Chapter 38: Holy sword
While Xenovia and Irina finished savoring the snacks prepared by Yubelluna, a sense of satisfaction spread through the room. Xenovia, leaning back in her chair, displayed a content smile, feeling fully satisfied with the meal. Her stomach, which had initially growled from hunger, now rested peacefully, and she silently thanked the hosts for their generosity.
Next to Xenovia, Irina expressed her gratitude to God, whispering small prayers of thanks for the food and hospitality offered by the devils. Her brown eyes gleamed with a serene light, reflecting the tranquility in her heart.
Meanwhile, Merlin returned from the training room, where she had restored order after Riser's intense workouts. The skilled mage approached Riser, informing him that everything was fixed and ready to be used again. Riser's satisfied smile showed his approval, acknowledging the mage's efficiency in restoring the place.
Riser, contemplating the relaxed atmosphere in the room, decided to proceed with the plan. With a discreet signal to Erza, he indicated that it was time to begin preparations for the friendly duel. Erza, immediately understanding Riser's gesture, approached Xenovia, suggesting the idea of a duel to pass the time.
"How about a friendly duel, Xenovia? You seem skilled with the sword. It would be interesting to see how you fare against me," proposed Erza, with a challenging smile.
Xenovia, looking directly into Erza's eyes, responded confidently, "Sure, why not? But I warn you, I have an Excalibur, so it won't be that easy for you."
Erza gracefully stood up, preparing for the imminent duel. With agile requip, a majestic armor covered her body, shining with dazzling light. Erza, now equipped, looked at Xenovia with determination.
"Let's see what you've got, Xenovia. I'm ready when you are," challenged Erza, positioning herself for the beginning of the duel.
Xenovia accepted the challenge, rising with Excalibur in hand. "Get ready, Erza. You won't defeat me so easily," she asserted, ready to demonstrate her skill with the legendary holy sword.
Riser, noticing the excitement and enthusiasm in Erza and Xenovia's eyes, intervened before the dining room became the stage for an imminent duel. "Girls, don't fight in the dining room. Go to the training room. I don't want to break anything else here."
Riser's apprehension was evident, recalling the marks left in his training room after his own intensive exercises. He imagined that a fight between Erza and Xenovia could easily result in chaos.
Erza, trying to ease Riser's concerns, said with a smile, "Riser-sama, it will be just a friendly duel, don't worry."
Xenovia, agreeing with a nod, assured, "Of course, Riser. We don't intend to cause unnecessary damage."
Riser, still uneasy, decided to take additional precautions. "Merlin, accompany them to the training room and ensure the fight doesn't get out of control."
Merlin, always ready to obey Riser's orders, responded with a simple "Yes, Riser-sama."
The girls, guided by Merlin, headed to the training room, eager to start the friendly duel. Erza and Xenovia, now within the designated space, began preparing for the clash.
Meanwhile, Riser informed Nana and Shizuku that he was going to his room.
As he climbed the stairs to his room, Riser felt the familiar presence of the system's voice echoing in his mind.
+250 luck points for changing the plot.
Occult Research Club
In the occult research club room, Rias, Issei, and Akeno were gathered, discussing matters related to the supernatural.
"Hey, Buchou-san, why has Kiba been a bit down these days?" Issei asked, observing Rias's concerned expression.
Rias sighed, her expression reflecting a mix of compassion and worry. "Issei, do you remember that photo with your childhood friend?"
Issei nodded. "Yes, I remember. What does that have to do with Kiba?"
Rias hesitated before answering. "Actually, it's not the childhood friend per se. It's the sword that was in the photo."
"Sword? I don't get it. What's wrong with a sword?" Issei asked, confused.
Akeno intervened, her soft voice adding a mysterious tone to the conversation. "It's not just an ordinary sword, Issei. It's a holy sword."
Issei furrowed his brow, perplexed. "Holy sword? What the heck is that?"
The looks exchanged between Rias and Akeno conveyed silent communication, as if there was something more to be revealed. Issei, curious and somewhat frustrated with the lack of clear information, insisted, "Can someone explain to me what exactly a holy sword is and why it's affecting Kiba?"
Rias, taking the lead, said, "Kiba is a survivor of the Holy Sword Project."
Issei, now even more confused, asked, "What is this project?"
Rias explained, "It's a project that has been going on for several years within the Catholic Church, aiming to train those who can wield the holy sword Excalibur."
Akeno added, introducing a touch of mystery, "Holy Swords are the ultimate weapons against demons. If we, devils, touch a holy sword, we'll get burned. If we are cut by it, we'll die without leaving a trace."
Issei, now grasping the gravity of the situation, asked, "Is Kiba capable of using the holy sword?"
Rias replied honestly, "Kiba couldn't adapt to the holy sword. He died in the experiment, and I reincarnated him as a devil."
Issei, faced with the revelation, murmured a "Now I understand."
Akeno, with a reassuring tone, said, "Soon, Kiba will be back to normal. No need to worry."
Rias smiled and agreed with Akeno, conveying a sense of hope.
Issei smiled and said, "True, Buchou-san. Kiba is strong and will overcome, but where is he now?"
Rias, a bit concerned, responded, "He went out to clear his head and should be back later."
Akeno added, "That's right."
At that moment, Koneko entered the club holding a bag of sweets. Rias directed her gaze to Koneko, expecting some information.
Koneko said, "Kaichou, Kiba returned to school, he's in the kendo club training."
Rias thanked, "Thank you, Koneko."
Issei, curious, asked, "Buchou-san, did you ask Koneko to keep an eye on Kiba?"
Rias replied calmly, "Of course, Issei. I always worry about my Peerage."
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