The moment Eriri's phone chimed, she bolted out of the classroom without even bothering to change clothes, sprinting straight toward the old school building.
And just as fate would have it, she ran into Rias and Akeno on their way back there.
Rias blinked in mild surprise.
"Sawamura-san? Where are you rushing off to?"
"That's the direction of the old school building… do you have business there?"Akeno tilted her head, her expression just as curious.
Eriri froze for half a second, her cheeks stiffening.
"S-Sorry, Rias-senpai. I'm going to meet Izumi-kun."
"We promised to get together after class, and they're training over at the old building."
Rias and Akeno exchanged a look.So Izumi was over there, huh.
Rias's lips curled lightly.
"Then why don't we go together?"
"I'm heading there as well. I know exactly where they're training."
With Rias extending the invitation, Eriri finally relaxed.
The old school building was Rias's territory — of course she knew that.That was exactly why she ran there the moment school ended.What she feared most was arriving only to find a devil's barrier sealed around the place, blocking her entry entirely.
Thankfully, her worries had been unnecessary.
Led by Rias, Eriri quickly reached the training grounds where Koneko was practicing.
Just in time to witness the small girl launch a cursed bullet — which detonated on impact and blasted a sizeable crater into the ground.
All three newcomers froze.
Especially Rias and Akeno.
"…Koneko can use that kind of magic?" Rias murmured.
Koneko's specialties were martial arts, senjutsu she never used, and youjutsu.Magic—especially explosive spells—was not on that list.
Was someone teaching her?
Their gazes naturally shifted toward Izumi.
At the same time, Asia and Megumi were also trying to practice cursed bullets nearby… though their attempts merely fizzled and drained most of their magical energy.Their pale faces said everything — they were exhausted.
When they noticed Rias and Akeno's arrival, they all stopped and greeted the crimson-haired devil princess.
Rias's gaze immediately locked onto Izumi.
Seeing him training normally again, her eyes widened slightly.
He recovered that quickly…?That secret technique of his really is something.
After finishing her greetings, she approached.
"Izumi-kun, is your body already fine?"
Lifting the weights in his hands, Izumi exhaled and nodded.
"No problem. I'm back to full strength."
"We used your training ground without asking — I hope that's fine?"
Rias shook her head.
"Don't worry about that."
"And as for the training ground, feel free to come whenever you like."
"By the way… Koneko's magic earlier — was that something you taught her?"
"It was surprisingly powerful."
As a devil well-versed in magic, she instantly recognized the nature of the cursed bullet.A spell embedded with a light curse, yet usable by any race.Simple but effective.
If someone put it on the market, it would undoubtedly sell for a high price.Universal magic was always in demand.
But Izumi just shrugged.
"It's nothing impressive."
"I don't really consider it a big deal."
Considering he could throw a handful of his artifacts and cause an explosion stronger than that, cursed bullets truly felt like trivial tricks to him.They were just something he taught to his own team.
Rias chuckled softly.
Maybe it's a small trick for you… but not for the rest of the world.
Still, she didn't push the matter. Instead, she gave an inviting smile.
"Since you're all here already, why don't you come inside our clubroom?"
"You've been training for a while, right? How about some tea?"
Izumi thought for a moment, then nodded.He was somewhat curious about the Occult Research Club's room — rumor said it even had a private bath that Rias frequently used.Naturally, many people had wondered about that.
Seeing his agreement, Rias's smile deepened.
"Then please, follow me."
"And Eriri, Asia, Megumi — the three of you too. Come along."
She turned and walked toward the decaying old school building.
She recognized all of Izumi's companions, especially Megumi — the girl Koneko constantly referred to as "a mysterious existence."Even Rias had attempted to recruit her once, only to be gently declined.
Now she was part of Izumi's team.Rias couldn't deny a small stab of envy.
Izumi already had three teammates… with Eriri likely becoming the fourth soon.That was more than Rias had herself.
Aside from Koneko and Akeno, she had no other servants.
…well, there was one more candidate, but that person needed careful consideration.If everything went well, Rias's third servant wouldn't be far off.
The thought improved her mood, if only slightly.
The recent Fallen Angel intrusion had caused problems, yes — but it hadn't been all bad.She had obtained a new servant because of it.
The only regret was that the other one had been taken away…
A short walk later, they entered the clubroom.
Under Rias and Akeno's hospitality, everyone soon had a cup of high-grade black tea placed in front of them.
Once seated, Rias spoke lightly:
"Izumi-kun, you truly are diligent. So strong already, yet still training this hard."
Izumi shrugged again.
"Strong? Maybe."
"But nowhere near enough. Otherworlders are invading this world now."
"There are plenty of beings out there who could erase someone like me without effort."
"I really don't dare claim I'm powerful."
Izumi understood his situation perfectly.He always assumed himself to be weak — because that mindset kept him alive.
Grow quietly.Don't overextend.Stay cautious.
That was his sole philosophy now.
You never knew when some SSS-rank monster would appear from nowhere and flick you out of existence.Not even ashes left behind.