The sudden turn of events left everyone speechless. And just like that, Asia's living arrangements were decided.
Since Ryuichi didn't have time to find her a place to stay that day, Asia would be temporarily lodging in the Occult Research Club's activity room.
Meanwhile, Rias had just finished her bath. She stepped out, wrapped in a towel, a soft trail of steam following her. The faint fragrance of roses filled the room as she crossed the floor, leaving light, wet footprints behind before settling gracefully onto the sofa.
"There's something that caught my attention," she began, her tone calm but focused. "That stray exorcist you encountered today, Ryuichi—you managed to drive him off."
Ryuichi looked up. "Is there something wrong with that?"
"Exorcists are generally among the finest human warriors," Rias said. "Even a mid-class Devil could struggle against one. The fact that you defeated him so easily… honestly surprised me."
At that, Akeno's expression brightened with realization."Ah, that's right. The last time you fought that high-ranked Fallen Angel, you were badly injured. But this time you beat an exorcist without so much as a scratch."
Koneko gave a small nod. "You've improved quickly."
Ryuichi smiled faintly, unbothered by their reactions. "Mm. Keep the compliments coming—I don't mind."
Everyone: "…"
Well, there it was again—that cocky, mischievous side of his personality that somehow made him both charming and infuriating.
Rias's expression softened, but soon her gaze grew distant, as if some thought weighed heavily on her mind.
"Still… time is running out," she murmured.
Ryuichi tilted his head. "Time?"
Rias didn't answer. She only shook her head lightly."It's nothing. You're growing stronger, Ryuichi, and that pleases me. But…" Her tone lowered, serious now. "It's still not enough."
She looked at him intently—those sapphire eyes filled with quiet resolve."You must become stronger… much stronger."
Akeno's smile faded slightly. As Rias's closest friend, she could tell something serious was troubling her.If even Rias Gremory felt this kind of pressure… then it could only be that matter.
Was she placing her hopes on Ryuichi?
Akeno sighed quietly.That might be asking too much. Ryuichi was talented, yes, but the opponent she feared was on a completely different level.
Ryuichi, hearing Rias's muttered words, still didn't fully understand.But he could guess—Rias needed his strength for something important. He'd sensed it for a while now.
"I'll get stronger," he said.
His voice was calm yet firm—neither boastful nor hesitant, but filled with a quiet confidence that made others believe in him without question.
Rias's gaze softened again. She reached out, gently brushing his cheek with her hand."I know," she whispered. "I've always believed that."
She exhaled lightly. "But as your King, I can't just sit back and do nothing. Starting tomorrow morning, I'll be helping you train personally."
Ryuichi smiled. Having Rias Gremory herself as his trainer was more than he could have hoped for.And so, their special training began.
The next morning, before sunrise, Ryuichi arrived at the park. Rias was already there, perfectly on time.
Today, she was wearing a fitted red tracksuit. Even though it was a simple outfit, it couldn't hide her elegant, curvaceous figure.
Ryuichi's gaze lingered for a moment.
Strange, he thought. I've seen her with far less on before, yet somehow she looks even more attractive like this…There was no denying it—Rias was the very image of a mature, confident beauty.
"Admiring the view again?" Rias asked lightly, catching his gaze. Her tone carried that teasing lilt she was known for.
Ryuichi chuckled. "Can you blame me? It's hard not to when my trainer looks this good."
"If you like what you see, maybe I'll consider a little reward later," she replied playfully. "But for now—let's focus on the training."
"Ah, the sweetest motivation," Ryuichi said, rolling his shoulders.
Rias smiled faintly, then her expression turned businesslike. "Whether human, angel, or devil, the foundation is always the body. Physical strength and endurance are essential before you can master magic or combat techniques."
She clapped her hands once. "Let's start with push-ups. One thousand."
Ryuichi blinked. "Still sticking with the classics, huh?"
He smirked. "Fine. Easy enough."
He got to work, his pace steady and focused. After a few reps, Rias casually stepped closer, resting one hand on his shoulder, her weight testing his balance.
"Hmm. Not bad," she said, watching his form. "Your stamina has improved a lot."
Ryuichi grinned between breaths. "Maybe it's because a certain beautiful senpai is watching me so closely. Adds pressure in all the right ways."
Rias laughed softly. "Focus on the push-ups, not on charming your superior."
"Can't help it—it's part of my training, too," he said smoothly, continuing his rhythm.
By the time he hit a thousand reps, Rias nodded in satisfaction. "Good. Now, sit-ups."
This time she sat opposite him, leaning forward slightly. Each time Ryuichi rose, their eyes met—her crimson hair catching the morning light, her smile both encouraging and disarming.
The air between them carried that familiar teasing spark, somewhere between flirtation and challenge.
After several hours of nonstop drills—strength, agility, magic focus—Ryuichi finally exhaled, sweat beading across his forehead.
Rias gave a small nod. "That's enough for today's physical training. After class this afternoon, you'll continue with Akeno and Koneko for magic control and combat exercises."
She brushed her hands together, then looked at him with a warm smile. "You worked hard, Ryuichi. You've definitely earned a break."
At some point, she had climbed onto his shoulders for their endurance run, forcing him to sprint across the park with her directing the pace like a mischievous drill sergeant. When it was finally over, Ryuichi gently set her down, both of them breathing heavily but smiling.
"Twenty kilometers carrying your King," Rias said proudly. "Not bad at all."
"Next time, maybe you can carry me," Ryuichi joked, wiping the sweat from his brow.
Rias chuckled, taking a towel and lightly dabbing at the sweat on his neck. "Training's tough, isn't it? You've worked up quite a sweat."
Then, with that same calm, teasing grace, she added, "How about a shower before class? We can teleport straight to Kuoh Academy afterward."
Ryuichi exhaled, catching his breath. "Sounds perfect."
And so began Ryuichi's rigorous—and undeniably memorable—training under Rias Gremory.