A Saintess needed to remain pure.
This was what Asia often heard after being promoted to Saintess by the Church.
To be honest, Asia didn't quite understand what 'remaining pure' truly meant.
Because of her status as a Saintess, Asia was always worshipped by the faithful, but this also led to her being isolated.
Unable to make friends, all her common sense was taught by the Church clergy.
In her understanding, maintaining purity was a very complex definition; the simplest understanding was wearing heavy clothing, keeping a distance from men, and avoiding prolonged contact.
But today, Asia gained a new understanding of maintaining purity.
"So amazing."
Asia stared fixedly at the screen in front of her, segments of astonishing images reflected in her green pupils.
Without a doubt, this was impurity.
Even a girl who had never experienced worldly affairs could understand the meaning represented by what she saw.
But as the former Saintess, Asia did not flip through the manual to find a way to close the projection after seeing the scene on the screen.
An invisible flame rose in her heart; amidst the intense symphony, her body grew hot.
Looking at the black-haired boy who saved her on the screen, her gaze gradually became dazed.
...The next day, the sun rose.
Leaving breakfast for two, Cain arrived at a deserted mountain outside Kuoh Town.
This was the coordinate Rias had sent that morning.
Perhaps utilizing the power of the Gremory Family, the entire mountain range was enveloped by a massive Barrier overnight.
Entering the Barrier, Cain soon spotted Rias and the others, who were currently warming up on the mountaintop.
After a brief chat and greeting, Cain looked at Rias: "How can I help?"
"I want to fight you first in your normal state."
Devil wings spread out behind Rias: "Don't hold back, you can use any method other than your Longinus."
"Any method? Are you sure?"
"Yes. As long as you don't use a Longinus, you can fight me using any means."
"Alright, I understand."
Cain thought, and terrifyingly powerful lightning aura appeared beside him, coalescing into a katana.
"You make the first move."
Cain gripped the hilt of his blade and said.
The moment his words fell, Rias's pupils constricted as she felt a fatal sense of threat envelop her.
"So it really is like this."
Rias took a deep breath.
She had actually sensed it during their first meeting.
Cain's strength was not weak.
Even without using the boosted gear, his power was still comparable to hers.
But upon actually facing him, she realized the pressure was far more terrifying than she had imagined.
Not daring to relax or be careless, Rias retreated immediately to create distance, while a ball of crimson magic power materialized in her palm.
Magic Shot! (The Power of Destruction version!)
Without using overly profound techniques, Rias compressed her magic power into a Magic Shot and fired it forward.
Infused with the properties of Power of Destruction, each of these Magic Shots could annihilate a Middle-Class Devil.
If struck head-on, even a High-Class Devil would suffer damage; it was one of Rias's favorite techniques.
But just as the Magic Shots were about to land, a golden beam of light sliced through the air.
In the next instant, a loud boom echoed.
Under Rias's astonished gaze, Cain casually unleashed a hundred-meter-tall sword aura.
The sword aura raged, and lightning flashed.
In just a moment, the Power of Destruction Shots were shattered by the sword aura, and the terrifying aura made Rias's expression grow even more serious.
Flapping her wings, Rias left her original spot, dodging the attack while summoning over a hundred more Magic Shots.
But just as she prepared to launch the second round of attacks, she suddenly realized Cain's figure had vanished from where he stood at some point. Releasing her senses, she also failed to capture his aura.
"Are you looking for me?"
A hand patted Rias's shoulder.
Rias's body trembled, and after a moment of silence, she asked,
"Senjutsu?"
"Not just Senjutsu; there are also assassination arts in Ancient Martial Arts that conceal one's aura."
The air subtly wavered, and Cain's figure silently appeared behind Rias.
At the same time, he injected magic power into the air, revealing countless invisible, thin lines.
Centered on Rias's location, countless fine lines surrounded her like a spider's web.
The closest thin line was already suspended directly in front of Rias.
If she took one more step forward, she would be torn apart by this fine line generated by the Dismantle.
Looking at the scene, Rias was silent for a moment before sighing with a complicated expression.
"It seems I overestimated myself. I was hoping to at least exchange a few moves with you in your normal state."
"If you had challenged me a month ago, you could indeed have exchanged a few moves with me,"
Cain replied, retracting the slash lines.
Before awakening the Mist Plaza, his strength was only comparable to a High-Class Devil.
Facing Rias's Power of Destruction, he would indeed have to exert considerable effort to win.
But unfortunately, things were different now.
Having awakened the Dismantle, his physical fitness had greatly improved, and his combat methods had become much richer.
Combined with the advancements gained from consuming power in the past few days, his strength had undergone a qualitative change.
Even without using the boosted gear, he was no longer comparable to a High-Class Devil.
...
"Himejima, did you see that clearly?"
Kiba Yuuto looked toward the sky with a serious expression.
It is often said that bystanders see things clearly while those involved are confused.
But even observing from a third-party perspective, he still couldn't clearly make out Cain's movements.
"I could only see part of it,"
Himejima Akeno, who was also watching the fight, replied.
As Rias's Queen, her strength was not too far behind Rias's.
But even so, she could only grasp the general idea.
Cain's movements were simply too fast.
Launching a counterattack, concealing his aura, and setting up traps while moving, it all happened within a mere two seconds.
If this were a fight to the death, Rias might have been killed before even seeing her enemy.
"Kiba, Koneko, I'm going up to help Rias."
Himejima Akeno spread her wings and flew toward the sky.
After exchanging a few words with Cain, the battle resumed.
This time, Rias and Himejima Akeno teamed up, and Cain suppressed his power to the level of a High-Class Devil.
For a time, lightning crackled, and intense collision sounds constantly rang out. The two sides appeared to be fighting back and forth.
But upon closer inspection, it was clear that Cain was still the one holding the advantage.
Even using the same level of power and speed, he was still overwhelming Rias and Akeno throughout the fight.
"What a monster,"
Kiba Yuuto let out a sigh.
No longer looking at the battle in the sky, he withdrew his gaze and looked towards the white-haired girl beside him.
"Koneko, want to spar?"
"En, okay."
Koneko silently nodded her head.
Perhaps intentionally, the Senjutsu Cain used in the battle were all ones he had taught them recently.
After watching for a while, she had gained new insights into these Senjutsu and needed someone to practice with.
...
Underworld, the capital Lilith.
At the same time that Cain and the others began their training, Diodora had already returned to his family via the Magic Array.
However, compared to the past, the atmosphere in the Astaroth Family was extremely tense.
The moment Diodora walked into the courtyard, his steps were blocked by a middle-aged man.
"Father, what is it?"
Diodora stopped and asked.
The middle-aged man before him was his father, the current head of the Astaroth Family, Hodell Astaroth.
Due to his personality, the man had gradually retreated behind the scenes in recent years, enjoying life.
As for why he was standing before him now, Diodora already had a guess in his heart.
As expected, Hodell's first words were an interrogation.
"Diodora, what have you been up to lately?"
"I took a liking to a nun from the Church and went to the mortal world a few days ago," Diodora replied truthfully.
However, this reply did not satisfy Hodell: "A nun? You mean, because you seduced a nun, the Satan's sent an inquiry, and they even made me confirm whether you have the qualifications to inherit the family?"
"..."
"Hmph, I warned you about your terrible hobby a long time ago, yet you never listen."
"This time you provoked someone you shouldn't have. Do you know what massive trouble you brought upon the family?"
Seeing Diodora remain silent, Hodell's expression became even more displeased.
In fact, there was one thing he didn't mention.
Aside from the Satan's inquiry, Ajuka, who belongs to Beelzebub, had returned to the Astaroth Family after a long absence.
It was the first time Hodell had seen him look so serious.
Even when the devils were engaged in civil war and Ajuka led his troops onto the battlefield, he hadn't shown such an expression.
If not for this, Hodell wouldn't have taken it so seriously, personally blocking Diodora at the family entrance.
"Remember, there won't be a next time."
"If you make another mistake, the successor to the Astaroth Family will be given to Latia."
After harshly reprimanding Diodora, Hodell left behind a warning and then turned to leave.
Watching Hodell disappear, Diodora lowered his head and returned to his room.
Bang!
The desk made of Demon Cedar was smashed in half by a punch, and the items on the table scattered everywhere.
"Damn it! Who exactly is that guy!"
Veins bulged on Diodora's forehead, his expression twisted, and his eyes filled with rage.
As a descendant of the Astaroth Family head, he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth.
From childhood until now, this was the first time he had suffered such great humiliation, to the point where even his status as heir was shaken.
What made him feel even more stifled was that even now, he still didn't know that man's identity.
Merely a four-winged Fallen Angel, why would the Devil Kings place so much importance on him! Are these Devil Kings the kings of devils or the kings of Fallen Angels!
The flames of anger surged higher. Diodora took out a demonic artifact engraved with the symbol [∞] from his embrace and activated it by injecting magic power.
A few seconds later, a voice sounded from within.
"What is it?"
"Shalba, I need your help."
Diodora walked to the window and looked toward the sky.
Since the Satan's wouldn't help him, there was no need for them to exist either.
However, what Diodora failed to notice was:
When he used the demonic artifact to contact someone from the Old Satan Faction, an eyeball-like symbol flickered faintly above his head, bringing everything around him under control.
...
"Good opportunity!"
Noticing a flaw in Cain's movement, Rias threw a Magic Shot at him with all her might.
But the next second, the Magic Shot was severed by a cold glint, and Cain retracted his attention and replied.
"Let's end the training for today."
"Okay." Rias descended from mid-air, letting out a long breath as she finally relaxed.
Compared to when the fight just started this morning, she was considerably disheveled now, covered in dust, and her crimson hair was a messy tangle.
Her original shoes were gone, leaving her feet bare on the ground, and her pants were also tattered, vaguely revealing a patch of fair skin.
"Come here, let me heal you."
The culprit's voice rang out.
Cain called Rias to his side, raised his hand, and placed it on the girl's arm, a green light appearing in his palm.
In just an instant, the injury on Rias's arm vanished.
"You have this ability too?"
Rias showed a hint of surprise on her face.
She moved her arm and felt no discomfort; it was even more relaxed than before.
"This should be more than just the power of Senjutsu, right?"
"Mm, it's the power of Senjutsu combined with a Sacred Gear."
Cain brushed his palm across Rias's arm, moving towards the girl's shoulder blade and face.
Life Senjutsu + Twilight Healing
The combination was the real reason for the astonishing healing effect.
Centered where Cain's palm touched, rich life force healed the injuries and then flowed into Rias's body to alleviate fatigue.
It felt like being massaged and then soaking in a hot spring; a comfortable sensation spread from the outside in, and the overall strength continued to rise.
Rias's body trembled, and she let out a soft moan subconsciously, stumbling forward.
Seeing this, Cain reached out with understanding and caught her, taking the opportunity to press a couple of times to heal the injuries near her heart.
"Ara ara, in just a few seconds, have you two gotten this close already?"
Himejima Akeno's voice came from the side. Rias, who had been somewhat immersed in the massage, snapped back to attention and stood up awkwardly.
"Cain, you weren't doing that on purpose, were you?"
"I was just healing your injuries; anything else is irrelevant to me,"
Cain replied with a serious expression.
Having healed the injuries on her upper body, he moved his hand towards the girl's long, beautiful legs.
Seeing this, Rias hesitated for a moment but chose to let him continue the healing as if nothing was happening.
A warm current came from below, and Rias forced herself not to make another sound.
A few seconds later, Cain withdrew his hand.
"Done."
"Hoo~"
Rias let out a long breath, feeling that these short ten-plus seconds were more tiring than a full day of fighting.
"This looks quite interesting."
Himejima Akeno leaned in curiously.
Ignoring the hesitant Rias beside her, she naturally puffed out her chest and spread her arms, causing a ripple.
"Cain, don't discriminate. Use that move you just used to heal me as well."
"No problem."
Cain raised his hand again.
It is said that a healer has a benevolent heart.
Although he was only temporarily acting as a doctor, he would help everyone who needed it.
Soon, amidst a soft moan, Himejima Akeno experienced the same treatment and was fully restored.
"That's truly comfortable."
Himejima Akeno showed a smile on her face.
Compared to Rias, she wasn't embarrassed at all; instead, she winked at Cain.
"I'll be counting on you for future treatments, Cain."
"Of course, I can."
Cain withdrew his hand with satisfaction.
Compared to Rias, Himejima Akeno had a bolder spirit, which matched her temperament.
Of course, Rias also had her merits.
In terms of figure alone, the two were evenly matched; even Cain couldn't declare a winner.
Meanwhile, Rias, who had watched the second round of treatment from the sidelines, tilted her head slightly in confusion.
"Cain, have you become lecherous?"
"Perhaps it's the influence of Ddraig; my body is currently leaning towards that of a dragon."
"Ddraig would cry if he heard that."
"Don't worry, his consciousness isn't inside Boosted Gear. He's still flying around Kuoh Town right now."
"..."
Rias gave Cain a complicated look, inexplicably feeling like she was getting to know him anew.
But considering her plan to find outside help, this might be a good opportunity, a mutual attraction of sorts.
At least, Rias's impression of Cain wasn't bad.
Bringing Himejima Akeno along, the three chatted as they quickly found Koneko and Kiba on the mountainside.
While Cain and the other two were training, Koneko and Kiba Yuuto had also been sparring for half a day.
Thanks to Cain's teaching, Koneko's strength was significantly higher than it should have been at this stage.
Relying on the power of Senjutsu, she could always predict Kiba Yuuto's movements in advance and launch a counterattack.
After a match, Kiba Yuuto had barely touched Koneko a few times, while he himself was covered in injuries.
"I yield, Kiba-senpai,"
Koneko expressionlessly activated Senjutsu, healing the few minor scratches on her body.
"I concede,"
Kiba Yuuto deactivated the Demonic Sword in his hand.
Although he had been beaten rather badly, he could feel himself constantly improving.
If he continued to grow at this rate, he might reach the level of a High-Class Devil before the end of the year.
Thinking of this, Kiba Yuuto's mood brightened considerably, and most of the frustration from being beaten up all afternoon dissipated.
"Koneko, can you heal my injuries too?"
"My power is depleted."
Koneko shook her head slightly.
After a prolonged fight, not only was Kiba Yuuto exhausted, but her own power was also at its limit.
The healing she just performed was the last of her Senjutsu.
If she wanted to use Senjutsu again, she needed some time to rest.
Thinking of this, Koneko's gaze turned towards Cain.
She had learned her Senjutsu from Cain.
Cain also knew the healing Senjutsu.
"Looks like Cain has to step up again,"
Himejima Akeno showed a playful smile.
"Perform that move you did just now again."
"Of course, I can."
Cain activated his Sacred Gear and flicked his finger.
In the next instant, a green beam of light fell upon Kiba Yuuto, rapidly healing his injuries.
Rias: "?"
Himejima Akeno: "?"
Wait! This isn't right!
...
Re@d adv@nce ch@pters on p@t
guilt_free_daoist
Jo!n d!sc0rd I!nk in synops!s.
GIVE ME YOU POWER STONES.