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Raynare, the fallen angel, had already decided to trade her life for his. With madness in her eyes, she poured everything into the Thorns of Light, vowing to run Jack straight through.
But Jack didn't even flinch. Those glowing, sword-like thorns lunged toward him, yet he charged straight ahead, ignoring them completely.
Facing his oncoming blade, Raynare's once-lovely face twisted into something hideous."Die!!" she shrieked, her voice raw with hatred, as if they shared some ancient blood feud that spanned lifetimes.
But just as the Thorns of Light were about to pierce through Jack's chest, her expression froze.
Out of nowhere, a silver-white shield shimmered into being before him. Its radiance exploded outward, forming a powerful field of energy that wrapped around Jack like a barrier.The light thorns struck the field one after another—only to shatter instantly.
Shiiing—!
Jack's sword cut cleanly through the air and past her.He came to a stop behind the fallen angel.
Raynare stood motionless, eyes wide. Then blood burst from her body, a deep red line running from her shoulder down to her ribs before the upper half of her body slid away.
Jack turned slightly, looked at her falling form, and said coldly,"Idiot."
Who in their right mind would try to die together with someone like her?She wasn't anyone important—what good would it do?Dying together with a nobody like that would just make people laugh.
He'd been hiding his trump card from the start.
The true power of the sacred artifact Sword and Shield of the King wasn't the shining blade in his hand, but the silver shield that could act on its own to protect its master.
Its true name—God's Lament.
Raynare still clung to life thanks to her immense vitality. Even lying there, broken and bleeding, she couldn't believe she'd been defeated by a mere low-ranking demon.
Jack's face was calm as he stepped forward and thrust his sword down, ending it.The King's Sword flared with violent demonic energy, erasing her completely—leaving nothing but a trace of ash drifting on the wind.
Only then did his body give way.Looking up, he saw that the barrier the fallen angel had set had already vanished along with her death.
He raised his hand, and a dark red sigil glowed faintly on his palm.The barrier had cut off his ability to summon Rias, but now that the fallen angel was gone, the path was clear.
He exhaled softly. He'd been lucky this time—the fallen angel hadn't been all that strong.Next time, he might not be so fortunate.
He needed a proper contract partner. Soon.
A crimson magic circle flared open, and Rias appeared with Akeno and Koneko.Seeing Jack on one knee, leaning on his sword, all three rushed forward.
"Jack! What happened!?"
Rias's tone was sharp, her face tight with concern. Her eyes flicked to his leg—blood dripping steadily—and fury flashed in her gaze."That wound… a Light Spear did this!? Who hurt you?"
Her demonic aura spiked, the air around her turning heavy with killing intent.Rias was genuinely angry—someone had dared hurt her servant.
Jack looked up at her, catching the anger in her eyes. For the first time, he truly felt the warmth behind her worry. His usual cool expression softened.
"President, don't worry. The one who did this is already dust."
He waved a hand dismissively, forcing himself upright with his sword. Pain shot through his leg, making him hiss through his teeth."Damn—President, this light poison really hurts like hell! How do I get rid of it?"
Sweat streamed down his face, his clothes soaked.
"Light poison?"Rias blinked, then realization dawned."You mean divine light energy. For lower demons, that's basically venom. It causes excruciating pain… Come on, let's get you back. I'll heal you."
"Alright… sorry for the trouble again."He gave her a pained but apologetic smile.
Rias smiled gently. "Don't be silly, my cute little fool. I am your master, remember?"
She slipped under his arm, helping him lean on her as she turned to Akeno and Koneko."Handle the cleanup here. And find out where that fallen angel came from."
Akeno smiled sweetly, though there was a hint of danger in her voice."Ah, don't worry. Leave it to us."
With a nod, Rias teleported away with Jack, taking him home without delay.
When Rias's soft, cool skin pressed against his back during the healing ritual, Jack suddenly remembered that night—the night he'd been reborn as a demon.
So this was how it had happened back then too—her arms wrapped around him, her warmth seeping into him bit by bit.
Damn… it was really something.
"Your heart's beating faster," Rias whispered behind him, her hand resting over his chest.
He could feel not just her touch, but the surge of pure demonic power flowing through their contact, soothing the searing pain that had been eating at his nerves. The agony slowly ebbed away, leaving only exhaustion—and an unshakable awareness of the girl holding him.
"I just… didn't expect this was what you meant by healing," he said wryly.
"Oh? So you don't like it?" she teased, voice lilting by his ear, her breath warm. "Don't tell me you don't like my body, hmm?"
"...Since you don't mind, how could I?" he replied with a faint smile. "And as for your body… I doubt there's a man alive who wouldn't."
"Hmm… fine, I'll accept that answer."She chuckled softly, patting his back. "Alright, that's enough. You're drenched in sweat—go take a shower."
"So soon?"He couldn't help sounding disappointed. The warmth leaving his back made him feel strangely empty.
"What's this? Want to get a little closer to me?" Rias teased, her fingers brushing his cheek. "If it's you, Jack, I don't mind. You can do anything you want with me. Anything at all~"
Her smile was dazzling—dangerous, beautiful, and utterly enchanting.
Jack let out a low laugh. "I didn't know words could sound that beautiful."
But he didn't move closer. His expression stayed calm.
"Too bad," he murmured, "maybe it's the leftover human in me… but I can't bring myself to want something that means nothing."
"..."
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