Chapter 27: Chapter 27: When Tears Turn to Hope
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Seeing Asia's troubled expression, Badr spoke quietly:
"Asia, you have no other options. Haven't you realized the true intentions of these Fallen Angels?"
Badr had no good feelings towards the Fallen Angels.
Even though Rias had explained that there were good Fallen Angels, unfortunately, Badr hadn't met any of them yet. Instead, he had encountered many who did nothing but cause trouble.
Maybe his persuasion worked, or maybe the harsh reality hit her, but Asia replied weakly:
"I-I understand... I trust Badr-san won't deceive me... You are a good person."
Badr: "..."
...Please don't give me the "good person" card right now.
Seeing that Asia finally agreed, Rias, who had been cold before, now smiled warmly:
"That's great! We welcome you, Asia. But first, you should take off that nun's outfit filled with holy energy. It makes the devils uncomfortable. Sorry, Asia-chan..."
Without waiting for Asia's consent, Rias waved her hand and with a surge of magic, Asia's nun outfit tore apart and fell off...
Asia was stunned for a moment, then crouched down in shame and panic, crying softly:
"Ah! Badr-san... d-don't look..."
Badr: "..."
I don't look away.
...
Is there really no need to block the bathroom?
Under the cover of night, Badr and Koneko buried the human client who had been killed by a stray exorcist.
This work could have been delegated to subordinates or familiars, but Koneko insisted on doing it herself, so Badr accompanied her.
"That guy's definitely coming back."
Badr looked at the makeshift grave with a heavy expression.
As devils, they weren't afraid of the Stray Exorcist, but their clients were ordinary humans. How could they stand a chance against such threats?
"It's my fault for not responding to her summons in time. Otherwise, she might not have died," Koneko said, feeling depressed and guilty.
"It's not your fault."
Seeing Koneko's dejection, Badr patted her shoulder to comfort her.
"The next time we meet this guy, we won't let him get away."
Badr spoke softly, determined to be more careful and ready to defeat him next time.
"Please call me when that happens," Koneko said seriously.
"Yes, I will."
Badr replied calmly, sensing Koneko's determination.
Not far away, Rias performed Asia's reincarnation ceremony.
She gave Asia the Bishop piece.
The piece integrated into Asia's body as Rias finished the incantation.
This marked the addition of a new companion to their group.
Badr and Koneko returned to find Asia adjusting to her new form, now wearing the Kuoh Academy uniform made of magical energy.
"Asia, how do you feel?"
"I feel light... Am I really a devil now?" Asia asked nervously.
"Ah, it's normal to feel a little uncomfortable at first," Akeno said, looking at Badr. "Now you're a senior devil, so take care of your juniors."
Badr smiled, thinking that he had only recently become a Devil himself. How could he bear the title of Senior?
He looked at Asia and noticed her dazed expression.
"What's wrong?"
"N-nothing..." Asia shook her head and forced a smile at Badr.
Thinking that Asia was overwhelmed by today's events, Badr gently comforted her:
"If you have any questions or difficulties, do not hesitate to tell us. We're all your companions now, and we'll help you with anything."
"Companions..." Asia murmured, her eyes misty before tears began to fall.
Everyone was a bit taken aback.
Why was she crying?
Badr pursed his lips.
Did I say something wrong?
"No?"
He tilted his head slightly and looked at the girl in front of him. "...Asia?"
"N-no, I'm just too happy..." Asia hastily wiped away her tears.
"...I see, that's good."
Seeing that she didn't elaborate, Badr let it go.
"All right, let's go back. Staying here too long could be dangerous if that priest and the Fallen Angels return."
Rias instructed from the side.
She understood Asia's value and the importance of her Sacred Gear, Twilight Healing, and she knew that the Fallen Angels wouldn't give up easily.
"Akeno, let's go back."
"Yes, President."
Akeno smiled at Asia, "Stand beside me."
As a human, Asia couldn't use the Devilic teleportation array before. Badr didn't want to leave her behind, hence the decision to turn her into a Devil.
Now it seemed that they had saved Asia and gained a valuable member for Rias, truly a win-win situation.
With a flash of light from the teleportation array, they all disappeared.
About ten minutes later, a scream echoed from the sky.
Freed fell from high above and crashed to the ground.
Black feathers fell from the sky.
Two Fallen Angels hovered in the air, sensing the lingering Devilic aura with displeased expressions.
"Damn, we're too late. Twilight Healing has been taken!"
One of the Fallen Angels glared angrily at Freed, "You idiot! How could you leave Asia and run away? Don't you know how important her Sacred Gear is to us?"
"Sisters, I'll find it. I already have a lead!"
Freed climbed up from the ground, his face also dark with anger, "The power of that sword and shield is undoubtedly a Sacred Gear. The only new person who meets the criteria is..."
The two Fallen Angels exchanged glances, "The newly recruited knight of the Gremory family, the red-haired princess?"
"Damn right, it's her. She's no small matter," one of the Fallen Angels frowned.
"Anyway, leave it to this idiot. We have to get Twilight Healing back, even if it means kidnapping her in secret."
The Fallen Angel scolded Freed angrily, "Now get lost!"
"Yes, yes, goodbye, sisters..."
Freed, seething with anger, quickly left...
...
Back in the club room, Rias went straight to take a bath.
Badr thought about Asia's living conditions.
"Any suggestions where she could stay?" Badr asked Akeno and Koneko.
Both shook their heads. Akeno lived with Rias and Koneko stayed in the dormitory.
"How about if she stays with you, Badr?"
Rias, naked in the shower, suggested as she enjoyed the hot water, making Asia blush as she watched.
Um... Badr-san is still here. Shouldn't we use a curtain in the bathroom?
Shouldn't we?
Badr, ignoring Asia's reaction, looked at Rias in the shower and said with a wry smile:
"That might not be appropriate. I'll pay for Asia to rent a place nearby. I have some savings."
"Eh? I'll pay for it myself... I have some money, it should be enough..."
Asia said, although she sounded unsure.
"It's okay, leave it to me," Badr said. "Save your money for yourself. You shouldn't end up destitute, you know."
"Isn't that just being poor?" Asia blinked innocently.
"No."
Badr shook his head and said with a sigh:
"Being poor means that people look down on you."
All: "..."
...
Let's have fun when we get back
Everyone was left speechless by Badr's explanation, and Asia's living arrangements were decided.
Since Badr didn't have time to find an apartment today, Asia would temporarily stay in the club room.
Rias, who had finished her bath, came out wrapped in a towel, her bare shoulders and legs very conspicuous.
She left wet footprints as she walked and sat down on the sofa.
"I'm worried about something. You drove away the stray exorcist today, Badr."
"Is something wrong?" Badr asked calmly.
"Exorcists are usually elite humans, even mid-level devils can fight against them. I'm surprised that you could defeat him," Rias said.
Hearing Rias, Akeno and the others also realized.
"Ah, that's right. Last time, Badr was injured fighting a high-level Fallen Angel, but this time, he defeated an exorcist unharmed."
"Such rapid progress," Koneko nodded in amazement.
Badr smiled modestly, "Keep on praising, I don't mind."
All: "..."
Well, everything is great about this guy, except his slightly annoying personality.
Rias looked at Badr with satisfaction, but also seemed a bit worried, her expression darkened slightly.
"But... time is running out..."
"What?" Badr was confused.
Rias remained silent, not answering his question, just shaking her head slightly.
"Nothing, Badr. You're getting stronger fast, I'm glad, but it's still not enough."
She looked solemnly at the handsome young man in front of her and muttered, "You have to get stronger, much stronger..."
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