Water slide.
Standing atop a water slide more than twenty meters high, the view stretched far into the distance.
On one side of the water park was a bustling city filled with towering buildings, and on the other was the vast ocean with white waves. These two completely different landscapes were separated by only a thin line. From it, one could almost feel the meaning of humanity and civilization.
Sato, who had fled here with Kanna in a fluster, withdrew his gaze and took a deep breath.
"Sir, please hold your child tightly while sliding down!"
A staff member reminded him from behind.
"Got it!"
Sato nodded, then said to Kanna, who was holding his hand, "Let's go!"
"Mm!!"
Kanna nodded eagerly. For the first time, Sato felt her emotions were expressed so clearly.
The two sat one behind the other, and with a push from the staff behind them.
Splash!
They immediately rushed down the winding and complex water slide. The sound of rushing water echoed in their ears as they sped downward against the sea breeze and the cool droplets splashing against their faces.
"Wooaaah!!!"
Kanna braced her hands against Sato's thighs, shouting excitedly as she enjoyed the refreshing rush head-on.
With the final stretch, their bodies suddenly lifted into the air, then with a loud splash, they crashed into the pool, sending up large waves.
"Pff!"
Sato spat out a mouthful of water, then quickly wrapped an arm around Kanna and moved away from the spot.
"Kanna, was it fun?!"
Sato laughed as he asked.
"Mm mm!"
Kanna nodded vigorously. Sato pointed to another water slide nearby and said, "Then how about we try that one too?"
"Kanna wants to go!"
...
Not far away, by the poolside.
Gabriel and Vignette stood holding the drinks they had just bought, watching Sato and Kanna playing happily in the distance.
"It seems Nohara-kun really likes children!"
Vignette smiled at the warm scene, as if she truly enjoyed it.
This demon from hell showed none of a demon's nature, instead holding a fondness for kindness, warmth, and such scenes.
"Mm."
Gabriel nodded, not refuting Vignette. Her beautiful purple eyes remained fixed on the distant scene.
"That guy Sato really does like kids."
"Anyway, why are we bothering with him? Let's head back."
But soon, Gabriel changed her tone, casting an annoyed glance at Sato before turning and walking toward the beach without looking back.
...
By the time Sato returned with Kanna, under the two sun umbrellas there was only a fallen angel, aside from the large pile of things the girls had bought.
"Why did they buy so much stuff?"
Sato looked at the piles of drinks and snacks with a headache. Can you even finish all this?
After saying that, he glanced at Gabriel, who was lying on the beach mat.
She lay on her side, propping her head up with one hand, watching the others playing on the beach in the distance. In front of her was a pile of snacks and drinks. When she heard him approach, she only gave him a brief glance before turning her head away again, her whole body exuding a sense of laziness and decay.
Sato looked toward the distance again.
Mio acted as the referee, while the other members of the light music club, along with Hirasawa Ui, Takanashi Rikka, and Vignette, were playing beach volleyball. The girls' bell-like laughter filled the air with the feeling of youth.
Even in such an atmosphere, this useless angel still wasn't moved?
"Gab, aren't you going?"
"Don't feel like moving!"
Her reply was simple and direct. As she spoke, she casually grabbed a handful of chips and tossed them into her mouth, crumbs crunching and scattering everywhere.
Sato: "..."
If this keeps up, this fallen angel really will become completely useless!
He suddenly thought of the root of all this and silently made up his mind. Starting now, he would carry out a redemption plan!
"Kanna, go pull Gabriel up. Let's go play in the sea together!"
"Mm!"
Kanna listened to Sato very well. Hearing this, she walked toward Gabriel.
"Huh? I never said I was going!"
Gabriel turned to Sato with wide eyes, then looked at the quiet blue-eyed young dragon walking toward her.
"Hey! Kanna, what are you trying to do?!"
"I'm warning you, don't force me… huh?!"
Kanna walked up, grabbed Gabriel's arm, and despite her fierce resistance, easily pulled her to her feet.
Even though Gabriel looked bigger, she had no strength to resist Kanna at all. Once pulled up, she stood there in a daze.
She… she just got dragged up like that?!
Damn it! That's way too embarrassing for an angel!
Gabriel stood there stunned, her golden ponytail swaying behind her.
Soon, she snapped back to her senses.
Kanna was a dragon. Even if she was only a young one, her strength wasn't something Gabriel could contend with. Who had ever seen an angel compete physically with a dragon?
In that case…
Gabriel's expression suddenly darkened.
One second, two seconds, three seconds…
Ahhh!!! I forgot my halo's been corrupted, I can't use divine magic!
"Kanna, let go of me!"
Gabriel began struggling intensely, shouting at Kanna, who held her hand.
I don't want to move!!!
"No. Sato said you have to go play in the sea with me!"
Kanna's large blue eyes stared straight at her.
"I-I'll give you this to eat!"
Seeing no results from resisting, Gabriel's eyes suddenly lit up. She pointed at the dorito bag on the beach mat.
Kanna looked toward Sato.
Sato smiled faintly and pointed at the pile of snacks behind them.
Understanding, Kanna dragged Gabriel toward the sea.
Even though she was already a fallen angel, being dragged across the beach like she was being paraded around by a young dragon was still unbearable for Gabriel. Left with no choice, she gave up resisting.
The three of them entered the sea, the water constantly washing over them.
Sato said, "Kanna, just take Gabriel and swim around a few times."
Gabriel complained unhappily, "I'm an angel, you know. Angels have wings, we hate water!"
Sato rolled his eyes. As if I'd believe that nonsense.
"Kanna, take her along and swim."
Kanna nodded blankly, then, still holding Gabriel's hand, dove straight into the sea with a splash…
One second, two seconds, three seconds…
The smile on Sato's face gradually stiffened.
Wait… where did they go?!
...
In the distance, beneath the sea.
An expressionless little girl dragged a blonde angel through the water at incredible speed. In an instant, they had traveled over a hundred meters.
Gabriel drifted along with the current, nearly losing consciousness as her eyes rolled back…
S-someone… someone save me.