Issei spoke to Asia, who was still asleep on his back. He thought he saw the sleeping Asia smile.
When she awoke, she found herself lying in a luxurious bed that was not her own room. This was the room she had used at the Gremory residence...?
"What... happened to me...?" she wondered.
She remembered trying to heal Raynare, and then...
"My, you're awake, Asia-san."
"Grayfia-san..."
As she was struggling to recall clearly, the door opened, and Grayfia entered.
"How is your body feeling? Any discomfort?"
"Yes. I feel a little sluggish, but otherwise, I'm fine."
"I see. That's good."
"Um... what about Issei-san and everyone else...?"
Grayfia told her how she had fallen asleep and what had happened in the meantime.
Her desire to save Raynare had triggered a Balance Breaker, and with that power, she had healed Raynare's and everyone else's injuries.
[Twilight Saint Affection — The Dragon Saint's Offered Light of Mercy]. That was the name Azazel had given it.
Afterwards, she had exhausted her power and slept for five whole days.
After that, a lot happened: Kazuki defeated Shalba Beelzebub, the White Dragon Emperor appeared, even the apocalypse dragon Great Red and Ophis, the leader of the 'Khaos Brigade,' showed up.
But in the end, everyone returned safely.
Everyone had gone back to Kuoh Town, reluctant to leave but needing to attend school. They said they would come visit after classes.
It seemed the Demon Lords and the Sitri peerage were also attacked, like them, but they had repelled the attackers and were all safe.
Most of the devils who participated in the attack were slain, with the rest surrendering or fleeing. Shalba Beelzebub, the top figure of the Old Satan Faction, was severely wounded by Kazuki Fuwa, left unable to move as before, and having lost its central figure, the Old Satan Faction had practically collapsed.
The Astaroth family wasn't involved with the 'Khaos Brigade,' but due to the betrayal of Diodora, the former heir apparent, they lost all credibility. The current family head was dismissed, their rank demoted from Duke to Viscount, and they were forbidden from involvement in political power for at least the next hundred years.
There were apparently voices calling for Maou Ajuka Beelzebub, who hails from the Astaroth family, to be held responsible, but with the support of the other three Maous and voices valuing Ajuka's technological prowess, he managed to avoid being forced to abdicate.
Surprisingly, Artoria's true identity was that of King Arthur himself. It was unclear how she was connected to this world's King Arthur since Kazuki brought her from another world, but the power of that holy sword Excalibur was the real deal.
'How did Kazuki make Artoria his servant, anyway?'
"Fwaah~, so much happened..."
Having finished listening to Grayfia's story, Asia wet her throat with the tea Grayfia had poured.
"So, Asia-san, what will you do now?"
"What do you mean?"
"I wouldn't recommend it if you're unwell, but if you're feeling alright..."
"Ah!? The Sports Festival——!!"
That's right! If five days had passed since then, that meant today was the day of Kuoh Academy's Sports Festival! What time was it now?
"Calm down, Asia-san. It's still before eleven. If you go now, you'll make it in time for your event."
Saying that, Grayfia handed her a change of clothes. It was the Kuoh Academy gym uniform. Neatly labeled "2-A Asia."
"So? What will you do?"
"I'm going!!"
The final event of the morning, the "Mixed-Gender Three-Legged Race," had begun. The third-years were currently competing; soon it would be the turn of Issei and the other second-years.
Cheers and angry shouts rose from the field. Wondering what was happening, Issei saw Rias, Kazuki, and Akeno lining up at the starting line together.
The reason they were participating as a trio in a two-person race was this: both Rias and Akeno wanted to pair with Kazuki. After a fierce rock-paper-scissors battle, Akeno emerged victorious.
However, then Rias threw a fit. She invoked her authority and forced the rule to allow just their team to compete as a three-person, four-legged race.
One could only imagine President Sona's troubles.
The starter pistol fired, and Rias's team started. They were fast, perfectly in sync. Every time she and Akeno's explosive busts bounced and jiggled, more men's legs turned to jelly.
The envy-filled, hateful glances and jeering cheers rained down on Kazuki, sandwiched tightly between the academy's two top ladies. As if brushing it all aside, the trio crossed the finish line in first place.
'Ah, a Buchou and Akeno-san boob sandwich, how enviable! Just once, I want to experience that too!!' Issei was lost in such fantasies when—
"Issei-san!!"
The voice he'd been longing to hear flew into his ears.
"Asia! Over here!!"
He waved. Asia, who was running towards him, waved back.
"Haah, haah, sorry to keep you waiting, Issei-san."
"Are you okay, Asia?"
"Yes. I absolutely wanted to run in this event with you."
Asia showed a radiant smile. He'd keep it a secret that he was staring, enchanted and a little embarrassed. Issei crouched down and securely tied their ankles together with a cord.
Standing up, he and Asia looked at each other. Just that alone felt like it filled his heart. And then, finally, their turn arrived.
With the crack of the starter pistol, they all started at once.
Their rhythm was perfect. They got off to an excellent start.
"Goooo! Issei, Asia!!"
"Both of you, do your best!!"
"You two must take first place!!"
"We won't forgive you if you lose!!"
"Gooo! Leave them in the dust!!"
Issei could hear everyone's cheers. It made him happy, and his face relaxed into a grin without thinking. And also—
"Asia, look at that."
"Eh? ...Ahh♪"
Near the finish line, his dad was holding a camera, and his mom was cheering them on.
"Issei, Asia-chan, just a little more! Do your best—!!"
It was a bit embarrassing even for high school students, but he was honestly happy. 'Thank you, Dad, Mom. Burn this image of your son and daughter in their finest moment into your eyes!'
"Asia, don't go anywhere anymore. We'll be together forever!"
"Yes! Together forever!!"
With tears welling in her eyes, Asia showed him her brightest smile.
The two of them crossed the finish line tape together.
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