Earlier That Night – Rooftop Overlooking the Church
Lightning forked across the sky, illuminating the crumbling church like a forgotten tomb. The air hung heavy, thick with the stench of sanctified lies and old blood.
Issei stood atop a derelict building, his crimson-trimmed coat rippling like a banner in the storm. Power shimmered off him in heatwaves, his eyes burning faintly beneath windswept hair.
Akeno grinned beside him, violet eyes gleaming, lightning lazily dancing between her fingertips. The priestess garb hugged her like a second skin, demonic runes pulsing with energy.
"She's in there," Akeno murmured, voice like silk laced with venom. "Asia Argento. Raynare's keeping her close—like a trophy."
Issei's jaw tightened. "Not for long."
A whistle cut through the storm.
Kiba Yuuto crouched near the rooftop's edge, twin blades reflecting distant flashes of lightning. His expression was sharp, assessing.
"I count three Fallen in position," Kiba reported. "Raynare at the altar. Kalawarna on overwatch. Mittelt patrolling inside. There's also more than two dozen stray exorcists scattered around the perimeter and interior. And a pair of anti-devil wards near the entryway—it'll slow us, maybe a second."
Akeno smirked. "Long enough for them to scream."
Koneko stepped forward, silent till now. The wind teased her white hair, golden eyes unreadable.
"I smell blood. And fear. They'll fight like rats in a cage."
Issei nodded. "Let them. We end it quick."
Kiba arched a brow. "No prisoners?"
"No mercy," Issei said coldly. "They hurt Asia. They'd do it again. This ends tonight."
[Eden Notification: Optional Task Generated.]
Task: Choose the Fate of the Fallen.
Objective: Raynare, Kalawarna, and Mittelt.
• Option A: Eliminate all three.
Reward: Familiar Summoning Scroll (Demonic-Grade), Peerage Enhancement Materials (Training Manual, Sparring Holograms, Combat Realms Access Key), +500 System Points
• Option B: Dominate them into submission as harem members.
Reward: Fallen Angel Bloodline Infusion, Seduction Magic +3, Shadow Cloak Artifact (Lust Imprint Variant)
Time Limit: Until sunrise.
[Ddraig: This is no trivial choice, partner. Each path shapes your legend.]
Issei's eyes hardened. "Option A. No second chances."
[Eden: Selection Confirmed.]
A tense pause hung in the storm-split night.
Kiba cracked a faint grin. "Alright then. Blood before dawn."
Akeno chuckled darkly. "I've been craving this."
Koneko flexed her fingers. "They'll regret breathing."
Issei raised his hand. "We move fast. Akeno on Kalawarna. Kiba and Koneko take Mittelt and the exorcists. I take Raynare. No wasted movement."
Kiba's blades gleamed. "We breach the front. Akeno clears the wards. I cover you."
Koneko cracked her neck. "I'll flank. Crush any stragglers."
Another peal of thunder rolled across the sky.
Issei's voice was steady, lethal.
"Let's end this."
⸻
Inside the Church
Asia knelt, bound in glowing chains, blood streaking her face. The last flickers of hope dimmed in her emerald eyes.
"Please… stop…"
Raynare loomed, fingers toying with Asia's hair. "Poor thing," she cooed. "Your power belongs to me."
Kalawarna yawned. "She doesn't even scream anymore."
"And her tears are dull," Mittelt sighed, flipping a dagger.
In the dark corners, stray exorcists prowled, blades and cursed firearms ready.
A crash split the night.
The doors exploded inward.
A golden blur streaked inside, trailing crimson flames.
Issei.
His demonic wings unfurled, eyes burning, coat smoldering in the gloom. Behind him, Akeno's lightning crackled, Kiba's blades glinted, and Koneko's fists gleamed white with fury.
Kalawarna's face twisted in shock. "He's supposed to be dead—"
"Perfect," Mittelt grinned. "Let's kill them all."
Issei's voice was a blade. "Stand down. Hand over the girl."
Raynare smirked, undoing her robe. "Why fight? I could—"
Flash.
Her arm hit the floor, severed at the shoulder.
Raynare screamed, staggering.
Issei hadn't moved. A flickering sword of light shimmered in his hand.
"You had your chance."
The Battle Ignited.
Kalawarna lunged—Akeno's lightning struck first. Bolts slammed into her body, twisting her wings, leaving her shrieking in agony.
"Stay down," Akeno whispered, savoring the moment.
Mittelt dove at Asia.
Kiba intercepted, blades blurring. Steel clashed, sparks flew. Mittelt slashed, Kiba parried, a clean strike across her ribs dropping her to a knee.
"Not tonight," Kiba spat.
Koneko followed, a single punch shattering Mittelt's jaw, sending her into a stone pillar with a sickening crack.
Stray exorcists swarmed.
Issei turned, palm igniting.
[Eden Sync Initiated: Sunlight Core + Crimson Emotion Detected.]
[Crimson Sun – Partial Manifestation Activated.]
Fire burst around him, red and gold. Veins of light traced his skin.
He surged forward, every step dropping an exorcist. Blades shattered against his aura. A sweep of his flaming fist vaporized three in one blow.
Kiba fought like a phantom, blades finding every weak point.
Akeno summoned a storm. Lightning arcs shot through the church, stray exorcists screaming as their bodies convulsed.
Koneko moved like a wrecking ball, fists crushing ribs and skulls alike.
Within moments, over two dozen stray exorcists lay broken and charred across the sanctuary.
Kalawarna, barely alive, raised her hand.
Another bolt from Akeno dropped her twitching to the floor.
Raynare crawled for a weapon, one wing in tatters.
"You could've ruled beside me!"
Issei's gaze was cold. "I already have everything I need."
A final swing.
Raynare's head hit the floor, her lifeless eyes staring.
Silence.
Only the scent of scorched wings and blood remained.
Issei moved to Asia, severing her chains. He gathered her gently.
"You're safe."
Asia sobbed into his chest. Akeno draped a cloak around her.
"It's over," Akeno murmured.
[Eden Notification: Task Complete — Option A Executed.]
[Rewards: Demonic-Grade Familiar Summoning Scroll (Stored), Peerage Enhancement Materials (Training Manual: Elite), Sparring Holograms (×3), Combat Realms Access Key (×1), +500 System Points.]
[Ddraig: You showed strength without cruelty. That matters.]
Issei nodded.
"Let's go home."
⸻
The Clubroom – Later
Rias met them, eyes shining.
"You did well," she whispered. "You saved her."
Issei gestured for Rias to explain.
Rias knelt beside Asia. "I'd like you to join my peerage. A family. If you'll have us."
Tears spilled from Asia's eyes. "I want to stay. With you… you saved me."
Issei brushed her bangs aside. "Then you will."
⸻
Midnight – Alley Behind the Church
The air reeked of blood and scorched faith.
A shadow staggered from the ruins—Freed Sellzen, bloodied but grinning.
"Damn devils. Still… you did the Lord's work."
He tossed a glowing cube into the rubble.
"Combat Realm. One-use. Don't ask where I got it. No strings, freakshow."
And vanished into the night.
[Eden Notification: Special Item Acquired — Combat Realms (Prototype Chamber: 1 Use Remaining).]
Issei's eyes narrowed.
"Interesting."