Clang—
The constantly shifting Chains of Heaven formed a defensive circle around Qin Xiao, protecting him completely.
Tsubaki Shinra tried many different methods, but she simply couldn't find an opening to break through.
Watching from the side, Sona Sitri and Tsubaki Shinra were both surprised.
Especially Tsubaki.
This transfer student who appeared calm and gentle—
was actually this strong?
Although the fight wasn't flashy, it clearly proved one thing:
Qin Xiao's strength surpassed Tsubaki's.
Suddenly—
Chains burst out from multiple directions.
Before Tsubaki could react, her arms and legs were bound, and she was lifted into the air.
"How is that possible?!"
The sudden change in the battle left her stunned.
During the earlier clashes, she had already begun to adapt to the attack patterns and speed of the chains.
But the sudden change in rhythm caught her completely off guard.
"It seems I have the slight advantage," Qin Xiao said.
"…You win."
Under Qin Xiao's gaze, Tsubaki admitted defeat.
Although she felt unwilling, she wasn't someone who refused to accept defeat.
A loss was a loss.
She would simply train harder, become stronger, and defeat him next time.
Meanwhile, Qin Xiao showed a faint smile.
For a moment, it looked like sunlight breaking through a forest at dawn.
Ding! Template inheritance increased by 1%!
The system notification sounded.
Qin Xiao was delighted.
His guess had been correct.
Template inheritance didn't require killing the opponent.
Simply defeating them was enough.
Moreover, the amount gained seemed to depend on the opponent's strength.
The Stray Devil earlier had only given 0.1%.
But defeating Tsubaki gave him 1%.
Compared to the earlier increase, this improvement was huge.
Qin Xiao could clearly feel it—
His magic power, strength, defense, and speed had all increased noticeably.
That was the power of Enkidu's inheritance.
Even 1% was incredibly powerful.
Clap. Clap. Clap.
Sona Sitri walked over while applauding.
Her gaze toward Qin Xiao had clearly changed.
"You defeated Tsubaki. Your strength truly surprised me."
"It really makes me want to recruit you as my servant."
"It's just enough strength for self-defense," Qin Xiao replied calmly.
"That's far beyond mere self-defense," Sona said.
"No. This level is far from enough."
"Hm? What do you mean?"
"Self-defense means being able to guarantee your safety no matter what happens."
"With only this level of power, that's still far away."
"What an ambitious goal," Sona said.
"If you want true security, why not become my servant?"
"With the protection of the Sitri family, anywhere in the world—unless it's a major conflict—I could guarantee your safety."
Once again, Sona extended an invitation.
This was the second time she asked Qin Xiao to join her peerage.
Because Qin Xiao's strength was clearly worth recruiting twice.
She knew Tsubaki's abilities very well.
Tsubaki came from a Japanese exorcist family and had trained with the sword since childhood.
After becoming a devil, her strength increased further with the Evil Piece enhancement.
The fact that Qin Xiao defeated her meant he was truly impressive.
Although Tsubaki hadn't used her full power yet—she only relied on swordsmanship and didn't use her magic or devil abilities.
"President Sona," Qin Xiao said.
"I'm truly grateful for your appreciation."
"But for now, I don't plan to change my race."
Sona sighed slightly.
"Being rejected twice in one day…"
"If Rias hears about this, she'll laugh at me for a long time."
"Rias, huh…"
This wasn't a casual remark.
Sona was subtly planting a seed of doubt.
Since Qin Xiao knew her identity, he surely knew Rias as well.
If Sona invited him, Rias would definitely try too.
If Qin Xiao rejected both of them, at least neither side would gain an advantage.
With a thought from Qin Xiao, the Chains of Heaven dissolved into golden particles.
Tsubaki landed back on the ground.
Looking at Qin Xiao, a strong battle spirit flashed in her eyes.
Although she had been careless, his strength had earned her respect.
One day, when she grew stronger—
she would challenge him again.
Defeating him would prove she had reached a new level.
At the side of the training hall, Momono Hanakai watched Qin Xiao with shining eyes.
Her cheeks were red like peaches.
His emerald hair, handsome face, and the smile he showed earlier—
all made her heart race.
"It's getting late," Qin Xiao said.
"President Sona, I should head back now."
"Of course."
"Thank you for your time today."
"No problem."
Qin Xiao didn't mind at all.
After all, he had gained something valuable:
1% template inheritance.
It also helped him plan his future path.
As Qin Xiao walked out of the dojo, Momono Hanakai's eyes followed him the entire time.
"Momono… Momono! Hanakai!"
"Huh? Yes, President!"
Sona had called her twice before she finally responded.
"What are you doing? You're practically drooling."
"Eh?! No way!"
She quickly wiped her mouth—
but there was nothing there.
Looking up, she saw Sona's sharp, examining gaze.
Her face instantly turned red.
She had just been caught daydreaming.
"Momono, what do you think about him?" Sona asked.
"Him?"
"That transfer student."
"Well…"
"He's very handsome. His temperament is amazing. I've never seen such a handsome boy before. He's really—"
"That's not what I meant."
"You hopeless fangirl."
"I'm sorry, President…"
Momono lowered her head in embarrassment.
Tsubaki couldn't help smiling at the scene.
Still, she understood.
Qin Xiao's charm was indeed very dangerous to women.
Most importantly, there was something special about him.
Being near him felt like standing in nature itself—
calm, relaxing, comfortable.
"Momono, I have a mission for you," Sona said.
"A mission?"
"Yes."
"You're in the same class as him."
"Get closer to him. Build a good relationship."
"And if possible…"
"You may even use the beauty strategy."
"B-Beauty strategy?!"
Momono's face instantly turned bright red.