Ethan exhaled as he stepped out through the academy gates, as moonlight spilling across the road. At his side walked Asia, the nun he'd dragged out of trouble before this whole devil drama started. She stayed quiet, sneaking glances at him like he might vanish if she blinked too long.
He, meanwhile, was chewing over the insanity that had just happened.
"Really?" he muttered under his breath. "This is *DxD*, right? The universe with the over-the-top fanservice? So shouldn't I have been ambushed by nude scene or a 'whoops-I-fell-on-your-chest' accident by now?"
Asia blinked at him in confusion, but he waved her off.
"Nope. Instead, I get two queens throwing contracts at me, and when I finally explain my powers, they literally kick me out the door. No harem welcome package, no cheap romance tropes, just—'see yourself out.'" He shook his head, a dry laugh escaping. "Figures. Even in a perverted anime world, I'm still not good enough to be the protagonist."
Ethan shoved his hands into his pockets, hellfire flickering faintly in his eyes.
"Fine," he thought. "If i I can't get protagonist script, I'll write mine."
He pulled out the wallet he'd got from Raynare's and stared at her photo it for a moment. "Damn. Probably shouldn't have killed her out of anger. At least she could have been added to the collection and used as body pillow."
Beside him, Asia tilted her head, her hands neatly folded in front of her the way she always carried herself—like she'd just stepped out of prayer. She leaned closer, cheeks red. "If you need… we can sleep on the same bed."
"Bed?" Ethan snapped the wallet shut. "Asia, there's only one problem—we don't *have* a bed."
Her expression softened with gentle worry. Then, surprisingly, she smiled. "Then… maybe we should go shopping first."
Ethan blinked. "…Shopping. Great."
Asia nodded shyly. "If we're going to stay at the church, we'll need food, soap, and… um… other things." The last part came out barely above a whisper, her face pink.
Ethan sighed. "Of course. I save a nun, and she wants to buy grocery." He rubbed the back of his neck, then added with a crooked grin, "Fine. But don't expect miracles from this wallet. And let's not buy too much—at least not until I knock over a bank or two."
The town's shopping district wasn't anything flashy, but for Asia it may as well have been a festival. She gazed around at the rows of stalls and small shops with wide-eyed wonder.
"This is wonderful," she said, clasping her hands together. "So many things in one place!"
Ethan shoved his hands in his pockets, watching her. "You've… never been to a shopping district, have you?"
She shook her head. "I wasn't allowed to go very far when I was with the church."
"Figures," Ethan muttered. "Alright, let's grab what we need before loneliness makes me do something stupid."
Inside the first shop, Asia gravitated toward the simplest items—bread, rice, vegetables. She handled each with delicate care, as though buying food was some kind of holy ritual. Ethan trailed behind, carrying the basket like a pack mule.
"You know," he said, eyeing the price tags, "even the Demon King isn't as terrifying as the price of rice."
Asia giggled softly, covering her mouth. The sound was so pure it almost made him forget how broke he was. Almost.
At another stall, she paused at a ribbon stand. Her fingers lingered over a pale green one. "Do you think… it would suit me?" she asked shyly.
Ethan raised an eyebrow. "It's a ribbon, Asia. Not a sacred relic. If you want it, buy it."
She smiled faintly, cheeks tinged pink, and added it to the basket.
Ethan rolled his eyes but smirked anyway.
By the time they left the district, Ethan's wallet was officially deceased. The basket, however, was full—food, daily essentials, and that ribbon. Asia practically glowed with happiness, her steps light.
"You really like this normal stuff, don't you?" Ethan asked.
She nodded eagerly. "Yes! It's so peaceful… just choosing food, knowing we'll eat together later… it feels like a blessing."
Ethan hummed, noncommittal, though he couldn't deny her smile had a way of softening the sharp edges of his mood. Still, something itched at the back of his skull. His Rider instincts prickled—the faint sense of eyes on them. His flames didn't flare, not yet, but there was a low thrum in his chest telling him trouble wasn't far.
He scanned the rooftops briefly, but whoever was watching melted into the shadows. A fallen angel tailing them, maybe. Or just paranoia. Either way, he kept walking.
"Figures," he muttered. "Can't even buy bread without the supernatural stalking me."
Just as he was about to call it a day, Asia tugged gently at his sleeve. Her eyes had landed on a storefront down the street. Inside, rows of neatly folded futons, pillows, and bedding were displayed like treasures.
Ethan followed her gaze and groaned. "Oh, come on. We've already buried my wallet—do we really have to desecrate the grave?"
Asia turned toward him, folding her hands in front of her like she was praying for patience. "We'll need somewhere to sleep, won't we?"
He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Fine. But I'm not hauling a mattress across half the city. Not happening."
Asia's smile returned, soft but victorious. "I think the shop can deliver," she said simply.
Ethan blinked. "…Of course they can. Japan—home of overpriced rice, but at least they'll carry your bed for you."
While Asia stepped inside to arrange delivery, Ethan leaned against the outer wall, arms crossed. His hellfire flickered faintly in his eyes as he scanned the street, still sensing that prickle of being watched.
"Futons, food, and stalkers," he muttered. "Yep. Just another day in the perverted anime world."
By the time they reached the old church, the sun was dipping low, painting the sky in gold and red. Asia pushed the door open with reverent care. Inside, dust motes drifted lazily through the warm light.
"I'm glad I can come back here," she whispered.
Ethan set the basket on a pew and stretched. "Well, I hope you know how to clean up bloodstains, or I'm gonna have to burn the floor clean with hellfire."
Asia ignored the comment and began unpacking supplies, humming softly as she worked. Ethan leaned against the wall, watching her. Despite everything—the devils, the contracts, the flames burning in his veins—this moment almost felt… normal.
Almost.
He sighed, shaking his head with a dry chuckle. "Well… at least I got the cute nun."
Asia turned, blinking in confusion. "Huh?"
"Nothing," Ethan said quickly, waving her off. His smirk widened. "Just talking to myself."
first time since he'd landed in this crazy world, Ethan almost felt like he had a place to stand.