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Once all the reporters had finally been sent away, Jack stretched lazily, looking completely relaxed."Finally, that's done."
Mai Sakurajima, who had just gone through the whole ordeal with him, still felt like she was dreaming.Was it really over?That strange, invisible affliction that had plagued her—gone?Could she really return to her acting career now?
Jack noticed her dazed expression, took her hand, and smiled."Let's head home and get some rest. We'll make sure everything's really back to normal on the way."
He didn't give her a chance to question it before leading her down the street toward her house.
At first, Mai didn't get what he meant by "confirming," but it clicked soon enough.Because as they walked, people started noticing her. Dozens of them.Strangers on the street recognized Sakurajima Mai—and when they saw her holding hands with Jack, every single one of them looked shocked. A few even reached for their phones to take pictures.
Jack, of course, showed no mercy.He casually used a mass memory wipe on them all.
Mai was speechless.Seriously? He's just doing that in broad daylight?Changing people's memories like it was nothing—that kind of power was terrifying.And the fact that he was using it so recklessly… was that really okay?
When they finally got back to her place, Jack's expression turned serious."All right. Time to make it official—let's seal the contract."
The word "contract" immediately made Mai's face heat up.Her mind betrayed her, flashing back to the "contract ritual" earlier… the one where Jack had tricked her into giving him her first kiss.Still, she kept her voice calm."Didn't we already make one? Technically, if we do another, that means you owe me another wish, right?"
Jack couldn't help but laugh."Is that how it works now? Mai, you're seriously trying to cheat me, huh?"
"Who says it's cheating? I learned it from you," she shot back.
"That's nonsense," he said, putting on his most self-righteous expression. "A demon doesn't cheat. A demon schemes. It's called being cunning."
Mai just stared at him, speechless.There was no winning an argument with this guy.Fine. She'd let it slide for now.She could always get her revenge later, when it was her turn.
So, with her reluctant consent, the official contract ritual began.
Following the detailed instructions Rias and the others had given him, Jack quickly formed a glowing magic circle on the floor."Step inside," he told her.
Mai obeyed, and the moment she did, the circle flared to life.Both of them felt it—a strange, invisible thread forming between their souls.
When Jack tried to collect the price for the contract, his magic suddenly went wild.It was like something inside him exploded.
Power surged through his veins, boiling and roaring like molten water.The density of his magic was skyrocketing by the second.
"What the hell…" he muttered.He'd known that absorbing the contract's payment would strengthen him, but not like this.Something about this felt… off.
Still, stronger magic was hardly a bad thing. So Jack steadied himself, letting the energy flow, guiding it to reshape his body and refine his power.
A deep whoosh filled the room.
Under Mai's startled gaze, a pair of black, leathery demon wings unfolded from Jack's back.The air swirled, stirring papers and curtains as his body rose slowly from the floor, weightless.
Meanwhile, his consciousness had already sunk into that strange inner world again.
Before him stood the massive black fortress—the one that housed the artifact: the King's Sword and Shield.
It was calling to him.He could feel it—like the city itself was alive, pulsing with excitement, eager to awaken.
Following his instinct, Jack channeled his magic toward the fortress.
And in an instant, it was like a floodgate burst open inside him.A tidal wave of magic surged outward, crashing into the black city.
BOOM!
From the fortress's towering wall, a great bronze bell rang out with an earth-shaking clang.The entire city trembled violently in response.
A shockwave rippled through the space. Jack's heart jumped—he quickly pulled his power back, struggling to contain the surge before it tore everything apart.
After a tense moment, the energy finally settled.He exhaled hard.Just that brief connection had drained most of his magic.
Yeah… no question about it now.That city was his to command—but with his current strength, he could barely nudge it.
Still, he couldn't help wondering—what exactly was that black city's connection to the King's Sword and Shield?
When he opened his eyes again, the ritual was complete.The contract had taken hold, and the price had been fully absorbed.
He grinned.This contract was no joke—it was powerful.With it, he could keep growing stronger through his bond with Mai.
Once he'd built enough strength, he could have Rias recommend him for a noble title under the Demon King and ascend to a higher rank of demon—one with even greater power.
"It worked, didn't it?" Mai asked with a small smile.She could feel it too—that undeniable link between them.
"Yeah. From now on, if you ever need me, just call through the contract. I'll come right away."
Jack was clearly in a good mood.
Mai marveled at the feeling of the bond, shaking her head in disbelief.Having a demon boyfriend who shows up whenever you call?Honestly… kind of nice.
Just then, her phone buzzed.
She glanced at the screen—and her smile faded. Jack peeked over and saw the caller ID.
Her manager.Or rather… her mother.
He went quiet for a moment, remembering how her own mother had once forgotten she even existed.That whole situation was complicated—and painful.
"You're not gonna answer?" he asked softly after a pause. "Some things… are better said out loud, you know."
Mai's expression shifted slightly at that.
Jack gave her hand a gentle squeeze and smiled."It's getting late. I should head back to school. You two have a lot to talk about. If you need me, just summon me, okay?"
Mai took a slow breath and nodded.
Satisfied, Jack let go of her hand and headed for the door.He glanced back one last time—she'd already picked up the call.He smiled faintly and closed the door behind him.
Outside, he exhaled, feeling a weight lift off his chest.His first contract—finally complete.He couldn't wait to tell Rias and the others.
Then a thought hit him.Wait… I totally skipped class today.Hopefully Rias remembered to cover for him.
Shaking his head, he walked toward the bus stop with a sigh."When am I gonna learn to use a teleportation circle…" he muttered.
Being a demon who couldn't even teleport—having to ride bikes and cram onto buses all the time—yeah, that was just plain pathetic.
"..."
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