Under the veil of night, Ryuichi and Koneko Tōjō quietly buried the human client who had been killed by the rogue exorcist.
Normally, a Devil could have left such work to a familiar or a servant, but Koneko had insisted on doing it herself.So Ryuichi stayed to help her.
"That guy will come back again someday,"Ryuichi said, gazing at the small mound of freshly packed soil. His tone was low and heavy.
They Devils had little to fear from that crazed exorcist, but their contractors were only ordinary humans. Against someone like him, they had no chance.
"It's my fault," Koneko murmured, guilt clouding her golden eyes."If I'd responded to her summons faster, she might still be alive."
"You can't blame yourself for that."Seeing her shoulders droop, Ryuichi rested a hand on them in quiet comfort.
"Next time we meet that bastard," he said softly, "we won't let him escape."
He meant it. The only reason the rogue had gotten away was the blinding flash of a holy light bomb that caught Ryuichi off-guard.Next time, he would be ready—blade in hand.
"Please call me when that time comes," Koneko said firmly.
"I will," he replied, sensing the steady determination behind her calm words.
Not far behind them, Rias Gremory was performing a reincarnation ritual for Asia Argento.
The Evil Piece she offered was a Bishop.
As the crimson chess piece sank into Asia's body, Rias finished her incantation.A new companion was born that night.
Ryuichi and Koneko returned just as Asia was feeling the changes in herself.A faint glow shimmered around her, then solidified into a uniform woven from pure demonic energy—the unmistakable Kuoh Academy design.
"Asia, how do you feel?" Ryuichi asked.
"My body feels so light… So this means I'm already a Devil?" she said, nervous but curious.
"Ara ara, it's normal to feel a little strange at first," Akeno Himejima said with a playful smile before glancing at Ryuichi."You're a senpai now, you know. Take good care of your new junior."
Ryuichi laughed awkwardly. Senpai? He'd only been a Devil for a short while himself.
He looked back at Asia and noticed her distant expression.
"What's wrong?"
"N-nothing…" Asia shook her head quickly and tried to smile, but it looked fragile.
He figured she was overwhelmed after everything that had happened today, so he spoke gently:
"If there's anything you don't understand, anything that feels strange, just tell us. We're your companions now. Whatever happens, we'll help you."
"Companions…" Asia repeated under her breath.Her eyes grew hazy, and tears suddenly spilled down her cheeks.
Everyone froze.
Why was she crying?
Ryuichi blinked, puzzled. Did I say something weird?Probably not?
"A-Asia?" he asked carefully.
"I-I'm fine," she sniffed, hurriedly wiping her face. "I'm just… so happy."
"…I see. All right then," Ryuichi said, letting the matter drop.
"All right, let's head back," Rias called from nearby."We've stayed here long enough. If that priest returns with Fallen Angels, it'll be trouble."
She now fully understood Asia's value.Having witnessed the Sacred Gear [Twilight Healing], she knew the Fallen Angels would never let it go easily.
"Akeno, we're leaving."
"Yes, President."Akeno smiled at Asia."Come stand beside me."
Before this, Asia had been human and couldn't use the Devils' teleportation circle.That was why Ryuichi had suggested turning her into a Devil—to keep her from being left behind.
It had worked perfectly. They'd saved Asia and gained a new ally for Rias's peerage—two birds with one stone.
With a flash of crimson light, the group vanished.
About ten minutes later, a scream tore through the sky.
Freed Sellezen plummeted from above, crashing into the ground with a dull thud.Black feathers drifted down around him like ash.
Two Fallen Angels hovered overhead, their faces dark as they sensed the fading traces of demonic energy below.
"Damn it, we're too late! The Holy Smile has been taken!" one shouted.
"You idiot," the other snapped at Freed."You abandoned Asia and ran? Do you have any idea how important her Sacred Gear is to us?"
"Sisters, I'll find her! I already have a lead!" Freed spat, forcing himself up, fury twisting his face."That sword and shield power definitely came from a Sacred Gear—and the only new person who fits that description is…"
The Fallen Angels exchanged a look.
"The new Knight under the red-haired Princess of Destruction—Gremory's latest servant?"
"Tch… so it's her," one muttered, frowning. "She's from a dangerous family."
"Who cares?" the other growled. "Let this fool handle it. Even if he has to kidnap the girl in secret, get the Holy Smile back!"
"Y-yes, ma'am… Understood…"Freed bowed stiffly and stumbled away, scowling.
Back in the Occult Research Club's room, the teleportation circle faded.Rias headed straight for the shower.
Ryuichi, meanwhile, began thinking about where Asia should stay.
"Any suggestions?" he asked Akeno and Koneko.
Both shook their heads.Akeno lived with Rias, and Koneko stayed in the dorms.
"How about she stays at your place?"Rias's voice floated from the bathroom, cheerful over the sound of running water.
Steam curled through the air.Rias stood under the shower, red hair cascading down her bare back, enjoying the warmth as she spoke.Asia's face turned bright scarlet at the sight.
Um… President Rias? Ryuichi-san is right there… Maybe a curtain?No? Really?
Ryuichi, completely unfazed, smiled wryly toward the bathroom doorway.
"That might not be a good idea. I'll just rent her a place nearby. I've got enough savings for that."
"E-eh? I-I can pay for it myself…" Asia mumbled, fiddling with her fingers."I still have a little money. Maybe… enough?"
"It's fine, leave it to me," Ryuichi said."You should save your money for yourself. Don't go turning into a broke Devil. You know what they say about being isshō futsukashii, right?"
"Um… doesn't that mean being… not very capable?" Asia tilted her head, confused.
"Nope," Ryuichi sighed dramatically."It means when you're poor, people hit you with two 'white eyes'—they'll look down on you."
Everyone: "…Huh?"
Silence fell, followed by Akeno's soft giggle.
"Fufufu~ Ryuichi-kun, that's such a bad pun," she said.
Ryuichi only grinned. Asia blinked in puzzlement, Koneko munched on a snack without comment, and Rias's laughter echoed faintly from the shower room.
For the first time that night, the air felt warm again.