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Azazel oversaw Asia's special training.
His knowledge of Sacred Gears extended not only to Twilight Healing but to every Sacred Gear in existence. He was the perfect teacher, and Sirzechs's suggestion had been spot-on.
"Excellent. You should now be capable of long-range healing, even enveloping yourself in the Sacred Gear's aura to heal multiple allies simultaneously."
"Yes! Thank you, Azazel-sensei!" Asia beamed, her gratitude echoing through the air.
Azazel turned his attention to Akeno Himejima.
She possessed the bloodline of a top-tier Fallen Angel but hadn't yet mastered its full potential.
Akeno hovered in the air, clad in her elegant red and white miko attire, crackling bolts of lightning dancing around her.
Behind her, her devil wings had transformed into Fallen Angel wings!
"I have nothing more to teach you," a calm voice said. Akeno glanced over, her expression distant.
"Thank you," she replied, her tone polite but detached.
The middle-aged man smiled sadly. "As your father, I'm proud to have such a gifted daughter."
Akeno remained silent, turning away without another word.
In another valley, Xenovia and Koneko Toujou trained individually. Both had grown significantly stronger in the past two weeks.
Koneko watched Xenovia effortlessly wield Durandal, a pang of envy hitting her.
As a [Rook], her training focused on enhancing her strength and defense. However, those abilities didn't seem to offer much of an advantage in actual combat...
"Like Akeno Himejima, you need to learn to unlock the sealed power within you. Otherwise, you won't make significant progress."
Recalling Azazel's words, Koneko sighed.
'Unlock the sealed power within me…'
'Easier said than done…'
Back at the enormous castle, everyone gathered after completing their training.
The past two weeks had been intense and productive.
"I'm so glad everyone's training is complete," Rias said, her voice filled with relief.
She was finally free from the mountain of combat footage and tactical manuals. She had spent the past two weeks immersed in study, absorbing various battle strategies and honing her decision-making skills.
As a [King], she needed more than just raw power; she also needed sharp thinking, quick reflexes, and unwavering resolve.
While her mind had been filled with tactics, a constant ache of longing had gnawed at her.
Two weeks. Two whole weeks without seeing Badr…
Every night, she had yearned to seek him out, struggling to fall asleep. She even dreamed of him, waking up to find her sheets damp…
Now, this agonizing training was finally over!
"You all seem stronger!" Despite her longing for Badr, Rias cared deeply for her peerage. She carefully observed each of them, sensing their growth.
Not only had their demonic power increased significantly, but their overall aura had changed.
"Excellent work," she praised them with a smile.
"Um… where's Badr? Hasn't he arrived yet?" Asia asked, eagerly looking around.
Seeing everyone again after two weeks was wonderful, but the person they all truly wanted to see was him.
"He should be here soon," Azazel said with a bored shrug. "Always thinking about boys. I bet you're all sick of seeing my face by now."
"N-no, that's not true!" they chorused, blushing slightly.
Just then, a familiar voice reached them.
"Azazel-sensei, everyone, you're all here."
They turned to see Badr, and their eyes widened.
"Badr… that outfit…"
Their gazes were captivated by Badr's elegant aristocratic attire. His presence had undergone a subtle but striking transformation.
He seemed calmer, more at ease, as if imbued with an aura of grace. He stood out, even amongst a crowd.
'Charming...' they thought.
Noticing their stunned expressions, Badr smiled. "What? Don't you recognize me?"
"No, it's just… you look amazing…" Rias stepped closer, examining him from head to toe. "It suits you perfectly. You should always dress like this!"
"Oh my… my heart is racing…" Akeno giggled, fanning herself dramatically.
Badr chuckled and shook his head. "Don't get any ideas. I'm just trying it on. Your maid prepared thirty-eight different formal outfits for me, and this was the only one I could tolerate. I'm much more comfortable in my usual clothes."
Rias fell silent, then sighed. "...The etiquette lessons must have been torture."
"Not at all. I found them rather easy." Badr's gentle smile reflected the aura he had gained from two weeks of etiquette training.
The devils who had been instructing Badr approached and bowed respectfully to Rias.
"My lady, young master Badr has passed all our assessments with perfect scores. We have nothing more to teach him."
Rias mouth formed a small 'O'. She whispered to Badr, "You memorized all those stiff formalities too?"
"Of course. How else would I get a perfect score?" he replied matter-of-factly.
"..."
Rias had worried he might become as rigid and formal as other nobles, but seeing his demeanor, she was relieved. He exuded an air of effortless elegance rather than conceit.
She smiled, relieved. As always, Badr excelled at everything he did…
It made her heart flutter.
…
After two weeks apart, they had much to discuss. They spent the evening gathered in Badr's room, sharing their training experiences. Eventually, they drifted off to sleep, only to rise early the next morning.
Today, they were attending a long-awaited gathering. Leaders of various factions and promising young devils would be present.
Badr had heard about this gathering while still in the human world, and now, it was finally here.
After breakfast and farewells to Rias mother and nephew, Badr joined Rias on their private train, heading towards the venue.
The station and platform were modern, much like the human world. It seemed human customs and technology had made their way to the Underworld.
On the train, everyone changed into their formal attire.
When Rias emerged, Badr raised an eyebrow, impressed by her stunning appearance.
Her long crimson hair was styled in a high ponytail, accentuating her delicate features. She wore a backless red gown that hugged her curves, and black high heels added to her commanding presence.
"Beautiful?" Rias twirled before him.
"Very" Badr smiled. He, too, was dressed in formal wear, and they looked striking together.
The others also emerged in their elegant attire, ready for the grand event.
After a three-hour train ride, they finally arrived at their destination.
"This is the city of Lucifaad, in the Maou territory," Rias explained.
According to Badr's recent studies, this city had once been the capital ruled by the former Satan Lucifer.
"Ah! It's Princess Rias!"
Excited squeals erupted from nearby. A group of female devils gazed at Rias with admiration.
As the Maou's younger sister and a beauty in her own right, Rias truly lived up to her title of princess.
It seemed her beauty was renowned not just at Kuoh Academy but throughout the Underworld.
The male devils were equally impressed, though they were more reserved in their admiration, their status preventing them from being too forward.
Rias, though slightly flustered by the attention, responded with a gracious smile.
Her charisma was undeniable.
"Follow me, everyone. And I want to reiterate, no matter what you see, remain composed. Do not engage in any conflicts. Many of the attendees will be our rivals, but we must maintain our decorum." Rias tone turned serious.
She strode into the elevator. Badr, Akeno, and the others exchanged glances and followed, a calm confidence in their eyes.
The elevator descended, opening into a brightly lit underground area. Groups of people conversed quietly.
Many heads turned as Rias entered, their expressions a mixture of awe and admiration.
"Princess Rias… she's even more beautiful than before…"
"Indeed."
These devils were bolder than those outside, their presence here indicating their status as scions of influential families.
Some noticed Badr, his calm demeanor standing out beside Rias.
"...Who's that man?"
Badr's presence and closeness to Rias made him impossible to ignore.
"I don't recognize him… could he be a rising star from another family?"
They all shook their heads. It was Badr's first time in the Underworld. Although they might have heard his name, they had never seen him in person. His changed demeanor also contributed to their lack of recognition.
Rias, overhearing their whispers, smiled faintly and slipped her arm through Badr's.
A sudden hush fell over the room.
Badr sensed the shift in atmosphere and glanced at Rias. She walked on, her gaze straight ahead, but the smile playing on her lips betrayed her amusement.
He chuckled softly, allowing her to enjoy the moment. These devils were, in his eyes, insignificant.
Only after they had moved on did the whispers resume.
"Someone tell me who that guy is! Why is Princess Rias so close to him?"
The question was laced with jealousy.
Since Rias had forcefully broken off her engagement using the Rating Game, many young devils had been eager to pursue her.
Even after hearing rumors of her affections for someone else, the sight of her beauty had rekindled their hopes…
"I think I recognize him… that boy… isn't he Princess Rias legendary servant?"
Recognition dawned on them, and their expressions turned sour.
"What? You mean… the one who received The Sword from Maou?"
"Him? That guy managed to defeat a Super Devil and become known as the strongest of the new generation?"
"Heh… the true strongest, Sairaorg Bael, is also here. This should be interesting…"
They hurried towards the main hall, eager to see what would unfold.
As Rias and her peerage continued, they noticed a figure approaching them.
The man had short black hair and a powerfully built physique. He was a classic muscle-bound figure, dressed casually, his attire clashing with the surrounding formality.
...
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