The next morning, Ethan left the Obata residence feeling refreshed. His mental state had improved significantly. He was at the threshold of God-rank; he just needed to take the "final step" with a "boss" level target.
He considered his options. He decided to find Nanao Echizen, a woman from his childhood memories. However, when he went to Kuoh Academy, he discovered she had graduated and moved far away from Tokyo to a region outside the influence of the Three Factions.
He learned she had been targeted by a scumbag supernatural user, but his own organizations had intervened and killed the man. Nanao had chosen to stay away from the supernatural world and live a normal life. Ethan decided to leave her be; some memories were better left pure.
His resolve hardened. He returned home to the Gremory mansion.
"Chisato-chan, undo the seal," Ethan said, standing naked before the Great Mother Goddess.
"Are you sure?" Chisato asked with a smile.
"Yes. Whether this works or not, the seal is no longer needed."
The room was filled with the girls of the Occult Research Club—Rias, Akeno, Raynare, Mio, and the Nonaka sisters. Ethan had spent the night with many of them, though his focus remained on the main girls.
Chisato performed the ritual. Magic circles appeared and shattered one by one. Ethan's power rushed back: Mana, Qi, Soul energy, his pocket dimension, and his Sacred Gear. He felt stronger than ever, infinitely close to God-rank.
"Ethan, what is your final step?" Rias asked, leaning her head on his shoulder.
Ethan paused before answering. "I'm going to... confess my feelings to Grayfia-san."
Rias froze. The other girls were shocked. Grayfia Lucifuge, the strongest Queen in the Underworld, wife of Sirzechs Lucifer, and Rias's sister-in-law.
Ethan explained what had happened during the Azazel incident—how Grayfia had shared an intimate moment with him while he was "unconscious" to test a theory. The girls were stunned to learn that the cold, professional Silver-haired Queen had such hidden desires.
Rias sighed. "If my brother beats you up, I won't help you."
"Don't worry. I'm just going to confess. Have some faith in Grayfia-san," Ethan joked.
"I'll go to the Underworld," Ethan decided. "The energy there is better for a breakthrough, and I won't cause as much of a scene in the human world."
The next day, Ethan teleported to the Gremory territory. He was greeted by a maid.
"Lord Red Dragon Emperor, is there something you need?"
"Is your Head Maid here? Rias sent me to pick something up from Grayfia."
The maid looked nervous but pointed him toward the accounting office. Ethan found Grayfia there, checking ledgers. She was dressed in her usual blue and white maid outfit, her silver hair braided perfectly.
"Ethan? What are you doing here?" she asked, surprised.
"I came to see you," Ethan said, his voice steady despite a hint of nerves. He stood close to her—so close they could almost feel each other's heat.
"Ethan, what's wrong today? Are you mesmerized by me?" Grayfia teased, trying to break the tension.
"Yes," Ethan said, moving even closer. "You're getting more beautiful every day, Grayfia. I came here specifically for you."
Grayfia's heart skipped a beat. She tried to play it off as a joke, but Ethan's intense gaze told her he was serious.