Grayfia's words hung in the air, chilling the street like a sudden frost.
Not qualified?
Tenra felt his temper flare.
Power surged from him, a silent wave rippling outward—a domain of warped reality, centered on Tenra himself.
The Evil Eye that Stops the World.
But this wasn't the usual trick. Tenra unleashed the Evil Eye's forbidden state—
Balance Breaker: Time Domain.
No longer bound by line of sight, everything within the field was his to command. Time itself bent to his will. The cost was steep—spiritual energy drained fast—but the payoff was undeniable. Within this domain, anyone below Maou-class was helpless, and even Maou-level opponents would feel the strain.
But Grayfia just watched, wreathed in silver light, utterly untouched.
"Another Sacred Gear ability? And a Balance Breaker, too."
She eyed the time domain, unimpressed.
"But—"
Her voice echoed from behind him, mocking.
"Still too weak."
Tenra didn't need to turn. He felt her presence at his back—a second Grayfia, fingertips crackling with power, ready to strike. Just a clone, but at this range, even he wouldn't walk away unscathed.
He raised his hands in surrender, letting the domain dissolve. Frustration simmered, but he had to admit it: he wasn't ready to face the Underworld's strongest Queen.
If he pushed it, he'd lose. No question.
Grayfia's clone stepped around, merging seamlessly back into her true self. Without another word, she hefted the groceries and strode away.
"Grayfia-san, I really am curious about your secret. What'll it take for you to tell me?"
Tenra caught up, flashing a crooked smile.
She was cold, sure, but Tenra could sense she wasn't an enemy. If she wanted him dead, he'd already be dust.
"When you can defeat me. That's the condition."
She didn't look back, her voice cool as ice.
"Defeat you…"
Tenra's eyes narrowed, mind racing.
Grayfia's mastery of magic was legendary. Her battle instincts were sharper than most Maou. To beat her would require power beyond even that—
To become a Transcendent.
Few in history had reached that level. Not Azazel. Not Michael. Maybe no one alive.
But Tenra was different.
With Sacred Gear Plunder, every victory made him stronger. A few more Longinus, and he could break through. It wouldn't be easy, but Tenra was sure—he'd get there.
Soon.
—
The next morning—
"Sirzechs-sama, we're heading to school," Tenra announced, the girls gathered and ready.
"Be careful on the way, Tenra-kun. All of you."
Sirzechs nodded, then turned to Rias.
"Rias, do your best at the open class. Once Father arrives, we'll join you."
"Geez, Onii-sama…"
Rias muttered, cheeks pink. She could handle crowds of admirers without blinking, but family made her nervous every time. The Gremory princess was adorable in ways she'd never admit.
After saying their goodbyes to Sirzechs and Grayfia, Tenra and Rias set off for school like any other day. For everyone except Rias, open class was just business as usual.
But just before they reached the gates, two figures appeared, blocking their path.
Azazel, Governor-General of the Fallen Angels.
Vali Lucifer, the current White Emperor.
"Yo, kid. We meet again."
Azazel grinned, hands in his pockets.
"Azazel, still alive I see…"
Tenra shot back, grinning.
Rias and the girls tensed, ready for trouble. But Raynare, standing beside Tenra, just smiled—a cold, twisted smile. She conjured a spear of light and hurled it straight at Azazel.
"Hey, Raynare, you know the whole story now, right?"
Azazel caught the spear with one hand, looking more exasperated than threatened.
Tenra was the one who'd pulled Raynare's strings from the shadows. Azazel figured she'd break with that brat and try to kill him instead—so why was she still attacking Azazel?
This wasn't the drama he'd signed up for.
"Heh… So what?"
Raynare's voice was sweet and venomous.
"Master's claimed me, mind and soul. I can't live without him. But someone still needs to pay for my anger and hate."
"Azazel-sama, you abandoned me. That's a fact. So please keep being my punching bag!"
Her smile twisted, eyes glinting with mania.
Azazel's eye twitched. This was worse than being her revenge target—he'd become her emotional dumping ground.
"Hahahaha!"
Vali was doubled over with laughter.
"Azazel, you had this coming!"
Watching Azazel get played was the highlight of Vali's morning.
"Hey, Vali, whose side are you on?!"
Azazel crushed Raynare's spear, scowling, while Vali just kept laughing.
"Raynare, come back."
Tenra's voice was calm, but the command was absolute.
Raynare paused, clearly itching to skewer Azazel again, but she obeyed, returning to Tenra's side with a click of her tongue.
"Azazel, White Emperor—what are you doing here?"
Rias stepped forward, wary. She didn't share Tenra's casual attitude; both men were dangerous, and this was her territory.
"Relax, Gremory princess. We're not here to cause trouble."
Azazel raised a hand, signaling peace.
"Didn't Sirzechs tell you? There's a three-faction summit at your school. We're just here to say hello. We'll be gone soon."
Even with Raynare's drama weighing on him, Azazel hadn't forgotten his real purpose.
"Red Dragon Emperor, you and I will fight someday. Let's see who's truly the strongest."
Vali's eyes gleamed.
"I'm looking forward to it, White Emperor."
Tenra matched his stare, both of them grinning—confident, unyielding.
They respected each other's strength, but neither believed they'd lose.
With nothing more to say, Azazel and Vali waved and vanished, leaving Rias and the girls finally able to breathe easy.
"Tenra, even against the White Emperor, you'll win… right?"
Rias looked up at him, eyes full of hope, trust, and something softer.
Tenra brushed her hair back, his answer simple and sure.
"Yeah. I'll win."
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