculating.
"Hi there," he said, his voice carrying just a hint of an accent I couldn't quite place. "You must be Akira. I'm Azazel. Mind if we chat?"
...
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Chapter 27: Chapter 27
My blood ran cold. Azazel—the Governor-General of the Fallen Angels, one of the most powerful beings in the supernatural world, was standing on my doorstep like he was here to borrow a cup of sugar.
I kept my expression carefully neutral, though my mind was racing through possible escape routes and whether I could get Asia and Valerie out safely if this went sideways.
"Sure," I said, stepping aside to let him in. "Can I offer you some tea?"
"That would be lovely, thanks," Azazel replied, his tone so casual it was almost unsettling. He looked around the interior of my house with mild interest, as if he was just a normal guest making polite conversation.
We settled in the living room, and I went through the motions of preparing tea while trying to figure out what he wanted. My hands remained steady as I poured, though internally I was on high alert.
"So," Azazel began, accepting his cup with a nod of thanks, "I suppose you're wondering why I'm here."
"The thought had crossed my mind," I admitted, taking a careful sip of my own tea.
He chuckled, and the sound was genuinely amused rather than threatening. "I received a rather interesting report a few days ago. Apparently, four of my subordinates—Raynare, Dohnaseek, Kalawarner, and Mittelt—were eliminated. By you, if the reports are accurate."
I set down my teacup with deliberate care. "They attacked me first. I was defending myself."
"Oh, I'm not here to seek revenge or anything like that," Azazel waved dismissively. "Quite the opposite, actually. You see, I never authorized them to attack you in the first place."
That caught my attention. "You didn't?"
"No. Their orders were simply to keep an eye on someone in this area—routine surveillance, nothing more. But it seems they decided to take matters into their own hands when they discovered you had a Sacred Gear." He shook his head with what appeared to be genuine disappointment. "Honestly, some of my people can be so impulsive. They see a Sacred Gear and immediately think 'extraction opportunity' rather than following proper protocols."
I nodded slowly, going along with his explanation. It made sense, and frankly, I didn't want this matter to escalate any further than it already had. Having the leader of the Fallen Angels as an enemy would be a death sentence.
"I appreciate you clearing that up," I said diplomatically.
"Think nothing of it. Consider it a learning experience for both of us—I'll be more explicit in my orders going forward, and you've learned that you're quite capable of handling rogue Fallen Angels." He smiled, and there was genuine respect in his expression. "Speaking of which, I'm quite impressed by your abilities. It's not every day someone takes down four pure-blood Fallen Angels and lives to tell about it."
I remained silent, not wanting to give away too much information about my capabilities.
"In fact," Azazel continued, "I'd like to extend an invitation. How would you feel about joining Grigori? We're always looking for talented individuals, and someone with your skills would fit right in."
I considered the offer for a moment, running through the implications in my head. Joining Grigori would certainly provide protection and resources, but it would also mean answering to Azazel and potentially being drawn into conflicts I'd rather avoid. Plus, I had my own goals and plans that might not align with the Fallen Angels' agenda.
"I appreciate the offer," I said finally, "but I think I'll have to politely decline. I prefer to remain independent for now."
To my surprise, Azazel didn't seem offended or disappointed. Instead, he nodded as if he'd expected that answer.
"I figured as much. You strike me as the independent type. No hard feelings—the offer will remain open if you ever change your mind."
There was a moment of comfortable silence, and then I decided to take a chance on something that had been forming in my mind.
"Actually," I said, "while I'm not interested in joining Grigori, I might be interested in a different kind of arrangement. A partnership of sorts."
Azazel raised an eyebrow, his interest clearly piqued. "Oh? What kind of partnership?"
"Well, I know you're a very smart person," I began, choosing my words carefully. "And I've heard you have quite an interest in researching Sacred Gears."
He nodded slowly. "That's true. Sacred Gears are fascinating artifacts—the potential they hold, the mysteries surrounding their creation and distribution. I've spent centuries studying them."
"What if I told you I might have access to something that could be of great interest to your research? Something rare and valuable that could advance your understanding considerably?"
Azazel leaned forward slightly, his casual demeanor sharpening into focused attention. "I'd be very interested to hear more."
"I could potentially provide you with a bottle of a very sacred, rare liquid—something that can heal any ailments in existence. Complete restoration, no matter how severe the condition." I watched his expression carefully as I spoke. "In exchange, I'd like access to copies of your Sacred Gear research papers."
The Fallen Angel leader went very still. "You're talking about some kind of universal healing agent? That's... quite a claim."
"I understand your skepticism," I said. "But I assure you, it's genuine."
"Where is this miraculous substance?" he asked, and I could see the scientific curiosity warring with natural suspicion in his eyes.
I'd been prepared for this question. If I told him I could make it from ingredients, he might try to force me to produce more, or word might get out to other factions. That kind of attention was the last thing I needed right now.
"I have it stored somewhere safe," I replied. "If this arrangement sounds acceptable to you, I could show it to you next week. To prove its authenticity, I'd be willing to drink it myself right in front of you before handing it over."
"How many bottles do you have?" he asked.
"Very few," I said honestly. "This isn't something that can be mass-produced."
Azazel smiled, and there was genuine appreciation in his expression. "Clever. You're not giving away too much information, but you're offering concrete proof of your claims. I like that." He paused, considering. "Alright, I'm intrigued enough to agree to this arrangement. But I have to ask—why do you need Sacred Gear research papers? What's your interest in that particular field of study?"
I'd anticipated this question too. "I want to know what kind of Sacred Gears exist in this world. Knowledge is power, and understanding what I might face in the future seems like good preparation."
Azazel's smile widened, and I could see he understood the subtext immediately. "Ah, you want to know your potential opponents' strengths and weaknesses. Smart thinking. Know your enemy and know yourself, as the saying goes." He nodded approvingly. "I can respect that kind of strategic thinking."
He set down his teacup and looked at me with renewed interest. "But that raises another question—what about you? The reports I received were frustratingly vague about the specifics of how you eliminated my wayward subordinates. What Sacred Gear do you possess?"
I felt a moment of tension. How much should I reveal? Azazel seemed reasonable enough, but he was still one of the most dangerous beings in the supernatural world.
...
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Chapter 28: Chapter 28
I weighed my options carefully. Azazel had been surprisingly reasonable so far, and showing some trust might help cement our potential partnership. But I also couldn't reveal everything—not when I had Valerie upstairs with her Longinus-class Sacred Gear.
"I possess a type of armor-based Sacred Gear," I said finally. "It's... adaptive."
"Adaptive how?" Azazel leaned forward with genuine scientific curiosity.
I extended my hand and allowed a sword of Incursio to manifest in within my hand.
"Fascinating," Azazel breathed, his eyes lighting up with the kind of enthusiasm I'd seen in Chysis when she discussed her research. "I've never seen anything quite like this design. The material appears to be some kind of living metal?"
"Something like that," I confirmed, dismissing the partial manifestation. I wasn't about to explain the evolutionary aspects or how it had transformed during my battle with the vampires.
"Remarkable. And this allowed you to take down four Fallen Angels?" He shook his head in what seemed like genuine admiration. "I'm even more impressed now. Sacred Gears with that level of defensive capability are rare, but to use one so effectively requires considerable skill."
There was a soft footstep on the stairs, and I looked over to see Asia peeking around the corner, her green eyes wide with curiosity and concern. She'd clearly heard voices and come to investigate.
"Ah," Azazel said, noticing her as well. His expression shifted to one of pleasant surprise. "And who might this lovely young lady be?"
"A friend," I said quickly, giving Asia a reassuring smile. "Asia, this is Azazel. He's... a business associate. We're just having a discussion."
Asia nodded politely, though I could see the nervousness in her posture. "It's nice to meet you, Mr. Azazel. Should I prepare more tea?"
"That's very kind of you, but I believe we're nearly finished here," Azazel replied with a warm smile that seemed genuinely friendly "Don't let us keep you from whatever you were doing."
Asia glanced at me questioningly, and I nodded. "It's alright. We'll be done soon."
She disappeared back upstairs, but I could feel her presence lingering just out of sight. Smart girl—staying close enough to help if needed, but not inserting herself into a potentially dangerous conversation.
"Protective of your friends," Azazel observed approvingly. "I respect that. Too many people in our world treat others as disposable assets."
"They're important to me," I said simply.
"Good. That kind of loyalty is valuable." He finished his tea and set the cup aside. "Now, about our arrangement. You mentioned you could demonstrate this healing substance next week?"
"That's right. Same time, same place?"
"Perfect. And in exchange, you'll receive copies of my Sacred Gear research—comprehensive files on all documented Sacred Gears, their abilities, known wielders, and theoretical applications." He paused. "I should warn you, though, that some of this information is quite sensitive. If it were to fall into the wrong hands..."
"It won't," I assured him. "I'm not interested in causing chaos or destabilizing anything. I just want to know what I might be up against."
"Fair enough. Consider it an investment in your continued survival—and our potential future cooperation." He stood, straightening his jacket. "I have to say, Akira, this has been one of the more pleasant negotiations I've had in recent memory. Most people either grovel in terror or try to make demands they're not in a position to enforce."
I walked him to the door, my mind already turning over the implications of what we'd discussed. "I appreciate you being straightforward about the situation with your subordinates. It could have gone very differently."
"Indeed it could have." His expression grew more serious. "A word of advice—not everyone in the supernatural world will be as reasonable as I've been tonight. You're clearly talented, but talent alone won't protect you if you make the wrong enemies. Be careful who you cross."
"I'll keep that in mind."
He paused at the threshold, glancing back with something that might have been paternal concern. "One more thing. You mentioned wanting to remain independent, and I respect that choice. But independence doesn't mean isolation. Building relationships, forming alliances—these things aren't signs of weakness. They're survival strategies."
I nodded, understanding the subtext. In a world full of devils, fallen angels, and other supernatural factions, being completely alone was a dangerous position.
"Thank you for the advice."
"Think nothing of it. Until next week, then."
I watched him walk down my driveway and disappear into the shadows between streetlights. For someone so powerful, he moved with an almost supernatural quiet that made my skin crawl even after our pleasant conversation.
Closing the door, I turned to find both Asia and Valerie waiting at the bottom of the stairs, their expressions anxious.
"Was that really Azazel?" Valerie whispered, her red eyes wide. "The leader of the Fallen Angels?"
"Yes, but it's alright," I said, moving to reassure them both. "He actually came to apologize for the actions of those four who attacked us. Apparently, they were acting without orders."
"And?" Asia prompted, clearly sensing there was more to it.
I considered how much to tell them, then decided they deserved the truth. If we were going to be living together, they needed to understand the kinds of situations we might face.
"We made a deal. I'm going to trade him something valuable in exchange for research materials that will help us understand Sacred Gears better. Information we can use to prepare for future threats."
"What kind of valuable thing?" Valerie asked, though her expression suggested she had already guessed.
"The Holy Water of Life recipe I obtained. A single bottle that can cure any ailment and extend lifespan." I met her eyes directly. "Having that information could help us understand your Sacred Gear better, among other things."
She nodded slowly, clearly understanding the implications. "That seems... reasonable. And it gets us valuable information without making us dependent on any faction."
"Exactly." I smiled at both of them. "Now, how about we finally get some dinner started? I don't know about you two, but all this negotiating has made me hungry."
As we headed toward the kitchen together, I found myself thinking about Azazel's parting words. Building relationships and alliances—he was right about that being a survival strategy. But I had to be careful about which relationships I chose to build.
For now, though, I had two allies I could trust completely, a potential trade arrangement with one of the most powerful beings in the supernatural world, and a house that was finally starting to feel like home.
It wasn't a bad foundation to build on.
The kitchen was filled with the warm aroma of curry and rice as I put the finishing touches on dinner. Asia had insisted on helping despite my protests, and she moved around the space with surprising efficiency for someone who claimed to have never cooked before.
"The vegetables are perfectly cut," I commented, glancing at her precise knife work. "Are you sure you haven't done this before?"
Asia blushed slightly, tucking a strand of blonde hair behind her ear. "The church provided most of our meals, but sometimes the other sisters would let me help in the kitchen. I found it... peaceful."
Valerie sat at the kitchen island, watching us work with quiet fascination. She'd been mostly silent since Azazel left, though I could tell her mind was working through everything that had happened.
"Valerie, could you set the table?" I asked, wanting to include her in the domestic routine. "Plates are in that cabinet there."
She nodded and moved with the same careful precision I'd noticed before—every action deliberate and considered. It reminded me of someone who'd spent too long being cautious about every movement, every gesture.
Twenty minutes later, we were seated around the dining table with steaming bowls of curry. The atmosphere was comfortable but still carried that subtle tension of people who didn't quite know each other yet.
"This is delicious, Akira," Asia said, taking another bite with obvious enjoyment. "Where did you learn to cook like this?"
"My mother worked a lot when I was younger," I explained, stirring my curry thoughtfully. "I had to learn to take care of myself pretty early. Cooking became a way to make sure we both ate well when she got home exhausted."
"That must have been difficult," Valerie said softly, speaking up for the first time since we'd sat down. "Taking care of yourself and worrying about someone else."
There was something in her tone that suggested she understood that particular burden better than most.
"It wasn't too bad," I said with a shrug. "Made me more independent, I guess. What about you two? What were your lives like before..."
I trailed off, realizing I was asking them to share potentially painful memories. But Asia gave me a small smile that encouraged me to continue.
"I mean, only if you want to talk about it. No pressure."
Asia exchanged a glance with Valerie, and some silent communication seemed to pass between them.
"I don't mind," Asia said quietly. "It might actually help to talk about it."
She took a sip of water, gathering her thoughts. "I was found as a baby on the steps of a church in Italy. The sisters there raised me, and when they discovered I had healing abilities, they said it was a gift from God. For years, I believed them completely."
Her expression grew distant, tinged with old pain. "I spent my entire childhood healing people who came to the church. Sick children, injured adults, anyone who needed help. The sisters called me their little saint, and I was so happy to be useful, to have a purpose."
"That sounds wonderful," I said gently, though I could sense there was more to the story.
"It was, for a while." Asia's smile turned sad. "But as I got older, I started asking questions. Why couldn't I leave the church grounds? Why did people sometimes look at me with fear instead of gratitude? Why did some of the priests whisper about 'containing the anomaly' when they thought I couldn't hear?"
Valerie's hand tightened around her chopsticks, and I suspected she was relating to this story in uncomfortable ways.
"Then one day, a devil came to the church, badly injured and dying. He collapsed right in front of me, and I couldn't just watch him suffer. So I healed him." Asia's voice grew smaller. "The moment my power touched him, everyone knew what I really was. Not a saint blessed by God, but someone whose Sacred Gear came from a different source entirely."
"They cast you out," I said, understanding flooding through me.
"Immediately. They called me a heretic, said my power was corrupted because it could heal devils and fallen angels. Twenty-four hours later, I was on the streets with nothing but the clothes on my back." She wiped at her eyes with the back of her hand. "I was so confused and hurt. I'd spent my entire life serving what I thought was God's will, and suddenly I was told it was all wrong."
I reached across the table and gently squeezed her hand. "I'm sorry, Asia. That must have been devastating."
She squeezed back gratefully. "It was. But meeting you and Valerie... it's the first time since then that I've felt like maybe I have a family again."
Valerie had been listening with increasingly dark eyes, and when Asia finished, she set down her chopsticks with careful control.
"Your church was wrong," she said, her voice carrying a quiet intensity. "Healing is healing, regardless of who receives it. The ability to ease suffering should be celebrated, not condemned."
"Thank you," Asia whispered. "That... means more than you know."
We sat in comfortable silence for a moment, then I turned to Valerie. "What about you? You don't have to share if you don't want to, but I get the feeling you understand what Asia went through."
Valerie stared at her bowl for a long moment, then looked up with eyes that held centuries of pain despite her youthful appearance.
"I was born into the Tepes family line," she said quietly. "A dhampir—half-vampire, half-human—which already made me an outsider in vampire society. But from the moment my Sacred Gear manifested, everything changed."
She paused, seeming to gather strength. "My brother Marius saw it as an opportunity. A tool to increase his power and influence. He convinced our parents that I needed 'special training' to control such a dangerous ability."
"Special training," I repeated, suspecting I knew where this was going.
"Isolation. Being treated more like a valuable weapon than a person." Her voice remained steady, but I could see the tremor in her hands. "For over a century, I was kept in that underground facility. Marius would bring me injured vampires to heal, or sometimes humans he wanted to keep alive for various purposes. He told me that as a dhampir, I was already an abomination in their eyes—but at least a useful one. I was never allowed to refuse, never allowed to question why."
Asia gasped softly, her empathy evident in every line of her face.
"The worst part wasn't the isolation," Valerie continued. "It was how he convinced me it was necessary. That as a dhampir, I was already considered an abomination by pure-blood vampire society, and my Sacred Gear made me even more dangerous. He made me believe that this was the only way I could exist without being hunted down or causing harm."
"But you knew better eventually," I said gently.
A small, bitter smile crossed her lips. "It took a very long time. When you've been told something your entire life, by people who are supposed to care about you... it becomes your reality. It wasn't until I saw how Marius treated the humans he brought me to heal that I started to question everything."
She looked directly at me, and I saw gratitude mixed with lingering fear in her red eyes. "When you killed him and told me I was free, I didn't know how to process it. Freedom was a concept I'd forgotten existed."
The kitchen fell silent except for the soft ticking of the wall clock. Both girls had shared incredibly personal, painful experiences, and I felt the weight of their trust settle on my shoulders.
"I'm sorry," I said finally. "Both of you deserved so much better than what you went through. But I want you to know that here, with me, you'll never be treated as tools or weapons or anything other than the people you are."
"You really mean that," Asia said, and it wasn't a question. There was wonder in her voice.
"Completely. You're family now, and family means we take care of each other. No conditions, no expectations beyond basic human decency."
Valerie's composure finally cracked slightly, and she wiped at her eyes with the back of her hand. "I don't think anyone has ever said that to me before."
We finished dinner in a more comfortable atmosphere, the shared vulnerability having created a deeper bond between us. As I started clearing the table, an idea occurred to me.
"Actually, there's something I wanted to talk to both of you about," I said, setting the dishes in the sink. "Have you given any thought to what you want to do going forward? I mean, day-to-day life?"
"What do you mean?" Asia asked, helping me rinse the plates.
"Well, you're both young, and you've missed out on a lot of normal experiences. I was thinking... would you be interested in attending school?"
Asia's face lit up immediately. "Really? I always wanted to go to a proper school, but the church said it wasn't necessary since I had my 'calling.'"
Valerie, however, looked confused. "School? I'm not familiar with that term."
I paused, remembering that she'd been isolated for over a century. "Right, sorry. School is where young people go to learn various subjects—mathematics, literature, history, science. It's also where they socialize with others their age and experience normal teenage life."
"Is it... safe?" she asked hesitantly.
"Very safe. And it would give you both a chance to experience the kind of normal life you've been denied. Make friends, learn new things, figure out what interests you beyond your Sacred Gears."
Asia was practically bouncing with excitement now. "That sounds wonderful! But... would they accept us? I mean, we don't have any school records or documentation."
I grinned. "Leave that to me. I have a good relationship with the student council president at Kuoh Academy. Sona Sitri is very reasonable, and I'm sure I can work out the arrangements to get you both enrolled."
"Sona Sitri," Valerie repeated thoughtfully.
"She's a devil, actually. Part of the Sitri family. But she's fair and honorable—nothing like what you experienced with other supernatural beings." I leaned against the counter, studying both their faces. "What do you think? Are you interested?"
Asia nodded immediately. "Yes, absolutely. I want to try being a normal student."
Valerie considered for a longer moment. "This school... would we learn alongside humans"
"Mostly human, yes"
"And we would attend together?" she asked, glancing at Asia.
"If you want to. You'd be in the same year, so you'd have classes together."
Finally, Valerie nodded slowly. "I... think I would like that. To learn what normal life is supposed to be like."
I smiled at both of them. "Great. I'll contact Sona tomorrow and work out the details. Fair warning though—you'll need to catch up on a lot of basic knowledge. We might want to do some studying together before you start."
"I don't mind studying," Asia said eagerly. "It sounds exciting!"
"What subjects would we learn?" Valerie asked with growing curiosity.
As I explained the basics of modern education, I watched both girls' faces light up with interest and anticipation. For the first time since I'd met them, they looked like what they really were—young women with their whole lives ahead of them, eager to explore new possibilities.
It was a good look on them, and I found myself looking forward to helping them discover all the experiences they'd been denied. School was just the beginning, but it was an important first step toward the normal lives they deserved.
"One more thing," I added as we finished cleaning up. "You don't have to hide who you are, but you also don't have to advertise your abilities. At school, you can just be Asia and Valerie—not the wielder of Twilight Healing or Sephiroth Graal. You can discover who you are beyond your Sacred Gears."
The gratitude in their eyes told me everything I needed to know. This was the right choice, and I was going to do everything in my power to make sure they got the chance to be the people they chose to be, not the ones others had forced them to become.
. . .
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Chapter 29: Chapter 29
The student council room was as elegant and organized as always when I knocked on the door. Sona's voice called for us to enter, and I stepped inside with Asia and Valerie flanking me on either side.
"Good morning, Sona," I said with a respectful bow. "Thank you for agreeing to see us on such short notice."
Sona looked up from her paperwork, her sharp eyes taking in my companions with obvious curiosity. She was seated behind her desk with Tsubaki standing beside her, both wearing their usual professional expressions.
"Good morning, Akira. And these must be the transfer students you mentioned." Her gaze lingered on Asia and Valerie for a moment, and I could practically see her analytical mind working to categorize what she was sensing from them.
"Yes. This is Asia Argento and Valerie Tepes," I said, gesturing to each girl in turn. "They're... very close to me, and they're looking to experience a normal school life."
I kept my explanation deliberately vague, but Sona was far too perceptive not to notice. Her eyes flicked to mine briefly, and I saw understanding pass across her features. She recognized that I was being evasive for a reason and chose not to press the matter.
"I see," she said simply, her tone remaining perfectly neutral. "Well, welcome to Kuoh Academy. I'm sure we can arrange the necessary documentation and class assignments."
Asia stepped forward with a bright smile. "Thank you so much, Student Council President. We really appreciate you helping us."
"Please, just call me Sona. And it's no trouble at all." She turned to her vice president. "Tsubaki, could you handle their paperwork and show them to their respective classrooms once everything is completed?"
Tsubaki bowed slightly. "Of course, President. If you would follow me, please."
As the three of them moved toward a side table where enrollment documents were laid out, Sona gestured for me to remain seated.
"Actually, Akira, could you stay behind for a moment? There's something I wanted to discuss with you."
I nodded, settling back into my chair while watching Asia and Valerie begin filling out forms under Tsubaki's guidance. They both seemed nervous but excited, and I felt a warm satisfaction at seeing them take this step toward normalcy.
Once they were sufficiently occupied, Sona leaned forward slightly, her expression becoming more serious.
"Are you aware that Rias is scheduled to participate in a Rating Game next week?"
The question caught me off guard—or at least, I made sure it appeared to. I knew exactly what she was referring to, but I had to play ignorant.
"A Rating Game?" I asked, tilting my head with what I hoped looked like genuine confusion. "I'm not familiar with that term."
Sona studied my face for a moment, then seemed satisfied with my apparent lack of knowledge. "Rating Games are formalized combat competitions between devil peerages. Think of them as supernatural chess matches, where each piece represents a member of a devil's household."
She paused to adjust her glasses, a habit I'd noticed she had when explaining complex topics. "The games serve multiple purposes—they're used to settle disputes, determine rankings among devil nobility, and sometimes to resolve... personal matters."
"Personal matters?" I prompted, though I already knew where this was heading.
"Rias's Rating Game is being used to settle the question of an arranged marriage. If she loses, she'll be required to marry her opponent." Sona's expression grew troubled. "Unfortunately, I believe she's going to lose."
I leaned forward, feigning concern. "Is her opponent that strong?"
Sona nodded grimly. "Riser Phenex. He's not only her fiancé, but he's also won significantly more Rating Games than Rias has. His experience advantage is substantial, and his peerage is well-trained and coordinated. The odds are quite heavily stacked against her."
I let that information sink in, maintaining my expression of growing concern. "That does sound like difficult odds for her."
"Which brings me to why I wanted to speak with you," Sona said, her tone becoming more direct. "Would you consider joining her peerage? Your abilities could make a significant difference in the outcome."
I shook my head immediately, just as I knew I would. "I appreciate the thought, Sona, but I can't become a devil. There's no coming back from that transformation, and I have my own path to follow."
She sighed, though she didn't seem particularly surprised by my answer. "I expected as much, but I felt I should ask. Rias values her independence as much as you value yours—it's part of why this situation is so frustrating."
"I said I wouldn't join her peerage," I clarified, "but that doesn't mean I wouldn't help in other ways if I can."
A small smile crossed Sona's lips. "I thought you might say that as well. In fact, Rias asked me to pass along a message. She'd like you to meet her at the Gremory family mansion, where she's conducting her training preparations. She didn't specify why, but I suspect she wants to discuss potential... alternative arrangements."
I nodded, filing that information away. "I'll pay her a visit."
"Good." Sona glanced over at Asia and Valerie, who were nearly finished with their paperwork. "Your friends seem like lovely girls, by the way. Whatever their circumstances, I'm glad you're looking out for them."
"They've been through a lot," I said simply. "They deserve a chance at a normal life."
"Indeed they do." She stood as Tsubaki approached with completed forms. "Everything appears to be in order. Asia will be in Class 2-A with you, Akira, while Valerie will be in Class 2-B. They can start tomorrow if they're ready."
"Thank you again," Asia said, practically glowing with excitement. "I can't wait to begin."
Valerie was more reserved but equally pleased. "This is very kind of you, President Sona. We won't cause any trouble."
"I'm sure you won't." Sona's expression warmed slightly. "Tsubaki will show you to your respective classrooms now so you can familiarize yourselves with the locations and meet your teachers."
As they prepared to leave, I stood as well. "I should head back to class myself. Thank you for everything, Sona."
"Think nothing of it. And Akira?" She paused meaningfully. "Whatever you decide regarding Rias's situation, be careful. The Phenex family has considerable influence, and they don't take kindly to interference in their affairs."
I nodded, understanding the warning beneath her words. "I'll keep that in mind."
Walking back toward my classroom, my mind was already churning through the implications of what Sona had told me. The Rating Game against Riser was happening exactly as I remembered from the original timeline, which meant Rias was probably feeling desperate right about now.
The smart move would be to stay out of it entirely. Getting involved in devil politics was dangerous, and Riser Phenex was not someone to cross lightly. His family's regenerative abilities and considerable wealth made them formidable opponents.
But I couldn't just ignore the situation either. Rias had been decent to me since I'd arrived at Kuoh, and the idea of her being forced into an unwanted marriage didn't sit well with me. Plus, if I played this right, I might be able to gain some valuable allies in the devil community without compromising my independence.
The question was how to approach it. I couldn't join her peerage—that was non-negotiable. But there might be other ways to tip the scales in her favor without officially becoming part of the conflict.
First things first, though. I needed to visit Chysis and get her perspective on the situation. She had centuries of experience with supernatural politics, and her advice could prove invaluable. Then I could decide whether and how to approach Rias about her predicament.
As I slipped back into my classroom just as the teacher was beginning the lesson, I found myself already planning my visit to Chysis's house. The Rating Game was only a week away, which meant time was of the essence if I was going to get involved.
The pieces were starting to move on the board, and I needed to decide which side I was playing for—if any.
. . .
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Chapter 30: Chapter 30
The familiar scent of old books and magical reagents greeted me as I knocked on Chysis's door. It opened almost immediately, and before I could say a word, I found myself enveloped in a warm hug that lifted me slightly off my feet.
"Akira! What a pleasant surprise," Chysis said, her maternal warmth evident in both her voice and her crushing embrace. "What brings you by today? And how are those two lovely girls settling in?"
I returned the hug gratefully before she set me down. "Asia and Valerie are doing well. They started at Kuoh Academy today, actually. Asia was nervous but excited this morning."
"That's wonderful to hear. Education is so important for young people, especially those who've had their childhoods stolen from them." Her expression grew more serious. "And Valerie? How is she adjusting?"
"Better than I expected, honestly. She's still cautious about everything, but she's opening up more each day. Having Asia around seems to help—they understand each other's experiences."
Chysis nodded approvingly. "Trauma shared is often trauma halved. They're lucky to have found each other, and you." She gestured for me to follow her into the study. "Now then, what brings you here today? You have that look that suggests this isn't just a social visit."
I settled into my usual chair, organizing my thoughts carefully. "I need your help with something very important. There are four specific ingredients I need to acquire, and I was hoping you could arrange to get them for me."
Her eyebrows rose with curiosity. "Oh? What kind of ingredients are we talking about?"
I pulled out a piece of paper where I'd written down the recipe requirements.
Chysis went very still, her eyes scanning as she read the list.
"I know it's a lot to ask," I said carefully. "But it will be worth it. More importantly, if this works the way I think it will, you're going to be beyond surprised by what comes of it."
She leaned back in her chair, studying my face with sharp intelligence. "What exactly are you planning to create with these ingredients? This combination... it's not for any potion or spell I'm familiar with."
I grinned, unable to help myself. "Let's just say it's going to be a very special surprise. Trust me on this one."
"A surprise," she repeated flatly. "Akira, you're asking me to acquire ingredients worth more than most people see in a lifetime, and you want me to do it based on 'trust me, it's a surprise'?"
"Pretty much, yes."
Chysis stared at me for a long moment, then burst out laughing. "You are an impossible boy. You know I can't resist a good mystery." She looked at the list again, her expression turning calculating. "These ingredients... they're difficult to acquire, but not impossible. I have contacts in various circles who owe me favors."
"How long would it take?"
"Give me until tomorrow evening. I should be able to have everything ready by then." She folded the paper carefully. "But I'm warning you now—if this 'surprise' of yours doesn't live up to the buildup, I'm going to be very disappointed."
"Trust me, Chysis. This will be worth it." I stood to leave, then paused. "Oh, and when I come to collect them tomorrow, make sure you're free for the rest of the evening. You're going to want to see this."
Her curiosity was practically radiating off her in waves now. "You're really not going to give me any more hints?"
"Nope. It's a secret." I headed toward the door with a wave. "See you tomorrow evening!"
Behind me, I could hear her muttering about impossible, secretive boys and their mysterious projects.
. . .
The next afternoon found me deep in the woods outside Kuoh with Asia and Valerie. I'd chosen this location specifically because it was isolated enough for us to train without being observed, but close enough to town that we could get back quickly if needed.
"Alright," I said, turning to face both girls. "Before we start any combat training, I want to get a better understanding of your Sacred Gears. We've talked about what they do, but I haven't seen them in action properly."
Asia nodded, though I could see the familiar hesitation in her eyes. "I... I'll try my best, Akira-san."
"Let's start with the basics. Can you show me your healing in action? Nothing dramatic—just a small cut or bruise."
I deliberately scraped my palm against a rough tree branch, drawing a thin line of blood. Asia immediately stepped forward, her expression growing focused as green rings of light began to form around her hands.
"Twilight Healing," she said softly, extending her hands over my injury.
The warm green light enveloped my hand, and I felt the familiar soothing sensation as the cut began to close. The healing wasn't instantaneous like some Sacred Gears—instead, it worked steadily, accelerating my natural healing process to repair the damage over the course of several seconds.
"That's remarkable," I said, watching the last traces of the cut disappear. "How does it feel when you use it? Any strain?"
"It... it feels warm," Asia said quietly, her hands still glowing faintly. "Like I'm sharing some of my life force to help the injury heal faster. Small wounds like this don't tire me at all, but more serious injuries..." She looked down. "I'm sorry, I know it's not as powerful as it could be."
"Don't apologize," I said firmly. "Twilight Healing is one of the most valuable Sacred Gears in existence. The fact that it can heal without exhausting you for minor injuries makes it incredibly practical." I examined my unmarked palm. "What's the most serious injury you've successfully healed?"
"I once healed a deep sword wound that had pierced someone's abdomen," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
That gave me a good baseline for her limits. Twilight Healing was powerful, but it wasn't unlimited—Asia's own stamina and her control over it seemed to be the limiting factors. That can be fixed with enough training.
"What about you, Valerie?" I turned to the dhampir girl. "I know your Sacred Gear is incredibly powerful, but I'd like to see how it manifests."
Valerie looked nervous but determined. She closed her eyes and concentrated, and that familiar golden chalice began to form in the air before her. The Sephiroth Graal materialized slowly, its surface gleaming with divine light and covered in shifting sacred symbols.
"The Holy Grail can heal although not on her level" she said quietly, her voice filled with awe even though she'd summoned it many times before.
"And the enhancement abilities you mentioned?"
"I think I can temporarily bless someone with increased physical capabilities or resistance to supernatural effects. I've never tried it on another person, but I can feel the potential within the Grail." She looked uncertain. "It's just... using it drains me considerably"
That was incredibly valuable information. Both girls had powerful support abilities, but they came with significant costs and limitations.
"We'll experiment with that later," I decided. "For now, I want to focus on something else entirely."
Both girls looked at me curiously.
"Your Sacred Gears are incredibly powerful, but they're also support abilities. In a direct confrontation, you'll need to be able to defend yourselves long enough to use those abilities effectively." I moved to a clearer area of the forest floor. "I'm going to teach you a martial arts technique called the Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist."
"Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist?" Asia repeated, looking genuinely curious despite her usual timidity.
"It's a defensive martial art that focuses on redirecting an opponent's force rather than meeting it head-on. Perfect for situations where you're outmatched in terms of raw strength." I demonstrated a basic stance. "The core principle is to flow like water around attacks, then strike back when your opponent is off-balance."
I showed them the fundamental movements—how to shift their weight, how to redirect incoming strikes, how to use an attacker's momentum against them. Both girls were attentive students, though their progress varied significantly.
Asia approached the training with quiet determination, her natural gentleness translating surprisingly well to the flowing, non-aggressive techniques. She seemed to understand instinctively that this style was about protection rather than aggression.
"I... I think I understand," she said softly after successfully redirecting one of my slow practice strikes. "It's not about hurting someone, is it? It's about making them unable to hurt you or others."
"Exactly," I confirmed, pleased by her insight. "This style is perfect for someone like you—it allows you to defend yourself without compromising your principles."
Valerie, on the other hand, struggled initially. Her movements were too rigid, too controlled—a result of her noble upbringing and formal training.
"You're thinking too much," I told her after she failed to properly redirect one of my attacks. "This isn't about perfect form or textbook execution—it's about instinct and adaptation. Feel the movement, don't calculate it."
"That's... more difficult than it sounds," she admitted, wiping sweat from her forehead. "I was trained to be precise and measured in everything I do. This flowing style goes against my entire education."
"I understand, but in real combat, overthinking can get you killed. Trust your body to react naturally." I demonstrated the movement again, this time even slower. "Watch how I don't resist the force—I guide it where I want it to go."
After another hour of practice, both girls were showing genuine improvement. Asia had developed a natural grace with the defensive techniques, while Valerie was beginning to loosen up and trust her instincts more.
"That's enough for today," I decided, seeing the exhaustion in their faces. "This is just the beginning. Martial arts mastery takes years of practice, but even basic competency can save your life."
"Thank you for teaching us, Akira-san," Asia said with a small bow, despite her obvious fatigue. "I feel... stronger somehow. Not just physically, but mentally too."
Valerie nodded in agreement. "It's strange, learning to move without overthinking every action. But I can see how valuable these skills could be."
As we walked back toward town, I found myself pleased with their progress. Both girls had shown determination and willingness to push beyond their comfort zones. With time and practice, they could become formidable in their own right.
Tomorrow, I would collect those ingredients from Chysis and hopefully create something that could change everything. But there was something else I needed to consider as well—if I was going to make Asia and Valerie truly strong, I might need additional resources.
Perhaps it was time to pay a visit to Rias and her peerage. A few more gacha tickets could provide exactly the kind of power-ups or equipment the girls would need to reach their full potential.
The thought of showing my abilities to devils still made me cautious, but the potential benefits were becoming harder to ignore. If I wanted to protect Asia and Valerie properly, I needed every advantage I could get.
. . .
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