A few hours later, everyone was gathered in the main room of the Occult Research Club. The atmosphere was calmer now, the earlier tension completely gone, replaced with a quiet sense of satisfaction.
Asia stood near Rias, her hands gently held together in front of her, still processing everything that had happened. Despite everything, there was a soft happiness on her face.
Silas had already told Asia his suggestion earlier, explaining things in his usual straightforward way. She didn't have any issues with it.
In fact, she welcomed it.
Rias stepped forward, holding the Bishop Piece between her fingers. The small chess piece glowed faintly with demonic energy, reacting to Asia's presence.
"Asia Argento," Rias said gently, "from this moment on… you will become part of my peerage."
Asia nodded.
"I understand."
There was no hesitation in her voice. Rias placed the piece against her. The magic activated instantly.
A soft crimson light enveloped Asia's body, wrapping around her like a warm embrace. The energy sank into her, merging with her existence, rewriting her very nature.
For a moment, the room filled with power.
Then it faded. Asia stood there, now a devil. Her eyes slowly opened. She looked at her hands, then around the room.
Everyone was watching her.
Kiba smiled warmly.
"Welcome," he said.
Akeno giggled softly.
"It suits you."
Koneko gave a small nod. Issei stared for a second, then grinned.
"Welcome to the club!"
Asia smiled brightly, clearly relieved and happy.
"Thank you… everyone."
Silas sat off to the side, leaning back comfortably as he watched everything unfold. A faint smile appeared on his face.
'Feels like things are finally moving properly,' he thought.
Then his expression paused slightly.
'…Wait.' He frowned just a little. 'I feel like I'm forgetting something.'
He thought about it for a few seconds.
Then 'Oh yeah. I didn't kill Raynare.' He blinked once. Then shrugged internally.
'Oh well. I'm sure she won't bother us anymore,' he thought.
"Alright guys," Rias said, clapping her hands lightly to get everyone's attention. "Now that we've welcomed a new member to the peerage…"
She smiled.
"Why don't we go out? Sure, it's a school day, but I'm willing to pull some strings."
Her peerage immediately nodded. None of them objected.
"I always knew the president was a big shot in school," Issei said, clearly impressed.
"I want ice cream," Koneko said bluntly.
"Could we make a stop at a blacksmith?" Kiba added, completely serious.
Akeno, meanwhile, turned her gaze toward Silas. She winked. A soft, teasing smile on her lips as she sent a mental message.
"Guess we'll reschedule for the weekend."
Silas smirked slightly. "Sure, I don't mind," he replied.
"Hey, me too!!" Rias said immediately, stepping in without missing a beat.
Silas looked at her.
"Alright," he said casually. "Akeno, I'll take you out on Saturday." He shifted his gaze. "Rias on Sunday."
"Good," Rias replied. Then her thoughts shifted privately, disconnecting from the group.
'I'll make sure to spoil him.' A grin slowly formed on her face, one she didn't realize she was showing. Issei noticed immediately.
He tilted his head.
"Is everything alright, Pres?" he asked. "You're smiling for some reason."
Rias blinked. Then quickly composed herself, clearing her throat.
"Oh—it's nothing."
She turned toward the door.
"Now let's go before school starts."
Asia was given new clothes, which was just the school uniform. The familiar Kuoh Academy outfit fit her surprisingly well, the blazer sitting neatly over her shoulders while the skirt swayed slightly as she moved. She looked down at herself, gently touching the fabric with curiosity, clearly not used to wearing something like this.
"It feels… nice," she said softly.
Akeno smiled.
"You'll get used to it."
Soon after, the group prepared to leave.
A crimson magic circle formed beneath them, glowing brightly as demonic symbols rotated along its edges. One by one, they were enveloped in red light—
And teleported away. Silas followed behind with his own teleportation.
Yet somehow—He got there first.
He appeared at the destination casually, hands already in his pockets as if he had simply been waiting there the entire time.
'Guess we ain't going to the familiar realm anytime soon. Then again… what would I do there? I have no use for one,' he thought.
A second later, the rest of the peerage arrived through their red magic circle.
The light faded. They saw him already standing there.
Waiting.
Rias crossed her arms slightly, narrowing her eyes.
"We should have taken yours," she said.
Silas smirked faintly.
"Next time."
They stood at the entrance of an amusement park.
Bright colors, loud music, and the distant sounds of laughter filled the air. Rides towered in the background, lights flashing as roller coasters twisted through the sky and ferris wheels turned slowly in the distance.
Asia's eyes sparkled.
Koneko's too—though more subtly. Both of them were clearly excited.
"Alright, gang," Rias said, stepping forward confidently. "Have as much fun as you want. We'll be here for the whole day."
With that, they went in. No tickets needed. Rias had already handled that with her magic.
Silas remained at the entrance for a moment. 'Who should I take first?' he thought.
Before he could even decide.
Rias's arm wrapped around his. She pulled herself close to him, her body pressing lightly against his side.
"Let's go, handsome," she said seductively.
Silas smiled.
"Sure."
She led him forward into the park without hesitation. Behind them, the other girls watched.
Akeno bit her lower lip slightly. Asia pouted. Even Koneko's gaze lingered a second longer than usual.
Jealousy. But none of them voiced it. They simply turned and went their own way.
Issei, on the other hand. Was not subtle at all. His face twisted in frustration as he watched Silas walk off with Rias.
'Fucken pretty boy!' he thought.
Now only Issei and Kiba were left standing near the entrance. Kiba turned to him with a polite smile.
"Would you like to—"
He didn't even finish. Issei bolted. Running off in the direction the girls had gone.
"Wait up!!"
Kiba stood there in silence for a moment. Then sighed softly. But he wasn't alone for long.
A group of girls quickly gathered around him, clearly drawn by his looks and charm.
Kiba smiled warmly.
"Well then," he said smoothly.
"Lead the way, ladies."
TO BE CONTINUED