On a certain day, late in the morning, Ophis, Claire, Tanis, and Lilith were all spending their time together, studying various things. Ranging from basic subjects like arithmetic, science, language, and history to Magic and Martial Arts. Claire was in possession of various books that came from her mother and Kisuke, which were what they were using in all of their studies.
Thanks to her great interest in learning new things, Cleria and Masaomi were able to leave her at her own devices and would check on her progress from time to time, which greatly surprised them every time, as they suspected that their daughter was a genius if not just very smart. Of course, regardless of how she handled her studies, they wouldn't treat her any differently and would provide anything that she would need, including some occasional scolding and lectures.
They used to think that she needed to be in school for her to make friends and socialize, but now that she had some friends that she could truly trust, they weren't worried anymore.
Sakura entered the room they were in as she was scheduled to help with their studies and lessons and they went at it for about two hours before she ended it. Since their lifespan was way longer than Humans, they didn't really have to follow their curriculum and this has been the case for the residents of the Underworld that wouldn't need to interact with the Human World.
Even then, Claire was already at the Middle to High School level which was already advanced for someone her age, 'Was it because she kept seeing others working hard themselves? I wonder if this is a good influence or not?'
In contrast, Tanis was still struggling with even the most basic elementary subjects, partly because she's technically a newborn and she didn't really have any interest in studying, as she's only doing it because she didn't want to be alone when the others were studying. Ophis, on the other hand, would only browse books before discarding them and her counterpart, Lilith, also had the same habit. If there's a snack, they'd be savoring it instead of touching the books. For everyone watching their progress, it's unknown how much the two 'Infinite' actually know as they mostly keep it to themselves and would only be animated when they were messing around. A bad habit that Ophis was inheriting from Kisuke and Lilith was also being affected by it.
Wanting them to experience how to be a child more, Sakura asked them to clean up and said, "Let's forget about the lessons for now and how about you tell me what you want to do~?"
The girls looked at each other and began discussing what they should do, "Let's get that snack from the teevee!" Tanis instantly suggested while raising her hand excitedly while Ophis and Lilith nodded vigorously in agreement while adding, "...Banana."
Meanwhile, Claire thought about it longer, but only a few seconds longer, before muttering, "I want to play with Aika-neechan."
Sakura smiled wryly at her words but instead of declining it outright, she said, "They're still a bit busy, but I'll ask big sis if you can go over there. For now, let's get that snack."
Of course, she didn't say that just to give them false hope, 'Since it's already settled that Aika-chan will regain her memories sooner or later, maybe they can help speed it up?'
But when Claire mentioned Aika, Lilith was reminded of someone else, and by extension, Ophis too, "...Let's go to Kunou."
Claire and Tanis both tilted their heads in confusion, "Kunou?"
Sakura was a bit surprised and clapped her hand in realization, "Oh right~! You should meet Kunou-chan~! She's a friend that Lilith made."
With the prospect of meeting a new friend, and potentially a new member of their 'Secret Order', "Let's go!"
"Hold on. Let me ask for permission from the other side."
.
.
.
Once Yasaka received the message from the Belial House, she immediately prepared and went to Kunou to inform her of their arrival. Ever since Lilith stopped showing up, Kunou had been feeling down these days and although she'd hang around Issei's group from time to time, they were also busy, especially now that the Azazel Tournament was ongoing and the Hell Alliance was preparing their forces in an unknown place.
"Kunou~! Lilith is coming today."
Kunou, who had been reviewing so that she could transfer seamlessly into Kuoh Academy, jumped up from her seat, "Really!?"
Yasaka nodded, "And that's not all. It seems that she'll be bringing her friends to meet you too."
But instead of being happy, Kunou became confused and a bit worried, "Friends?"
.
.
.
Yasaka and Kunou arrived at one of the buildings within their territory where they received guests, with the latter fidgeting, "It's going to be fine. I heard that they're a lively bunch and Issei-kun also vouched for them."
Kunou didn't have enough time to answer as the teleportation circle in the middle of the room lit up and five figures materialized inside it. The light of Magic disappeared and Yasaka stepped forward, "Welcome, everyone. This is the first time we're meeting. I'm Yasaka, the current leader of the Youkai Faction. It's a pleasure to meet you all."
Sakura also stepped forward and lowered her head a bit, "It's also a pleasure to finally meet you. I'm Sarah Belial of the Belial House. I apologize for our sudden imposition."
Yasaka covered her mouth with her sleeve and chuckled, "Please don't be. I've also always wanted to meet you for various reasons. Please make yourself at home."
Sakura also chuckled, "I'm worried because I can't think of any good 'reason'." Whether it's her son or her history, both were really not a very good reason to meet.
After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Yasaka and Kunou led the group to the inner buildings where they could relax. But since the adults were only in the way, Yasaka and Sakura soon left the children in another room where they could finally talk among themselves.
"N-nice to meet you. I'm Kunou." Kunou nervously introduced herself. Although this should be a happy occasion, she couldn't help but feel alone when she saw Lilith holding hands with another 'Lilith' and sitting beside the other two kids.
However, Claire didn't return her introduction but turned to Ophis and Lilith, "Ophis-chan, Lilith-chan, please!"
The two of them nodded in understanding and raised their free hands. In an instant, a barrier surrounded the room that prevented sound from escaping and distorted the image within the room.
After confirming that the barrier was up, Claire jumped in front of Kunou with shining eyes and held her hands, "Kunou-chan! Do you want to join our group, 'The Crimson Order of Magical Girls Society!?'"
"...Huehh?" Understandably, a stupefied voice escaped from Kunou's mouth.