"Master, this is our first client's house."
Beneath the night sky, Tenra and Raynare touched down in front of a modest home. Raynare glanced at the address, then nodded.
Yubelluna had taken the rest of the request forms back to distribute among Seiran and the others. Tenra and Raynare had only grabbed a couple themselves—not that Tenra cared about the so-called payment. At best, it was a little post-dinner amusement.
"Go on, knock. The sooner we're done, the sooner I can sleep."
Tenra stifled a yawn, already bored with the whole affair.
Raynare strode up and pressed the doorbell. Silence. Her patience lasted all of three seconds before she rolled her eyes and—bang—kicked the door clean off its hinges.
Tenra barely bothered to sigh at the fallen angel's violent streak. They stepped inside, but the moment their feet crossed the threshold, both tensed, eyes sharpening.
Blood.
The scent was unmistakable.
They exchanged a glance—no words needed—and moved deeper into the house. It didn't take long to find the living room, where a middle-aged man lay sprawled in a pool of blood. Judging by his face, he was the homeowner—and the client who'd summoned them.
But they weren't alone.
A white-haired man sat on the sofa, back to them, utterly at ease. The likely killer.
"Evil must be punished. That's the teaching of a certain saint," the stranger intoned, turning with a wicked grin.
He rose, sweeping into an exaggerated bow. "Oh my, oh my. If it isn't Raynare and the infamous Plunderer himself!"
"Pleasure to meet you both. Name's Freed Sellzen—proud exorcist of the [Exorcist] order!" He flourished like a stage actor, then winked. "Well, maybe a little lost these days..."
Tenra couldn't help but smirk. Of all people—Freed.
"Hey, so it's Freed."
Raynare's lips curled in a sly, knowing smile. Clearly, she'd tangled with him before.
"Did you kill him?" Tenra asked, eyeing the corpse.
"Yep! Anyone who relies on devils to grant their wishes has forfeited their humanity. Just taking out the trash."
Freed's smile sharpened. "My job's to exterminate devils and the humans they corrupt. Traitorous fallen angels? Same treatment!"
In a blur, he drew a light sword and a pistol, both gleaming with lethal intent.
Tenra didn't flinch. Yep, just as deranged as the legends said. Raynare's smile turned razor-cold.
"Die!!!"
One instant, Freed was all smiles—the next, he shrieked and opened fire, light bullets screaming toward them.
Raynare moved like lightning, stepping in front of Tenra. A spear of light bloomed in her hand, spinning so fast it blurred, knocking every bullet aside.
Their eyes locked, both sides braced for a deadly clash—
A girl's scream shattered the tension.
Blonde hair, blue eyes, nun's habit—Asia.
She stood frozen in the doorway, hand clamped over her mouth, eyes wide with horror at the bloody scene.
"Yo, Asia."
Tenra gave her a friendly wave.
"T-Tenra-san?"
Relief and confusion warred on her face.
"You almost gave me a heart attack! Oh, it's just my assistant, Asia-chan."
Freed clutched his chest in mock fright, then grinned. "Asia-chan, did you finish the barrier?"
"Father Freed, what… what happened here?"
Asia's gaze darted to the corpse, voice trembling.
"Oh, right, you're still new."
Freed shrugged. "This is our job—cleaning up the trash that consorts with devils."
"Come here, Asia-chan. Those two are evil—one's a devil, the other's a fallen angel. Let me protect you."
His tone was light, almost casual, but the words hit Asia like a thunderclap.
"How… how can this be…"
She stared at the body, horror dawning. Killing humans? That couldn't be right. Not for someone as gentle and pure-hearted as her.
"Asia, you're too kind. Not everyone cast out keeps their faith like you do."
Tenra stepped closer, voice gentle.
"T-Tenra-san, Raynare-san… are you really a devil and a fallen angel?"
Asia looked up, desperate for reassurance.
"Yeah. I'm a devil, Raynare's a fallen angel. Sorry I didn't tell you before, but—"
Tenra met her gaze, steady. "Devils aren't always bad. Humans aren't always good. But I'm still your friend, Asia."
She stared at him, fear melting away as she saw the sincerity in his eyes.
Friend. He'd said they were still friends.
"Oh my, is it just me, or do you two seem awfully chummy?"
Freed's voice cut in, mocking.
"Tenra-san is my friend!"
Asia replied without hesitation.
"Is that so…"
Freed's eyes narrowed, then he shrugged theatrically. "Well, can't be helped. Didn't expect even Asia-chan to fall. Guess I'll just have to clean you up too!"
His smile twisted, bloodlust gleaming.
"How could you… Father Freed, have you forgotten God's teachings?"
Asia's voice trembled with urgency.
God taught love and mercy—even devils and fallen angels deserved a chance at redemption. But Freed only laughed, wild and unhinged.
"Ahahahaha! Oh, that's rich! Asia-chan, you're killing me! God's teachings? God's teachings?"
He doubled over, clutching his sides. "Someone save me—I'm dying of laughter!"
Asia blinked, bewildered. Tenra frowned, unsure what nerve the lunatic priest had just hit.
Freed's laughter went on and on, tears streaming down his cheeks. At last, he straightened, wiping his eyes.
"Asia-chan, let me share a little secret—just between us. That God we worshipped?"
He leaned in, voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.
"He's been dead for ages."
The words hung in the air like a curse.
Raynare's eyes widened. Tenra's gaze sharpened. Asia reeled, face flushing red with outrage.
"You're lying!"
Gentle as she was, Asia's anger was unmistakable. For any believer, Freed's words were blasphemy.
But Freed only grinned wider, features twisting.
"Oh, it's true! Our God died in the ancient war. The Seraphim covered it up—even most of the Church doesn't know."
He shrugged. "Don't let the collar fool you, Asia-chan. I used to be a devout believer too—until I stumbled on the truth. My faith shattered."
He threw back his head and laughed again, manic. "It's hilarious! All those people praying every day, clueless—their God's been dead for centuries!"
"Ahahaha…"
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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