Chapter [31]

Miki began to explain. "I went shopping and took Asia with me. When we were returning home, a priest stopped us on the street. He seemed to know Asia, and she went with him. Before leaving, she asked me to thank you for everything you did for her."

Kaito was surprised, an unpleasant sensation filling his chest. "She wanted to say goodbye to you, but the priest didn't let her," said Miki, with a concerned expression.

Kaito frowned, feeling a growing worry. "What did this priest look like? Do you remember his appearance?"

Miki reflected for a moment before responding. "He was young, with an irritated expression on his face. He didn't seem to be in a good mood."

Kaito felt a knot in his stomach. "Wait, if she didn't come back home, is her suitcase still in my room?"

Miki nodded again. "Yes, it should be there. You can take it to her later."

Kaito shook his head, determined. "Sure, Mom, I'll take it. Thanks for telling me."

Kaito couldn't shake the feeling that something was very wrong. As he climbed the stairs to the room, his mind was full of troubling thoughts. The description of the irritated priest who took Asia left him uneasy. He knew he couldn't ignore the instinct telling him Asia was in danger.

When he reached the room, Kaito opened the door slowly, entering the space that still held Asia's presence. The room was tidy, and Asia's suitcase was in a corner, just as she had left it.

Kaito wanted to go immediately to the church to check on the situation, but as a Devil, he was worried about the repercussions. The presence of a Devil in a sacred place could cause significant problems. Additionally, he didn't know if the priest was an ally or a threat, which complicated the situation further.

But after seeing the state Takashi and Sakura were left in, Kaito feared that something similar could happen to Asia, the only person he had felt purity from since gaining his powers. The memory of Takashi's desperate look and Sakura's lifeless body propelled him to act.

"This is too strange. I need to take action," Kaito murmured to himself, determined.

He grabbed Asia's suitcase and quickly descended the stairs, feeling the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. He needed to make a quick decision but knew he couldn't act impulsively. He needed more information before taking any drastic measures.

Upon reaching the living room, Miki looked at him with concern. "Are you going after Asia, Kaito?"

Kaito nodded, trying to keep a calm expression. "Yes, Mom. I'll take her suitcase to the church. She might need some things."

Miki smiled, looking relieved. "That's very kind of you, Kaito. Be careful."

"I will, Mom. I'll be careful," Kaito replied, taking Asia's suitcase and leaving the house.

Abandoned Church

The abandoned church was enveloped in a somber and heavy silence, the old and weathered walls seeming to whisper tales of terror. In the underground, in a dark and cold chamber, the atmosphere was even more oppressive. The old stone walls were illuminated only by a few torches, whose flickering flames cast sinister shadows.

In the center of the chamber, a large wooden cross stood. Asia was bound to this cross, her wrists and ankles firmly secured with iron chains. Her eyes were filled with terror, tears streaming down her face as she struggled futilely against the restraints. Her body trembled with fear, and her breathing was quick and irregular.

Around the cross, about ten mages in black robes were gathered, murmuring incantations in an ancient and forbidden language. Their faces were hidden by the shadows of their hoods, and the atmosphere was charged with a sinister and malevolent energy.

Raynare, with eyes full of disdain, stood in front of the cross, observing Asia with a cruel smile. Her presence exuded an aura of malice and contempt, and she seemed to delight in the young girl's suffering.

"You are so pathetic, Asia," said Raynare, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Did you really think you could escape me? That you could find safety among those human worms?"

Asia, her heart racing, tried to respond, but her voice came out as a broken whisper. "Please, let me go... I didn't do anything wrong..."

Raynare laughed, a cold and sharp sound that echoed through the chamber. "You are a fool, Asia. Your naivety is almost touching. But don't worry, it won't take long. Soon you won't feel anything anymore."

The other fallen angels, Kalawarner and Mittelt, stood in the shadows, watching the scene with expressions of indifference. To them, this was just another display of power, a reminder of their absolute control over their victims.

Raynare approached Asia, her sadistic smile widening. "You will make an excellent sacrifice. Your power will be ours, and we will use it to strengthen our cause."

Asia closed her eyes, trying to find some solace in her silent prayers. But the pain and despair were overwhelming, and she felt lost, abandoned in the midst of darkness.

Raynare raised a hand, her fingers glowing with a dark and sinister energy. "It's time to begin," she said, turning to the mages. "Prepare the ritual."

The mages began to chant their malevolent prayers, their voices merging into a dark chant that filled the chamber. The energy around the cross began to intensify, the shadows dancing frantically on the stone walls.

Asia felt a wave of despair wash over her, her strength fading. Her eyes fixed on Raynare's, who watched her with a look of triumph.

"Don't worry, Asia," Raynare whispered, coming even closer. "Your pain will be brief. And when it's all over, you will have served a greater purpose."

Raynare's words were like knives, cutting the last bit of hope Asia had left. She knew she was alone, trapped in a nightmare from which she couldn't wake up.

As the ritual continued, the chamber was filled with a sinister and pulsating light, reflecting the evil and cruelty of those present. Asia closed her eyes, trying to find some remnant of peace amidst the torment, but despair enveloped her like a shroud, suffocating any hope she might have had.

Curiously, the only thing that came to Asia's mind was Kaito's smile. He had been so kind to her, offering help and comfort in a time of need. Even now, trapped in this desperate situation, the thought of Kaito brought a small spark of hope and warmth.

"Please, someone help me... Kaito... I need you..."

Her plea, though almost lost in the surrounding chaos, was carried by an invisible force, a last hope she cast into the universe.

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