Chapter [4]

In the dim light of an abandoned church, where the echo of footsteps resonated between peeling walls and shattered stained glass, Yuuma was gathered with two other girls, Mittelt and Kalawarner. The atmosphere was charged, not only by the abandonment of the place but by the malevolence that permeated the trio's conversation.

Yuuma, whose face reflected a mix of cruel amusement and anticipation, exchanged complicit glances with her companions. "You should have seen his face, thinking he had a chance. It's hilarious how pathetic these humans can be," she mocked, a cold laugh escaping her lips.

Mittelt, the youngest and most impetuous of the group, rolled her eyes with disdain. Dressed in an outfit that blended gothic style with provocative touches, she twirled a strand of her blonde hair while laughing. "Ugly and pathetic, yes. It's amazing how easily he fell into our trap. I can't wait to see the despair on his face when he realizes it was all a game for us."

Kalawarner, whose presence was marked by an air of authority and maturity, nodded, her blue hair almost luminous under the faint light that seeped through the broken window. "Human naivety never ceases to amaze me. They cling to any crumb of affection as if it were their salvation."

Yuuma smiled maliciously, her eyes shining with a sinister glow. "I will relish mocking him before ending it all. The expression on his face will be the cherry on top. It will be delicious fun."

The three laughed among themselves, sharing a moment of disdain and anticipation for the suffering they planned to inflict. In this abandoned church, the trio plotted not just the humiliation, but the tragic end of Kaito, feeding off the cruelty that seemed rooted in their beings.

The plan was clear: lure Kaito into a trap under the guise of an innocent date and then reveal their true cruel nature, reveling in his pain before delivering him to a grim fate. In this god-forsaken setting, Yuuma, Mittelt, and Kalawarner wove their dark web, ready for the next act of their perverse game.

Occult Research Club

In the somewhat calmer and brighter environment of the Occult Research Club, Rias Gremory and her vice president, Akeno Himejima, were engaged in a serious discussion.

"Akeno, my familiar saw Kaito setting up a date with Yuuma, whom we believe to be a fallen angel."

Akeno, whose demeanor always reflected a mix of calm and authority, slightly furrowed her brow upon hearing the report. "Fallen angels," she murmured with a slight expression of disgust.

"What do you plan to do?"

"I've sent my familiar to closely observe and intervene if necessary. She has taken a human form and will stay near Kaito's house. Additionally, she will deliver a pamphlet from the House of Gremory."

"And when is the meeting?" asked Akeno.

"At seven. We have only an hour and a half left," Rias checked the clock, feeling the pressure of time.

The conversation took a more serious tone as Akeno questioned the ethics of the plan. "Rias, this plan... are we really going ahead with it? Allowing Kaito to face mortal danger only to then bring him back as a Devil?"

Rias took a deep breath, her face showing the reluctance and internal conflict she felt. "I know how it sounds, Akeno. And I would never consider this option under normal circumstances." She paused, her gaze distant reflecting the weight of her responsibilities. "But I'm desperate. I'm being pressured into a marriage contract that I don't want, which could alter the course of my life and our Peerage in ways I cannot accept."

Akeno listened attentively, understanding better the complicated situation of her friend and leader. "And Kaito? How will this be fair to him?"

"I plan to compensate him," Rias replied with firm determination in her voice. "I will be the best master he could have. I will ensure that he has every opportunity for growth, power, and position. He will not just be a pawn; he will be valued and respected within our group."

Akeno nodded slowly, still concerned, but trusting in Rias's integrity. "If there's anyone who could make this situation work for the best, it's you, Rias. But we need to be extremely careful. We can't let anything get out of control during this process."

"I agree," said Rias, as she approached the window, looking down at the academy campus below. "We will monitor every step of the meeting and intervene immediately if things go astray. I will not let Kaito suffer more than absolutely necessary. And after his transformation, I will do everything in my power to guide and protect him as my own family."

Akeno placed a hand on Rias's shoulder, offering her silent support. "I will be by your side, Rias. We will ensure that everything goes well."

Hyoudou Household

Kaito's room was a reflection of his growing anxiety and hope. In front of the mirror, he meticulously adjusted his outfit, choosing pieces he considered stylish yet not overly formal. The young man was visibly excited, with a gleam of expectation in his eyes, which rarely manifested.

Kaito had chosen a light-colored button-down shirt and dark jeans, a balance between casual and neat, suitable for a nighttime café. He ran his hands through his hair, trying to style it as best as possible, occasionally casting anxious glances at the clock. Each minute that passed, the reality that he really had a date with Yuuma seemed to become more tangible.

As he got ready, his thoughts soared. He remembered every smile Yuuma had given him and every look they had exchanged. It was hard to believe that, after the disaster with Nanami, someone as impressive as Yuuma could be interested in him. He couldn't help but compare: "Yuuma is really prettier than Nanami," he thought, "and seems to be much kinder too."

Optimism blossomed in his heart. For the first time in a long time, Kaito felt that his luck was finally changing. He sketched a smile as he imagined what the date would be like, what they would talk about, and how far it could lead them. Maybe, just maybe, he could really start to hope that not just the night, but his entire love life, was taking a turn for the better.

With one last look in the mirror, Kaito gave a slight smile of approval to his reflected image. He felt good, confident, and, most importantly, happy.

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