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Rias and the others exchanged nervous glances as Akeno Himejima strolled arm-in-arm with Badr.
"Well, we agreed to it," Rias murmured, "but isn't this a bit too intimate?"
Asia and Koneko nodded, clearly sharing Rias's sentiments. They knew it was wrong to eavesdrop, but they couldn't help their curiosity.
Badr and Akeno, fully aware of the group trailing behind them, continued their conversation, feigning ignorance.
"So," Akeno began with a smile, "what exactly do people do on dates?"
"It's your first date?" Badr asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.
Akeno nodded, a playful glint in her eyes. "Indeed. I've heard tales of the 'three sacred places' for dates in the human world."
Badr chuckled. "The Ferris wheel, the aquarium, and the movie theater? I'm happy to oblige. Though, personally, I think just spending time together counts as a date."
Akeno considered this. "I doubt we'll find those exact things around here," she mused, "but… there should be an aquarium. The young devils seem to enjoy it."
"An aquarium it is, then."
With their plans settled, they headed towards the Underworld's Aquarium.
"I think you've been recognized," Akeno said suddenly.
"Impossible. It's my first time in the Underworld—" Badr stopped mid-sentence, a realization dawning on him.
'Damn it. I forgot about the tournament broadcast…'
A sheepish grin spread across his face as he noticed the curious stares directed at him. He quickly steered Akeno around a corner, using a bit of magic to alter his appearance slightly.
That should take care of that.
"Still avoiding the spotlight, I see," Akeno teased. Badr had changed significantly since they first met. He used to be so aloof and unapproachable…
"I was too focused on my match with Sairaorg to think about the crowd," Badr admitted with a shrug.
He and Akeno spent the rest of their date exploring the aquarium, enjoying a leisurely meal, and strolling through the streets, their conversation flowing easily.
Meanwhile, Rias and the others followed at a distance, watching with a mixture of amusement and envy.
They wanted to go on dates with Badr, too…
Akeno, glancing back at the group trailing them, smiled faintly and tugged on Badr's arm.
"Time to go."
"Huh? They noticed us…" Rias said, surprised, as she watched Akeno pull Badr away at a brisk pace.
They didn't stop running until they were several blocks away. Akeno, finally catching her breath, beamed at Badr.
"Finally, some alone time."
Badr chuckled, shaking his head. "We're going to get an earful when we get back."
Akeno simply grinned, clearly pleased with herself. This had been her plan all along.
"I've been waiting for the perfect opportunity," she confessed, her gaze softening as she looked at Badr. "Rias is like family to me. Stealing you away from her felt a bit… wrong."
"Such a loving family," Badr deadpanned. The mention of family reminded him of something. He looked at Akeno, his expression thoughtful.
"So, Rias agreed to this date to cheer you up?" he asked gently. "Are you still bothered by… your heritage?"
Rias had given him a knowing look before they left, and Badr had understood. They both knew Akeno was still struggling with some unresolved issues.
"…I… I still can't accept that man as my father," Akeno admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Baraqiel seemed quite concerned about you. He's not as bad as you make him out to be," Badr said softly. He'd met Baraqiel briefly during their training. As their teacher, Azazel's summons couldn't be ignored, not even by a Fallen Angel Cadre.
Akeno lowered her gaze.
"I haven't told you about my past, have I?… My mother was a shrine maiden. She saved a Fallen Angel who was injured in battle. They fell in love, and… I was born. But it was because of these cursed wings," she gestured towards her back, "that we were hunted."
A hint of bitterness entered her voice. "My mother died protecting me. And that man… he never showed up. If it weren't for Rias, I wouldn't be here today…"
Badr's expression softened. "I don't know the full story, but let's not dwell on the past right now. Focus on the present."
"Alright," Akeno agreed, a faint smile returning to her face as she listened to Badr's gentle words.
Making her happy, keeping her company… that's what Rias had wanted him to do.
And so, they spent the rest of the day enjoying each other's company, their date filled with laughter and easy conversation.
Upon their return, after appeasing a very jealous Rias and the others, Badr and the group began their final preparations for the promotion exam.
❁❁❁❁
The day of the Exam finally arrived.
They arrived at the testing grounds early, the area specially arranged for them.
After all, they were currently the only ones eligible to take the Promotion exam…
"It's rather… bleak, isn't it?" Rias murmured, looking around at the deserted testing grounds. "The Underworld is desperately short on talent."
Badr nodded in agreement.
Such a vast Underworld, an entire race of devils, and yet only six promising heirs from the Great Houses… it was a sobering thought.
Perhaps this was why Sirzechs and the other Maou were so determined to maintain peace.
The Devils, Angels, and Fallen Angels were teetering on the brink of extinction…
"Good luck," Rias said with a smile, adjusting Badr's collar. "Don't fail."
"As if I would," Badr replied with a grin. He'd studied diligently, his memory impeccable.
And indeed, the exam went smoothly.
With the final ritual complete, Badr was no longer a Low-Class Devil. He was officially a Mid-Class Devil…
The days passed quickly, and the two months of summer vacation drew to a close. Their time in the Underworld was finally over.
They bid farewell to the Gremory castle and boarded the dimensional train back to the human world.
The train emerged from the dimensional gap, and after nearly two months, Badr saw the clear blue sky of the human world once more.
"…It's good to be back," he murmured, a smile spreading across his face as he gazed out the window.
Home, sweet home.
...
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