💎WEEKLY POWER GOALS 💎
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⏰ Resets Monday!
Energy Stone settlement, two chapters of reward sections updated, wish everyone enjoyable reading.
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With Mai set on confronting her mother tomorrow, there was no point in dragging out the investigation. Time to wrap up.
"I'll walk you home," Draconis offered.
Mai shook her head. "I can get back on my own, you know."
"It's just for your safety. Humor me," he said, already heading off.
He added, "Once you sign the contract, you'll be able to summon me straight through a summoning circle."
Mai's curiosity sparked. "So how did you teleport here before?"
"Another devil senior gave me a lift," Draconis replied, matter-of-fact.
"I see…" Mai mused, then asked, "Do other devils all sign contracts with humans like you do?"
"Of course. Why?"
"No reason." Mai smiled—genuine, a little relieved.
Honestly, she was glad she'd summoned Draconis. If it had been anyone else, she doubted things would've gone this smoothly.
Her mood was lighter, her steps almost buoyant.
"Feeling better now you've made up your mind?" Draconis glanced over—her emotions, for once, written plain on her face.
"My mood's always been fine," Mai replied, predictably evasive.
Draconis grinned. "Since you're in such a good mood, can I ask you something?"
"As long as it's not too personal."
"That's the problem. You'll probably get mad."
"Then why ask?"
She shot him a warning look.
Draconis shrugged. "I'm just really curious. If you don't tell me, I'll probably go digging myself."
Mai hesitated. "Is it about me?"
"Obviously."
"Go ahead, then. You'd snoop around anyway."
"You sure you won't get angry?"
"I won't."
Draconis cleared his throat, trying to sound casual.
"So, Mai… that swimsuit photo book you shot—who published it? Is it still for sale?"
Mai: "…??"
Two seconds of stunned silence. Then she reached over and pinched the soft skin at Draconis's waist, twisting hard.
Draconis kept his face neutral, but the corner of his mouth twitched.
"Mai, you said you wouldn't get angry."
"I'm not angry."
Her smile was sweet, expression flawless—while her fingers kept twisting.
"You promised not to get mad."
"I said I'm not angry."
"You definitely said you wouldn't get angry."
"I definitely said I'm not angry."
They kept up this back-and-forth, walking all the way to her apartment.
…
After seeing Mai safely home, Draconis headed back himself. He'd only made it halfway when his phone buzzed—Rias was calling.
He raised an eyebrow and answered.
"President?"
"Mm. Draconis, come to the clubroom for a meeting. Can you make it?"
"Sure. I'll be right there."
No need to ask why—Draconis agreed immediately.
His feelings about Rias were complicated. On one hand, she was his master. On the other, she clearly doted on him more than anyone else.
Did other high-ranking devils sleep with their peerage so casually? From his subtle probing, Rias hadn't done that with Akeno or Koneko…
Yeah, this kind of thing only seemed to happen with him.
Draconis shook his head, letting it go. Rias was his master, trustworthy and kind. That was enough.
He arrived at the clubroom. Rias, Akeno, and Koneko were already there.
"President, Akeno, Koneko." He greeted each in turn.
Rias nodded. "Sorry for dragging you all in on a Saturday."
All three assured her it was fine.
Rias smiled. "How's your contract target coming along, Draconis?"
…Why did this sound like family asking about a girlfriend at New Year's?
"I hit a snag, but I'm working on it. Should be able to sign the contract tomorrow." Draconis's tone was resigned but hopeful.
Akeno smiled gently. "Ara ara, don't lose heart. Contracts aren't easy—communication is key."
"If you try hard, you'll succeed." Koneko chimed in, her golden eyes unblinking under her silver hair.
Draconis smiled. "Got it."
He turned to Rias. "Did you call us for something specific?"
Rias's expression grew serious, her smile sharpening.
"That's right. We just got a commission from a Duke."
She settled onto the sofa, legs crossed, tossing her fiery hair back. Authority radiated from her as she announced, "Tonight, we're going to hunt a Stray Devil."
"Stray Devil?" Draconis echoed, unfamiliar with the term.
Akeno explained, "A Stray Devil is a devil who was made into a chess piece but betrayed—or killed—their master. They're masterless now."
"There are devils who betray their masters?" Draconis tilted his head.
Rias laughed. "Of course. Why would you think otherwise?"
Draconis gave a wry smile. "Maybe it's because you're too good to us, Rias."
"If you think that, then my spoiling you hasn't gone to waste." She smiled, clearly pleased.
Akeno and Koneko both chuckled.
Rias sobered. "Stray Devils are dangerous. They ignore rules, use their power however they want, and cause havoc everywhere. They have no right to exist."
Draconis learned there were also Stray Angels, Stray Fallen Angels, Stray Priests—the list went on.
No matter the faction, strays were considered threats and hunted down.
This was Rias's chance to show Draconis the ropes.
He pressed his lips together, thinking,
Ever since I landed in this world, life's been anything but boring…
…
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