Morning sunlight spilled through the curtains, painting the room in gentle gold. Irina emerged from the bathroom, cheeks tinged with a rosy blush that lingered like the last light of sunset.
Shuo caught sight of her as he opened his door, his grin equal parts friendly and mischievous. "Morning, Irina. Sleep well?"
Irina hesitated, eyes darting anywhere but his face. "It was… fine, I guess."
She tried not to look at him directly, but couldn't help sneaking glances when she thought he wasn't watching.
Shuo's brow furrowed, teasing. "You look exhausted. Dark circles, fidgeting… Don't tell me you wet the bed?"
Irina's face went crimson. "W-what are you talking about?!"
She bristled, voice rising. "This is all your fault! How can you even joke about it?"
Shuo blinked, feigning innocence. "Oh? Did something happen last night?"
Irina's retort shrank to a whisper. "You… you were so loud… with the others…"
Her mind replayed the previous night—passing by Shuo's room on her way to the bathroom, accidentally glimpsing a scene straight out of a romance novel. Shuo and the girls, tangled together, laughter and soft voices spilling into the hallway. Irina had stood frozen, face burning, before stumbling back to her room, unable to erase the images from her mind.
She'd barely slept, her thoughts a chaotic tangle of embarrassment and curiosity.
Shuo scratched his head, sheepish. "Sorry, Irina. I forgot to set up the soundproofing spell last night."
He looked genuinely apologetic. "Guess you got an earful of our fun."
Irina huffed, arms folded. "You're unbelievable. That many girls at once—aren't you worried you'll wear yourself out?"
Shuo's grin turned cocky. "Please. Even if you joined in, I wouldn't break a sweat. Want to put it to the test?"
Irina glared, cheeks flaming. "Dream on! Like I'd ever volunteer for that."
She sidestepped him, muttering, "Move it. I need to change."
Shuo blinked. "Breakfast's soon—why bother going back?"
Irina's ears reddened as she shot him a look. "Obviously to change clothes, you perv."
Truth was, her morning had delivered a mortifying surprise—her sheets were damp, a humiliating side effect of last night's "live show." Admitting it aloud was agony.
…
After breakfast, the group gathered in the living room, conversation drifting from idle gossip to urgent strategy.
Rias leaned forward, eyes wide. "Shuo, are you saying Kokabiel is after us?"
Shuo nodded. "More specifically, he's hunting Xenovia and Irina."
He continued, voice steady. "The three-faction summit's coming up—Devils, Angels, Fallen Angels. Kokabiel wants to crash the party, trigger a war, and steal your Holy Swords in the process."
The room fell silent, tension crackling.
Koneko frowned. "He wants to start another ancient war?"
Shuo shook his head. "Not all Fallen Angels. This is Kokabiel acting alone—he's a war addict, ignoring orders just to stir up chaos."
Rias nodded, thoughtful. "That sounds exactly like him."
Sona crossed her arms, gaze sharp. "Knowing he's watching us doesn't help if we can't find him. That's our biggest problem."
Shuo's eyes gleamed. "I've got a plan."
He turned to Xenovia and Irina. "Ready for a little performance?"
Xenovia blinked. "What do you mean?"
Shuo explained, voice low. "Kokabiel wants your Holy Swords. If you two show off their power in a quiet spot, he won't be able to resist."
Irina bit her lip, uncertainty flickering. "Isn't that risky?"
Xenovia glanced down, silent.
Shuo softened his tone, laying out the stakes. "If you go out alone, you're vulnerable. This way, we control the battlefield. I'll handle Kokabiel—you just focus on the bait."
After a moment, Xenovia straightened. "Understood. I'm in."
Irina hesitated, then nodded, resignation in her eyes.
Shuo smiled reassuringly. "Trust me—your swords are safe, and Kokabiel's mine."
He turned to Rias. "Make sure Kiba's there. Someone important to him will show up—maybe this is his chance to move past old wounds."
Rias nodded, trusting him implicitly.
…
Later, in the academy's deserted training field, Shuo greeted Kiba as he arrived via magic circle.
"Kiba, whatever happens, stay calm. Got it?"
Kiba nodded, confusion flickering across his face.
Shuo signaled Xenovia and Irina. "Showtime."
The two girls exchanged a glance, then summoned their Holy Swords. Twin pillars of radiant light shot skyward, bathing the field in sacred energy.
Everyone waited, nerves taut.
"They're here," Shuo murmured.
A surge of dark power approached from the distance, oppressive and cold. The air seemed to thicken, every heartbeat echoing with anticipation.
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