Akeno's reaction to Rias's words was almost comical. That "retreat to advance" move—utterly devious, totally impossible to defend against. She shook her head, half-amused, half-impressed.
Meanwhile, Koneko's gaze lingered on Shuo, arms wrapped around both girls. Her eyes betrayed a tangle of emotions—a flicker of envy, a shadow of uncertainty. She looked away, a hint of melancholy in her expression.
Shuo noticed. He released Rias and Akeno, striding over to Koneko and ruffling her hair with a grin.
"Heh, Koneko-chan's way too cute for me to leave out of the fun!"
"Don't say weird things, pervert-senpai!" Koneko huffed, cheeks flushing even deeper. Still, Shuo caught the spark of happiness she tried to hide.
Tch. At this rate, taming this little kitten won't take much longer.
Before things could get any more awkward, Yuuto finally broke his silence. "Um… guys, aren't we forgetting something?"
"Hm? What do you mean?" Shuo and the others turned, collectively baffled.
Yuuto's eye twitched. He gave a helpless little laugh. "You know, the rewards? We never picked them up after finishing the challenge."
That snapped everyone back to reality. In a flurry, the group began searching the clearing for any sign of dropped loot.
"Found one!" Yuuto called, holding up a prize.
"Ara ara~ I've got one too!" Akeno chimed in, excitement lighting up her face.
In the end, they managed to find three rewards. The first: the [Eight Gates]—a modified version straight out of the Naruto world.
Shuo held up the scroll and explained, "This is a technique that lets you temporarily unlock insane power. The stronger your body, the crazier the boost. Everyone's potential with it is different."
He glanced at Koneko and Yuuto. "It's best for taijutsu users, so Koneko, this one's for you. But Yuuto, since you rely on physical strength for swordplay, you should train with her too."
Koneko and Yuuto exchanged a look, nodding in understanding. "Got it," they said in unison.
The next reward was a curious little flask in Akeno's hands. Shuo recognized it instantly.
"This one's called [Demon Manifestation—Devil's Essence]."
He met their questioning looks. "It's the blood of a magical creature. Whoever drinks it gets the power of ice."
Ice powers?
Shuo surveyed the group. "So, who wants it?"
A moment of silence. Then Rias shook her head first. "I already have the Power of Destruction, and I haven't mastered it yet. I'll pass."
Koneko followed. "I'm a close-combat fighter. Ice isn't my thing."
Yuuto shrugged. "I'm focused on the sword. My path's still long—I'll skip it too."
Naturally, all eyes landed on Akeno.
Shuo offered a gentle nudge. "Akeno, this is perfect for you. You already have lightning magic. Add ice to the mix, and your strength will skyrocket. Plus, ice conducts electricity—imagine the combos."
Akeno laughed, feigning reluctance. "Ara, looks like I'm the only one left. It'd be rude to refuse, wouldn't it?"
With a wink, she uncorked the flask and downed it in one go.
The effect was immediate. Her jet-black ponytail shimmered, shifting to a dazzling ice-blue. Frost bloomed around her, the air turning frigid. Even the ground beneath their feet glazed over with ice.
Rias and the others stared, wide-eyed. They'd expected a boost, but this was on another level. Akeno's transformation was downright breathtaking.
"Not bad at all. You look incredible," Shuo said, stepping closer and gently touching her newly frosted hair, marveling at the cold radiating from each strand.
Akeno beamed. "Ara? Does Shuo-chan like this look? Should I keep it for you?"
He grinned. "No need to change for me. I love the original Akeno—but this version's pretty great too."
Akeno giggled, eyes twinkling. "Shuo-chan, you really are a hopeless flirt…"
"Alright, alright, enough flirting!" Rias cut in, feigning exasperation. "Akeno, show us what you can do with those new powers!"
Akeno shot Shuo a mischievous look. "See? Rias is jealous. Isn't she adorable?"
"You—! That's enough!" Rias's cheeks turned scarlet, her composure cracking.
Akeno just laughed, then shot into the sky. She raised a hand, and a mountain-sized iceberg materialized overhead. With her at the center, frost rippled outward, transforming hundred-meter trees into intricate ice sculptures.
Shuo whistled, impressed. "To master it this quickly… that's a hell of a start. There was a legend of someone who, after reaching the pinnacle, could freeze all of space and time in battle—then deliver a finishing blow."
He gave her an encouraging nod. "Keep pushing, Akeno. You've got real potential."
Akeno landed, hair fading back to black. She was still reeling from the display. "Wait—someone could freeze time and space with this power? That's insane…"
She turned to Shuo, suspicion flickering in her eyes. "Shuo-chan, how do you know all this? It's like you're always one step ahead… Are you hiding something from us?"
Rias and the others fell silent, the same thought dawning on them. Shuo always seemed to know more than he let on—always a little too prepared, a little too mysterious.
Shuo scratched his head, sheepish. "Just think of me as a prophet or something. My secrets… well, you'll probably find out soon enough. Let me keep them a little longer, okay?"
The girls exchanged glances, curiosity burning brighter than ever. But for now, they let it go. After all, the mystery was half the fun—and the answer, they knew, would come in time.
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