The atmosphere in the Occult Research Club had changed.
With Asia Argento officially under Rias' protection and Raynare grudgingly taking her place as part of my new "team," things were anything but normal.
Asia, still nervous around everyone, sat quietly at the edge of the room. Her green eyes scanned the others, her hands gripping the hem of her dress. She looked so fragile, but I knew better.
There was power hidden inside her—power she had no idea how to control.
Rias leaned back in her chair, her piercing gaze settling on Asia. "Your Sacred Gear, Twilight Healing, is rare," she began. "It's a tool of immense healing power, capable of saving lives that would otherwise be lost."
Asia nodded, her fingers trembling slightly. "I… I only used it to help people."
Rias' expression softened. "That's admirable. But if you're going to live in this world, you'll need to understand how to defend yourself, too."
Asia blinked. "Defend… myself?"
I stepped forward. "She's right, Asia. The Fallen Angels came after you once. They might come after you again. You need to be ready."
Asia looked at me, her eyes wide. "I… I don't want to hurt anyone."
I smiled. "And you don't have to. But protecting yourself? That's different. If you don't learn to control your Sacred Gear, you're putting yourself—and everyone around you—at risk."
She hesitated. Then, slowly, she nodded. "Alright… I'll try."
[Training Grounds – That Evening]
Asia stood in the center of the clearing, her hands clasped nervously in front of her.
The rest of the Occult Research Club watched from the sidelines, curiosity and concern written on their faces. Even Raynare had shown up, though she stayed silent, her expression guarded.
"Alright," I said, stepping in front of Asia. "Let's start with the basics. Close your eyes and focus."
She nodded, her hands trembling slightly as she closed her eyes.
"Feel the energy inside you," I continued. "It's there, waiting for you to call on it. Focus on that feeling."
For a moment, nothing happened.
Then—
A soft golden light began to glow around her hands.
Rias leaned forward, her eyes narrowing. "That's it… Twilight Healing."
The glow grew brighter, pulsing gently like a heartbeat.
Asia opened her eyes, staring at the light in wonder. "I… I did it."
"Good," I said, smiling. "Now let's see what it can do."
I nodded toward Kiba, who stepped forward with his sword.
"Don't worry," he said, offering Asia a reassuring smile. "I'll make it quick."
He made a small cut across his arm, wincing slightly as blood dripped down his skin.
Asia gasped. "Oh no!"
"Relax," I said. "This is why we're here. Heal him."
She nodded quickly, her hands trembling as she reached out. The golden light surrounded her fingertips, and the moment she touched Kiba's arm—
The cut vanished.
Kiba blinked, flexing his arm. "Impressive."
Asia smiled, relief washing over her face. "I did it!"
I clapped her on the shoulder. "That's just the beginning. You're going to get stronger, Asia. I promise."
She nodded, her confidence growing.
But I couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the calm before the storm.
[Elsewhere – The Fallen Angel Headquarters]
Azazel sat at his desk, his golden eyes scanning a holographic screen displaying data on Asia Argento and her Sacred Gear.
"Twilight Healing," he murmured, tapping his fingers against the desk. "A rare and valuable ability… and now it's in the hands of the devils."
He leaned back, smirking. "Interesting. Very interesting."
Behind him, a figure stepped out of the shadows.
"Lord Azazel," the man said, his voice low and formal. "The reports on Issei Hyoudou are troubling. His power is… abnormal."
Azazel chuckled. "Abnormal is an understatement."
The man hesitated. "Do you think he's a threat?"
Azazel's smirk widened. "Oh, definitely. But that's what makes him so fascinating."
He turned his chair, facing the man fully. "Keep an eye on him. And on Raynare. If she's really switched sides, I want to know why."
The man nodded. "Understood."
Azazel swirled his glass of wine, his golden eyes gleaming with amusement.
"Let's see how far this Sekiryuutei is willing to go."
[Kuoh Town – That Night]
The streets were quiet as I walked with Raynare.
The others had gone home after Asia's training session, but I wasn't done yet.
Raynare glanced at me, her expression unreadable. "What are we doing out here?"
I shrugged. "You need more practice."
She frowned. "I've been fighting for years. I don't need—"
I stopped, holding up a hand.
She froze.
A dark presence filled the air, suffocating and heavy.
"We're not alone," I said, my voice low.
From the shadows, a figure emerged—a man with dark wings and a cruel smile.
"Well, well," he said, his voice mocking. "If it isn't the traitor."
Raynare stiffened. "Dohnaseek."
The Fallen Angel chuckled, his black wings spreading wide. "I heard you switched sides. Guess I'll have to clean up the mess."
I stepped forward, placing myself between Raynare and Dohnaseek.
"Yeah, that's not happening."
Dohnaseek sneered. "And who are you supposed to be?"
I smiled. "Someone you're not ready for."
He laughed. "Big talk for a devil. Let's see if you can back it up."
He lunged, summoning a light spear in his hand.
I didn't flinch.
The moment he attacked, I raised my hand—Hakai flared to life.
His spear dissolved into nothing the second it touched my aura.
Dohnaseek froze, his eyes widening in shock.
"What… what the hell is that?!"
I stepped closer, my smile widening.
"Your end."
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