The morning sun welcomed me through the curtains of my room as I sat at my desk, with two boxes in my hands, reminiscing the days that had passed since our departure from the Underworld.
It had been two weeks since the duel against Riser Phenex.
I glanced at the box before me, each one a fragment of the whirlwind of power that would significantly enhance both female warriors of my group.
As for Rias, she had been different since the day we left the Underworld.
The weight that had pressed down on her shoulders through the years, the resigned despair that had clouded her vision and the future, it was gone. She smiled more freely now, laughed with genuine joy during our meetings, and there was a sense of purpose in her eyes that hadn't been there before.
The peerage had grown closer too. Akeno's teasing had grown much, if not less, Koneko actually initiated conversations now and then, which usually her offering me only one cookies out of her pack.
As for Issei... well, he was still Issei, but even he had matured in ways that surprised me, he is now spending most of his time training harder and complaining less.
As for myself, I have spent these past days on getting a good grasp on Chastiefol and apply in my spars, what I'd learned, reflecting on the power I'd wielded and the attention it had inevitably drawn.
The Underworld had taken notice. That much was certain.
And so did, the other factions who most likely had accessed the most streamed trending video on Devitube, as per sources of Sona.
I set down the boxes and leaned back with a sigh.
- † - † - † -
The outskirts of Kuoh Town were quiet in the late afternoon. Kalawarner stood beside me, her arms crossed as she surveyed the empty field we'd chosen for today's training session.
"You said you had something for me?" she asked, one eyebrow raised in curiosity.
I reached into my pocket and took out a small wooden box, carved with a Grigori symbol that made her expression shift from curiosity to confusion as I held it out to her.
"What is this?" she asked, taking the box carefully.
"See it, for yourself. I bet you will like it"
She nodded with a slight hesitation, and then, the area was bathed in a soft purple glow. Nestled within the box was an orb, pulsing with an otherworldly energy that seemed almost alive. Kalawarner's eyes widened as she stared at it, the light reflecting in her dark gaze.
"This is..." she breathed.
"Twinkle Aegis" I said, watching her reaction carefully "A defensive Sacred Gear. It will shield you when you need it most, and amplify your combat with light-based abilities. I thought it was time you had something that could keep you safe, and make you stronger"
She looked up at me, and for a moment, I saw the genuine joy she usually kept hidden beneath confidence and sass "Why would you—"
"Let's not get into all that" I interrupted gently "Don't you want to test how this works?"
She nodded brightly which made her look more like an angel rather than a fallen one.
- † - † - † -
Later, I stood at the edge of the training field, arms crossed, watching as Kalawarner sparred with Syr. The change was immediate and remarkable. Where before she had fought with the defensive mindset of a survivor, now there was confidence and trust in her movements, and each attack.
She pushed herself harder, anticipating Syr's attacks better, and when she activated Twinkle Aegis for the first time, she managed to get a hit on Syr, which was in itself a feat that surprised the shadow familiar.
Syr grinned as she pressed the blood on her cheek, clearly enjoying the challenge.
"That's more like it! Don't hold back now!"
Kalawarner roared and fought with a burning passion in her eyes as she charged at Syr, her light spears forming faster and more efficiently than ever before. She wasn't fighting just for herself anymore. She was fighting for something bigger, for the group we'd all become.
'She really has come a long way'
A small smile tugged at my lips, as I left her to enjoy the day with her gift.
- † - † - † -
In the afternoon, I was greeted by the faces that were on my least expected guests list for today.
I poured the tea into the cups, delicate aroma filling the air as I set the teapot down and took my seat, facing our guests with calm composure.
"I must admit" I said, lifting my own cup "This is unexpected. The Church doesn't usually send representatives to Devils' territory without considerable cause. But, may I ask why a human?"
Across from me sat two young women, both dressed in the white robes looking like hired goons of the Church. The first, Xenovia Quarta, had shoulder-length blue hair and wore an expression of stern determination. The second, Irina Shidou, had chestnut hair tied in twin tails and seemed far more nervous about their current situation.
"We appreciate you seeing us on such short notice" Irina said politely, though her hands fidgeted with her teacup.
"Let's dispense with pleasantries" Xenovia cut in bluntly "We're here on the official Church business."
I raised an eyebrow "Go on"
'This ain't going to end well, I can see it from a mile away'
- † - † - † -
"Several of the Excalibur fragments have been stolen" Xenovia stated, her cup still untouched by her "We've been tasked with retrieving them before they can be misused. Our intelligence suggests the ones who stole them, are currently residing in this territory".
"And you're here because...?" I prompted, though I had a feeling I knew where this was going.
Irina set down her cup and leaned forward slightly "Because we've been authorized to request assistance from... well, from you specifically"
That caught my attention.
"The Church knows about me?"
"Everyone in our higher ups knows about you," Xenovia said flatly "They informed us that a human named Motohama has recently, defeated a high class devil in their own realm"
"We weren't fortunate enough to see you fight, though" Irina said nervously, which was quite unusual. She usually appears to be bubbly and cheerful "But, they did warn us, to not provoke you or we might lose our lives if we are not being careful with how we present ourselves"
Ah, that explains. But, someone seems to not understand that fact.
I noticed Xenovia still gazing at me as if I was a fraud, not the real deal.
"So the Church watched me fight and decided I'd be useful for the Excaliburs retrieval" I mused, and crossed my arms "That's quite the leap of faith, considering I'm associated with Devils".
"The situation is dire enough that we've been authorized to seek help from... unconventional sources" Irina said carefully. "And our superiors believe you to be someone who values righteousness and justice over factional politics".
"Although, we don't require the assistance of someone else, to face whatever stole the Excaliburs" Xenovia added "But they informed us, you aren't constrained by the political considerations that bind the Devils".
I took a slow sip of tea, considering their words. Stolen Excaliburs. That meant Kokabiel, which wasn't really a surprise for me. Knowing my fate and dangers I am involved in, it's truly inescapable for me to look the other way, when that warmonger will try to destroy my town.
Though, I am more curious about who he chose to wield Excaliburs since Freed was dead.
"You realize helping you will likely make me enemies within certain circles" I said finally.
"We're well aware of that" Xenovia replied "But we're told you're not one to cower away from doing what's right, regardless of consequences".
The church's methods never seem to astonish me anymore. They truly believe I would throw myself in danger for justice? They might be getting the wrong idea, thinking I threw myself for Rias, so why not for them?
But I ain't working for free, as someone once said, If you're good at something, never do it for free.
"Tell them, I will help in the recovery of Excaliburs. But in return, I would need them to do me a favor as well"
Xenovia nodded as if she expected me to say that.
"That being said" Xenovia continued, standing abruptly and reaching for the wrapped weapon on her back "I need to verify that you're actually capable of providing assistance to us. Words and reputation mean nothing without proof".
"Xenovia!" Irina protested, rising to her feet as well "Our superiors wouldn't have sent us here if they doubted his strength. We need to have faith in their judgment!"
"Faith is well and good, Irina" Xenovia said, unwrapping the massive sword she carried "but I prefer verification over the blind faith"
The weapon revealed itself, a large, intimidating blade that radiated holy power. Excalibur Destruction. Even wrapped, its presence had been notable, but now it filled the room with an almost oppressive aura, which hardly made me raise a brow in surprise.
Xenovia pointed the blade at me, her eyes unwavering "If you're truly strong enough to assist us, prove it. Face me in combat".
I sighed, setting down my teacup and rising to my feet. Irina looked between us with troubled eyes, clearly torn between her friend's determination and her respect for their orders.
"Xenovia..." Irina tried again "This isn't necessary. We should trust—"
"Trust is earned, Irina" Xenovia interrupted, not taking her eyes off me. "I won't stake our mission on the words of people I've never met".
I met her gaze evenly, seeing the warrior's conviction burning there. She wasn't being unreasonable, not from her perspective. She was a soldier being asked to trust a stranger with a mission that could determine the fate of the Church's power.
So, of course she wanted proof.
'Sometimes' I thought, loosening my shoulders and letting a small smile cross my face 'You have to show them exactly why you shouldn't be underestimated'.
"Very well" I said calmly, walking toward the door "But not here. I'd rather not explain to the devils, why my house was destroyed out of nowhere".
Xenovia's lips quirked into something that might have been approval.
"Lead the way"
As we arrived in the backyard of an abandoned house, Irina followed with clear reluctance, I couldn't help but wonder what other complications this particular plot fuck up would bring.
Excaliburs, Fallen Angels, and now exorcists who needed convincing.
'Just another day in my not so complicated life' I mused.
The evening air was cool as we made our way to an open area. Xenovia walked with confident strides, Excalibur Destruction resting easily on her shoulder. Irina trailed behind, still trying to mediate, despite knowing that her efforts were fruitless.
I stopped in the center of the clearing and turned to face Xenovia, my expression calm and patient.
"Whenever you're ready" I said simply.
Xenovia shifted into a combat stance, holy energy beginning to swirl around her blade.
"Don't hold back. I need to see everything you're capable of".
Don't hold back, huh? I know, she is going to regret those words, after our little combat.
Behind her, Irina clasped her hands together nervously, clearly praying this wouldn't end badly.
I simply smiled, a quiet confidence settling over me, as the blue screen with the new quest arrived in my sight.
. . .
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