Issei helped set the plates on the dining table. Akeno stood on the other side of the room, her eyes fixed on Irina and Xenovia, who were watching her with caution. She smiled gently but with mischief hidden within.
"Ara~, is there something wrong with the way you're looking at me like that?" asked Akeno with a sweet yet piercing tone.
Xenovia turned sharply, answering curtly. "Nothing."
Juzo, who had been observing, raised his eyebrow and asked Akeno, "This is Irina-chan and Xenovia-san. By the way, who are you?"
Akeno bowed politely, "Akeno Himejima. A friend of Issei-kun."
Juzo blinked, looking at Akeno, then turned to Issei and whispered, "Son, are you sure she's your friend? With that amnesia of yours, you sure bring pretty girls home easily."
Issei replied expressionlessly, "She asked to come. If I refused… it felt awkward."
Juzo patted his shoulder and gave him a thumbs up, making Issei uncomfortable. Ddraig's voice echoed in his mind.
{Be careful with your actions when talking to girls. Your dragon pheromones make the opposite sex feel attracted and comfortable.}
Issei growled inwardly, 'I DIDN'T ASK FOR THIS. IT'S TOO MUCH TROUBLE.'
Misa smiled faintly at the interaction, "For some reason, this house has gotten lively. Dinner is ready."
Xenovia and Irina bowed politely.
"Thank you for preparing dinner."
"Thank you for the meal."
"Itadakimasu," said Issei, followed by everyone at the table.
Tonight's menu was thick curry, crispy tempura, soft tofu, and some vegetables. Issei ate heartily. Irina and Xenovia also ate quickly and with satisfaction. Misa smiled in content watching them.
Akeno ate quietly, stealing glances at Issei who seemed more mature, calmer than the one she used to know.
After the meal, Issei brought the dirty dishes to the kitchen. The clock showed 8:30 PM. Misa and Akeno washed the dishes together.
"I'm sorry… for Issei's behavior lately," said Misa.
Akeno turned, confused. "I don't understand what you mean?"
"He lost his memory, on Christmas night when we weren't home. We don't know the cause. But his demeanor now, calm and composed, sometimes makes him feel like a stranger. He used to be perverted… and loud. But that night, he cried… said everything was gone. Even when he hears gossip about him at school, he just stays quiet."
Akeno slowly looked down, her eyes misty.
"Lost… his memory? That's why he didn't recognize me. Didn't feel nervous… like others..."
"Yes, maybe he doesn't remember you, but his heart might still know," Misa said gently.
Tears rolled down Akeno's cheek, which she quickly wiped away.
"Sorry for making you sad," Misa said softly.
"Don't worry too much… Even though Issei is perverted, he never groped girls. Just peeped…" Akeno tried to smile faintly.
"Can you help him at school? He doesn't know anyone. Even his childhood friend is forgotten."
Akeno nodded slowly, her heart heavy.
"Maybe… I'll help him. I feel sorry for him. I should go home… it's late. Sorry to trouble you."
Misa placed the last dish in place, "Actually, I'm the one who should thank you. Don't go home alone, it's dangerous for women walking alone at night. Issei, please walk Akeno-san home."
"Wait a second, I'll grab my jacket," said Issei.
A few moments later, the two of them were walking down a quiet road. Only the sound of crickets and the night breeze accompanied them. Issei looked at the temple stairs towering ahead.
The Ether Flow in that area was quite stable, appearing to flow like an invisible river. There was a faint barrier around the temple. Issei climbed the stairs slowly. Akeno walked beside him, her heart pounding. Issei wasn't nervous, too calm… as if he was merely escorting a friend home.
Upon reaching the top, Issei said flatly, "Well then, I'll be heading back. It's time to go home."
He waved and turned away. Akeno opened her mouth, wanting to say something… but it was too late. Issei was already descending the stairs.
On the way home, Issei spoke to Ddraig,
'Ddraig, the Ether Flow in this world is incredible. I tried channeling my magic into the Ether flow, slowly blending in… so it wouldn't be detected.'
Ddraig replied, {The Underworld has many Ether Flows. The human world does not. But some races still choose to live in the human world because they're sick of politics and conflict.}
On a quiet street, a man in a gray suit, with black hair and a hat, was watching Issei. When about to attack, his instincts warned of great danger.
Dohnaseek… the Fallen Angel chose to retreat, pretending to be an ordinary person.
Issei slightly turned his head. 'Isn't that a bit too obvious?'
{What do you mean?} asked Ddraig.
'That Fallen Angel… wanted to attack me. But ran away instead. I even inserted magic into his body. He ran like he saw a monster.'
{Some beings are sensitive… their battle instincts are sharp. I can conceal your aura, but not your natural pressure.}
'So I can't be a MOB or Side Character?'
{No. Even a fool knows when to run from a monster.}
'I've marked him. He's probably in a group and usually kills unknown people alone. If that happens, I'll act. I don't like murderers lurking in the streets.'
{Right… But be careful. Gods or high-level beings can detect your magic flow in just 1 second. You need 3 seconds to insert magic into a target's body.}
'Thanks… I get it.'
{Most people nowadays are too busy developing magic. But they forget… in the past, a single lapse could mean death. They can't read the Breath of the World: Ether Flow. Except those sensitive to the supernatural.}
'So… a lot of people are idiots in this era?'
{Exactly. Previous Boosted Gear users only focused on Balance Breaker. You're different. You've stepped out of the system. Don't be reckless… Your time will come. The world will know who they should be wary of.}
'I know. It's not time yet. I'm still weak. But… should I start hunting Sacred Gears and repurpose their functions?'
{There are many Sacred Gears you can take advantage of. But remember, don't let Michael find out. Heaven would panic if they knew you're the second threat after Trihexa.}
Issei gave a small smile. 'Then… I'll start looking. If the owner's a villain, no one will care if I use it for good.'
{This world isn't ready to know what you're planning, Issei. Not yet.}