The glow of the magic circle faded, and Rias Gremory appeared with Akeno Himejima and Koneko Toujou, their presence filling the ruined air with power.
The moment they arrived, they saw what was left of the place—a half-collapsed house on the outskirts of town, practically reduced to rubble by Ryuichi's battle with the priest Freed.
Rias's sharp eyes immediately found Ryuichi. When she saw he was unharmed, the hard edge in her expression softened.To her, Ryuichi was still in his early stage as a Devil—someone she had to guide and protect.If something had happened to him now, she'd feel like she'd failed as his master.
"How's the situation? Did you run into anyone from the Church?" Rias asked, her crimson hair swaying as she scanned the wreckage.
As she spoke, her gaze landed on Asia, the blonde girl standing beside Ryuichi, and her brows rose slightly.Rias, as a high-class Devil, was extremely sensitive to the aura of the Church—and Asia's holy scent stood out like sunlight in shadow.
Normally, encountering someone from the Church wouldn't lead straight to a fight, but no Devil would offer a warm welcome either.Right now, though, Ryuichi stood calmly beside her, so Rias chose to wait before taking action.
Ryuichi nodded respectfully."Yes. A priest. The moment we met, he attacked."
Then he glanced apologetically at Koneko."Sorry, Koneko. I just got there when your contractor was already killed by that guy."
Koneko's golden eyes flickered, her gaze turning toward the rubble. With her sharp senses, she had already detected the corpse buried below."This isn't your fault," she said quietly, her small fists tightening. "I'll avenge her."
Though Koneko always seemed expressionless, Ryuichi had been around her long enough to notice the subtle tremor in her tone—she was angry.
"It's my fault," Rias said grimly. "I should've predicted a stray exorcist might target the contractor. That was my oversight."
Ryuichi blinked. "He wasn't… a real priest?"
"What kind of priest would slaughter humans for fun?" Rias replied, exasperation in her voice. "Didn't I tell you before? Heaven values human life. A proper exorcist would never act like that."
Her words made things clear to him.So not all priests were like that lunatic from earlier.
"Just like stray Devils, there are stray exorcists," Rias continued. "They're outcasts banished from the Church—sadistic killers who take pleasure in hunting Devils. Their hearts are twisted, and the only ones who'll take them in are the Fallen Angels."
Akeno added softly, her usual teasing smile gone."Once they fall that far, they end up working under Fallen Angels. That's where they belong."
When Ryuichi noticed her rare seriousness, he didn't comment. He was just glad everyone had arrived safely.
Once it was clear he was unharmed, all eyes turned to Asia.
"I'm guessing you've already figured it out," Ryuichi said, looking at her gently. "You weren't with a normal church group. Those people are under the Fallen Angels' control. I think… they've been targeting your Sacred Gear."
Yes—her Sacred Gear, Twilight Healing, known here as The Holy Smile of the Virgin.That was what they were after.
This innocent, kindhearted girl had been completely deceived.
"Ryuichi," Rias spoke up, her voice carrying a faint trace of irritation. "I've been wondering since I got here—what's the story with this nun?"
It wasn't surprising. Devils didn't like having Church agents around.
Ryuichi briefly explained Asia's situation.
"I see," Rias said coolly. "So she's working for the Fallen Angels. In that case, she has nothing to do with you. Let's have her leave before she brings trouble."
Her tone was decisive, but Ryuichi hesitated.He'd seen the fear and confusion in Asia's eyes. He remembered what it felt like to be cornered by Fallen Angels, helpless and alone.
"President," he said suddenly, "what if you made her one of us?"
The room went still.
"Huh?""Ryuichi-san… what did you say?" Asia's voice trembled as much as Rias's did.
"I'm not speaking without reason," Ryuichi said evenly."Asia's Sacred Gear, The Holy Smile of the Virgin, can even heal Devils like me. Her ability is powerful—too powerful. That's exactly why the Fallen Angels want her."
Rias's crimson eyes glimmered thoughtfully. She gestured for him to continue.
Encouraged, Ryuichi smiled faintly and turned to Asia."And that's why they'll never stop hunting you. You must've noticed it already, haven't you? The way they look at you—it isn't faith. It's greed."
Asia's blue eyes widened as fragments of memory flashed in her mind.Moments of unease. Things she hadn't wanted to believe.And now, with Ryuichi's words, the truth finally sank in.
"But… but I can't…" she whispered, shaking her head. "To become a Devil… That would mean betraying God… Oh merciful Lord, please forgive me…"
Her trembling prayer faded into the ruined air.
Ryuichi exhaled softly. "I'm afraid your God can't reach this place. The churches here belong to the Fallen Angels now. Whatever help you're hoping for—it's not coming."
He smiled wryly, the kind of smile Asia imagined only a Devil could wear."But we can help you. We're the only ones who can. If you go back, they'll strip your Sacred Gear from you—and once that's done, you'll die."
The truth hit her like a hammer. She wavered, torn between faith and survival.
Akeno leaned toward Rias, whispering with a sly smile, "She's hesitating, but you know he's right, President. She'd make a fine addition to our group."
Rias didn't respond immediately, but her silence was enough—she was considering it.
Seeing Asia's inner struggle, Ryuichi sighed softly."Asia, please. You already know the answer. Do you really think those Fallen Angels see you as anything more than a tool?"
He spoke from experience—raw and personal.Whatever good Fallen Angels might exist, he had never met one. Only the cruel ones had crossed his path.
Something in his tone reached her."I… I understand now," she whispered. "Ryuichi-san… I believe you. You're… a good person."
Ryuichi winced inwardly. Really? A good-guy card now?
Rias chuckled under her breath and finally nodded."Then it's settled. Welcome to our family, Asia. But before we begin the reincarnation ritual…"Her crimson eyes sparkled mischievously."Would you mind removing that holy outfit? Its divine aura is rather uncomfortable for Devils to be around. Forgive me, Asia-chan~"
With a teasing flick of her fingers, Rias's magic surged—and with a soft snap, Asia's nun habit disintegrated into glowing threads.
Asia froze, cheeks flaring crimson. She yelped softly, crouching down to cover herself."Ah! Ryuichi-san, p-please don't look!"
Ryuichi blinked. Too late.