Cherreads

Chapter 30 - Act 1 Finale

[Status - Sun Jing]

Race: Fairy / Demon / Human Hybrid

Level: 20

HP: 220 / 220

Mana: 375 / 375

Strength: 22

Agility: 22

Enndurance: 22

Magic Power: 42

Luck: 22

Charisma: 31

Special Trait:

• Hazy Moon (Lv. 5)

Unused Stat Points: 0

Gacha Tickets: 2

Passive Skills:

• Fairy Aura

• Lady Killer

• Transformation

• Poison Resistance

•Heart Reading

•Photographic Reflexes

Active Skills:

• Full Counter

• Hell Blaze

•Resengan

•Chidori

•Cursed Technique - Shrine

Fighting Techniques:

• One Sword Style (Ittoryu Iai)

Hazy Moon Skill Tree:

• Mana Imbued Arrows

• Shining Road

Current Weapons:

• Wado Ichimonji

• Fairy Bow

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Raynare's expression twisted into irritation as she looked down at Issei, her wings fluttering slightly as she hovered just above the ground. "You really don't pay attention, do you?" she said coldly. "There's nothing you can do to win. Even if your power tripled, it wouldn't matter."

Ignoring her words, Issei charged forward again trying to punch her. Raynare sighed in annoyance and effortlessly slipped out of his path, her body rising into the air with ease. "And you're still trying," she added, almost mockingly. With a flick of her wrist, two spears of light formed in her hands, glowing before she hurled them straight at him.

The spears pierced through Issei's thighs, pinning him in place. He let out a sharp cry, his body trembling as the light burned into him. Raynare watched calmly, her voice almost lecturing. "Light is toxic to devils. Even the slightest touch scorches your flesh. Painful, isn't it?"

Issei gritted his teeth, his hands shaking as he reached down and grabbed the spears embedded in his legs. "What do I care…?" he muttered, his voice strained. Slowly, forcefully, he pulled them free, the pain evident in every movement. "This is nothing… nothing compared to what Asia went through!"

He tossed the spears aside, blood dripping down his legs as he forced himself to stand. His breathing was uneven, but his eyes burned with resolve. "I'll endure anything for her… I'll push through this!"

A sudden surge of energy erupted from his Sacred Gear. The green gem glowed intensely, releasing a wave of power that rippled through the room. Raynare's confident expression faltered as she felt it. "That energy… it's far beyond what it should be," she said, her voice tightening. "It's supposed to be a simple Twice Critical…!"

Her gaze shifted toward Sun Jing, who stood nearby holding Asia carefully in her arms. "You… what did you do to him?" Raynare demanded.

"Nothing," she replied plainly. "That's all him. This is what happens when you push someone too far."

Issei stepped forward again, each step heavy but unwavering. Raynare quickly formed another spear of light and threw it, but this time he raised his arm and knocked it aside with his gauntlet as if it were nothing. Panic flickered across her face as she backed away, wings beating frantically.

"No… no!" she gasped, turning to flee.

Before she could escape, Issei lunged forward and grabbed her arm, stopping her in place. His grip tightened as he glared at her. "You're not getting away," he said, his voice low and filled with anger.

"I have the ultimate power!" Raynare screamed, struggling against him.

"This is for Asia!" Issei roared, driving his fist forward with everything he had.

The impact sent Raynare flying upward, crashing through a stained-glass window in an explosion of shattered glass. The force of the blow echoed through the ruined church as fragments rained down around them.

Issei stood there for a moment, breathing heavily as his wings slowly faded away. "That… felt good," he admitted, wiping his mouth.

Sun Jing stepped up beside him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Good job," she said simply.

Kiba quickly moved in to support Issei, helping him stay on his feet. "Not bad," he said with a small smile. "You handled that yourself."

"Thanks," Issei replied, glancing at them. "You guys didn't jump in at all… why?"

"We were told not to," Kiba explained. "Rias' orders."

"Seriously?"

"Seriously."

A familiar voice cut in from behind them. "I knew you would defeat her."

They turned to see Rias leaning casually against the wall. "Once I finished my business, I came down here just in time to see everything unfold."

Sun Jing raised an eyebrow. "Took you long enough to deal with that blue-haired one, didn't it?"

Rias immediately reached out and pinched her cheeks. "Don't get smart with me," she said, though there was a hint of amusement in her tone.

"Hey, I'm holding someone here," Sun Jing muttered, trying not to drop Asia.

At that moment, the doors creaked open and Koneko walked in, dragging Raynare's battered body across the floor before dropping her at Rias' feet. "Here," she said flatly.

Rias stepped forward, her presence immediately dominating the space. "So, you're Raynare," she said calmly. "I am Rias Gremory, heir to the House of Gremory."

Raynare's eyes widened in fear at the name.

"It's unfortunate we don't have time for a proper introduction," Rias continued. "But your actions leave us with only one option."

She gestured lightly, and Sun Jing stepped forward, gently setting Asia down before drawing her sword. There was no hesitation in her movements this time.

Raynare's expression suddenly shifted as she reverted to her disguise, her voice soft and pleading. "Issei… please. I didn't have a choice. I had to do it…"

Sun Jing frowned. "That's a pretty low move."

The act broke instantly as Raynare snapped back, her face filled with rage. "You little—!"

"I think you've said enough," Rias cut in. "Sun Jing, finish it."

Sun Jing raised her sword. "Shining Road."

A brilliant beam of light erupted forward, engulfing Raynare completely. The intensity forced everyone to shield their eyes as the fallen angel was erased in an instant, leaving nothing behind.

As the light faded, the room fell quiet.

Issei exhaled slowly, still recovering. "That felt… almost as bad as those light spears."

Sun Jing rested her sword on her shoulder before sheathing it. "Yeah," she said. "Maybe I overdid it a little."

{Later at the ORC}

Akeno had gone all out, placing a beautifully decorated cake at the center of the table as everyone gathered around to celebrate.

Asia sat among them, her hands resting gently in her lap as she looked at each of them with bright, grateful eyes. "Thank you so much for saving me… all of you," she said softly, her voice filled with emotion.

Issei immediately leaned forward, waving his hand as if brushing it off. "It's no problem, Asia! You're our friend, and that's all that matters. You're safe now!" His grin was wide, genuine in a way that made Asia smile even more.

Sun Jing, sitting nearby with a glass of juice in hand, gave a small nod. "Couldn't have said it better myself," she added. "It's good to see you alive… and with your Sacred Gear back where it belongs." She reached over and gently patted Asia's head, her usual casual demeanor softening just a little.

Asia's cheeks flushed immediately. "Th-thank you…!" she said, her voice almost squeaking as she lowered her head slightly.

Rias, standing near the table with her arms crossed, allowed herself a small, satisfied smile as she looked over her peerage. "Now that Asia is officially a member of my peerage," she began, "the next step is deciding her living arrangements."

Sun Jing didn't hesitate. "She can stay with me," she said simply. "My place has more than enough space."

Asia blinked in surprise. "R-really? Are you sure that's okay?"

"Of course," Sun Jing replied. "If you want, everyone can come check it out first."

Akeno covered her mouth with a playful smile. "Oh my… are you trying to keep Asia all to yourself already?"

Sun Jing gave her a flat look. "I'm just being a decent person."

"I wanna see too!" Issei chimed in, already leaning forward with excitement.

Sun Jing shrugged. "Fine by me. We can even make it a sleepover if you want."

That was all it took. The idea caught on instantly, and before long everyone agreed, the energy in the room rising again as plans were made on the spot.

Not long after, they found themselves gathered outside the school gates, waiting under the cool night sky. Asia stood slightly apart, looking up at the stars with a soft, almost wonder-filled expression.

"I feel so happy…" she admitted quietly. "I've never had friends like this before."

Rias stepped beside her, her voice calm but warm. "You do now. As long as you're part of my peerage or even just by our side, you're family."

A black limousine pulled up in front of them, its presence alone enough to turn heads. Sun Jing gestured toward it casually. "That's ours."

As they climbed inside, Issei's reaction was immediate. "Holy shit, this is huge!" he blurted, looking around like a kid in a candy store. "There's drinks in here too?!"

"Help yourself," Sun Jing said, leaning back into her seat. "There's snacks under the seats."

Asia looked around in awe, holding her hands close to her chest as if afraid to touch anything. Even Rias, raised an eyebrow slightly. "This is… larger than most limousines I've seen," she admitted. "Sun Jing, what exactly is your situation? I thought you didn't know your biological parents."

"I don't," Sun Jing answered. "I live with my uncle. He's overseas right now for work." She paused briefly. "He doesn't know anything about… all of this."

"I see," Rias replied.

The ride passed quickly, filled with small conversations and the occasional burst of laughter. By the time they arrived, the mansion stood illuminated against the night, its size alone enough to leave an impression.

Inside, the head maid and several servants were clearly surprised to see Sun Jing return so late with a group of friends.

Dinner was served not long after, and once everyone had eaten, they split up. Issei and Kiba were guided toward the men's bath, both of them already impressed by its size, while the girls were led toward Sun Jing's personal bath.

When they entered, even Koneko paused for a moment, taking in the sheer scale of it. "This is as big as a public bath," she remarked.

Sun Jing was already there, lounging in the water as if it were the most normal thing in the world. "Took you long enough," she said, glancing over at them.

For a moment, no one moved. Rias, Akeno, Koneko, and Asia all found their eyes drifting whether they meant to or not. Sun Jing's usual blonde, spiky hair was now damp and relaxed, framing her face differently, while her toned arms rested casually along the edge of the bath. A simple towel was wrapped around her waist, leaving little to the imagination.

She raised an eyebrow at their silence. "You guys gonna stand there all night?" she asked. "Get in before the water gets cold."

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