Rias returned far quicker than anyone expected. Akeno sat up, clearly reluctant to break the mood.
Rias's eye twitched as she tried to keep her cool. "Akeno, care to explain what's going on here?"
She stepped forward, her presence unmistakable, voice tight with restrained irritation.
Akeno just smiled, breezy as ever. "Oh, nothing special. I was teaching Draconis flight magic."
"Flight magic?" Rias's glare sharpened. "Then why are you two on the floor instead of in the air?"
Draconis tilted his head. "We, uh… messed up. Fell out of the sky."
It wasn't even a lie—he'd thought he had it down, but with Akeno's 'help,' things got a little out of hand.
Rias didn't buy it for a second. She fixed her gaze on Akeno. "That's all? Because from where I'm standing, it looked like you were about to take things a lot further."
Akeno shrugged, her smile never faltering. "Ara ara, I wasn't planning to go all the way, you know?"
"Hmph. Even if you weren't, this is already way over the line."
Akeno's eyes sparkled mischievously. "Jealous much? Rias, you get him all to yourself every night. Isn't that a bit greedy?" She leaned in, voice playful. "So, how does Draconis taste? Delicious?"
That hit home—Rias flushed and sputtered. "Like I'd ever tell you that!"
Akeno grinned. "Guess I'll just have to find out for myself."
The two locked eyes, the air thick with silent challenge.
Draconis couldn't help but smile. The tension between them was almost palpable—like spiritual pressure pressing down on the room.
He sat on the floor, leaning against the sofa, watching the showdown with quiet amusement.
Eventually, it was Rias who blinked first. Akeno's relentless cheerfulness wore her down. Rias shot Draconis a glare, caught his lazy smile, and stalked over.
She bent down and grabbed his face, squishing his cheeks. "You look pretty pleased with yourself, Draconis. Did you have a nice bonding session with gentle big sister Akeno?"
Draconis stretched out the word, chuckling. "Not really, Rias. Honestly, you and Asia are still way ahead."
Rias huffed, glancing at Akeno before pouting and flopping onto the sofa.
It was rare to see her sulk like this. Draconis stole a few glances—she really was cute when she was jealous.
Akeno giggled. "Jealous Rias is adorable."
Still fanning the flames, huh? Draconis shook his head, worried these two might end up as 'plastic sisters'—all smiles on the surface, knives behind the back.
He joined Rias on the sofa and put an arm around her shoulders.
"Rias, did you talk to President Sona? What's her take?"
"She agrees things are serious—she's on alert now."
"Good. It's better to be prepared," Draconis said quietly.
"I reminded her of that. She's probably mobilizing already. We can't wait around either." Rias nodded. "I'll check in with Koneko soon, see what she's found."
Right on cue, Rias's phone rang—Koneko's name flashed on the screen.
"Rias-senpai, we've got trouble," Koneko said, straight to the point. "Those two Holy Sword users were attacked by fallen angels. One's badly hurt."
"Where are you? Did anyone spot you?"
"I'm fine. I'm in the woods by Central Park with the injured one."
"We're on our way."
Rias hung up, urgency in her eyes. Draconis had heard everything.
"I'll get Asia," he said, already moving.
Asia had just finished lunch when the news hit. She hurried after Draconis, worry etched on her face.
Akeno was already prepping the teleportation circle. "Let's go."
The group vanished, reappearing instantly in a small grove near Central Park.
Koneko stood on the grass, beside her a battered girl with twin ponytails—Irina Shidou, the Holy Sword wielder who'd left earlier.
Irina looked rough. Her battle gear was shredded, skin exposed, chest unprotected.
Draconis glanced at her, then turned to Asia. "She's in bad shape. Stabilize her first."
Asia knelt beside Irina, voice gentle. "Hang in there, Miss Irina."
Soft light glowed from Asia's hands—her Sacred Gear, Twilight Healing, shimmered on her fingers. Irina's wounds began to close, skin knitting together at supernatural speed.
Slowly, Irina's eyes fluttered open. She saw Draconis and the others, and whispered, "The Holy Sword… they took it…"
Draconis scanned her—no sign of her Mimic Holy Sword.
That made four—fallen angels now had four Holy Swords.
"Rest for now. Leave the rest to us," Draconis assured her, then asked Asia, "How is she?"
"She's healing, but Twilight Healing can't restore her stamina…" Asia's voice was apologetic.
"It's fine. Sona will be here soon. Her peerage can get Irina somewhere safe," Rias said, steady and calm.
No one cared about Irina's angelic allegiance right now—survival came first.
Moments later, Sona Sitri arrived with her peerage. Her usual seriousness had deepened into grim determination.
"Rias, Kokabiel's shown up. I can feel that monstrous aura…" Sona said quietly.
"I know. Sona, have someone take Irina to safety."
"Right."
One of Sona's pawns stepped forward and gently lifted Irina away.
"What's your plan?" Sona asked, voice low.
Rias shook her head, frustration clear. "No choice. Even if it's a trap, I'll have to call my brother for help."
Their own power couldn't match Kokabiel's level—right now, they needed backup.
Saji Genshirou sidled over to Draconis, looking nervous. "Master, are we seriously going up against a fallen angel like that?"
Draconis raised an eyebrow. "Scared?"
Saji swallowed. "Uh… not really…"
Draconis smiled. "Good. Don't worry—they won't win that easily."
Saji stared, half in awe, half in confusion. Was his master always this confident?
—
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