บท 39: Chapter [39]

Abandoned Church

The atmosphere in the abandoned church was dense and grim, with the stone walls covered in moss and the broken windows letting in fragmented moonlight. The smell of mold and decay permeated the air, and the silence was oppressive. It was a place where time seemed to have stopped, shrouded in mystery and darkness.

A magic circle began to glow on the church floor, illuminating the surroundings with a soft, bluish light. In an instant, Rias, Akeno, Koneko, and Yuuto materialized in the middle of the church, their presence immediately noticeable.

Rias looked around, her gaze firm and determined. "Kiba, Koneko, I want you two to check the basement. Look for any clues that might help us understand what happened here. Akeno and I will investigate upstairs."

Kiba nodded, drawing his sword with a fluid motion. "Understood, Rias-sama. Let's go, Koneko."

Koneko, with her usual serious expression, also nodded. "Yes, Rias-sama." Without wasting any time, Kiba and Koneko headed for the stairs leading to the basement, moving quickly and cautiously.

Rias and Akeno began to explore the upper part of the church. The environment was empty, but every corner seemed charged with a dark and malevolent energy. They walked slowly, their eyes alert to any sign of activity or clues.

"This place is enveloped in darkness," commented Akeno, her voice low and careful. "We can feel the presence of the evil that occurred here."

Rias nodded, feeling the same. "Yes, Akeno. We need to find any indication that might lead us to Kaito. We can't let anything go unnoticed."

Meanwhile, in the basement, Kiba and Koneko encountered a disturbing scene. The bodies of the robed magicians were scattered on the floor, their bodies crushed by roots, with expressions of horror frozen on their faces. The sight was grotesque, the smell of blood and decomposition permeating the air.

Kiba frowned, carefully examining the bodies. "These magicians... it looks like they were killed by something powerful. The roots that trapped them are incredibly strong."

Koneko looked around, her expression impassive but with a touch of concern. "Kaito did this. He used a power we've never seen before."

Kiba nodded in agreement. "Yes, Koneko. We need to report this to Rias-sama immediately."

They quickly went back upstairs, finding Rias and Akeno at the altar. Rias turned to them, her eyes reflecting worry.

"Kiba, Koneko, did you find anything?" asked Rias.

Kiba nodded, his face serious. "Yes, Rias-sama. In the basement, we found the bodies of the magicians that Kaito faced. They were killed by roots, something Kaito apparently used as a weapon."

Rias immediately realized that this could only be Kaito's doing. "Roots... this can only be Kaito's work. He used a power I've never seen before."

Akeno placed a hand on Rias's shoulder. "We need to find Kaito as soon as possible. He's changing, and we need to understand what's happening to him."

Rias nodded, reflecting on the situation. "Kaito's house is a good place to start. If he returned there, we can try to talk to him and find out what's happening."

"Rias, it might be better to wait for him at school first. Kaito might show up there, and we can try to approach him in a more controlled environment. If he doesn't appear, then we can visit his house," suggested Akeno.

Rias considered Akeno's suggestion and, after a moment of reflection, agreed. "You're right, Akeno. We'll wait for him at school tomorrow. If he doesn't show up, we'll visit his house. We need to find Kaito and understand what's happening."

With that, the group decided to return to the Gremory mansion and prepare for their search for their friend the next day.

Forest in Kuoh

Kaito sat in the clearing of the forest, the soft light of the full moon illuminating the surroundings. Asia slept peacefully in his arms, her body now free of the wounds and marks of the torture she had endured. As he watched the calm of the forest, Kaito's thoughts were tumultuous with Grayfia's words. Sirzechs Lucifer's offer and the implications of his decision weighed heavily on his mind.

"If I accept the offer, I'll be able to protect everyone I love... but I'll have to leave everyone behind. And what would my alter ego think of me? He thinks I'm weak for blindly following orders. Would he consider me a traitor if I accept?"

Kaito's confusion and internal conflict were palpable. He knew he had to make a decision, but the uncertainty about what the best path was tormented him. However, he also knew he couldn't just stay there. Asia needed to be taken back home, and his parents couldn't remain worried.

Kaito looked at Asia, still asleep, and sighed. He knew he needed to wake her up to explain the situation and ensure she knew what to tell her parents. Gently, he shook her lightly, calling her name softly.

"Asia... Asia, wake up. We need to go home."

Asia opened her eyes slowly, blinking against the soft moonlight. She looked at Kaito, still a bit disoriented, but recognizing him immediately. "Kaito-san?" she said, her voice soft and sleepy. "What happened? Where are we?"

Kaito smiled gently at her, trying to calm her. "We're in the forest, Asia. I brought you here to heal you. Now we need to go back home before my parents get worried."

Asia nodded slowly, still processing everything. "Thank you for saving me, Kaito-san. I was so scared..."

Kaito held her hand gently. "You're safe now, Asia. But I need you to do something for me. When we get back home, we need to keep what happened a secret. Just agree with whatever I tell my parents, okay?"

Asia looked at Kaito, her eyes filled with trust and gratitude. "Of course, Kaito-san. I'll do whatever you ask. I trust you."

Kaito smiled, feeling relieved to see that Asia was willing to cooperate. "Thank you, Asia. Now, let's get ready to go back home."

He stood up, helping Asia to her feet. With a quick motion, Kaito activated his teleportation circle, creating a soft, ethereal light around them. Asia watched with curiosity and a touch of admiration as the magic circle formed beneath their feet.

"Hold on tight, Asia. We're going to teleport to an alley near my house," said Kaito, his voice firm and reassuring.

Asia held onto Kaito's hand, feeling safe by his side. In an instant, the light of the teleportation circle enveloped them, and they disappeared from the forest clearing.

Alley Near Kaito's House

Kaito and Asia materialized in a dark and quiet alley, not far from Kaito's house. The brick walls around them were covered in moss, and the faint light of a street lamp illuminated the path.

"We're almost there, Asia. Remember, just agree with whatever I say to my parents," Kaito said, looking around to make sure the coast was clear.

"I understand, Kaito-san. I trust you."

Kaito smiled at her, feeling a bit more relieved. "Let's go, then. We don't want my parents to be worried."

With that, Kaito and Asia began to walk towards his house.

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