The room fell into an awkward silence after Ryuya's joke, leaving everyone speechless.
And just like that, Asia's living arrangement was decided.
Since Ryuya didn't have time that night to find her a place to stay, she was temporarily allowed to sleep in the clubroom.
Meanwhile, Rias had finished her shower. She stepped out wrapped in nothing but a towel, her damp red hair cascading down her shoulders, her bare legs and smooth skin glistening under the light—an image that was downright dazzling.
Her bare feet left a trail of water droplets on the floor as she walked to the sofa and sat down gracefully.
"There's something that's been on my mind," she said suddenly, turning to Ryuya. "That Stray Exorcist we encountered today—you managed to drive him off, didn't you?"
Ryuya looked calm. "Is there something wrong with that?"
Rias crossed her arms, her tone thoughtful.
"Exorcists are usually carefully selected from among humanity's elite. Even a mid-class devil wouldn't necessarily stand a chance against one. For you to have defeated him… that was quite unexpected."
Her words made the others realize it as well.
"Ara ara, that's true," Akeno said with a faint smile. "Last time, Ryuya got injured fighting that high-ranking Fallen Angel, but this time he actually defeated an exorcist without so much as a scratch."
Koneko nodded quietly. "You've improved fast."
Ryuya smiled, unbothered by the praise.
"Mm, keep the compliments coming. I don't mind at all."
"..."
Everyone fell silent for a moment.
He was great at everything—except that cheeky personality that sometimes made people want to sigh.
Rias looked at him with a mix of satisfaction and something heavier. Then her expression darkened slightly, as if something weighed on her mind.
"But… we're running out of time."
"Huh?" Ryuya frowned in confusion.
Rias didn't answer. She simply shook her head softly and whispered, "It's nothing. Ryuya, your growth has been remarkable, and I'm proud of that. But it still isn't enough."
She gazed at the handsome boy before her, her blue-green eyes filled with quiet determination.
"You have to become stronger—much stronger…" she murmured.
Akeno's expression tightened slightly. As Rias's closest friend, she understood immediately. Rias must be troubled about that matter.
If even Rias felt so helpless about it, then there could only be one thing she was referring to…
Has she placed her hopes on Ryuya?
Akeno sighed inwardly.
Isn't that too much to ask of him?
Ryuya was talented, yes—but his current strength was nowhere near enough to face that person.
Ryuya listened to Rias's murmured words, still puzzled, but he had already guessed that she needed his help with something serious.
He had sensed the signs for a while now.
"I'll get stronger," he said quietly—but with unwavering conviction.
The words weren't shouted, but there was an undeniable weight behind them.
It made anyone who heard him instinctively believe it.
Rias's expression softened. She couldn't help but reach out, her slender fingers brushing gently against Ryuya's cheek.
"Mm. I believe you," she said with a faint smile. "I've always believed in you."
She exhaled softly, her tone turning lighter.
"But as your master, I can't just sit back and do nothing. Starting tomorrow morning, I'll personally train you."
Ryuya certainly had no reason to refuse. Having a high-class devil like Rias as a personal instructor was an opportunity anyone would dream of.
And so, Rias's special training for Ryuya officially began.
At five in the morning the next day, Ryuya arrived at the park—only to find Rias already there, right on time.
Rias showed up that morning in a crimson tracksuit—but even sportswear couldn't conceal her striking figure. The fabric around her chest was pulled tight, every curve perfectly outlined.
Ryuya couldn't help but glance a few extra times.
Weird… I've already seen her with nothing on before, he thought, so why does she look even more irresistible when she's dressed like this…?
As expected, Rias was truly a mature, alluring witch.
Perfect, he thought with quiet admiration.
Rias noticed his lingering gaze but only smiled faintly.
"Stop staring and start training."
"Hehe, sorry," Ryuya said, entirely unashamed. "It's just that your figure's too perfect, President."
"If you like it that much," Rias teased, lips curling in a sly grin, "then after we get back, I'll let you play to your heart's content. But for now—focus on your training."
Ryuya chuckled. "Now that's what I call motivation."
He stretched his limbs, feeling the energy flowing through his body. Rias's teasing smile faded, replaced by her usual commanding composure.
"No matter if it's humans, angels, or devils—physical strength is always the foundation," she began. "Only by strengthening your body can you handle bursts of demonic power. After that comes technique and combat skill."
With that, she started giving instructions.
"First—push-ups. One thousand."
Ryuya blinked, amused. So it's the same old routine, huh?
A thousand push-ups? Easy.
He started his workout—but after just a few reps, Rias casually walked over and sat down on his back.
The soft sensation of her body pressed against him, her weight adding resistance. Ryuya grimaced slightly.
Of all times to sit on me…
If they were in a bedroom, that'd be a different kind of training.
Still, he didn't complain and kept going, one push-up after another.
Rias's body rose and fell in rhythm with his movements. After around two hundred, she finally spoke, mildly surprised.
"Your stamina's impressive. You must've trained regularly before, right?"
"Maybe it's just because a beautiful woman's sitting on me," Ryuya said between breaths, grinning. "Makes me feel extra motivated."
"No dirty movements with your hips," Rias warned playfully.
"I won't," Ryuya smirked. "I'll save those for when we get home and you say it's playtime."
His pace didn't slow one bit.
After he finished all thousand push-ups, Rias shifted positions—this time sitting on his thighs as she instructed him to do sit-ups.
And not just that—she sat facing him.
Every time Ryuya lifted his torso, her full, proud chest came closer and closer to his face.
This training… suddenly felt a lot more inspiring.
If every session were like this, he thought, I wouldn't mind working out every day.
Heh.
Even with his demonic-enhanced endurance, hours of nonstop high-intensity training eventually wore him down.
"Alright, that's enough physical training for now," Rias said, clapping her hands.
At that moment, she was perched on his shoulders as Ryuya ran laps through the park—twenty kilometers in total. By the end, he was drenched in sweat but still standing strong.
When he finally set her down, Rias stepped forward with a soft smile, gently wiping the sweat from his face with a towel.
"You've worked hard," she said warmly. "Since you're covered in sweat, how about we take a shower together? After that, we can teleport straight to school."
Ryuya exhaled heavily, cooling his overheated body, then grinned at her words.
"Sure," he said simply.
---
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