Spiritual power thrummed through the chamber as Tenra activated [Holy Mother's Smile] once more.
This time, something changed. As Tenra poured his energy into the Sacred Gear, a shimmering apparition began to coalesce overhead—a figure with hands pressed gently to her heart, radiating a mother's gentle light. Her beauty was ethereal, her presence pure, and if you looked closely, she bore a striking resemblance to Asia.
The Balance Breaker of [Holy Mother's Smile]—unlocked at last.
Most Sacred Gears Tenra had seized, he'd managed to push to their ultimate forms thanks to the overwhelming talent granted by [Sacred Gear Plunder]. But [Holy Mother's Smile] was different. Its Balance Breaker wasn't his achievement—it was Asia's.
This Sacred Gear resonated with kind hearts and pure souls. Asia fit it perfectly.
She'd fought at their side through countless battles, always watching her friends risk everything. Again and again, she'd wished for more strength—not for herself, but to help, to protect, to save.
That wish burned so brightly, the Sacred Gear answered. Not long ago, Asia had finally awakened her own Balance Breaker.
Compared to its usual form, [Holy Mother's Smile] in Balance Breaker mode was a miracle worker. Not quite resurrection, but as long as someone wasn't dead, their wounds—physical or spiritual—could be healed.
In some ways, it even surpassed Phoenix Tears.
Tenra had named Asia's Balance Breaker [Holy Mother's Protection]. Its healing was so powerful, wounds closed the instant they were inflicted, making it almost a defensive shield. With Asia's current strength, even High-Class Devils could barely scratch her. If Tenra used it, he could shrug off attacks from Maou-level foes.
Now, under Tenra's will, the Madonna-like phantom drifted down, her touch gentle as sunlight. She hovered over the unconscious Holy Maidens, then dissolved into a sphere of light that enveloped them, washing away the trauma rooted deep in their souls.
Moments later, the glow faded. The Maidens stirred—eyelids fluttering, then opening one by one.
"Where… where am I?"
Silver-haired Semilia rubbed her brow, blinking at the unfamiliar room. Her mind was still fogged from the ordeal.
"This is my territory, ladies."
Tenra's voice was calm, almost amused. The Maidens turned, startled.
"L-Lord Tenra!"
Faces flushed, they scrambled to their feet, hastily straightening their clothes before bowing in respect.
"Lord Tenra, thank you for saving us. We're truly grateful…"
Led by Semilia, the Maidens expressed their thanks. They knew how deep their wounds ran—body and soul. Without help, they might never have woken again.
And the one who'd saved them was standing right in front of them.
"I just did what felt right. Don't worry about it."
Tenra waved off their gratitude.
"For you, it may have been nothing. For us, it's a debt we'll never repay."
Semilia bit her lip, then asked hesitantly:
"Lord Tenra… what happened after the battle? And… Lord Diodora?"
Their concern was obvious. Tenra smiled, a hint of playfulness in his eyes.
"The fighting's over. As for your King, Diodora—"
"He colluded with the Khaos Brigade and betrayed the Underworld. I eliminated him."
For most servants, losing their master would be a shattering blow—the end of everything. But—
"Eliminated… Diodora-sama was eliminated…"
"Dead… that demon is finally dead…"
"Hehe… hehehe…"
"Thank God!!!"
The Maidens covered their mouths, tears streaming down their cheeks.
But these weren't tears of mourning. They were tears of joy.
The monster who'd destroyed their lives was gone at last.
Tenra had expected this, but seeing it firsthand, he couldn't help but marvel.
Imagine dying and your own followers cry tears of happiness—Diodora had truly sunk that low.
He let them vent, waiting until the sobs faded.
"Diodora's gone. From now on, you're free. What will you do?"
The Maidens quieted, but their eyes grew lost and uncertain.
"We… we…"
They lowered their heads, spirits sinking.
The demon was dead, but where could they go now?
As Diodora's servants, they were marked as traitors—wanted by the Underworld. There was no going back.
Return to the Church? Ridiculous. Once, they'd been celebrated nuns and Maidens. Now, they were stains on the Church's reputation. If they returned, they'd be condemned and executed without hesitation.
It sounded cruel, but that was the Church for you.
Thinking it through, the Maidens realized the truth—they had nowhere to go.
"If you're lost, I can take you in."
Tenra's lips curled in a knowing smile. He understood their plight perfectly.
"Lord Tenra, you'd really accept us?"
Hope flared in their eyes; heads lifted, gazes burning.
"Of course. Taking you in is easy. But there are conditions."
He shrugged, casual as ever.
He wasn't offering charity—the Maidens had value he could use. But they didn't care.
"Lord Tenra, I'll do anything for you!"
"Me too! If it's you…"
"I'm willing to follow you, Lord Tenra."
No surprise—every Maiden agreed, driven by gratitude and by envy. They'd always admired Yubelluna and the others for serving such a master.
To follow this man would be their greatest honor.
"Wanting to follow me is the bare minimum. But it's not enough."
Tenra snapped his fingers. A dozen copies of the [Codex of Divinitas et Diabolus] appeared, floating into the Maidens' hands.
"Before you decide, read this."
Puzzled, the Maidens opened the books.
Shock blossomed across their faces as they read…
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