RioRaRyu
patreon
Chapter 112: Familiar Streets
🕑 Added 2025-02-25 13:03:46 +0000 UTC
"Hey, Rias, Koneko said you wanted to see me?"
Blake strolled into the Occult Research Club, his silver hair catching the light as he leaned casually against the couch where Rias sat. His tone was relaxed, but there was a knowing glint in his eyes.
"You finally decided to show up, Blake." Rias crossed her arms, her sharp blue eyes locking onto him. "Where have you been these past two days? You vanished without a trace."
Her tone was calm, but there was something underneath it—something that told him she wasn’t just asking out of curiosity.
Instead of answering immediately, Blake accepted the cup of tea Akeno handed him, offering her a polite nod.
"Thanks, Himejima-senpai."
"Ara~ no need to be so formal," Akeno chuckled, her violet eyes glinting with amusement. "I’d much prefer it if you just called me by my name, Blake. After all, it’s only fair."
Blake paused, then smirked. "Alright, Akeno."
"Hmph!"
Before he could enjoy his tea, a sharp pinch landed on his waist. Blake flinched slightly as Rias huffed, her lips forming a slight pout.
"My boyfriend is getting awfully friendly with other girls right in front of me," she muttered. "That’s definitely a minus point."
"Ara, ara~ Buchou is jealous," Akeno teased, her tone dripping with playful malice. "How scary."
Rias shot her a look, but Akeno simply smiled, sipping her tea with that ever-present air of mischief.
Blake sighed, shaking his head. It wasn’t the first time he’d witnessed the friendly yet competitive dynamic between these two, and it certainly wouldn’t be the last.
Meanwhile, Koneko sat nearby, quietly munching on a snack, clearly unbothered by the exchange.
Deciding to change the topic before things escalated further, Blake exhaled and leaned back.
"Rias, I disappear on certain weekends because I undergo special training... or take care of other matters," he said smoothly.
Rias studied him for a moment, her expression unreadable. Then, her gaze flickered slightly as she sensed the newfound depth in his magical energy.
"Special training, huh?" She rested her chin on her palm, deep in thought. "That would explain why your power feels stronger than before…"
"Ara, Blake, you didn’t tell us about your little secret training sessions." Akeno’s voice was light, but there was an undertone of genuine concern. "We’ve been worried about you, you know."
Blake hesitated for a brief moment before replying, "Sorry about that, but it’s something only I can handle."
Rias sighed, shaking her head. "Fine. But if anything dangerous happens, you need to tell us. You can’t just take on everything alone."
"Got it." Blake gave her a small smile, appreciating the concern.
With that settled, Rias stretched and stood up. "Alright, that’s enough for today. It’s getting late. You should head home. We’ll talk more tomorrow at school."
Blake blinked. "That’s it? You’re just sending me off like that?"
Normally, she’d insist on teleporting him home or at least walking him to the door.
"Yes," Rias said simply, flipping her hair as she turned away. "Now go."
Blake could only chuckle as he stood up, rubbing his cheek before heading for the exit.
Akeno waited until he was gone before glancing at Rias, her lips curling into a knowing smile.
"Ara, Ara~ Buchou, you’re acting like a classic tsundere."
"Quiet, Akeno."
---
The Streets of Kuoh
The streets were quiet as Blake walked home, hands in his pockets, enjoying the cool night air.
Then he stopped.
"You might as well come out. Lurking in the shadows isn’t exactly subtle."
Silence.
Then, a few black feathers drifted down from the rooftops, and a man in a suit stepped forward, his face illuminated by the streetlights.
"So, you actually noticed me," the man said, his tone carrying a mixture of amusement and annoyance. A pair of black, feathered wings unfurled behind him, giving away his identity.
"A fallen angel, huh?" Blake mused, tilting his head. "Haven’t seen one of your kind in a while. So, what’s this about? Are you here to sell me some sketchy holy relics?"
The fallen angel's eye twitched.
"You’re an insolent one." He raised his hand, and a glowing spear of light materialized in his palm. "Humans who align themselves with devils are nothing more than pests. And pests must be—"
Sching!
Before he could finish, several streaks of energy flashed through the air, piercing the fallen angel’s limbs. His words turned into a strangled cry as he stumbled backward, clutching at his wounds in shock.
Blake casually adjusted his wrist. "Sorry, were you saying something?"
The fallen angel’s breath hitched as his vision blurred from pain. He barely had time to process what had happened before Blake turned his gaze slightly—toward the rooftops.
"And now, for the gallery up there," he called out, his crystal-blue eyes glinting with amusement. "Come on, don’t be shy. You’ve been watching this whole time, haven’t you?"
For a moment, there was silence. Then, figures began emerging from the darkness, their presences now fully revealed.
Blake smirked.
"Well then… let’s see what tonight has in store."
