At Rias's command, the Occult Research Club transformed instantly into an efficient tactical command center.
The former lazy elegance vanished, replaced by focused intensity and grim resolve.
Shin sat quietly on the sofa in the corner. He did not interfere with the operational deployment—he knew this was not his domain.
But he didn't leave either.
Rias had tacitly allowed him to remain. That, in itself, was trust.
He needed to witness the rescue plan take shape.
Kiba Yuto connected to the Student Council's internal network, fingers flying across a virtual keyboard as he retrieved surveillance footage from the western district.
Streams of data flashed across the screen.
His sharp eyes scanned the footage like a hawk hunting prey.
Beside him, Akeno Himejima closed her eyes.
Subtle yet powerful magical fluctuations radiated from her body.
Her perception spread outward like an invisible web, sweeping across the western district—probing for barriers, residual magic, or concentrated energy signatures.
Her usual teasing smile was gone.
In its place was calm solemnity—the quiet before lightning strikes.
Koneko Toujou methodically checked her gear, movements silent and efficient. She was already in pre-combat mode.
Rias stood before the map, red hair glowing like embers, emerald eyes steady and decisive as she waited for reports.
Time crawled forward in tense silence.
Then—
"President, I found something," Kiba said sharply.
He projected enhanced surveillance footage onto the main screen.
The video showed a secluded street in the western district the previous evening.
Asia Argento walked briskly, head lowered.
Her posture was stiff.
There was a faint tremor in her movements.
Several meters behind her walked a tall, fashionably dressed woman wearing large sunglasses.
Though they maintained distance, the pattern was unmistakable.
Whenever Asia slowed even slightly, the woman subtly lifted her hand—
And Asia immediately hurried forward, as if startled.
"Zoom in. Facial contour comparison," Rias ordered.
"Processing… comparison complete."
"Despite disguise, facial structure and residual magical signatures match archived data of Fallen Angel cadre Raynare. Similarity: 87%."
Kiba's tone turned cold.
At the same moment, Akeno opened her eyes. Lightning flickered faintly within them.
"President. I've detected high-intensity impure Fallen Angel light residue at the abandoned church."
"The energy signature strongly matches Raynare."
"The church exterior is concealed by a subtle isolation barrier—well crafted and difficult to detect without targeted scanning."
"Inside the barrier… there are faint fluctuations of holy power."
She paused.
"They're filled with pain and struggle. They match Asia Argento's aura."
Silence.
Cold.
Absolute confirmation.
Raynare was in Kuoh Town.
Asia Argento had been captured.
"Raynare…" Rias spoke the name softly, her voice carrying icy killing intent.
"To dare harm an innocent girl within my territory."
"The honor of the Gremory Clan will not tolerate such filth."
The temperature in the room seemed to drop.
Kiba's fists tightened.
Electric arcs flickered at Akeno's fingertips.
Koneko's golden eyes sharpened.
For Devils who upheld their own code, this was an unforgivable provocation.
Shin felt his heart tighten as well.
Though he had expected this outcome, hearing confirmation still stirred unease.
Raynare's audacity was worse than he had imagined.
"President, shall we move immediately?" Kiba asked, barely restraining himself.
"Calm down," Rias said firmly.
"The more critical the situation, the clearer we must think."
"Raynare is a Fallen Angel cadre. Powerful. Cunning."
"She chose the abandoned church for a reason."
"A reckless assault risks failure—and could provoke her into harming the hostage."
She turned back to the map.
"We need a plan."
"Yuto—retrieve the church's structural blueprints and underground pipe layout."
"Akeno—monitor the barrier for fluctuation cycles and potential weak points."
"Koneko—conduct external reconnaissance. Identify entrances, exits, blind spots, and possible hidden sentries."
"Yes!"
The three resumed their tasks immediately.
Rias began outlining strategy.
"Raynare's goal is Asia's Sacred Gear. She will not kill her prematurely."
"That is our leverage."
"But her Fallen Angel light power is corrosive and aggressive. We must strike fast and avoid prolonged combat."
She turned to Kiba.
"Yuto. Your Holy Eraser is effective against Fallen Angel light. You will lead the primary assault. Suppress her immediately."
To Akeno:
"Provide long-range lightning support. Destroy the barrier and disrupt her movements."
To Koneko:
"You handle the breakthrough and escort. Secure Asia and withdraw the moment she's freed."
Clear. Precise. Efficient.
Then Rias turned to Shin.
"Advisor Shin."
He stood immediately. "President?"
"Your Eastern techniques. Concealment. Protection. Interference."
"Can they be applied in combat?"
Her eyes held expectation.
Shin nodded calmly.
"My cultivation is still shallow. I cannot engage directly."
"But I can draw basic Breath-Concealing Talismans and Body Protection Talismans."
"The Breath-Concealing Talismans will reduce aura presence—useful for infiltration."
"The Body Protection Talismans may withstand one or two energy strikes."
He paused.
"And Heart-Clearing Talismans. They may reduce mental interference or fear."
He intentionally limited himself to low-grade talismans.
Anything stronger would reveal too much.
Even so, in battle, even minor advantages mattered.
Rias's eyes lit up.
"Excellent."
"Please draw as many as possible—especially concealment and protection."
"It will increase our success rate."
"I'll do my best."
Shin immediately retrieved yellow talisman paper, cinnabar ink, and a brush.
Right there on the clubroom table, he began.
His brush moved like flowing water.
Cinnabar traced complex sigils.
Faint spiritual light shimmered at the tip.
At that moment, he was no longer the quiet transfer student—
But a cultivator immersed in his Dao.
Rias watched him thoughtfully.
This mysterious Eastern Advisor continued to prove his value.
Soon, reconnaissance reports were completed.
Church schematics.
Barrier fluctuation patterns.
Environmental analysis.
Under Rias's command, the final rescue plan crystallized.
Operation time: midnight—during predicted barrier weakness.
Rias stood.
Her gaze swept over her peerage—and Shin.
"Tonight, we confront the evil of the Fallen Angels."
"We will rescue an innocent classmate."
"For the honor of the Gremory Clan."
"And for the justice we believe in."
"Yes, President!"
Battle intent surged.
Shin handed out the first batch of completed talismans.
Though limited in number, they carried his quiet resolve.
The sword of the Occult Research Club had been unsheathed.
Its edge pointed toward the shadowed nest in the West.
Midnight would decide everything.