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The glow of the magic circle faded, and Rias appeared with Akeno and Koneko, their presence filling the ruined air like a pressure wave.
The moment they arrived, they saw what was left of the small house on the outskirts — nothing but rubble. It looked like the place had been flattened by Jack and Freed's fight.
Rias's sharp eyes found Jack right away. Her gaze swept over him quickly — once she confirmed he wasn't hurt, her stern expression softened a little.
In her mind, Jack was still new to this — a rookie devil who needed looking after. If something happened to him under her watch, it would be an embarrassment to her as a king.
"How bad's the situation? Did you run into anyone from the Church?"
As she spoke, her eyes flicked to the girl beside him — Asia. Her brows rose slightly.
As a high-class devil, Rias was extremely sensitive to the Church's holy aura. One glance was all it took to see through Asia's identity.
Normally, meeting someone from the Church wouldn't necessarily mean a fight, but good manners definitely wouldn't be on the table either. The only reason she hadn't reacted yet was because Jack was standing calmly beside the nun, showing no hostility.
Jack nodded politely to the three of them.
"Yeah. I ran into a priest. We started fighting the second we met."
Then he turned to Koneko, a bit apologetic."Sorry. By the time I got here, your contractor was already dead — killed by that guy."
Koneko's golden eyes flickered slightly. She looked toward the wreckage; her sharp senses had already told her what had happened.
"It's not your fault. I'll avenge her."Her tone was small but angry.
Though Koneko always looked expressionless, Jack had spent enough time with her to read the subtle shifts in her mood.
"It's my fault," Rias said quietly, her voice firm. "I didn't expect a stray exorcist to come after our client. That's on me."
Jack blinked. "A stray exorcist? He wasn't an official priest?"
"Of course not. What kind of priest goes around murdering humans for fun?" Rias replied. "Didn't I tell you before? The angels and their God still care about humans. Regular exorcists aren't like the man you saw."
Her explanation made sense. Jack finally understood — not every priest was a lunatic drenched in blood.
Akeno spoke up next, her tone losing its usual teasing warmth. "Stray exorcists are like stray devils. They were cast out by the Church for being too violent — people who delight in slaughtering devils. Twisted in mind and spirit. The Fallen Angels are usually the only ones who'll take them in."
With Jack safe, everyone's tension eased. Then, naturally, all eyes shifted to Asia.
"You heard all that, right?" Jack said gently. "The Church you joined isn't the real thing. You've been targeted by the Fallen Angels."
Of course — they were after her Sacred Gear, Twilight Healing, the "Smile of the Holy Mother."
That naive girl must've been completely deceived.
"I was going to ask earlier," Rias said, her tone edged with mild irritation. "Jack, what's the deal with this nun?"
Devils didn't exactly enjoy standing next to someone radiating holy energy.
Jack explained Asia's situation briefly.
"I see. So she's just a servant of the Fallen Angels, nothing to do with you," Rias said flatly. "Then she should leave. The sooner, the better."
Jack hesitated. He knew those Fallen Angels weren't done with her — and the thought of watching another innocent person fall into their hands left a sour taste in his mouth. He'd been there once, cornered by them, nearly dead. He knew how it felt.
"President," he said suddenly, "why don't you turn her into a devil too?"
Everyone froze — even Asia.
"Huh?"
"W-what did you just say, Mr. Jack?"
"I'm not saying it for no reason."
Jack's voice was calm."Asia has a Sacred Gear — Twilight Healing. Even though she's a holy maiden, she can heal me, a devil. That's not normal. That kind of power's rare, and strong."
Rias's expression changed slightly, curiosity lighting her crimson eyes. She motioned for him to go on.
Seeing that flicker of interest, Jack smiled faintly and turned to Asia.
"That's why the Fallen Angels are after you. They want your Sacred Gear. I'd bet my life on it."
Asia's face went pale. His words triggered memories — whispers, suspicious orders, the looks those Fallen Angels had given her. Everything suddenly made sense.
But she still hesitated. Her faith in God was absolute; even if she'd been betrayed, her heart couldn't just turn.
"I… I understand. But even so, I can't… become a devil. Merciful Lord, please forgive me…"
She clasped her hands, praying desperately.
Jack sighed and shattered her hope with quiet finality.
"This is the Fallen Angels' territory. Your God's not going to send help from Heaven. Not here. Not now."
He smiled — a smile that, to Asia, looked every bit like a devil's.
"Sorry, but the only ones who can help you now are us devils. If you refuse, you won't make it out of this city alive. And once they take your Sacred Gear… you're done."
Asia's faith wavered under the weight of his words. She could tell he wasn't lying, but her devotion to her God made her tremble with guilt.
"Hehe, poor girl," Akeno murmured to Rias, half amused, half pitying. "That's quite the choice to force on someone."
She actually agreed with Jack — and Rias's silence said she did too.
Jack looked at the conflicted girl and spoke softly."Asia, you really don't have a choice anymore. You've seen what they're capable of. You must know what they really want from you."
He hated Fallen Angels — every single one he'd met had been rotten. Even if Rias said there were good ones out there, he hadn't met any yet.
Maybe his words finally reached her — or maybe the cruelty of reality did. Asia's shoulders slumped, her voice trembling.
"I… I understand now. I believe you, Mr. Jack. You wouldn't lie to me. You're… a good person."
Jack: "…"
Seriously? A good person card? Now?
Rias chuckled, her earlier chill replaced by a teasing smile.
"Well then, that settles it. Welcome to the team, Asia." She paused, her tone turning mischievous. "But first… you'll need to take off that holy nun outfit. Devils aren't exactly fond of divine energy hanging around, you know? Sorry, Asia-chan~"
Before Asia could react, Rias flicked her hand — a surge of magic rippled through the air.
Riiip!
Asia's habit burst apart like paper, fluttering to the ground.
She froze, wide-eyed — then yelped, face red as she crouched down in a panic.
"Yelp! M-Mr. Jack! Don't look!"
Jack: "…"
Yeah, right. Like I'm not looking.
"..."
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