Time quietly slipped away in the tranquil, focused recovery atmosphere of the Occult Research Club's clubroom.
As the afternoon sun slanted through the stained-glass windows, casting warm patches of light across the room, everyone's injuries and magic power had been initially stabilized.
The dark erosion on Rias Gremory's shoulder had been mostly suppressed and dispelled under the combined effect of the Gremory Family's special medicine and her own powerful demonic power. Though a faint ache remained, it was no longer serious. Kiba Yuuto's internal injuries had greatly improved, and his complexion had returned to a healthy rosy color. Akeno Himejima's depleted demonic power had been replenished, restoring her vibrant spirit. Koneko Toujou's superficial wounds had long since healed, and she had returned to her usual calm, silent demeanor.
The two who had caused the most concern also showed significant improvement.
Asia Argento had recovered most of her spirit after ample rest, gentle medication, and the slow self-healing potential of her Sacred Gear. The marks on her neck, wrists, and ankles had faded further, almost disappearing, and her azure eyes once again shone with clear, bright light. However, when she looked in a certain direction, a lingering trace of worry remained deep in her gaze.
Shin's changes were even more apparent. Under the continuous nourishment of the "Essence of Star Origin" and "Tears of the Goddess of Life," his depleted Origin had been effectively repaired and replenished. Although he was still unconscious, the paleness on his face had receded, replaced by healthy color. His breathing had become steady and strong, and his slightly furrowed brow had relaxed, as if he had simply fallen into a deep, peaceful sleep.
Anyone could see that he had passed the most dangerous period. What remained was the need for time to fully recover his Origin Qi and consciousness.
The atmosphere in the clubroom had lightened considerably because of this.
Asia still habitually sat near Shin's sofa, occasionally tucking in his blanket or gently wiping his forehead with a damp towel. Her movements were soft and focused, her azure eyes filled with tender hope.
Just then, Shin's eyelashes fluttered violently a few times, and a very faint, hoarse groan escaped his throat.
This subtle movement instantly attracted everyone's attention!
"Classmate Shin?!"
Asia was the first to notice. She suddenly looked up, her eyes bursting with joyful light as she instinctively gripped his hand. Rias, Akeno, Kiba, and Koneko immediately gathered around, watching nervously and expectantly.
Under everyone's concerned gaze, Shin's eyelids struggled for a few moments before slowly and tremblingly opening a slit. His gaze was initially filled with confusion and blurriness, struggling to focus and adapt to the light.
The long period of unconsciousness had left his mind in chaos. He felt incredibly heavy all over, his meridians empty, with faint stinging pains and a deep sense of weakness. Only a barely perceptible warm current slowly circulated in his dantian, repairing the injuries.
"Water…" His chapped lips moved slightly, emitting a hoarse, weak sound.
"Water! Quick, get some water!"
Akeno reacted immediately and turned to pour a glass. Asia held his hand tightly, her voice trembling with excitement.
"Shin… Classmate Shin! You're awake! That's wonderful! You're finally awake!"
Warm, clear water was carefully fed into Shin's mouth by Akeno, moistening his dry throat. As the cool liquid slid down, his chaotic consciousness gradually cleared. Fragments of memory flooded his mind like a tide—the abandoned church, the Fallen Angel Raynare, the fierce battle, the life-risking strike where he burned his Origin, and finally, the endless darkness and weakness…
He… was still alive?
His gaze slowly focused. The first thing that came into view was Asia's pretty face close at hand, filled with surprise and worry. Her azure eyes brimmed with tears, as if they might fall at any moment.
"Classmate… Asia…?" Shin's voice was still hoarse and weak, tinged with uncertainty. "You… are you alright?"
His first reaction upon waking was still concern for her safety.
Hearing that his first words were to ask about her, Asia could no longer hold back her tears. They rolled down like broken pearls as she nodded vigorously.
"Yes! Yes! I'm alright! Thanks to you… thanks to everyone… I'm safe now! Truly… truly thank you so much!"
Seeing her safe and sound, Shin felt a weight lift from his heart, and a faint, relieved smile appeared on his pale face.
Only then did he turn his gaze to Rias and the others gathered around.
"President… Senior Akeno… Senior Yuuto… Senior Koneko…"
He recognized everyone one by one. Seeing that although they all had injuries, their spirits were good and they were clearly out of danger, his heart felt even more at ease.
"It seems… the operation… was successful…"
"It was successful, Advisor Shin," Rias stepped forward, her crimson eyes filled with relief and solemnity. "We successfully rescued Asia, severely wounded Raynare, and everyone survived. And you are the greatest contributor to this operation. The price you paid… we will remember."
Shin shook his head slightly, his voice weak. "Everyone… did their best… I just… did what I had to do…"
He tried to circulate his Mind-Cultivation Technique, only to find the wisp of True Qi in his dantian almost imperceptible and his meridians sluggish and damaged. He smiled bitterly inwardly. The consequences of this overexertion were more severe than he had imagined.
"How do you feel? Is there anywhere else you're uncomfortable?" Akeno asked with concern, carefully checking his condition.
"I'm alright… just… no strength in my body… like… I've been emptied…" Shin answered truthfully, feeling a little breathless with each word.
"This is a normal period of weakness after overexerting your Origin. It requires long-term rest and replenishment," Rias explained. "Don't worry. The Gremory Family will provide the best resources to help you recover."
Asia still held his hand tightly, as if afraid he would disappear if she let go. Her eyes were filled with unresolvable gratitude and guilt. "Classmate Shin… I'm sorry… it was all to save me that you…"
Shin felt the slight trembling of her hand and the catch in her voice. He forced a smile and comforted her. "Don't say that… Seeing you alright… it was all worth it…"
His gaze gently fell upon her. He could clearly feel that the uncomfortable dark restrictive aura on her had completely vanished. Instead, there was a faint but pure and warm holy power, which greatly relieved him.
Everyone asked a few more concerned questions. Seeing that Shin was still weak, they let him continue resting quietly. Asia, however, remained by his side, carefully looking after him—feeding him water, wiping his brow—meticulously, as if trying to infuse all her gratitude into these small actions.
Shin looked at her busy, focused profile and the pure worry and kindness in her eyes. His heart was slightly touched.
He recalled his courtyard where he had set up the Purity Formation and Breath Concealment Formation. The spiritual qi there was relatively rich, and the environment was serene and peaceful, which might be greatly beneficial for calming the mind and conditioning the body.
After resting for a moment and gathering a little strength, he softly called out, "Classmate Asia…"
"Hmm? I'm here! Classmate Shin, what do you need?" Asia immediately leaned closer, asking with concern.
Shin looked at her tense face so close to him and spoke slowly, gently. "This time… you must have experienced many terrible things… it must have been… very hard…"
Upon hearing this, Asia's eyes dimmed slightly, and she nodded without speaking. Those memories were still a pain she was unwilling to easily touch.
Shin continued, "My residence… is on the edge of town… there's… a rather quiet courtyard…" He paused, his breath a little weak. "There… are some flowers and plants planted… usually… no one disturbs it… the air… is also good…"
He looked up, meeting Asia's gaze sincerely. "If you feel… down… or… want to find a quiet place to relax… to change your mood… you are welcome to visit anytime… perhaps… it will help you…"
His invitation was subtle, not mentioning anything about cultivation or formations, simply offering a place to relax as a friend.
Asia was slightly stunned. She hadn't expected Shin to still be concerned about her mood and thinking of her, even in his extremely weak state. A warm current instantly surged through her heart, dispelling those gloomy memories.
Her azure eyes shone brightly, like a clear sky after rain. A genuine, slightly shy but incredibly happy smile appeared on her face as she nodded vigorously. "Really? That's wonderful! Thank you, Classmate Shin! I… I really want to see it!"
Her voice was filled with anticipation and joy. Shin's peaceful aura, which made her feel safe, had long since deeply attracted her. Now, hearing him invite her to his residence, a strong longing and excitement surged within her.
It must be a tranquil and comfortable place, just like him, right?
"Hmm…" Seeing her agree, Shin also showed a gentle smile. "When I… feel a bit better… I'll tell you the address…"
"Okay! It's a promise!" Asia smiled, her eyes curving into crescents, as if her previous melancholy had been swept away. "You have to get better quickly!"
Watching the natural and warm interaction between the two, Rias, Akeno, and Kiba exchanged glances and smiled knowingly. Shin's thoughtfulness and kindness, as well as Asia's undisguised reliance and closeness, filled them with comfort. Perhaps this pure friendship and care were the best medicine to heal wounds.
Although Koneko remained silent, seeing the rare, genuine smile on Asia's face, the corners of her mouth seemed to twitch slightly upward.
A tranquil agreement about a courtyard was quietly reached on this afternoon, in the aftermath of battle and initial recovery. It offered a hopeful expectation to the girl who had experienced darkness, and added motivation for the boy who had exhausted his strength to recover sooner.
The days of recuperation also seemed to become something to look forward to because of this agreement.
...
📢 Author's Note
The full completed version of High School DxD: The Quiet Immortal Who Guides Devils (Part 1) is now available on Patreon!
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✅ Part 1 Complete — 116 Chapters
🔥 I also have additional **18+ fanfics** available for readers who enjoy exclusive mature stories. 😉
1. Dragon Ball: Oolong's Sex Adventure
2. Elements of Lust – ATLA & Korra Mixed Smut
3. Doraemon: Filtering with Nobi Tamako
4. The Naive Me Who Became Someone's Everyday Secret
5. High School DxD: Rias Gremory, the Phenex Bride
6. Versatile Mage: Awakening the Succubus System
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