The sharp look that had previously glimmered in Akeno's eyes had softened, as if she too was being swept up by the absurd atmosphere Rian created.
Without turning around—still keeping his eyes locked on Koneko, who now glared back at him with deep suspicion—Rian replied casually,
"I don't really mind having a lot of enemies," he said calmly. "I'll just line them up… and listen to their complaints one by one. Who knows? Might be funny."
"Bro… I'm out," Issei said quickly, his tone laced with immediate caution. He swiftly grabbed Asia's hand and gently pulled her toward the door. "Asia, let's head home before things get any weirder."
For once, Issei's usually dull instincts screamed at him. He knew well—when Rian started acting like this, retreat was the best option.
"E–Eh… o-okay," Asia replied softly, her voice hesitant.
She followed Issei awkwardly, confusion written all over her face, yet she didn't protest.
Just as the two of them were about to step outside, a relaxed voice echoed from the middle of the room.
"Be careful on your way," Rian said casually in his usual tone. He didn't bother to turn around—his eyes still fixed on Koneko.
Not long after, Kiba and Gasper decided to leave the room as well. Without saying much, they walked quietly but quickly, clearly wanting no part in whatever was about to happen next.
"Hope you're still alive later, Rian," Kiba remarked lightly—half joking, half serious—as he exited without looking back.
Gasper nodded rapidly, then glanced over his shoulder for a brief moment.
"R-Rian-senpai, Akeno-senpai, Rias-sama, Koneko… I-I'll be g-going now," he stammered, bowing politely before hurrying after Kiba.
Rian raised his hand lazily in farewell without turning. "Take care, Gasper-kun. Remember, our training tomorrow will be a bit tougher."
Akeno smiled gently and waved. "Fufufu~ see you later, Gasper. Make sure to rest well, okay?"
Rias responded briefly, her tone flat. "Alright."
Meanwhile, Koneko only shot Rian a fleeting glance before returning her gaze to him—expression blank, but her chin slightly raised, as if saying: 'How dare you touch me.'
And finally, only four people remained in the room: Rian, still gazing at Koneko with that teasing smile; Koneko, doing her best to stay composed even though her face was flushed with irritation.
On the other side, Akeno walked slowly and took a seat beside Rias. Her eyes were fixed on the exchange between Rian and Koneko, filled with curiosity—as if eagerly waiting to see what sort of chaos would happen next.
Meanwhile, Rias could only let out a long sigh and remain silent. Her gaze stayed locked on Rian, wary… ready to intervene if that absurd man decided to cross the line again.
"…Let go."
Koneko's voice cut through the air—sharp, cold, and precise, like a freshly honed blade. Her eyes were piercing, unlike her usual calm self.
Koneko wasn't just annoyed—she looked like a predator that had just been provoked. And unfortunately for Rian, the prey in her sights was his handsome face.
But Rian merely closed his eyes for a moment, completely unbothered.
When he opened them again, that same warm, polite smile returned to his lips—far too calm, far too relaxed… for a situation like this.
"No," Rian replied lightly, his tone soft—almost playfully gentle. "Go into Nekomata form first, Koneko-chan~"
The moment that teasingly sweet tone left Rian's lips, Koneko's face turned red. Not purely from embarrassment… though, perhaps a little of that too.
But mostly, it was anger—plainly visible in the sharp crease of her brow and the murderous glare she shot straight at Rian.
"Come on now, Koneko-chan," Rian continued casually, that mischievous smile still lingering on his lips. "This handsome guy is just really curious. If you keep being this stubborn…"
His gaze grew even more teasing.
"…I might just take a few photos of you in some embarrassing poses and keep them in a secret folder."
Instantly, a dark aura flared around Koneko.
"…YOU'RE DEAD!!" she roared, her voice filled with fury and unshakable resolve.
It was clear now—Koneko absolutely refused to acknowledge her Nekomata side, and she would fight with everything she had if necessary.
From the sofa, Rias simply sighed, watching the scene unfold while slowly shaking her head. It was hard to tell whether she was resigned… or just used to this level of absurdity.
Meanwhile, Akeno covered her mouth with one hand, her signature smile returning.
She turned slightly toward Rias. "Rias… care to give Rian a little help?"
Rias shot her a flat look. "You're basically pouring gasoline on the fire," she muttered.
But after a moment, a faint smile tugged at the corner of Rias's lips. "Still… your idea isn't entirely bad."
"Ara~ So we're in agreement, then?" Akeno said with a sly smile, her eyes still fixed on Koneko and Rian.
"This is for Koneko's sake," Rias replied, closing her eyes briefly, her tone soft yet firm.
In her mind, Rias reflected. It would be good if Koneko could finally open her heart… and stop imprisoning herself in the past.
Maybe, with Rian's presence—no matter how absurd he can be—that might actually happen.
Meanwhile, Rian could only shake his head lightly as he looked at Koneko, who was still fuming with anger. He didn't even notice Rias and Akeno's quiet exchange behind him.
"Oh my… this little girl is quite stubborn," Rian murmured casually.
In silence, he adjusted the Infinity already active around them, creating a vibration-isolating field. As a result, the girl could no longer hear any conversation—her world fell completely silent.
"It seems…" Rian turned toward Rias and Akeno sitting on the sofa, his smile unwavering, "…this handsome man will have to rely on a bit of help."
His gaze grew serious as he looked at Rias. "Rias-chan, could you tell me about Koneko's past? Don't worry, I've already isolated the sound near Koneko-chan—she won't hear a thing."
"Ah," Rian suddenly added, his tone still calm but filled with gentle concern, "the same goes for you, Akeno-chan. There must be a reason why you seem to resent your Fallen Angel side."
Rian clasped his left hand in front of his chest, a warm smile forming on his lips. "I'm a very good listener and spiritual mentor, so… please, go ahead and tell me."
"You really are stubborn, aren't you, Rian?" Akeno replied, hiding her smile behind her hand, her teasing tone never fading.
"All right. I'll tell you… but on one condition—you have to help Koneko make peace with her past."
"Deal," Rian replied immediately, smiling with confidence. "That's a promise. Don't go back on it, okay?"
He then turned toward Rias, who had her eyes closed as if weighing her decision carefully.
After a moment of silence and hearing the exchange between Rian and Akeno, Rias slowly opened her eyes.
Her turquoise-blue gaze had softened… yet carried a quiet resolve.
"Very well," Rias said softly. "If this can truly help Koneko… then I'll tell you everything. It's something I've been meaning to share anyway."
Meanwhile, across the room, Koneko glared at Rian—her eyes sharp with anger. She couldn't move her body at all; even her fingers felt impossibly heavy, as if the world itself was pressing down on her.
But beneath the fury, confusion flickered. She could see Rian, Rias, and Akeno's lips moving—clearly talking about something—yet not a single sound reached her ears.
If Kuroka and Koneko were truly blood-related, then their energy structures should share a similar genetic pattern. In theory… they should possess the same potential for losing control.
But what Rian saw was the complete opposite.
There wasn't the slightest trace of instability or the tendency to lose control within Koneko's energy.
What he saw instead… was rejection. Koneko was forcing that energy deep down inside—suppressing it with everything she had, as if terrified to acknowledge its existence.
And that was when Rian understood: Koneko wasn't rejecting her power because she couldn't control it. She was rejecting it… because of trauma.
From everything he'd heard and everything his Six Eyes revealed, Rian now grasped the core of Koneko's problem.
This wasn't about a rampaging power.
It wasn't about an evil side taking over.
It was about trauma, fear, and the refusal to accept a part of herself.