That afternoon, the atmosphere inside the Occult Research Club was completely different from its usual elegance and leisure.
The air felt heavy—thick with tension, like the stillness before a storm.
Rias Gremory stood before a large map of Kuoh Town, arms crossed. Her crimson eyes were sharp as blades, fixed on the western district of the academy.
Tsubaki Shinra had just completed her report and now stood silently, awaiting further instructions.
The clubroom door opened.
Akeno Himejima, Yuto Kiba, and Koneko Toujou entered almost simultaneously. The casual ease they usually carried was gone, replaced with seriousness.
"President, what happened?" Yuto asked steadily.
Without turning around, Rias pointed at the western district on the map.
"We may have uninvited guests. And they are not friendly."
She briefly summarized Tsubaki's findings: abnormal energy fluctuations in the western district, Asia Argento's residence, and Shin's striking divination during class break.
"…Combined with Advisor Shin's theory yesterday—that a Sacred Gear under duress will emit abnormal fluctuations—"
"And his clearly targeted warning today about 'trouble in the West,'"
Rias finally turned around, her gaze sweeping over her three core peerage members.
"I have reason to suspect that the Fallen Angels' claws have already reached beneath our noses."
"And their likely target is the transfer student with healing abilities—Asia Argento."
Akeno's brows drew together slightly. "Oh my… that's troubling."
"If Shin's divination proves accurate," she continued thoughtfully, "then the 'gloom' and 'evil spirits' likely refer to the Fallen Angels."
Koneko remained silent.
But a cold glint flickered through her amber eyes.
Just then—
Knock. Knock.
"Come in," Rias replied calmly.
The door opened, revealing Shin.
His complexion appeared slightly paler than usual. A faint trace of lingering worry rested between his brows. Even his steps were subtly heavier, as if burdened by unease.
Seeing everyone gathered and the tense atmosphere, he revealed a perfectly timed hint of surprise.
"President… seniors… am I interrupting something?" he asked hesitantly.
"No," Rias said evenly. "You've arrived at the perfect time, Advisor Shin."
Her gaze locked onto him, studying every subtle expression.
"We were just discussing your… interesting divination earlier today."
Shin gave a faint, wry smile. "So word spread that quickly…"
"I actually came here specifically to report it to you. I haven't been able to settle my mind."
He took a breath, as if making a difficult decision.
"I know a casual ritual during break shouldn't warrant troubling the President."
"But the premonition was… unusually strong."
"The hexagram showed 'Gloom descending, evil spirits breeding in secret.' The Qi felt dark and foul—definitely not natural."
"It felt more like… some foreign, malicious power quietly spreading."
His wording leaned toward Eastern mysticism—symbolic and abstract—but the meaning was unmistakable.
Rias narrowed her eyes slightly.
"Malicious dark power?"
"What do you believe it refers to, Advisor Shin?"
Shin shook his head modestly.
"I dare not make assumptions. Eastern divination focuses on imagery, not specifics."
"But it strongly indicated 'the West.' I cannot help associating it with the western district of the academy."
He paused, appearing to gather his thoughts.
"And… the imagery suggested 'Light' being trapped… invaded by 'Darkness.'"
"It seemed to foreshadow a tragedy where Light is bound… eroded… or about to suffer misfortune at the hands of Darkness."
The worry in his eyes this time was not entirely performance.
He was genuinely concerned for Asia.
"Light bound by Darkness…" Rias repeated softly.
A sharp glimmer flashed in her azure eyes.
At that moment, everything aligned perfectly.
Asia Argento — wielder of healing Light.
Residence — western district.
Abnormal energy fluctuations detected.
Shin's warning of gloom and darkness in the West.
It was practically confirmation.
"Advisor Shin," Rias said seriously, stepping closer and meeting his gaze, "your divination may not have been unfounded."
"I understand your concerns."
She did not directly reveal the Student Council's full investigation.
Instead, she stated firmly:
"The purpose of the Occult Research Club is to maintain order in Kuoh Town and protect the innocent from supernatural harm."
"Whether your premonition proves correct or not, investigating the western district is both necessary and urgent."
Inside, Shin quietly exhaled.
She understood.
He showed a trace of relief mixed with humility.
"I'm glad I could offer some reference. I sincerely hope I was overthinking."
"Whether you were overthinking will soon be determined."
Rias turned decisively.
The next heiress of the Gremory Clan stood revealed in her full authority.
"Yuto. Akeno. Koneko."
"Yes!"
All three responded immediately.
"Prepare for action."
"Yuto—use Student Council authority to retrieve surveillance footage from the western district. Focus on abnormal individuals and vehicles near the abandoned church and Asia Argento's residence."
"Akeno—conduct high-precision remote magical sensing. Scan for hidden barriers or high-intensity energy signatures."
"Koneko—prepare for covert ground reconnaissance. Remain concealed at all times."
"Understood."
The three moved without hesitation, efficiency sharp and precise.
Once the orders were issued, Rias turned back to Shin.
"Advisor Shin, thank you for your warning."
"Your… acuity has once again proven your value."
There was appreciation in her tone.
And scrutiny.
One coincidence could be dismissed.
Two precise premonitions pointing toward imminent danger could not.
Shin lowered his head modestly.
"I only fulfilled my responsibility as an advisor."
"I'm glad I could assist."
"You have assisted greatly."
Rias moved to the window, gazing toward the western sky.
The sun was sinking.
Dark clouds gathered along the horizon, heavy and oppressive.
"It seems," she murmured softly, red hair glowing like embers in the fading light, "Kuoh Town will not be peaceful tonight."
Shin stood silently behind her.
His objective had been achieved.
The warning had been delivered.
The gears of rescue had begun turning.
He had done what he could.
Now he would trust in the power of the Occult Research Club—
And prepare to fulfill his role when necessary.
In his pocket, his fingers tightened around several freshly drawn Evil-Warding Talismans and Body-Protection Talismans, each infused with faint True Qi.
The wind howled faintly against the tower windows.
A storm was coming.
Thanks to the "divination" of an Eastern Consultant, the turmoil stirred by the Fallen Angels had entered the sight of the Gremory Princess ahead of schedule.
Under the cover of night, a rescue centered on Light and salvation was about to begin.