Yes, Renya's Gae Bolg had just begun its true work…
Countless blade-like spikes erupted from within Zolgia's body, impaling and destroying not only his heart but all of his major organs.
"Wa-wait, wait w-wait."
Sensing something even more fatal than that, Zolgia wasn't even allowed to form words to stop him.
Renya's demonic spear reached not only Zolgia's body, but even his soul.
Letting out a soundless scream, Zolgia was destroyed, not only his flesh, but his very soul, meeting complete death.
It was an absolute death that allowed no survival, an unavoidable end.
Denied even the slightest chance of survival, Zolgia's body and soul turned to dust and vanished from the world.
What remained was Renya, holding his demonic spear in a finishing stance.
Renya relaxed his posture, lowering the spear and tucking it under his arm.
"Is it over?"
Her red hair fluttering in the night wind, Mio approached and spoke quietly.
"Yeah, it's over."
Turning to face her, Renya dismissed his demonic spear, stepped closer to Mio, and gently wiped her cheek.
"Ah, huh...? Why am I?"
Only then did she realize she was crying, and Mio tried to stop her tears.
"It's alright. You've finally been freed. Don't hold back—let it out."
Saying this, Renya embraced Mio gently but firmly.
Mio, held in that warmth, felt the dam of all she had held back break.
Her tears, her sobs, were for being freed from the shadow that had darkened her life, and for her deceased parents.
Renya simply, silently, accepted all of it, so that she could smile again.
'How wonderful, Mio-san.' Watching the scene, Isha smiled warmly.
And at the same time, having witnessed Renya's magnanimity and kindness, Isha made a new resolve.
'From now on, I too will live by Renya-san's side.'
This was the moment Isha truly became drawn to Renya.
And so, various matters came to a close, and a new beginning was welcomed.
…
Having defeated Zolgia, Renya used magic to repair the area within the barrier, regrouped with Sylpha, and then left the scene with Mio, who had achieved her vengeance, and Isha, whom they had protected.
They also took custody of Fantasma, whom Mio and the others had defeated, and Kirigaya Suguha, whom Sylpha had defeated.
Fantasma was placed under heavy restraints, but for Suguha, following Sylpha's advice, they remained cautious but did not bind her mind or body.
Afterwards, Renya brought Mio and Isha to a cemetery in Japan.
Fantasma was sent to Renya's territory in the Netherworld, while Suguha was taken to that high-rise apartment building.
Sylpha, who was not present, was the only one who had become acquainted with Suguha, and she was looking after her.
Though the details were unclear, Suguha's life had been twisted by Zolgia and his ilk.
Judging that harsh restraints would be counterproductive, Renya had dispatched Sylpha to prevent Suguha from panicking when she awoke.
Arriving at the cemetery, Mio stood before her parents' grave and reported that everything had been settled.
Renya and Isha watched from a distance.
"Renya-san is truly amazing. I couldn't help but cry along with her."
"Is that so? Well, it's for Mio's sake."
Renya replied to Isha's warm words with a shrug.
He believed that concluding revenge wasn't just about killing the enemy; it was about what came after.
That was precisely why he hadn't let Mio kill Zolgia herself.
He thought that what Mio needed was something beyond Zolgia's death.
If that was the case, he believed the best thing was for her to report to the cause of her revenge and sort out her feelings. Even knowing the risk of drawing the attention of the Five Great Clan Houses, he had brought her to a cemetery in Japan.
Even Isha, who had only known him for a short time, found this to be very like Renya.
"Isha. As a result, you've been expelled from the church. Are you sure about being under my protection?"
"Ah, yes. I became a nun because I love to sing. So as long as I can sing, I don't really care about the place."
Isha replied to Renya's question with a nonchalant air.
A place where many people gathered to listen to her songs, that had been the church for Isha.
That was precisely why she held no prejudice against Devils or non-believers.
"Ah, no... I-I mean, of course I believe and respect God? But, well, you see, I'm only good at singing..."
"I see. Then at the very least, I'll make sure to provide you with a place where you can sing."
"A-ah, thank you so much, Renya-san!"
Finding Isha's nature endearing, Renya smiled and made the offer, and Isha, her cheeks flushed, smiled happily.
After a while, Mio, having finished her visit to the grave, returned to the two.
"Are you done?"
"Yeah. I was able to tell Mom and Dad everything I wanted to."
Mio responded to Renya's question with a soft smile.
It was a bright, radiant smile, as if a burden had been lifted from her shoulders, as if she had been freed from a curse.
"And, Renya, about what we promised... I've made my decision again."
With a serious expression, Mio said this, then clenched her right hand to her chest and conveyed her new resolve to Renya.
"Make me your Servant."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah. That's the new way of life I've chosen. While I was talking to my parents about everything... including you, I realized something. I really do want to live with you. So... will you make me your Servant?"
"Ah, of course."
Renya nodded firmly to Mio, who had conveyed her feelings so earnestly.
Mio was someone Renya had wanted as a Servant from the start.
If Mio herself wished for it, there was no reason to refuse.
Renya took out a single bluish-purple Evil Piece—a "Pawn" piece—and said.
"From now on, live for yourself."
"Yeah."
The Evil Piece sank into Mio's ample chest.
At that moment, a particularly intense bluish-purple light burst forth.
And so, Renya welcomed Mio as a new Servant and took Isha under his protection.
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