The battle with the fallen angels was finally over. With Kokabiel defeated, the spell to annihilate Kuoh Town faded away. The crisis had passed, but Kuoh Academy was in ruins—save for the kendo club, protected by the Yata-no-Kagami. Everywhere else was nothing but shattered stone and twisted steel.
"Asia, Minami, I'm fine now."
Tenra flexed his arm, flashing a reassuring smile. He could heal himself—better than either of them, really—but he wouldn't refuse their care. Their concern was genuine, and that mattered.
Both girls let out shaky sighs of relief. It was the first time they'd ever seen Tenra wounded, and the fear had shaken them.
"Lord Tenra, Lady Raynare chased after the White Emperor…"
Mittelt and Kalawarner approached, nervous and hesitant.
After witnessing Tenra crush Kokabiel—and the sheer power he'd shown clashing with the White Emperor—the two fallen angel girls now regarded him with a mix of awe and trepidation.
Tenra nodded, already knowing what that dark, broken woman was thinking. He wasn't worried. Under his training, Raynare had grown stronger, but against Vali she was still outmatched. She'd slink back once she'd been thoroughly humbled.
He glanced at the two girls, noting the tension in their eyes.
"Are you scared of me?"
Mittelt and Kalawarner froze, panic flickering across their faces.
"N-no, Lord Tenra, we… we…"
Caught off guard, they fumbled for words. How could they not fear the man who held their fate in his hands? But even if they were frightened, admitting it was out of the question.
Tenra stepped closer, each footfall tightening the knot in their stomachs. Had they done something wrong? Was he angry? Dread crept up their spines; their bodies trembled.
But instead of punishment, Tenra gently cupped their faces.
"You're my tools, yes. But as long as you're loyal—obedient—I'll never abandon you. I won't hurt you, either."
"So stop looking so terrified. Be yourselves."
They'd served Tenra alongside Raynare for some time now. Yubelluna and the others hadn't excluded them, yet the two always seemed to see themselves as outsiders—timid, careful, keeping their distance unless given orders.
Honestly, Tenra found it a bit irritating. Even tools deserved a measure of pride.
Mittelt and Kalawarner stared at him, stunned. After everything, they understood Tenra well enough to know he didn't bother lying to them.
Not abandoned. Not abused. Free to be themselves…
No former fallen angel leader would ever have spoken such words. Something deep inside them shifted—a strange warmth, spreading through their limbs.
The fear faded. The dread dissolved.
"Lord Tenra…"
Calm settled over them, and for the first time, they understood Raynare's obsession. To serve this man… perhaps it really was an honor.
Tenra caught the change in their eyes and nodded, satisfied. Much better.
Mittelt was petite and mischievous, always in some new cosplay. Kalawarner was tall and sultry, with plenty of admirers among students and teachers alike.
"You both did well today. As a reward, join Raynare tonight."
He stroked their cheeks again, lips curling in a teasing grin.
"Yes, Lord Tenra…"
Both girls blushed, heads bowed—but joy sparkled in their eyes.
While Tenra reassured his servants, Rias and her team worked magic to restore the academy. The earlier fight with Kokabiel had been bad enough, but the clash between the Two Heavenly Dragons had leveled the place—streets and buildings outside were damaged too. Thankfully, there were no casualties.
With practiced ease, the girls repaired everything. In minutes, Kuoh Academy looked untouched, as if nothing had happened. Hard to believe such carnage had just torn through the night.
Tonight, Kuoh Town would not sleep. But the cleanup and explanations would fall to others—not Tenra and his friends.
"Kamiyo Tenra, Rias, now that things are settled, we'll head back. Kokabiel's defeat means the Maou won't need to intervene, but tonight's events must be reported to the Underworld."
Sona and her peerage approached, the girls looking much healthier after restoring their magic.
"Sona, thank you for your help tonight. Protecting the town should have been my job…"
"No need to dwell on it. Fighting alongside Rias—usually my rival—was surprisingly enjoyable. And tonight, our side gained plenty."
Rias offered gratitude, but Sona just adjusted her glasses, her tone casual. Both girls exchanged a knowing smile—formality had never suited their friendship.
"Kamiyo Tenra, you've impressed me again. But next time, try not to be so reckless."
"You and the White Emperor are destined to battle. I'm looking forward to it—but save your duel for a proper stage. Until then, show some restraint."
Sona's gaze was serious, her words measured.
"Yeah… I went overboard. It won't happen again, President Sona."
Tenra rubbed his nose, sheepish.
Sona's lips twitched, and Tsubaki and the others snickered behind her.
"That's all for tonight. See you all tomorrow."
With a nod to the group, Sona's peerage activated their teleportation circle, preparing to leave.
She took two steps, then paused.
"Sona. From now on, just call me Sona."
She left those words hanging in the air, then disappeared into the circle.
Tenra stood there, stunned, Sona's words echoing in his mind. Rias and the girls exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of amusement and intrigue.
"Ara ara, Tenra, looks like the president's got her eye on you too!"
"You haven't really… with Sona, have you?"
Akeno wrapped her arms around Tenra, voice playful and sly. Rias eyed him suspiciously.
Could Tenra really have something going with Sona now? Not just Akeno and Rias—even Yubelluna and the others eyed Tenra with teasing, ambiguous looks.
Tenra's eye twitched. He was at a loss for words.
Even if he tried to explain that nothing was going on, they'd never believe him.
She could have said it privately, but no—Sona had chosen to make her declaration in front of everyone. Tenra groaned inwardly. That scheming president had done it on purpose.
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