chapter [40]

Sona entered the Occult Research Club room, her serious expression indicating the urgency of the upcoming conversation.

"Sona says: Rias, we need to talk."

Rias, sensing the seriousness in Sona's voice, looked up from her documents, ready to give attention to whatever it was.

Rias replied, "What happened, Sona? It seems serious."

Sona, taking a deep breath, began to share her concerns, "I've received information about the presence of fallen angels and holy swords in our territory. It seems Kokabiel is involved."

Intrigued by Sona's revelations, Rias couldn't help but question, "Kokabiel here? And holy swords too? We need to be cautious about this. Have you talked to Kokabiel?"

Sona, frowning as she explained the situation, responded, "Not yet. We found out about the presence of fallen angels and the Excalibur, the holy swords, through Xenovia and Irina."

Rias, with a serious expression, asked, "Who are Xenovia and Irina?"

"Xenovia and Irina are exorcists from the church, sent to retrieve the stolen holy swords."

Rias, seeking more details, said, "Can you explain in detail what we know so far?"

Sona began to detail the situation for Rias, sharing the information she knew up to that moment.

After explaining everything she knew, Sona made the request that Riser had mentioned. "I would like you to let Riser and me handle this."

Rias remained quiet for a moment, reflecting on the situation before responding. "Sona, this is my territory too, and you're asking me not to get involved."

Sona replied firmly, "Yes, remember when you asked for my help, and I accepted?"

Rias sighed, aware of the irony of the situation, and said, "Throwing that back at me now."

Sona, maintaining her seriousness, retorted, "I don't want to have to do this; I just hope you honor my request."

"Fine, but why does Riser want to get involved in this?"

Sona thought for a moment and replied, "I think he just wants to fight someone strong."

Riser's Mansion

Riser was talking with his Peerage when Merlin contacted him.

"Riser-sama," Merlin said mentally.

Riser asked, "What is it, Merlin?"

"Xenovia and Irina are splitting up. Irina is meeting someone from your past, and Xenovia is walking around the city. Whom should I follow?"

Riser thought for a moment and replied, "Go after Irina and somehow make her unconscious, at least until everything is resolved. I'll handle Xenovia."

"Understood, Riser-sama. Everything will be done. Goodbye," replied Merlin.

Riser then looked at Erza and said, "Go to the city and talk to Xenovia."

Erza got up from the chair and affirmed, "It will be done."

In his thoughts, Riser reflected, "From what I remember from the anime, Kokabiel wanted to start a war by attacking Rias. So, he might show up at the school."

Standing up from the chair, Riser said aloud, "Nana, Yubelluna, and Shizuku, let's go to the school."

Yubelluna asked, "For what, Riser-sama?"

Riser smiled and replied, "Nothing special. Just want to visit my wife."

Streets of Kuoh

Merlin discreetly observed Xenovia walking away, keeping a safe distance.

Irina strolled through the bustling streets, lost in thoughts about her reunion with Issei, her childhood friend. Longing and uncertainty lingered in her mind, creating a mix of emotions.

Meanwhile, Merlin, utilizing her magical abilities, focused on Irina. With subtle gestures and whispered words, she cast a spell to temporarily render her unconscious, ensuring that her plan would be executed without resistance.

The exorcist, unaware of what was happening around her, gently collapsed onto the ground, succumbing to the sleep created by Merlin. Carefully, the mage lifted her in her arms, carrying her toward Riser's mansion.

Upon reaching the mansion, Merlin found a discreet room for Irina, where she placed her gently. The quiet atmosphere of the room provided a tranquil environment for the exorcist to recover without arousing suspicion.

In another part of the city

Erza walked through the bustling streets of Kuoh, her determined gaze focused on finding Xenovia.

Xenovia, on the other hand, was lost in her own thoughts while exploring the surroundings. Erza's presence went unnoticed as her mind was occupied with reflections on the mission that brought her here.

Erza, choosing the right moment, finally spotted Xenovia in the distance. With a discreet smile, she approached the exorcist, determined to make the encounter as natural as possible.

Erza casually greeted, "Xenovia, what a coincidence to find you here. How are you enjoying the city?"

Xenovia, surprised, turned to Erza, forcing a polite smile. "Erza, what a surprise. Just exploring. And you, what brings you here?"

Erza, maintaining the facade, casually replied, "Just taking a stroll, enjoying the surroundings. Kuoh has its charm, don't you think?"

Xenovia agreed, although a subtle tension permeated the air between the two warriors. Both were aware of their abilities and the hidden purpose behind this seemingly casual encounter.

Erza, changing the tone of the conversation, suggested, "How about we do something together? We could train or just enjoy the city."

Xenovia, suspicious, evaluated the proposal. "Training, huh? Are you trying to measure strength, Erza?"

Erza, with a challenging smile, replied, "Just seeking a friendly way to pass the time. Or are you afraid to face a sword as powerful as Excalibur?"

Xenovia, not backing down from the challenge, accepted, "Alright, Erza. Let's train then. But don't think it will be easy for you."

Erza, sensing the tension in the air, led Xenovia to an isolated location, away from the busy streets of Kuoh. Her analytical gaze observed every move of the exorcist, pondering the duality of her motivations.

Erza spoke sincerely, "Xenovia, I've always admired your dedication to your mission, but I'm also intrigued by how you're willing to risk everything for a duel. What is the true priority for you?"

Xenovia, wielding Excalibur, looked directly into Erza's eyes and affirmed, "For me, a duel is more than just a fight. It's a test of strength, an opportunity to surpass myself, and prove my devotion to God. I don't see it as a sacrifice, but as a pursuit of excellence."

Erza, intrigued, accepted the challenge. "So be it. Let's see what you've got, Xenovia."

Kuoh Academy

Upon arriving at Kuoh Academy, Riser received the mental message from Merlin, updating him on the progress of the missions. A satisfied smile formed on his face, realizing that things were going as planned.

As he made his way to the Student Council room, Riser reflected on the importance of having reliable allies. "Merlin and Erza are carrying out their missions perfectly. Having such competent allies is a significant advantage."

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