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When Sakurajima Mai stepped out of the bath, she found Jack sitting cross-legged with his eyes closed, deep in meditation. A pair of demonic wings stretched from his back, slowly pulsing with a steady rhythm.
She paused, momentarily dazed.
Only when she saw those wings with her own eyes did the difference truly sink in.
He really was a demon…
And yet, he had completely overturned everything she'd ever believed about demons. They weren't all cruel, cunning, or grotesque like she'd imagined.
Mai couldn't help but wonder—he was a demon, and she was human. Could the two of them really make it to the end together?
While she stood there lost in thought, Jack finished his meditation.
He slowly opened his eyes, a bright, lively energy shining in them. His entire presence felt sharper, more invigorated.
Even he hadn't expected his demonic power to grow this much.
It felt like he was on the verge of breaking into the level of a mid-class demon.
His combat ability had already been comparable to one before. Now, his strength had risen another notch.
Once he truly broke through, he'd be even stronger.
So this was the power of a faith contract. No wonder Rias and the others had been so pleased. Turns out, he'd really made a contract with someone extraordinary.
He was satisfied with his progress… but not content.
After all, there was still that inexplicable fiancé lurking on Rias's side.
A political marriage arranged by her family. Whoever that guy was, his talent and strength were bound to be formidable. Compared to him, Jack, a mere low-class demon, probably wouldn't even register.
But there was no way he'd just stand by and watch Rias marry someone she didn't love.
If he wanted to change that, he needed more power.
He'd try practicing resonance with his Sacred Gear later.
…After leaving Mai, of course. No need to make her worry.
With his mind made up, Jack looked at her and smiled lightly.
"Mai, do you have any other wishes?"
Even with the contract in place, he could keep harvesting emotional and desire-based energy from her. But if he fulfilled more wishes, the "price" he gained would increase as well. Naturally, he didn't want to miss out.
Mai tightened the sash of her bathrobe and replied calmly, "I don't really have any wishes left. If I had to say one, I guess I'd like my acting career to keep improving."
"That's already part of the contract. I'll keep supporting you. I mean something else."
Jack smiled. "We made a contract, remember? Whatever you wish for, I'll do my best to grant it."
"Then… my wish is to fulfill your wish."
She said it simply, her beautiful eyes fixed on him, full of feeling.
That kind of sincerity was almost unfair.
Jack froze for a second, then tucked away the warmth rising in his chest and teased with a grin,
"Is that so… In that case, my wish—well… what I want most right now is to have a child with you."
Unexpectedly, Mai didn't react at all. It was like she'd already seen it coming.
"That'll have to wait until after we're married."
Her tone was perfectly calm.
By now, she understood him well. He wasn't someone who expressed his true feelings easily. Most of the time, he hid behind jokes or a carefree attitude.
And she'd learned to stay composed in moments like this—otherwise, he'd just lead her around by the nose.
In short: Mai had predicted he'd say something outrageous.
Seeing her so unfazed, Jack raised an eyebrow, unwilling to give up.
"Then let's get married."
"Marriage comes after career success."
"You're already this famous. Doesn't that count?"
"…Good point. Then let's say after I finish school."
She kept casually adding conditions, a pleased smile tugging at her lips. She seemed to enjoy watching him make that helpless little expression—it was kind of cute.
Jack laughed awkwardly. "So if I want a kid with you, I have to wait forever?"
"Looks like it," she said, a hint of smugness in her smile.
"Mai… are you sure you're not the real demon here? A little devil, maybe."
He chuckled, letting the topic drop as he stood up.
"Alright, I should head back."
"Eh? You're leaving already?" She didn't say it outright, but the reluctance was clear in her eyes.
He wanted to stay too.
But he'd already achieved his goal for this visit, and he really did need to get back and train.
Sometimes, if you want something, you have to give something up.
Suppressing the reluctance in his chest, he smiled.
"If you want me to stay the night, that's not impossible."
"Then take the trash out on your way."
Her calm counter hit him like a knockout blow.
This woman…
She was way too adorable.
Jack laughed, then suddenly stepped forward and pushed her down onto the sofa.
Looking at her sweet face beneath him, he leaned in and kissed her soft, inviting lips.
Mai struggled weakly for a moment, then wrapped her arms around his neck, giving in.
They kissed deeply, lingering in the moment.
Five minutes passed before they finally pulled apart, both reluctant.
"I'm going. If anything comes up, just summon me through the contract."
Using the contract, he could teleport directly—it would be much more convenient.
"See you."
Mai's cheeks were still flushed, a faint blush lingering.
This time, he didn't hesitate. He turned and headed home.
He had planned to get back as soon as possible to continue training, but suddenly, his phone rang.
It was Rias.
"Get over here. Asia's in trouble," she said without preamble.
Jack's eyes sharpened instantly. "Where?"
"At the downtown intersection. She ran into fallen angels. Don't worry, we're already here. Asia's safe—but the enemy has already sent word out."
Asia had Rias's peerage mark on her, which allowed direct contact. The moment she sensed danger, she reached out, and Rias had teleported over immediately.
Jack let out a quiet breath of relief and said he'd be there right away.
Fallen angels…
So the ones after Asia's Sacred Gear had finally shown up again.
Persistent bastards.
Calling a car would take too long. Without hesitation, Jack broke into a sprint.
He moved at incredible speed, shooting forward in an instant—like a ghost slipping through the night.
"..."
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