Silas and Asia walked through the streets of Kuoh, side by side as the town moved around them. Students passed by in groups, cars rolled slowly through spots he stumbled across while wandering.
"That store's good," he said, pointing casually. "Cheap food, open late."
Asia nodded, looking around with curiosity, taking everything in carefully as if trying to memorize it all.
They kept walking, occasionally slowing down as Silas pointed things out. Asia stayed close, listening quietly, her hands lightly clasped in front of her.
Then their conversation shifted.
They spoke about what happened yesterday.
Asia's expression changed slightly, her smile fading as her thoughts returned to it.
"…Freed-san," she said softly.
There was hesitation in her voice. Silas glanced at her.
"You know him," he said.
It wasn't a question. Asia nodded slowly.
"Yes… he works with the church." Her eyes lowered slightly. "But… I didn't know…"
She trailed off, clearly struggling to put it into words. "I didn't know he did things like that," she finished quietly.
Silas watched her for a moment. "Yeah he does look weird to be honest "he said.
Asia's fingers tightened slightly. "He was always… strange," she admitted. "But I thought… he was still doing God's work."
There was confusion in her voice now and doubt. Silas looked ahead as they walked.
"People justify a lot of things like that," he said.
Asia didn't respond immediately. They walked a few more steps in silence.
"…Is that what devils do too?" she asked quietly.
Silas glanced at her again.
"Some," he said simply. "Not all from what I've experienced so far""
Asia nodded, though she still looked conflicted. Her belief didn't break, but it definitely shook. After a moment, she looked back up at him.
"…Thank you," she said softly.
"For what?"
"For yesterday," she replied. "You stopped him."
Silas shrugged. "He was annoying anyway."
Asia gave a small, uncertain smile at that.
They continued walking through the streets, the earlier tension still there though. It lingered quietly between them, not heavy enough to ruin the moment, but present enough that Asia's thoughts hadn't fully moved on.
Soon they reached a small ramen stall tucked between two buildings. Steam rose from large pots behind the counter, and the rich smell of broth filled the air. A few stools lined the front, most of them occupied by working men in suits who looked like they had just gotten off long shifts.
They sat there and ordered some bowls, the old chef behind the counter nodding silently as he got to work.
There were many working men here, dressed in suits, eating quietly or chatting in low voices. That alone told Silas everything he needed to know.
This place had tasty and cheap food.
He was right.
The bowls were placed in front of them, steaming hot, the broth rich and fragrant with perfectly cooked noodles and slices of meat.
Both him and Asia simply couldn't put into words how good the food was.
Asia's eyes widened slightly after her first bite, clearly surprised, while Silas just nodded to himself as he continued eating.
For a moment, neither of them spoke. They just ate.
After they finished, Silas paid without much thought, placing the money on the counter before standing up. Asia thanked the chef politely before following him as they left the stall and continued walking.
The atmosphere between them felt lighter now. They fell into a calm conversation as they walked, the earlier tension fading little by little.
Silas asked her about Italy, and she spoke softly about her hometown, the quiet streets, the church bells, and the people she used to see every day.
Then he asked about her dream.
Asia hesitated for a moment before answering.
"I want to go to school," she said with a small blush.
Silas stared at her.
"Really?" he said. "Some want to avoid school. I include myself in that group."
Asia chuckled softly.
"Well, I've never schooled before," she explained. "I always saw kids my age wearing uniforms while I watched."
Her voice softened slightly.
"Sure, we did learn at the church… but I still want to at least experience being a normal girl. Even for a moment."
Her words grew quieter toward the end.
Then she blushed, looking slightly embarrassed.
"I'm sure you want to laugh at me now."
Silas looked at her for a second.
Then he nodded, lifting his head slightly as he looked up at the sky.
"No," he said. "I think your dream is pretty cool." He glanced back at her. "And I hope it becomes more than a dream one day."
Asia smiled softly, looking down as her fingers lightly held onto her sleeve.
"Thanks."
Then she turned toward him.
"What's your dream?" she asked.
Silas froze for a moment.
His steps slowed slightly as he actually thought about it.
"Hmm… not sure really," he replied.
"Really?" she asked curiously.
"Yes," he said. "But I'll figure it out one day."
' I dream to marry a milf but that's not the best thing to say,' he thought, smirking internally.
After some time, they stopped at a fountain. The stone structure sat in the middle of a small open plaza, water flowing gently as the evening light reflected across its surface. The sun was beginning to set, painting the sky in shades of orange and gold as the shadows around them slowly grew longer.
For a moment, it was peaceful.
They stood there, the sound of water filling the quiet space between them.
Then, the atmosphere changed.
A dark purple aura slowly spread across the area, creeping in from all directions like a mist. The air grew heavier, colder, and the sounds of the city seemed to fade away completely, as if the world itself had been cut off.
Silas looked around calmly.
His eyes scanned the area once before he turned to Asia. She had frozen. Her body stiff, her expression filled with fear.
In the middle of the air, three figures appeared. They didn't arrive with noise or flash.
Silas stared at them all and smiled.
'They finally came,' he thought.
In front of him stood Raynare, Dohnaseek, and Kalawarna. Their wings spread slightly behind them, their presence filling the space with oppressive intent.
Silas stepped forward, placing himself slightly ahead as he pushed Asia back with one hand.
"Stand back," he said calmly.
But she didn't listen. Before he could react, she rushed forward, moving past him and heading straight toward them.
Silas blinked.
Completely confused.
'Is she mental?' he thought.
Asia stopped in front of them, her hands trembling slightly but her expression firm despite the fear in her eyes.
Raynare smiled.
A slow, satisfied smile.
"Wow, it was easier than I thought," she said.
She reached out and gently brushed Asia's head like she was praising a child.
"Good girl, Asia."
Asia lowered her gaze slightly, tears already forming in her eyes.
Raynare then shifted her attention to Silas.
Her expression turned cold.
"I guess you're smart," she said. "Never step in front of the church again… otherwise the girl gets it."
Dohnaseek and Kalawarna glared at him from either side, their hostility clear.
Silas said nothing. He simply looked at Asia. Tears slowly rolled down her cheeks.
"It was nice to meet you, Silas-san," she said softly, her voice shaking.
Silas stood there for a moment. Still confused. But then he sighed.
'She must think I'm weak.... I never thought I'd ever blow up a church,' he thought. 'There's a first time for everything, I guess.'
He didn't stop them. Raynare smirked slightly before turning away.
The three of them vanished the next second, disappearing into the dark aura as it collapsed in on itself.
The plaza returned to normal. The sound of the fountain came back. The evening air felt light again.
Silas stood there alone.
Watching the space where they had disappeared.
TO BE CONTINUED