"Asia, have you really thought this through?"
Ayato looked at Asia intently. "You want to become my servant, a Devil?"
Asia's expression was conflicted. She clenched her hands and said, "Ayato-san, do you need my power?"
"I do."
Ayato answered affirmatively.
This was no lie.
He hadn't proposed it before solely because of Asia's faith; he was afraid of scaring the young girl.
'Ayato-san is a good person.'
'Since he needs me...'
'Surely the Lord will forgive me too, right?'
Gazing into Ayato's eyes, Asia's look gradually became resolute. "Okay. I will become a Devil."
'Another naive girl seduced.'
Utaha shot Ayato a look.
'You're the one to blame!'
Ayato glanced sideways at her, then took an Evil Piece from his pocket.
It was a Bishop Piece, very suitable for Asia's abilities.
"What do I need to do?"
Looking at Ayato, Asia grew a little nervous.
Becoming a Devil... something she wouldn't have dared to imagine in the first half of her life.
"It's simple. Just undergo the reincarnation ceremony."
Ayato played with the Evil Piece, sizing up Asia, thinking about where to start.
"I'll help."
Utaha took the Evil Piece and began assisting Asia based on her own experience.
"..." Ayato.
'I was careless. This woman…'
"Oh my, what's with that look, my perverted master?"
Utaha smiled like a fox.
Ayato's expression didn't change; he looked every bit the gentleman.
Utaha smiled triumphantly and said to Asia, "Lift your top here."
"Ah?"
Asia was stunned, then quickly began to blush, her face turning as red as a ripe apple.
'This was the reincarnation ceremony?'
'Didn't something seem a bit off?'
Seeing this, Utaha acted normally: "Don't worry, we're just placing the piece."
Upon hearing this, Asia blinked and began to cooperate.
But even so...
Having Ayato nearby made her feel strangely embarrassed, as if steam was rising from her head.
But looking at Ayato's serious expression...
She felt a little ashamed.
'Thinking such dirty thoughts... I really shouldn't.'
The corner of Utaha's mouth curled up. Her movements were fast, precise, and decisive as she placed the Evil Piece in the correct position.
In an instant...
The Evil Piece merged completely with Asia.
At the same time...
A crimson magic circle appeared on the floor.
The entire room became colorful.
Before long...
The reincarnation ceremony was completely over.
Sweat droplets fell from Asia's delicate face. She felt that her body, which hadn't been particularly strong before, now seemed to possess boundless strength.
"Have I... become a Devil?"
Asia felt something strange on her back, as if something was there.
Thinking this...
With a whoosh, a pair of Devil wings unfurled.
"So it's true. I've really become a Devil?"
Asia knelt on the floor and began to pray softly: "Almighty Lord, this is to help Ayato-san, so please... ow ow ow!"
"You're a Devil now. It's best not to pray."
Ayato looked at Asia, who had tears in her eyes, finding it both funny and a little sad.
If he remembered correctly...
This was indeed her character.
But seeing it in person was still very strange.
"I'll be careful!"
Asia stood up, frowning slightly.
Not being able to pray made her feel complicated.
But thinking about being able to help Ayato gradually made her feel better.
"From now on, you'll train with Utaha."
Ayato gave her a head pat and said affectionately, "If you have any problems, just come to me."
Stare...
On the other side, Utaha watched this scene.
'Had I...'
'...brought a fox into the henhouse?'
"I'll do my best!"
Asia nodded energetically, then bowed to Utaha. "Please take care of me from now on, Utaha-senpai."
"..." Utaha.
'Forget it. Why bother competing with this simple child?'
...
The Underworld!
The sky was as clear as a lake.
The entire earth stretched out endlessly, as if it had no bounds.
Inside the Gremory Family's castle...
In a spacious room.
There was only a desk, piled high with various documents.
Two people, one sitting and one standing, were discussing matters.
The one sitting was a man with red hair and a cheerful face.
He was Sirzechs Lucifer, one of the Four Great Satans of the Underworld.
Standing across from him was a tall, slender woman in a maid uniform, radiating an icy aura.
She was Grayfia Lucifuge, known as the Silver-Haired Queen of Annihilation.
Both!
Were among the top-tier powerhouses of the Underworld.
"You're saying that the boy Ayato wants to hold a Rating Game to compete for Rias's engagement?"
Sirzechs's eyes flickered. "What do you think about this?"
As Rias's brother, he had watched Ayato and Rias grow up.
He was well aware of the feelings between them.
But sometimes...
Even as a Satan, he had no choice.
Grayfia said expressionlessly, "Neither Ayato nor Rias are impulsive people."
"So, they believe they have a sure chance of winning?"
A smile appeared on Sirzechs's lips as he murmured softly. "If that's the case, then we should indeed help."
He had actually been looking for an opportunity to break off Rias's engagement.
And now might be the right time.
Grayfia said, "Shall I make the arrangements?"
Sirzechs nodded. "Yes. It must be done flawlessly. Don't let those old fossils find any fault."
"Yes!"
His voice echoed. The light of a magic circle flashed, and Grayfia vanished.
"But Ayato... you only recently broke through to High-Class Devil. Why are you so confident?"
Thinking this, Sirzechs somehow found himself looking forward to this Rating Game.