💎 WEEKLY POWER GOALS 💎🔥 30→2ch | 60→5ch | 100→8ch | 200→15ch | 400→25ch⏰ Resets Monday!
The mood turned quiet.
Draconis could only sigh inwardly. What a clown...
Rias and the others came over, still glowing from the fierce tennis match—Rias herself radiant, a light sheen of sweat making her seem even more alive.
"Draconis, what just happened?" Rias asked, eyebrow raised.
He shrugged. "Beats me. Must be my magnetic personality."
Rias gave him a look. Yeah, right—magnetic personality.
Sona eyed Saji, puzzled. "Weren't you desperate for a Familiar just a minute ago?"
Saji scratched his head, awkwardly grinning. "Well... I figure I could use more experience first. Handing out flyers and all that. Builds character, right?"
He threw Draconis a wink.
Draconis was half amused, half exasperated. He appreciated Saji backing down, but honestly—he had no clue how to help this guy get closer to Sona.
Sona nodded, respecting Saji's decision. "If that's how you feel, we'll pass on the chance this time."
Rias smiled. "Thanks, then—on behalf of Draconis and Asia."
After a bit more small talk, the student council took their leave. Saji lingered, dragging Draconis aside with a conspiratorial grin.
"Master! How'd I do? Teach me a trick or two!"
Draconis rolled his eyes. "Can you drop the 'Master' thing? If you like your president, just tell her."
Saji froze, then looked embarrassed. "Actually... I tried that."
Draconis blinked. "You did? How'd it go?"
Saji's voice dropped. "She thought I was joking. What do I do...?"
Draconis hesitated, then sighed. "Maybe she didn't misunderstand. Maybe she's just... kind."
Saji stared, wounded. "...Thanks for that. Really."
He stood there, crestfallen, before trudging off.
Draconis watched him go, a little guilty. Another lost kid, forced to face reality. Some devil he was—still out here helping people.
—
After school, clubroom.
Rias lounged on the sofa, sipping her tea. "I'm not sure what happened, but we've secured the commission. Tomorrow's the full moon, so we'll set out tomorrow night. Everyone, get some rest."
Draconis nodded, then turned to Asia. "Asia, I'll help you move your things today."
Until now, Asia had been living in the clubroom. He'd found her a place—barely fifty meters from his own home, just across the street.
"Thank you, Draconis." Asia smiled, turning to Rias and the others. "We'll head out, then."
"Take care," Rias replied.
Back home, Draconis changed clothes and went to help Asia pack. They chatted as he carried boxes, arranging her collection of cute trinkets.
"How are you settling in, Asia?"
Asia's face lit up. "Everyone in class is so interesting, and the club seniors are so kind. I've made so many friends! I think it must be the Lord's guidance—thank the Lord... ow~"
She winced, clutching her head, a little embarrassed.
Draconis couldn't help but laugh. "You're a devil now, you know. Still preaching the gospel—no wonder your head hurts."
Asia giggled sheepishly.
Draconis's tone softened. "Do you resent me for pushing you into the devil's camp?"
He knew how much Asia respected God, and he hadn't exactly given her much choice. His intentions had been good, but he'd forced her hand.
Asia shook her head. "Not at all! Thanks to you, I've made so many friends and found happiness I never dreamed of."
Draconis smiled, relief flickering across his face. "I'm glad."
Asia watched him, eyes shining. "Draconis, you're really gentle, you know?"
He blinked. "Didn't expect you to say that about me."
Who'd have thought he'd get called 'yasashii' one day...
Asia tilted her head, innocent and sincere. "I mean it, even if we're devils. I'm praising you."
He smiled, shaking his head. "Asia, I'm not really the gentle person you think. I just do what I want, that's all."
Asia's eyes curved into happy crescents. "Maybe that's how devils should be. But Draconis, you're especially captivating."
She clasped her hands to her chest, looking almost saintly. "I truly believe your heart holds mercy, tolerance, freedom, fairness—all divine qualities. That doesn't conflict with being a devil!"
Asia, once a church saint, knew how rare it was to see all those traits in one person. If Draconis hadn't become a devil, he could've been a saint—or a king. A teacher to the masses, a leader of many.
Draconis was stunned. Was that really how Asia saw him?
He thought of his Sacred Gear—the Aegis of the Virtuous Monarch—and its previous owner: a king who embraced the world, a saint loved by millions, a leader through hardship. When that king died, even the heavens wept.
Had he earned the Sacred Gear's recognition for the reasons Asia described? Or was he still far from truly being worthy?
As if responding to his thoughts, the Aegis stirred inside him. At the same moment, his magic resonated with the world—surging, growing stronger.
Draconis's eyes sharpened.
He understood, then: Sacred Gears possessed divinity, too. A simple conversation with Asia had shown him how to connect with his Sacred Gear—and made him stronger.
What Draconis didn't know was that this path—cultivating one's spirit—was open to all beings. Angels, devils, humans alike could transcend through the strength of their hearts. If devil contracts were shortcuts, this was the true road: hardship, endless trials, and, for those who succeeded... transcendence.
—
🔥 Want to read the next 50 chapters RIGHT NOW?
💎 Patreon members get instant access!
⚡ Limited-time offer currently running...
👉 Join on -
✨patreon.com/GoldenLong