The fallen angels tensed the moment Silas stepped into view.
Dohnaseek's jaw tightened, Kalawarna's expression twisted with anger, and Mittelt clicked her tongue in annoyance.
"Don't just stand there!" Mittelt snapped. "Attack him!"
They moved at once.
Dohnaseek shot forward first, forming multiple light spears in both hands and launching them in rapid succession. The glowing projectiles tore through the air, aimed directly at Silas from different angles.
At the same time, Kalawarna raised her hand, lightning crackling violently as she sent a barrage of electric strikes down the corridor.
Mittelt followed from above, diving in with a grin, wings flapping as she came straight for him with a blade formed in her hand.
A coordinated attack. Silas didn't move. The spears reached him first and stopped. Frozen midair just inches from his body.
The lightning followed and dispersed into nothing before it could even touch him.
Mittelt's blade came down and halted completely. Her arm locked in place, her body suspended in the air like she had been caught in an invisible grip.
Silas slowly raised his hand. The pressure in the air shifted instantly. It wasn't visible. But it was overwhelming.
All three of them felt it. Their bodies began to tremble.
"What—what is this—?!" Kalawarna gasped.
Dohnaseek tried to move, yet he couldn't. Mittelt's grin disappeared completely. Silas clenched his hand slightly. That was all it took.
BOOM.
The three of them were crushed at once.
Their bodies collapsed inward under invisible force, bursting apart in a violent explosion of blood and feathers. The shockwave rattled the walls, sending cracks through the structure as the sound echoed through the underground.
Then silence filled the place. The hallway was stained red. Feathers drifted slowly through the air.
Silas stood there. He lowered his hand casually and continued walking forward, stepping through what remained without even a glance.
He went further down and saw a huge door standing in his way. It was thick, reinforced, covered in strange markings and faint traces of holy and demonic energy layered together, clearly meant to keep something sealed inside—or keep intruders out.
Silas stopped in front of it.
He tilted his head slightly.
Then gave a small wink.
BOOOOM.
The door exploded forward.
It ripped off its hinges and flew across the room before crashing violently against the floor, the impact sending dust and fragments scattering across the chamber.
Silas stepped through.
Inside, the space opened into a wide underground room, dimly lit by artificial lights along the walls. In the center—
Raynare stood.
And beside her—
Asia.
She clutched a crucifix tightly in her hands, her body trembling slightly, but she was still alive.
Raynare turned, sensing the disturbance.
"You're la—"
She stopped.
Her words cut off instantly.
Because Silas was already there.
Holding Asia in his arms.
Raynare's eyes widened.
She looked back.
The spot where Asia had been standing was empty.
'When did he?!' she thought in shock.
Silas didn't even acknowledge her.
He simply turned around.
"Peace," he said casually as he began walking away with Asia in his arms.
Raynare's expression twisted immediately.
Her wings spread wide as she shot forward, trying to chase after them.
But before she could reach the doorway—
The broken door from earlier suddenly lifted off the ground.bAs if pulled by an invisible force. It slammed back into place.
BOOM.
Sealing the entrance shut.
Raynare crashed into it from the other side, trapped inside. Silas continued walking up the stairs without slowing down.
In his arms, Asia slowly stirred.
Her eyes fluttered open weakly. For a brief moment, she saw his face. She smiled softly.
Then her consciousness faded again, her body relaxing slightly as she passed out.
Silas reached the top and stepped out into the open night.
Rias and the others were waiting.
"Wow," Rias said with a small smirk, her eyes immediately falling on Asia in his arms. "You do quick work."
There was a hint of something in her gaze—jealousy—but she kept it to herself for now.
Silas shrugged slightly.
"Yeah."
He glanced at them.
"Let's go," he said.
They left the abandoned church under a sky streaked with fading twilight, the air still carrying the faint metallic tang of holy smoke and exorcist blood.
The walk back to Kuoh Academy was quiet, footsteps echoing softly on empty streets until they reached the familiar old school building.
Inside the Occult Research Club room, the atmosphere had shifted from tension to something almost domestic.
Asia Argento had been gently settled into one of the spare bedrooms down the hall—clean sheets, soft lighting, and a faint healing spell from Rias to ensure she rested comfortably after the ordeal.
The blonde nun's breathing was steady now, her face peaceful in sleep.
Rias stood near the large window, arms crossed beneath her chest, crimson hair glowing faintly in the lamplight. She turned to Silas, emerald eyes searching his face.
"So… what's your plan with the girl?" she asked, voice calm but pointed. "You know she can't stay here as she is. Not long-term."
Silas leaned against the edge of the mahogany table, a small, knowing smile curving his lips. The confidence in his posture was effortless, almost lazy.
"Which is why you're gonna revive her as a devil," he replied smoothly.
The room went still.
Rias's eyes widened. Akeno's playful smile faltered for a heartbeat. Koneko paused mid-bite of her chocolate bar. Even Sona, who had accompanied them with a small portion of her peerage, pushed her glasses up her nose, brows furrowed in clear disbelief.
"You're being serious?" Sona asked, her tone sharp and measured.
"Of course," Silas answered without hesitation, meeting each of their gazes in turn. "Why would I joke about something so serious? Rias—she'll be your Bishop. Trust me, you'll need her in your peerage."
Rias remained silent for a long moment, surprise still flickering across her elegant features. Her lips parted slightly, then closed.
She didn't press further—something in his steady tone and the weight of his words made her hold back. Instead, she gave a slow nod, the decision settling behind her eyes.
Sona exchanged a quiet glance with Tsubaki, then sighed. "We'll leave the rest to you, then." With a final, appraising look at Silas, Sona's peerage filed out, the door clicking softly shut behind them.
The clubroom felt larger once they were gone.
Silas stretched his arms overhead, rolling his shoulders. "I'll crash here tonight," he said simply.
Rias gestured down the hallway. "We have more than one guest room. Unsurprisingly." A faint, amused smile touched her lips. "Third door on the left is yours."
Silas nodded and headed that way.
The assigned room was modest but comfortable—dark wood paneling, a wide bed with crisp black sheets, a small attached bathroom, and heavy curtains that blocked out most of the moonlight. He closed the door behind him with a soft click.
'Everything went well today,' he thought, the day's events replaying in his mind as he stepped into the shower.
Hot water cascaded over his shoulders, washing away the lingering scent of battle and church incense. Steam filled the small space, fogging the mirror.
After drying off and changing into loose black sweatpants, he collapsed onto the bed. The mattress dipped under his weight, cool sheets welcoming him. Exhaustion pulled him under quickly, and he drifted into a deep, dreamless sleep.
TO BE CONTINUED