Draconis had dodged the sneak attack, but the shockwave had left him battered. Thankfully, with Asia nearby, he wasn't too worried about recovery.
He watched black feathers drift from the sky—fallen angel plumage. That grudge was officially on his list.
"This space won't last much longer," Akeno warned, surveying the battered dimension. Number Two's final strike had left reality itself fraying at the edges.
"Let's move," Rias said, taking charge. She and the group hustled Draconis out, rejoining Samuel on the other side.
After a quick debrief, they hurried back to the clubroom.
Inside, Rias and Asia worked together, tending Draconis's wounds. Outside, Koneko and Akeno gathered intel and relayed the full report to the Duke.
Healing was slow going. Draconis's injuries were serious—he'd taken a hit that could drop even a super-angel. Not even Asia's Twilight Healing could patch him up in one shot.
"Let's stop here," Draconis said, noticing Asia's pale face. "It's just a few aches now."
Rias also withdrew her magic, resigned. If Asia couldn't manage it, she certainly couldn't.
Asia looked apologetic. "Once I've recovered, I'll heal you again."
Draconis smiled. "No worries. Just a little internal pain. As long as I don't go running marathons, I'll live."
They dressed and joined the others in the clubroom.
"How's the pain?" Akeno asked, concern in her eyes.
"Still a bit sore, but nothing major," Draconis replied, giving her a reassuring grin.
He turned to Rias. "After that ambush, the fallen angels will be on high alert. Next time, tracking them down won't be so easy."
The enemy was plotting something big, but with them hiding in the shadows, the team had no leads—just frustration.
Rias sighed. "All we can do is send people to search. There's no magic solution here." The Holy Sword business with the Church nagged at her, too. She might have to deal with the Vatican crowd soon—and that was headache territory.
She couldn't guess the Church's stance. Had they worked with the fallen angels, or had their Holy Sword simply been stolen? Most likely the latter. The Church was backed by angels, and if those guys got involved in soul-burning experiments, they'd fall—literally, their wings turning black.
"For now, we've done all we can," Draconis said, stretching. "No point stressing over what we can't control. Better to focus on getting stronger."
"Right. The Duke's network is way better than mine—let him worry about it." Rias smiled. As for her brother, Lucifer, she hadn't thought about bothering him. This was minor stuff; no need to drag the Demon King into it.
"Enough talking," Rias said, glancing at the clock. "It's late. Let's eat."
She teleported them all to her home.
Draconis blinked, taking in the sprawling, ornate hall. First time here. Usually, Rias was the one sneaking into his place for a midnight raid…
He gawked at the castle's grandeur. "You sure this isn't a national landmark?"
Rias grinned. "Been in the family for centuries. Any complaints?"
The castle was a blend of history and modern luxury—ancient décor alongside the latest amenities. Draconis's savings probably wouldn't buy a single chair here.
He shook his head, smirking. "No complaints, rich lady. Just hungry."
Rias laughed and clapped her hands. A maid appeared, and soon the table was loaded with gourmet food.
"Dig in, everyone. We earned it today."
The meal was a celebration. Laughter filled the air, and even the usually reserved Koneko got in on the fun. She picked up a meat skewer and handed it to Draconis.
"For you."
He raised a brow. "Not your taste?"
Koneko shook her head. "It's thanks. You shielded me today."
Her golden eyes were serious—a rare sight for the stoic nekomata. Rias chuckled. "Look at that—Koneko sharing her favorite food. Must be a special occasion."
Koneko nodded, solemn. "It's necessary."
Draconis grinned. "Then I won't hold back."
He polished off the skewer in a few bites. Koneko's lips curled in the faintest smile.
They lingered over dinner, swapping stories and jokes. An hour passed in easy camaraderie.
When the plates were cleared, Rias stretched. "Food's done. Time to relax—my place has hot springs."
Hot springs, at home. Only in a devil's mansion.
"Coming, Draconis?" Rias called, seeing him hesitate.
"Hm? Aren't you girls going first?"
Rias smirked. "There are separate sections. Or… you could join us?"
Draconis raised an eyebrow. "Is that allowed?"
…
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