Inside the Occult Research Club, the air was tight with tension.
Rias's final orders had been issued. The midnight assault on the abandoned church was set.
Kiba Yuto, Akeno Himejima, and Koneko Toujou stood ready.
Their expressions were solemn, battle intent burning steadily in their eyes.
They were prepared to confront the Fallen Angel cadre—Raynare.
Shin handed over the last batch of Breath-Concealing Talismans and Body Protection Talismans.
Under the clubroom lights, the cinnabar inscriptions shimmered faintly, carrying a restrained Qi entirely different from demonic power.
"The effects are limited and won't last long," Shin said calmly, though his tone was serious. "But they may help at a critical moment."
"The Breath-Concealing Talismans will further suppress your aura. The Body Protection Talismans should withstand at least one energy strike."
"Please be careful."
Kiba accepted the talismans, feeling their cool Qi settle against his palm.
"Thank you, Shin. We'll make good use of them."
Akeno smiled softly as she tucked hers away. "Ara~ With Advisor Shin's little insurance, I feel much safer."
Koneko accepted hers in silence. She glanced at the talismans, then at Shin. A faint ripple passed through her amber eyes. She gave a small nod.
Rias watched with quiet satisfaction.
Shin was strengthening the team in his own way.
The three peerage members began final preparations. Equipment checks. Aura adjustments.
The quiet before battle settled over the room.
Shin stood off to the side, gaze resting on the church's structural diagram.
Asia's frightened eyes surfaced in his mind.
So did Raynare's cold, malicious aura.
Direct combat?
That would be suicide.
His cultivation had only just reached the stage of Refining Essence into Qi. Against a Fallen Angel cadre, he would be crushed instantly.
Reckless participation would only become a burden.
But…
Should he remain behind?
He was the one who uncovered this.
Should he entrust everything to others while hiding safely in the rear?
The Dao did not advocate passivity.
To see injustice and refuse to act violated his heart.
His gaze shifted to the barrier weak points marked by Akeno.
Infiltration.
Reconnaissance.
Containment.
Assistance.
These required skill and timing—not overwhelming power.
A thought rooted itself firmly.
He stepped forward.
"President."
His steady voice cut through the silence.
Rias looked up. "Advisor Shin?"
Kiba, Akeno, and Koneko paused.
Shin met their eyes.
"Please allow me to accompany the team."
Silence.
Rias frowned slightly.
"I understand your intentions," she said carefully. "But our opponent is a Fallen Angel cadre. The battle will be extremely dangerous."
"You are not a combatant. Remaining here is the safest choice."
Kiba added gently, "We'll handle the fighting. Your talismans already help a great deal."
Shin shook his head calmly.
"I will not engage in direct combat."
Even if he wanted to, he couldn't.
"But my Daoist techniques may provide support in critical areas."
He pointed to the map.
"For infiltration—my Breath Concealment Technique is more stable than the talismans. I can suppress the team's aura during approach."
"For reconnaissance—I can attempt Spirit Detection or Eavesdropping techniques to assess interior energy distribution before entry."
"And if necessary, I can deploy simple confinement arrays or illusion techniques to buy crucial seconds."
Each statement was practical.
Measured.
Targeted.
"My strength is limited," Shin said honestly, "but I want to contribute within my capability."
"I cannot wait safely while you risk yourselves."
No dramatics.
Just sincerity.
The room fell silent again.
Kiba and Akeno exchanged looks.
He wasn't wrong.
Those auxiliary abilities were valuable.
Rias studied him carefully.
Stealth.
Reconnaissance.
Control support.
In coordinated operations, these could be as important as raw force.
And his resolve—his unwillingness to stand aside—aligned with her values.
"I understand," Rias said finally.
"I approve your request."
"President—" Kiba began.
She raised a hand.
"His analysis is sound. His abilities fill gaps in our formation."
She stepped closer to Shin.
"However. You will follow orders strictly."
"No direct combat."
"If the situation turns critical, you retreat immediately."
"Understood?"
"Understood," Shin replied solemnly.
Relief and responsibility settled together in his chest.
Rias nodded.
"Plan revised."
"Advisor Shin joins the operation squad. Primary roles: stealth support, reconnaissance, emergency assistance."
"Yuto. Akeno. Koneko. Monitor his safety at all times."
"Yes."
Their gazes toward Shin shifted.
Less caution.
More acknowledgment.
A comrade.
Shin picked up his brush again.
"I'll prepare additional talismans—especially for reconnaissance and interference."
The atmosphere subtly shifted.
What had been a straightforward assault plan now felt layered and strategic.
A mysterious Eastern power would now move alongside the Devil peerage into the shadows.
Night deepened.
The appointed hour approached.
Shin focused, pouring the last of his True Qi into the brush tip.
This was no longer observation.
This was his first true step onto the battlefield of this world.
As Advisor of the Occult Research Club.
As a cultivator walking his Dao.
Tonight, beneath gathering shadows, his path would face its first real trial.