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Raynare's eyes widened in horror. She hadn't realized her three companions were dead.
Issei, too—was stunned. He had struggled so hard to defeat Raynare, and yet Mika had effortlessly eliminated the other three Fallen Angels.
"As expected of Mika. He's getting stronger and stronger," Issei murmured in awe.
Rias approached the fallen Raynare, a smirk playing on her lips.
"Greetings, Fallen Angel Raynare."
"Gremory..." Raynare spat, glaring at her.
"Allow me to introduce myself. I am Rias Gremory, heir to the Gremory clan. Though our acquaintance will be brief, it's a pleasure to meet you," Rias said with a smile, unfazed by Raynare's hostility.
"Ever since encountering that Stray Exorcist working with you, I suspected a few Fallen Angels were plotting something in this town."
"However, I initially assumed it was a sanctioned operation, so I didn't interfere. Even I wouldn't be foolish enough to make enemies of all the Fallen Angels."
"But when I learned you were acting in secret, I decided to investigate."
"Upon confronting them, they immediately confessed that this was a rogue operation, boasting about how it would earn you all promotions and a bright future."
"Those who scheme in the shadows always seem eager to reveal their plans."
"So, I had Mika eliminate them."
Raynare's face twisted in anger and frustration, but it was too late. They had lost.
"Enough talk." Crimson energy coalesced in Rias's hand, radiating destructive power.
"I'll end this now."
Raynare's face paled. She didn't want to die. She turned to Issei, pleading for mercy in Yuuma's voice. However, she didn't realize the psychological scars her deception had inflicted.
Issei turned away, refusing to help.
The next moment—Power of Destruction engulfed Raynare, incinerating her completely.
Issei, watching her demise, was visibly shaken. Mika and Yuuto placed reassuring hands on his shoulders.
As Raynare's ashes settled, the Twilight Healing, which she had extracted from Asia, materialized in mid-air. Rias caught it gently.
Seeing the twin rings, Issei's grief for Raynare was replaced by sorrow for Asia, who had died after having her Sacred Gear extracted.
"Return these to Asia," Rias said softly, handing him the rings.
Issei took them, his voice filled with sadness. "Buchou, Mika, everyone…thank you for all you've done. But even with your help, Asia—she's still…"
Before Mika and the others arrived, Raynare had already completed the ritual, extracting Twilight Healing. And for a Sacred Gear wielder, having their Sacred Gear removed meant certain death.
"Issei," Rias said, holding up a crimson chess piece, "do you know what this is?"
Issei looked at the piece, a glimmer of hope flickering in his eyes.
"It's a Bishop piece—" Rias explained.
"I mentioned before, my Evil Pieces include a Queen, two Bishops, two Rooks, two Knights, and eight Pawns."
"This is my remaining Bishop piece." She walked over to Asia's lifeless body and placed the Bishop piece on her chest.
"The power of a Bishop is to support. This girl's healing abilities would make her a valuable Bishop. While it's unprecedented, I'm going to attempt to reincarnate her as a Devil."
Crimson Magic power enveloped Rias.
"I, Rias Gremory, command thee, Asia Argento. To become my servant, let your soul return to this world and be reborn as a Devil. Become my Bishop!"
The Bishop piece glowed crimson, sinking into Asia's chest. Simultaneously, Twilight Healing glowed with a soft, green light, merging with her body.
Once the Sacred Gear and the Evil Piece were fully absorbed, Rias ceased her chanting and stepped back, allowing Issei to witness the miracle.
Asia's eyes fluttered open.
"Asia!" Issei cried, tears streaming down his face.
Mika watched from the side, a thoughtful expression on his face. "The power of a Devil…truly astonishing. To think they can even resurrect the dead." He turned to Rias. "You planned this all along, didn't you, Buchou?"
"Indeed. Although I decided to intervene midway, everything proceeded as I envisioned."
"Then why did you keep scolding Issei?"
"He deserved it. I specifically warned him to avoid Angels and Fallen Angels. He never listens."
"That's just how he is," Mika chuckled. He looked at Issei, who was now being healed by Asia's Twilight Healing.
Before their arrival, he had been tormented by Raynare's light-based attacks, which were incredibly toxic to Devils.
Yet, he had still managed to defeat her with sheer willpower.
Mika admired his determination.
...
After dealing with the Fallen Angels, they returned to Kuoh Academy.
They couldn't remain at the church; it was Fallen Angel territory, and their presence there could be discovered, which Rias couldn't risk.
She didn't want to start a war between Devils and Fallen Angels.
Back at the academy, they dispersed.
It was late, and they were all exhausted after the battle. Rias insisted they go home and rest.
As for Asia—she would stay at the Occult Research Club for the time being.
Rias promised to arrange proper accommodations for her later.
…
"Finally home…" Mika closed his apartment door and let out a sigh of relief.
"Quickly! Release that Fallen Angel! I need to study him!" Gabriel exclaimed, emerging from his body.
"Alright, alright." Mika retrieved the sphere containing Dohnaseek. He tossed it to the floor, and it expanded, revealing the captured Fallen Angel.
Gabriel—Eager to examine a Fallen Angel's anatomy, flew inside the sphere.
"Move him to the guest room later, Gabriel. He's taking up too much space in the living room," Mika said, yawning. He was exhausted and needed sleep.
Even after becoming a Devil, he still retained his human need for rest.
"Fine, fine," Gabriel replied dismissively, not even turning to look at him.
Mika rolled his eyes and went to his room.
Sleep was a comforting escape.
…
Waking up to the morning light, he stretched and left his room.
He had intended to check on Gabriel's progress, but seeing the "Do Not Disturb" sign on the guest room door, he headed to the kitchen.
Once Gabriel became engrossed in her research, she could disappear for days—even weeks.
He was used to it.
After breakfast, he headed to school.
He preferred chatting with the others at the Occult Research Club to staying home alone.
As for Gabriel's research on the power of light? That was her task.
He was merely the end user.
…
When he arrived at the clubroom, everyone was already there.
He sat down beside Issei.
"You're early today," he remarked, curious.
"Buchou told us to come early for a meeting," Issei replied.
"But you've never been this punctual before," Mika teased.
Issei fell silent, embarrassed, while the others chuckled.
Only Asia, not understanding their inside joke, looked puzzled.
She was now wearing a Kuoh Academy uniform, having been enrolled thanks to Rias's influence.
"What do you mean, Mika-senpai? Why is everyone laughing?"
Akeno smiled. "He means Issei came early to see you, Asia."
"Akeno-senpai!" Issei exclaimed, his face flushing crimson.
But it was no use. Asia, who also harbored feelings for him, blushed as well.
"If it's for Issei-san, I'd do anything."
"Asia—" Issei was even more flustered now. The others laughed even harder.
Mika wrapped an arm around Issei's neck and pulled him closer.
"You better treat her well, Issei. Unlike that deceitful Raynare—Asia would never betray you."
Issei's eyes lit up, and he declared, "I will protect Asia!"
The atmosphere in the clubroom grew even more lively.
Akeno brought out another cake, just like they had for Mika and Issei's initiation into the peerage.
It was a celebration for their newest member.
…
Sitting in a corner, watching Issei making a fool of himself, Mika smiled, joining in the applause.
His gaze swept across the room and landed on Rias, who was standing by the window.
He approached her quietly.
"What's wrong, Buchou? You seem…down."
"Huh?" Rias was startled. She hadn't noticed his approach.
Mika had suppressed his presence.
"You scared me. It's you, Mika."
"Of course it's me. No one else noticed your…melancholy."
Rias sighed, realizing he had seen through her.
"I was just…thinking about my own—unwanted engagement."
"I see." Mika nodded. There was nothing else that could make her so sad.
"Then there's no need to worry. I will defeat him and free you from this unwanted union."
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