The feeling of that first kiss—
It was, without question, unforgettable.
And at the same time, Ryuichi had learned something else—who his future rival would be.
Rias's fiancé.
There was no doubt the man was a High-Class Devil—perhaps even beyond that.
Compared to such a being, Ryuichi's current strength was still painfully far behind.
He exhaled softly. I'll have to work harder… much harder.
Ever since he'd come to this world and entered the realm of Devils, that sense of crisis had never left his heart.
Yes, his progress had been rapid—faster than most could dream—but that feeling of danger only grew sharper with each passing day.
Because every new enemy that appeared—or was yet to appear—was far stronger than the last.
For now, the most practical way forward was through Devil contracts.
That was still the main path to power.
Of course, his personal training couldn't be neglected either.
Training on his own was risky—especially with the kind of monsters lurking in this world—but real growth always came through danger.
And Ryuichi had never been one to shrink from hardship.
As for contracts, his deal with Sakurajima Mai had been a success.
Next, he would need to find a new client.
Which brought his thoughts full circle—
He really needed to find a Familiar soon.
Otherwise, he'd be stuck doing the tedious work of handing out flyers and chasing potential clients around.
What a drag.
Thinking about that, he found himself looking forward to tomorrow's trip into the Familiar Forest.
"Get some sleep," Rias murmured beside him, her voice a soft lullaby. "Tomorrow's the Familiar Forest expedition."
She pulled him close, indulging in the warmth of his body.
Ryuichi couldn't help but feel exasperated. Really? She teases me this far and then says, 'go to sleep'?
Still… fine.
That sort of thing wasn't a problem for him anymore.
Devils were known to indulge their desires—but that didn't mean they were slaves to them.
In fact, true Devils had perfect control over their instincts.
And Ryuichi, despite his youthful appearance, was very much a Devil.
Soon his thoughts calmed.
His heartbeat slowed.
Holding Rias's impossibly soft body against his chest, he slipped quietly into sleep.
This time, no one interrupted.
They slept soundly—together—until morning light filled the room.
When Ryuichi opened his eyes, the first thing he saw was a breathtaking sight.
Rias lay beside him, sprawled sideways, the blanket barely covering her waist.
One long, smooth leg rested across his body, her flawless, pale skin glowing faintly in the dawn light.
Her entire form—from her curves to her posture—was perfection itself.
Waking up to this kind of scenery could make any man feel reborn.
Still, with her head resting on his arm, his hand had long gone numb.
It was a strange kind of pain—one he didn't exactly mind.
With his free hand, he gently shook her shoulder.
"Rias, time to wake up."
The sleeping beauty stirred, her long crimson hair sliding across her face as she blinked drowsily.
"…Morning already?"
"It's dawn," Ryuichi replied, smiling faintly. "I'm heading out for morning training."
As he spoke, he lightly patted the smooth thigh resting across him, a silent signal for her to move.
Rias pouted, then reluctantly sat up—stretching with languid grace as the blanket slipped completely off her body.
Her supple, unhidden form gleamed in the morning light as she yawned like a lazy cat.
Ryuichi averted his gaze with great discipline, forcing himself to get up and start dressing.
Meanwhile, Rias reclined again like a queen, chin resting on her hand, her eyes tracing his movements with open amusement.
It seemed it wasn't just men who enjoyed looking at undressed women—women, too, could appreciate the sight of a well-built man getting dressed.
Their morning practice went as usual—though with Rias joining in, Ryuichi found himself far more motivated than before.
Time passed quickly after that.
Before they knew it, it was time for the Familiar Forest expedition.
Although only Asia and Ryuichi were required to find Familiars, Rias and the others decided to come along as well.
The five of them gathered in the Occult Research Club room, then stepped into a teleportation circle together.
With a flash of light, they arrived in the Familiar Forest.
It was said this forest existed in a separate dimension—
a mysterious realm suspended between Heaven and the Underworld.
Countless bizarre creatures lived within it, each with unique powers and personalities.
Above them hung a blood-red moon, and the entire forest glowed in shades of dark crimson.
Black, twisted trees rose in eerie shapes, their branches casting long, jagged shadows.
The air itself seemed alive with a chilling, supernatural pulse.
Asia shivered. "The scenery here is… kind of scary…"
Rias smiled gently.
"That's because this area is closer to the Underworld. There are parts of the forest that lean toward the Divine Realm—but the light energy there is too strong for us Devils. So naturally, we come to this side instead."
Her sharp crimson eyes swept the surroundings.
"Tonight's a full moon. He should appear soon."
"'He'?" Asia tilted her head curiously. "Who's that?"
"The Master of Familiars."
Before Ryuichi could ask, he felt a surge of magical energy nearby.
A deep, jovial voice echoed from above.
"Ha! Looks like we've got newcomers!"
Ryuichi glanced up—and blinked.
A middle-aged man stood on a branch, dressed like some kind of eccentric wilderness explorer.
Asia jumped in surprise. "Kya—who are you!?"
"Hmph!" the man puffed out his chest. "I am Zatouji, the Master of Familiars!
Ah, what a fine moon tonight! Perfect for catching Familiars!
With me on the job, any Familiar is within reach!"
Ryuichi raised an eyebrow. Really? If he's the 'Master of Familiars,' does he actually need to catch them himself? Sounds like he's bragging a bit…
He cast a questioning glance toward Rias.
She just smiled knowingly and nodded.
"He's the real deal. An expert on Familiars."
"Well then!" Zatouji landed gracefully before them. "Let's get started. What kind of Familiar do you want? Power type? Speed type? Poison user?"
Ryuichi smirked. "I'd like one that can help me with my homework."
Everyone: "…"
Rias sighed, pressing a hand to her forehead.
"Ryuichi, Familiars are incredibly important partners. Can you please take this seriously?"
"Hey, I was kidding," he said with a shrug. "I'll take whatever we can actually find."
Rias composed herself. "I think a combat-support type would suit you best."
"Fair point," he agreed. "Though finding one like that might be easier said than done."
Asia, meanwhile, was sparkling with excitement.
"Um, I'd like… something cute! Like Koneko's cat!"
Zatouji beamed. "Leave it to me, young lady! I guarantee satisfaction!"
With a laugh, he leapt from the branch and gestured for them to follow.
For all his theatrics, Zatouji truly did know his stuff—his ability to sense and track Familiars was nothing short of impressive.
Before long, he led them to a shimmering lake nestled in a clearing.
"Here we are! This lake is home to a Water Spirit—a Undine!
They're a proud and powerful species, excellent for battle!"
Ryuichi's eyes lit up.
After Angels, Devils, and Dragons… now even Elves and Spirits were making their appearance.
According to legend, Elves were pale, elegant beauties with long legs and pointed ears.
He couldn't help but wonder—
Would this one be the same?
..
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