The next morning, sunlight filtered gently through the stained-glass windows of the old church. Birds chirped in the nearby trees, and for a moment, peace seemed possible. Asia hummed softly as she set breakfast out on the old wooden table: rice balls, some toast, and tea. She looked brighter this morning—less like a girl haunted by her past, and more like someone stepping into a new chapter.
Leon stood outside, shirtless, his coat hanging from a tree branch. His silver hair shimmered under the sunlight as he moved through a slow, deliberate sword form, Yamato in hand. His cuts were clean, fluid—each strike whispering through the morning air like poetry. Even without an opponent, the tension in his stance made it clear:
He was always ready to kill.
Asia stepped outside quietly, holding a cup of tea.
"I made this for you," she said.
Leon paused mid-form, then sheathed his blade in one smooth motion. He took the cup silently, giving her a slight nod.
"You don't have to serve me."
Asia smiled. "I'm not serving. I'm caring."
He sipped.
Not bad.
She stepped closer, watching his movements curiously. "Will you teach me?"
Leon raised an eyebrow. "To fight?"
"To protect myself," she clarified. "I don't want to be a burden anymore."
He studied her for a moment. There was no fear in her gaze—only determination.
"All right," he said at last. "But we go at your pace."
Later That Day – Training Grounds
In a clearing behind the church, Leon stood across from Asia, arms crossed. She was dressed modestly in a long-sleeved blouse and leggings, clearly nervous but excited.
"First, breathing," he instructed. "Balance. Learn those, then we move."
He guided her gently, showing her how to stand firm, how to channel her breath, how to react instead of panic.
Asia stumbled at first, but her eagerness was real.
"You're focused," he observed. "That's good. Keep your center grounded."
She grinned. "You're surprisingly patient for someone so scary."
He smirked. "Only with you."
For hours, they worked together—until the sun began to set again.
Asia sat on the grass, exhausted but glowing. "You really are strong... but when you teach like this, you don't feel cold at all."
Leon said nothing. Instead, he looked up toward the darkening sky.
Something shifted.
A pulse.
A flicker of movement in the trees nearby—too fast for a bird, too quiet for an animal.
Leon stood.
"Go inside. Now."
Asia tensed. "What's wrong?"
His eyes narrowed. "We're being watched."
Moments Later – Forest Edge
Three shadows hovered in the trees, dressed in black robes. Their wings—tattered and corrupted—flickered with dark light. Their eyes gleamed with cruel amusement.
"So this is the new anomaly," the lead Fallen Angel said, licking his lips. "He smells like power—and he's protecting the girl."
"Want to bet she screams like the last one?" another chuckled.
Leon stepped into the clearing, slow and purposeful, Yamato now sheathed at his side.
"I can hear you," he said coldly.
The lead angel sneered. "Good. Saves us time."
Leon didn't blink. "You've made a mistake coming here."
"Oh?" the leader laughed. "And what will you do, pretty boy?"
Leon's voice dropped to a low growl.
"I'm not Issei. I don't play with my food."