"Rias-senpai. We have covered the school with a large barrier. With this, unless something disastrous happens, there will be no damage outside."
Saji's voice carried the report with unusual seriousness. For once, the usual cocky grin was gone. His hands were balled into fists, his stance stiff—like he knew the weight of what we were walking into.
We stood together in the park across from Kuou Academy; the Occult Research Club lined up with the Student Council. The night air was heavy, every breath tasting faintly of ozone, as if Kokabiel's power itself was already leaking through the barrier.
Kiba wasn't with us. But I didn't worry. Somehow, deep down, I knew he'd come when it mattered most. That was just who Kiba was.
"The injured exorcist girl has been moved to Kaichou's home for treatment," Saji continued. "Thanks to Asia-san, she avoided the worst-case scenario."
Asia bowed her head shyly, embarrassed by the praise. My heart softened, but there was no time for comfort. My eyes slid back toward the academy gates, where shadows churned unnaturally.
According to Saji, the barrier Sona placed with her council was big enough to blanket the entire school. It wouldn't stop Kokabiel, but it would keep the fight contained. That was all we could hope for.
"This is to keep things to the minimum," Kaichou said, her voice sharp and precise. "If Kokabiel were to fight seriously, not only this academy but the entire region would be annihilated. He's already releasing power. My servants have confirmed it."
Even in the darkness, I could see the fire flickering in her eyes. Cold, calculated fury directed toward Kokabiel. Sona Sitri wasn't just a strategist. She was a fortress in human skin. Man, she was something else.
"My council will continue reinforcing the barrier. At best, we can reduce damage. The academy itself may suffer, but we can't allow the city to be caught in this."
Rias nodded solemnly. "Thank you, Sona. We'll handle the rest."
Kaichou's gaze sharpened. "Rias, our enemy is a monster whose strength eclipses ours. It isn't too late—you should call your Oni-sama."
Rias shook her head firmly, her crimson hair brushing against her cheek like fire against porcelain. "And you didn't call your Onee-sama."
Sona's lips pressed into a line. "…My Onee-sama is... Your Oni-sama loves you. Sirzechs-sama will definitely move. So..."
"I have already informed Sirzechs-sama," Akeno cut in suddenly, her tone carrying an edge that silenced everyone.
Rias turned sharply. "Akeno!"
But Akeno didn't shrink. For once, her calm, teasing smile was gone, replaced by a stormy glare.
"Rias, you know this is beyond your control. This is your territory, your responsibility, and you wanted to shoulder it alone. But this time? The leader of the Fallen Angels has appeared. That's not something you—or any of us—can solve alone. Don't be selfish. Borrow Sirzechs-sama's strength."
It was the first time I'd ever seen Akeno stand against Rias so openly. For a second, I almost wanted to whistle at the sight. Damn, that fire suits her. Maybe I should ask her to keep that expression for our next threesome…
Rias's lips trembled as if she wanted to argue, but instead she inhaled deeply, steadied herself, and nodded.
"…You're right."
Satisfied, Akeno's smile returned, softer now. "Thank you for understanding, Rias. Sona-sama, Sirzechs-sama's reinforcements will arrive in one hour."
"One hour," Kaichou echoed. She straightened her posture, her voice solemn as steel. "Until then, my council will maintain the barrier. In the name of Sitri, we swear it."
Rias squared her shoulders, her gaze sweeping across us. "…Then it's decided. One hour. Now, my servants, we move. We'll enter the barrier and keep Kokabiel occupied. This is not a rating game—it's life and death. But I won't forgive you if you die. Survive. Return. Continue to live as students of this school." Her gaze fixed on me. "Especially you, Ise. Don't do anything reckless."
"[Yes!]" we shouted in unison, the fire of her words igniting something fierce in each of us.
But I had something else on my mind.
"Buchou," I said suddenly. "Can I get a moment alone?"
Her head tilted slightly, suspicion in her crimson eyes. "…Why, Issei?"
"I need to talk to Ddraig," I answered simply.
The silence that followed was thick enough to choke on.
"…What?"
Her voice dropped into something sharp, almost dangerous.
"You can already talk to him. Why didn't you say so earlier?"
I scratched my cheek with a sheepish grin. "Oh… yeah. I guess I forgot to mention it."
"You forgot?" Her voice rose, a mix of disbelief and outrage.
"Pretty much." I shrugged casually, as though we weren't on the edge of war.
Her eyes narrowed dangerously. "…Issei. Do you have any idea how critical that information is? You've been hiding the fact that you can directly communicate with one of the Heavenly Dragons—"
"I didn't hide it," I cut in, smiling wryly. "It just… slipped my mind. You know me, Buchou. I get distracted."
Internally, my blood was burning. Not with shame—but with excitement. Kokabiel. One of the legendary leaders of the Fallen Angels. His power was terrifying, yes, but… I couldn't help it. My fists itched. My heart hammered. Even when Dohnaseek, who is now decreasing, tried to kill me previously when I just turned into the Devil, I didn't feel much; most of the time I feel just like that, but now, for the first time in a while, I felt alive. My heart was pounding like drums.
My thoughts whispered, This is it. My chance. To stand against one of the strongest.
Rias exhaled slowly, pinching the bridge of her nose. "You're impossible."
"Maybe. But I'm your impossible pawn." I flashed her a grin.
~~~
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