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Badr returned from his two-month stay in the Underworld, his power significantly enhanced after his intense battle with Sairaorg.
He could feel himself on the verge of another breakthrough.
Beyond Ultimate-Class lay Maou-Class—the realm of the Satans. While that level of power still felt distant, Badr knew his strength couldn't be measured by rank alone.
Perhaps my true potential will be unleashed when I reach That level. The thought of the power he might wield was exhilarating.
Back in the human world, Badr unpacked his bags, revealing a collection of gifts.
"Going somewhere?" Rias and the others asked with smiles.
"Just delivering some gifts to my lovely girlfriend," Badr replied with a grin.
Rias coughed delicately. "Those Underworld trinkets you bought? Are you sure they're suitable gifts?"
"They're quite useful, actually," Badr said, holding up a shimmering piece of Underworld crystal. "Keeps you warm in winter, cool in summer, repels insects, boosts energy and focus… They're practically magic."
The colorful crystal ornaments were considered valuable in the Underworld, though certainly not to someone of Rias's status.
Rias's parents had bestowed far more precious gifts upon him, but those were too potent for the human world, each one imbued with supernatural properties. The Underworld crystals, on the other hand, were practical, understated, and unlikely to draw unwanted attention.
Perfect for gifts.
"So many trinkets—bracelets, earrings, necklaces… but no rings?" Akeno observed with a sly smile.
"I left those out on purpose," Badr replied with a wink. "Like you, they deserve something much better than these. Wedding rings, of course."
His words sent a blush creeping up the girls' cheeks.
Badr chuckled and waved. "Well, I'm off. See you all later."
Everyone had their own matters to attend to now that they were back from the Underworld.
Badr first teleported to Mai Sakurajima's apartment, but it was empty.
She must be filming.
He called Mai's phone. Her manager, Ryoko Hanawa, answered.
"Hello? …Badr-san?"
"Ryoko-san? How did you know it was me?" Badr asked, surprised.
Ryoko's voice was laced with amusement. "…Your contact name is 'Boyfriend.'"
"Is it, now?" Badr replied nonchalantly. "Well, that will change soon enough."
"Oh? And what will it change to?"
"Husband, of course."
A beat of silence followed.
"…Please hold. Mai-san's scene is almost finished. I'll have her call you back."
"Thank you."
Badr hung up and, with some time to spare, teleported near Nodoka Toyohama, Mai's younger sister.
Nodoka, practicing her dance routine, jumped in surprise at his sudden appearance.
"Whoa! Where did you come from?"
She was dressed in loose, comfortable practice clothes, a good portion of her skin exposed.
"Just got back from the Underworld. This is for you." He handed her a necklace.
Nodoka's eyes widened as she took in the shimmering blue, heart-shaped crystal.
"This… it's beautiful! But… it looks expensive…"
Badr grinned. "If you don't want it, I'll take it back."
Nodoka's eyes darted between the necklace and Badr, her expression a mixture of surprise and indecision.
Badr chuckled. "Just kidding. I have more deliveries to make. See you later."
He teleported away before Nodoka could respond, leaving her staring after him in surprise.
"Wait, that's it?" she called out, a mix of excitement and disappointment swirling within her. She'd been looking forward to seeing him for days, and he'd just vanished as quickly as he'd appeared.
As soon as Mai called back, Badr teleported to her location.
"Mai."
It had been nearly two months. He'd missed her terribly.
Of all the women in his life, Mai was the one he felt the deepest connection with, their bond transcending the physical.
Mai looked at him, a thoughtful expression on her face. "Have you… changed?"
"More handsome, you mean?"
"Not exactly. More… appealing."
"So, more handsome, then." Badr grinned, not particularly concerned with such distinctions. Handsome was handsome.
He stepped forward and gently wrapped his arms around Mai's waist.
"Missed me?"
"Not at all," Mai replied, her voice even.
"So, you missed me a lot?"
"Nope," she said with a playful smile.
"So, you missed me very, very much?"
"Fine, you win," Mai admitted, laughing. She couldn't deny it any longer.
Badr, satisfied, presented her with his gift.
It was a beautiful bracelet, its craftsmanship exquisite, surpassing any earthly jewelry.
Mai examined it closely, her eyes widening slightly. "This isn't Emerald… what is this made of?"
"A gemstone from the Underworld. Do you like it?"
"It's beautiful… but I'm not allowed to wear jewelry at school," Mai said with a pout.
"Wear it anyway. If it becomes a problem, I'll add a cloaking enchantment. No one will even notice it."
"That's the same as not wearing it at all, silly."
Mai smiled, slipping the bracelet onto her wrist. She held it out for Badr to admire.
"Does it look good?"
"Of course. I picked it out, didn't I?"
"I meant me, not the bracelet."
"What's there to ask? You're perfect. I chose you, too."
Badr leaned in, capturing her lips in a gentle kiss.
Mai wrapped her arms around his neck, returning the kiss with equal passion.
After a long moment, they broke apart, Mai's eyes sparkling.
"I missed you…" she whispered, a hint of shyness in her voice.
"I know."
"I missed you a lot."
"I know."
"Good." A happy smile graced Mai's lips.
"Is that all? Just 'a lot'? No 'very, very much'?" Badr teased, his eyes twinkling.
"Adding more words is tedious," Mai replied playfully.
...
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