Everyone froze in stunned silence, a cold sweat breaking across their skin. The heavy air in the room pressed down like an invisible weight.
They could all feel it now—Ryuichi's theory wasn't just wild speculation. It made sense.
If Fallen Angels wielding Holy Swords attacked Devils, it would instantly implicate Heaven. Even if it were a setup—a frame job—the damage would be catastrophic.
If Rias or Sona were struck down here, their elder siblings—the Maou themselves—would descend in fury. And that was likely exactly what whoever planned this wanted.
What the enemy hoped to accomplish by luring two Maou into action was anyone's guess, but there was no denying the scale. Whatever this was, it involved forces that could shake all three realms.
"…They wouldn't really go that far, would they?" Koneko said quietly, almost whispering.
If Ryuichi's suspicion proved true, not even Rias and Sona together could hope to contain the fallout.
Ryuichi pressed his lips together. "It's just a theory for now. No need to panic."
He said it lightly, but everyone knew the weight of his words. Rias, especially, looked pensive.
"You might be right," she admitted. "Either way, I need to contact Sona immediately."
After a moment of thought, she turned to her silver-haired rook.
"Koneko, I have a task for you. Follow those two Holy Sword users—learn where they go and what they're doing."
"Got it," Koneko replied.
Ryuichi gave her a small nod. "Be careful. If anything happens, contact us right away."
"…I will." Koneko glanced back at him briefly, a faint smile touching her lips. She seemed warmed by his concern, even if she didn't say so.
Once Koneko slipped out, Rias began preparing to leave as well. Ryuichi looked over at Akeno.
"Akeno, can I ask you for a favor?"
"My, my~ That's rare," she said, a teasing lilt in her voice. "If I recall, this is your first time actually asking me for help."
He chuckled. "Yeah, well… I try not to rely on others. But this time, it really seems like you're the best one for the job."
"Oh?" She rested a finger against her lips, smiling warmly. "How could I refuse after such sweet words? Tell me what you need. Whatever it is—if it's within my power, I'll give it everything I have."
"I'd like you to teach me flight magic," Ryuichi said earnestly. "With the situation this uncertain, I need to be ready. The faster I master it, the better."
Akeno blinked, taken aback for a moment by his tone. The seriousness in his eyes caught her off guard. That quiet drive—the same fire that made him grow so fast—it stirred something faint in her chest.
He really was such a passionate boy.
"Oh my. You have demonic wings already, so flying shouldn't be hard," she said, smiling softly. "It's all about controlling the flow of your magic. I can help you with that."
She paused, considering, then added, "Actually, I could use a meditation ritual to synchronize your magic flow with mine. You'll learn much faster that way."
Ryuichi smiled in relief. "That'd be perfect. The sooner the better."
Having friends like this… really did make life easier.
Asia, seeing how focused he was, stood up gently. "Then… I'll go prepare lunch," she said with a warm smile, and quietly left the room.
Ryuichi followed Akeno into an adjoining chamber.
She guided him to sit first, then without a word, she disappeared into the bathroom.
"…What kind of ritual needs a bath first?" he muttered, eyebrows raised.
He didn't have to wait long. When she returned, she was wrapped in a thin bathrobe, her long dark hair undone and still damp, slipping past her shoulders in glistening strands.
"Sorry to keep you waiting," she said in a low, melodic voice.
Ryuichi turned—and froze.
Her usual ponytail was gone, her hair clinging to her skin, dark silk against pale light. And the robe… was soaked through.
The thin fabric clung to her figure, semi-transparent, and utterly unforgiving.
By the way the light shone through, it was painfully obvious. There wasn't a single extra layer of clothing underneath.
Ryuichi swallowed hard. So this is a meditation ritual… huh?
If this continued, he wasn't sure whether it was a lesson—or entrapment.
Akeno's allure was intoxicating. The damp sheen of her hair, the lazy curve of her smile—her every movement radiated confidence, mischief, and an almost supernatural sensuality.
She looked every inch the dangerous seductress she was rumored to be.
"Shall we begin?" she asked, voice smooth as silk.
"…Sure. But, um, why are you all wet?" he asked carefully.
"Hm? I just poured blessed water over myself. It's part of the ritual preparation. Why?"
"Nothing," he said with a faint grin. "You just look… incredible like that."
"Fufu~ My, aren't you bold tonight," she teased, eyes glinting playfully.
"Now," she said, stepping close, "take off your shirt and hold me. The ritual works best with direct skin contact. Feel the flow of my magic as I guide you. Let yourself float with it."
Ryuichi understood—energy transfer required physical connection. A handshake could do it, technically… but full contact allowed for deeper resonance.
He slipped off his shirt and stepped closer. The moment he wrapped his arms around her, warmth surged through him. Her skin was soft and impossibly smooth, her body radiating heat through the damp robe.
A pulse of raw, potent magic throbbed just beneath her skin—it was overwhelming. As Rias's Queen, Akeno's power was tremendous. Unless he went all-out, his own energy couldn't compare.
"It's starting," she murmured, tracing runes across his back. Magic rose like a wave between them.
She cycled her energy several times, then gently directed the shimmering current into his body. Their shared aura brightened, lifting them both slowly off the ground.
"Good… now follow my flow," she whispered, her palm gliding across his back, stopping each time she felt the magic gather.
Ryuichi blinked, trying to focus through the fiery sensations crawling along his skin. "Is this… how you normally teach flight magic?"
Akeno giggled. "Of course not~ You wanted to learn fast, didn't you? This is the most direct method."
"…Feels like I'm making you sacrifice a bit too much."
"Sacrifice?" she echoed, her tone light and teasing. "Oh no, Ryuichi… I'm enjoying this."
Her lips brushed his ear; her breath was warm.
"You still don't know…?" she whispered, voice sultry and soft. "I've always liked you."
And with a quiet laugh, Akeno's tongue traced along the edge of his ear.
The ritual continued—heat, magic, and something far more dangerous mingling in the air.
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