Click.
The door opened.
Qin Xiao stepped out of the room.
Since this was his first time here—and it was also Rias' home—he still felt slightly uncomfortable.
In the living room, Rias Gremory and Akeno Himejima were watching television.
However, it was obvious that neither of them was actually paying attention to the program.
"Oh? You're awake?"
Rias looked surprised when she saw him.
After all, it was already noon.
"Yeah."
"Sorry for troubling you yesterday."
"It's nothing," Rias replied casually.
"Just a small matter."
Then she suddenly smiled.
"But are you sure you don't want to become one of my people?"
"If you join us, you won't have to worry about Azazel anymore."
Qin Xiao shook his head again.
"No need."
"I'll deal with those problems myself."
Rejected once more, Rias sighed softly.
This was probably the last time she would invite him.
Meanwhile, Akeno stood up and walked to the kitchen.
She brought out the breakfast she had prepared earlier.
Although at this hour—
It was practically lunch.
"Thank you."
"Mhm."
The two exchanged smiles.
But there was still a subtle distance between them.
Even though Akeno had developed goodwill toward Qin Xiao—
It was more like gratitude and emotional attachment, not yet full romantic love.
After all, they had only known each other for a short time.
After finishing the meal, Qin Xiao looked toward Rias.
"Rias… I'd like to ask you for a favor."
"What kind of favor?"
"I want to fight everyone except Yuuto Kiba."
"Including you."
Rias blinked.
"Why?"
"To grow through battle."
"Especially you, Rias."
"Your Power of Destruction is extremely strong."
Rias thought for a moment.
"I can agree."
"Akeno probably won't refuse either."
"But I can't guarantee Koneko Toujou will agree."
"That's enough."
"Thank you."
Rias smiled faintly.
"It's nothing."
"Maybe someday I'll need your help with something much more troublesome."
"I'll do my best when that time comes."
Rias didn't say anything further.
Her biggest problem had always been the same one—
Her engagement.
And it wasn't just troublesome.
It was extremely complicated.
But Qin Xiao still had too many uncertainties.
So there were things she couldn't say yet.
"Do you have time right now?" Qin Xiao asked.
Rias raised an eyebrow.
"Don't tell me you want to fight now?"
"Yes."
"In my battle with Azazel, I felt a hint of a breakthrough."
"So I want to push it further through combat."
Rias stared at him for a moment.
"…You're a monster."
Even Akeno looked shocked.
Most people needed years to break through a bottleneck.
But Qin Xiao had already sensed a breakthrough right after a battle.
Rias herself was the daughter of the prestigious Gremory family.
She inherited the Power of Destruction and received elite training.
Even so, reaching the level of High-Class Devil required immense resources.
But Qin Xiao?
He was just a human.
Yet he possessed two Sacred Gears.
And his talent was terrifying.
He was even younger than Rias—
Yet already this powerful.
"Let's change locations," Rias said.
"This is the city."
"If we fight here, it'll cause trouble."
"I know a place that's perfect for battles."
Akeno smiled.
"You mean that place, Rias?"
"Exactly."
Rias raised her hand.
A crimson magic crest appeared.
It was the Gremory family emblem.
The magic circle that formed beneath them was exclusive to the Gremory clan.
Only members of the family could use it.
Just like Sona Sitri used the Sitri family crest.
Flash.
The teleportation circle activated.
The three of them vanished instantly.
Moments later—
They appeared in a forest outside Kuoh Town.
Hidden among the mountains was a large estate.
This place also belonged to the Gremory family.
The mansion was regularly maintained, so Rias could stay here anytime.
"Teleportation magic is really convenient," Qin Xiao commented.
"If you join us, you could use it freely too," Rias replied.
Qin Xiao smiled.
"I'll pass, Rias."
"…Tch."
Even though she expected the answer, being rejected again still annoyed her.
Soon they arrived at a wide open training ground.
It was clearly designed for combat practice.
"This place is perfect," Rias explained.
"We're deep in the mountains, so nobody will notice."
Qin Xiao silently checked his status.
Name: Qin Xiao
Identity: Transfer student at Kuoh Academy
Level: Fifth Rank (High-Class Devil)
Template: Enkidu (43.1%)
Noble Phantasm: Chains of Heaven
Talents:
Perfect Form
Beast King Instinct
Skills:
Lightning Power
Aura Perception
Equipment: Boosted Gear
43.1% inheritance.
Only 6.9% left before reaching 50%.
Rias was a High-Class Devil.
Akeno was likely a Mid-Class Devil.
If he defeated both of them—
His inheritance percentage might increase again.
And once the Enkidu template reached 50%—
He would likely gain even more abilities.
Qin Xiao took a deep breath.
"Rias."
"Akeno."
"I'm ready."
"Wait," Rias suddenly said.
"Why do you call Akeno by her name…"
"But you still call me Rias-senpai?"
Qin Xiao blinked.
"…Is that a problem?"
"We're friends now, right?"
"Of course."
"Then just call me Rias."
"…Alright."
"R-Rias."
She smiled proudly.
"That's better."
Watching Rias act like a sulking child, Akeno couldn't help but laugh.
She had almost forgotten this side of Rias.
The only time she showed such expressions before—
Was when competing with Sona Sitri.
Yet now—
Qin Xiao had managed to bring it out again