"DXD: Transfer Student"Chapter 260: Return to the Human World
Akeno's arm curled around Draconis Yi's, and the effect on Rias and the others was immediate—nervous glances, tense silence.
"Hmm… Even though we agreed, isn't being this close, this fast, a little much?" Rias murmured, half to herself. Asia and Koneko exchanged awkward looks, torn between guilt over spying and irresistible curiosity.
Draconis Yi and Akeno both noticed their tail, but kept up the act—smiling, chatting, strolling on as if nothing was amiss.
"So, what do couples actually do on a date?" Akeno asked, her voice playful. "This is my first time, you know."
"Let's find somewhere fun," Draconis Yi replied.
Akeno nodded thoughtfully. "I've heard about the three sacred dating spots."
"Ferris wheel, aquarium, movie theater—I'll take you to any of them." Draconis Yi grinned. "Honestly, just being together makes it a date."
Akeno pondered. "We might not have all those human-world attractions here, but… there should be an aquarium. Underworld kids love them."
"Then aquarium it is."
They made their choice and wandered into the Underworld's aquarium, marveling at otherworldly sea creatures beneath shimmering glass.
"Looks like you're being recognized," Akeno teased suddenly.
"No way, it's my first time in the Underworld—" Draconis Yi started, then paused. Right. The rookie tournament had been broadcast everywhere.
He sighed, catching the curious stares. Without missing a beat, he pulled Akeno around a corner and used a dash of magic to tweak his appearance.
"There. Now we can enjoy ourselves."
"You still hate attention, don't you?" Akeno laughed softly. The Draconis Yi she'd first met was so distant; now, he'd changed in ways she never expected.
"I got too caught up battling Sairaorg. Forgot about the whole 'celebrity' thing."
They finished their aquarium tour, grabbed a bite, and wandered the streets, the mood light and easy. Behind them, Rias and the others trailed at a distance, envy written all over their faces.
They wanted their turn, too.
Akeno glanced back, caught sight of the shadowing girls, and flashed a mischievous smile. Suddenly, she grabbed Draconis Yi's hand and broke into a run.
"Ah—busted…" Rias froze, watching helplessly as Akeno spirited Draconis Yi away.
Half a block later, Akeno stopped, breathless and triumphant.
"Finally, I get you all to myself."
Draconis Yi could only laugh, squeezing her hand. "Pretty sure we'll get an earful when we head back."
Akeno looked smug—she'd been planning this for ages. "I've been waiting for this chance," she said, her voice soft. "Rias is family to me, too. Stealing you away feels a little… guilty."
Draconis Yi grinned. "You're a loving family, all right."
The word 'family' made him pause. He looked at Akeno, thoughtful. "So Rias wanted you to be happy—that's why she let us go out alone, isn't it? Are you still hung up on your bloodline?"
He remembered the look Rias had given him—a silent signal. Both of them knew Akeno carried a heavy heart.
"…I still can't accept that man as my father." Akeno's voice dropped, raw and quiet.
"I think Baraqiel cares about you more than you realize. He's not as bad as you make him out to be." Draconis Yi's words were gentle. He'd met Baraqiel during training—Azazel's orders had brought him around more than once.
Akeno's gaze fell. "I haven't told you my story, have I… My mother was a shrine maiden. She saved a wounded fallen angel, fell in love, and had me. But because of my cursed wings, we were hunted."
Her voice trembled with old pain. "Mother died saving me. That man never showed up. I only survived because I met Rias…"
Draconis Yi's expression softened. "I don't know who's right or wrong. Let's not dwell on the past—let's just make today count."
Akeno nodded, a faint smile breaking through the shadows.
Staying close, making her smile—that was what Rias had wanted from him.
The rest of the day passed in gentle happiness.
When they returned, Draconis Yi did his best to soothe Rias and the others—whose jealousy was practically tangible—before diving into final preparations for the promotion exam.
The exam arrived at last.
Draconis Yi and the others came early to the specially arranged venue. Only Rias's Peerage qualified to take the test.
"You've noticed, haven't you? The Underworld's suffering a real talent drought," Rias murmured.
Draconis Yi agreed. Such a vast world, yet only six promising heirs among all devils. No wonder Sirzechs and the others clung so tightly to peace—the devils, angels, and fallen angels were all on the brink.
"Good luck. Don't flunk it," Rias teased, straightening Draconis Yi's collar.
"Not a chance." Draconis Yi smiled. He'd memorized every detail ages ago—he was a top student.
The exam went off without a hitch.
When the final ceremony ended, Draconis Yi had finally shed the title of low-class devil. He was now officially a middle-class devil.
Days slipped by. Summer vacation neared its end, and their Underworld adventure drew to a close.
On their last day, they said goodbye to the Gremory castle and boarded the dimensional train back to the human world.
The train pierced the void, crossing the barrier between realms. After nearly two months, Draconis Yi looked out at the pure, azure sky of the human world.
"…Heh. The blue sky here really is more beautiful," he said, gazing out the window, a smile tugging at his lips.
Home at last.
🔥 Want to read the next 50+ chapters RIGHT NOW?
💎 Patreon members get instant access!
⚡ Limited-time offer currently running...
👉 [Join on - patreon.com/GoldenLong]