Darkness filled the interior of the abandoned church. The sound of wind seeped through the cracks, and the silence carried a heavy unease.
Kalawarner walked slowly, eyes fixed on the entrance. Her expression remained calm, but the tension in her shoulders betrayed her restlessness.
"She's taking too long."
Her tone was cold, more a statement than concern. Mittelt, seated on a broken pew, lifted her gaze with disinterest.
"Raynare said she was going after a human. She's probably having fun… or maybe torturing the poor guy."
Her smile was faint and cruel. Her legs swung lazily, and her short laugh echoed off the walls.
"Or something more interesting."
Kalawarner turned her gaze away, irritated. "You're disgusting."
Mittelt shrugged. "I just said the truth. That woman never knew how to control herself."
Dohnaseek, leaning against one of the pillars, frowned. His tired eyes cut across the two of them.
"You two talk too much. We should be focusing on maintaining our cover, not gossiping about Raynare's impulses."
Mittelt chuckled softly. "Ah, the righteous gentleman. You still think killing quickly is better than having a little fun?"
He turned his face toward her, eyes hard. "Fun is a waste of time. Humans and Devils are tools. The sooner they're eliminated, the better."
Mittelt rested her chin on her hands, eyes gleaming with amusement. "You talk like a man who doesn't take pleasure in anything, Dohnaseek. What kind of man lives without enjoying himself a little?"
"One who only feels attraction for those with black wings."
Mittelt's smile vanished instantly. His cold tone carried real weight, and the silence that followed thickened the air.
She blinked slowly, her expression twisting in disgust. "You're vile. Wait for Raynare to come back, she actually likes trash like you."
Dohnaseek straightened, his face tightening. "Don't call me trash."
Mittelt leaned back, lips curling into a taunting smile. "Hit a nerve?"
The soft flap of Dohnaseek's wings echoed before he restrained himself. "Say that again, Mittelt, and I'll rip your wings off to remind you who's in charge here."
Kalawarner crossed her arms, her cold voice slicing through the air. "Will you two just shut up already?"
Silence fell immediately. Her blue eyes turned toward the church door, alert to any sound. "Raynare is late, and I don't need you two killing each other before she gets back."
Mittelt looked away with a huff. Dohnaseek remained still, his expression hard. The distant wind whispered through the cracked roof, filling the void between words.
In a dark corner, a tiny bat stayed motionless. Its folded wings merged with the shadows, and only its red eyes reflected the faint candlelight.
Its delicate claws adjusted on the wood as it watched the trio. Every sound, every breath, every wingbeat was recorded in perfect silence. The air there was cold, filled with dust and the scent of old iron.
The bat tilted its head slightly, as if reacting to a distant command.
Ssshhh.
Its wings spread without a sound, and the small body vanished into the dark. Only the faint movement of air betrayed its departure, dissolving into the gloom like a fragment of living shadow.
___
In the Gremory mansion, the room was wrapped in darkness.
On the bed, Gasper lay on his side, head resting on his arm. A small black flame danced at his fingertips, flickering slow, alive, and silent.
The distorted light reflected across his face, revealing a distant gaze.
"You should've run when you had the chance."
His voice was calm, almost a whisper. The flame flared briefly, drawing a reddish gleam in his eyes.
"Now, not even your wings will escape."
Fwoooosh.
The fire darkened until it went out completely. The room sank back into total shadow.
Gasper closed his eyes, and silence reclaimed the chamber.
___
The end of classes brought the usual quiet to the Occult Research Club. The lights were on, and everyone had gathered around the main table.
Saji looked the most excited. His eyes sparkled with energy, and his body leaned forward eagerly. "President, this time I'll prove I can be useful!"
Kiba's gaze was steady, his arms crossed. "Trust your training. The rest comes with time."
"Training's one thing, fighting fallen angels is another." Saji laughed awkwardly, though his enthusiasm didn't fade.
Koneko sat on the couch, silently eating a sweet. Her gaze wandered, but her ears stayed sharp.
Akeno approached the window, a faint smile curving her lips. "Fallen angels… it's been a while since I've had fun with them."
Her tone carried something dark, and Rias turned her gaze in quiet warning. "Don't underestimate them, Akeno. They might be more organized than we think."
"Of course, President." Her smile didn't fade.
Gasper leaned against the wall, watching everyone in silence. His vacant eyes revealed disinterest. 'Still no sign of Asia.'
Rias adjusted a strand of hair, her voice firm. "We'll enter the church only when I give the order. Saji, you're with Kiba and Koneko. I want the three of you on cover."
Saji nodded immediately. "Understood, President."
Kiba glanced at him sideways. "Don't stray too far. And match Koneko's pace."
"Got it."
Koneko chewed slowly. "If he slows us down, I'll leave him behind."
Saji blinked nervously. "You're serious when you say that, aren't you?"
"Yes."
The air lightened for a moment. Even Rias allowed herself a small smile.
"Gasper, you're coming with me."
The dhampir raised his gaze calmly. "Understood."
Rias's expression stayed firm. "I want you close. I don't want to repeat the mistake of leaving someone alone."
He merely nodded.
Akeno turned, leaning on the table. "President, the plan's simple: we eliminate the fallen angels and make sure no one else dies because of them."
Rias crossed her arms, scanning the group. "Yes. But remember—if anything goes wrong, fall back. I'll handle the rest."
'She looks so composed… but is that concern real, or just fear of losing someone before the Rating Game?'
Gasper's eyes lingered on Rias for a few seconds. Her aura flickered in soft crimson, a reflection of well-hidden tension.
Saji raised his hand eagerly. "Don't worry, President! I'll follow your orders without failure!"
Koneko chewed slowly, not looking at him. "You mean without mistakes."
"Ah… yeah, that's what I meant."
Akeno covered her mouth, hiding a laugh. "A pawn truly suits you, Saji. Always diving headfirst."
His face flushed red instantly. "Hey, no need to tease me! I'm proud to be the President's pawn!"
Koneko looked at him with her usual blank stare. "Pervert."
"Pervert? Me?" He turned, indignant. "I didn't even do anything!"
"But you will."
Akeno laughed softly. "She knows you well, Saji-kun."
"You two should start a bullying club."
"We already have," Akeno replied playfully.
Her laughter echoed lightly, easing some of the tension in the air. Rias watched the group for a few seconds before straightening, her gaze firm.
"Enough jokes. Let's go. I want this done before it causes more trouble."
Akeno raised an eyebrow, her smile returning. "So impatient, President? I like when you talk like that."
"This isn't the time for charm, Akeno." Rias adjusted her coat and gestured with her hand. "Gather up. We're heading to the church."
Kiba stood immediately. "Understood."
Koneko calmly tucked away her sweet. "Finally."
Saji took a deep breath, trying to look confident. "Time to show that even a pawn can fight."
Gasper stayed silent, watching the movement around him.
'So it's time. Let's see how far her concern really goes.'
The group began to move. The sound of their steps echoed down the empty hallway as the door opened slowly, swallowing the last light of the Occult Research Club.
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