After sending off the last of the reporters, Ryuichi stretched lazily, a faint sigh slipping from his lips.
"Finally, that's all taken care of."
Mai Sakurajima, still dazed after everything that had happened, couldn't quite believe it was over.
The strange condition that had plagued her for so long… was it really gone?
Could she finally return to her acting career?
Ryuichi noticed her expression, and with an easy smile, reached out to take her hand. "Come on. Let's head home and make sure of it along the way."
Before she could question him further, he gently pulled her along.
At first, Mai didn't understand what he meant by "make sure." But soon enough, realization dawned.
People along the street began recognizing her. When they saw Mai walking hand-in-hand with a young man, their expressions turned to shock—and more than a few lifted their phones to take pictures.
Ryuichi responded to each of them without hesitation, flicking his fingers and wiping their memories one by one.
Mai could only stare in mild disbelief. This guy really doesn't hold back, does he?
She couldn't help thinking how terrifying his ability to rewrite memories truly was. Could he really just use it so casually in broad daylight?
Once they arrived at her home, Ryuichi's casual air shifted into something more serious.
"All right," he said, "let's make it official—time to form the contract."
The word contract alone made Mai's cheeks warm as the memory of her stolen first kiss flashed back uninvited. She masked her embarrassment with a cool, even tone.
"Didn't we already make one earlier?" she said. "Technically, if we sign again, you'd have to grant me another wish, wouldn't you?"
Ryuichi let out a helpless chuckle. "That's… one way to interpret it. Mai, are you trying to out-cheat a Devil?"
"I learned it from you," she shot back.
"Hardly." Ryuichi gave her a mock-serious look. "A Devil being sly isn't cheating—it's part of the job description."
"…"
She sighed inwardly. There was no winning an argument with him. Whatever he said, he always made it sound reasonable.
Better to retreat for now, she decided. There would be time to get back at him later—on her own turf.
And so, with Mai's reluctant agreement, the official signing of their contract began.
Following the instructions Rias and the others had drilled into him, Ryuichi quickly formed a glowing magic circle on the floor. When it was ready, he gestured for Mai to step inside.
She obeyed, and as the sigils lit up beneath her feet, both of them felt it—a strange, vivid connection forming between their souls.
But then, as Ryuichi attempted to draw in the price of the contract, his body shuddered. His magic power began to surge wildly, boiling inside him like a storm.
"What the—!?"
The mana within him roared like a tidal wave, flooding through his veins. It was multiplying—fast.
This wasn't normal. The boost was far stronger than it should have been.
Still… stronger magic wasn't exactly bad news.
Forcing himself to stay calm, Ryuichi began focusing, guiding the rampaging energy to reinforce his body and expand his capacity for power.
Whoosh!
Under Mai's startled gaze, a pair of black, demonic wings burst open from Ryuichi's back. The air around him rippled violently, and his body slowly rose from the ground, suspended weightlessly in midair.
His consciousness drifted inward—into that mysterious inner realm once again.
Before his eyes stood the colossal black fortress where the artifact Nioh Ken-Tate rested.
It was the same as before—but this time, it pulsed with energy, trembling as if eager to awaken.
Feeling the resonance, Ryuichi gathered his magic and reached out toward the fortress with his power.
The moment he made contact, it was as if floodgates burst open—his mana gushed forth uncontrollably, pouring into the giant structure.
Gong!!!
A massive bell hanging from the fortress's watchtower boomed, echoing like thunder.
The entire city of black stone quaked violently, as though the ancient fortress itself had drawn breath.
Then came a wave of raw power, surging outward in all directions.
Ryuichi's eyes widened in alarm. He hurried to suppress the shockwave before it could escape, finally managing to contain the destructive force.
Even that brief exertion drained most of his magic. With a rueful sigh, he cut off the flow.
So, he could control the fortress—but only barely. It was far beyond what his current strength could sustain.
Still, the connection between the fortress and the Nioh Sword and Shield was undeniable… and the thought intrigued him deeply.
Opening his eyes again, he felt the transformation settle through him. The price of the contract had been fully absorbed, and the power now flowing through his veins was astonishing.
The results of this pact were even better than he'd hoped. Through this contract with Mai Sakurajima, he'd not only strengthened himself—he'd gained a way to grow even further.
Once his power reached a certain level, he could have Rias recommend him to the Maou for formal recognition, ascend to the rank of High-Class Devil, and earn a title of nobility.
"Did it work?" Mai asked with a smile. She could feel it too—the invisible thread of connection tying her to him.
"Yeah," Ryuichi said, his grin easy and confident. "From now on, if you ever need me, you can summon me directly through the contract."
Mai blinked in surprise, then laughed softly. The idea of having a Devil boyfriend who came whenever she called was… unexpectedly nice.
At that moment, her phone began to ring.
She glanced at the screen—and her smile faltered.
Ryuichi caught a glimpse of the name flashing there: Manager.
Her mother.
He remembered how Mai's mother had forgotten her own daughter not long ago. There wasn't much he could say. Their relationship was… complicated. Painfully so.
"You're not going to answer?" he asked quietly after a pause. "Some things… are better said than left unsaid, don't you think?"
Mai's eyes flickered, uncertainty crossing her face.
Ryuichi squeezed her hand gently and gave her a reassuring smile. "It's getting late. I should head back to school. Don't let me interrupt your family talk. If you need me, you know how to reach me."
Mai took a slow breath, then nodded. "All right."
Satisfied, Ryuichi smiled back, released her hand, and walked toward the door. Just before leaving, he glanced back to see her answering the call—then quietly closed the door behind him.
Once outside, he exhaled deeply.
His first contract—finally complete. He could already imagine Rias's proud smile when he reported it.
Then a sudden thought hit him.
He'd skipped class that morning.
…Did Rias even manage to excuse me?
Ryuichi sighed, shaking his head as he walked toward the bus stop.
Someday, he thought, he really needed to learn teleportation magic.
Being a Devil who couldn't fly or teleport and still had to take the bus everywhere?
Yeah… not exactly dignified.