Akuto exhaled softly.
The Core of Evolution invading from the EXE World put him on edge; by his estimate, the EXE assault on the DxD world would arrive much earlier than in the original timeline.
"Red-grade rewards cap at Dragon God level; Rainbow has no cap.
If the ceiling is Dragon God, that's clearly insufficient against Outer Gods beyond Dragon Gods. To fight them, I'll need multiple Rainbow-grade rewards—then develop them to extreme heights."
…
With Akuto's promise to cooperate secured, Xenovia and Irina accepted his invitation to stay over.
Normally, Xenovia would never live in a devil's house. But… they were broke.
Considering Akuto was Irina's childhood friend and now their partner, moving in here was the most practical choice.
What the two didn't know was: once you move into Akuto's home, you're already half devoured—moving out becomes… very unlikely.
Given time together, the slow burn of his Succubus Bloodline, and the final decisive push, Akuto was certain these two Holy Sword maidens would end up thoroughly his.
What he didn't expect was that, thanks to Xenovia's legendary inability to read the room, that timetable would be dramatically accelerated.
…
While choosing rooms, Xenovia noticed another former Church member living under Akuto's roof.
"Hm? You're that banished witch, right? If I remember correctly… your name is Asia?"
Hearing Xenovia use "witch," Akuto's eyes narrowed.
He knew she meant no malice—Xenovia was simply a straight-laced believer.
But that didn't mean he'd let it slide.
As expected… for someone like Xenovia, whose faith in the Church is unshakable, the right corrective is to break that faith—just like I once did with Asia.
Unless their faith is shattered, the Church remains absolute in their hearts; only then can a "Church vassal" become their true self.
…
"Eh? You… know me?"
Asia's emerald eyes widened slightly, a faint light returning to them.
Witch… After two months here, she had almost forgotten that the Church had branded her one.
"Xenovia, I need to correct you. Asia is not a witch," Akuto said with a mild smile.
Church types begged for correction. Whether it was Asia, Seryu, Xenovia, or Irina—before their faith was dismantled, they simply couldn't hear others.
"Not a witch? If she isn't, then why can her Sacred Gear heal devils?" Xenovia shot back on reflex, parroting doctrine.
"It's alright, Akuto-kun. I've already accepted being called a witch," Asia smiled gently and took his hand.
"Asia—witch or not, you're someone I love. My woman. I won't allow anyone to attack you with ignorant dogma."
Akuto held the hand that held his, calm but firm.
"Akuto-kun…"
Tears welled in those gemlike eyes.
Adults often look composed under pressure, only to let the weakness show before family.
After months of living together, Asia already treated Akuto as family—and his protection moved her deeply.
To Xenovia, though, the scene was disgusting.
"Oh? Your woman? So then—hmph—witch Asia, after your heart fell, you even gave your body to a devil?"
Asia didn't dignify it with an answer. She only held Akuto's hand more tightly, tears this time warm with joy.
"Alright, Asia. I love your crying face… but I'd rather you save those tears for tonight when you're serving me~"
He pecked her lips and brushed away the golden saint's tears.
Having resolved to properly correct Xenovia and Irina, Akuto wasn't going to pull his punches.
…
Holding Asia close, Akuto asked evenly,
"Xenovia, Irina—tell me: were Sacred Gears invented by the God of the Bible?"
"Yes. Sacred Gears were created by the Lord—His grace to humankind," Xenovia nodded.
"Next: can humans choose which Sacred Gear they get?"
"Of course not. Whether one receives a Sacred Gear is decided by the Lord's will," she answered without hesitation.
"Final question: if it's grace given, why is it Asia's fault that her Sacred Gear can heal devils?"
His voice remained calm, but the quiet authority in it made Xenovia involuntarily step back.
"M-maybe the Lord originally gave her a Sacred Gear that couldn't heal devils—only because she's evil did it become one that can," Xenovia insisted, stubbornly.
"So you mean… the Lord made a mistake?"
"The Lord would never err. It's just… it's just…"
She faltered.
Seeing Xenovia on the ropes, Irina jumped in to help.
"The Lord gave Asia this ability as a trial—to test Asia Argento's faith. Whether she could still believe in the Lord amidst hardship—that is the meaning of her ordeal."
It was smoother rhetoric than Xenovia's—but the premise remained wrong.
Akuto glanced at Irina and chuckled.
Her faith outstripped even Xenovia's—strong enough to self-seal the logic loop.
"If this is a trial from God, before the trial concludes, what right do you—or the Church—have to brand Asia a witch?"
"…"
"…"
Silence. They had no answer.
A paradox pinned them down: if the Church is right, then God is wrong. God cannot be wrong… so the Church is wrong?
Irina didn't dare think it.
…
Irina stayed silent, mulling over the clash between Akuto's logic and the Church's.
Xenovia was different—less fervent, but far more hard-headed.
"If the Church hasn't decided, and God hasn't decided, then she bears sin in the meantime.
You may accept the 'trial' explanation—that's your belief.
We believe the Church. Since it says Asia is a witch, then she is a witch in my eyes."
Akuto laughed lightly. Classic Xenovia—no sense of the occasion.
"You both agree that God's will outranks the Church, yes?"
"Of course," they answered together.
"Good. Asia, would you show the proof that you are recognized by God?"
"Yes—I will!"
Asia straightened, resolve blazing.
She hadn't wanted to trade barbs, but seeing Akuto defend her like this, she had to respond in kind.
"Oh? Proof of divine recognition? Where is it?" Xenovia asked, genuinely curious.
"On Asia herself. Fight her, and you'll understand."
…
Behind Akuto's villa.
Xenovia and Irina slipped off their white robes, the black combat suits beneath tracing flawless lines.
Irina glanced at the mimetic Holy Sword on her arm and tried one last plea.
"Ne, Akuto-kun… it's just a name, right? We won't call Asia a witch from now on, okay? There's no need to make her fight us."
"No."
"No."
Akuto and Xenovia answered in unison. Irina jumped back, startled.
"I need you to recognize your error," said Akuto.
"And I'm very interested in this 'proof' the blasphemous devil mentioned," added Xenovia.
"…But did you really have to accept his wager?" Irina was on the verge of tears.
Before the duel, Akuto and Xenovia had set terms:
—If Akuto's "proof" was sufficient to overturn the Church's claims, Xenovia would do as Asia had done—devote herself to Akuto.
—If it wasn't, Akuto would serve as a "crown" in the campaign against heresy.
Xenovia thought for a few seconds… and agreed.
Simple reason: if the Church's story was wrong, then those strictures didn't bind her—and this would be her way to repay Akuto for showing her the truth.
…
"Akuto-kun, I remember Saint Asia's ability is healing. Why have her fight us?"
Though Irina didn't accept his argument, out of consideration for Akuto and Asia she had switched to "Saint Asia."
"If I explain it, it's words. If you see it, it's truth," Akuto said. "Asia? Ready?"
"Yes, Akuto-kun. I'll convey your will properly."
Asia's eyes sharpened. From her body surged a crimson-gold radiance—
[Balance Breaker — "Holy Dragon Princess's Loving Garden"!]
(End of Chapter)
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