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His sudden comment made Miku burst into laughter.
Jack's perspective on life was completely different from what she usually heard.
Whenever relatives talked to them, it was always about striving to be better, better, and even better. But Jack was saying they didn't need to push themselves that hard.
It really struck a chord with her.
"If only everyone thought like you…" Miku sighed, her expression noticeably brighter.
Maybe it was this conversation, but she felt closer to him now.
Jack suddenly added, "That said, you still need to study properly."
"..."
This time, Miku nodded seriously.
"With your help, I actually feel a bit more confident. Magic really is amazing… without it, we wouldn't know what to do."
"Don't rely on my magic too much," Jack warned. "It's just support. What matters most is that you study seriously yourself. And Miku, you're underestimating yourself."
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"Even without magic, you'd still graduate just fine. Not just you—Ichika, Nino, Yotsuba, Itsuki… all of you can."
Miku looked surprised. "Really?"
"Of course. Don't sell yourself short. Human potential is huge."
Otherwise, why would angels and demons both depend on humans to grow?
Miku smiled helplessly. "You really believe in us, huh."
She smoothed her skirt and sighed. "If only we were as capable as you… You're the type who's good at everything, right?"
"I won't deny that feels nice to hear," Jack smiled faintly. "But don't envy me. I'm not human, after all."
Miku: "..."
Being a demon had its perks. You could just casually say you weren't human.
Because he really wasn't anymore.
Of course, Miku didn't realize that before becoming a demon through the chess pieces, Jack had once been human too.
Jack finished packing and prepared to leave.
"I'll head back for today. I'll come again tomorrow afternoon. From now on, I'll tutor you for an hour and a half each day. That way it won't take up too much of your time."
"See you tomorrow, Jack."
"Yeah, see you."
A dark red magic circle lit up beneath his feet, and in an instant, he vanished.
Back home, the place was empty. Rias and Asia hadn't returned yet.
With nothing else to do, Jack started training.
He had already collected today's payment through his contracts. His magic power had increased slightly, with the biggest contribution coming from Mai Sakurajima.
Interestingly, even though he hadn't fully completed the quintuplets' request, the emotional energy they provided as payment was surprisingly substantial.
Unlike Mai's affection, however, most of the sisters' emotions came from sorrow and frustration.
Is studying really that painful for them? Jack thought, a bit amused.
He smirked.
Maybe I should cancel their breaks tomorrow…
The thought of them sitting there with miserable faces while listening to his lectures made him chuckle.
They were all pretty cute, in their own ways.
As he stimulated his magic through Sacred Gear resonance, Jack gradually adapted to the sensation. The pain from his surging magic was now completely manageable.
As long as he didn't overdo it, this steady method of training was highly effective.
Time flew by as he immersed himself in training.
Before he knew it, it was evening.
A magic circle lit up in the room. Rias and Asia returned together.
Sensing them, Jack stopped training. As he opened his eyes, a flash of gold flickered across them.
"I'm back, Jack!" Asia beamed and ran straight into his arms.
"Welcome back."
Holding her by the waist, Jack noticed how happy she looked.
"You seem in a great mood."
"Mm-hmm! I successfully formed a contract today!"
"That's great," he said warmly, patting her head.
He then looked toward Rias—and noticed she seemed distracted.
"Rias?"
"Hm? What is it?"
"You seem a bit out of it. Tired?"
Rias pressed her lips together, as if she wanted to say something, but ultimately held back.
"Just a little. I helped with several archaeology projects today… been bending over all day, so my back's sore."
She often took commissions from an archaeology professor, helping study strange artifacts.
"I'll go heat up the food. Let's eat early and rest," Asia said cheerfully, heading to the kitchen.
"Sounds good. I'll take a shower first," Rias added.
"Alright."
She entered the bathroom, slowly removing her clothes before stepping under the hot water.
Steam filled the space as water ran over her smooth skin.
Jack, however, showed no inappropriate thoughts. Instead, he simply watched, thoughtful.
He could tell something was bothering her.
Probably something about her family…
By the time Rias finished her shower, Asia had the food ready.
The three of them ate dinner together. Afterward, Asia diligently went to wash the dishes.
Jack turned to Rias.
"Want me to give you a massage?"
"Sure," she smiled. "You're being unusually considerate."
"I'm always considerate," he replied with a grin, taking her hand and leading her to the bedroom.
Rias untied her bathrobe without hesitation, her figure revealed as she lay face down on the bed.
"..."
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