Scene: Midnight – Kuoh's Abandoned Church
Lightning cracked across the sky as three shadows approached the rusted gates of an old church. The air was thick with divine tension, laced with the scent of old blood and sanctified lies.
Inside, the fallen angel Raynare stood over a trembling blonde girl—Asia Argento, dressed in a torn white habit. Her hands were clasped in prayer, tears glistening on her cheeks.
"Pray all you want," Raynare sneered, forming a spear of light in her hand. "God's not listening."
Suddenly, the door exploded inward.
"I am," a voice growled.
Raynare turned—too late.
A golden blur shot forward—Issei, eyes glowing, demonic wings spread wide. Behind him, Rias and Akeno loomed like avenging angels.
"What—?!" Raynare gasped.
"Back away from the girl," Issei commanded, stepping between Asia and the fallen.
Raynare's lips curled. "You're the devil they warned me about. The one changing the order of things."
"That's right," he said. "I'm the one who lights the way."
[Eden Sync Initiated: Sunlight Core + Crimson Emotion Detected.]
[Crimson Sun – Partial Manifestation Activated.]
Flames ignited around Issei's form—radiant red and dragonic. Veins of light pulsed beneath his skin.
"A devil… using light?!" Raynare screamed.
Issei extended a hand to Asia. "Come with me. You're not a sacrifice. You're a miracle."
Asia reached out—and something clicked in the spiritual air. Light recognized light.
[Twilight Healing Compatible with Host's Dragonic Core.]
[Designation Approved: Bishop Acquired – Asia Argento.]
Behind him, Rias whispered, stunned, "He's rewriting what it means to be a devil…"
Akeno just smiled, violet eyes gleaming with pride.
Issei's gaze locked onto Raynare. "Leave, or be buried."
Raynare vanished in a flash of retreat.
He pulled Asia close, wrapping his coat around her trembling form.
"You're safe now."
Asia clung to him, whispering, "My hero…"
Rias stepped forward, laying a gentle hand on her shoulder. "You're one of us now. Welcome home."
The stars above Kuoh glittered coldly. A fresh wind whispered of fate, war, and something more dangerous—choice.
⸻
Earlier That Night – Rooftop Overlooking the Church
Issei stood atop a building, eyes glowing faintly beneath tousled hair. His long black coat rippled in the wind, crimson trim flickering like embers.
Beside him, Akeno stood poised—priestess attire reinforced with demonic runes. Her smirk gleamed with anticipation.
"She's in there," she whispered. "Asia Argento. Raynare's keeping her close—like a trophy."
Behind them, Kiba crouched, twin blades drawn. Koneko stood beside him, her golden gaze locked on the church.
"I smell blood," Koneko murmured.
A pulse of dark energy flared from the chapel below. Issei's eyes narrowed.
[Eden Notification: Optional Task Generated.]
Task: Choose the Fate of the Fallen.
Objective: Raynare, Kalawarna, and Mittelt — the three rogue Fallen Angels.
• Option A: Eliminate all three.
Reward: Familiar Summoning Scroll (Demonic-Grade), Peerage Enhancement Materials (Training Manual, Sparring Holograms, Combat Realms Access Key)
• Option B: Dominate all three into submission as harem members.
Reward: Fallen Angel Bloodline Infusion, Seduction Magic +3, Shadow Cloak Artifact (Lust Imprint Variant)
Time Limit: Until sunrise.
[Ddraig: This is no trivial choice, partner. Each option grants you power—but only one sends a message.]
Issei's jaw clenched.
"These Fallen tried to kill me. They'd do it again. This ends tonight."
He clenched his fists. "I choose Option A—kill them all."
[Eden: Selection Confirmed.]
Akeno's eyes sparkled. "Execution, then?"
"No mercy," Issei said. "We move now."
⸻
Inside the Church
Asia knelt before the altar, hands bound in glowing holy chains. Her robes were tattered, blood on her wrists and cheeks.
"Please… stop…" she whispered.
Raynare loomed over her, stroking her hair like a pet.
"Poor thing," she purred. "Your power belongs to me."
Kalawarna yawned from a pew. "She doesn't even scream anymore."
"And her tears are boring," Mittelt sighed, twirling her dagger.
A crash split the air—wood shattered.
"Who dares—"
Raynare turned. Issei stepped through the ruins like judgment itself, Akeno, Kiba, and Koneko at his side.
"You're still alive?" Kalawarna hissed.
"Perfect," Mittelt smirked. "I wanted another round."
"Stand down," Issei said. "Hand her over, and it ends quick."
Raynare strutted forward, unfastening her robe. Her curves shimmered with corrupt grace.
"You want power? Pleasure?" she purred. "Let me worship you—scream your name—"
She reached for his cheek.
Her arm hit the ground.
Raynare screamed, blood spurting from the stump. Issei stood motionless, blade humming.
"You had your chance."
Kalawarna roared and lunged—only to be caught in Akeno's lightning storm.
Mittelt dove for Asia.
Steel flashed—Kiba's blades intercepted hers. "Back off."
Koneko struck from the side—her punch shattered Mittelt's ribs, hurling her into the altar.
"Asia," Issei said softly, "close your eyes."
One swing.
Mittelt fell.
Akeno's lightning speared Kalawarna. Her body convulsed—and then silence.
Raynare crawled, one wing left, sobbing.
"You could've had me! Ruled with me!"
Issei raised his blade.
"I already have everything I need."
Raynare's end came swift.
⸻
Moments Later
Issei cut Asia's chains and lifted her gently.
"You're safe now."
Akeno draped a cloak over her shoulders. "It's over."
[Eden Notification: Task Complete — Option A Executed.]
[Reward Granted: Demonic-Grade Familiar Summoning Scroll (Stored). Peerage Enhancement Package: Training Manual (Elite), Sparring Holograms (×3), Combat Realms Access Key (×1)]
[Ddraig: You showed strength. But no cruelty. That matters.]
Issei nodded. "Let's go home."
⸻
The Clubroom – Later
Rias ran to them. Her eyes widened in relief as she saw Asia safe.
"You did it," she whispered. "You saved her."
"And I won't stop there," Issei said. "She needs protection. And a place."
Rias nodded. "She should be your Bishop—if she accepts."
Asia looked up. "Issei… I want to stay. With you."
"Then you will," he said, brushing her bangs aside.
⸻
Midnight – Alley Behind the Church
The air still reeked of blood and scorched faith.
A figure staggered from the shadows—Freed Sellzen, grinning through broken teeth.
"Damn devils. Still, you did the Lord's dirty work."
He tossed a glowing cube into the rubble.
"Combat realm. One-use. Don't ask where it came from. Consider it a gift. No strings, freakshow."
He vanished into the darkness.
[Eden Notification: Special Item Acquired — Combat Realms (Prototype Chamber: 1 Use Remaining)]
Issei's eyes narrowed.
"Interesting."