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Under the cover of night, Jack and Koneko Tojo buried the human client who'd been killed by that rogue exorcist.
It was the kind of job he could've easily left to his subordinates or familiars, but Koneko insisted on doing it herself—so he stayed with her.
"That guy's definitely going to show up again."
Jack stared at the small mound of freshly turned earth, his voice low and heavy.
Demons like them had nothing to fear from an exorcist gone rogue—but their clients were just ordinary humans. Against someone like that? They never stood a chance.
"It's my fault," Koneko murmured. "If I'd answered her summoning faster, maybe she wouldn't have died."
"This isn't on you."
Seeing her shoulders slump, Jack reached out and gave her a reassuring pat.
"Next time we run into that bastard," he said quietly, "I won't let him get away."
Last time, he'd been caught off guard by that blinding holy grenade—he wouldn't make the same mistake twice. The next encounter would end with that man's blood on his blade.
"Then call me when it happens," Koneko said firmly.
"Yeah. I will."
He gave a calm nod, but he could feel the conviction radiating from her.
A few steps behind them, Rias Gremory was finishing up Asia's reincarnation ritual.
She'd used a Bishop piece.
The glowing chess piece dissolved into Asia's body as Rias recited the last of the incantation. And just like that, another new member had joined their family.
When Jack and Koneko returned, Asia was still adjusting to her transformation. Her new uniform—woven from demonic energy—was identical to Kuoh Academy's standard design.
"How do you feel, Asia?" Jack asked.
"My body feels so light… S-so I'm a demon now?" Her tone wavered between awe and uncertainty.
Ara ara—" Akeno Himejima chuckled softly, glancing toward Jack. "You're a senpai now. You'd better take good care of your kouhai."
Jack couldn't help but smile. Senpai, huh? He'd only just become a devil himself—it felt weird being called that already.
When he looked back at Asia, her eyes seemed a little unfocused.
"What's wrong?"
"N-Nothing…" She shook her head quickly, forcing a faint smile.
He figured she'd just been through too much today, so he spoke gently.
"If you're ever confused or uncomfortable, just tell us. We're your comrades now. Whatever happens, we'll have your back."
"Comrades…" she whispered, the word trembling on her lips before tears suddenly spilled down her cheeks.
Everyone froze.
Wait—why is she crying?
Jack blinked. Did I say something weird? No… right?
"Uh… Asia?" he asked awkwardly.
"S-Sorry," she sniffled, hastily wiping her eyes. "I'm just… so happy."
"…Oh. Well, that's good then."
Since she didn't want to explain further, he let it go.
"All right, we should head back," Rias said, stepping forward. "If we stay too long, that priest might come back with the fallen angels."
She already understood Asia's sacred gear—the Twilight Healing, the so-called Smile of the Holy Mother. There was no way those fallen angels would let it go easily.
"Akeno, let's go."
"Yes, President."
Akeno smiled at Asia. "Come stand next to me."
Now that Asia was a devil, she could finally use the teleportation circle. It was the reason Jack had suggested reincarnating her in the first place—he didn't want to just leave her behind.
It turned out to be a perfect solution: they'd saved Asia and strengthened Rias's team.
The teleportation circle glowed, and everyone vanished.
About ten minutes later, a scream split the night.
Freed fell from the sky, hitting the ground with a crunch.
Black feathers drifted slowly through the air above him.
Two fallen angels hovered there, their faces dark as they felt the lingering traces of demonic energy.
"Damn it, we're too late. The Smile of the Holy Mother—they took it!"
One glared down at Freed. "You idiot! You abandoned Asia and ran off alone? Do you even realize how important her Sacred Gear was to us?!"
"W-Wait, ladies! I'm on it, I swear! I already have a lead!"
Freed pushed himself up, scowling. "That sword-and-shield combo—definitely a Sacred Gear. And there's only one new player in town who matches the profile…"
The two fallen angels exchanged a glance.
"The red-haired 'Crimson Princess of Ruin' from the Gremory family—her new Knight?"
"Damn. Her? That's bad news." One frowned.
"Doesn't matter. Let this useless freak handle it. I don't care how—steal it, snatch it, whatever. Just get The Smile of the Holy Mother back."
"Y-Yes, yes! Of course, ladies!"
Freed bowed and scurried off, his face twisted in frustration.
——
When the group returned via teleportation, Rias headed straight for the shower.
Jack, meanwhile, was mulling over where Asia should stay.
"Any suggestions?" he asked, glancing at Akeno and Koneko.
Both shook their heads. Akeno lived with Rias, and Koneko stayed in the dorms.
"Why not have her stay at your place?" Rias's voice floated casually from the bathroom.
Inside, she was standing under the shower, steam curling around her completely bare body.
Asia, standing nearby, turned beet-red.
W-Wait—Jack's right there! Doesn't she need to, like, close the curtain?!
Seriously, does she not care?!
Jack didn't even flinch, though—he just rubbed his temple with a half-exasperated smile.
"Uh, that's not really appropriate," he said. "I'll just rent her an apartment nearby. I've got some savings."
"Eh? N-No, it's fine! I can pay for it myself. I have a little money, I think…"
But her voice trailed off, clearly unsure.
"Relax," Jack said. "Let me handle it. Keep your money for yourself—you don't wanna end up broke."
He grinned. "You know what they say about people who are yi qiong er bai?"
Asia blinked innocently. "Doesn't it mean… 'down to your last penny'?"
"Nope."
He shook his head, eyes narrowing mischievously.
"It means when you're poor, everyone gives you two white eyes."
The room went silent.
Everyone: "…???"
"..."
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