Izumi continued tinkering with his system.He had this persistent feeling—That his system wasn't as simple as it looked.Almost as if… it could evolve.
The more he offered sacrifices, the stronger that intuition became.
And there was something strange about his system interface too.Many things were simply missing.
For example—his strength.The system only showed a very vague "overall combat rating," and nothing more.
No strength stat.No magic power stat.Nothing.
Under normal circumstances, things like that should clearly be displayed.But for him?Absolutely nothing.
Izumi spent a long time researching it… and achieved absolutely nothing.So he gave up.
If the system could evolve, then someday it would.No point stressing over it.
What mattered was this—The stray priest he and Asia encountered today meant that Kokabiel had already arrived in Kuoh Town.
And if that was the case, then those two idiot exorcist girls from the Church must also be here.Along with the Holy Swords forged from the Excalibur fragments.
Izumi's eyes gleamed.If he could meet them, he could steal their swords…
Then sacrifice them.
Especially that one sword in Xenovia's possession—Durandal.That thing had to be worth a fortune.
Just thinking about it made Izumi almost drool.
He wanted it.He really wanted it.
But stealing Durandal wouldn't be easy.That sword existed in a separate spatial pocket.
Oh well.He'd deal with it when he met them.
With that thought, Izumi crawled into bed and quickly fell asleep.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Izumi and Asia resumed their normal routine and headed to school.
Asia walked happily beside him, humming a little tune.Her new life was everything she had wished for.
Chatting with classmates.Learning new things.Returning home with Izumi for a warm, peaceful dinner.
This gentle, ordinary daily life reminded her of her old days in the Church—Except now, she felt genuinely happy.
Izumi watched her glowing expression and asked:
"Asia, you really like school that much?"
"You look oddly excited every morning."
Asia's beautiful blue eyes curved into crescents.
"I do, Izumi-sama.This kind of life… I never even dreamed of having it."
"Life at the Church wasn't nearly this fun."
Peaceful and simple—But to her, it was fulfilling.
Izumi nodded slightly.
"As long as you're happy. These next three years will probably be our last peaceful days anyway."
"Once we graduate, we'll be adventuring full time."
"…Honestly, we might not even have to wait until graduation."
"Most second-years already explore dungeons or fight on the front lines against invaders from other worlds."
This world was under constant invasion.Every major faction sent forces to the front lines.
And even students were expected to gain real combat experience at some point.
A peaceful life simply wouldn't last.
Asia shook her head.
"It's fine, Izumi-sama. I've already decided to join your party."
"So no matter what you choose to do, I will follow you."
She said it with sincerity so pure it was practically a confession.
Izumi smiled and gently patted her head.
"Then thank you. But for now—let's focus on school."
"The more we learn, the better our chances of surviving later."
Asia nodded earnestly.
They entered the school under the envious gazes of other students and headed to their classroom.
Kato Megumi was already there.When she spotted them, she gave them a discreet, subtle glance—checking for anything suspicious—Then finally greeted them softly.
Izumi, of course, noticed all of it.
Watching her act like she was guarding a princess from a predator, he was speechless.
Was he really that untrustworthy?
And if he had done something to Asia, she wouldn't be able to come to school, right?No—wait—Asia did have healing powers…
Actually, she probably could come to school.
Izumi suddenly felt like he'd discovered something dangerous.
Then he looked at Megumi again.
…Wait.Was she thinking the same thing?
Was that why she was checking so intently when they arrived?
Hmm…
Could it be…
Megumi was actually a seasoned onee-san at heart!?
Incredible.My Megumi is amazing!!
Megumi suddenly frowned, as if sensing a disturbance.
She turned to Izumi.
"Izumi-kun… Are you thinking something weird again?It's giving me a very unpleasant feeling."
A woman's sixth sense was never wrong.She was certain he was thinking something indecent.
Izumi's mouth twitched.
Did she have intuition on top of her presence-blocking skill?
Kato-san, your skill tree is all over the place…
He sighed.
"No, you're overthinking it."
"Just read your book. The teacher's coming."
Megumi shot him a glare.
He was definitely thinking something perverted.
What an unreliable guy.
But she let it go.She knew Izumi well—if he didn't want to talk, no one could pry information out of him.
And besides… she had no proof.
So she reluctantly dropped the matter.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The morning classes were as boring as ever.Before long, Izumi was dozing off on his desk.
The teacher didn't even bother nagging him anymore.This guy always got perfect scores on cultural subjects.So what if he slept?
Let him do whatever he wants.
But right as the teacher was fully absorbed in teaching—And Izumi was deep in sleep—
Magic circles suddenly materialized around the entire Kuoh Academy.
In the next instant—
Black-cloaked figures with black wings—Fallen Angels—appeared across the perimeter.
A massive barrier surged up from the ground, enveloping the entire school.
The abrupt disturbance instantly alerted Rias and Sona, who were also in class.
And not just them.Teachers all across campus froze mid-action.
Everyone turned toward the sky outside.
An enemy attack.