Rowan walked through the streets of Tokyo, continuing his search.
"Damn it. Why is it so hard to find these guys?" he muttered, a sour look on his face.
"It's not like it was ever going to be easy. Tokyo's huge. Finding the people we're looking for was always going to be difficult," Sora said nonchalantly, walking beside him with her arms crossed behind her head. "What I'm curious about is why the hell they sent you after Fallen Angels and Exorcists in Tokyo, yet they still don't have a clue about the ones that are in their literal backyard."
"Yeah, I'm not sure about that either," Rowan replied.
Then Sora looked at him with a questioning gaze. "So why didn't you do anything about them? Were you worried about messing up the plot or something?"
Rowan replied flatly, "No. I don't give a shit about plot. I'm just worried that if I make too many changes all at once, I'll have no idea what's going to happen next. People like Kokabiel need to be taken off the board—and that's a lot easier if I know what their next move is."
"Fair enough, I guess," Sora said with an amused smirk.
"Now, back to the present," Rowan said, shifting gears. "We need a lead on these guys, and since Mika's our only informant, guess we're heading to the café."
---
Rowan walked into LycoReco. As he stepped up to the counter, Mika looked up from a ledger and said, "Oh, it's you. Did you come for an update on your job? I've got good news. An older-looking guy wearing priest robes was spotted at the docks a couple nights ago. Just like you asked, we kept our distance."
"That's great news," Rowan replied. "Is it just you today, Mika?"
"Yeah, just me. Chisato and Takina are out on a job," he answered while looking slightly distracted.
"You seem off your game today," Rowan noted.
"Do I?" Mika said with a tired breath. "Well, forgive me for not being at a hundred percent. Someone managed to get the drop on Chisato recently—while she and Takina were out relaxing. They sabotaged her artificial heart. It won't charge anymore. And once the battery runs out, that's it for her. So yeah, I guess 'distracted' is a decent enough word."
Rowan's expression turned grim. "...I'm sorry. Doesn't seem like the kind of thing you'd share with a guy you barely know, though."
"Maybe I just needed to vent to someone. Or maybe I'm secretly hoping you've got a way to help her," Mika said with a trace of hope in his voice.
Rowan leaned back in his chair. "I might. But before you get your hopes up, she might have to disappear after. And even then, I'll only do it if she agrees to it."
"By disappear... you mean fake her death?"
"Yes," Rowan confirmed. "But once again, only if she agrees. Putting that aside for now, you got any leads on who sabotaged her heart?"
"I might. But I don't have proof. I need to confirm it before I do anything." Mika sighed. "Now enough of that. Are you actually going to buy something for once?"
"Well, I guess a light snack wouldn't hurt. I'll have—"
But just as Rowan was about to order, he froze. He felt it—someone calling to him. This wasn't a client. It was an emergency summoning. From the business card he'd given Chisato.
Something was wrong.
"Nevermind, Mika. I gotta go," Rowan said quickly, already turning for the door.
Mika rubbed his chin, watching him leave. "Where the hell's he going in such a hurry...?"
---
Once Rowan was out of sight, he teleported instantly—straight to Chisato.
What he found made his blood run cold.
A dying Chisato lay in Takina's arms, the other girl bruised and bleeding.
Takina looked up in shock. "How did you get here...? And what was that light?"
"Never mind that for now. What the hell happened to you two?" Rowan asked, worry creeping into his voice.
"We were out on a job when we got attacked," Takina said, her voice firm but strained. "They called us sinners. Said we needed to die for the greater good. Then they started throwing spears made of light."
"Well, you two found my targets," Rowan said darkly.
"Those are your targets?" Takina asked in disbelief. "But they're... they're not human."
"Yeah. I know. Why do you think I said stay away?"
Before she could respond, the door exploded open. Two Fallen Angels stepped into the room.
"Well, well, well. Wasn't expecting a devil to show up," one of them sneered. "Makes this a bit more fun for us, at least."
Rowan narrowed his eyes. "Did you do this to them?"
"No, no, that was our client—Mr. Majima," said the brown-haired one. "We just kept them distracted so he could sneak up from behind and brutally stab the blonde. She's annoyingly good at dodging projectiles."
The black-haired one added mockingly, "Once he was sure the girl was gonna die, he left us to chase the brunette while she foolishly tried to flee with her friend."
Behind Rowan, Takina gritted her teeth, trembling in frustration.
Rowan gently patted her shoulder. "Just give me a minute. I'll take care of this."
Then he stepped forward.
"I don't know who you two are, but I'm going to kill you now. No mercy. No negotiation. Just your splattered remains staining these walls," Rowan said as his eyes flashed red and a powerful demonic aura surged around him.
The Fallen Angels stiffened. They knew they were in trouble—but didn't show it.
"You'd risk starting a war over a couple of brats?" one said.
"War? No. This is an extermination," Rowan said with disgust. "You're pests."
Then he stepped toward them.
---
In the next instant, Rowan disappeared from their view, appearing right next to one of the Fallen Angels. Before the Fallen Angel could react, Rowan grabbed him by the throat and stared into his eyes as he slowly squeezed his throat so hard that his head exploded—relishing the look of absolute terror in the enemy's eyes in their final moments.
While Rowan could have easily stopped the gore from touching him, he let it splatter all over his body and face. Then, turning to the final opponent—covered in gore and radiating bloodlust and murderous intent—he wanted them to feel the fear and desperation that Chisato must have felt.
And it worked.
The final Fallen Angel was frozen in terror as Rowan, covered in blood, slowly walked toward him. Rowan's opponent couldn't move, breathe, or speak—he could only watch as Rowan walked up to him and slowly reached out with both hands to grip the Fallen Angel's wings. Still locking eyes with him, Rowan slowly ripped off the left wing.
The Fallen Angel began screaming in absolute terror and agonizing pain.
Without pause, Rowan tore off the right wing as well.
"The wings that carried you here to harm my friends are gone," Rowan said—his quiet voice cutting through the screams of agony.
He then moved his hand to the top of his opponent's skull, holding him dangling in the air by the top of it with his left hand. Then, with his right hand, he viciously ripped off both of the Fallen Angel's arms.
"The arms you used to reach for what is mine are gone," Rowan said softly, as blood sprayed like a fountain.
The cold fury inside Rowan was not yet satisfied. So he ripped off both of the Fallen Angel's legs—blood and flesh still hanging from the hip joint where he twisted the legs and separated them from the femur.
"The legs you used to walk this path are gone," Rowan growled, his voice still laced with cold, demonic fury.
He then dragged the bleeding and blubbering Fallen Angel—or what was left of him—over to Takina and held what remained of him up by the hair, the torso still leaking blood onto the ground. Forcing the Fallen Angel to look at Takina, he gave a cold command:
"Apologize and beg her for your life."
Immediately, the Fallen Angel began to babble incoherently—what one could only assume were words of apology and pleading to be spared.
Rowan's face immediately twisted with rage and irritation, and he threw the Fallen Angel onto the ground.
"Fucking trash can't even beg properly," he snarled.
Then he brought his foot down on the Fallen Angel's face, and the skull exploded under Rowan's foot—splattering blood, bone, and gray matter all over the ground, finally ending his misery.
---
Once it was over, Rowan ran back to the girls and found Takina crying quietly over a now-lifeless Chisato.
He grimaced at the sight. "No choice, then."
He gently took Chisato from Takina and laid her on a nearby table. Then he pulled out the Primal Knife.
As he cut open Chisato's chest, Takina rushed forward. "What are you doing?!"
"I'm saving her. Just stay back," Rowan said firmly.
Takina froze. Her instincts told her to stop him—but after what she'd seen him do just now, she knew she wasn't a match. Then, realization dawned.
"You were telling the truth... You really are a devil," she said quietly.
Rowan smirked. "Told you."
He removed Chisato's artificial heart, then placed a pawn piece into her chest cavity.
Takina watched, stunned, as flesh and blood began to grow inside Chisato. A real heart formed, nerves and arteries connecting. Her ribs regenerated. Muscles stitched themselves together. Her pale skin regained its color.
After a minute, Chisato looked good as new—and began to breathe again.
"She's alive... but how?" Takina asked in disbelief.
"Not your concern," Rowan said, lifting Chisato into his arms.
As he turned to leave, Takina stepped in front of him, her eyes focused. "Where are you taking her?"
"To my home. She's been reincarnated as a devil. As my servant. She doesn't belong to the human world anymore."
"You can't just take her," Takina said, fists clenched.
"I can," Rowan said calmly. "And I am. She serves me now. That can't be changed. Death is the only way to remove the Evil Piece."
He looked her straight in the eyes.
"You have three options.
Option one—you step aside. Never tell anyone about this. Pretend your best friend isn't a devil.
Option two—I wipe your memory. You'll never know what happened here. And Chisato will lie to you for the rest of your life."
Takina stared at him, weighing the truth behind his words. Then, after a long pause, she asked quietly:
"And option three is... that I join You?"
Rowan gave a warm smile. "Yes, it is. And if you want, I can explain all the nice benefi—"
"No need. I pick option three," she said firmly, without hesitation.
"You didn't think about that very long," Rowan noted.
"She's my partner. My best friend," Takina said simply. "Wherever she goes... I go."
Rowan nodded. "Alright then. Welcome to my world."
He placed another pawn piece against her chest.
Takina's vision blurred. Her legs gave out. Rowan caught her before she could hit the floor—and then he teleported them both home.Hours later, Takina stirred awake to the sound of someone loudly crunching on potato chips. She turned her head to the side and saw Chisato sitting next to her on the couch, wearing an expensive-looking bathrobe, snacking on chips, and watching TV with a relaxed smile.
Chisato glanced over and grinned.
"Good morning, Sleeping Beauty. How're you feeling?"
Takina didn't answer at first. Instead, she suddenly lunged forward and wrapped Chisato in a tight hug. Her voice was soft but strained.
"I'm so glad you're okay."
Chisato smiled warmly and gently patted her on the back.
"There, there. I'm fine. Not really sure how, though. I guess Rowan owes us an explanation. Also… where are we, exactly?"
That was when Takina finally took in her surroundings. The room was stunning—elegant, modern, and far too luxurious for a typical apartment.
"This must be Rowan's house," she murmured.
Chisato looked around and nodded, dead serious.
"I mean, I knew he had money, but not this much. His guest rooms are big enough to fit a one-bedroom apartment. The bathroom alone screams rich person's house."
Then she grinned.
"Oh, and I checked myself out in the mirror after a bath. Somehow, I've gotten even prettier."
Takina gave her a flat look.
"But you haven't gotten any more humble, apparently."
Chisato winked. "You'll brag too when you see how much cuter you are now."
Takina blinked, stood up quickly, and rushed to the bathroom. She stared at herself in the mirror—and froze.
All her injuries were gone. Every scar, every blemish—gone. Her skin was smooth and healthy, her hair soft and silky, and even her eyes looked brighter.
She walked back into the room, still processing.
"My physical appearance… it's different."
"If by different, you mean you got cuter—then yeah," Chisato replied cheerfully.
"What the heck happened to us?" Chisato asked. "My surgical scars are gone. And I can feel my heart beating. I haven't felt that in years—artificial hearts don't do that."
"Has Rowan not told you anything yet?"
"Haven't seen him," Chisato said, shaking her head. "I was waiting for you to wake up."
"Then let's go talk to him," Takina said firmly. "I want a detailed explanation."
Chisato stretched and smiled. "Okay! But dang—I feel amazing. Like, way healthier than usual."
"Now that you mention it… I feel stronger too," Takina admitted.
They headed downstairs but found no one in the living room. Then they heard voices—raised ones—coming from farther down the hall.
Following the noise, they stepped into the game room... and froze.
In front of them, a glasses-wearing brunette was furiously playing a fighting game against a massive silverback gorilla wearing a tattered school uniform and sunglasses.
"Oh, that was some cheap shit, Bancho!" the girl shouted. "Ledge-guarding?! Seriously?! You dick!"
The gorilla calmly signed in response: It's called strategy.
"Oh fuck you! One more round!" she yelled.
Chisato leaned closer to Takina and said, voice calm but bewildered,
"Hey Takina… why can I understand sign language now?"
"I'm not sure," Takina replied dryly. "But is that really what you're focusing on?"
"No, but I'm pretty sure if I start questioning this whole scene, I'll lose my sanity," Chisato whispered.
"Agreed."
They looked around until they spotted Rowan playing pool in the corner—with a silver-haired girl in a black gothic lolita dress.
They walked over, and Rowan glanced up.
"Oh good. You're awake. About time."
Chisato laughed awkwardly. "Yeah, about that… How am I awake? And what's going on?"
Rowan gestured to the table. "Have a seat. This'll take a minute."
The four of them sat down, and Rowan started explaining.
"For starters… the two of you are Devils now."
Chisato blinked. "Oh come on. Be serious," she said with a nervous laugh.
"He is serious," Takina said, arms crossed. "I wish I could deny it, but after what I witnessed back at that warehouse, I know he's telling the truth."
Rowan revealed his devil wings, tail, and red glowing eyes.
Chisato's jaw dropped. "Oh shit—it's real?! Do I have… those?"
"Yeah," Rowan said. "Just focus on your back and imagine them popping out."
She tried it—and with a small gasp, a large pair of bat wings emerged from her back. She flinched but kept calm.
"Okay… that's new. What else happened to me?"
Rowan continued. He explained that they were now his servants—his pawns. As Devils, they were vulnerable to light and holy magic, probably barred from heaven, and had lifespans extending over 10,000 years. Their bodies were now eternally youthful, physically enhanced, and capable of using magic.
Chisato rubbed her forehead. "Anything else?"
"When I resurrected you," Rowan said, "I cut out your artificial heart. The Evil Piece grew you a new one—made of flesh and blood."
"So that's why I can feel a heartbeat now," Chisato muttered. "So what happens to us now?"
"Now," Rowan said, "you serve me. You'll live for me, work for me—and, if necessary, kill for me."
Chisato held up a hand. "Okay—hold on. I don't kill people."
"Anyone I ask you to kill will absolutely deserve it," Rowan replied. "But mostly, you'll be dealing with monsters and other supernatural threats. As for people, until you're ready... leave that to me."
Chisato gave a small nod. "I think I can work with that."
Rowan raised a brow. "You're being awfully accepting of all this."
"You used up what I can only assume was a valuable item to bring me back," Chisato said. "You changed my race. I owe you my life. And I'm guessing this isn't… reversible?"
"It's not," Rowan confirmed.
"Then yeah—I accept it," she said. "I'd be lying if I said I won't need time to adjust though."
"That's understandable," Rowan said. "Unlike Aika, you two didn't really get much of a choice."
"Aika?" Takina asked.
They both turned as a voice shouted from the other side of the room:
"Damn it, Bancho! No spamming!"
Rowan pointed. "That's Aika. The gorilla is Bancho. And the girl next to me is Sora."
"Yo," Sora said with a casual wave.
"Oh. Cool," Chisato said blankly.
"Anyway, now that we've got the heavy stuff out of the way… here are your contracts."
The girls each took one and began reading—only for both of them to suddenly shout:
"We get paid HOW MUCH?!"
Takina stared at the page, trembling.
"I've never seen that many zeros attached to a salary before…"
Chisato's eyes sparkled. "And we get our own rooms in this mansion—rent-free?! I love this place already."
"I like to keep my peerage close," Rowan said with a grin.
"And we get our own land once we qualify as nobles?" Takina asked.
Chisato grabbed Rowan's hand.
"You've got yourself some loyal servants," she said brightly.
Rowan chuckled. "Alright, you two—rest up. Starting this weekend, we train."
"Okay."
"Understood."
The girls wandered off to explore the mansion.
Rowan turned back to the pool table.
"Now, where were we?"
"Oh, I was just about to hand you your ass," Sora said smugly, lining up her next shot.
"Bring it, you demented book," Rowan replied.
Sora raised a brow. "Oh, it's on. No one calls me a book and gets away with it."
I should deal with Majima and Shinji Yoshimatsu, while also eliminating the priest, Rowan thought to himself. I should avoid being seen doing it myself... but I think I have the perfect solution to that. He thought as he hummed a certain jingle to himself
Then Sora said, "Oh yeah, before I forget," and snapped her fingers.
A system notification appeared before Rowan's eyes:
Quest Complete: Mass Hiring
Reward: World Travel Unlocked
Rowan grinned. "Oh, sweet. That'll make this weekend's training even more interesting."