The days passed quickly, and the Rating Game was drawing ever closer. I stood there, watching Rias train. Her determination and dedication were evident, she was putting everything she had into defeating Raiser. But I bit my lip, knowing that her progress, while impressive, was still insufficient. I thought, weighing the pros and cons as I fingered the bottle of pills. Finally, I sighed and walked towards her.
Rias noticed me and stopped, her face filled with worry.
"What happened onii-chan? Am I doing something wrong?"
Her eyes were filled with worry as she looked at me, her body trembling slightly from nervousness. I could see that she was afraid of my disappointment. I sighed and said.
"Don't worry, you're doing great."
A glimmer of hope lit up her eyes, and it pained me to extinguish it, but I continued:
"But the truth is, you probably won't defeat Riser."
Shock and disappointment showed on her face, and tears glistened in her eyes. My words hurt her, but I moved closer, placing my hand on her shoulder. She flinched, looking at me in confusion.
"You're doing your best, and that's good," I said softly. "Don't despair."
Taking out the bottle, I noticed her sniffle in surprise. I pulled out a handkerchief and wiped away her tears, causing her cheeks to turn slightly pink. Showing her the pill, I explained:
"This is a very valuable thing. It can help you overcome stagnation, strengthen your abilities. But it's not a panacea – you'll still have to make an effort. It will only reveal your hidden abilities."
Rias looked at the pill with disbelief, her gaze wary, but my words and concern convinced her. She took the pill, swallowed it, and at first nothing happened. She looked at me with a puzzled expression, but suddenly clutched her chest, gasping for breath. I immediately jumped up, holding her shoulder. A white aura with a burgundy tint flared around her, her eyes widened in shock.
"This is Touki, your inner life energy," I explained. "Don't be afraid. Calm down, collect your thoughts. Your emotions and will affect the control of energy."
I show my Touki, enveloping her body in a soft glow to calm her down. My words of encouragement worked: she began to breathe more slowly, her chest rose and fell more calmly. While Rias was coming to her senses, I thought. Sirzechs did not possess Touki - his devilish energy and power of destruction made her unnecessary. His physical strength increased without much effort, and his training was not as intense as Sairaorg's. But I, having taken the same pill, awakened Touki. Although I had gotten the hang of it a bit, I needed practice and perhaps a teacher.
I thought about Yasaka, Sun Wukong, or Kuroka. Yasaka and Kuroka were preferable, as they were easier to approach than Sun Wukong, who was related to Indra. The Youkai were reluctant to share secrets, and the information about Touki was superficial. Kuroka, as a natural genius, could help, especially if Koneko was used as a link. Her hairpin probably contained data on the Naberius Super Devil project. It could be used as incriminating evidence to pin them down, exonerate Kuroka, and bring her back to the devils' side, sweetening the deal for Koneko. Another option was to save Kunou to get closer to Yasaka. Both plans required some work, and I decided to think about them later.
Rias, wiping the sweat from her forehead, came to her senses. To calm her down, I smiled and said,
"Well done, Rias. You've become stronger, but you need to get used to your new power."
My tone was calm but serious, emphasizing each word,
"Touki is an opportunity. Your physical strength will increase, but don't neglect magic. Touki can be combined with it."
To illustrate, I released lightning from my fingertip and aimed it at the boulder. The rock shattered with a loud roar, dust and debris flying around, leaving a mess. Then I repeated this, but with Touki: the lightning, surrounded by a soft aura, silently destroyed another rock, leaving no dust or damage. Rias, with her mouth open, looked at me in shock, amazed by the contrast and control.
"It can be combined with the power of destruction," I added. "Experiment, come up with something of your own."
Her eyes lit up with excitement, she nodded decisively, but, noticing that I was still nearby, she hesitated. I laughed:
"Do some self-study, get used to it."
Rias, with her usual confidence, but with a little excitement, replied:
"Okay, brother! I'll figure it out! I won't let you down, I promise!" Her voice trembled with enthusiasm, and her gaze sparkled with determination, as befits the main character.
I walked away, thinking about the other members of her peerage and Gasper Vladi. He was still hiding in his shell, and his fear was a serious problem. Forcing him to fight in a Rating Game now would mean breaking his psyche. He needs time to get out of his comfort zone, but we don't have it. It would be better to start after the game, gradually introducing it into training. My thoughts were interrupted by a magical message: the object of observation had arrived in Kuoh. I immediately understood who it was about, thanked him for the information and disconnected.
Entering the mansion's dressing room, I changed into simple clothes: a white shirt, black jeans. Having prepared the teleportation circle, I thought about Asia Argento.
I wonder how our meeting will go?
Looking in the mirror, I fixed my hair, made a casual face with a calming aura and grinned:
Handsome.
Having teleported to Kuoh, I found myself in the thick of city life. People were rushing about their business, couples were strolling, enjoying the moment. I caught glances: girls were whispering, giggling, some were embarrassedly turning away, and guys were throwing jealous glances, holding on to their companions. This warmed my pride, but I quickly used the magic of distraction, hiding my supernatural presence.
Walking slowly, I looked at the signs, soda machines, bright shop windows. The bustle of people made me feel nostalgic. Lost in my thoughts, I didn't notice how I bumped into someone. There was a squeak, and I saw a blonde with disheveled hair and green eyes, dressed in a nun's robe. She was lying on the ground, her white panties slightly open. My lips trembled.
Fate loves such jokes.
Asia Argento, who had just arrived, was supposed to wait for an escort, but instead decided to take a walk - and bumped into me. Coincidence?
Asia, having come to her senses, looked around in confusion, noticed me and blushed. I smiled, bent down and extended my hand:
"Everything is fine, let me help."
She stuttered, her voice shaking with embarrassment:
"Oh, s-sorry! I was so clumsy, I didn't mean to... Please forgive me, I wasn't looking where I was going!"
I took her hand and helped her up. She quickly brushed off her clothes, her green eyes darting around, full of guilt. She began to bow again:
"I'm sorry, really, I didn't mean to offend you! It's all my fault, I'm so clumsy..."
I raised my hand, gently interrupting her:
"It's okay, don't worry."
She was still mumbling her apologies, so I decided to break the awkwardness:
"Are you Asia Argento?"
Her eyes widened in confusion, but she nodded:
"Y-yes, it's me... And you?..."
"I'm your escort," I said with a smile. "I'm coming to meet you."
Her confusion was obvious. I realized that she hadn't been expecting anyone - she'd just been sent away without instructions, and she'd been going with the flow. It was painfully familiar. I continued:
"Sorry for the inconvenience. I'm here to help. I've heard of your abilities and how you helped a wounded devil without a trace of malice. I want to repay the favor."
Realization flashed in her eyes, but she waved her hands:
"Oh, no, no, that's not necessary! I just did what any person should do... I couldn't pass by, it's my duty as a Christian. No need to thank me, really!"
I mentally rolled my eyes.
Only Asia could answer like that.
Her naivety and rose-colored glasses made her vulnerable in this world.
It's time to take her under my wing.
I looked at Asia, her green eyes still full of confusion. Her naivety could become her weakness, but I smiled and said:
"I insist, Asia. This is my way of thanking you for your kindness. You shouldn't refuse, right? The church doesn't reject donations and help, right?"
My words hurt her, and she nodded, blushing slightly. I suggested:
"Let's go for a walk, have some fun. You've probably never been outside the church, have you?"
She nodded, her voice quiet:
"Y-yes... I've spent my whole life in the church. I've never seen anything else..."
I felt sorry for her in my heart. Growing up in the church wasn't the most fun thing to do, but maybe it saved her from encountering devils or other supernatural beings. Sacred Gear users would eventually run into danger, and the church, for all its shortcomings, provided protection. I thought that if I were a human in this world, I might have chosen the path of an exorcist too, dreaming of becoming a reincarnated angel. But the reality was different - I'm not a human, and my problems are much more complicated. Asia and I walked, chatting about trivial things, sharing stories, enjoying the moment. Noticing a cafe, I suggested:
"Shall we go in? Let's have a drink." She hesitated, but nodded:
"Oh, y-yes, okay... If it's not too much... I'm not used to it..."
"Don't worry," I smiled. "It will be nice."
We entered the cafe, where the atmosphere was cozy - clean, fresh, with soft lighting. I pointed to a table by the window in the corner:
"Shall we sit there?"
Asia nodded, and we sat down. The waiter came over, and I ordered coffee and cake. Asia, confused, tried to repeat after me, but I stopped her:
"Better get a milkshake and something sweet. Girls like that."
The waiter nodded understandingly, wrote down the order and left. Asia fidgeted in her chair, embarrassed, and I thought. Her naivety was dangerous even in the human world, where there were many scoundrels. Issei in the story protected her kindness, but in doing so he only harmed her, not allowing her to face reality. I decided to start a serious conversation.
"Asia," I said, my tone became firmer.
She shuddered, her voice trembling:
"Y-yes? Did I do something wrong?.."
"You're too kind for this world," I continued. "You have to understand that not everyone will respond kindly to your kindness."
She was confused:
"But... you responded kindly to me, didn't you?.."
I sighed:
"That's an exception. Do you know what awaited you?"
Her gaze became puzzled, and I explained:
"The devil you helped was evil. He was planning your renunciation."
Asia gasped, her eyes widening:
"N-no, that can't be! I... I just wanted to help! He was hurt, I couldn't leave him..."
I continued:
"He framed nuns like you, brought them pain and suffering. Your coming here was also part of the plan. The same fate awaited you.
Realization and horror reflected on her face, she stuttered:
"H-how is that possible?.. Why?.. I thought good always wins..."
Tears welled up in her eyes, and I mentally pursed my lip.
Apparently, upsetting girls is my talent.
Taking out a handkerchief, I gently wiped away her tears, her face was touching and depressed. I said soothingly:
"I'm here, Asia. None of this happened because I came to help."
Her gaze perked up a little, but she asked hesitantly:
"And... what will happen to me now?"
"What do you want?" I asked.
She looked around, her voice was quiet:
"I've always lived in the church... I don't know the outside world. But now, seeing all this, I want to know how ordinary people live. And continue to help those in need. It warms my soul..."
I liked her answer, and I smiled:
"Then I'll help. I offer my protection and a plan for what to do next."
She asked in surprise:
"P-plan? What?..."
"There's a young man who's been through a lot. He needs help and support. Don't you want to help him?"
She thought for a moment, then nodded.
"Y-yes, I want to! If I can help someone, I will!"
"You'll get along with him," I said confidently. "He's a good guy, I vouch for him."
My words convinced her, and she agreed. The waiter brought the order, and I sipped my coffee, watching Asia try the milkshake with childish joy, probably for the first time. I thought of Sairaorg. His hard work, determination, and kindness matched perfectly with Asia's sincerity. Her healing ability could relieve his fatigue, giving him more time to train. I imagined him carrying her in his arms, asking for more healing, and my lips twitched into a smile. Thinking back to history, I always thought that Issei didn't deserve Asia. Their connection was uneven, but with Sairaorg, they could create a harmonious synergy.
This will be an interesting move.
***
After spending time in the cafe, Asia and I decided to move on. I took her suitcase, despite her protests:
"Oh, no need, I'll do it myself! It's too much..."
"Nonsense," I waved it off, smiling. "Relax."
Preparing the teleportation circle, I noticed Asia staring at the magical glow, mesmerized. A flash, and we were in my mansion. I sighed inwardly, thinking that her naivety made her vulnerable. My words and encouragement easily convinced her to trust me, and that was worrying.
She doesn't even think about the fact that I could use her.
We passed through the corridors leading to the training grounds. I deliberately chose this path, assuming that Sairaorg was there now. My expectations were met: he was training, shirtless, in only pants, his muscles glistening with sweat. Asia gasped, covering her eyes with her hands in embarrassment:
"Oh, how shameless!"
Sairaorg noticed us, ran up and bowed respectfully:
"Lord Lucifer! I'm glad to see you! It's a great honor. Do you have business with me? Or..." His gaze fell on Asia, who was still hiding her face.
I chuckled, noticing her peeking through the cracks between her fingers.
"Get dressed, Sairaorg, you're embarrassing the lady," I said.
He nodded and quickly pulled on his shirt. I turned to Asia:
"You can open your eyes now."
She hesitantly removed her hands, her cheeks burning. Sairaorg, awkwardly scratching the back of his head, muttered:
"Sorry, I didn't mean to embarrass you. I... uh, got carried away with training.
Asiya stuttered:
"N-no, it's my fault! I'm sorry I interrupted you... I didn't mean to..."
They started throwing apologies at each other, and I clutched my forehead, thinking that this could go on forever. Interrupting them, I said:
"Sairaorg, I have a request for you."
His ears perked up, his attention on the matter. I explained briefly:
"Asia was excommunicated from the church for helping the devil. The story is murky, and without intervention, it could have ended in disaster."
Sairaorg's gaze narrowed, and Asia lowered her head guiltily. I continued:
"I want you to look after her, help her get used to it. She has a holy healing mechanism, which can be of great help."
My words were simple, but there was a subtext hidden behind them. Sairaorg, although good-natured, was not stupid and understood the hint: to gain Asia's support, perhaps to make her part of our faction and even a candidate for his peerage. His eyes widened in shock and gratitude, he exclaimed:
"Lord Lucifer, I... I owe you too much! You do so much for me, I don't even know how to repay you!" I swear, I won't let you down! I'll do my best to live up to your trust!
I placed my hand on his shoulder, my voice full of confidence:
"I see you as a pillar for the future of our race, Sairaorg. It's my duty as a ruler to help people like you. Accept my help and don't refuse."
My words sounded so convincing that it seemed like I could persuade an angel to fall and follow me. I chuckled to myself - persuasion is clearly becoming my strong point. Sairaorg nodded, his eyes blazing with determination:
"I'll accept your help, Lord Lucifer, and do my best! I won't let either you or Asia down!"
He turned to Asia, smiling:
"Let me help you with the suitcase. I'll show you the estate, get used to it.
Asia hesitated:
"Oh, no, it's inconvenient... I'll do it myself..."
Sairaorg laughed, easily picking up the suitcase with one hand and playfully tensing the muscles of the other:
"These muscles aren't just for beauty!"
Asia blushed, but smiled. They left, still awkwardly chatting, and I was left alone, thinking about the future with a small smile. Asia and Sairaorg, their synergy complemented each other perfectly. Her healing could speed up his training, and his defense would give her confidence.
I decided to return to Rias, her training still required my attention. She was experimenting with Touki, and I knew I had to help her master that power before the Rating Game.