Grayfia watched Kaito intently as he transformed. The translucent wings emerged from his back, and the dark formal attire with fine details stood out, making his presence even more imposing. When Kaito finally presented himself in his fairy form, Grayfia couldn't hide the astonishment on her face.
"This is... impressive, Kaito," Grayfia said, her voice betraying a rare tone of surprise. "The amount of magical power you emanate is extraordinary."
"I know, but I want to avoid using this form during the Rating Game. I'd rather keep it as a reserved trump card," Kaito said, closing his eyes briefly and returning to his human form. "I want to learn to strengthen my body with demonic magic."
Grayfia adopted a thoughtful expression, her eyes narrowing slightly as she pondered the implications of Kaito's request.
Kaito waited in silence, imagining that Grayfia was evaluating a way to help him.
Suddenly, Kaito interrupted his thoughts. "Grayfia?"
Grayfia's expression returned to the present, and she realized she had taken too long.
With a firm decision, she set aside her concerns. "Very well. To start, you need to learn how to circulate demonic magic throughout your body."
She began to demonstrate, closing her eyes and concentrating. A dark and powerful aura began to emanate from her body, circulating through her limbs and strengthening every muscle. "Observe and feel the energy moving through me."
Kaito watched closely, feeling the intensity of the demonic magic. Grayfia then guided Kaito through the process, explaining each step. "Focus on your internal energy, imagine it as a constant flow. Let it travel through every part of your body, strengthening your muscles and bones."
Kaito closed his eyes and followed Grayfia's instructions, feeling the demonic magic move within him. Gradually, he began to feel a change, as if an invisible force was strengthening every part of his body.
The rest of the day was dedicated to intense training. Kaito concentrated deeply on the method taught by Grayfia, practicing repeatedly until he felt he was beginning to master the technique. Grayfia watched every movement, correcting and adjusting where necessary.
Second Day of Training
On the second day of training, Grayfia decided to test Kaito's progress in a physical fight. They positioned themselves in the center of the training field, with the other Peerage members watching from a distance.
Grayfia maintained a serious and focused expression. "Today, we will fight using only physical strength. I want to see how you apply what you learned yesterday."
Kaito nodded, feeling ready for the challenge. He took a deep breath, concentrating the demonic magic in his body, feeling the energy flow through him.
Grayfia took the first step, moving with impressive speed. Kaito reacted quickly, blocking her attack with his forearm.
CLASH!
The impact resonated through the training field, and Kaito felt the force of the blow reverberate through his body. He counterattacked with a direct punch, which Grayfia easily deflected.
The fight continued intensely, both moving with speed and precision. Grayfia, despite holding back her true powers, proved to be a formidable opponent. Kaito, in turn, used every technique he had learned, adapting and responding to Grayfia's attacks.
BAM! BAM!
The exchanged blows echoed through the field, the physical fight revealing Kaito's skill and determination. He managed to land a few hits on Grayfia, who, despite blocking most of them, was visibly impressed with Kaito's progress.
After one last confrontation, Grayfia stepped back, raising her hand to signal the end of the fight. "Well done, Kaito. I'm impressed with your progress. You still have much to learn, but you are on the right track."
Kaito, panting but satisfied, smiled at Grayfia. "Thank you. I will keep working hard."
Third Day of Training
On the third day, the group woke up early and resumed their exercises. After intense training, Grayfia decided that everyone deserved a break. They headed to the hot springs, a peaceful location surrounded by lush nature.
Hot Springs
The hot springs were situated in an area surrounded by rocks and lush vegetation. The hot water emitted steam, creating a relaxing and invigorating atmosphere. There were two separate areas: one for men and one for women.
Kaito and Kiba entered the men's area, while Rias, Akeno, and Koneko went to the women's area.
Men's Area
Kaito and Kiba were immersed in the hot waters of the hot springs, the hot water relieving the tension accumulated in their muscles after days of intense training.
The steam rose gently, creating a mist around them, and the relaxing sound of running water helped to calm their tired minds.
Kaito let himself relax completely, feeling the hot water penetrate his muscles and relieve the fatigue. He closed his eyes for a moment, appreciating the feeling of well-deserved rest. Kiba, next to him, was equally relaxed, with his head reclined and his eyes half-closed.
After a few minutes of relaxing silence, Kiba opened his eyes and looked at Kaito.
"Kaito, do you intend to seek revenge against those who killed your family?" Kiba said, watching the steam rise, his gaze serious and thoughtful.
Kaito was surprised by the question. They didn't talk much, so he didn't expect Kiba to bring up this subject.
"Yes," Kaito finally said, his voice firm. "I will seek revenge for them."
Kiba nodded, his gaze distant.
"I lost many important people to me. Revenge is what keeps me going, what gives me the strength to continue."
He paused, reflecting. "But I also found new friends in Rias, Akeno, and Koneko. They gave me a new purpose."
Kaito nodded, understanding the sentiment. "I also have people I want to protect," he said, thinking of Asia and his parents in the Fairy Kingdom.
Kiba smiled slightly, understanding. "Then we are in the same fight, each with our own battles."
'These battles are insignificant compared to facing Greek mythology,' Kaito thought, trying to keep his disdain hidden.
"Yes, each with our own battles," Kaito responded, his voice maintaining cordiality, but his thoughts were on another level of challenge.
The two remained silent for a moment, each lost in their own thoughts, but with a mutual understanding and renewed respect for each other's determination.
Women's Area
In the women's area, the atmosphere was tranquil and relaxing. Koneko was lying on one of the hot rocks, her eyes closed, and her soft breathing indicating she had fallen asleep. The gentle sound of running water and the heat of the rocks created a perfect environment for deep rest.
Rias and Akeno were sitting in the hot water, talking in low voices so as not to wake Koneko. The steam rose around them, creating a sense of isolation and intimacy.
"Rias, what do you plan to do when the marriage contract is canceled?" Akeno asked, looking at her friend with curiosity.
Rias sighed, relaxing even more in the arms of the hot water. "I haven't thought much beyond that, Akeno. But I probably want to focus on strengthening my Peerage and taking care of my friends."
Akeno smiled playfully. "And what about Kaito? Do you like him?"
Rias blushed slightly, shaking her head. "No, it's not like that... but it wouldn't be a problem to like him in the future, especially if he manages to defeat Riser."
Akeno laughed, a light and joyful laugh. "That's great! That way, I have a chance to win over Kaito before you."
Rias just smiled, enjoying the teasing. "Let's see who wins over whom first, Akeno."
The conversation continued, light and full of laughter, while Koneko remained asleep, oblivious to the world around her.
Grayfia
Even away from the hot springs, Grayfia could easily hear the conversations happening. Grayfia's analytical mind quickly processed the information that Kiba and Kaito exchanged in the men's area.
'Kaito will go on a suicide mission if he goes after revenge against the Greeks,' she thought, assessing the situation coldly. 'This is not my concern, but I can warn him that the Greeks don't come to Japan personally without the permission of the Shinto gods.'
She knew the situation was delicate. If Kaito attacks, he would lose any protection he has here, and the Japanese gods themselves would hand him over to avoid a holy war. The same goes for the devils.
Grayfia decided that she would need to warn Kaito about these implications when he came out of the hot springs.
After some time relaxing, Kaito left the men's area of the hot springs, feeling refreshed. He dried off quickly and dressed, ready to resume training.
Kaito, still feeling the relaxing warmth of the hot springs, found Grayfia waiting for him outside. Her serious expression indicated that the matter was important.
"Kaito, I need to talk to you about something important," Grayfia said, her voice firm.
"What is it, Grayfia?" Kaito asked, intrigued as he walked over to her.
Grayfia took Kaito to a more isolated area of the cabin, away from curious ears. They walked in silence for a few minutes until they reached a clearing surrounded by tall trees. Grayfia stopped and turned to Kaito, her expression serious and focused.
She explained in detail the political complexities and the possible repercussions of an action against the Greek gods, including the response of the Shinto gods and the position of the devils regarding conflicts with other mythologies.
Kaito reflected on Grayfia's words, feeling the weight of their implications.
"I understand, Grayfia. Thank you for alerting me," Kaito said, looking at the ground, thoughtful.
Grayfia nodded.
They returned to the cabin, where the training continued intensely.
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