Chapter 100: Satania
Who the hell was the pervert daring to show up when both angels and demons were gathering? The tension in the air at such an event was already heavy enough that even a mosquito wouldn't dare buzz around, and yet someone wanted to add chaos to the mix?
Could it be the legendary God of Perverts, whose existence was whispered about in forums of degenerates and otaku legends?
Even if it was, they'd still be beaten senseless by holy light from the angels and skewered by the pitchforks of demons until they couldn't tell up from down!
"Not going."
Kouya refused decisively, his tone so flat that it left no room for negotiation.
He just wanted to quietly play some games right now. His computer was already on standby, and the glow from the screen practically called out to him like a siren. Besides, watching a movie? That could be done just fine at home, under a blanket, with snacks and no crowd.
"No way!" Gabriel's eyes widened in disbelief. she leaned closer. "How can you not go? It's an event!"
Seeing Vigne's puzzled expression, Gabriel blinked rapidly and scrambled to explain herself. "Um… Kanna-chan is going too, you know. Are you really okay with not being there to take care of her?"
Then she crouched down slightly, smiling sweetly at the small dragon girl. "Kanna-chan, there's a lot of yummy food near the theater. Do you want to go eat some?"
"I want to eat," Kanna nodded immediately, her calm voice and expression unchanged as always.
Kouya sighed inwardly. This little dragon could probably be kidnapped by anyone who waved a lollipop in front of her. Still, whoever tried would soon find that feeding her was a full-time job that could bankrupt a small nation.
"Wouldn't it be a bit rushed?" Vigne asked gently, biting her lip as she looked at the clock. "How about we go next week instead? It's so sudden, and we don't even know if Raphiel and Satania are free…"
"If we go next week, I won't be able to spend my money!" Gabriel clenched her tiny fist dramatically, as if her entire financial future depended on this.
"Eh? Gabi-chan, what are you talking about?" Vigne asked, confused.
"N-nothing!" Gabriel quickly waved her hands, eyes darting nervously. Then she puffed out her cheeks, adopting a fake sage-like expression. "As the great philosophers say, 'Don't put off till tomorrow what you can do today.' Why waste life when we can act now?"
Shut up!
Of all people, you—the one who stays up all night grinding games and sleeps until the sun's nearly set—have no right to quote motivational sayings!
"Then it's settled!" Gabriel declared triumphantly, whipping out her phone. "I'll call Raphiel. She'll definitely be around."
"O-okay…" Seeing Gabriel's rare burst of enthusiasm, Vigne couldn't bring herself to refuse, even though her better judgment told her this could only end in chaos.
After a short call, Gabriel sighed in relief, beaming. "Raphiel's free. We'll meet by the small bridge!"
Vigne nodded thoughtfully. "Satania's free too… Anyway, let's meet first, decide what movie to watch, and then head to the convenience store to book tickets."
…
So the group headed out toward their meeting point, chatting casually as they went.
But halfway there, the sky darkened. The wind carried a damp chill, and soon fine raindrops began to fall, tracing ripples on the puddles that quickly formed along the street. The gentle sound of rain grew louder until it was a steady patter.
"Damn it, why's it raining again?" Gabriel puffed her cheeks, glaring up at the sky as if she could intimidate the clouds into retreating.
"Can't help it. It's rainy season," Vigne said helplessly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
Occasional rain could be poetic, but when it rained four or five days out of seven, even the most patient person would start to hate the smell of wet pavement.
In Japan, schools had three terms and thus three vacations—spring, summer, and winter. Summer break ran from July to August, the time of fireworks and festivals, earning it the name "Endless August." Winter break was short, and spring was the longest and most awaited by students.
High school usually started in early April, and now, over a month later, the rainy season had settled in, drenching everything in gray.
"Don't worry. I have the Spear of Eternity," Rikka said softly, pulling out her automatic umbrella with an air of mystery as if she were unsheathing a divine weapon.
"I was worried it might rain, so I brought one too," Vigne said, taking her umbrella out and then glancing toward the other two. "What about you two?"
"I didn't know it'd rain…" Gabriel admitted awkwardly, scratching her cheek.
"Didn't bring one," Kouya said bluntly, not even pretending to feel guilty.
Vigne groaned. "So, five people and only two umbrellas? Maybe we should go back for more…"
"That's such a hassle! And the rain might stop soon anyway," Gabriel said dismissively.
"Fine. Luckily Kanna's small. Three of us can share one," Vigne sighed.
"I'm with Rikka!" Gabriel declared instantly, glaring at Kouya. "No way am I walking with this pervert!"
Ah, so the pervert failed his job this morning by not stealing your panties, huh? How disappointing.
Next time, you won't be so lucky.
"Perfect. I was thinking the same," Kouya replied coldly, smirking.
"T-then you can go with Rikka…" Vigne hesitated, then added gently, "I'll go with Kouya and Kanna."
"I don't mind walking without one," Kouya said.
"No! You'll catch a cold!" Vigne scolded softly, reaching down to take Kanna's hand and passing the umbrella handle to Kouya. "You're taller—it's easier for you to hold it."
So the three shared one umbrella, quietly walking behind Gabriel and Rikka. The rhythmic sound of raindrops on leaves surrounded them, blending with the faint hum of distant traffic. Kanna's small steps made gentle splashes, and her white hair caught faint droplets that glistened like pearls.
The atmosphere turned strangely calm and warm. For some reason, Vigne's cheeks took on a soft pink hue as she stole a glance at Kouya beside her.
…
Ten minutes later, they arrived at the meeting spot.
The rain had softened into mist, drifting lazily above the river. The bridge ahead seemed like something out of an old painting, its wooden planks reflecting the dim glow of streetlights. Water rippled softly beneath it.
A girl stood there, silver hair flowing like silk in the wind, holding a pale umbrella. She looked almost ethereal, as if she belonged in another world.
"That's Raphiel," Vigne murmured, blinking. "Weird… Satania's not here yet? Her house is the closest."
"Damn it! Stop chasing me!" A familiar voice suddenly rang out over the patter of rain.
Everyone turned. Under a cherry blossom tree by the river, a red-haired little demon was running for her life, clutching her head while yelling dramatically:
"I'm the great demon Satanichia Kurumizawa Mcdowell! You'll regret angering me!"
"…"
"F-fine! I'll buy you some bread later! Just stop chasing me!"
"…"
But her pleas were useless.
Because the one chasing Satania clearly didn't understand human—or demon—language. It was a white-feathered menace.
Not a noble swan standing elegantly on one leg, but a domestic goose. A massive one.
Its feathers gleamed like polished ivory, and its eyes burned with the wrath of an ancient warlord. It hissed with the fury of a thousand barnyard battles, honking like the trumpet of judgment.
To clarify: despite their watery habitats, domestic geese were vegetarians. They didn't eat meat—but they definitely bit ankles with religious devotion.
"What the hell is Satania doing?!" Vigne cried out in disbelief.
You're a demon, for heaven's sake! And you're getting chased around by a farm goose?! The embarrassment was beyond words.
"Vigne! Vigne, help me!" Satania shrieked, tears streaming down her cheeks as she ran toward them. "Why won't it stop chasing me?!"
Passersby stopped to watch, bursting into laughter. Some even pulled out their phones to record the ridiculous sight.
Vigne covered her face with both hands, pretending she didn't know her.
Meanwhile, Kanna tilted her head curiously, her big blue eyes fixed on the goose like a predator observing prey.
"Stare—"
The goose froze mid-step, then abruptly turned tail, flapping its wings in panic before retreating down the street, honking in terror.
"Phew… saved…" Satania panted, tears clinging to her lashes. "Why did it have to chase me?!"
Maybe because bullying idiots brings joy to the heart and exercise to the legs?
"Damn it! I'll write you down in my notebook as my third nemesis—after Gabriel and that stray dog!"