This summer vacation had been surprisingly eventful for Jeanne Alter. She'd been to the Underworld, visited a water park, stormed Sumeru Mountain, and even killed two of the world's top ten strongest beings.
Fenrir and Indra—two spots among the world's ten strongest had abruptly opened up, though replacements would soon follow. Despite being called "the world's top ten," there were actually more than ten beings at this level. For example, the Red Dragon Emperor, Ddraig, and the White Dragon Emperor, Albion—if they were still alive with their original bodies intact—would qualify for this ranking.
From Azazel, Jeanne Alter learned that the Greek monster king Typhon was likely to replace Fenrir among these "top ten."
"This world's waters run deep," Azazel had warned gravely. "There are countless hidden powerhouses whose strength matches or even surpasses the world's top ten, yet they conceal themselves entirely. Those are the most dangerous, precisely because we can't fathom their true intentions—such as the Biblical God, or perhaps…"
He trailed off, his gaze subtly resting on Jeanne Alter.
Given her terrifying achievements—single-handedly killing both Fenrir and Indra—Azazel had mentally elevated Jeanne Alter into the ranks of the "world's top ten," despite her victories owing entirely to the divine weapon within the [Savior Blade].
But even one of the "world's top ten" still had summer homework.
Not just Jeanne Alter, but Asia, Rias, Akeno, and even Hyoudou Issei had assignments. Despite Kuoh Academy's principal effectively answering to Rias, and her authority to admit Asia without hassle, she hadn't bothered exploiting this privilege when it came to homework—perhaps deeming it unnecessary.
Furthermore, pureblood devils were required to attend high-ranking academies in the Underworld. Rias, technically an exchange student, had double homework—human summer assignments, plus credits required from the devil academy. Just hearing "credits" made Jeanne Alter's head ache, bringing unpleasant memories of academic torment.
Having survived the infamous Chinese cram culture—where miracles happened overnight with a single pen—Jeanne Alter swiftly breezed through her assignments, even having spare time to help Asia with hers.
Only Hyoudou Issei was truly suffering. After two months of brutal wilderness training, he returned on the Underworld Express only to realize he hadn't even started his homework. Everyone else had wisely completed theirs during downtime.
One assignment required writing a vacation activity log, describing their summer experiences. It was Issei's most troublesome task—he couldn't exactly write: Went to the Underworld, almost died fighting Loki and Fenrir, could he? They'd label him insane.
Though honestly, Jeanne Alter was tempted to write down her battles against Fenrir and Indra herself.
Incidentally, before Rias's group returned to the human realm, Jeanne Alter had already sent her "real self" back to Kuoh Town. Originally, she'd only come to the Underworld due to sensing danger around Koneko. Since she'd stayed longer out of convenience—teaching Koneko senjutsu—there was no reason to remain now that everyone had returned safely.
These two summer months had truly shaken things up. The deaths of two top-tier powerhouses threw various factions into turmoil, and the Khaos Brigade continued rampaging across the globe despite their leader's prolonged absence.
Yet Jeanne Alter and the others had enjoyed an ordinary human life. The second semester began as usual, complete with opening ceremonies and athletic festivals.
Though somewhat dull, normality added just the right spice to life.
Compared to the first semester, the biggest difference was the widely spread rumor that "Jeanne-san always rushes home after school because she has an adorable little sister to take care of."
Thanks to this, Jeanne Alter's popularity soared even higher—congratulations, indeed.
Today was Saturday, a day off.
Although autumn had arrived, the weather remained warm enough that short sleeves were still comfortable.
Jeanne Alter wasn't home today. Instead, she'd come to Kuoh Academy, where several Occult Research Club members had also gathered.
Though their intensive training had concluded, there was no room for complacency. Falling behind was far easier than maintaining progress.
Back in the human world, Rias and the others were still striving diligently, and Jeanne Alter was here to lend a hand.
"All right, that's enough for now, Koneko. Continue practicing by yourself. Next is Yuuto's sword training."
Finishing Koneko's senjutsu lessons, Jeanne Alter turned toward the edge of the training field. Kiba Yuuto stood waiting, sword already drawn, fully focused and prepared.
"Jeanne-san, please instruct me."
Swords flashed and clashed, ringing out sharply.
"Whoa… Yuuto's gotten even faster?" Hyoudou Issei exclaimed incredulously, tinged with despair. "Seriously? It took forever to barely keep up. Next time, I probably won't even graze his clothes!"
"The 'Knight' piece specializes in agility and speed," Rias explained proudly. "Combined with Jeanne-san's teachings on footwork, Yuuto is truly maximizing his potential."
Seeing Jeanne Alter's figure, Rias's smile brightened further. "We owe much of this progress to Jeanne-san…"
"Ara, I completely agree." Akeno smiled gently, exuding a perfect Yamato Nadeshiko aura. "Just a few pointers from Jeanne-san significantly boosted my magic's effectiveness. I'm even envious of Koneko receiving such dedicated lessons. Maybe I should follow Koneko's example and crawl into Jeanne-san's bed to seduce her?"
Lightly licking her lips, Akeno's teasing voice was enough to melt bones.
Immediately afterward, Akeno received a sharp, wary glare filled with resentment from Koneko.
"Ara ara~ Such a scary look from Koneko. Don't worry—I won't compete with you. That was only a joke."
Akeno's gentle smile remained inscrutable as always, leaving others uncertain if her words were sincere or teasing.
Nearby, Xenovia sat quietly on the ground, hugging her sword gloomily.
"Despite receiving Jeanne-sama's valuable teachings, I'm still so lacking… God, I've sinned."
In truth, Xenovia's progress wasn't slow. As wielder of [Durandal], she was quite talented—but Kiba Yuuto simply overshadowed her. While Yuuto had already mastered his [Balance Breaker], Xenovia struggled even to fully control [Durandal]. Seeing the widening gap filled her with anxiety, worried she'd disappoint Jeanne-sama.
Jeanne Alter could teach Xenovia swordsmanship, but mastering [Durandal] was beyond her outsider's understanding.
Rias's expression abruptly darkened.
"Everyone's benefited from Jeanne-san's lessons…except me?"
"President, that can't be helped," Akeno comforted gently, hands on Rias's shoulders. "Your greatest assets are your [Power of Destruction] and your tactical mind. Those aren't things Jeanne-san can teach."
Logical as it was, it still stung…
"President, president!" Issei interjected, pointing at himself eagerly. "There's still me—I haven't gotten lessons from Jeanne-san either."
Just then, the gem on Issei's hand lit up, and Ddraig spoke out:
"But partner, you don't need lessons. Merely being near Jeanne continuously stabilizes and strengthens your dragon aura. From my perspective, your progress exceeds everyone around you."
"Eh? Seriously…?" Issei realized belatedly—he'd gotten so used to Jeanne's influence, he took it for granted, like forgetting about air.
Rias cast him an odd glance before sighing resignedly. "Fine. At least Gasper hasn't gotten lessons either, so I'm not completely alone."
Indeed, Gasper's abilities—his vampiric nature and [Sacred Gear: Forbidden Balor View]—weren't areas Jeanne Alter could help with. Azazel was far better suited for that.
Clang—!
Suddenly, Jeanne Alter leapt backward, interrupting the lesson.
Visitors had arrived.
"Young folks sure are energetic early in the morning…"
An elderly man in casual clothing approached, accompanied by a muscular figure and a stiff, silver-haired woman.
"Hehehe! We meet again, Miss Witch." With a lecherous grin, the elderly man was none other than Odin, chief deity of the Norse pantheon.
The stern silver-haired woman was the Valkyrie Rossweisse, who'd previously assisted Rias against Loki. The muscular man, however, was unfamiliar.
Before Odin could say more, Jeanne Alter shot forward like lightning, acting entirely on instinct.
Odin's grin froze immediately.
"Not good!" Rossweisse and the muscular man urgently stepped in front, shielding Odin like a wall.
Yet Jeanne Alter vanished like a ghost, effortlessly bypassing them, appearing behind, her foot igniting into flame as she executed a flawless—
[Rider Kick]—!!
Within the Occult Research Club room, Azazel stared at Odin's bruised face.
"Old man, why'd you come so early? Your arrival's days ahead of schedule."
"I just wanted to experience Japan's famously open culture beforehand," Odin replied shamelessly.
"You perverted geezer… What happened to your face?"
"Oh, nothing. Just fell on my way here."
Azazel blinked slowly. "...Huh?"
An oppressive silence filled the room. Its source was Barakiel and Akeno.
From the moment Barakiel appeared, Akeno's usual gentle demeanor shattered, replaced by chilling coldness.
Barakiel repeatedly tried meeting her gaze, but each time looked away, burdened heavily by words left unsaid.