"Akeno, are you… serious about this?"
Rias gazed into her friend's eyes.
"What do you think, Rias? If by then you turn him down, don't blame me for snatching Hikaru away."
Akeno's faint smile lingered. Seeing that, Rias felt a wave of complicated emotions.
"Anyway, I'm going to talk it over with Hikaru again. It's too dangerous for him to take on Riser and all his servants alone."
…
Hikaru wasn't the least bit worried about the upcoming contest.
At most, Riser's power amounted to that of a high-class devil. Even without using the Red Dragon Emperor's Gauntlet or his Demon-Slaying Holy Sword, Est, Hikaru's own strength rivaled an ultimate-class devil. Now that he could freely use a Balance Breaker–level Godslayer Gear, his power even exceeded that of an ordinary Maou. Even if the entire Phoenix clan—young and old—teamed up against him, they wouldn't be qualified to challenge him.
As for revealing his Godslayer Gear, Hikaru felt that merely showing his Balance Breaker abilities would be enough to make certain parties think twice about acting against him.
Still, Hikaru was the sort of man who rarely felt secure. Merely having Balance Breaker was not enough; he wanted to reach the so-called "Tyrant Dragon" mode that fit his current ambitions and requirements.
Returning to the classroom, Hikaru noticed a lot of stares aimed his way—but he was long used to it. Among them was one especially intense gaze. If looks could shoot lasers, Hikaru probably would have been burned countless times already by a certain "golden-haired barking dog."
After class, as he prepared to go home, a golden-haired figure suddenly dashed into his line of vision. Twin-tails swung back and forth, hinting at the young lady's internal unease, and the girl's pretty face revealed some tension. Yet once Hikaru glanced at her, that anxious look was quickly tucked away.
"H—H-Hikaru, are… are you free this weekend? My mom says it's been ages since she last saw you, so she wants to invite you over for dinner."
Her initial words came out haltingly, but she soon found her rhythm. Of course, having spoken, she entered the long, nerve-wracking wait for his answer. After all, she had never considered what she would do if he refused.
Hikaru regarded this "half-childhood friend" with some amusement. In the past, before his awakening, they had attended the same school. Even after awakening, he kept in touch, though not as frequently. Once high school started, most of his energy went into training, and he neglected the girl's feelings. If he rejected her now, what would Eriri do?
But in the end, he couldn't be that heartless. And the Rating Game was in three days—on the weekend.
"Saturday is fine."
Hearing those words, Eriri's eyes lit up, like flower petals blossoming in early spring. Even the air around her seemed sweet and enchanting.
"Then I'll tell Mom so she can get everything ready. I've also finished a new piece of artwork recently, and I'm sure it'll make you see me in a whole new light!"
"Let's hope you've genuinely improved."
With that, Hikaru stood and left the classroom. Eriri quickly grabbed her bag and followed.
"Speaking of which, ever since we started high school, Hikaru, you've been unexpectedly popular with the girls. It's like the entire school's eyes are on you. Even the top few most admired beauties have shown up to talk to you…"
She said it with a hint of jealousy.
"Given my attributes, it'd be strange if girls weren't interested. A sunflower always turns toward the sun. If you wanted to change that, you'd have to wait until the sun itself goes out."
Eriri almost blurted out "You narcissist," but glancing up at the young man beside her, she swallowed those words. As boastful as it sounded, it was true. Beyond that, there was a quality about Hikaru that pulled people in, a trait she found most captivating.
Seeing that admiring look in Eriri's eyes, Hikaru offered a faint smile. Right before him stood the girl who had once been a brash "barking dog," but was now different.
They parted ways at the school gate. Eriri left somewhat reluctantly, reminding him more than once: "Don't forget—come Saturday morning!" Although her voice was not especially loud, many around them heard it and gossiped about the nature of their relationship.
Hikaru paid no mind. After giving a small nod, he started up his motorcycle and sped home.
…
Back at the villa, the moment he arrived he was greeted by Asia, who ran up happily like a child awaiting a parent's return.
"I happened to have something to tell you. Starting tomorrow, you won't have to stay cooped up here anymore."
Hearing this, Asia's eyes began to mist over—apparently misunderstanding his meaning. Yet Hikaru's next words made her face light up:
"I've arranged for you to enroll at Kuoh Academy. Starting tomorrow, you'll be going to school."
~~~
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