Chapter 15 - Peaceful Days
"A grimoire, huh… I do have one. Normally, no outsider could get access to it, but considering the impact of this incident, nobody should have much to say if I bring you a copy from my clan."
Sona nodded.
For humans, a grimoire from the Underworld was a treasure—most low-class devils lacked access. As heir of the Sitri clan, and given Evan's cleansing of Kishimojin, presenting him with a grimoire seemed fitting.
"It might take a few days, though. I need my father's approval first."
"Alright."
Evan didn't haggle. Systematic demonic power study was rare. Mastering real magic could advance his abilities further, and with his "God Rewards Hard Work" ability, training would yield swift results. Reaching or surpassing the Satan level one day wasn't unthinkable.
Previously, he hadn't prioritized returning to the Campione! world, where as a Great Knight, he'd be insignificant to Campione and Heretic Gods. But in this composite world, he could amass power, ensuring he'd be ready when the Cross-World Gate's energy hit 100%.
Evan was already strong enough to handle local threats, or he wouldn't have partnered with Rias, Sona, and others.
"Oh, if anything else comes up I could help with, let me know," Evan said, addressing Sona and Tsubaki Shinra.
The "Shinra" name carried weight; in Tokyo, the Shinra clan was one of the "Five Great Clans," conservative families that shunned "outside" forces.
Sacred Gear holders among them faced ostracism—or worse.
At best, exile; at worst, death. Tsubaki, like Rias's Queen, Akeno, had suffered such persecution for her Sacred Gear.
After a Sitri teleportation circle sent Evan away, Sona turned to Tsubaki. "Tsubaki, are you close to Evan in private?"
"No… just a normal connection. Why, President?" Tsubaki replied.
"When he left, he looked at you most. Could you be his type?" Sona teased.
"That's impossible! President, don't tease me," Tsubaki said, half-annoyed, half-amused. She had a decent impression of Evan, but nothing more. Her bond with Sona, though master-servant, mirrored the friendly ties in Rias's group.
"Compared to me, you're the popular one, President. If he's interested, you'd be the obvious choice," Tsubaki countered.
"Evan's a capable prospective partner—far better than my clan's candidates," Sona said.
"Eh? President, don't tell me you really…?" Tsubaki gasped, covering her mouth.
"Unfortunately, I'm not interested in dating or marriage until my dream is fulfilled," Sona said, adjusting her glasses, eyes resolute.
"Your aspiration is tough, but we'll always have your back," Tsubaki said wistfully.
---
Three days after Kishimojin's purification, an unremarkable taxi drove from the temple's mountain base. Ten kilometers out, the passengers spoke.
"We're too late. Kishimojin's already purified," said a young blond man in a suit and hat, smiling with half-closed eyes.
"Without the Mummy's Arm absorbing that miasma, Lord Kuubou's resurrection is delayed," added a gothic-lolita girl in black and white, with blond hair and purple lipstick, from the front passenger seat.
"So the devils purified Kishimojin?" she asked.
"Maybe. The Underworld has secrets we don't know," said an older man in monk's robes, bald save for scattered hairs, seated beside the suited man. "I heard on the 'inner web' about an exorcist-hunter using ruthless tactics, killing stray devils, ghouls, and malevolent spirits without mercy."
"In another devil territory, two strong ghouls were taken out—likely by that 'exorcist-hunter,'" the suited man added.
"You think he purified Kishimojin?" the gothic-lolita asked, surprised.
The monk shook his head. "Purifying Kishimojin isn't an ordinary exorcist's feat. At the temple, I sensed a faint 'life flame' hinting at senjutsu. The Sitri clan tightly controls that area. An exorcist wouldn't use senjutsu or move freely there. Likely, the Underworld found a solution—Sona Sitri, the city's lord and Leviathan's sister, probably led it."
The passengers nodded. Deity-devil affairs wouldn't involve a random exorcist.
"A pity. With Kishimojin purified, Lord Kuubou can't devour her power," the suited man said.
They spoke of "Lord Kuubou," the "Moonless Dawn Embryo," a being crafted by upper-tier malevolent spirits through human sacrifices, aiming to rival Satan-Class devils or main deities.
It needed energy to mature, and Kishimojin's infant spirits were ideal fuel, now lost.
"Stick to the original plan," the monk said. "One of our minions, posing as a school cook, poisoned students and teachers. Send Kuubou to consume their fresh souls before they dissipate."
"Let's do it," the suited man agreed.
The gothic-lolita continued, "What about the exorcist? If he keeps this up, he might find us. I'm interested."
"Monitor him. If we get a lead, send someone. If possible, take his body—make him one of us. We need to expand," the monk replied.
---
Meanwhile, Evan's routine was simple: attend class by day, train at home by evening. In downtime, he studied the Flag Kishimojin—Sacred Gear gifted him.
Its capabilities weren't bad. Activated, it deployed a formation to trap or kill, covering a school field's area. It could also absorb souls.
"Sacred Gears come in all types. Shame it's not a Longinus, just ordinary," Evan sighed. A Longinus might trap godly souls, letting him wield divine remnants in battle. Still, the flag was a bonus; it didn't change much.
He focused on ki and senjutsu training. Unlike demonic power and light power, ki strengthened his physique, bolstering his foundation to better wield Est's potential. A high-performance car needs a skilled driver.
At school, senjutsu training was off-limits. He read extracurricular books during class, having mastered the curriculum. As the noisy classroom quieted, he glanced up to see Tsubaki Shinra approaching.
Evan guessed her purpose.