Chapter [107]

As Kaito stepped through the portal accompanied by Thalia, Xenovia, and Kuroka, he was greeted by Asia, Miki, and Garou waiting on the other side. The moment that unfolded was filled with an intense emotional charge, highlighting the deep bond between the characters.

Asia, upon seeing Kaito, couldn't contain her joy. Her eyes sparkled, and she immediately ran toward him, wrapping him in a tight embrace. Without hesitation, Asia lifted her face and kissed him deeply, a gesture that transcended a mere reunion, expressing the relief and love she had held in his absence.

Smooch!

Kuroka, observing the scene with a mischievous smile, couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle. Asia's exuberance amused her, and the young woman's passionate behavior seemed to provide a sort of entertainment for the playful cat.

Xenovia, on the other hand, watched Asia with surprise. Her eyes narrowed briefly as she recognized the young woman as the excommunicated nun. Though her expression remained neutral, the memory seemed to rekindle thoughts of the past.

Thalia, however, couldn't hide her irritation. She rolled her eyes, her face reflecting an impatience that bordered on jealousy.

Asia finally released Kaito, but the radiant smile on her face made her profound happiness at seeing him again unmistakable. She held his hands for a moment, her eyes filled with emotion.

"I'm so happy you're back, Kaito," Asia said, her sweet voice brimming with genuine joy.

"I'm happy to be back too." After greeting Asia, Kaito averted his gaze, signaling that his priority at the moment lay elsewhere.

He gently let go of her hands and began walking toward another part of the area, visibly focused on a different task. Asia watched as he walked away, her expression shifting from one of glowing anticipation to a more resigned demeanor. Once he moved away, she turned her attention to the others present, striving to maintain her composure.

Kuroka was the only one to respond with genuine enthusiasm, raising a hand in an energetic and teasing greeting.

"So you're the famous Asia, the girl who stole Kaito's heart, nya!"

Asia immediately flushed at Kuroka's teasing, her face turning a deep shade of red as she tried to mask her embarrassment, glancing away for a moment. The shy smile on her lips betrayed the mix of emotions the teasing had stirred.

Kaito continued forward until he reached Miki and Garou, his adoptive parents. Upon seeing them, he felt a wave of warmth and nostalgia flood through him, and a spontaneous smile appeared on his face. Without hesitation, he wrapped them in a warm embrace. That physical contact seemed to convey everything he had been through, as well as the significance of that reunion to him. Miki held Kaito tightly, while Garou, visibly moved, patted him affectionately on the back.

"I'm happy to see you both again," Kaito said, his voice full of emotion.

Miki smiled, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "We're so happy too, my son. You don't know how much we've waited for this moment."

Garou nodded, keeping a firm hand on Kaito's shoulder. "You did what you needed to do. And now, you're back where you belong."

There, in his parents' arms, Kaito found a brief moment of peace—a rare state in his life full of challenges and constant battles.

As Miki held Kaito in her arms, she lifted her gaze and discreetly observed the three young women accompanying him. Her look carried evident curiosity, trying to understand who these figures were by her son's side.

After releasing Kaito, she moved slightly closer, maintaining her warm expression but with an air of inquiry. "Are these young women your friends, Kaito?"

Kaito glanced at Thalia, Xenovia, and Kuroka, a faint smile on his face. "Yes, Mom. They're my allies. They've helped me a lot in fighting my enemies."

Miki nodded, though her eyes still conveyed careful curiosity.

"I see. Thank you for taking care of my son," Miki said with a gentle smile directed at the three. Her voice carried a mix of gratitude and genuine interest. "I'm sure he couldn't have done it without your help."

"Oh, it wasn't just taking care of him, mother-in-law, nya. We're more than just allies, you know?" Kuroka insinuated, winking at Miki as she referred to herself, Thalia, and Xenovia as all being Kaito's women.

Miki's face paled for a moment, clearly surprised and trying to process Kuroka's words. Her welcoming expression shifted to one of puzzlement as she looked at Kaito for some explanation.

Garou, on the other hand, seemed amused by Kuroka's teasing. He let out a hearty laugh and patted Kaito on the back again, this time with an approving air. "Well done, boy! Looks like you've been handling things just fine."

Asia, upon hearing Kuroka's words, couldn't hide her discomfort. Her eyes quickly filled with tears, and she pouted as she looked at Kaito, her voice coming out in a lamenting tone. "Are you going to abandon me, Kaito?"

Kaito sighed, trying to remain calm amidst the situation. He looked at Asia with a reassuring gaze and extended a hand to hold hers. "Asia, it's not like that. You're all important to me in different ways. I would never abandon you."

"Do you promise, Kaito, that you'll never leave me?" Asia asked, her voice trembling.

"I promise," Kaito replied as he kissed her softly on the lips, trying to ease her distress.

Miki, slowly regaining her composure, gave a faint smile as she noticed the evident awkwardness of the situation.

"Well, it seems our Kaito has found people who truly care about him, and that's what matters most to us," Miki said, her voice now soft and conveying acceptance and understanding.

Kuroka only chuckled lightly, satisfied with the small chaos she had caused, while Thalia and Xenovia exchanged glances, each reflecting on Kuroka's words and the impact they had on Asia and Miki.

Despite the awkwardness, Kaito felt grateful to have these people by his side. Even with the teasing and tensions, he knew they were there for him, and that was enough to keep his heart at peace, at least for the moment.

A month had passed since Kaito's return. He sat on a large rock, watching Kuroka, Asia, and Xenovia as they bathed in the waterfall. The crystal-clear water cascaded over the rocks, creating a serene natural scene, a stark contrast to the battles and challenges they had all faced recently.

Thalia sat between Kaito's legs, leaning against his chest. She watched the other girls with a gaze that mixed curiosity and introspection, while the sound of the flowing water and the surrounding birdsong created a rare sense of tranquility.

Thalia broke the silence, her voice soft, almost a whisper. "I like it here, in the fairy world. It's peaceful, it's beautiful... But I miss the human world. I miss the chaos, the streets, the lights."

Kaito nodded, holding her tighter. "I understand, Thalia. It's safe here, but it doesn't have that energy of the human world. I miss that too sometimes." He paused, looking at the horizon. "My revenge is complete, I have everything I wanted. But there's still something that worries me... The fear that someone might appear and destroy everything we've built."

Thalia turned her face to look at him, her eyes meeting Kaito's. "We'll protect this together, Kaito. No one will take this from us. Not after everything we've been through."

Kaito smiled faintly, kissing the top of Thalia's head. "Yes, together. We'll face anything that comes and ensure this peace, even if fragile, lasts as long as possible."

Suddenly, a green light flashed on Thalia's arm, followed by Ddraig's deep voice echoing.

"To protect this peace, we must grow stronger. Besides, Thalia and I have an enemy we need to face."

Kaito frowned, his gaze becoming more serious.

"The only way to grow stronger is by facing battles. I wonder if something interesting is happening with Rias and Akeno."

Rias, Akeno, Koneko, and Kiba lay on the ground, visibly weakened. Their bodies bore the marks of a grueling and uneven battle, and exhaustion was evident in each of them. An imposing figure glared at them with contempt—Lord Phenex advanced, his fury evident in every word he spoke.

"This is my revenge! The Gremory will regret what they did to my son!" roared Lord Phenex, his voice reverberating with uncontrollable hatred.

The four young fighters, injured and nearly powerless, could only listen helplessly to the lord's threats. Rias's expression was one of despair and pain, her eyes fixed on the ground as she fought against the weakness consuming her. Koneko, with half-closed eyes, still tried to stand, while Kiba and Akeno could barely move, their faces marked by cuts and bruises.

THUD!

Suddenly, a spear pierced through Lord Phenex's stomach, impaling his body with deadly precision. He let out a guttural scream, the sound of his pain mingling with the shock of being struck so suddenly and accurately.

ARRRGH!

Lord Phenex's expression twisted in agony as the pain coursed through

every fiber of his being. His eyes widened as he looked at the spear that impaled him. He tried to move, but his limbs wouldn't respond—the impact paralyzed him, the spear's power corroding his vitality.

From the shadows, Kaito and Thalia emerged, their figures imposing and filled with determination. Kaito held the spear firmly, his gaze cold and fearless. Thalia, by his side, radiated an aura of power, her eyes fixed on the scene ahead.

Rias and Akeno, upon seeing Kaito, couldn't contain the expressions of relief and joy that crossed their faces. Even in their weakened states, their eyes shone with renewed hope. Rias tried to rise, while silent tears streamed down her face, mingling with the sweat and dirt of the battle.

Akeno smiled, her voice weak but full of gratitude. "Kaito... you came."

As Lord Phenex's life began to fade, he cast one last hate-filled look toward Kaito. His skin started to turn to stone, an irreversible process caused by the spear's magic. Amid the transformation, his voice echoed, filled with rancor and helplessness.

"You... and that damned mercenary..."

Before he could finish his sentence, his petrification was complete, turning him into a brittle, hollow statue that soon crumbled into fragments on the ground.

Kaito approached Rias and Akeno, his expression softening as he knelt beside them. He extended a hand to help them up, his gestures careful and protective.

Rias grasped Kaito's hand, allowing him to help her to her feet. Her breathing was heavy, but a smile graced her face, reflecting the renewed confidence she felt. Kaito gently pulled her up, while Thalia, beside him, did the same for Akeno, displaying a rare gesture of care.

"Kaito... are you leaving again?" Rias asked, her voice trembling slightly, revealing her fear.

Kaito looked at her, his expression softening. He squeezed Rias's hand and pulled her close, looking directly into her eyes. "This time, I'll stay if you let me stay in your territory."

Rias, feeling the warmth and sincerity in Kaito's words, couldn't hold back the tears that silently streamed down her face. She nodded, smiling through her tears. "Of course, you can stay. Kuoh is your home."

Kaito smiled, wiping Rias's tears with his thumb before embracing her. "Then I'm home. And I promise I'm not going anywhere."