"I am Hyoudou Issei, a human who has evolved into a Sage."
Kuroka didn't lower her guard, continuing to stare sharply at Issei.
"Sage? What even is that? Is it some kind of Sacred Gear?"
"Ah, it's normal if you don't know. But one thing's for sure—I'm not your enemy."
"As if I'd believe that! Nyan!"
Thump-thump!
"Ahem, please wait a second. Your voice is way too cute for a furry lover like me."
"Nya? Furry? Is that also a Sacred Gear?"
"It's not! Be quiet if you want this conversation to move forward!"
Kuroka pouted in annoyance, pressing her soft red lips tightly together.
After calming himself down, Issei stared at Kuroka firmly.
"I have no bad intentions toward you or Koneko."
Kuroka narrowed her beautiful, wild eyes, looking extremely doubtful of Issei.
"It can't be helped… I guess I'll have to do something."
"Hm?"
"Ddraig."
"Alright! Balance Breaker!"
Issei's body emitted a reddish-green glow for a few seconds.
Kuroka's body trembled, her eyes spinning as she stared at Issei.
"The Red Dragon Emperor Longinus?" Kuroka said.
"That's right. I'm the Longinus wielder of this era."
"…"
"If I wanted to do something to Koneko, you wouldn't be able to do anything to protect her—unless you asked Vali for help."
Thump-thump!
Kuroka became even more shocked after hearing Issei's statement.
"You know Vali?!"
Issei removed the helmet that covered his face, smiled faintly, and shook his head.
"No. I just know about him, but I don't know him personally. Same as you."
Kuroka relaxed her guard, blinking her beautiful, wild eyes—shining like golden orbs—at Issei.
Issei smiled bitterly, feeling his heart heat up as he looked at Kuroka's goddess-level beauty.
'When I saw her in the anime, Kuroka was already beautiful and charming… but meeting her in person, I'm completely captivated by her overwhelming beauty.'
Without realizing it, Issei kept admiring Kuroka's appearance.
"Nya?" Kuroka immediately noticed Issei's lustful gaze. She grinned mischievously and deliberately showed off her smooth, snow-white thighs.
Gulp…
"Pfft! Hahaha! So you're a pervert of a man?" Kuroka teased.
"Ahem! There's no such thing as a normal man who isn't perverted. My reaction is normal considering I'm standing in front of a woman as beautiful as you."
Kuroka froze, blushing slightly, then said softly, "You're pretty good at praising women."
"I'm used to living surrounded by women. Whether I like it or not, I had to get used to complimenting them."
"Hm…"
Whoosh!
Kuroka moved like lightning, appearing beside Issei, then licked his ear with her small tongue.
Issei was a little surprised, but he had sensed Kuroka's approach, so he didn't react much.
"…What are you doing?" Issei asked.
"Hmm, I see… you're still a virgin," Kuroka said.
Issei froze, smiled awkwardly, and nodded.
"That's right. Why did you suddenly bring that up?"
Kuroka fell silent and looked happy as if she had found an idea.
"I have an offer for you," Kuroka said.
"What kind of offer?" Issei narrowed his eyes, staring at Kuroka with suspicion.
Kuroka smiled mischievously and whispered a few sentences near Issei's ear.
Issei went stiff, staring at Kuroka with an expression of disbelief.
"You… are you serious?"
Kuroka grinned wickedly, bending forward while holding the cloth covering her chest as if she wanted to pull it down.
"The only thing I have—and the only thing you want—is my body. I don't mind giving it to you as long as you're willing to help me protect Koneko."
"…You're seriously saying that? Weren't you trying to take Koneko back?"
Kuroka nodded gently and said, "I was. But I changed my mind after seeing her smile at the academy. I think it's fine to let her enjoy warmth as a human for a while."
"You really are a good big sister."
There were no other words more fitting to praise Kuroka.
"Hmph! As her big sister, it's my duty to protect my little sister."
Issei chuckled softly and nodded.
"Alright. I accept your offer. But remember—your body can only be touched by me, understand?"
Issei's gaze turned frightening, making Kuroka shiver as if she were standing in front of a demon king.
"Relax, then. In Vali's group, no one's crazy about women."
Issei grinned and nodded gently.
"I know. Just a little reminder."
Kuroka glanced around with her wild eyes, sensing something that made her narrow them.
"There's no need to interfere. Just leave now," Issei said quietly.
Kuroka froze, staring seriously at Issei.
"You've noticed the activity of those crows, haven't you?" Kuroka asked suspiciously.
Issei smiled, nodded slowly, and said in a serious tone, "That's why I told you not to interfere. This is Gremory territory. It'll become a problem if you get involved."
Kuroka couldn't argue with that.
"Then… about my body being the payment…"
"Not now."
"…Alright." Kuroka nodded with a disappointed expression.
"What? You look like you really want to play with me," Issei joked with a teasing smile.
Kuroka blushed and stomped her foot in annoyance.
"There's no way I'm thinking that! Besides, it's not mating season yet!"
"Heeeh… so when it is mating season, you want to play with me?" Issei teased, making Kuroka even angrier and more embarrassed.
"…I don't know why, but after talking with you for a bit… there's a feeling growing and stirring inside my heart," Kuroka explained while touching the cleavage of her chest.
Issei was stunned, silently pondering something.
... .. .
To be continued…