Chapter 44. The Lost Blades

Kuoh Academy

Kuoh, Japan

Satria pushed open the rooftop door and made his way to his favorite spot. The wind brushed against him as he settled down, the perfect backdrop for a moment of peace. But the tranquility didn't last long—his group chat buzzed incessantly.

He opened the Dimensional Group chat, where tags were lighting up like a festival. Satria sighed. What now?

_____

[Dimensional Chat]

Kazuma-sama: "Satria-sama! Give me some tips for using my new ability from the Surprise Box!"

Shin: "What ability did you get, Kazuma?"

Kazuma-sama: "It lets me turn trash into trees! But that useless goddess is mocking me, calling it worthless. I want her to eat her words!"

Evil Spirit: "Wait, does that mean you can turn yourself or @Pervert into a tree? Now that is a gift."

Kazuma-sama: "SEE? Even you guys are making fun of me! Shin-sama, help! 😭"

God of Hope: "That's actually an interesting ability. Do you know the First Hokage from my world? He controlled wood and was called the God of Shinobi."

Kazuma-sama: "Really?! Could I become as strong as him?"

God of Hope: "With training, maybe. The potential's there."

Esdeath: "Hmm, fascinating. It makes me want to fight him just to test my strength. How about you and I train together, Naruto-kun~?"

King of Knights: "WHAT?! You can't train with him. He promised me first!"

Esdeath: "Oh? I don't mind if we do it together. Or are you scared of being dominated by me, King of Britain?"

King of Knights: "Excuse me?! Do you know who I am? I never back down from a challenge!"

God of Hope: "Ladies… please calm down. I'm fine with both of you training together."

Esdeath: "Fufu~ Thank you, Naruto-kun. You're so accommodating."

King of Knights: "Wait, WHAT? You're okay with her joining? You idiot!"

[King of Knights has gone offline]

God of Hope: "How is this my fault?"

Pervert Sage: "My student… truly a man among men. I'm so proud. 😭"

_____

Satria smirked, shaking his head. The group's chaos was endless.

_____

Shin: "Kazuma, your ability isn't bad. That dumb blonde is right. If used properly, it could create Divine Treasures—powerful weapons. But if you're clueless, I offer these packages through Satria Boosting Services!"

• Paket Phoenix 1: Answer any of your questions with limited answers (1,000©)

• Paket Phoenix 2: Accept a listening service to vent about anything and provide solutions if needed (2,500© per hour) (Guaranteed by Harvard University in America)

• Paket Phoenix 3: Expert tips and strategies tailored to you (start from 3,000©)

• Paket Phoenix 4: One-on-one private tutoring with my dearest costumer (50% refund if unsatisfied) (Price according to difficulty level)

Or, you could pay me with something unique from your world if you don't want to pay with your coins."

[Shin has played: "DJ Ubur-Ubur.mp3"]

God of Hope: "Who are you calling a dumb blonde, you brat?! This is an abomination. What is this song?"

Esdeath: "Whoever played this stupid song better pray I don't come after them. This is worse than a thousand wars." 

Shin: What? It's just a little song. Don't tell me you're all getting annoyed already?"

Evil Spirits: "I am about to reach through this screen and strangle you." 

Kazuma-sama: "You are a thief and turn off this shitty song!"

Shin: "Thief? I was going to offer a discount. But you seem to be reconsidering. You guys can't appreciate art, can you?"

[Shin turns off the DJ Ubur-Ubur song] 

Evil Spirit: "Never again, Satria. NEVER AGAIN."

Kazuma-sama: "Okay, okay! My bad, it wasn't me—it was my useless goddess typing earlier. I'll pay. Just send me the info."

Shin: "Ah, a misunderstanding. Apologies accepted. We're still best friends, right?"

Kazuma-sama: "Sure, sure. Uh… can I get Package 3 for 1,500©? Best friend discount?"

Shin: "Non-negotiable. Tomorrow the price doubles. Don't miss your chance to impress that goddess girlfriend of yours."

Kazuma-sama: "SHE IS NOT MY GIRLFRIEND! FINE, here's the money. Happy now?"

[Kazuma-sama sent 3,000© to Shin]

Shin: "Much appreciated, dear customer. Let's continue in PM."

Evil Spirit: "You planning to scam the rest of us too?"

Shin: "Scam? That's harsh. I provide premium services for my precious friends and nothing in this world is free milady."

Robin: "Actually, I'm a bit confused about the weapon I got from the Surprise Box."

Shin: "Oh? Let's hear it."

Robin: "Here's a picture."

[Robin uploaded an image]

Shin: "Katen Kyōkotsu. That's the name of this twin sword, isn't it?"

Robin: "Yes! How did you know? The description only says it has spirits inside and lets me manipulate shadows. Sometimes, I dream of two women. Who are they?"

Shin: "Those are the spirits of your Zanpakutō. Its true power is immense, but as a hero, you might struggle with unlocking its full potential. The weapon requires cunning and ruthlessness at times."

Robin: "Interesting. Can you teach me how to use it?"

Shin: "Of course, but knowledge comes with a price. 😏"

Robin: "Money's not an issue. Just name it."

Shin: "Excellent. Let's discuss the details in PM."

_____

Satria lounged in his favorite rooftop spot, grinning as he completed his latest transaction in the Dimensional Chat. He had just bought all the chapters of The Law of Ueki manga.

The moment the deal was finalized, a surge of knowledge flooded his mind. In mere seconds, he learned every skill Ueki had mastered—from turning trash into trees to the more advanced techniques like Kurogane and Raika.

Satria leaned back, his grin widening. The possibilities of these abilities were endless.

_____

[Private Message]

Kazuma-sama: "Alright, now teach me how to use these Divine Treasures or whatever they're called!"

Shin: "Fine, let me break this down for you. Your ability to turn trash into trees is just the start. The Divine Treasures are powerful weapons, and your power has 10 levels. Each level unlocks a new weapon, with higher levels offering greater damage and versatility. But mastering them takes practice and strategy."

Kazuma-sama: "Wait, there are ten of these things?"

Shin: "Let's start from the bottom, since that's where you are right now. Your first Divine Treasure, the 1-star weapon, is called Kurogane. It's a cannon that shoots a powerful projectile. Simple but effective and It's gained through consciousness or realization."

Kazuma-sama: "Alright, I can handle a cannon. What's next?"

Shin: "Alright, listen up. Your Level 2 Divine Treasure is called Fudo. It's a big shield that can block almost any attack coming from the front. Perfect for defense and staying alive when you inevitably screw up."

Kazuma-sama: "Finally, something practical! What's next?"

Shin: "Level 3 is Ranma. Think of it as a giant, sharp knife. This one's for offense—it deals great damage and can slash through opponents with ease. Pretty handy if you're not too clumsy."

Kazuma-sama: "Okay, this is getting good. What about Level 4?"

Shin: "Ah, for Level 4… Please transfer 500© to unlock the next part of this exclusive coaching session. Remember, your satisfaction matters to me. Do you enjoy my services? Feel free to leave a glowing review!"

Kazuma-sama: "You greedy bastard. You're worse than that useless goddess!"

Shin: "And yet here you are, still asking for my help. Don't be shy—invest in your future, my friend!"

Kazuma-sama: "Tch. So I actually have to work for this?"

Shin: "Of course. What did you expect? Now, get to training and stop whining. Or better yet, pay for one of my exclusive training packages!"

Kazuma-sama: "FUCK YOU!!!"

[Kazuma-sama is offline]

______

"Ah, another satisfied customer. Business is booming!" Satria smiled proudly.

"Tskckck... Your Bunda must be sad to know that her beloved son has become such a bad boy." Fatalis felt like a failure as a guardian. 

_____

[Private Message]

Robin: "Let's skip the small talk. How much do you want, or what do you need from me? Also, is this weapon dangerous to the people around me?"

Shin: "Direct as always. I appreciate a no-nonsense customer. To answer your question: for now, no, the weapon isn't dangerous to anyone except your enemies—if you use it right. By the way, I've got something that might interest you. I sell magical cameras that could be quite useful for your hero operations. Care to take a look?"

Robin: "A magical camera? What's it do?"

Shin: "This beauty overrides a person's attire with any image you upload into it. Perfect for undercover missions or just having a bit of fun. What do you think? For your information, this is the first prototype I made before I sold it to the public."

Robin: "Interesting. How much are you charging for it?"

Shin: "Ah, for you, a special price—only 2,500©. Or, if you prefer, something worth $8,000, and we'll call it a deal."

Robin: "What if I want the camera and information about my sword?"

Shin: "Well, since you're bundling, I'll offer a generous discount: 4,500© total, or an item or intel worth $10,000. A great deal, wouldn't you agree?"

Robin: "Intel, huh? What kind of information do you want from me?"

Shin: "Let's say… any knowledge about the Speed Force from your world. If what you share is useful, I'll consider that as payment. In return, I'll tell you everything you need to know about your weapon."

Robin: "Wait. Don't tell me you've somehow gained access to the Speed Force? And how do you even know all of this? Where do you learn these things?"

Shin: "A good businessman never reveals their secrets, my friend. Let's just say… it's an admin privilege. I have my ways, and I never force my clients to buy anything they don't want. You're always free to browse~."

Robin: "Fair enough. I'll think about it and get back to you."

[Robin is now offline]

_______

"Ah, another potential deal in the works. Being this brilliant is exhausting sometimes."

"Your greed knows no bounds, Satria," Fatalis, the Neet Dragon bound to him, snarked. "Why not set a price like you did with Kazuma when Batman Junior asked for your help?"

Satria smirked but didn't answer immediately. He knew exactly what she was referring to—Dick Grayson, had recently reached out to him for guidance. Unlike Kazuma's straightforward ability, Dick's request came with broader implications.

"There's a reason I didn't set a price for Dick's case," Satria finally responded. "With his help, I can gain more knowledge about the Speed Force. Even better? He might introduce me to the Flash and his team."

Fatalis gave a derisive laugh. "Not a bad plan. But don't forget, the Speed Force also comes with its fair share of bad news. Like that lunatic Reverse-Flash. Are you sure you want to deal with someone who's basically your multiversal twin in craziness?"

Satria paused, grimacing. "Ah… right. That nutjob exists."

Fatalis seized the opportunity, her tone dripping with mockery. "Wait… don't tell me you've only now realized that? Honestly, the heroic you and Reverse-Flash aren't that different. You're both chaotic forces in your worlds."

Satria snapped out of his thoughts, scowling. "How dare you lump me—a paragon of justice and charisma—with that deranged lunatic?! In what universe do we even remotely compare, you damn Neet Dragon?"

Fatalis cackled, clearly enjoying his irritation. "Oh, I don't know. How about asking those players you pranked because they called you a noob in that online game? They might have some opinions."

Satria rolled his eyes and muttered, "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Ignoring me, huh? Typical." Fatalis huffed, but her tone suggested she was enjoying the banter.

Unbothered, Satria shifted his focus back to his Dimensional Chat. A string of private messages awaited his attention. The corners of his lips twitched upward.

Plenty of business opportunities in here, after all.

Satria leaned back with a satisfied grin. "Finally done. Now, time to enjoy that book." He rummaged through his pouch and pulled out a particular novel, its cover gleaming in the sunlight.

Fatalis perked up. "Oh? Finally going to read something worthwhile? Let's see what makes this so-called Emperor special." Her tone carried both curiosity and skepticism, clearly expecting some tale of power or strategy.

However, her hopes were quickly dashed.

Satria flipped open the book and chuckled. "Ah, Jiraiya... you mad genius. Tale of the Strongest Ninja and the King from the West. What a masterpiece!" He began reading aloud, his laughter filling the air.

Fatalis squinted. "Wait, what?"

Satria smirked and summarized. "It's a love story! A ninja from the East is sent to assassinate the undefeated King of the West, who—plot twist—turns out to be a woman disguised as a man. Cue forbidden romance, political drama, and smut. Lots and lots of smut."

Fatalis blinked. "Smut?"

Satria ignored her and continued. "So the ninja discovers the king's secret, and instead of killing her, they fall in love. Their romance becomes the bridge for peace between the East and West. Oh, but there's a hidden route too—either they escape to live a quiet life or... die tragically in battle. It's brilliant!"

His grin widened. "The best part? Jiraiya didn't hold back with the steamy scenes. No wonder this is a bestseller. It's already getting a visual novel adaptation, and I hear rumors about an anime and a movie."

Fatalis groaned, exasperated. "Of course. Instead of reading something that could improve your mind, you're indulging in that. You're a hopeless idiot, Satria."

Satria raised an eyebrow, feigning offense. "Excuse you. This is part of my job. I need to evaluate this masterpiece before it goes public to ensure everything is perfect. I pity you for not recognizing my dedication." He smirked, his expression screaming mock superiority.

Fatalis sighed deeply. "Dedication, huh? If you weren't my bearer, I'd be embarrassed to be seen with you. Honestly, you're unbearable."

Satria leaned back and grinned mischievously. "Oh, is that so? Don't tell me you're just mad because you don't understand the artistic brilliance of this tale."

Fatalis snapped, her tone dangerous. "Look here, boy. Keep this up, and I'll make sure to squeeze every ounce of energy from you until there's nothing left!"

Instead of being intimidated, Satria burst into laughter. "Oh, really? That's supposed to scare me? You better be careful, old lady, or you'll end up getting drained yourself instead! Hahaha!"

"Just be ready when the time comes, you stupid puppy of mine!" Fatalis grumbled, clearly annoyed after being called an old lady. "You'll regret it later."

Their bickering was interrupted when the rooftop door creaked open, revealing a petite figure with short white hair.

Koneko stood silently, observing her senpai with a questioning look. It was rare to see him smiling so... weirdly. And something about him felt different. Taller, more handsome, and exuding a strange warmth that made every fiber of her being feel at ease.

However, as Koneko instinctively moved closer, her devil instincts screamed at her to stop.

Satria noticed her hesitation and smiled softly, suppressing his Aura. He knew his light-based energy was intimidating for beings of darkness like devils.

"You okay?" he asked, walking toward her and gently patting her head.

"You... feel very different, senpai," Koneko replied, her cheeks faintly pink as she melted under his touch. "What happened to you?"

Satria gave her his signature goofy grin. "Hm? Oh, nothing special. Maybe puberty hit me harder than usual, huh?"

Koneko wasn't convinced. Her senpai was hiding something, but what? As she stepped closer, her sharp sense of smell picked up on something peculiar—two distinct female scents clung to him. A deep, primal jealousy stirred within her.

"Senpai, can I... touch your body for a moment?"

Satria blinked, sensing the potential for misunderstanding. "Uh... sure, just don't do anything weird, okay?"

Without warning, Koneko pushed him against the wall and began sniffing and examining him like a detective.

"You..." she murmured, her voice laced with suspicion. "You smell like a dragon. No, two dragons. It's like they've marked you as their mate. Care to explain, senpai?"

Satria scratched his cheek, nervous. "Ah, about that..."

Before he could respond, he scooped her up in his arms, startling her. In a blink, they were gone, and when Koneko looked around, she found herself standing by the majestic Niagara Falls.

"Where...?" she stammered, stepping back from his embrace and immediately adopting a defensive stance. "Are you here to silence me, senpai? If so, don't think I'll go down without a fight!"

Satria chuckled, releasing a sliver of his combined Ultra power, Speed Force energy, and Fatalis aura. The overwhelming pressure made Koneko tremble and drop to her knees, gasping for breath.

"Relax, kitten," Satria said, his aura dissipating. "I'd never hurt you. I brought you here because I needed to talk, but first, I have a few questions."

Koneko steadied her breathing, the oppressive weight gone. "...What do you want to know? And what's this offer you mentioned?"

Satria crouched to meet her eye level, his tone uncharacteristically serious. "Are you happy living as a devil? Living without freedom, devoting your entire life to someone else's cause? Do you even have a choice in your path?"

Freedom. The word felt foreign to Koneko. "...I owe my life to the Gremory family. It's my duty to serve them. They saved me when no one else would."

"I see." Satria nodded thoughtfully. "Then, let me ask you this: What's your dream? What gives your life meaning?"

Koneko froze, unable to answer. Her life had always revolved around servitude. She'd never thought about herself. "...I want to find my sister," she finally whispered. "To ask why she abandoned me."

Satria sighed, gently patting her head. "Is that really a dream? Or just a lingering wound? You don't even know the purpose of your life, do you, kitten?"

Koneko's ears drooped, her heart heavy with the weight of his words.

"Do you ever wonder why things turned out this way?" Satria continued, his voice calm but firm. "Why someone like Rias—a young, naive devil—managed to gather such a perfect peerage? Doesn't that seem... suspicious?"

Koneko blinked, startled. The thought had never crossed her mind. But now, his words made her question everything. "...How do you know all this? Why tell me? Are you one of those who hate devils?"

Satria chuckled, shaking his head. "No, kitten. I don't hate devils, but I dislike the way they enslave others."

His voice dropped an octave, vibrating with an ominous power. "Do you want to know why I'm doing all this for you, Koneko?"

Despite the fear creeping up her spine, Koneko nodded.

Satria straightened, placing a hand on his chest with a proud smirk. "Because I'm a proud member of Pecinta Kucing Indonesia (Cat Lovers of Indonesia), and I can't let any kitten suffer under my watch!"

"...You're an idiot," Fatalis muttered, facepalming inside his mind.

Koneko stared at him, her lips trembling. Then she burst into giggles. "You're so silly, senpai."

Satria's smirk widened. "Aw~ did my adorable kitten just smile?!"

"Stop teasing me, baka senpai," Koneko said, her cheeks a bright red as her tail shot straight up, revealing her happiness.

"Alright, let's get serious." Satria held out his hand. "I'll offer you something better than servitude."

"What's your offer?" Koneko asked, her voice tinged with suspicion but also curiosity.

Satria's expression turned serious as he crossed his arms. "First, I'll erase all your memories about me. After that, we'll be strangers.

Koneko froze, her eyes widening. "No... Why would you do that? Is everything that happened between us meaningless to you?" she asked, her voice trembling.

Satria sighed, looking out toward the horizon. "It's not meaningless, Koneko. But I can't risk the safety of my family. If your faction finds out about me, they won't leave me alone."

Her hands clenched into fists, her ears drooping. "Is there no other way? I... don't want to lose you, senpai," she whispered, her voice breaking as tears welled in her eyes.

Satria turned to her, his gaze softening. "There is another way... but it's not an easy path."

"What do you mean?" Koneko asked, her voice shaky.

"Are you willing to betray your friends for me, kitten?" Satria asked bluntly, his words cutting through the tension like a blade.

Koneko's breath hitched. The question struck deep, and she hesitated, unable to respond immediately.

Satria walked closer, kneeling down to meet her at eye level. "Listen, no matter what choice you make—no matter what I become in this world—I'll always care about you, Koneko. I'd never let anything harm you, even if you reject my offer."

"You're such a dramatic idiot," Fatalis's voice chimed in, dripping with sarcasm. "What are you, some bargain-bin romantic hero?"

"Can you not ruin my moment, old lady?" Satria shot back internally, rolling his eyes.

"Oh, please, Lolitria. Just admit you're a closet lolicon and move on."

Satria groaned audibly, rubbing his temple. "I swear, if you call me that one more time—"

Meanwhile, Koneko's cheeks turned a deep shade of red, her tail shooting straight up in the air—a clear sign of her emotional turmoil. She couldn't hold back a small smile.

"Not fair," she muttered under her breath.

"Hm? What's not fair?" Satria asked, leaning in closer.

"You're not fair," she said, looking down as her ears twitched nervously. "With everything you've said, how could I possibly say no?"

A smirk spread across Satria's face as he stood and extended his hand toward her. "Then let me offer you this, my little kitten. Join me. I promise our adventures will be fun. We'll support each other's dreams and build a trust that can't be broken. Take my hand, Koneko, and become part of my family."

Koneko hesitated, her gaze shifting between his hand and his eyes. Her heart raced, torn between loyalty to her current life and the promise of something she'd always longed for—freedom, purpose, and a bond stronger than servitude.

Slowly, she reached out, her small hand trembling as it rested in his. "I'll follow you, senpai... no matter what."

•

"I don't understand why, but my instincts are screaming that my Danna-sama is up to no good," Kiyohime muttered, her eyes narrowing dangerously. Her serene expression twisted into a menacing glare as she gripped the kitchen knife, slicing through the fish—and the cutting board—like it was paper.

Ariel, who had been happily watching her prepare the meal, froze in place, its eyes wide with terror. The air around Kiyohime seemed to darken, and the sharp sound of the knife echoed ominously in the kitchen.

Noticing the poor creature's trembling, Kiyohime softened her expression and tilted her head with an apologetic smile. "Ara~ Forgive me, little one. I didn't mean to frighten you."

With practiced elegance, she placed the freshly sliced fish on a plate and gently set it before Ariel. "Here's your meal, just as Danna-sama requested. Enjoy it, darling."

Ariel hesitated for a moment, glancing between Kiyohime's now-gentle face and the mutilated cutting board. Deciding it was safer to focus on the food, it quickly began eating, though its tail twitched nervously.

Kiyohime watched with a sweet smile, but her thoughts remained ominous. "What kind of mischief is my Danna-sama up to now? If he's causing trouble again... well, I'll just have to remind him who he belongs to."

•

Satria had returned to Kuoh Academy with Koneko in his arms, her small frame clinging tightly to him as if she'd never let go.

"Nya~ I'm never letting you go now, Senpai," she purred, her voice laced with playful mischief. Her eyes sparkled, their pupils turning into heart shapes as she buried her face in his chest. "Please pamper me more with your magical hands, hehe."

"It was a mistake to let you experience my new technique," Satria muttered, letting out a resigned sigh.

His "technique" was a combination of his newly acquired Cosmos Aura, capable of even taming colossal Kaiju, and his new Heavenly Tamer abilities, refined further with his years of experience caring for cats. Coating his hand with the warm, calming energy, he had patted her gently, channeling care and love in every stroke.

"Not my fault~" Koneko chimed smugly, a cheeky grin spreading across her face. She kissed his cheek softly and whispered, "You're mine now."

"I'm glad you enjoyed it," Satria replied with a wry smile, "but our time's up. Your friends are probably looking for you."

Koneko's lips jutted out in an adorable pout. "When will you introduce me to your family?"

"Soon," Satria promised, giving her a reassuring smile. "And when the time comes, we'll start your training in Senjutsu. I have a friend who can teach you a safe and effective method to master it—and make you stronger."

Koneko's face clouded momentarily, her hesitation evident. Satria could see her reluctance, likely tied to the trauma of her past. Kneeling slightly, he placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"Koneko, look into my eyes."

She raised her gaze hesitantly, her amber eyes meeting his steady and gentle ones. His smile radiated warmth, and she felt her face flush at the sincerity he exuded.

"We all have fears," Satria began, his tone calm yet firm. "They're shadows in our minds, haunting us and holding us back. But let me tell you something: those fears—they aren't your enemies. They're part of you. Fear isn't meant to be buried, ignored, or avoided. It's meant to be faced, embraced, and mastered.

"When you run from your fears, you give them power. But when you confront them and accept them, that power becomes yours. So think about it—what's scarier? The beast you know or the beast you don't? The monster you control, or the one you fear?

"I know it's hard. Facing your fears is terrifying, even painful. But once you do, they lose their power over you, and you become stronger—unrestrained, free. And always remember, you're not alone. You have me. I'll always support you, Koneko. Don't let fear hold you back from your true potential."

Koneko's ears twitched as she absorbed his words. Her chest felt lighter, and for the first time, the concept of facing her trauma seemed less daunting.

"You truly have a way with words, Lolitria," Fatalis teased dryly. "That poor girl doesn't even realize she's walking into a trap you've so elegantly laid out for her."

"Can you stop ruining the moment for once?!" Satria snapped, exasperated.

Koneko, meanwhile, was staring at Satria with wide, admiring eyes. He wasn't like anyone she had ever met. His words weren't empty reassurances—they were genuine, spoken from the heart, meant to uplift her. She could see it now: Satria wasn't someone meant to serve others. He was a leader, born to stand above.

"You're right," she said softly, her voice steady but emotional. "I need to move forward. I want to become someone you can be proud of, Senpai." Her eyes shimmered with determination. "Thank you for believing in me. No one's ever done that for me—only you."

"Good girl." Satria smiled, gently setting her down from his arms before giving her another affectionate pat on the head.

Koneko blushed deeply but allowed herself to enjoy the moment.

"Now, let's head back to where your friends are," Satria added, his tone turning playful. "I'm curious to see what new shenanigans they're up to."

Koneko nodded with a shy smile, but in her heart, she made a silent vow: to grow stronger and ensure she would always stand proudly by his side.

•

In the ORC club room, the members sat in an unusual silence. The tension was palpable, as Rias' peerage and the Exorcists exchanged glances, the conversation at a standstill.

"Where is Koneko?" Rias asked, a furrow in her brow. This was unlike her Rook; she was never late for meetings, and yet, today, she hadn't shown up.

The others exchanged confused looks, their eyes scanning the room for any sign of their absent teammate. Suddenly, the door creaked open, and in walked Koneko, her expression one of bliss. She looked almost... dreamy.

"Sorry, Buchou, I'm a bit late," Koneko apologized, her voice soft but sincere.

Rias' gaze softened as she took in the sight of her Rook, but a playful smile tugged at her lips.

"Ara-Ara~ Someone looks happy. What happened, Koneko-chan? You look like you're walking on air," Akeno teased, raising an eyebrow. It was rare for Koneko to display such emotion, especially in front of the others.

Koneko blinked and wiped the small smile from her face, quickly reverting to her usual, stoic demeanor.

"Where were you, Koneko?" Rias asked, concern lingering in her voice. "We couldn't find you anywhere on school grounds."

Koneko paused for a moment, as if considering how to answer.

"Nothing. I just went outside to buy some snacks," she answered nonchalantly, holding up a bag of snacks. Inside, the items were from the local convenience store, but the faintest hint of guilt flitted across her face as she quickly dropped her gaze.

Rias sighed, her expression softening. "I see. But next time, please let us know where you're going first. I don't want anything bad to happen to you." Her voice was gentle but firm, a clear sign of her caring nature.

Koneko's heart twisted slightly. Satria-senpai was right. Buchou isn't a bad person… She genuinely cares for me. Despite her internal reassurances, she couldn't shake the feeling of guilt building up inside her for betraying Rias and aligning herself with someone else.

Koneko blinked and shifted her attention back to the room, shaking off her thoughts.

"Can we start the discussion now?" the blue-haired woman, an emissary from the church, interrupted, her tone professional and calm. She had been waiting for the right moment to speak. The room quieted as everyone nodded in agreement.

The woman cleared her throat, her gaze turning serious. "The other day, three of the Holy Swords—Excalibur—were stolen from the church's care. It's urgent that we track them down, as they pose a significant threat if misused."

"Excalibur?" Issei interjected, his curiosity piqued. "How many are there?" He looked between the two women from the church.

The woman with twin-tailed hair glanced at him, a hint of sadness in her eyes. "Ise-kun, the true Excalibur was shattered in battle long ago. The swords that remain are replicas—powerful, yes, but not the original."

"Broken?" Issei echoed, wide-eyed. "Even that famous sword?"

The Exorcists exchanged a brief, knowing look.

"Yes," the woman with twin-tails confirmed. "It was a tragedy, but the remaining swords still hold tremendous power. If they fall into the wrong hands…"

Rias stood, her face hardening with resolve. "Then we cannot waste any more time. We'll need to prepare ourselves for what's coming." She looked toward Koneko, catching her eye for a brief moment. "Are you ready, Koneko?"

Koneko nodded, but her heart weighed heavy with uncertainty. 'What have I gotten myself into?'

Unbeknownst to them, Satria was once again eavesdropping on the conversation from a hidden spot nearby. He did his best to stifle his laughter, though the sight and sound of their serious discussion were proving to be far too amusing.

Excalibur shattered? he mused silently. I wonder how Artoria will react when she hears about this...

Satria could barely contain his amusement. The way they all spoke so seriously about it—how can they not see the humor in this?

"Look at her face! She's saying it with such conviction..." Satria clutched his stomach, trying to suppress the laughter bubbling up inside him. "Sakit perut anjir! This is gold!"

He let out a snicker, silently congratulating himself on how thoroughly entertained he was.

"From the pieces of the broken Excalibur, seven new blades were created through alchemy. This is one of them: Excalibur Destruction," the blue-haired exorcist said, unsheathing her sword with a proud look on her face.

"And mine is Excalibur Mimic," the twin-tailed exorcist chimed in, drawing her weapon as well.

Meanwhile, Satria was rolling on the ground, unable to contain his laughter.

"She's... she's proud of that sword?" Satria thought, still giggling. "It's about as valuable as a Porn Book in the Dimensional Chat Shop. Hahahaha!"

"You are horrible, my boy. You can't make fun of people like that, even if it's true," Fatalis scolded him, shaking her metaphorical head.

"Why do I hear someone laughing at us?" the orange-haired twin-tail exorcist muttered, clearly offended.

"Damn you, Devil! How dare you insult our weapon?" the blue-haired exorcist growled, her glare seething with anger.

"It's not one of us laughing!" Rias quickly defended her peerage. She glanced around at her team, but no one seemed to know where the laughing was coming from—except Koneko, who seemed to have an inkling.

'So, it really is senpai's voice…' Koneko thought. 'He can listen and see us from outside. No wonder he's always so unpredictable.'

"Alright, let's get back to the topic," the blue-haired exorcist said, trying to regain composure. "The church suspects Kokabiel."

"Kokabiel, one of the leaders of the fallen angels?" Rias gasped, realizing the gravity of the situation. This is bad. A cadre of fallen angels operating in Kuoh? Should I inform my brother about this? What should I do?

The blue-haired woman continued explaining that they wanted to handle the matter themselves, but Rias quickly rejected the idea, asserting her team's involvement.

Meanwhile, an uncomfortable silence filled the room until the blue-haired exorcist turned to Asia. "Are you Asia Argento?" she asked, her tone dripping with disdain. "I heard you were exiled. To think you became a devil…"

The twin-tailed exorcist sneered, adding, "To think someone once called a 'saint' would fall so low. In that case, I'd be better off beheading you right now in the name of GOD." She raised her sword menacingly toward Asia.

"CUT THAT SHIT OUT!!!" Issei yelled, stepping forward to protect Asia. His fists clenched in fury, and he shot a glare at the exorcists. "You can insult me, but you don't get to hurt her."

"What is she to you?" the blue-haired exorcist sneered, eyeing Issei.

"She's my family, my friend, and my comrade," Issei snapped, his voice full of determination. "I'll protect Asia with my life. If you lay a hand on her, I'll make sure you regret it."

"He's got guts, I'll give him that," Fatalis remarked, impressed by Issei's courage in standing up without hesitation.

"That was a good answer," Satria commented, watching intently. "Now, let's see how this plays out."

"Is that a challenge to the church? A mere devil talking big," the blue-haired exorcist scoffed.

"Perfect timing," Kiba interjected, stepping forward. "I'll be your opponent." His eyes burned with intensity, clearly eager for a fight.

"Who are you?" the exorcist asked dismissively.

"I'm your senpai," Kiba replied with a smirk. "Through a failed crecontinue

"Ah, here we go… Sasuke-wannabe moment," Satria chuckled, seeing the tension rise. "Someone had to remind him about his 'lack of hate' so he could get some character development."

As he observed, Satria saw the group moving toward the door. "Finally, some action," he muttered with a grin.

To be continued.