"DXD: Infinite Loot System"Chapter 281: The Church's Invitation
The storm had passed, but the room still hung heavy with the scent of debauchery.
"Hah… hah…"
"Monster… you monster!"
Jeanne d'Arc's body bore the marks of violation, her eyes wide with terror as she looked at Tenra. She felt herself breaking, ruined by the demon before her.
"That's right. I am a demon."
"But from now on, I'm your master. Your god…"
Tenra leaned close, whispering wickedly into Jeanne's ear. His voice was calm, almost gentle, but it sent icy shivers down her spine.
Her body had been pushed beyond its limits; despair and panic crashed over her in waves. Unable to endure any longer, Jeanne's strength failed her, and she slipped into unconsciousness.
Tenra stood, licking his lips in lingering satisfaction.
Saint Jeanne's reincarnation, huh? She really was exquisite.
He dressed, then snapped his fingers.
"Lord Tenra."
Semilia appeared in a shimmer of magic, bowing respectfully. Her eyes flickered to Jeanne's limp form, and a blush crept up her cheeks.
"Train her well. I want her to become the true Jeanne."
"If you don't know how, ask Katerea for advice."
Tenra stroked Semilia's cheek as he gave his orders.
"Yes, Lord Tenra."
The blush deepened. Semilia nodded obediently, though a flicker of sympathy for Jeanne crossed her face. But this was Tenra's command—she could only apologize inwardly and do as she was told.
"Tenra, Asia, Xenovia, Irina—you're all free today, right?"
It was a quiet weekend morning. The group sat together at breakfast when Rias suddenly spoke up.
"No plans. What's up?"
Tenra and the girls looked at Rias, curiosity in their eyes.
"You know how relations between the three factions—angels, fallen angels, and devils—have been improving lately? We've even got outposts for the Fallen Angels and the Church in my territory now."
"A couple days ago, I visited the Church's new base. The administrator there is… quite the character. When I left, she specifically asked if you all could come by for a visit."
"So, since you're free, why not check it out?"
Rias set down her knife and fork, explaining the situation.
"Administrator? What kind of administrator? Anyone we know?"
Tenra's expression grew curious.
"That's a secret for now," Rias replied with a playful wink. Her gaze lingered on Xenovia, and a subtle, knowing smile tugged at her lips.
Church politics didn't interest Tenra much, but with nothing else planned and Rias making the suggestion, he, Asia, Xenovia, and Irina agreed to go.
After breakfast and a short rest, they followed Rias's directions to a neighboring town, arriving at a church on the edge of the wilderness. A massive cross loomed over the building.
Kuoh Town and the nearby towns all fell under Rias's jurisdiction. In the past, when relations between the three powers were strained, the idea of rival faction outposts in devil territory would have been unthinkable. The very existence of these new bases was proof that Sirzechs, Azazel, and Michael's efforts toward peace hadn't been wasted.
"Nostalgic, Asia? Xenovia?"
Tenra noticed the complicated look in Asia and Xenovia's eyes and smiled.
Irina, though once part of the Church, had never been a true believer—thanks to a certain someone, she'd left with hardly a second thought. Even now, standing before the holy church, she remained her usual mischievous self, while Asia and Xenovia's feelings were more complex.
"Yeah… a little," Asia and Xenovia admitted, nodding.
They did feel something—nostalgia, perhaps—but it was faint. The God they'd once worshipped was long dead. Now, the one they truly believed in stood right beside them.
Tenra smiled and, seeing their moods settle, led the group toward the church.
Even approaching the building, a chill swept over them—the church's holy power instinctively rejecting devils.
A lesser spirit or ghost would have been instantly purified, but for Tenra, Irina, and Xenovia, the effect was negligible. Even Asia, though weaker, could bear it easily enough.
"Who goes there?!"
The church doors burst open. A group of priests and nuns rushed out, eyes wary and defensive.
Relations might be better these days, but finding devils at your doorstep would make anyone nervous.
"I'm Tenra Kamiyo. These are my companions—Asia Argento, Xenovia Quarta, and Irina Shidou. We're here by invitation. Feel free to confirm with your administrator."
Tenra introduced them with a smile. The priests and nuns recoiled in shock:
"T-Tenra Kamiyo? The Heavenly Dragon Emperor?!"
"Asia Argento—the exiled Holy Maiden!"
"Lady Xenovia! Lady Irina Shidou! The legendary Holy Sword wielders!"
Whispers rippled through the crowd. Tenra and the girls had become famous across all factions—stopping Kokabiel, defeating Loki, fighting the Khaos Brigade. Seeing these legends in person was enough to leave the clergy speechless.
"Sekiryuutei-dono, what brings you to our church?"
A middle-aged priest stepped forward, trembling with nerves. Though he was likely twice Tenra's age, he barely dared to breathe in Tenra's presence.
"As I said, we're here by invitation. If you're unsure, check with your administrator."
Tenra shrugged.
"O-of course. Please wait a moment."
The priest hurried inside, terrified of offending Tenra.
While they waited, the others watched and whispered. Tenra noticed several nuns casting him furtive, worshipful glances. Realizing their own impropriety, the nuns quickly bowed their heads, silently praying for forgiveness.
"Please, follow me."
The priest soon returned, having confirmed their visit, and respectfully led them inside.
Without further comment, Tenra and the girls followed him through corridors and up a staircase, stopping before an ornate door carved with celestial script and adorned with a cross—clearly the quarters of someone important.
"Please, come in."
Before Tenra could knock, a woman's voice called out from within.
It was young and melodious. Tenra's instincts told him she was a beauty.
He pushed open the door, and the group entered. Inside, a nun with her head covered by a hood stood waiting, her smile warm and welcoming.
Tenra, Asia, and Irina entered calmly—but Xenovia stopped in her tracks, stunned.
"G-Griselda?!"
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